In order that the real sense of the people should be known upon so great
an affair as this, it is of absolute necessity that timely notice should
be given,--that the matter should be prepared in open committees, from a
choice into which no class or description of men is to be excluded,--and
the subsequent county meetings should be as full and as well attended as
possible. Without these precautions, the true sense of the people will
ever be uncertain. Sure I am, that no precipitate resolution on a great
change in the fundamental constitution of any country can ever be called
the real sense of the people.
I trust it will not be taken amiss, if, as an inhabitant and freeholder
of this county, (one, indeed, among the most inconsiderable,) I assert
my right of dissenting (as I do dissent fully and directly) from any
resolution whatsoever on the subject of an alteration in the
representation and election of the kingdom _at this time_. By preserving
this light, and exercising it with temper and moderation, I trust I
cannot offend the noble proposer, for whom no man professes or feels
more respect and regard than I do. A want of concurrence in _everything_
which _can_ be proposed will in no sort weaken the energy or distract
the efforts of men of upright intentions upon those points in which they
are agreed.
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