Henry Crabb Robinson, Playford Hall, to Lord [Henry] Brougham, Grafton Street, London, 24 February 1839. 

My dear Lord Brougham –

       I have been these two days with Mr Clarkson – He has been some time expecting a letter from you, containing your opinion of the M:S: given you by Mr Sheppard – He wishes to write to the Committee who have undertaken to bring out the new edition of the History of the Abolition, And desires to know your opinion concerning the fitness of his subsequent writing to accompany the new edition[.]

       My own impression is that by far the greater part of this new work, however valuable in itself, ought on no account to be mixed up with anything that the Committee may be disposed to publish in addition to the History – The narrative of Mr Clarksons correspondence with and his account of Christophe cannot but be interesting to all who feel an interest in the history and fate of Hayti; but had Hayti sunk into the Sea ten years ago the course of Emancipation would have gone on precisely as it did – So the narrative of Mr Clarkson’s interviews with the Emperor of Russia &c And his endeavours to obtain from the Sovereign’s of the Continent of Europe are an international declaratory law making the Slave trade, Seizure of men and returning them on Ship-board an act of piracy, having proved ineffectual, this, tho’ very interesting as an incident in his life, And as an anecdote illustrating the want of moral sense in Europe, appears to me still too slightly connected with a history of what has been actually achieved in this country to be property introduced in a history of the abolition of slavery –

       But it is hardly decorous in me to obtrude the opinion of so unimportant a person as myself, while the opinion of one so influential as yourself is asked for – And as Mr Clarkson desires your unbiased judgement I purposely say nothing of his present present impression And by his desire beg to add his affectionate regards 

  I am  

  Your Lordship’s

  Obedient Servant

  H. C. Robinson

Playford Hall

24th Feb: 1839./–

P:S: On reading this to Mr Clarkson he desires me to add that his opinion agrees with mine that his, still he wishes to hear from you before he writes to the Committee. 

Address: The Right Honourable / The Lord Brougham / Grafton Street / London.  Postmarked: Ispwich FE [?] 1839   Second Mark: Free 25 FE 25 1839   

Endorsed: Mr Robinson 

Text: Brougham Papers, MS. 23.553, University College University of London.