29 June 1807

*5[?]

Note Judge

Letter V

II. Litigation

Another emblem which it may be of use to you to bear in mind is that of the perspective tube. Viewed with one of the two ends next to the eye the object appears greater than it is: viewed with the other end next tot he eye the same object apears less than it is. In viewing the benefit from the wrong, the proposed wrongdoer holds the tube with the magnifying end next to his eye: in viewing the satisfaction provided for the wrong, with the appendant burthen suspending over his own head, he holds the tube with the diminishing end next to his eye. Then again when the wrong has been committed, the party wronged, in viewing the satisfaction provided or supposed to be provided for the wrong the party wronged holds the tube with the magnifying end next to his eye: in viewing the expence and vexation attached to the pursuit of the satisfaction, and waiting to rain down upon him as long as he continues the pursuit, he holds the tube with the diminishing end next to his eye.

To favour the deception on both sides, you will do your utmost and keep up throughout the whole of the course to raise every where a dust of uncertainty, through which as through a cloud every obejct shall be viewed by both parties, on the several occasions on which it is proper that they should respectively be deceived: 1. nature of the satisfaction supposed to be provided, 2. existence of the law by which it is supposed to be provided.