DEAR SIR,--I have here fallen upon a great treasure, as I
believe, of historical knowledge; which is, fifteen volumes of
the late King James's Memoirs, wrote all with his own hand. I
shall be able to make use of them for improving and
correcting many passages of my History, in case of a new
edition; which, however, I fancy will not be soon. I am glad
to see public affairs likely to settle in favour of
government. Nobody ever led a more dissipated life than I do
here. Please send to Mr. Stewart, in Buckingham Street, six
copies of the new edition of my History; and two of the last
large paper quarto, all in sheets. Make them carefully up in a
parcel: he is to send them to me. I shall be your debtor for
the quartos. I should be glad to hear from you. My direction
is at the English ambassador's. Excuse my hurry. I beg my
compliments to Mrs. Millar. I am, very sincerely, dear sir,
your most humble servant.
HUME _to_ DR. BLAIR.[180:1]
DEAR DOCTOR,--I write every thing in haste, except on public
affairs, which are the only serious matters I have leisure to
mind: so, excuse this letter, if it prove a scrawl. I approve
very much of your plan for ascertaining the authenticity of
Ossian's Poems; and I doubt not of your success. I do not
think you can publish all the letters you receive, which
nobody would read: a summary of them will do better; but
endeavour to be as particular as you can with regard to names
of persons and passages: for the force of your argument will
be there. I have met here with enthusiasts for Ossian's
poetry; but there are also several critics who are of my
opinion, that, though great beauties, they are also great
curiosities, and that they are a little tedious by reason of
their uniformity.
You desire to know the particulars of my reception here, and
my course of life. I own I write little upon this subject, and
always with some degree of secrecy, both because I wish to
have such intelligence conveyed by others rather than myself,
and because I am somewhat indifferent whether it be conveyed
or not. However, I wrote some circumstances to Robertson,
which I allow him to communicate to you. I suppose this, like
all other violent modes, will pass; and, in the meanwhile, the
hurry and dissipation attending it, gives me more pain than
pleasure. Never was there a stronger instance of the vanity
of human wishes. But this embarrassment proceeds chiefly from
my own fault, and from a vain anxiety to give no offence nor
displeasure to any body.