Thus passed away the session of 1796.
In the year 1797, while Mr.Wilberforce was deliberating upon the best measure for the advancement of the cause, Mr.C.Ellis came forward with a new motion.

He began by declaring, that he agreed with the abolitionists as to their object; but he differed with them as to the mode of attaining it.
The Slave-trade he condemned as a cruel and pernicious system; but, as it had become an inveterate evil, he feared it could not be done away all at once, without injury to the interests of numerous individuals, and even to the Negros themselves.

He concluded by moving an address to His Majesty, humbly requesting, that he would give directions to the governors of the West Indian islands, to recommend it to the colonial assemblies to adopt such measures as might appear to them best calculated to ameliorate the condition of the Negros, and thereby to remove gradually the Slave-trade; and likewise to assure His Majesty of the readiness of this House to concur in any measure to accelerate this desirable object.

This motion was seconded by Mr.Barham.It was opposed, however, by Mr.Wilberforce, Mr.
Pitt, and others; but was at length carried by a majority of ninety-nine to sixty-three.
In the year 1798 Mr.Wilberforce asked leave to renew his former bill, to abolish the Slave-trade within a limited time.

He was supported by Mr.
Canning, Mr.Hobhouse, Sir Robert Buxton, Mr.Bouverie, and others.