John Marshall’s politic reception of a work on political economy

Having recently solicited critical comments on a draft paper, I enjoyed reading John Marshall’s comments to an author who had sent him a copy of his book on political economy:

I have read your ‘Thoughts on Political Economy’ with great attention and pleasure, and am gratified that an American has taken up the subject. It is not less important than abstruse, and presents perhaps as many questions, the solution of which, on full investigation, will be different from our impressions on a first view, as any science whatever. You have thought upon it profoundly, and if I am not sure that every proposition you law down is entirely accurate, I am convinced that many are, and that all deserve consideration.

Ltr from John Marshall to Daniel Raymond, Sept. 25, 1821.

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