Autograph letter signed : [London], to [Walter J.] Baldwin, 1813 November 14.

Declining to present a petition against the imprisonment of debtors but expressing sympathy with his position; Saying "It is with considerable regret that I repeat - the shortness of the notice (even if I remained in town which I hardly believe I can accomplish at present) would not permit me to do more than present the petition. Upon the principle itself - the question at issue on the confinement of debtors as far as regards the rights of humanity and the social compact - my mind is fully made up - but the minor grievances - the various though I doubt not - well grounded subjects of complaint which of conjecture will form a considerable portion of the petition - I have not had leisure to examine - nor opportunity to collect. I confess to you that I have not the "copia fandi" nor quickness of comprehension sufficient to enable me at a few hours notice to do justice to a subject which I regard as of too much importance to hazard the interests of the petitioners by a premature & precipitate pressure of the question upon the legislature - if I were indifferent to the interests of others - or confidence in my own honour - I should hold a different language. - I have read your address - and I have read it with a hope almost - for the sake of those to whom it is uttered - that their situation is less grievous than it would lead me to believe - not that I have any reason to doubt the statement - except the wish that in this - or in any country - such oppression had never existed."