PRINCE ALBERT CONDEMNS THE SLAVE TRADE [ALBERT (Prince, 1819-1861, Consort of Queen Victoria)]

Contemporary Copy of his First Public Speech in England, at the first anniversary meeting of the 'Society for the Extinction of the Slave Trade, and for the Civilization of Africa', saying that he has "been induced to preside at the Meeting of this Society from a Conviction of its paramount Importance to the great Interests of Humanity and Justice. I deeply regret that the benevolent and persevering exertions to abolish that atrocious Traffic in human Beings, at once the desolation of Africa and the blackest stain upon civilized Europe have not as yet led to any satisfactory conclusion ... Let us therefore trust that Providence will prosper our Exertions in so holy a cause and that under the auspices of our Queen and her Government we may ... be rewarded by the accomplishment of the great & humane object, for ... which we have this day met", 2 sides 4to. and conjugate blank, descriptive note in another hand at head "... the first meeting at which he presided in this Country", [Exeter Hall, Strand, London, 1st June outer margin frayed with short tear touching three letters, top inner corner neatly removed

The 'Times' devoted a whole page and more to the meeting, at which Sir Robert Peel and Lord Ashley (Lord Shaftesbury) were among the other speakers. Following 'the public announcement that his Royal Highness Prince Albert, who a few days ago accepted the office of President of this society would take the chair ... the demand for tickets was unparalleled, and we understand that on Friday and Saturday last premiums were offered for them ... His Royal Highness, who seemed to feel most sensibly the truly English and enthusiastic reception ... proceeded with great distinctness, and with a very slight foreign accent, to open the business of the day'. Albert's mention of the Queen was followed by 'cheering for some minutes' and the speech itself by 'loud and long-continued cheers' ('Times', 2nd June 1840). 'On this occasion he wrote his speech in German, translated it, and learnt it off by heart ... The Queen complained that their visit to Cherbourg in 1858 was overshadowed by the Prince's attacks of nerves over his speech!' (Hermione Hobhouse, 'Prince Albert', 1983).

Item Date:  1840

Stock No:  14307      £300

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