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Correspondence of Adam Smith, ed. E. C. Mossner and I. S. Ross, vol. VI of the Glasgow Edition of the Works and Correspondence of Adam Smith (Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, 1987).

Part of: The Glasgow Edition of the Works and Correspondence of Adam Smith, 7 vols.

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134.

From DAVID HUME

Address: To Adam Smith Esqr at Kirkaldy

MS., RSE ii. 51; HL ii. 266–7.

St. Andrews Square, 23 Nov. 1772

Dear Smith

I shou’d agree to your Reasoning,1 if I could trust your Resolution. Come hither for some weeks about Christmas; dissipate yourself a little; return to Kirkaldy; finish your Work before Autumn; go to London; print it; return and settle in this Town, which suits your studious, independant turn even better than London: Execute this plan faithfully; and I forgive you.

I was apply’d to, a few days ago, by poor Roby Arbuthnot,2 in favour of his Son, now 13 years of Age, and a promising boy, as I am told, whom he intends to send to Glasgow, in a view of procuring him an Exhibition at Oxford. You know the State of that Family; and have probably heard that both the Parents of the boy are unfortunate People of Merit. I own, that, trusting to your Humanity, I promised them your Interest and Advice in that Scheme: I hope you are not pre–engaged for any other Person: Otherwise I cannot doubt of your Concurrence.

Ferguson has return’d, fat and fair; and in good humour, notwithstanding his Disappointment,3 which I am glad of. He comes over next week, to a house in this neighbourhood. Pray, come over this winter, and join us.

I am My Dear Smith Ever yours

David Hume

[1 ]Possibly referring to a letter from Smith that has not been traced.

[2 ]? Robert Arbuthnot of Kirkbraehead (1708–73), who had three sons, or perhaps a member of the private banking firm of Arbuthnot and Guthrie, which failed in June 1772.

[3 ]Perhaps at failure to secure a post as Secretary to the Committee of Inquiry on East Indian Affairs: see Letter 133, n. 6.

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134.: From DAVID HUME - Adam Smith, Glasgow Edition of the Works and Correspondence Vol. 6 Correspondence of Adam Smith [1740]

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