PITT WILLIAM to WILBERFORCE: An exceptional and historical content correspondence set of twenty thre

PITT WILLIAM to WILBERFORCE: An exceptional and historical content correspondence set of twenty thre

PITT to WILBERFORCE: An exceptional and historically important series of twenty three A.Ls.S., `W. Pitt´, by William Pitt the Younger to William Wilberforce, 78 pages in total, 4to (19 letters), and 8vo (5 letters), twelve of them from Downing Street, also from Pembroke Hall, the House of Commons, etc.., 31st July 1782 to 14th August 1800. Few of the letters are docketed by Wilberforce. Plus one copy of a letter also docketed. WILLIAM PITT THE YOUNGER (1759-1806) British Statesman, one of the most prominent politicians of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He held the post of Prime Minister for close to twenty years, 1783-1801 & 1804-1806. The youngest Prime Minister of Great Britain in 1783 at the age of 24, and the first Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. 

To the 2nd October 1785 letter, Downing Street, at the time of Wilberforce´s angelical conversion, an extremely important and exceptional content letter, referred to by William Hague in his biography William Pitt the Younger (2005), Pitt states in part `..I am indeed too deeply interested in whatever concerns you, not to be very sensibly affected by what has the appearance of a new Era in your Life, and so important in its consequences... I will not disguise to you that few things could go nearer my heart than to find myself differing from you essentially on any great principle. I trust and believe that it is a circumstance which can hardly occur.. They are sentiments engraved in my heart, and will never be effaced or weakened…´ further writing `..You will not suspect me of thinking lightly of any moral or religious motives which guide you.. But forgive me if I cannot help expressing my fears that you are nevertheless deluding yourself into principles which have but too much tendency to counteract your own object, and to render your Virtues and your Talents useless both to yourself and Mankind… But why then this preparation of solitude, which can hardly avoid tincturing the mind either with melancholy or superstition? If a Christian may act in the several relations of life, must he seclude himself from them all to become so..´, further again writing `..You do not explain either the degree or the duration of the retirement which you have prescribed to yourself… And if you will open to me fairly the whole state of your mind on these subjects, tho´I shall venture to state to you fairly the points where I fear we may differ, and to desire you to re-examine your own ideas, where I think you mistaken..´ 

To the 19th December 1785, Pitt states in part `.. as much as I wish you to bask on, under an Italian sun, I am perhaps likely to be the instrument of snatching you from your present paradise, and hurrying you back to "The Rank Vapours of this Sin-Worn World".´ 

To the 8th April and 28th June 1788 letters, and referring to the Slave Trade cause motions, Pitt states in part `..As to the Slave Trade, I wish on every account it should come forward in your hands rather than any other. But that in the present year is impracticable; and I only hope you will resolve to dismiss it as much as possible from your mind. It is both the rightest and wisest thing you can do. If it will contribute to setting you at ease, that I should personally bring it forward (supposing circumstances will admit of it being brought forward this session) your wish will decide… In one word however be assured, that I will continue to give the business constant attention, and do every thing to forward it..´, further in June saying `..The business respecting the Slave Trade meets just now with some rub in the House of Lords.. I wonder how any Human being can resist... There seems not a shadow of doubt as to the conduct of the House of Commons next year, and I think with good management the difficulties in the other House may be got over..´ Further again in Spring 1789, `..to have the day for the Slave Trade postponed.. Grenville and I have formed a project, of reducing the case.. into a string of resolutions.. The more we consider the Case, the more irresistible it is in all its parts.´ 

To the 8th August 1792, referring to King George III, `..I must be at Windsor on Sunday.. Immediately on Lord Guildford´s death the King has written to me in the most gracious terms to say that he cannot let the Wardenship of the cinque Ports go to any one but myself.. in the manner in which the offer came, I have had no hesitation in accepting, and I believe you will think I have done right.´  

To the 7th September 1796, referring to continental Europe and war, Pitt states in part `..The message of the Directory confessing in such strong terms their distress, and the Archduke´s recent Victory on the 22nd give some chance that our overtures may be successful. In the meantime it will be indispensable to take very strong measures indeed both of Finance and Military Defence; and if the spirit of the Country is equal to the exigency, I am confident all will yet end well. An immediate Spanish War is I think nearly certain. The only motive to it is the fear of France preponderating over their fear of us; and the pretexts as futile as could be wished.´   

Small overall minor age wear, otherwise G, 24  £15000-20000    

 

William Wilberforce (1759-1833) British Politician, member of Parliament for 45 years, from 1780 to 1825. Philanthropist and leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade. One of the leading English abolitionists who headed the parliamentary campaign against the British slave trade for twenty years until the passage of the Slave Trade Act of 1807.

His first campaign proved to be the world's first grassroots human rights campaign. On 2 April 1792, Wilberforce brought again a bill calling for abolition. The memorable debate that followed drew well-remembered contributions from the greatest orators in the house, William Pitt the Younger and Charles James Fox, as well as from Wilberforce himself. Lord Melville as Home Secretary, proposed a compromise solution of so-called "gradual abolition" over a number of years. The bill was passed.

In 1785 Wilberforce underwent an evangelical conversion, resolving to commit his future life and work to the service of God. At that time, religious enthusiasm was generally regarded as a social transgression and was stigmatised in polite society. Wilberforce's conversion led him to question whether he should remain in public life. Both John Newton, a leading evangelical Anglican and Pitt counselled him to remain in politics, and he resolved to do so with "increased diligence and conscientiousness".

Wilberforce also championed causes such as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. His campaigns led to the Slavery Abolition Act 1833 which abolished slavery in most of the British Empire. Wilberforce died just three days after hearing that the passage of the Act through Parliament was assured. The leading members of both Houses of Parliament urged that he be honoured with a burial in Westminster Abbey, and while tributes were paid, both Houses of Parliament suspended their business as a mark of respect. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, close to his friend William Pitt the Younger.. 

William Wilberforce said of William Pitt, "For personal purity, disinterestedness and love of this country, I have never known his equal."

 

William Grenville (1759-1834) British Prime Minister 1806-07. He succeeded Pitt who died being still in office. Home Secretary 1789-91 & Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs 1791-1801 under Pitt´s Prime Ministry. 

George III (1738-1820) King of the United Kingdom 1760-1820.

The Confederation of Cinque Ports is a historic series of coastal towns in Kent, Sussex and Essex. It was originally formed for military and trade purposes.