259.: trower to ricardo1[Answered by 261] - David Ricardo, The Works and Correspondence of David Ricardo, Vol. 7 Letters 1816-1818 [1816]
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The Works and Correspondence of David Ricardo, ed. Piero Sraffa with the Collaboration of M.H. Dobb (Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, 2005). Vol. 7 Letters 1816-1818.
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First published by Cambridge University Press in 1951. Copyright 1951, 1952, 1955, 1973 by the Royal Economic Society. This edition of The Works and Correspondence of David Ricardo is published by Liberty Fund, Inc., under license from the Royal Economic Society.
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259.
trower to ricardo
[Answered by 261]
Unsted Wood—Godalming June 7—1818.
My Dear Ricardo
As I know your inclination will not lead you to be among the first to quit “the flaunting town,” I think I may safely venture to direct this letter to Brook Street; unless, indeed, you should have posted away to assure the Electors of that you are most anxious to devote your life to their interests; and that you are the most incorruptible of Patriots! If you should be engaged in any such good cause, my best wishes attend your success; taking it for granted, that you are not such a radical reformer as your friend Mill; and that you would not support the notable resolutions of Sr. Francis Burdett! Indeed I trust, that even Mill himself would have shrunk from a participation of the Baronets extravagant propositions.—I hear the scene they occasioned in the House was very curious, and that Broughams retort was admirable. The Game he is playing is evidently that of becoming leader of the opposition; and his talents will obtain for him that honor, which he would never procure from the consent of the party. I grieve to see the Restriction Bill was suffered to pass with so little opposition. —In the Commons there was little or no struggle but in the Lords the Speeches of Lords Grenville and Lauderdale appeared very good; and, upon the whole, I liked Lord Lauderdales protests. —When you write pray let me know how your day went off at the former Lord’s.—We are to have a fierce contest for Surrey, and canvassing has been going on actively in this neighbourhood. Dennison is the new Candidate. I shall vote for the old Members, because, although I differ from Ministers in many points, and disapprove much of their policy, yet, I am no friend to triennial parliaments, and find it difficult to coalesce with those, who deprecate the war, and would have secured to Bonaparte his seat on the Throne of France.—
I have been strongly urged by some of my neighbours to stand for Guildford; and, if it had entered into my plans, I think it probable I might have succeeded, at no great expence.—A seat in Parliament is an object well worthy a man’s ambition, and as such is not a matter of indifference to me; but to enjoy it properly would require greater sacrifices than are consistent with my circumstances and situation.— I am surprised Ministers did not suffer the Parliament to run out its time—They could not have lost by the delay, and I think would have gained—As it is I hear the opposition expect to gain 10 or 12 votes.—I should like to see a union between the enlightened and moderate of both parties; and sure I am, that in the present dearth of talent, you could not find among our politicians more wisdom and virtue than are requisite for an efficient administration.—
Pray remember me kindly to Mill—I often think with pleasure of our walks in Kensington Gardens; and when I take my solitary stroll, feel the want of those active and intelligent minds, which amused and instructed me, and excited me to intellectual exertion. How true it is, we are the creatures of circumstances. In the society of men of letters we become enamoured with science, and ambition to be Philosophers. Living with Country Gentlemen, we become accustomed to rural pursuits, and I fear must be contented to become—Farmers!
Adieu My Dear Ricardo let me hear from you soon—and pray remember Mrs. Trower and myself very kindly to Mrs. Ricardo and your family and believe me
Yrs very affectionately
Hutches Trower
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