Thomas
Clarkson Papers
1785-1871
2 linear feet
NOTE: A paper copy
of the finding aid,
with container list,
is available at the
Atlanta University
Center Archives for
in-house consultation
and may be obtained
for a fee.
Thomas Clarkson (b.1760 d.1846) was a renowned
English abolitionist who spent his adult life
fighting to end slavery. As a leader in the British
anti-slavery society, Clarkson was instrumental
in getting Parliament to ban the slave trade
in 1807 and to abolish the institution of slavery
in 1833.
The majority of this collection
is comprised of correspondence from Thomas Clarkson
and his wife,
Catherine, to her father, William Buck. Other letters
noting significant historical meetings are present,
including a noteworthy letter dated October 11, 1818
from Clarkson to his wife which refers to an interview
between him and "the Emperor" [Alexander
I of Russia]. Clarkson expresses hope that the Emperor
may influence the French against an invasion of Haiti.
Notable writings by Clarkson include the original
essay "An Liceat Nolentes In Servitutom Dare?" ["Is
It Lawful to Make Slaves of Others Against Their
Will?"]. A journal, dated August 1789, recounts
Clarkson's trip to France and his observations in
Paris of French Revolutionary activity. There is
a copy of the New Testament with extensive marginalia
written by Clarkson. The collection includes two
anti-slavery medallions produced in the mid-1800s
with a rendering of an African kneeling, shackled
in wrist chains, and the inscription "Am I not
a man and a brother?" Related only tangentially
is a collection of letters written by Clarkson's
daughter-in-law, Mary Dickinson describing festivities
at the household of Edward, Prince of Wales, Sandringham
Palace, from 1863 to 1871. |