Life And Correspondence Of David Hume - free ebook by John Hill Burton

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Life And Correspondence Of David Hume

John Hill Burton

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LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF DAVID HUME.

LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF DAVID HUME.

FROM THE PAPERS BEQUEATHED BY HIS NEPHEW TO THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH; AND OTHER ORIGINAL SOURCES. By JOHN HILL BURTON, Esq. ADVOCATE. VOLUME I. EDINBURGH: WILLIAM TAIT, 107, PRINCE'S STREET. MDCCCXLVI. EDINBURGH: Printed by William Tait , 107, Prince's Street. TO THE PRESIDENT AND COUNCIL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH, THIS WORK IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY THEIR MOST OBEDIENT HUMBLE SERVANT, J. H. BURTON....

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ADVERTISEMENT.

ADVERTISEMENT.

In this work, an attempt has been made to connect together a series of original documents, by a narrative of events in the life of him to whom they relate; an account of his literary labours; and a picture of his character, according to the representations of it preserved by his contemporaries. The scantiness of the resources at the command of previous biographers, and the extent and variety of the new materials now presented to the world, render unnecessary any other apology for the present pub

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CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER I.

1711-1734. Æt. 0-23. Birth—Parentage—His own account of his Ancestors—Local associations of Ninewells—Education—Studies—Early Correspondence—The Ramsays—Specimen of his early Writings—Essay on Chivalry—Why he deserted the Law—Early ambition to found a School of Philosophy—Letter to a Physician describing his studies and habits—Criticism on the Letter—Supposition that it was addressed to Dr. Cheyne—Hume goes to Bristol. David Hume was born at Edinburgh, on the 26th of April, [1:1] 1711. He was th

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CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.

1734-1739. Æt. 23-27. Hume leaves Bristol for France—Paris—Miracles at the Tomb of the Abbé Paris—Rheims— La Flêche —Associations with the Abbé Pluche and Des Cartes—Observations on French Society and Manners—Story of La Roche—Return to Britain.—Correspondence with Henry Home—Publication of the first and second volume of The Treatise of Human Nature—Character of that Work—Its Influence on mental Philosophy. We have no account of Hume's sojourn in Bristol, except his own very brief statement, tha

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CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.

1739-1741. Æt. 27-29. Letters to his friends after the publication of the first and second volume of the Treatise—Returns to Scotland—Reception of his Book—Criticism in "The Works of the Learned"—Charge against Hume of assaulting the publisher—Correspondence with Francis Hutcheson—Seeks a situation—Connexion with Adam Smith—Publication of the third volume of the Treatise—Account of it—Hume's notes of his reading—Extracts from his Note books. Immediately after the publication of his work we find

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CHAPTER IV.

CHAPTER IV.

1741-1745. Æt. 30-34. Publication of the Essays, Moral and Political—Their Character—Correspondence with Home and Hutcheson—Hume's Remarks on Hutcheson's System—Education and Accomplishments of the Scottish Gentry—Hume's Intercourse with Mure of Caldwell and Oswald of Dunnikier—Opinions on a Sermon by Dr. Leechman—Attempts to succeed Dr. Pringle in the Chair of Moral Philosophy in Edinburgh. A small duodecimo volume, the first of the "Essays Moral and Political," was published at Edinburgh in 17

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CHAPTER V.

CHAPTER V.

1745-1747. Æt. 34-36. Hume's Residence with the Marquis of Annandale—His Predecessor Colonel Forrester—Correspondence with Sir James Johnstone and Mr. Sharp of Hoddam—Quarrel with Captain Vincent—Estimate of his Conduct, and Inquiry into the Circumstances in which he was placed—Appointed Secretary to General St. Clair—Accompanies the expedition against the Court of France as Judge-Advocate—Gives an Account of the Attack on Port L'Orient—A tragic Incident. Hume's history of his residence with the

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CHAPTER VI.

CHAPTER VI.

1746-1748. Æt. 35-37. Hume returns to Ninewells—His domestic Position—His attempts in Poetry—Inquiry as to his Sentimentalism—Takes an interest in Politics—Appointed Secretary to General St. Clair on his mission to Turin—His journal of his Tour—Arrival in Holland—Rotterdam—The Hague—Breda—The War—French Soldiers—Nimeguen—Cologne—Bonn—The Rhine and its scenery—Coblentz—Wiesbaden—Frankfurt—Battle of Dettingen—Wurzburg—Ratisbon—Descent of the Danube—Observations on Germany—Vienna—The Emperor and Em

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CHAPTER VII.

CHAPTER VII.

1748-1751. Æt. 37-40. Publication of the "Inquiry concerning Human Understanding"—Nature of that Work—Doctrine of Necessity—Observations on Miracles—New Edition of the "Essays, Moral and Political"—Reception of the new Publications—Return Home—His Mother's Death—Her Talents and Character—Correspondence with Dr. Clephane—Earthquakes—Correspondence with Montesquieu—Practical jokes in connexion with the Westminster Election—John Home—The Bellman's Petition. Early in the year 1748, and while he was

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CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER VIII.

1751-1752. Æt. 40-41. Sir Gilbert Elliot—Hume's intimacy with him—Their Philosophical Correspondence—Dialogues on Natural Religion—Residence in Edinburgh—Jack's Land—Publication of the "Inquiry concerning the Principles of Morals"—The Utilitarian Theory—Attempt to obtain the Chair of Moral Philosophy in Glasgow—Competition with Burke—Publication of the "Political Discourses"—The foundation of Political Economy—French Translations. Foremost in that body of accomplished gentlemen, whose friendship

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CHAPTER IX.

CHAPTER IX.

1752-1755. Æt. 41-44. Appointment as keeper of the Advocates' Library—His Duties—Commences the History of England—Correspondence with Adam Smith and others on the History—Generosity to Blacklock the Poet—Quarrel with the Faculty of Advocates—Publication of the First Volume of the History—Its reception—Continues the History—Controversial and Polemical attacks—Attempt to subject him, along with Kames, to the Discipline of Ecclesiastical Courts—The Leader of the attack—Home's "Douglas"—The first Ed

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APPENDIX A. FRAGMENTS OF A PAPER IN HUME'S HANDWRITING, DESCRIBING THE DESCENT ON THE COAST OF BRITTANY, IN 1746, AND THE CAUSES OF ITS FAILURE.[441:1]

APPENDIX A. FRAGMENTS OF A PAPER IN HUME'S HANDWRITING, DESCRIBING THE DESCENT ON THE COAST OF BRITTANY, IN 1746, AND THE CAUSES OF ITS FAILURE.[441:1]

The forces under Lieutenant General St. Clair consisted of five battalions, viz. the first battalion of the 1st Royal, the 5th Highlanders, 3d Brag's, 4th Richbell's, 2d Harrison's, together with part of Frampton's, and some companies of Marines, making in all about 4500 men. The fleet consisted of . Though this army and fleet had been at first fitted out for entering upon action in summer 1746, and making conquest of Canada, it was found, after several vain efforts to get ou

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I.—LETTERS FROM MONTESQUIEU TO HUME.[456:2]

I.—LETTERS FROM MONTESQUIEU TO HUME.[456:2]

J'ai reçu Monsieur, comme une chose très précieuse, la belle lettre que vous m'avez fait l'honneur de m'écrire au sujet de mon ouvrage. Elle est remplie de réflexions si judicieuses et si sensées, que je ne sçaurois vous dire à quel point j'en ai été charmé. Ce que vous dites sur la forme dont les jurés prononcent en Angleterre, ou en Ecosse, m'a surtout fait un grand plaisir, et l'endroit de mon livre où j'ai traité cette matière est peut-être celui qui m'a fait le plus de peine, et où j'ai le

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II.—LETTERS FROM THE ABBÉ LE BLANC TO HUME.

II.—LETTERS FROM THE ABBÉ LE BLANC TO HUME.

Referred to in vol. i. p. 366 , and p. 408 . Monsieur ,—La traduction de vos discours politiques, que j'ai l'honneur de vous envoyer, est la preuve la plus éclatante que je pouvois vous donner de l'estime que j'en fais; vous en serez peut-être plus content si j'avois été à portée de profiter de vos lumières. Je vous prie, et votre intérêt s'y trouve comme le mien, de me faire la grâce de la lire avec attention, et de m'avertir des endroits, ou malgré toute l'attention que j'y ai apportée, j'auro

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I.—CORRESPONDENCE.

I.—CORRESPONDENCE.

Hume to ——. Edinburgh, August 16, 1760. Sir ,—I am not surprised to find by your letter, that Mr. Gray should have entertained suspicions with regard to the authenticity of these fragments of our Highland poetry. The first time I was shown the copies of some of them in manuscript, by our friend John Home, I was inclined to be a little incredulous on that head; but Mr. Home removed my scruples, by informing me of the manner in which he procured them from Mr. Macpherson, the translator. These two

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II. ESSAY ON THE GENUINENESS OF THE POEMS.[471:2]

II. ESSAY ON THE GENUINENESS OF THE POEMS.[471:2]

I think the fate of this production the most curious effect of prejudice, where superstition had no share, that ever was in the world. A tiresome, insipid performance; which, if it had been presented in its real form, as the work of a contemporary, an obscure Highlander, no man could ever have had the patience to have once perused, has, by passing for the poetry of a royal bard, who flourished fifteen centuries ago, been universally read, has been pretty generally admired, and has been translate

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LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF DAVID HUME.

LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF DAVID HUME.

FROM THE PAPERS BEQUEATHED BY HIS NEPHEW TO THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH; AND OTHER ORIGINAL SOURCES. By JOHN HILL BURTON, Esq. ADVOCATE. VOLUME II. EDINBURGH: WILLIAM TAIT, 107, PRINCE'S STREET. MDCCCXLVI. EDINBURGH: Printed by William Tait , 107, Prince's Street....

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CHAPTER X.

CHAPTER X.

1756-1759. Æt. 45-48. The second volume of the History of the Stuarts—His Apologies for his Treatment of Religion—The Four Dissertations—The Two Suppressed Dissertations—Resigns his Office of Librarian—Home's Douglas—Commences the History of the Tudors—Wilkie's Epigoniad—Hume's Nationalism—Warburton—Colonel Edmondstoune—Dr. Robertson—Negotiations as to Ferguson's Chair—Hume goes to London—Writes letters of Fictitious and Extravagant News—Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiments—Publication of the Hist

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CHAPTER XI.

CHAPTER XI.

1760-1762. Æt. 49-51. Alterations of the History in the direction of Despotic Principles—Specimens—Alterations in Style—Specimens—His Elaboration—Ossian's Poems—Labours at the early part of the History—Ferguson's "Sister Peg"—Acquaintance with Madame de Boufflers—Account of that lady—First intercourse with Rousseau—Rousseau's position—The exiled Earl Marishal—Campbell and his Dissertation on Miracles. We have seen, from various indications in Hume's letters to his friends, that he employed himse

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CHAPTER XII.

CHAPTER XII.

1762-1763. Æt. 51-52. The Publication of the History anterior to the Accession of the Tudors—Completion of the History—Inquiry how far it is a complete History—Hume's Intention to write an Ecclesiastical History—Opinions of Townsend and others on his History—Appreciation of the Fine Arts—Hume's House in James's Court—Its subsequent occupation by Boswell and Johnson—Conduct of David Mallet—Hume's Projects—The Douglas Cause—Correspondence with Reid. In 1762 there was published, in two quarto volum

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CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIII.

1763-1764. Æt. 52-53. Lord Hertford's appointment to the French Embassy, and invitation to Hume to accompany him—Correspondence on the occasion—Residence in London, and remarks on the Political Movements of 1763—State of his reputation in France—His Arrival—Letters to friends at home about his flattering reception—The young French princes—Observations on eminent French people—His recommendations to a Clergyman—Introductions of Fellow Countrymen. On the conclusion of the treaty of 1763, the Marqu

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CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.

1764-1765. Æt. 53-54. The French and English Society of Hume's day—Reasons of his warm reception in France—Society in which he moved—Mixture of lettered men with the Aristocracy— Madame Geoffrin — Madame Du Page de Boccage — Madame Du Deffand — Mademoiselle De L'Espinasse — D'Alembert —Turgot—The Prince of Conti—Notices of Hume among the Parisians—Walpole in Paris—Resumption of the Correspondence—Hume undertakes the management of Elliot's sons—Reminiscences of home—Mrs. Cockburn—Adam Smith— Mada

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CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.

1765-1766. Æt. 54-55. Hume's Sentiments as to the Popularity of his works—A letter to the Scottish Clergy—Correspondence with Elliot continued—Sir Robert Liston—Mallet—Hume appointed Secretary of Legation— Chargé d'Affaires at Paris—Proposal to appoint him Secretary for Ireland—Reasons of the Failure of the Project—Lord Hertford—Resumption of Communication with Rousseau—Rousseau in Paris—Notices of his History and Character—Hume's solicitude for his welfare—Return to Britain—Disposal of Rousseau

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CHAPTER XV.

CHAPTER XV.

1766-1767. Æt. 55-56. Rousseau at Wooton—Mr. Davenport—Negotiations as to Rousseau's pension—Origin and rise of his excitement against Hume—Proper method of viewing the dispute—Incidents illustrative of Rousseau's state of mind—His charges against Hume—Smith's opinion—Opinion of the French friends—Hume's conduct in the publication of the papers—Voltaire—Rousseau's flight and wanderings—Hume's subsequent conduct to him. The place where Rousseau found a retreat, was the mansion of Wooton in Derbys

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CHAPTER XVI.

CHAPTER XVI.

1766-1770. Æt. 55-59. Hume Under Secretary of State—Church Politics—Official abilities—Conduct as to Ferguson's book—Quarrel with Oswald—Baron Mure's sons—Project of continuing the History—Ministerial convulsions—Hume's conduct to his Family—His Brother—His Nephews—Baron Hume—Blacklock—Smollett—Church Patronage—Gibbon—Robertson—Elliot—Gilbert Stuart—The Douglas Cause—Andrew Stewart—Morellet—Return to Scotland. The quarrel with Rousseau seems to have so fully occupied the attention of Hume, durin

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CHAPTER XVII.

CHAPTER XVII.

1771-1776. Æt. 60-65. Hume's social character—His conversation—His disposition—Traditional anecdotes regarding him—Correspondence—Letter about the Pretender—Gilbert Stuart's quarrel with Dr. Henry—Commercial State of Scotland—Letter to his nephew on Republicanism—Smith's "Wealth of Nations"—Hume's illness—His Will—Smith appointed Literary Executor—Strahan substituted—His journey to England with Home—Prospects of Death—Communications with his Friends and Relations—His Death—General view of his in

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ERRATA.

ERRATA.

Vol. i. p. 361, for Harrison read Harrington . Vol. ii. p. 14, in the reference in the note, p. 246, read p. 216. —— p. 215, for protégé read protégée . Page 1 : Nationalism—Warburton—Colonel Edmondstoune[original has "Edmonstoune"] Page 44 : and that a man cannot[original has "connot"] employ himself Page 57 : more decisive than he used[original has "uses"] to be in its favour Page 58 : he would put the Duke of Buccleuch[original has "Buccleugh"] Page 58 : conclude with—Your humble servant.[ori

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