Another of the master ideas of his life now began to take hold upon Livingstone.  Africa was exposed to a terrible evil through the desire of the natives to possess articles of European manufacture, and their readiness for this purpose to engage in the slave-trade.  Though no African had ever been known to sell his own children into captivity, the tribes were ready enough to sell other children that had fallen into their hands by war or otherwise.  But if a legitimate traffic were established through which they might obtain whatever European goods they desired in exchange for ivory and other articles of native produce, would not this frightful slave-trade be brought to an end?  The idea was destined to receive many a confirmation before Livingstone drew his last breath of African air.  It naturally gave a great impulse to the purpose which had already struck its roots into his soul—­to find a road to the sea either on the eastern or western coast.  Interests wider and grander than even the planting of mission stations on the territories of Sebituane now rose to his view.  The welfare of the whole continent, both spiritual and temporal, was concerned in the success of this plan of opening new channels to the enterprise of British and other merchants, always eager to hear of new markets for their goods.  By driving away the slave-trade, much would be done to prepare the way for Christian missions which could not thrive in an atmosphere of war and commotion.  An idea involving issues so vast was fitted to take a right powerful hold on Livingstone’s heart, and make him feel that no sacrifice could be too great to be encountered, cheerfully and patiently, for such an end.

Writing to the Directors (October, 1851), he says: 

“You will see by the accompanying sketch-map what an immense region God in his grace has opened up.  If we can enter in and form a settlement, we shall be able in the course of a very few years to put a stop to the slave-trade in that quarter.  It is probable that the mere supply of English manufacturers on Sebituane’s part will effect this, for they did not like the slave-trade, and promised to abstain.  I think it will be impossible to make a fair commencement unless I can secure two years devoid of family cares.  I shall be obliged to go southward, perhaps to the Cape, to have my uvula excised and my arm mended (the latter, if it can be done, only).  It has occurred to me that, as we must send our children to England, it would be no great additional expense to send them now along with their mother.  This arrangement would enable me to proceed, and devote about two or perhaps three years to this new region; but I must beg your sanction, and if you please let it be given or withheld as soon as you can conveniently, so that it might meet me at the Cape.  To orphanize my children will be like tearing out my bowels, but when I can find time to write you fully you will perceive it is the only way, except giving