It was this feeling, which had induced me thus to speak.
To these observations it was replied, that the National Assembly of France would glory in going contrary to the example of other nations in a case of generosity and justice, and that the petition in question, if it could be obtained, would have an influence there, which the people of England, unacquainted with the sentiments of the French nation, would hardly credit.
To this I had only to reply, that I would communicate the measure to the committee in London, but that I could not be answerable for the part they would take in it.
By an answer received from Mr.Necker, relative to the first of these resolutions, it appeared that the desired interview had been obtained: but he granted it only for a few minutes, and this principally to show his good will to the cause.

For he was then so oppressed with business in his own department, that he had but little time for any other.

He wrote to me however the next day, and desired my company to dinner.

He then expressed a wish to me, that any business relative to the Slave-trade might be managed by ourselves as individuals, and that I would take the opportunity of dining with him occasionally for this purpose.

By this plan, he said, both of us would save time.