Thomas Clarkson's account of his meeting with the Emperor of Russia, Paris

Relates how Clarkson presented a letter thanking the Emperor for his efforts in ending the slave trade and asking for further help, together with an introduction from the Duke of Gloucester, to Baroness Trudonov, someone whom the Emperor visited every evening. After a short delay he was summoned for an audience on 23 September at the Palais de Bourbon. Clarkson admits to nervousness but relates how the Emperor immediately put him at ease. Confirming his animosity towards the slave trade, something which had increased with the reading of Clarkson's book, the Tsar stated he wanted to do as much as possible to help. He had tried to outlaw it in the original treaty with France (1) but this had proved impossible. He had redoubled his efforts during the Congress of Vienna and foundations had been laid. Finally, with the help of the British minister, the French had been pressured to abandon the slave trade. Clarkson agreed that this was an achievement but English supporters were disappointed that the slave trade had not been proclaimed as piracy at the Congress of Vienna. If the allied sovereigns professed to be against robbery and murder then surely the slave trade too was illegal. Furthermore it was against justice and religion. The Emperor agreed with Clarkson's point of view but stated that unfortunately the Congress of Vienna was unable to cure all Europe's ills. It, most importantly, had to bring safety, peace and tranquility to Europe and as the slave trade could only be ended by force, there would have to be a delay whilst peace was restored. Nevertheless, it remained a goal and the fact that France had joined in abolishing it was a step in the right direction. Further discussion ensued concerning colleagues of Clarkson's from the anti slave trade movement who had previously met the Emperor, the Quaker religion and the education system in England and how it could be useful in Russia. (1) The Treaty of Paris, signed by Great Britain and France on 30 May 1814.

Entered St John's 1780, BA 1783. Clarkson won the Members' Prize for a Latin Essay in 1785, the subject being 'anne liceat invitos in servitutem dare?' ('is it lawful to make slaves of others against their will?'). This contest determined the course of the rest of his life. The essay was read in the Senate House to much applause in June 1785, and was published by James Phillips in June 1786. Clarkson met William Wilberforce in 1786 and co-founded a committee for the suppression of the slave trade in 1787. He travelled to France in 1789 in an attempt to persuade the French Government to abolish the slave trade and continued to travel widely in Britain in support of the cause until forced by ill health to retire from his work in 1794. Returning to the struggle in 1805 with much success, he was finally rewarded by the passing of the bill abolishing the slave trade in 1807. With the bill Clarkson was celebrated as a national figure and a model of philanthropy. With Wilberforce he was made a vice-president of the Anti-slavery Society, formed in 1823, and in 1839 was admitted to the freedom of the City of London in recognition of his work. His final appearance on a public platform was at an Anti-slavery Convention held at the Freemason's Hall in 1840. Clarkson published a number of books and pamphlets regarding the abolition movement, including the comprehensive 'History of the Rise, Progress and Accomplishment of the Abolition of the African Slave Trade' in 1808, an important record of the movement, and 'Thoughts on the Necessity for improving the Condition of the Slaves in the British Colonies, with a view to their ultimate emancipation' in 1823. Wordsworth addressed to him a sonnet 'on the final passing of the Bill for the Abolition of the Slave Trade' in March 1807 which began 'Clarkson, it was an obstinate hill to climb'.

Bought from R. Myers & Co., 1949

Entered St John's 1780, BA 1783. Clarkson won the Members' Prize for a Latin Essay in 1785, the subject being 'anne liceat invitos in servitutem dare?' ('is it lawful to make slaves of others against their will?'). This contest determined the course of the rest of his life. The essay was read in the Senate House to much applause in June 1785, and was published by James Phillips in June 1786. Clarkson met William Wilberforce in 1786 and co-founded a committee for the suppression of the slave trade in 1787. He travelled to France in 1789 in an attempt to persuade the French Government to abolish the slave trade and continued to travel widely in Britain in support of the cause until forced by ill health to retire from his work in 1794. Returning to the struggle in 1805 with much success, he was finally rewarded by the passing of the bill abolishing the slave trade in 1807. With the bill Clarkson was celebrated as a national figure and a model of philanthropy. With Wilberforce he was made a vice-president of the Anti-slavery Society, formed in 1823, and in 1839 was admitted to the freedom of the City of London in recognition of his work. His final appearance on a public platform was at an Anti-slavery Convention held at the Freemason's Hall in 1840. Clarkson published a number of books and pamphlets regarding the abolition movement, including the comprehensive 'History of the Rise, Progress and Accomplishment of the Abolition of the African Slave Trade' in 1808, an important record of the movement, and 'Thoughts on the Necessity for improving the Condition of the Slaves in the British Colonies, with a view to their ultimate emancipation' in 1823. Wordsworth addressed to him a sonnet 'on the final passing of the Bill for the Abolition of the Slave Trade' in March 1807 which began 'Clarkson, it was an obstinate hill to climb'.

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