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278.: To DR. ARCHIBALD DAVIDSON - 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:

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278.

To DR. ARCHIBALD DAVIDSON

  • Address: The Reverend, Doctor Archibald Davidson, Principal of the College, Glasgow

MS., Balliol College, Oxford, MS. 421 No. 39: unpubl.

Edinburgh, 16 July 1788

My Dear Sir

Since I received your letter I have again waited upon Baron Moncrief, Baron Gordon, and likewise Mr Loch the remembrancer.1 The delay has been occasioned by a doubt whether there is any precedent of the courts reporting in favour of a lease, to be renewed four years before the expiration of the old Lease, the new lease not to commence till the expiration of the old. If the new Lease was to commence from the date of the Grant, by which four years of the old lease would in effect be given up, they seem to have no doubt. I ventured to say, that, tho’ the other way would certainly be best, the College would be very well contented with the last way, if no better can be done. I meet Mr Loch tomorrow at the Exchequer; when he will either shew me his report, if it is ready, or tell me what it is to be. I shall write you again tomorrow. When I saw him today he had not examined his books so as to be able to ascertain the precedent in question. Every body seems very friendly. Mr Loch wishes to get the matter discussed on Friday, the first day of the term, for very friendly reasons. Remember me most affectionately to all my Colleagues. I am sorry for Clow;2 tho he has dyed in the fulness of years, and I dare to say, perfectly satisfyed and contented with his share of the enjoyments of human life. I ever am

My Dear Sir, Your most faithful, humble Servant

Adam Smith

[1 ]Officials of the Scottish Court of Exchequer; see Letter 286.

[2 ]James Clow (d. 1787), succeeded Smith as Professor of Logic at Glasgow.