Clarkson, Thomas (1760-1846) to Thomas Pringle
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00496.146 Author/Creator: Clarkson, Thomas (1760-1846) Place Written: Playford, Suffolk, England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 April 1830 Pagination: 3 p. : address ; 24.1 x 19.1 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses procedures for a public meeting on protecting the slaves in the crown colonies, namely Jamaica. Advises shrewd planning and maintaining a schedule.
Thomas Pringle was a Scottish abolitionist and poet. Clarkson was a British author and abolitionist.
[Draft] [Excerpt:]
[1]...the great object of that Meeting is to rouze the public, by informing them, that our cause has not advanced according, to our Expectations, but on the other hand, that it has actually gone back, and I take it for granted, that this will be proved by reading a Report to that meeting, which will be made up from the new order of Council for the Management of the Slaves in the Crown-Colonies; some of the Clauses of which must, I am persuaded, excite universal Indignation...[3]
The more I study the new Order of Council the more I am convinced, that Ministers have not only an Understanding with the Planters, but that they have done all that they intend to do, except it may be that they may try to bring the Planters in the Chartered Colonies up to the Standard of those who live in the Crown; but beyond such a Standard it is my firm Belief, that it is not their Intention to go - we must therefore no longer adhere to the Resolutions of both Houses, but take new Ground, and rely upon our Selves and the People....
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