[036-202v]

1821. May 11.

Codification Offer

'.10 Offer /9 Draughtsman gratuitous/

'.10. Offer relative to a work of the sort above described.

Of the sort of work the demand for which, as above, has place in every nation, and in every nation remains as yet unsatisfied, a /the/ description has now been given. For the service of any nation on the globe, this demand the author of the address is ready and willing to do what depends upon him towards satisfying. Of his readiness for this service, sufficient intimation was, indeed, afforded as long ago as the year 1817, by a publication of his in English intituled "Papers relative to Codification" &c. But, though that publication forms an 8 vo. volume, it contains no more than a part of the testimonials, by which this offer is accompanied. Nor, of the topics touched upon in this address, will any (it is believed) be found there brought on the carpet, with the exception of those which regard all-comprehensiveness and the rationale.

In the publication just mentioned, the anticipated rejection of reward of a pecuniary nature, in any shape, stands announced, and, of the seriousness of the declaration, proof afforded: afforded by the mentioned return of a present from the Emperor Alexander. But, on the subject of the importance of that condition to the usefulness of the service, nothing would in that place, (it is believed) be found. This deficiency has been herein above supplied.

The shape of such reward would either be that of a benefit conferred, the whole at one time, or that of a benefit conferred in parts at different times: viz, as the phrase is, by instalments: in which latter case the simplest and most ordinary form is that of an annuity for life or years. Paid at once, it would naturally be paid, either before the commencement of the service, or not till after the conclusion of it. Paid in the whole before the commencement of the service it would render the whole of the service altogether precarious, and in this way every thing that by improvidence in the arrangement could be done towards giving to uncertainty its utmost degree, would manifestly be done. Paid no part of it till after the completion of the service, it would operate as a reward - a bounty - for precipitation: for precipitation, and thereby for imperfect and unapt performance: while, on the other hand, by the uncertainty manifestly attendant on the event of completion, the value of the reward, to a very considerable degree, and with it the probability of its finding acceptance on the part of any competent hand, would be

subjected