Rumours too were afloat, that other members, of whose plans they knew nothing, and who might even make emancipation their object, would introduce the business into the house.

Thus situated, they waited, as patiently as they could, till the 8th of April[A], when they resolved to write to Mr.
Wilberforce, to explain to him their fears and wishes, and to submit it to his consideration, whether, if he were unable himself, he would appoint some one in whom he could confide, to make some motion in parliament on the subject.
[Footnote A: Brissot attended in person at this committee in his way to America, which it was then an object with him to visit.] But the public expectation became now daily more visible.

The inhabitants of Manchester, many of whom had signed the petition for that place, became impatient, and they appointed Thomas Walker and Thomas Cooper, Esquires, as their delegates, to proceed to London to communicate with the committee on this subject, to assist them in their deliberations upon it, and to give their attendance while it was under discussion by the legislature.
At the time of the arrival of the delegates, who were received as such by the committee, a letter came from Bath, in which it was stated that Mr.Wilberforce's health was in such a precarious state, that his physicians dared not allow him to read any letter which related to the subject of the Slave Trade.
The committee were now again at a loss how to act, when they were relieved from this doubtful situation by a message from Mr.Pitt, who desired a conference with their chairman.

Mr.Sharp accordingly went, and on his return made the following report: "He had a full opportunity," he said, "of explaining to Mr.Pitt that the desire of the committee went to the entire abolition of the Slave Trade.

Mr.Pitt assured him that his heart was with the committee as to this object, and that he considered himself pledged to Mr.Wilberforce, that the cause should not sustain any injury from his indisposition; but at the same time observed, that the subject was of great political importance, and it was requisite to proceed in it with temper and prudence.