ollowing circular letter, addressed to the governors of
the colonies, is worthy of reproduction here, rather than in the
Appendix. It is a magnificent window, that lets the light in upon a
dark subject. It gives a very fair idea of the profound concern that
the home government had in foreign and domestic slavery.

"CIRCULAR LETTER FROM THE BOARD OF TRADE TO THE GOVERNORS OF
THE ENGLISH COLONIES, RELATIVE TO NEGRO SLAVES.

"APRIL 17, 1708.

"Sir: Some time since, the Queen was pleased to refer to us
a petition relating to the trade of Africa, upon which we
have heard what the Royal African Company, and the separate
traders had to offer; and having otherwise informed
ourselves, in the best manner we could, of the present state
of that trade, we laid the same before Her Majesty. The
consideration of that trade came afterwards into the house
of commons, and a copy of our report was laid before the
house; but the session being then too far spent to enter
upon a matter of so great weight, and other business
intervening, no progress was made therein. However, it being
absolutely necessary that a trade so beneficial to the
kingdom should be carried on to the greatest advantage,
there is no doubt but the consideration thereof will come
early before the Parliament at their next meeting; and as
the well supplying of the plantations and colonies with
sufficient numbers of negroes at reasonable prices, is in
our opinion the chief point to be considered in regard to
that trade, and as hitherto we have not been able to know
how they have been supplied by the company, or by separate
traders, otherwise than according to the respective accounts
given by them, which for the most part are founded upon
calculations made from their exports on one side and the
other, and do differ so very much, that no certain judgment
can be made upon those accounts.

"Wherefore, that we may be able at the next meeting of the
Parliament to lay before both houses when required, an exact
and authentic state of that trade, particularly in regard to
the several plantations and colonies: we do hereby desire
and strictly require you, that upon the receipt hereof, you
do inform yourself from the proper officers or otherwise, in
the best manner you can, what number of negroes have been