By this unfavourable division the great contest, in which we had been so long engaged, was decided. We were obliged to give way to superior numbers. Our fall, however, grievous as it was, was rendered more tolerable by the circumstance of having been prepared to expect it. It was rendered more tolerable also by other considerations; for we had the pleasure of knowing, that we had several of the most distinguished characters in the kingdom, and almost all the splendid talents of the House of Commons[A], in our favour. We knew too, that the question had not been carried against us either by evidence or by argument; but that we were the victims of the accidents and circumstances of the times. And as these considerations comforted us, when we looked forward to future operations on this great question, so we found great consolation as to the past, in believing, that, unless human constitutions were stronger then they really were, we could not have done more than we had done towards the furtherance of the cause. [Footnote A: It is a pity that no perfect list was ever made of this or of any other division in the House of Commons on this subject. I can give, however, the names of the following members, as having voted for Mr. Wilberforce's motion at this time. Mr. Pitt, Hon. R. Fitzpatrick, Mr. Fox, Sir William Dolben, Mr. Burke, Sir Henry Houghton, Mr. Grey, Sir Edward Lyttleton, Mr. Windham, Sir William Scott, Mr. Sheridan, Mr. Samuel Thornton, Mr. Whitbread, Mr. Henry Thornton, Mr. Courtenay, Mr. Robert Thornton, Mr. Francis, Mr. Duncombe, Mr. Wilberforce, Mr. Martin, Mr. Ryder, Mr. Milnes, Mr. William Smith, Mr. Steele, Mr. John Smyth, Mr. Coke, Mr. Robert Smith, Mr. Elliott, Mr. Powys, Mr. Montagu, Lord Apsley, Mr. Bastard, Lord Bayham, Mr. Stanley, Lord Arden, Mr. Plumer, Lord Carysfort, Mr. Beaufoy, Lord Muncaster, Mr. I.H. Browne, Lord Barnard, Mr. G.N. Edwards, Lord North, Mr. W.M. Pitt, Lord Euston, Mr. Bankes. General Burgoyne] The committee for the abolition held a meeting soon after this our defeat. It was the most impressive I ever attended. The looks of all bespoke the feelings of their hearts. Little was said previously to the opening of the business; and, after it was opened, it was conducted with a kind of solemn dignity, which became the occasion. The committee, in the course of its deliberations, came to the following resolutions: That the thanks of this committee be respectfully given to the illustrious minority of the House of Commons, who lately stood forth the assertors of British justice and humanity, and the enemies of a traffic in the blood of man.