Was it possible, after these instances, to suppose that the Negroes could not keep up their numbers, if their natural increase were made a subject of attention?  The reverse was proved by sound reasoning.  It had been confirmed by unquestionable facts.  It had been shown, that they had increased in every situation, where there was the slightest circumstance in their favour.  Where there had been any decrease, it was stated to be trifling; though no attention appeared to have been paid to the subject.  This decrease had been gradually lessening; and, whenever a single cause of it had been removed (many still remaining), it had altogether ceased.  Surely these circumstances formed a body of proof which was irresistible.

He would now speak of the consequences of the abolition of the Slave Trade in other points of view; and first, as to its effects upon our marine.  An abstract of the Bristol and Liverpool muster-rolls had been just laid before the House.  It appeared from this, that in three hundred and fifty slave-vessels, having on board twelve thousand two hundred and sixty-three persons, two thousand six hundred and forty-three were lost in twelve months; whereas in four hundred and sixty-two West Indiamen, having on board seven thousand six hundred and forty persons, one hundred and eighteen only were lost in seven months.  This rather exceeded the losses stated by Mr. Clarkson.  For their barbarous usage on board these ships, and for their sickly and abject state in the West Indies, he would appeal to Governor Parry’s letter; to the evidence of Mr. Ross; to the assertion of Mr. B. Edwards, an opponent; and to the testimony of Captains Sir George Yonge and Thompson, of the Royal Navy.  He would appeal, also, to what Captain Hall, of the Navy, had given in evidence.  This gentleman, after the action of the 12th of April, impressed thirty hands from a slave-vessel, whom he selected with the utmost care from a crew of seventy; and he was reprimanded by his admiral, though they could scarcely get men to bring home the prizes, for introducing such wretches to communicate disorders to the fleet.  Captain Smith of the Navy had also declared, that when employed to board Guineamen to impress sailors, although he had examined near twenty vessels, he never was able to get more than two men, who were fit for service; and these turned out such inhuman fellows, although good seamen, that he was obliged to dismiss them from the ship.

But he hoped the committee would attend to the latter part of the assertion of Captain Smith.  Yes:  this trade, while it injured the constitutions of our sailors, debased their morals.  Of this, indeed, there was a barbarous illustration in the evidence.  A slave-ship had struck on some shoals, called the Morant Keys, a few leagues from the east end of Jamaica.  The crew landed in their boats, with arms and provisions, leaving the slaves on board in their irons.  This happened in the night.  When morning came, it