(seq. 2)

{James} Winthrop {Esquire}
April 11, 1784.

3.

Nothwithwithstanding Blackstone's opinion that an action
cannot be brought by the relations of the deceased; Such
a law, it seems to me, would be in behalf of humanity.
The respect which is shown to the dead has a tendency
to encourage family affection; & therefore a law to
prevent abuses to the dead, by making the corpse the
property of the next of kin, would answer a good
purpose. Perhaps it would be well to make dissection
a part of the punishment in captal cases.

The information respecting Scotland & the Universities
there is curious & very useful, as well as entertaining. I
do not wish that in assuming the stite of University
we should ever sink so low as that of Edinburgh in
governmental concerns. At present we are in tolerable
order. I think your application of Pennant's account
of graddan'd corn to the Scripture history is ingenious,
& calculated to illustrate ancient manners.

A three years' election took place last Monday
for the Office of Librarian Yours Next Tuesday the [dains?]
to succeed a {Reverend} Doctor will probably be determined. I
cannot help feeling a little anxious. There is no other
seat among them would be worth contending for. I hope
it will go right. You will easily conceive what right
means in this case.

Yours Sincerely,
James Winthrop

{Reverend} {William} Bentley

This week I must go to Concord.
Next week to Groton.
The third week shall be glad
To wait on you here.