On ruminating however on the subject, I found one thing at least practicable, and that this also was in my power.

I could translate my Latin dissertation.

I could enlarge it usefully.

I could see how the public received it, or how far they were likely to favour any serious measures, which should have a tendency to produce the abolition of the Slave-trade.

Upon this then I determined; and in the middle of the month of November 1785, I began my work.
By the middle of January, I had finished half of it, though I had made considerable additions.