First edition of the French translation, published simultaneously with the original English, of an open letter by the famous English abolitionist William Wilberforce (1759-1833), addressed to the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord (1754-1838). Wilberforce gives in great detail the many considerations that led Britain to abolish the slave trade, hoping to persuade France to abolish it as well and even join Britain in its civilizing projects in Africa. However, France did not consent to Wilberforce's proposals and officially abolished the slave trade only in 1848. Included at the end is an appendix with extracts from various others, supporting the statements made by Wilberforce in the letter.
Some water stains throughout. Binding slightly worn along the extremities. Overall in good condition. Hogg, The African slave trade and its suppression 2488b; Ragatz, British Caribbean history, p. 569.