Transcription

[26 r] near Birmingham Nov 5. 1792.

Sir,

I observe in the news-papers that the National Convention has invited all persons to give theirs Thoughts in any language upon the important subject of a new Constitution. I have in consequence of this invitation ventured to offer my Reflexions, which I take the liberty of transmitting to You, as I see with pleasure that you are one of the Committee appointed to consider of a new Constitution. – I have not subjoined my name to that Memoir, because I know, that among the great number of Propositions that will be made to You, and which will occur to the members of the committee themselves, who like You have [26 v] thought profoundly and with every advantage of local information on the subject, there is but a very small probability that my Views will be received with any preference or distinction, and I know the ridicule <to [... ?]> attached to unsuccessfull political Projectors. – Nevertheless I have sent my memoir, in which the Views are certainly not very obvious, because I think that your committee will be able to propose their Form of Governement with more confidence, after having examined all that may be exhibited to them. – In other respects, I shall continue to glory in testifying (as I have already done [27 r] publicly on more than one occasion) my veneration for the grand principles of Your Revolution, and my ardent wishes for the successful completion of it, in the establishment of a Constitution, which, by adding a new lustre to civil Society, may fully manifest the Triumph of Reason and Philosophy.

I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect for Your Talents so nobly exerted, Sir, Your most obedient Servant

James Keir

[27 v] [Adresse]