Letter from William Wilberforce to Reverend George Marsden

Letter from William Wilberforce to Reverend George Marsden
Letter from William Wilberforce to Reverend George Marsden

1800-1850 / Abolition of Slavery / Document / Letter / Paper
Ink on paper
Page one of three, 18th February 1824

A letter written by William Wilberforce (1759-1833) to Rev. George Marsden (1765-1838) about the good that has already been achieved vis-à-vis the abolition of slavery, and the effect of the Sunday newspapers.

Wilberforce writes:" As for the Sunday newspapers, no one can be more deeply impressed than myself with a sense of their being vicious in principle, and injurious in their effect (…)" Unfortunately, it is not quite clear from the letter how exactly the newspapers influenced or injured the abolitionist cause - perhaps by reporting negatively on abolitionist activities?

For the full letter, please refer to 'Exhibits' and click on 'Selected Documents'.

See also the other letters from William Wilberforce in the Online Collection.