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Clarkson, Thomas, 1760-1846

"The History of the Rise, Progress and Accomplishment of the Abolition of the African Slave Trade by the British Parliament (1808) Volume II"

It was stated at another,
that I was employed by the British government as a spy, and that it was my
object to try to undermine the noble constitution, which was then forming
for France. This latter report at this particular time, when the passions
of men were so inflamed, and when the stones of Paris had not been long
purified from the blood of Foulon and Berthier, might have cost me my life;
and I mentioned it to General la Fayette, and solicited his advice. He
desired me to make a public reply to it: which I did. He desired me also to
change my lodging to the Hotel de York, that I might be nearer to him; and
to send to him if there should be any appearance of a collection of people
about the hotel, and I should have aid from the military in his quarter. He
said also, that he would immediately give in my name to the Municipality;
and that he would pledge himself to them, that my views were strictly
honourable.
On dining one day at the house of the Marquis de la Fayette, I met the
deputies of Colour. They had arrived only the preceding day from St.
Domingo. I was desired to take my seat at dinner in the midst of them. They
were six in number; of a sallow or swarthy complexion, but yet it was not
darker than that of some of the natives of the south of France.


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