Thomas Clarkson ALS, November 22, 1823

Brighton. Novemb. 22. 1823

Dear Sir!

You may probably have heard either
from Lord Bristol or your Son, that I have been engaged for
some months on a Tour in behalf of the "gradual abolition of
Slavery in the British Colonies", in Consequence of an Association,
of which his Lordship and myself are Vice-Presidents, for that im-
portant object. I have already completed 2,500 miles and yet
have many more to travel. My object is, to disseminate
Light and Information on the Subject of Negro Slavery throughout
the Kingdom, with a view, that more Petitions may be sent to
Parliament in the ensuing Session to that Effect, than were
ever presented, if possible, on any former occassion. Now, if
we can succeed in this, as I have no doubt we shall, we shall
no doubt see the foundation laid even in the Session, which is at
hand, for the grand Edifice of Emancipation, in which we hope
to go hand in Hand with the Government of the Country - In
order to effect this great Object, I wish to form Committees in
every Country in the Kingdom, which shall take certain Sec-
tions under their Care, wherein to see that our Books have been shall be
distributed, and, when they have been read, to call upon
those, who have read them, to petition Parliament. Thus, for
Example, - one great Committee at Nottingham undertake to
distribute our Books in every Town of the County of Nottingham