' 339# 



very extensive circle of acquaihtance both at home and abroad ; among 

 whom are to be found many persons of the most distinguished ranks 

 in society, as well as of the highest eminence in science and learning. 

 In many instances, indeed, the letters addressed to Mr Hume are 

 little more than complimentary expressions of homage to an illustri- 

 ous writer, and derive any interest they possess from the evidence 

 they afford of the extensive diffusion of his fame as a philosopher and 

 historian. But the greater and more valuable part of the collection 

 consists of the correspondence of those with whom he lived on terms 

 of intimate friendship, to whom he was in the habit of communicating 

 his thoughts and feelings with a singular degree of openness and play- 

 ful simplicity, and by whom he appears to have been beloved and ca- 

 ressed with a fondness of attachment that affords the most pleasing 

 testimony to the truthfulness and amiability of his character in pri- 

 vate life, and a striking contrast to the impressions that may have 

 been received by those to whom Mr Hume is known only in his 

 metaphysical and historical writings. The letters, in general, are 

 not controversial or discursive ; there are occasionally introduced dis- 

 cussions on topics of permanent interest ; but even in his correspond- 

 ence with those to whom his peculiar opinions were the most offen- 

 sive, there prevails the same mutual kindliness and forbearance with 

 which he appears to have inspired his more intimate associates. 



Such being the general character and description of the papers in 

 question, it appears to your Conmiittee that the value they possess is 

 chiefly to be derived from the illustrations they might furnish of the 

 literary history of Mr Hume. Whatever diversity of opinion may 

 exist as to the tendency of his philosophical or political speculations, 

 it must on all hands be admitted that he has attained, and must con- 

 tinue to occupy, a station in the literature of his country that cannot 

 fail to make the formation of his character and the pronrress of his 

 literary labours to be regarded as objects of more than ordinary in- 

 terest. In that view, these papers may be justly esteemed of great 

 value. The series is indeed very imperfect, and probably its defects 

 cannot now be fully supplied from any other sources ; but enough is 

 preserved to throw some curious and interesting lights on even the 

 earliest period of Mr Hume's career ; and the materials may here 

 be found for tracing his subsequent progress through life with the 

 most minute accuracy. 



In what manner these materials ought now to be employed, is a 

 question which, to your Clommittee, appears to be of considerable 

 difficulty. In the terms of Baron Hume's bequest, no particular 



