To Robert Morris December 7, 1782

To Robert Morris December 7, 1782

Second Street, PHILADELPHIA,

DEAR SIR:

Understanding that Congress has appointed a deputation to Rhode Island, I transmit a thought on that subject.

Considering how unwilling men are to recede from fixed opinions, and that they feel something like disgrace to being convinced, the way to obtain something is to give something. And as it is necessary in the present case, to cast about for every proposition, suppose R[hode] I[sland] was to pass the law for two years, providing that at the expiration of one year, a deputation from the legislatures of all the States were to meet, to confer on any inconveniences that the present state of the several acts might be encumbered with, and adjust a plan suitable to the circumstances of the whole.

The term of two years will carry our system beyond any present hope of the enemy, and the meeting or conference at the end of one year, may be a means of bringing about a more compact Union, and the States severally be eased in the meantime of every apprehension right or wrong.

THOMAS PAINE.