British politician, evangelist, and philanthropist (1759-1833) who played an important role in the movement to abolish slavery. ALS signed “W. Wilberforce,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.75 x 10, March 18, 1791. Handwritten letter to an unknown recipient, in part: “I had some conversation yesterday with Mr. Barnard, Mr. Parker and Mr. Seville yesterday relative your being exempted from the operation of the proposed act for regulating the Hollam in their manufacture. They said Rotherham had always been comprised within that district, but that you were exempted by the specification of the branches to which the act was meant to extend — & last night Mr. Barnard sent me the enclosed minutes to the same effect, which he desired I would forward you — Mr. Banwell the agent for the officers writes by the night's post to beg them to send up Deputies properly authorized to transact for them in all cases. At present the bill stands to be read a second time on Monday next and at least a week must intervene between the second reading of the committee who (in your case) will come into question. But if the intention should be adhered to which was expected some days ago of opposing the bill on the second reading on the grounds of restrictions being too light I think between ourselves that it will be again put off. Let me hear from you as soon as you can. I need not say that nothing can give me more pleasure than to serve you so far as I can with propriety. I am hurried beyond measure but I was unwilling to delay in writing for single post. I am ever sincerely and affectionately yours.” Wilberforce adds a postscript: “I was very scurvily handled…business I have once spoke, the speaker enforced the order strictly. I would not allow me to reply for myself, and not a single spokesman was present in the shape of an ally.” In fine condition.
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