A wonderful printed and autograph manuscript document by abolitionist and social reformer, William Wilberforce. Wilberforce's herculean efforts toward the abolition of the slave trade often obscure his broader influence. He was interested in seeing all God's most vulnerable cared for and given their God-imaged dignity. He advocated for the reform of prisons, for the care and treatment of prostitutes, for the reform of child labor laws, and more.
In the present document, we have Wilberforce in his political and financial prime, taking time away, or trying anyway, to act on behalf of the Asylum for Deaf and Dumb Children.
The document is a pre-printed proxy form signed, 'Rev. Flounder', 6 January 1812, and 'W. Wilberforce', Kensington, 10 January 1812. Flounder initially nominated William Wilberforce to vote on behalf of himself at the election of Deaf and Dumb Children into the Asylum. Then Wilberforce, apparently unable to fulfill Flounder's request, in his own hand, nominates Rev. Townsend to take his place and signs the document WWilberforce.
An attractive and very affordable piece of Wilberforce ephemera.
1 page, printed in red, completed in manuscript, 3.5 7.5 inches. Image from listing not included.