The West Indies, and Other Poems

The Poem of 'The West Indies,' originally published by Mr Bowyer, in his splendid volume on the Abolition of the Slave Trade, is now presented in a form more convenient for general perusal.

'There are objections against the title and plan of this piece, which will occur to almost every reader. The Author will not anticipate them: he will only observe, that the title seemed the best, and the plan the most eligible, which he could adapt to a subject so various and excursive, yet so familiar and exhausted, as the African Slave Trade,—a subject which had become antiquated, by frequent, minute, and disgusting exposure; ​which afforded no opportunity to awaken, suspend, and delight curiosity, by a subtle and surprising developement of plot; and concerning which public feeling had been wearied into insensibility, by the agony of interest which the question excited, during three-and-twenty years of almost incessant discussion. That trade is at length abolished. May its memory be immortal, that henceforth it may be known only by its memory!—This extract from the preface to the former edition of 'The West Indies' will probably be a sufficient introduction to the present.

Of the lesser pieces that follow, it is unnecessary to say more than that they are offered as humble candidates for the same public favour (if they be deemed worthy of it) which their predecessors, accompanying 'The Wanderer of Switzerland,' have most liberally obtained.

Sheffield, May 17, 1810.