Separate religious journals, 1791-1826, document his spiritual turmoil. Scholars can chart the progress of the abolition movement day by day, and follow the progress of political issues. Complementing these items are his autobiography, 1759-1792, dictated by Wilberforce and in the hand of an amanuensis. William Wilberforce's correspondence, 1771-1833, is also a very rich source for scholars. The subject matter of the letters is wide ranging, and provides a wealth of evidence on contemporary events and concerns.
Politicians give good accounts of parliamentary debates.
Many refer to foreign affairs, especially to slavery and the slave trade. There is also family correspondence, with many letters from his sons and from his wife, Barbara. These provide a vivid picture of domestic life, schooling, entertainments, charity work and the social and intellectual climate. Material on slavery includes not only the correspondence with Buxton, Clarkson, Macaulay, More, Sharp and others mentioned above, but also drafts of speeches, and notes on books, pamphlets and reports concerning the slave trade, 1804-1824. Of particular importance are the letters between Robert and Samuel concerning Robert's involvement in the tractarian or high church movement and his decision to leave the Anglican Church.