Evidence therefore, if once collected on
this subject, would be evidence for posterity. In the midst of these
thoughts another journey occurred to me as necessary for this purpose; and
I prayed, that I might have strength to perform it in the most effectual
manner; and that I might be daily impressed, as I travelled along, with the
stimulating thought, that the last hope for millions might possibly rest
upon my own endeavours.
The committee highly approved of this journey. Mr. Wilberforce saw the
absolute necessity of it also; and had prepared a number of questions, with
great ingenuity, to be put to such persons, as might have information to
communicate. These I added to those in the tables, which have been already
mentioned; and they made together a valuable collection on the subject.
This tour was the most vexatious of any I had yet undertaken; many still
refused to come forward to be examined, and some on the most frivolous
pretences; so that I was disgusted, as I journeyed on, to find how little
men were disposed to make sacrifices for so great a cause. In one part of
it I went over nearly two thousand miles, receiving repeated refusals.
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