This holograph manuscript fragment states Burns' opinions on current affairs.
Inscription, in Burns' hand:
'Providence appears on some Occassions to be an / Enemy to the Extension of Power beyond cer / tain Limits, and has prevented for many / years the Enlargement of many Countries / Turkey is a Case in point. Denmark is another / and the present attitude of the French Nation / among themselves will prevent them assuming an / agressive attitude to their neighbours / Rob Burns / Mr Williams / Irvine 16th May 1791'