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some work into which he could bring his whole commonplace book in a
digested form。 He fixed on the subject of his Spirit of Laws； and
wrote the book。 He consulted his friend Helvetius about publishing
it； who strongly dissuaded it。 He published it； however； and the
world did not confirm Helvetius' opinion。 Still； every man who
reflects as he reads； has considered it as a book of paradoxes；
having； indeed； much of truth and sound principle； but abounding also
with inconsistencies； apochryphal facts and false inferences。 It is
a correction of these which has been executed in the work I mention；
by way of commentary and review； not by criticising words or
sentences； but by taking a book at a time； considering its general
scope； and proceeding to confirm or confute it。 And much of
confutation there is； and of substitution of true for false
principle； and the true principle is ever that of republicanism。 I
will not venture to say that every sentiment in the book will be
approved； because； being in manuscript； and the French characters； I
have not read the whole； but so much only as might enable me to
estimate the soundness of the author's way of viewing his subject；
and； judging from that which I have read； I infer with confidence
that we shall find the work generally worthy of our high approbation；
and that it everywhere maintains the preeminence of representative
government； by showing that its foundations are laid in reason； in
right； and in general good。 I had expected this from my knowledge of
the other writings of the author； which have always a precision
rarely to be met with。 But to give you an idea of the manner of its
execution； I translate and enclose his commentary on Montesquieu's
eleventh book； which contains the division of the work。 I wish I
could have added his review at the close of the twelve first books；
as this would give a more complete idea of the extraordinary merit of
the work。 But it is too long to be copied。 I add from it； however；
a few extracts of his reviews of some of the books； as specimens of
his plan and principles。 If printed in French； it would be of about
180 pages 8vo； or 23 sheets。 If any one will undertake to have it
translated and printed on their own account； I will send on the MS。
by post； and they can take the copyright as of an original work；
which it ought to be understood to be。 I am anxious it should be
ably translated by some one who possesses style as well as capacity
to do justice to abstruse conceptions。 I would even undertake to
revise the translation if required。 The original sheets must be
returned to me； and I should wish the work to be executed with as
little delay as possible。
I close this long letter with assurances of my great esteem and
respect。