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Front Page arrow Titles (by Subject) arrow 307.: ricardo to trower2[Reply to 304] - The Works and Correspondence of David Ricardo, Vol. 8 Letters 1819-June 1821

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307.: ricardo to trower2[Reply to 304] - David Ricardo, The Works and Correspondence of David Ricardo, Vol. 8 Letters 1819-June 1821 [1819]

Edition used:

The Works and Correspondence of David Ricardo, ed. Piero Sraffa with the Collaboration of M.H. Dobb (Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, 2005). Vol. 8 Letters 1819-1821.

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.


307.

ricardo to trower2
[Reply to 304]

My dear Trower

Your last kind letter ought not to have remained so long unanswered—but my natural indolence conspired with a multiplicity of occupations to induce me to defer writing to you. Besides, the information you gave me that you would be in London, in March, made my negligence appear less unfavourable in my own eyes. Before March actually begins however I must assure you of the pleasure which I shall have in seeing you in London, and I hope you will, on the earliest day you can, announce your arrival to me by presenting yourself in Brook Street at our breakfast hour at half past nine. At that time I am sure to be found, but at any other I may be engaged from home in some of the many objects which now draw my attention.

My efforts have at last been crowned with success, and I am now a seated member of the House of Commons. My introduction there was nowise disagreeable as the ceremony of taking the oaths is not very formidable, and the kind expressions of welcome given to me by my friends set me quite at my ease. I fear that I shall never become a very useful member.—

The inquiry into the state of our currency, and exchanges, is proceeding in both houses very satisfactorily. I have had many conversations with several of the Committees of both Houses—with Lord Grenville, Marquis of Lansdown, Lord King, Mr. Huskisson, Mr. F. Lewis, Mr. Grenfell and others.1 All have a very perfect knowledge of the subject, and all agree that the progress of the public in comprehending the question has been very great. The Bank Directors themselves have improved, and they are far behind every other person. I confidently rely on measures being taken to place our currency in a satisfactory state. I am told that I shall be examined.

Believe me My dear Trower Very truly Yrs

David Ricardo

[2 ]Addressed: ‘Hutches Trower Esqr / Unsted Wood / Godalming’ and franked ‘London March one 1819 David Ricardo’.

MS at University College, London.—Letters to Trower, XXIV.

[1 ]‘Mr Ricardo...had been closeted in the morning with Lord Grenville and Mr Grenfell, discussing various parts of that important subject.’ (13 Feb. 1819, entry in J. L. Mallet’s MS Diary about a dinner at the Marcets with Ricardo.)