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281.: To DR. JAMES MENTEATH - 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.


281.

To DR. JAMES MENTEATH

  • Address: The Revd Dr James Menteath of Closeburn, Closeburn Castle, Dumfries Shire

MS., GUL Gen. 1464/2; Scott 306.

My Dear James

Your Letter gave my very great pleasure as it both informed me of your good health and as it gave me the hope of seeing you here in the end October or beginning of November. Millar seldom comes into Glasgow till the beginning of November; but he will be able to receive your son1 and you at his country house, just as conveniently as at his town house; and you and he may speculate about his farm.2

Poor Miss Douglas3 has been confined to her bed now for some time. Without any hope of recovery she preserves her usual spirit and Chearfulness, directs the affairs of the family, which she expects to leave in a few days, with as much care and distinctness as ever; and tho’ sorry to part with her friends, seems to die with satisfaction and contentment, happy in the life that she has spent, and very well pleased with the lot that has fallen to her, and without the slightest fear or anxiety about the change she expects so soon to undergo.

We are much obliged to you for your Game; but do not send any more. Nobody in the family can eat them and we do not at present entertain Strangers. About the end of the first week of September Miss Douglas said to me, If you do not receive Game in a day or two from your friend Monteath I shall believe that he is either not well or not in the Country. They arrived next day.

Remember me to the Ladies and the young Gentleman and believe me to be with the greatest love and regard

My Dear James ever yours,

Adam Smith

[1 ]See Letter 243 addressed to Menteath, dated 22 Feb. 1785.

[2 ]Professor John Millar’s country house was Milheugh, in Blantyre. In Glasgow he occupied a University house.

[3 ]Janet Douglas, Smith’s cousin and housekeeper.