1 January 1818

William Wilberforce, [Kensington?], to John Ryland, Jr., Bristol, 1 January 1818. 

My dear Sir,

  Had it not been for a complaint in my Eyes you wo’d long ago have heard from me on the subject of your former Letter, and but for your stating that you wished to hear from me without further delay, I should still defer writing to you till I co’d use my own pen, but as you appear to wish to hear from me without more delay, I will write to you tho’ briefly, giving you only my conclusion without, or at least with very little of, the Premises which lead to it – It is a pleasure to me to know that I may open my mind to you without reserve, and without fear of misconstruction – 

The circumstances of Hayti are very peculiar – You are aware I doubt not, that before the expulsion of the French, the Roman Catholic Religion was the only one known in the Island; and it is no more than justice to the R Catholics, to state, that, in general, they were more attentive than the Protestants, to the Religious Instruction of their Slaves – Even at this moment, the Roman Catholic [sic] is the professed Religion of the Government of Hayti.  They have a RC Archbishop, some tho’ I hope not more than one or two Priests, and I am told, that the Females of the higher Classes, go very constantly to mass, and Confession, tho’ the Morals of all classes are generally speaking at a very low ebb.  Yet King Henry himself frankly declares to me, in a private Letter, that he wishes to substitute the English Religion, as well as every thing else that is English, for all that is French; and a free Toleration is proclaimed as to be enjoyed without restraint.

In these circumstances, among the various professors whom I have sent, and whom I am still sending by King Henry’s express desire, is one who is termed classical professor, and Chaplain of the College; who I hope is a truly good Man, a Clergyman of the Church of England – But I dare not recommend any Ministers of your Denomination, to go to Hayti; at least, until circumstances sho’d be materially different – I durst not indeed answer for the consequences even to themselves; but, I own, I sho’d deprecate the measure with a view even to the interests of the Haytians – In their present circumstances any religious controversy among their new Teachers, might be extremely injurious; and wo’d at least be very unadvisable – 

Many thanks for the Tract which I shall peruse or hear read, in one of my first leisure half hours 

  I remain with cordial Esteem & regard

  My dear Sir

  Very sincerely yours

  W Wilberforce

P.S.  I am both concerned and surprised to hear that the Unitarians among you are receiving any encouragement, tho’ I must say it is a very natural effect of the Antinomian Heresy – May your antidote to these poisons be as efficacious as you can desire – 

Text: Wilberforce-Ryland Letters, shelfmark MS. G97a, Bristol Baptist College Library, f. 23 (letter is not in Wilberforce’s hand, but signature is his).