Private Papers of William Wilberforce

Private Papers of William Wilberforce is described on its title page as collected and edited, with a preface, by A. M. Wilberforce, with portraits. The preface says William Wilberforce is remembered on account of his long and successful efforts for the Abolition of the Slave Trade, and that in a House of Commons that counted Pitt, Fox, Burke, and Sheridan amongst its members he held a front rank both as a speaker and debater. The preface quotes Pitt as saying that of all the men he ever knew Wilberforce has the greatest natural eloquence.

One writer asks why there should be this preparation of solitude, which can hardly avoid tincturing the mind either with melancholy or superstition. The text says that in a later letter to Wilberforce, Marshal Blucher disclaims the idea that personal affection for himself had had anything to do with the unexampled liberality of the English to his suffering fellow countrymen. A passage says the day was properly employed in appointing a great number of special constables and other civil force, and that every night, as well as day, since has passed in perfect quiet.