The letters have been transcribed as accurately as possible from the original manuscripts or (in a few instances) from typescript copies made later, probably at the behest of Smith’s biographers, J. S. Black and G. W. Chrystal. For the most part the handwriting is commendably clear, although Smith’s informal correspondence is often hastily scrawled and contains minor slips in spelling as well as occasional obscurities. WRS was often idiosyncratic in his use of initial capitals and no attempt has been made to alter his inconsistencies in this respect. Punctuation similarly is reproduced as faithfully as possible, although some very minor emendations have been silently introduced to assist the reader.
The transcription of letters sent to and from the Continent posed greater difficulties since lightweight paper, written on both sides, was regularly used in the interests of economy, and the decipherment of those has at times proved daunting. Irresolvable obscurities are indicated in the notes.