CONSIDERATIONS ON THE Abolition of Negro Slavery, AND THE MEANS OF PRACTICALLY EFFECTING IT. BY J. F. BARHAM, ESQ. THE SECOND EDITION. LONDON: PRINTED FOR JAMES RIDGWAY, PICCADILLY. 1823. PREFACE. EVERY one, who addresses the public, must wish, that what he has to offer may be received without any prejudice arising from a misconception of his former opinions and conduct. On this account I am desirous to correct two misstatements, which have been made respecting myself. I have been represented by some, as having been originally a defender of the Slave Trade, though afterwards a convert to its abolition. This is not so. I have never, at any time, viewed the Slave Trade without the strongest feelings of disapprobation; nor have I ever done an act, nor have I ever spoken a word, which, according to my judgment, had a ten a 2 dency to support it. The first occasion on which I ventured to address the House of Commons on a public subject was in support of the Bill, which was introduced in 1794, for the purpose of abolishing the Trade for supplying Foreign Colonies. It is true, that being thoroughly convinced, that, under the circumstances of that day, it would be impossible to enforce, practically, a direct and general prohibition; and that the attempt would only create a contraband trade of equal extent, worse character, and more difficult cure; I very unwillingly opposed that measure; recommending, in lieu of it, as much gradual restriction, as it might be found, from time to time, practicable to enforce but no sooner had the revolution of St. Domingo, and the disappearance of every flag but the British from the WestIndian Seas opened a chance, as I thought, of really and practically abolishing the |