A handwritten letter from Scottish economist Adam Smith was a highlight of Bonhams' Books, Maps, Manuscripts and Historical Photographs auction on June 18, selling for £37,500 ($63,852).
The lot (which dates to 1783) is addressed to an English MP and promises to address questions relating to future trade with America once his other duties are adjourned.
 Economist Adam Smith wrote the letter in 1783 |
He displays a good sense of humour (for an economist), writing: "When you do me the honour to write to me, Be so good as to direct to me Commissioner of the Customs.
"I once had the vanity to flatter myself that I was the only Adam Smith in the world; but to my unspeakable mortification, there are two or three others of the same name in this town, and my letters are sometimes gone wrong".
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