Later Years
Long an opponent of slavery, in June 1799 he gave evidence before a committee of the House of Lords, who were then considering a bill to regulate the slave trade.
After returning to England in 1804, he settled in South Lambeth, later moving on to Bledlow, where he trained missionaries for the Christian Missionary Society (1804–1808).
His wife, Judith, had died ca. 1800. William remarried on 25 May 1811, at St. Pancras Old Church, London, to Grace Gilbert. She would prove to be a devoted helpmate in his future work.
William was encouraged by the great parliamentarian and abolitionist, William Wilberforce, to continue his work against the slave trade in Antigua. The work would be arduous and unpaid, but he agreed to undertake it, and in 1813 he traveled to Antigua with his wife and daughter Judith. In spite of his frequently poor health, his endeavors met with great success. His main duties involved founding and operating schools for the children of slaves. He also worked as a correspondent for the Christian Missionary Society's official paper.
Unfortunately, he had little to show materially for his years of dedicated service to the state and the cause of abolition. By December 1826, his financial situation had become so precarious that he petitioned the secretary of state for the colonies, making claims for extra services rendered in New South Wales on account of his being in "circumstances of great pecuniary embarrassment". His claim was supported by his former comrade Watkin Tench, now a lieutenant-general, but the petition was ultimately unsuccessful.
William Dawes died in Antigua in 1836. Dawes was described as “outstanding in ability and character.” Gillen states that “he was never given proper recognition, nor given financial compensation equal to the value of his work”.
Read more about this topic: William Dawes (Royal Marines Officer)
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