In a little time however things became serious; for they, who came to see me, always started the abolition of the Slave-trade as the subject for conversation.

Many entered into the justification of this trade with great warmth, as if to ruffle my temper, or at any rate to provoke me to talk.

Others threw out, with the same view, that men were going about to abolish it, who would have done much better if they had staid at home.

Others said they had heard of a person turned mad, who had conceived the thought of destroying Liverpool, and all its glory.
Some gave as a toast, Success to the Trade, and then laughed immoderately, and watched me when I took my glass to see if I would drink it.

I saw the way in which things were now going, and I believed it would be proper that I should come to some fixed resolutions; such as, whether I should change my lodgings, and whether I should dine in private; and if not, what line of conduct it would become me to pursue on such occasions.