Resource Date: 1840
Number: 8
Record Office: St John's College Library, Cambridge
Record Office Location Number: Folder 3 Doc 72
Description:
Draft of a speech given by Clarkson in Ipswich September 1840, prior to the development of a new anti-slavery society, to cooperate with the London Society to abolish slavery where ever it exists.
Notes: Speech outlining what it means to be a slave and the treatment of slaves. The document demonstrates Clarkson's passions and principles about slavery. It is a very accessible & personal speech, that could be used with students.
Draft of a speech given by Clarkson in Ipswich
Transcript:
My Friends! I was invited to take the Chair on this Occasion, though I am utterly unfit for it on account of old age and Infirmities, and I am sorry to say, that I cannot remain in it long for the same Reason: and yet I did not see how I could refuse the Invitation, when I considered, that the great Question of the Abolition of Slavery and the Slave Trade, to which Subjects your attention is called this night, originated wholly with myself. Yes, I have worked in this sacred Cause from the Beginning, now fifty six years; and though I have been broken down and disabled in the Pursuit of it, I am neither weary of it, nor dismayed; but I mean by the Blessing of God to continue my assistance to it, feeble as it must now be, as long as I am able. Perhaps many of you here are not acquainted with...
View Entire Transcription
View Entire Transcription
Source Files:
By Permission of the Master and Fellows of St John's College Cambridge
Transcription
31.5 KB File
Manuscript draft on paper
1.26 MB Image