Henry Dundas and Abolition of the British Slave Trade: Further Evidence

Abstract

This article examines newly unearthed archival evidence that challenges the notion from activists, pressure groups, and some academics that Henry Dundas, Scotland’s most powerful politician in the late eighteenth century, is to blame for Britain’s failure to achieve abolition of the slave trade sooner than 1807. This evidence supports the argument that Dundas was genuinely attempting to chart a path by which Britain could abolish the slave trade, albeit gradually, starting with an immediate end to slave trading with foreign colonies. The pathway of gradual abolition therefore meant antislavery was ultimately an anti-slavery strategy. In addition, these recent debates surrounding Henry Dundas and abolition of Britain’s slave trade highlight a further point. There is a pressing need for public bodies to exercise caution and corroborate ideas raised in social media campaigns before making rash and ill-considered decisions to permanently change built heritage, preferably with the assistance of impartial and experienced historians who can be trusted to avoid selectively using evidence to manipulate or distort the past. The potential for generating unending controversy and dissatisfaction over government bodies declaring judgment against the past is concerning, and poses risks of increased community division.