Econlib

The Library

Other Sites

 Front Page arrow Titles (by Subject) arrow 237.: To [WILLIAM STRAHAN] - Glasgow Edition of the Works and Correspondence Vol. 6 Correspondence of Adam Smith

Return to Title Page for Glasgow Edition of the Works and Correspondence Vol. 6 Correspondence of Adam Smith

Search this Title:

237.: To [WILLIAM STRAHAN] - Adam Smith, Glasgow Edition of the Works and Correspondence Vol. 6 Correspondence of Adam Smith [1740]

Edition used:

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.

About Liberty Fund:

Liberty Fund, Inc. is a private, educational foundation established to encourage the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals.


237.

To [WILLIAM STRAHAN]

MS., Pennsylvania Historical Society; Scott 290.

Custom–house, Edinburgh, 10 June 1784

My Dear Sir

I return you the Proof1 which, indeed, requires little correction, except in the pointing, and not much in that. I received the fair sheets by the Coach, and sent Robertson of Dalmenie2 his parcel, I [am] much pleased with the Paper and letter, and am obliged to you for sending the fair sheets rather by the cheap conveyance of the Coach than by the expensive one of the Post. I should be glad, however, to receive the proofs of the Manuscript part by the Post as the speedier conveyance; and if it gives you much trouble to procure franks I shall willingly pay the postage. I should immediately have acknowledged the receipt of the fair sheets; but I had just then come from performing the last duty to my poor old Mother;3 and tho’ the death of a person in the ninetieth year of her age was no doubt an event most agreable to the course of nature; and, therefore, to be foreseen and prepared for; yet I must say to you, what I have said to other people, that the final separation from a person who certainly loved me more than any other person ever did or ever will love me; and whom I certainly loved and respected more than I ever shall either love or respect any other person, I cannot help feeling, even at this hour, as a very heavy stroke upon me. Even in this state of mind, however, it gives me very great concern to hear that there is any failure in your health and spirits.4 The good weather, I hope, will soon reestablish both in their ordinary vigour. My friends grow very thin in the world, and I do not find that my new ones are likely to supply their place. I shall be very anxious to hear from you as soon as your conveniency will permit. Remember me to Mr and Mrs Spottiswood5 and to all other friends and believe me to be

My Dear friend most faithfully and affectionately ever yours

Adam Smith

[1 ]WN ed. 3; see Letter 222 to Cadell, date 7 Dec. 1782, and Nos. 227 and 232 to Strahan, dated 22 May and 20 Nov. 1783, also No. 223 from Cadell, dated 12 Dec. 1782.

[2 ]See Letter 231, n. 4.

[3 ]Smith’s mother, Margaret Douglas, died on 23 May 1784.

[4 ]Strahan did not stand at the general election of 1784 and died on 9 July 1785.

[5 ]John Spottiswoode and his wife Peggy, dau. of William Strahan.