MOLESWORTH (Sir William, 8th Baronet, 1810-1855, Politician in the Coalition Cabinet of the Earl of Aberdeen from 1853 as First Commissioner of Works and then Secretary of State for the Colonies)

Autograph Letter Signed to S. L. Levison, saying he is “much flattered and gratified by your polite letter. I was aware that an attempt has been made to raise a cry against me for having edited the works of Hobbes. I am grieved at it, not on account of any personal insults, but as evincing the bigotry and intolerance which unhappily prevails amongst certain portions of this country, and which mistakes the efforts of those, who have... at heart the intellectual as well as the economical progress of the nation. If my constituents reject me for having shown due reverence for one of our most illustrious thinkers I shall not complain, but sorrow for their sakes at the reproach, which such a proceeding will cast upon them in the estimation of all enlightened men in this country and elsewhere. Wherever a fitting opportunity occurs I shall tell them plainly my opinion on this subject, and appeal to their good sense and hope to make an impression on them...”, 4 sides 8vo., with original autograph envelope signed

Molesworth was born in London and succeeded to the baronetcy in 1823. He was educated privately before entering St John's College, Cambridge. Moving to Trinity College, he fought a duel with his tutor, and was sent down from the university. He also studied abroad and at Edinburgh University for some time. Molesworth was a member of the London Electrical Society. In 1839 he commenced and carried to completion, at a cost of £6000, a reprint of the entire miscellaneous and voluminous writings of Thomas Hobbes, which were placed in most of the English university and provincial libraries. The publication did him great disservice in public life, his opponents endeavouring to identify him with the freethinking opinions of Hobbes in religion as well as with the philosopher's conclusions in favour of despotic government. From 1841 to 1845 he had no seat in parliament, but in 1842 served as High Sheriff of Cornwall.

Item Date:  1840

Stock No:  41837      £175

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