ACCOUNT OF THE 
he resided there many years as a planter ; during which 
time he was an eloquent and leading member of the House 
of Assembly, or Provincial Legislature of that island. 
Some time about the year 1794, when the question of the 
Slave Trade had for several years engaged the attention of 
the British parliament and public, he quitted the West 
Indies and came to England, where he fixed his residence 
for the remainder of his life. He shortly afterwards ob- 
tained a seat in the House of Commons, where he esta- 
blished a character as a man of business, and came forward 
on every occasion as the advocate of the planters, and the 
supporter of what are called the West India interests. In 
all debates upon questions connected with the Slave Trade 
he took an active part; and during the whole of his par- 
liamentary career was a leading and systematic opponent 
of the Abolition. 
As secretary of the African Association, Mr. Edwards 
had constant intercourse and communication with Park 
from the time when the latter first arrived from Africa ; 
and must immediately have seen the advantage to be 
gained for the Slave Trade by a skilful use of the influence 
which this situation gave him. His first object must na- 
turally have been, to gain the services of Park in the direct 
support of the Slave Trade ; or, if this should be found 
impracticable, he might at least hope to secure his neu- 
trality, and prevent him from joining the ranks of his 
opponents. It is not meant to be insinuated that Mr. 
Edwards exerted any influence which was manifestly 
undue and improper, or that he was disposed to go greater 
lengths than any other man of a warm and sanguine 
