J. P. Heywood, Lincolns Inn, to William Wood, Leeds, 21 November 1791.

Dear Sir,

        I enclose you according to my promise a list as far as I can procure it of our Deputies – which for obvious reasons I would not have made too public.  If you could procure returns from any of the defaulting counties it would be doing national service.  We wish also to be enabled to act as a Committee not merely for procuring the repeal of the Test Act but to be considered as appointed to watch over the Genl Rights of the Dissenters either with or without the London Deputies who are so timid & languid there is no rousing them at all.  We propose to have a meeting next week for the purpose of making a declaration of our principles somewhat similar to ours in Yorkshire.  I am afraid we shall do nothing in Parlt this year.   There seems a chance of some good arising from Ireland where the Roman Catholics are beginning to complain of the shamefull state of Bondage in which they are held & if the Dissenters there have liberality enough to support them (of which I contrary to the Genl opinion of our friends here have some doubts) they may compell a compliance with any such demands.  The Declaration of the Catholics they have sent over to Dr P. and it is I think a very masterly performance.   I shall be glad to hear from you at your leisure – and if you should receive any letters without signature you may presume whence they come.  There are spies upon us at the post office – for I think the cover of this letter will protect it from inspection and therefore I boldly declare myself

                    Your very sincere friend

                                                J. P. Heywood

Novr 21. 1791

Linc. Inn

Text: Test Acts Papers, no. 121 (b), Unitarian Collection, UCC 3/6/6, John Rylands University Library of Manchester.