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270.: ricardo to mill2[Answered by 273] - David Ricardo, The Works and Correspondence of David Ricardo, Vol. 7 Letters 1816-1818 [1816]

Edition used:

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.

Part of: The Works and Correspondence of David Ricardo, 11 vols (Sraffa ed.)

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.


270.

ricardo to mill2
[Answered by 273]

My dear Sir

I should have written to you some days ago, but I was desirous of informing you of the progress I had made in the procuring of a seat in Par.∼t. I have however waited for no purpose for I know no more about it than I did when you communicated to me the contents of the letter which you received at Gloucester.1 —I called twice last week at Mr. Brougham’s residence in St. James’ Square, the last time on friday but he was not then come to London. On saturday I sent him a few lines by the Post telling him where I was, and expressing my readiness to attend him whenever he should require it. As I have not received an answer and as my solicitor has not heard from Lord P.’s solicitor, it is probable that Mr. Brougham is still enjoying his rustic amusements. I do not know that my presence or absence can be of the least importance—you have acquainted Mr. Brougham with my consent to the terms proposed, and it now lies with my solicitor to see that all is right and secure. A general dislike I find prevails against Irish securities from the extreme difficulty of getting the legal remedies put in force, when from necessity or choice a borrower refuses to pay the interest for which he is engaged.2

I very quickly followed you to London from Gloucester. On monday morning I went in due form to meet Mr. Justice Holroyd, attended him and the other judge to the Cathedral and then into court. Osman had mentioned to Mr. Hicks and others my fears concerning my brother, and of my intention to go to London immediately after the Assizes. This passed from one magistrate to another and as soon as they had an opportunity of speaking to me they strongly recommended me to mention the case to Sir W Garrow. I did, and he instantly insisted on my leaving Gloucester, and assured me that my presence was not necessary,— accordingly I immediately set off for Gatcomb, and the next morning accompanied Mrs. Ricardo in her journey to this place, where we arrived at night.—I found my brother Moses much less ill than I had expected—he was not considered here to be in danger, and although he continues very weak I should pronounce him decidedly better now than when I came. He gets little sleep at nights, and can bear very little food without feeling intolerable oppression, which appeared to be his chief complaint. He has now left off all medicine, and contents himself, notwithstanding he has appetite, with the smallest allowance of light food, and the effect is very marked and promising. His spirits are very much mended, and I think he is decidedly advancing in recovery.—His mind is at ease about his business—We have got an able man to conduct it for him for the present and have a scheme to enable him to quit it altogether,—in which case he will retire to Bath, and live on the moderate income which he will possess.

I intend staying here till monday next when I shall again direct my steps towards Gatcomb, and shall expect to see its appearance much improved by the rain which has lately fallen. I hope that you are pleased with the country about your present residence and that you found Mrs. Mill and all your young family well.

Ever Yrs.

David Ricardo

[2 ]Addressed: ‘James Mill Esqr. / Professor Wallace’s / Royal Military College / Bagshot’.

MS in Mill-Ricardo papers.

Mill was ‘on a visit to his old friend Mr. Wallace, then one of the Mathematical Professors at Sandhurst’ (J. S. Mill, Autobiography, p. 18).

[1 ]Ricardo and Mill had gone to Gloucester on Friday, 28 August. See above, p. 292, and below, next paragraph.

[2 ]On 2 Sept. 1818 Ricardo’s solicitor T. Crosse had written to him: ‘I was duly favored with your Letter as to a proposed advance to Lord Portarlington but have not yet seen his Solicitor on the subject. There is a general prejudice here against Irish securities’. (MS in R.P.)