Identity area
Reference code
Clarkson/Folder 6/Doc 160
Unique identifier
Title
Date(s)
- 11 March 1820 (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
8p paper
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Entered St John's 1780, BA 1783. Clarkson won the Members' Prize for a Latin Essay in 1785, the subject being 'anne liceat invitos in servitutem dare?' ('is it lawful to make slaves of others against their will?'). This contest determined the course of the rest of his life. The essay was read in the Senate House to much applause in June 1785, and was published by James Phillips in June 1786. Clarkson met William Wilberforce in 1786 and co-founded a committee for the suppression of the slave trade in 1787. He travelled to France in 1789 in an attempt to persuade the French Government to abolish the slave trade and continued to travel widely in Britain in support of the cause until forced by ill health to retire from his work in 1794. Returning to the struggle in 1805 with much success, he was finally rewarded by the passing of the bill abolishing the slave trade in 1807. With the bill Clarkson was celebrated as a national figure and a model of philanthropy. With Wilberforce he was made a vice-president of the Anti-slavery Society, formed in 1823, and in 1839 was admitted to the freedom of the City of London in recognition of his work. His final appearance on a public platform was at an Anti-slavery Convention held at the Freemason's Hall in 1840. Clarkson published a number of books and pamphlets regarding the abolition movement, including the comprehensive 'History of the Rise, Progress and Accomplishment of the Abolition of the African Slave Trade' in 1808, an important record of the movement, and 'Thoughts on the Necessity for improving the Condition of the Slaves in the British Colonies, with a view to their ultimate emancipation' in 1823. Wordsworth addressed to him a sonnet 'on the final passing of the Bill for the Abolition of the Slave Trade' in March 1807 which began 'Clarkson, it was an obstinate hill to climb'.
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Bought from R. Myers & Co., 1949
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Praises King Henri 1st of Haiti (1) and gives an account of the efforts to 'civilise a barbaric people' through education. Notes that due to his fear of a French invasion, Henri has retained a large standing army and this is hindering his attempts to improve his country. Understands that France has suffered greatly from the loss of its colony and also has to cope with the return of its colonials. Wishes to bring Haiti and France together for mutual benefit and thinks that Turkheim, as a French legislator, is in a position to help. Realises that France is much despised in Haiti due to the recent conflagration, in spite of the benign influence of Louis 18th. Discusses the treaty signed in 1814 between Britain and France which stipulated that France should end the slave trade in five years and the plan, devised by the French minister for marine and colonies, M. Malouet, to massacre the inhabitants of Haiti and import 300,000 Negroes from Africa. States that the discovery of this information by King Henri, and also the fact that France tried to coerce Petoin (2) into conquering Haiti, and his dissemination of this information amongst his people has further aroused suspicions of French animosity. Believes that King Henri is a straightforward man who will deal with a French officer sent straight to him, but will not stand for any intrigue. Offers his service to France to enable the two countries to come to agreement and notes that he has already sent proposal to Henri. (1) Formerly General Henri Christophe. (2) Alexander Petion, president of the Republic of Haiti (present day Dominican Republic).