Sheet mainly in Colls’s hand.

1821 Aug. 31. §. 4

J.B. to Toreno

To Toreno

§. 4. Menace to Toreno

25

17

Prepare yourself now, Sir, for a menace: for a menace of the number of those to which in proportion to the deputy of his characters a man is sensible.

Prepare yourself now, Sir, for a man[?], it will be of no consequence. Not uncommonly men find in apparent constraint an intrument of real liberty. When, in conformity to inclination or sense of superior duty, a man goes about to give expression to sentiments which he is under the apprehension of of finding to be in contrariety to men to whose good will it is matter of inclination or prudence to him to have regard, it is matter of convenience for him to have some obligation to plead in excuse with the view of softening any irritation that might otherwise be produced. I feel too strongly, Sir, the need I have of your assistance, not to be on the look out for every thing that may give strength /make addition/ to whatever my chance may be of obtaining it. You will, therefore, I make no doubt, forgive me for a menace in which you will see nothing worse than conscious weakness on one part, and confidence in the existence of good principles and generous affections on the other. The existence of a species of Judicatory known by different names the existence of a species of Judicatory known by different names, of which the tribunal of public opinion is one—a tribunal by the judgments /decisions/ of which—by which judgments of approbation and disapprobation are pronounced, and thereby in various proportions good reputation and bad reputation are distributed, is not unknown to you. At Paris, sits one of the most influential sections of this all-embracing Judicatory. In the face of this Judicatory, we shall both of us make our appearance /stand/. Paris, if I am not misinformed, is, on one account or another, no unpleasant residence to you. If I turn aside from this man—if I do not what he asks of me—what will Paris say to me? This is what you will have to ask of your Colleagues, should the requests, with which I have been thus troubling you, produce no better result than silence.