By this picture was exhibited the nature of the Elysium
which Mr. Norris and others had invented for them during their
transportation from their own country. By this picture were seen also
the advantages of Sir William Dolben's bill; for many, on looking at the
plate, considered the regulation itself as perfect barbarism. The
advantages, however, obtained by it were considerable; for the Brookes
was now restricted to 450 slaves, whereas it was proved that she carried
609 in a former voyage.
The committee, at the conclusion of the session of parliament, made a
suitable report. It will be unnecessary to detail this, for obvious
reasons. There was, however, one thing contained in it, which ought not
to be omitted. It stated, with appropriate concern, the death of the
first controversial writer, and of one of the most able and
indefatigable labourers in their evils which come upon us, some are
often so heavy as to overpower the sources of consolation for a time,
and to leave us wretched. This was nearly our situation at the close of
the last session of parliament. It would be idle not to confess that
circumstances had occurred which wounded us deeply. Though we had foiled
our opponents at their own weapons, and had experienced the
uninterrupted good wishes and support of the public, we had the great
mortification to see the enthusiasm of members of parliament beginning
to cool; to see a question of humanity and justice (for such it was when
it was delivered into their hands) verging towards that of commercial
calculation; and finally to see regulation, as it related to it, in the
way of being substituted for abolition; but most of all were we
affected, knowing as we did the nature and the extent of the sufferings
belonging to the Slave Trade, that these should be continued to another
year.
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