7540

Boston
Octo: 20th 1818
Dear Sir
It has occurred to me that justice to the states represented in the
late Hartford Convention, seems to require that the private journal
of their proceedings, should be deposited in some place to which access
may be had by any person disposed to give them publicity. You need not
to be informed of the disproportion of a numerous [class?] to my visit
to that convention projects that would not bear the lights and to produce
possible general opinion that the things which are seen afford no clue
to the unholy mysteries of our Conclave.
While as individuals we regard these efforts with unconcern, we ought
not perhaps to be indifferent to the effects of an erroneous public
opinion on this subject, upon the present age & upon posterity,
if the mere unvarnished journal would be sufficient for its correction.
W. Cabot, W. Prescott & other members in this vicinity concur in
these sentiments, & if you should be content that we may make such
a disposition of that Journal as may be thought best for the object
here expected; I request of you the favour to signify your acquiescence
by a line to W. Cabot, with all convenient-despatch.
I am respectfully yours
H.G. Otis

Answered
& consent given oct. 23. 1848 having it to W. Cabot to decide how
far the consent of other members ought to be [???]