The planters, not having their expected supplies, could not discharge their debts.

Hence their slaves would be seized and sold.

Nor was there any provision in this case against the separation of families, except as to the mother and infant child.

These separations were one of the chief outrages complained of in Africa.

Why then should we promote them in the West Indies?
The confinement on board a slave-ship had been also bitterly complained of; but, under distraint for the debt of a master, the poor slave might linger in a gaol twice or thrice the time of the Middle Passage.
He again stated his abhorrence of the Slave-trade; but as a resource, though he hoped but a temporary one, it was of such consequence to the existence of the country, that it could not suddenly be withdrawn.