Life and Correspondence of David Hume, Volume 2 — Edition Insights

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Authors: Burton, John Hill, 1809-1881, Hume, David, 1711-1776 [Contributor] Digital Source: Project Gutenberg Gutenberg Release Year: 2013 First Publication Year: Not confirmed

Key Word: Hume, David, 1711-1776; Philosophers -- Great Britain -- Biography Target Reader: Readers of public-domain and historical texts

Book Edition: Project Gutenberg digital edition Book Language: en

Edition facts

Words 185,013

Reading time 805 min

Text sections 26

Life and Correspondence of David Hume, Volume 2 — Edition Insights can be approached with a clearer sense of reading commitment from its source measurements: 185,013 words, 13 hr 25 min estimated reading time, and 26 detected text sections.

The text analysis averages about 21.6 words per sentence, while the detected sections provide another way to judge how the source is divided.

Project Gutenberg metadata also associates the work with “Hume, David, 1711-1776,” connecting these edition facts with the source record’s subject description.

Source: Project Gutenberg record #42844

Burton's second volume of Hume's life and letters traces the philosopher's later years through correspondence, focusing on his diplomatic career, historical revisions, and intellectual networks, with excerpts revealing his personal voice and political maneuvering.

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not the only suppression connected with the publication of the Dissertations. As at first printed, they were preceded by an affectionate and laudatory dedication to John Home. Before the edition was published, this dedication was suppressed; because Hume thought it might injure his friend, in the estimation of his brethren of the church. Before the edition was sold, however, Hume desired the dedication to be restored. This step was probably owing to Home having intimated to him his design of resigning his charge as minister of Athelstaneford, which he did in June, 1757. This not only removed the objection to the dedication, but as it severed the dramatic martyr from his professional brethren, it made him more dependant on the sympathy and suffrages of other friends, and rendered Hume's testimony to his merits more valuable.

He thus writes on this subject to Smith.

HUME _to_ ADAM SMITH.

[16:1]"DEAR SMITH,--The dedication to John Home, you have probably seen; for I find it has been inserted in some of the weekly papers, both here and in London. Some of my friends thought it was indiscreet in me to make myself responsible to the public, for the productions of another. But the author had lain under such singular and unaccountable obstructions in his road to fame, that I thought it incumbent on his wellwishers to go as much out of the common road to assist him. I believe the composition of the dedication will be esteemed very prudent, and not inelegant.

"I can now give you the satisfaction of hearing that the play, though not near so well acted in Covent Garden as in this place, is likely to be very successful. Its great intrinsic merit breaks through all obstacles. When it shall be printed, (which will be soon,) I am persuaded it will be esteemed the best, and by French critics the only tragedy of our language! This encouragement will no doubt engage the author to go on in the same career. He meets with great countenance in London, and, I hope, will soon be rendered independent in his fortune.

"Did you ever hear of such madness and folly as our clergy have lately fallen into? For my part, I expect that the next Assembly will very solemnly pronounce the sentence of excommunication against me; but I do not apprehend it to be a matter of any consequence; what do you think?

"I am somewhat idle at present, and somewhat undetermined as to my next undertaking. Shall I go backwards or forwards in my History? I think you used to tell me, that you approved more of my going backwards. The other would be the more popular subject; but I am afraid that I shall not find materials sufficient to ascertain the truth--at least, without settling in London, which, I own, I have some reluctance to. I am settled here very much to my mind; and would not wish, at my years, to change the place of my abode.

"I have just now received a copy of 'Douglas' from London; it will instantly be put in the press. I hope to be able to send you a copy in the same parcel with the dedication."[18:1]

HUME _to_ ANDREW MILLAR.

"_Edinburgh, 20th January, 1757._

"DEAR SIR,--The dedication of my Dissertations to Mr. Hume[18:2] was shown to some of his friends here, men of very good sense, who were seized with an apprehension that it would hurt that party in the church, with which he had always been connected, and would involve him, and them of consequence, in the suspicion of infidelity. Neither he nor I were in the least affected with their panic; but to satisfy them, we agreed to stand by the arbitration of one person, of great rank and of known prudence; and I promised them to write to you to suspend the publication for one post, in case you should have resolved to publish it presently. Next post you shall be sure to hear from me; and if we be obliged to suppress it, you'll be pleased to place the charges of print and paper to my account. I indorse this day your two bills to Mr. Alexander Cunningham. I am," &c.

Early in 1757, Hume resigned his office of librarian of the Advocates' Library. As a verbal intimation of his wishing to leave this situation was not considered satisfactory, he favoured his learned employers with the following laconic letter:--

"_Edinburgh, January 8, 1757._

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The volume opens with Hume in his mid-forties, deep in the revision of his History of England and the composition of the Four Dissertations. Burton’s narrative weaves together letters and editorial commentary, giving readers direct access to Hume’s own words on his work and reputation. The correspondence reveals a man acutely aware of his public image, as when he notes the “hard pull” required to secure his embassy secretaryship, and his satisfaction at a salary of £1200 a year “without dedication or application.”

These letters are not merely biographical supplements; they are the primary evidence for Hume’s character and concerns. Burton’s role is that of a curator, selecting and arranging documents to illuminate the philosopher’s later career. The reader is thus invited to read the volume as a documentary history, where the narrative is built from the ground up by the participants themselves.

Hume’s Own Voice in the Letters

The excerpts from Hume’s correspondence are the most vivid part of the volume. In a letter announcing his appointment as secretary to the embassy, he writes with a blend of self-deprecation and pride: “in spite of Atheism and Deism, of Whiggism and Toryism, of Scoticism and Philosophy, I am now possessed of an office of credit.” The tone is playful yet pointed, revealing a man who knows his reputation and enjoys defying expectations. He also expresses gratitude to a “certain lady” who interceded with the Duke of Bedford, adding a personal dimension to the political narrative.

These letters are not merely records of events; they are performances. Hume crafts his persona for each correspondent, whether jesting about his philosophical enemies or detailing the “confusions in the court.” The reader should attend to these shifts in register, as they reveal the social intelligence behind the historian’s public face.

Burton’s Editorial Framework

Burton does not let the letters speak entirely for themselves. He inserts contextual paragraphs that guide interpretation, often with a critical edge. For instance, after quoting Hume’s letter about his appointment, Burton notes that “it is probable that this appointment was impeded by more difficulties than Hume himself could see.” He then cites a parliamentary complaint about the embassy being “totally of Scotch complexion,” showing the political resistance Hume faced.

Burton also draws on later authorities, such as Lord Brougham, who praised Hume’s “business-like talents” and “capacity for affairs” based on examination of embassy correspondence. This layering of voices—Hume’s, Burton’s, and external commentators—creates a polyphonic text. The reader must navigate between primary source and editorial gloss, a process that mirrors the historian’s own craft.

The Texture of Hume’s Historical Revisions

Though the excerpts focus on diplomatic affairs, the chapter headings remind us that this period was one of intense historical writing. Burton details Hume’s alterations to the History in the direction of “despotic Principles,” with specimens of stylistic changes. The reader is told of Hume’s “elaboration” and his labours on the early part of the history, as well as his intention to write an ecclesiastical history.

These references are tantalizingly brief in the excerpts, but they establish a key theme: Hume’s historical work was never finished. He revised his own text repeatedly, responding to criticism and changing his views. The correspondence likely contains further evidence of this process, and the reader should watch for letters that discuss specific revisions or reactions to his critics.

Networks and Patronage in the Republic of Letters

The volume documents Hume’s extensive network of correspondents and patrons. The letter about his appointment names the Earl of Hertford, the Duke of Bedford, and a mysterious “certain lady,” illustrating the patronage system that enabled his career. Burton also mentions Hume’s acquaintance with Madame de Boufflers, his first intercourse with Rousseau, and his correspondence with Reid.

These relationships were not merely social; they were intellectual and political. Hume’s position as chargé d’affaires involved negotiations on Canada and Dunkirk, matters of state that required diplomatic skill. The excerpts show him dealing with “slippery and evasive ministers,” and Burton’s citation of Lord Brougham confirms that Hume’s despatches were “clearly and ably written.” The reader gains a sense of Hume as a man of affairs, not just a philosopher.

This volume rewards a reader who moves slowly, attending to the interplay between letter and commentary. The excerpts offer only a sample; the full correspondence contains many more such moments. To read it well is to watch a historian constructing his own legacy, one letter at a time.

Reading Burton’s volume, I kept thinking how Hume’s letters feel like a quiet hand on your shoulder—so much living between the lines of policy and friendship. It reminded me of that feeling in The City of God, Volume I — Context and Discussion, where history’s weight turns strangely intimate. Both left me sitting still, not quite ready to close the book.