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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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217.

To EDMUND BURKE

MS., Sheffield City Librs,; Burke Corr. v. 9–10.

London, 6 July 1782

My Dear Sir

I cannot go into the Post Chaise1 without writing these few lines to you to tell you how much I approve and admire every part of your conduct, tho’ I feel, perhaps, more than you do, for some of the effects of it.2Tout est perdu horsmis l’honneur, was the saying of Francis the first after the battle of Pavia,3 and when honour is not only perfectly and compleatly saved, but acquired and augmented, all other losses are insignificant.

Remember me in the most respectful and affectionate manner to Mrs Burke and to your Brother.4 I beg likewise to be remembered to My Lord John Cavendish5 and to Mr Frederick Montagu.6 I called yesterday at the Door of the former to return him my most sincere thanks for his politeness and attention. It must afflict every good citizen that any circumstance should occur which could make men of their probity, prudence and moderation judge it proper in these times to withdraw from the service of their country. Farewell, my Dear Friend; I hope we shall soon meet again even in this world in times of more joy and prosperity. I ever am

Most sincerely yours

Adam Smith

[1 ]To return to Scotland.

[2 ]See Smith’s letter of 1 July, above (216).

[3 ]After the battle of Pavia (1525), Francis I is said to have written to his mother, ‘nothing remains to me but honour and life.’

[4 ]Richard Burke (1733–94), a businessman.

[5 ]Lord John Cavendish (1732–96), uncle of the Duke of Devonshire; M.P. for York; had been Chancellor of the Exchequer under Rockingham.

[6 ]Frederick Montagu (1733–1800), M.P. for Higham Ferrers; resigned as a Lord of the Treasury July 1782, and opposed Shelburne’s ministry.

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217.: To EDMUND BURKE - Adam Smith, Glasgow Edition of the Works and Correspondence Vol. 6 Correspondence of Adam Smith [1740]

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