Earl Russell to Lord Lyons
My Lord: The crime of trading in human beings has been for many years branded by the reprobation of all civilized nations. Still the atrocious traffic subists, and many persons flourish on the gains they have derived from that polluted source.
Her Majesty’s government, contemplating, on the one hand, with satisfaction the unanimous abhorrence which the crime inspires, and, on the other hand, with pain and disgustine slave-trading speculations which still subist, have come to the conclusion that no measure would be so effectual to put a stop to these wicked acts as the punishment of all persons who can be proved to be guilty of carrying slaves across the sea. Her Majesty’s government, therefore, invite the government of the United States to consider whether it would not be practicable, honorable, and humane
1st. To make a general declaration, that the governments who are parties to it denounce the slave trade as piracy.
2d. That the aforesaid governments should propose to their legislatures to affix the penalties of piracy already existing in their lawsprovided, only, that the penalty in this case be that of deathto all persons, being subjects or citizens of one of the contracting powers, who shall be convicted in a court which takes cognizance of piracy, of being concerned in carrying human beings across the sea for the purpose of sale, or for the purpose of serving as slaves, in any country or colony in the world.
I am, &c,
Lord Lyons, &c., &c., &c.