On the 13th. Inst. I recd. and read with great pleasure, your interesting and friendly Letter of the 18 July last.1 There are several Topics in it, on which I should like to converse with you— they shall be noticed in some future Letters. As I cannot write or read much at a time, without fatigue, I shall confine myself at present to the one, on which you express a wish to know my Sentiments— a satisfactory answer to the question of “Reform” can only result from a judicious Selection and Combination of the Reasons and Circumstances which bear Relation to it. Of many of these my Information is so imperfect, as that it would be rash to form a decided Judgmt. I have not sufficient Data whereon to calculate, whether so much Good may reasonably be expected from such a measure, as would justify the Risque of Inconveniences, which every important Innovation is more or less liable.

The Principles of the English Constitution appear to require, that the whole number of Representatives should be fairly apportioned among the whole number of Electors. But I have observed nothing in it, which even implies what is called” universal Suffrage”— It is not a new Remark, that they who own the Country, are the most fit Persons to participate in the Governmt. of it. This Remark, with certain Restrictions and Exceptions, has force in it; and applies both to the Elected and the Electors, tho’ with most force to the former—

I do not know what the proposed plan of Reform precisely is. If it be, only to apportion the Representatives among the Counties, or other convenient Election Districts, whether now existing, or to be instituted, according to the number of their respective Electors; I should consider it as being a just and constitutional measure, and should adopt it, unless some existing or impending Circumstances should render it unseasonable. I am the more inclined to this opinion by the present State of your aristocracy, which is such, as not unnaturally to excite a Jealousy that it will obtain, if it has not already obtained, an undue ascendency. The French Revolution has so discredited Democracy, and it has so few influential advocates in Europe, that I doubt its giving you much more Trouble— On the contrary there seems to be Danger of its depreciating too much— Without a portion of it, there can be no free Governmt— What that portion should be in England, is a question to which your Constitution affords, in my opinion, the best answer.

To preserve Ballances, in Times like these, is difficult— Mere palliative pro hae vice Expedients seldom produce durable Good— They so frequently violate sound established Principles, as rarely to prevent more Trouble than they cause.— The Fluctuations of human affairs occasionally imposes Changes on Nations, as well as on Individuals, to which they find it necessary and prudent to accommodate, by corresponding or by countervailing changes— These, if made considerately and in season, generally conduce to Security and order. Whether during the Rage & Range of Democracy, your aristocracy recdd. greater accessions of Strength, than the public Safety and sound Policy required, I do not know. There seems however to be Reason to apprehend that when things return to them ^a^ calm and settled Course, the Commons will feel the Influence of the Lords out of Doors, and consequently within Doors, in a greater Degree than the Constitution allows.— If so— that Consideration becomes an argument in favor of the proposed “Reform”.—

I will add an observation which strikes me as having Weight— Some of the Burroughs appear to have degenerated into a mere mean, by which the oppulent political Leaders supply themselves with able and active partizans and advocates. These, altho recd. Parliament as members, are in Fact and Truth, the Representatives of their Employers, and not of the Nation. It must be admitted, that these Employers, have often taken into their Service, men of great Talents, and in many Instances, of great Worth. Wise and good Burrough Holders, like wise and good Kings, doubtless wish and endeavour to make the best appointments— But ought either Burrough Holders or Kings to appoint Representatives for the Nation?—With great Esteem & Regard & the best wishes for the Prosperity of yourself & Family I am Dr. Sir Your obt. & faithful Servt.