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Proceedings at the first public meeting of the Society for the Extinction of the Slave Trade, and for the Civilization of Africa, held at Exeter Hall, on Monday, 1st June, 1840. His Royal Highness Prince Albert, President of the Society, in the chair.

Goldsmiths' Library of Economic Literature, University of London. Rhodes House, Oxford. British Library. Bibliothèque Nationale de France. Bibliothèque de la Société de l'histoire du Protestantisme français, Paris.

Proceedings Meeting Society Extinction Slave Trade Civilization Africa Speeches

The first meeting of the Society for the Extinction of the Slave Trade and for the Civilization of Africa in 1840 united the British establishment, including peers, bishops and royalty. The Society's aim was to promote "measures for civilizing Africa, and encouraging and protecting the cultivation of the soil and legitimate commerce." (6) Fowell Buxton asks the meeting: "shall a new effort and a mighty one be made for the deliverance of Africa?" (10), and suggests collective action with the US, France and the Vatican in order to encourage the spread of Christianity in Africa. Lushington also sees France as a potential abolitionist ally: "I hope for France, I pray for France, as our first and noblest coadjutor" (17).

See attached download for more details about the Society for the Extinction of the Slave Trade. Appendices: Prospectus of the Society, Rules and Regulations, List of Vice-Presidents and Committee, List of Subscribers. See also reports of subsequent meetings, such as: Report of the Committee of the African Civilization Society to the Public Meeting of the Society, held at Exeter Hall, on Tuesday the 21st of June, 1842 (London: John Murray, 1842).