Page:Substance of the speech of His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence, in the House of Lords.djvu/61

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wise man, were certainly consonant to the sudden impulse for the Abolition. By the circumstances stated, respecting the Island of Guadaloupe, it is evident, that there is a considerable change of opinion on this subject in France; and that opinion, report mentions, has been strongly corroborated by a reference to the policy of the Portuguese, who carry on that trade with great advantage and profit.

Much stress has been laid upon the Abolition of the Trade by the Danes. But, my Lords, I beg leave to state that I now hold in my hand a Bill received this day, drawn upon the Danish Consul in this country, in payment for Slaves bought so late as the 12th of February 1799; and it is equally well ascertained, that the Danish Factors have, within these last twelve months, returned to the Coast of Africa. In these instances, my Lords, which I have as great a right to impress upon your Lordships minds as the supporters of the Abolition have to statements of