Discussion on American Slavery

Mid‑June 1836 finds a modest chapel in Glasgow filled with a small, attentive audience. There, a British abolitionist and a respected American Presbyterian delegate, who have exchanged sharp letters, sit down for a public debate on the morality and practice of slavery in the United States. Their conversation, recorded in full, captures the urgency and civility of a trans‑Atlantic clash of conscience.

Listeners will hear carefully weighed arguments that draw on scripture, law, economics and personal experience, while both men stress the need for a fair, patient hearing. The speakers also negotiate how the exchange should be published, underscoring their commitment to reach a broader audience. The result is a vivid snapshot of ante‑bellum reform discourse, revealing how reformers grappled with faith, politics and human rights.