7 Apr. 1803

Evidence

Pre-exhibited

To ascertain, in the instance /case/ of evidence thus circumstanced, whether the rejection /collusion/ or the admission of it be the preferable course, apply to it the [...?] /fundamental/ /cardinal/ question - which of the two results is the most probable upon the whole - that it shall be false and yet at the same time persuasive /successful/, or that it shall be true?

The answer I think will hardly be that the admission of it /instances in which the result/ will be prejudicial to further /adverse to the ends/ to justice than will be the more numerous than these in which it will be conducive.

Supposing it to be pronounced in a general view admissible, the next question will be under what conditions and restrictions?