Overview
The 27 page letter is addressed towards the Parish of Basingstoke encouraging emigration to British colonies, most notably Canada. Lefroy argues that overcrowding, poor job opportunities, and idleness will lead to instability and acts of desperation. To avoid this, Lefroy promotes emigration as a way to create hope and prosperity for the individual and the nation. Lefroy continues to outline and debate the necessity of emigration against fears of a brain drain effect, decrease is parish funding, and that 'bad characters' will remain in Basingstoke. His argument is ultimately summarised by the cover page quote:
"It is time that Britain should become the hive of nations, and cast her swarms; and here are lands to receive them. What is required of government is to encourage emigration by founding settlements, and facilitating the means of transport." - Essays Moral and Political by Robert Southey, Esq. L.L.D., Poet Laureate, 1832. Vol.1. p.154.
Christopher Edward Lefroy (1785-1856)
Lefroy was a Barrister of law appointed British Commissary Judge of Mixed Court in 1819. Lefroy was an associate of William Wilberforce and for 10 years acted as the Judge of the Mixed Court for the Suppression of the Slave Trade on the Part of His Britannic Majesty, established in Surinam. Lefroy's dedication to tackling slavery led to him becoming a political controversial figure as he often interfered and sppoke out against the Dutch government and its accomplices in the illegal slave trade. Eventually, Lefroy returned to Basingstoke, Hampshire, where he worked as a Judge of the Mixed Court for the Suppression of the Slave Trade of Westham.
Newbury District Society for Emigration
The object of the society is to supply information to emigrants: 'respecting the country to which it is advisable to emigrate, the mode and expense of reaching it, and the means of providing for themselves after they arrive'. The society intends to make the experience of emigration smooth and offer support by stationing agents on the route to empower, reassure, and manage the emigrant.
Signed Frederick Page, Chairman, and G. Barnes, Secretary.
