In the year 1804, which was fixed upon for renewed exertion, the committee for the abolition of the Slave Trade elected James Stephen, Zachary Macaulay, Henry Brougham, Esqrs., and William Phillips, into their own body.  Four other members, also, Robert Grant, and John Thornton, Esqrs., and William Manser and William Allen, were afterwards added to the list.  Among, the reasons for fixing upon this year, one may be assigned, namely, that the Irish members, in consequence of the union which had taken place between the two countries, had then all taken their seats in the House of Commons; and that most of them were friendly to the cause.

This being the situation of things, Mr. Wilberforce, on the 30th of March, asked leave to renew his bill for the abolition of the Slave Trade within a limited time, Mr. Fuller opposed the motion.  A debate ensued.  Colonel Tarleton, Mr. Devaynes, Mr. Addington, and Mr. Manning spoke against it, however, notwithstanding his connection with the West Indies, said he would support it, if an indemnification were offered to the planters, in case any actual loss should accompany the measure.

Sir William Geary questioned the propriety of immediate abolition.

Sir Robert Buxton, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Fox, and Mr. Barbara spoke in favour of the motion.

Mr. William Smith rose, when the latter had seated himself, and complimented him on this change of sentiment, so honourable to him, inasmuch as he had espoused the cause of humanity against his supposed interest as a planter.  Mr. Leigh said that he would not tolerate such a traffic for a moment.  All the feelings of nature revolted at it.  Lord de Blaquiere observed, “it was the first time the question had been proposed to Irishmen as legislators.  He believed it would be supported by most of them.  As to the people of Ireland, he could pledge himself that they were hostile to this barbarous traffic.”  An amendment having been proposed by Mr. Manning, a division took place upon it, when leave was given to bring in the bill, by a majority of one hundred and twenty-four to forty-nine.

On the 7th of June, when the second reading of the bill was moved, it was opposed by Sir W. Yonge, Dr. Laurence, Mr. C. Brook, Mr. Dent, and others.  Among these Lord Castlereagh professed himself a friend to the abolition of the trade, but he differed as to the mode.  Sir J. Wrottesley approved of the principle of the bill, but would oppose it in some of its details.  Mr. Windham allowed the justice, but differed as to the expediency, of the measure.  Mr. Deverell professed himself to have been a friend to it; but he had then changed his mind.  Sir Laurence Parsons wished to see a plan for the gradual extinction of the trade.  Lord Temple affirmed that the bill would seal the death-warrant of every White inhabitant of the islands.  The second reading was supported by Sir Ralph Milbank, Messrs. Pitt, Fox, William Smith, Whitbread, Francis, Barham, and Grenfell, and Sir