When I was in Philadelphia, I had the honor of hearing your Excellency’s opinion upon the idea of reforming the English Alphabet. I had repeatedly revolved, in my mind, the utility of such a plan and had arranged some ideas upon the subject; but had not ventured to hope for success in an undertaking of this kind. Your Excellency’s sentiments upon the subject, backed by the concurring opinion of many respectable Gentlemen, and particularly of the late Chairman of Congress, have taught me to believe the Reformation of our Alphabet still practicable. I know that several attempts to effect it in England have proved fruitless; but I conceive they failed through some defect in the plans proposed; or for reasons which do not exist in this country.

Enclosed is a plan for this purpose of reducing the orthography of the Language to perfect regularity, with as few new characters and alterations of the old ones, as possible. It is probable that a great number of new and unusual characters would defeat the attempt.

I know not whether your Excellency will be able to understand the characters fully; for it is very difficult to convey sounds on paper, and particularly for me who am no penman and cannot form the characters exactly as I wish. But this rough draught will perhaps give a sufficient idea of my plan and it is submitted to your Excellency for adoption, amendment or rejection. I am requested to lay the plan before Your Excellency and by a Gentleman whose character in public life, and particularly in the chair of Congress, will give his opinion great weight in this country. Should this or any other plan be adopted, it is desired that Your Excellency would lay it before Congress for their critical consideration. The advantages of adopting a reformation in their country, whether political or literary will readily occur to an attentive mind, and it would be arogant and superfluous for me to state them to one, who is so accurately acquainted with the elements of language and the interests of America as your Excellency. General Washington has expressed the warmest wishes for the success of my undertaking to refine the language, and could he be acquainted with the New Alphabet proposed would undoubtedly commence its advocate. A few distinguished characters might give such weight to an attempt of this magnitude, as to crush all the opposition that would be made by the enemies of our Independence.

The minds of people are in a ferment and consequently disposed to receive improvements, once let the ferment subside and the succeeding lethargy will bar every great and amendment. The favorable reception my Lectures have generally met with encourage me to hope that most of the Americans may be detached from an implicit adherence to the language and the manners of the British nation. I have the honor to be with the highest respect Your Excellency’s most obedient most humble Servant