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Front Page arrow Titles (by Subject) arrow 412.: mcculloch to ricardo1[Reply to 407 & 409.—Answered by 416] - The Works and Correspondence of David Ricardo, Vol. 8 Letters 1819-June 1821

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412.: mcculloch to ricardo1[Reply to 407 & 409.—Answered by 416] - 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.


412.

mcculloch to ricardo1
[Reply to 407 & 409.—Answered by 416]

My Dear Sir

I am truly ashamed at my delay in acknowledging receipt of your two letters and of the packet containing your notes on Mr. Malthus late work—The truth is, however, that during the last few days I have been exceedingly occupied; so much so indeed that hitherto I have been able to read only a few pages of your manuscript—But in a few days I shall have more leisure, and then I shall immediately set about studying your notes with that attention to which everything coming from your pen is so justly entitled—From what I have already read I am certain I shall derive much instruction as well as pleasure from their perusal.

Though Mr. Jeffrey would not allow me to review Mr. Malthus book, he has requested me to write an article on Accumulation which I have undertaken,2 and where I shall endeavour to refute the absurd and pernicious maxims which Mr. Malthus has inculcated in that part of his work—

Party feeling is much more strongly excited in this city, and throughout Scotland generally, at this moment than at any former period in my recollection—The Tories have the monopoly of power, but, on the other hand, the Whigs have nearly a monopoly of talent, and possess the confidence of a vast majority of the citizens—For my part I am exceedingly anxious for the advancement of a liberal administration to power, not because I think they would adopt many of those measures which the circumstances of the country seem imperiously to demand, but because they would be more conciliatory in their conduct towards the people, and because they would certainly reform the Scots burgh system—You can have no idea how debasing an engine this is—And I am sure that if you were practically acquainted with the nature of our institutions, you would be astonished we have any independence at all—Cannings resignation will be a severe blow to ministers1 ; still however those amongst us here who are best informed about those matters are of opinion that they will still be able to keep their ground—

Have you seen Godwins work on Population?2 I have looked into it, and I do not think I ever saw a more miserable performance—It would be dooing it far too much honour to take the least notice of it—

Wishing you many happy returns of this festive season, I am with the greatest esteem and regard

Yours most faithfully

J. R. McCulloch

[1 ]Addressed: ‘David Ricardo Esq M.P. / Gatcomb Park / Minchinhampton / Gloucestershire’.

MS in R.P.Letters of McCulloch to Ricardo, VII.

[2 ]Edinburgh Review, March 1821, Art. VI, ‘Effects of Machinery and Accumulation’.

[1 ]Canning had resigned the Presidency of the Board of Control in order to dissociate himself from the Government’s proceedings against the Queen.

[2 ]See above, p. 291, n. 3.