88 MEMOIR OF 1)K WUIGHT. 



thcr, sonic light is occasionally thrown on the views 

 which he entertained on political subjects. Such in- 

 stances, indeed, are of rare occurrence, and appear only 

 to have been excited by some striking public event. 

 For instance, on the 10th of May 1792, he expresses 

 himself as follows : " The Slave Trade Bill has met 

 with an unexpected check in the House of Lords. 

 Ministers must have foreseen this ; but, by fine 

 speeches on humanity, keep up their popularity, and 

 retain their places. Prince William Henry was 

 in Jamaica when I was there, and saw the real state 

 the Negroes were in. He seems to have weighed the 

 consequences of abolishing the trade, as fatal to our 

 commerce, ruinous to our islands, destructive to our 

 countrymen, and no way serving the cause of huma- 

 nity. In Africa, where, if they have no vent for their 

 prisoners or felons, they will butcher them ; nay, eat 

 them ! Several nations have their teeth filed as sharp 

 as those of dogs ; and I have been told it was done to 

 bite and devour their enemies. Such are the canni- 

 bals we are making a noise about, while we lose sight 

 of all the tender ties of relationship, colour, country, 

 and Christianity. A levelling disposition and spirit of 

 innovation seem very prevalent. A new society has 

 been formed, to get a more equal representation in 

 Parliament. This will give ministers something else 

 to mind than the savage tribes of Guinea. All Europe 

 seems in a ferment; and will probably soon be in 

 arms." 



Soon after the date of this letter, Dr Wright paid 

 a visit to his friends in England, and made some stay 



