(seq. 2)

our seaports, which would be poor, dependent, & despised.
The state debt is unprovided for. Our bill of rights is vir-
tually repealed by obliging the Judges to execute
all continental laws in perference to the constitution of
their own state. ----- In fin the enormous multipli-
cation of civil offices, & consequent expense- In
short the interference of the continent in the do-
mestic concerns of the state. At present Boston
by being the seat of a sovereign power has great
influence in the legislature. Transfer that power
& our metropolis will immediately decay. ---

These things & perhaps some others being regulated
the whole will be harmonious & energetic. The
vigor of internal government was proved last winter.
Let the general Government be strengthened but
not at the expence of internal tranquillity. The
course of intelligence at present is such that I
suppose it will be amended so as to confine the
power of Congress to the General Concerns of the Union

I have written freely to you, & know that you will
not abuse confidence & can bear to indulge a friend
in a difference of sentiments.

I am, {Reverend} Sir,
with perfect esteem, yours
James Winthrop

I am glad to learn your foreign communi-
cations-

{Reverend} {William} Bentley-