Letter written by Alison Cockburn included in 'Letters and Memoir of Her Own Life', 1899 [Library shelfmark: ABS.2.203.021].
Alison Cockburn (1712-1794) was a Scottish writer who mingled in social circles with many of the Enlightenment intellectuals. Published long after her death in 1794, her letters and memoir demonstrate her position within Edinburgh society and her familiarity with the 'literati'.
In this letter, she is comfortable mocking David Hume whilst revealing an affinity with Rousseau just prior to his estrangement from Hume.