But if such debate was likely to take place, he would withdraw his motion, and offer it another day.
A few words then passed between Mr.Pitt and Mr.Fox in reply to each other; after which Lord Penrhyn rose.

He said there were two classes of men, the African merchants, and the planters, both whose characters had been grossly calumniated.

These wished that an inquiry might be instituted, and this immediately, conscious that the more their conduct was examined the less they would be found to merit the opprobrium with which they had been loaded.

The charges against the Slave-trade were either true or false.
If they were true, it ought to be abolished; but if upon inquiry they were found to be without foundation, justice ought to be done to the reputation of those who were concerned in it.

He then said a few words, by which he signified, that, after all, it might not be an improper measure to make regulations in the trade.
Mr.Burke said, the noble lord, who was a man of honour himself, had reasoned from his own conduct, and, being conscious of his own integrity, was naturally led to imagine that other men were equally just and honourable.