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Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade

Anti-Slavery International, 'Recovered Histories' collection. Goldsmiths' Library of Economic Literature, University of London. Friends House Library, London. British Library. Kongelige Bibliotek, Danmark.

Newton Thoughts Transatlantic Slave Trade Ship Africa Abolition

This emblematic abolitionist pamphlet by John Newton, former slave ship captain turned evangelical Christian, provided an enormously important first-hand account of the slave trade, and was cited by major British abolitionists including Wilberforce, Clarkson and Buxton. Newton testified in 1791-92 before Parliament against the slave trade, which he called "this stain of our National character" (1). In this text, Newton describes the destructive effect of the slave trade on both Europe and Africa, the conditions on board the ships, and the loss of life incurred.