Moses Roper - Freedom

Freedom

Moses became quite famous in England because of his grand escape from American slavery and the book he later wrote about his life as a slave. In his book, he made sure to include explicit examples of the torture methods used by slave holders. Roper’s patronage in England was carefully planned; he carried letters of introduction to Rev. Dr. Fletcher, Rev. Dr. Morison and Rev. Dr. Raffles, through whom he met other sympathetic patrons, notably Rev. Dr. T. Price and Rev. F. Cox, and leading abolitionists such as Thomas Folwell Buxton. Roper acquired an education at schools in Hackney, Wallingford in Oxfordshire, followed by university in London, so he could write his own account as well as any English author.

At Hackney I remained half a year, going through the rudiments of an English education. At this time I attended the ministry of Dr Cox, which I enjoyed very much... never, I trust, will be efaced from my memory, the parental care of the Rev. Dr Morison, from whom I can say, I received the greatest kindness.

His patrons then assisted him in his object of touring the country's chapels to spread knowledge of American slavery; and subscribed to, and helped promote his autobiography.

Roper toured the length and breadth of Britain, as well as several places in Ireland and Scotland, making the case for the abolition of slavery in America. In London, his two most influential speeches were during May 1836. The first at the Rev. Thomas Price's Baptist Chapel, Devonshire Square, and the second at the independent Finsbury Chapel of Rev. Dr Alexander Fletcher. Each attracted large crowds and were extensively reported, being of great influence.