Thomas Clarkson visited all the major port cities in England and often faced a hostile reception. This extract from his diary shows his feelings of apprehension and resolve about the task ahead.

"….I began to tremble at the arduous task of attempting to subvert a branch of the trade of this large city, and to encounter a host of people in it. However I soon became calm and collected and seemed to gain fresh Spirit from my former sensations which only confirmed me the more, that I must be doubly diligent, active and persevering in the cause, which I had undertaken. – With these resolutions I entered the city, determining that no labour should be too arduous, and no treatment from the inhabitants, should they know my errand, be too horrid to deter me…"