British politician, evangelist and philanthropist (1759–1833), he played an important role in the movement to abolish slavery. ALS signed “W. Wilberforce,” one page both sides, 4.5 x 7.25, April 20, 1804. In a letter to his friend Barker, Wilberforce writes, in full: “If Thursday or Friday morning would suit you equally for executing a friendly intention of calling here, I would prefer the latter, as I have some papers to prepare for going abroad which I wish if possible to finish tomorrow—But if you are likely to be otherwise engaged on Friday I shall be happy to see you tomorrow morning, not but that the papers (?) I have read in Hatsell (?) is decisive—and I shall be strongly tempted to go to the house if I can do it without risk of serious injury at a time when I am particularly desirous of having a full command of my voice. I am ever…” In very good condition, with scattered toning, a few rough edges, show-through from writing on the reverse, a pencil notation in another hand at the top left corner, and the last letter of the signature missing from where the page was removed. RRAuction COA.
