Bentley, William, 1759-1819. Papers of William Bentley, 1783-1815: an inventory. Letter from James Winthrop to William Bentley, 1787 November 10. HUG 1203.5 Box 1, Harvard University Archives.

Cambridge 10 {November} 1787 {Reverend} Sir, I have been favored by the hands of Dr. Read with your valuable addition to my collection Of coins. I cannot thank you too much for the Repeated proofs of your friendship. By the same hand I transmit the two newsPapers containing the paragraphs & apology which Have been charged on me, & which gave such an alarm to the rigid federalists. Thant you ask for my objections. They are in substance the same as have been started in the other States. That the whole power of the law, the people, & the sword are surrendered. I wonder that our wartime towns have never Respected the design of Philadelphia to make Herself the centre of all the trade of the Continent. A few exclusive companies, tho’ the members should Belong to all the States would effectually stumble

our seaports, which would be poor, dependent, & despised. The state debt is unprovided for. Our bill of rights is virtually repealed by obliging the Judges to execute all continental laws in perference to the constitution of their own state. ----- In fin the enormous multiplication of civil offices, & consequent expense- In short the interference of the continent in the domestic 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 communications-

{Reverend} {William} Bentley-

Winthrop. {November} 10, 1787

{Reverend} {William} Bentley

Salem