I have recd. and thank you for the Book on political Economy, which you had the Goodness to send to me—1

It contains Destinctions and Definitions which tend to relieve this abstruse Subject from several obscurities. If those of its essential Principles which result from pertinent and indisputable Facts were clearly developed and established, they would divest this Science of many Doubts and Difficulies which perplex it; and would afford useful Direction to legislative measures respecting various interesting objects.—

Of the Remarks in this Work there are some which appear to me to be too general and unqualified.— I allude particularly to those which respect the Purposes for which social Compacts and Nations have been formed.

The Division of Mankind into Nations was effected by the Variety of Languages, which for that End, were introduced among them at Babel.— It naturally prompted those of the same Language to associate and appoint Rulers—and then to migrate to different Regions; thenceforth they became independent Nations—2

In my opinion there is Reason to believe that all mankind were at that Period in a civilized State— that their Division into Nations facilitated the Institution and also the Exercise of Government, and that the primary Object of Government then was to provide for the Demands and Necessities of their new Condition and Situation— In Process of Time, as Population and Power increased, their Views and Pursuits became more and more extensive; and vicious Rulers waged War for vicious Purposes.

These however are matters which have more of a collateral than of a direct connection with the main Design and Scope of the Work— I hope it will meet with the attention which it appears to me to deserve; and which it will doubtless recieve from the able and worthy Gentleman to whom it is dedicated— I am Sir your obliged and obt. Servt