EULOGIUM.
2*13
putable, that a brighter day was appearing. That day
was the ioth of June, 1806, when Mr. Fox, then a
Minister at court, was induced to bring the subject
before the House. This he did by a motion for the
abolition of the Slave Trade,, introduced by a speech
characterized by his usual ability; the result of which
was the attainment of the object by a majority of 114
to 15. An address to his Majesty was then passed.
The resolutions of the house, together with the address,
were both sent to the Lords. Here a very inter¬
esting debate sprung up, during which the old stale
defences of the system were reiterated. A most noble
advocacy of the measure contemplated was made by
Lord Grenville, aided in the same, by that beauteous
character the amiable Bishop Porteus, and the dis¬
tinguished Dr. Horsley, Bishop of St. Asaph. It carried
this branch of the national legislature by a vote of 100
to 36. This was the last act of the Grenville and Fox
administration. They were just then about being ejected
from office; and fears were entertained that this measure
would not receive the royal sanction:—but these fears
proved groundless. The seals of office were resigned,
and the royal sanction was given on the same day.
This scene is most graphically related by M r. Clarkson:—
"The commission was opened by Lord Chancellor
Erskine, who was accompanied by Lords Holland and
Aucland; and as the clock struck twelve, just when
the sun was in its meridian splendor, to witness this
august act of the establishment of IVlagna Charta for
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