This article, which first appeared as an article in the French journal La Réforme in December 1846, was also published as a pamphlet. It describes a petition drawn up by the abolitionist Guillaume de Félice calling for a fixed date when colonial slavery would be abolished. The petition was made available around the country for signatures - the article mentions several copies circulating already in Toulouse, and says that it had attracted "a considerable number of signatories, from all social classes" (3). Free black inhabitants of the colonies are encouraged to sign, as "to petition is the right of French citizens" (3), as are the working classes in France, who had already submitted a petition of 9000 signatures. The petition is described as another "national show of support in favour of the poor slaves" (1), and the importance of national public opinion in influencing political debate is emphasised. Britain's huge petition campaigns against colonial slavery are cited as an example of the people making their "sovereign will" (4) known.