Harvard University. Corporation. Corporation papers, 1st series, supplements to the Harvard College Papers, circa 1650-1828. Letters from John Coakley Lettsom, London, to Joseph Willard, 1791-1797. UAI 5.120 Box 3, Folder 20, Harvard University Archives.

Dear Doctor

By the return of Dr Winship to Boston, I embrace the opportunity of renewing a correspondence, which has always afforded me pleasure and improvement: though personally strangers, I see in my distant friend, that urbanity of manners, that discernment and precision of judgment, which begets ambition to cultivate so honourable an intercourse.

Dr. Winship during his residence here, has not been inattentive to medical improvement; he has seen much hospital practice, and applied to other sources of medical improvement, so that I am persuaded his time has been well husbanded, and his friendly and social manners have acquired him much and deserved esteem; and I with others regret that we have not had more of his company. Of my pursuits; and of all my sources of information as to domestic and foreign politics, he is so fully acquainted, that little remains for me to add.

With respect to the French revolution, as it seems to

to have been first suggested by sound policy, aided by a philosophy that has triumphed over the bayonet, it proceeds towards an establishment, by a firm undeviating step. Many of the resolutions of the national assembly when first decreed, appeared to me impolitic, but it is obvious, that this august assembly has acted wisely, not like the late emperor Joseph to compel innovation faster than the minds of the people would bear, but it has proceeded synchronous with the gradual conviction of popular sentiement. A reflected light may be born, when the full blaze of the meridian sun would dazzle and confound. It was a saying of Fontinelle "If my hands were full of truths, I would not open both at once." It is certainly a good political axiom. I see clearly the leaders of the French revolution, had all the subsequent [decrees?], in embryo at its commencement; but prudently waited for popular sentiment, to put into action the punctum vitae. This consideration determines me to think, that the Revolution will be permanent, because it is not the overbearing voice of a Junto; it is the voice of the people, not excited by heat or haste, but modified by the light of science, and a just sense of the spirit of freedom.

I think thou objects to some of the decrees of of this assembly and particularly that, which levels titles—Why? It does not level rank; is there nothing to decorate man but ribbons and stars? Man cannot be equal, but ought not the powers of the mind to take precedence of the decorations of the body? Of their predecessors, let them be proud to say, [rex?] ea nostra voco.

But putting the reasoning of philosophy aside; the nobility of France has become so enormously multiplied, by recent upstarts, that titles themselves, had already lost much of their dignity, and I even suspect, that some of the ancient nobility acquiesced in the present annihilation, that at some future period, if nobility should be revived, the ancient nobility alone, would be reinstated.

Independent even of this suggestion; it was a rule that none but nobility could command either in the army or navy—if so, this prejudice could not be too soon eradicated, and an equal road opened to glory and honour, if these form the path to glory and honour.

I ought to have begun this letter with offering my grateful and sincere acknowledgments, for the honour conferred upon me, by the University of Cambridge, in accepting me as an

an associate among so many distinguished characters. I feel a gratitude, and sense of kindness your kindness, in enrolling me of the Academy of Arts and now of M.D. of the University, that I cannot express. These favours and honours, if possible make me respect America, and her children, with increased regard, and enjoy with increased ardour her prosperity and happiness. I have sent, as an humble addition to your library, Professor Burmann's works, which you have not in your catalogue.

To thyself, I have sent a little packet, and conclude with the hope of thy future correspondence, and with the assurance of the sincere respect of thy friend

J. C. Lettsom

London Febr. 23. 1791.

May Frenchmen by [union?] acquire strength, and by perceverance establish the rights of man! I do not think the present national assembly exhibit the same seriousness and solid sense, as the fomer; but there are, however, very great characters in the present, and where a Condorcet presides vigour must result.

I ought not thus to have branched into European politics, as Dr Winship, is well acquainted with the recent transactions in Europe, to whom I must refer; and when a subject is opened, we may pursue it to too great an extent, especially when the person we address, is competent to the writer; but however trivially I have extended this letter, I shall be satisfied in its afording a proof, that I am [sincerely?] & [ ? ] with which I am &c

J. C. Lettsom

London March 12. 1792

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