An Original Handwritten Letter Signed by Scottish Surgeon and Radical MPJoseph Hume to Levi Leone. Dated 1850. The letter reads: “Sir, I thank you for the letter dated yesterday, and the copy of the Printed Address of Prince Albert on the advantages of a ‘general Commercial Code of Laws for the Civilised World’. You will recall, in the interviews that I had with you here, I stated my views on that subject entirely in accordance with yours; and everything that has come to my knowledge since then only confirms the opinions then stated. If we could promote our language and one currency in Europe we would carry further the advantages of Commerce and extend its benefits to the European World. And the efforts you are making for one Code of Commercial Laws for the World will be a great stretch towards the object. In the single object of Quarantine although the best informed men in Europe are satisfied that the injury to Commerce and the additional charge on the products of trade are greater than any advantage which the most sanguine man now looks to from the exporting system, yet the selfish views of some, and the ignorance of other states continue the system. The practise of Confirmers in England to promote scarce and general knowledge, at practical returns is now admitted to prove highly advantageous for these purposes, and to bring the literary and scientific men together and augmented, and these also have led to Conferences on the subject of Slavery, and on the Settlement of National Disputes by means of Arbitration – all of which are productive of benefits of the World, ‘tho benefits may be almost imperceptible. I think a Conference for the consideration of the Commercial Code may with great advantage be held after you have prepared they ay by the work you have commanded, and… If you will point out, in what way I can forward the Object, I shall be ready to do so and remain…”. Joseph Hume 1777-1855 was a Scottish surgeon and Radical MP. Levi Leone, 1821-1888. English jurist and statistician. His chief work, History of British Commerce and of the Economic Progress of the British Nation, 1763-1870, is considered to be a partisan account of British economic development. Size is 190mm x 110mm. Condition is good. Light folding creases. Light seperation loss to centre fold not affecting the text.