I reproached myself with my own obstinacy for having resisted the advice of Mr.Burges, as has been before explained.
All his words now came fresh into my mind.

I was terrified, too, with the apprehension that my own reputation was now at stake.

I foresaw all the calumnies which would be spread, if the evidences were not forthcoming on this occasion.

I anticipated, also, the injury which the cause itself might sustain, if, at our outset, as it were, I should not be able to substantiate what I had publicly advanced; and yet the mayor of Bristol had heard and determined the case,--he had not only examined, but re-examined, the evidences,--he had not only committed, but re-committed, the accused: this was the only consolation I had.

I was sensible, however, amidst all these workings of my mind, that not a moment was to be lost, and I began, therefore, to set on foot an inquiry as to the absent persons.
On waiting upon the mother of William Lines, I learnt from her, that two out of four of the witnesses had been bribed by the slave-merchants, and sent to sea, that they might not be forthcoming at the time of the trial; that the two others had been tempted also, but that they had been enabled to resist the temptation; that, desirous of giving their testimony in this cause, they had gone into some coal-mine between Neath and Swansea, where they might support themselves till they should be called for; and that she had addressed a letter to them, at the request of Mr.Gandy, above a week ago, in which she had desired them to come to Bristol immediately, but that she had received no answer from them.