[Gutenberg 44912] • Private Papers of William Wilberforce

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1897. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... Uniform, in style and price, with this Volume. THE COURTSHIPS OF QUEEN ELIZABETH. By Mart1n A. S. Hume. With Portraits. 4th ed. THE YEAR AFTER THE ARMADA, and Other Historical Studies. By Mart1n- A. S. Hume. 2nd ed. Illu>trated. LIFE IN THE TUILERIES UNDER THE SECOND EMPIRE, by an Inmate of the Palace. By Anna L. B1ckne1.1.. Illustrated. LIFE AND LETTERS OF MR. ENDYMION PORTER: Somet1me Uentleman of the Bedchamber to King Charles the First. By Dorothea Townshend. With Portraits. [Shortly. TALKS ABOUT AUTOORAPHS. By George B1rkueck H1ll, D.C.L., LL.D. With Frontispiece Portrait, and many Facsimiles. LETTERS OF DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI, 1854-70. Edited by G. B1rkbeck H1ll, D.C.L., LL.U. [In preparation London: T. FISHER UNWIN. I PREFACE W1ll1am W1LbErForce is remembered on account of his long and successful efforts for the Abolition of the Slave Trade. 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. Of one of his speeches in 1789 Burke said, "it equalled anything he had heard in modern times, and was-not, perhaps, to be surpassed in the remains of Grecian eloquence." And Pitt said, "Of all the men I ever knew Wilberforce has the greatest natural eloquence." But an even greater power than his oratory was perhaps the influence that he acquired over all ranks of society. Friendship is 6ften the means by which influence is gained, and Wilberforce's friendship with Pitt, beginning long before his anti-Slave Trade days and continued till the end of Pitt's life, was no doubt the source of a strong personal influence. It has been said that nothing in history is more creditable and interesting than Pitt's long and brotherly intimacy with Wilberforce...