James MILL (1773–1836), Scottish historian, economist, and p - Lot 65

James MILL (1773–1836), Scottish historian, economist, and philosopher; father of John Stuart Mill. Autograph letter, Westminster, February 25, 1817, to Jean-Baptiste Say in Paris; 2 pages, in-4 format, addressed with a red wax seal; in English. A fine letter to Jean-Baptiste Say regarding Ricardo. He would have much to say to him, if he could see him, and informs him of the work on political economy that David Ricardo has just published [*The Principles of Political Economy and Taxation*, 1817], in which he has taken his research to the point of making important discoveries: “Mr. Ricardo has a work on political economy in press, in which he has, I believe, advanced his inquiries to some important discoveries.” Say will find in it some criticisms of one or two of his opinions, but expressed with all due respect—a respect that no one feels more strongly than Ricardo himself: “You will find in it a few criticisms of one or two of your opinions, but expressed with all the respect to which you are so justly entitled, and which, I am satisfied, no one feels more strongly than Ricardo.” He recommends to him the son of one of his friends, Mr. Wakefield [Arthur Wakefield (1799–1843)], a young naval officer who is coming to France to practice the language; his reluctance to bother a man whose time is precious was overcome by his friend’s insistence; he believes that in half an hour of conversation, Say could advise the young man on how to spend his time and introduce him to the company of young women, with whom he could take walks and converse in French. He thanks him for his kindness toward him; he is suffering from a gout attack and has such a high fever that he can barely see what he is writing…