The Life of William Roscoe
Chapter X. 1808
William Roscoe to William Wilberforce, [30 January 1808]
“Before I had the pleasure of your obliging
communication, I had desired my bookseller to send you a copy of my pamphlet, which I hope
you have received. How happy should I be, my dear Sir, if I could flatter
myself that I agreed with you on all subjects, as precisely as on that on which
I have had the pleasure of seconding your efforts; and this, not merely for my
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gratification, though I confess that would be great
indeed, but because, from your extensive influence, great talents, and
unexampled perseverance in every benevolent purpose, I should yet flatter
myself with the hope of seeing the calamities with which this country and
mankind are threatened effectually removed. Knowing as I do, through every
different shade of opinion between us, the perfect rectitude of your views,
with what delight should I see you advocate the cause of suffering Europe, or
rather the cause of the civilised world, with the same energy and success as
you have done that of the oppressed Africans. I see with terror, not only the
political, but the moral horizon daily grow darker, and I look up with anxiety
to those few who alone can dispel the gloom, and whom I consider as the lights
of mankind. I cannot, however, venture to flatter myself that any
representations of mine can influence their determination, nor am I indeed
insensible, that the earnestness with which I have enforced my own opinions,
may, in many instances, rather give offence than produce conviction. If,
however, I have written with warmth, many of those who espouse an opposite
opinion have more than set the example, and as I feel the most decided
conviction in my own mind, that I am actuated by no other motive than a wish to
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morality and the true
interests of my country, as far as consistent with the general rights of
mankind, I should think myself inexcusable were I to engage in the contest with
‘a cold and unperforming hand.’ At all events, you will,
I trust, allow me to retain some share of your indulgence and favourable
opinion, assured, as you may be, that no difference as to means, mode, or
manner (for as to the main end, and object, and view, it is impossible we can
disagree) can ever diminish the high respect, and allow me to add, the
affectionate attachment, with which I am, &c. &c.”
