BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OF CAPTAIN JOHN TOUP NICOLAS, OF THE ROYAL NAVY. C.B. K.C. St. F. & M.

Summary

Thou must know

'Tis not my profit that does lead mine honour;

Mine honour, it.

Shakspeare.

[Concluded from page 357.]

CAPTAIN NICOLAS'S attention while serving in the Mediterranean, had been frequently drawn to the depredations of the Barbary Powers; and on his return to England, he followed the dictates of his feelings, in writing the annexed letter to Mr. Wilberforce, whose exertions in the cause of humanity will ensure to him the respect and gratitude of the world, so long as philanthropy continues amongst its virtues.

Portsmouth, October 14th, 1814.

sir,

With the rest of mankind, I have rejoiced to hear of your exertions, together with other honourable Members of both Houses of Parliament, in endeavouring to abolish universally the horrid traffic in slaves, and there is reason to hope that your united efforts will ultimately be crowned with success. But amidst these humane considerations, the piratical proceedings of the Barbary States in daily enslaving Christians, above 3000 of whom they have now under their oppressive power, appears to have escaped the general notice, although I doubt not but it must have occupied a great share of your thoughts. According to the observations made by the “Sappa Tappa,” or Prime Minister to the Bey of Tunis, in the month of May last, to our Consul, in my presence, they appear to think, that as our war in Europe has happily terminated, “their harvest has just commenced,” and they were using their utmost exertions to get their cruizers ready for sea, though their war with the Algerines, who have by far the maritime superiority, will in a great degree prevent the predatory incursions of this Regency.