ch I like exceedingly. But
as the whole put together is very short and will not make a
volume even of the _smallest size_, I have been advised by
some very good judges to annex some of his letters to me on
political subjects. What think you of this? I will do
nothing without your advice and approbation, nor would I for
the world publish any letter of his but such as in yr.
opinion would do him honour. Mr. Gibbon thinks such as I
have shown him would have that tendency. Now if you approve
of this in any manner, you may perhaps add partly to the
collection from your own cabinet and those of Mr. John Home,
Dr. Robertson, and others of your mutual friends which you
may pick up before you return hither. But if you wholly
disapprove of this scheme say nothing of it, here let it
drop, for without your concurrence I will not publish a
single word of his. I should be glad, however, of your
sentiments as soon as you can, and let me know at the same
time as nearly as may be what day you purpose to be in
London, for I must again repeat to you that without your
approbation I will do nothing.

Your proposal to print the next edition of your work in 4
vols. octavo at _our_ expense and to divide the Profits is a
very fair one, and therefore very agreeable to Mr. Cadell
and me. Enclosed is the List of Books delivered to you of
the 1st edit.

My wife and daughter join kindest compliments to your
amiable Parent, who, I hope, is still able to enjoy your
company, which must be her greatest comfort.--Dear sir,
your faithful and affectionate humble servant,

WILL. STRAHAN.

LONDON, _26th November 1776_.[269]

The following is Smith's reply:--

DEAR SIR--It always gives me great uneasiness whenever I am
obliged to give an opinion contrary to the inclination of my
friend. I am sensible that many of Mr. Hume's letters would
do him great honour, and that you would publish none but
such as would. But what in this case ought principally to be
considered is the will of the Dead. Mr. Hume's constant
injunction was to burn all his Papers except the _Dialogues_
and the account of his own life. This injunction was even
inserted in the body of his will. I know he always disliked
the thought of his letters ever being published. He had been
in