It would also justify piracy; for that practice existed long before we knew any thing of the African Slave-trade.
He then combated the argument, that we did a kindness to the Africans by taking them from their homes; and concluded, by stating to their lordships, that, if they refused to sanction the resolution, they would establish these principles, "that though individuals might not rob and murder, yet that nations might--that though individuals incurred the penalties of death by such practices, yet that bodies of men might commit them with impunity for the purposes of lucre,--and that for such purposes they were not only to be permitted, but encouraged." The Lord Chancellor (Erskine) confessed, that he was not satisfied with his own conduct on this subject.

He acknowledged with deep contrition, that, during the time he was a member of the other House, he had not once attended, when this great question was discussed.
In the West Indies he could say personally, that the slaves were well treated, where he had an opportunity of seeing them.

But no judgement was to be formed there with respect to the evils complained of.

They must be appreciated as they existed in the trade.

Of these he had also been an eye-witness.