Gazette Of The United States

The following is an authentic copy of an address, presented to W. Wilberforce, Esq. on Thursday the 5th of last month, by the Africans in and about London.

SIR,

WE are sensible that the acknowledgments of a few humble natives of Africa, can add but little to the satisfaction of a gentleman, who finds his generous exertions amply recompensed in the consciousness of worth; yet we have presumed to gratify our own feelings at least, by presenting this small tribute of thankfulness, as well on our own behalves as on that of our kindred in misery and chains.

We are, sir, as you well know, though participating of personal freedom, yet in very low stations, claiming however, and not unworthily we hope, to be considered as sober, and diligent and just: with faces of colour indeed, but unknown to the magistrate, and with names not to be found in the list of offenders of any kind; yet, lowly as we are, if, upon the question lately agitated in Parliament (involving the fate of our whole race) we were without the sensibilities of admiration, and gratitude and hope, we should in good truth not be men.

As concerning the event of this question, it may not, perhaps, become us to speak; yet strong and lively is our hope, that the principles explained, and the sensations excited by you, can never be satisfied till they have obtained their end.
Conscious of our humble condition, we have considered that this paper should be presented only by a few and that at your door, without seeking any nearer access. And as towards those gentlemen, who, like you, have been swayed by no other interests than those of humanity, we have also considered that it may be best to express our acknowledgments only here, taking the liberty however to distinguish, by name, Mr. Pitt and Mr. Fox, great rivals as we are told, in political pursuits, but whom we have found to be friends in those of virtue, seeking with one accord, and with congenial minds, that better prize which both alike can gain.

As towards you, sir, we know not what it may become us to say: but we mean, at least, by the presentment of this paper, honor of every kind. Our voice is too low to praise; yet small as it is, we however consider it as the first imperfect breathing of a name, which shall, one day, well the cheek of Africa, and be sounded with universal acclaim.

In ancient time, a great conqueror (if we are truly informed) having ravaged Africa, and destroyed a whole people, made spoil even of the name, and wore it as his own: but haply, sir, in some future time, this name may be voluntarily and gratefully bestowed by Africa itself, for nations preserved civilized, enlightened, and rendered commercial, the trophy of benevolence, not the spoil of war.

George Samuel,
Thomas Cooper,
William Tyrwitt,
Cæsar Picton,
Thomas Johnson,
James Bailey.