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OF THE

DEBATES

ON

A RESOLUTION FOR ABOLISHING THE

Slave Trade,

WHICH WAS MOVED

IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
On the 10th June, 1806,

AND

IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS

On the 24th June, 1806.

WITH

AN APPENDIX,

CONTAINING

NOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONS.

LONDON:

PRINTED AND SOLD BY PHILLIPS AND FARDON,
GEORGE YARD, LOMBARD STREET;

3OLD ALSO

BY JOHN HATchard, 190, PICCADILLY,

1806.

FOR LIBRARY

NEW-YORK

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THE following pages contain a faithful Report, though in a more compreffed form than that in which they were delivered, of the Speeches made in both Houfes of Parliament, on a refolution having been moved expreffive of a determination to abolish the Slave Trade. It seemed to be highly defirable to preserve the fubftance of thefe fpeeches, as a record of the opinions which, after near twenty years of deliberation and enquiry, were entertained by our greatest Statesmen, on one of the most momentous questions which perhaps ever agitated a Legislative Affembly.

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To the Debates fome Notes have been subjoined, fo the purpofe of illuftrating the important fubject under difcuffion. It will be obvious to the intelligent reader that these notes embrace but a very limited felection from the vast mass of elucidatory matter which might have been brought to bear on this queftion. To thofe, however, who are not fatisfied with the fcanty portion of evidence which has been introduced into the Appendix, the references, there inferted, will be of ufe in pointing out additional fources of authentic information.

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In looking forward to the approaching feffion of Par., it may afford fome encouragement to those who are oicitous to fee a period put to the British Slave Trade, to know precisely what measures have been recently adopted with a view to the immediate limitation and ultimate extinction of this gigantic evil.

A bill was brought into Parliament, as early in the last feffion as the circumftances of the country would permit, for cutting off fome very important branches of this traffic. Its object was threefold: Firft, to give effect to the Order of Council which had been iffued at the clofe of the last year, prohibiting, with certain defined exceptions, the importation of flaves into the colonies conquered by the British arms during the prefent war. Second, to prohibit British fubjects from being engaged in importing flaves into the colonies of any foreign power, whether hoftile or neutral. Third, to prohibit British subjects and British capital from being employed in carrying on, or affifting to carry on, a Slave Trade in foreign fhips; and also to prevent the outfit of foreign flave ships from British ports. This bill was carried through both Houses of Parliament, by large majorities, and has paffed into a law.*

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During the difcuffions to which this meafure gave birth, both Lord GRENVILLE and Mr. Fox, declared in fubftance, that they felt the queftion of the Slave Trade to be one which involves the dearest interests of humanity, and the most urgent claims of policy, justice, and religion; and that, fbould they fucceed in effecting its abolition, they would regard that fuccefs as entailing more true glory on their adminiftration, and more honour and advantage on their country, than any other transaction in which they could be engaged.

An Order of Council has extended the próhibitions of this Act to the recently captured colony of Buenos Ayres.

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