Volume 1 - Electric Scotland

ALARM OF MESSRS BALDWIN AND CRADOCK. 135
time since the arrival of the copies to read the number, we were
entirely ignorant of the nature of the article of which he com-
plained ; but, on examining it, we certainly think that it con-
tains expressions which ought not to have been used. Being a
convicted libeller himself, Mr Leigh Hunt has little right to
complain of such attacks ; but, as it is utterly contrary to our
principles and conduct to, publish them, we cannot but seriously
regret that our names should be affixed to the Magazine con-
taining the one in question. It appears that Mr John Hunt's
object in calling was to demand that we should endeavour to
procure for him the name of the writer of the article. We told
him that we thought it very unlikely that we should be successful
in such an attempt ; but that if he would state his demand
in writing, we would send it to you. He immediately, in our
house, wrote the annexed, which we hasten to transmit.
Whatever answer you may think proper to send in satisfaction
to Mr Hunt, we expect that you will make it clear that we have
no knowledge of the writer, and that we had none of the article
itself till it was printed : for, whatever our opinion may be of
Mr Hunt, we surely cannot sanction the publication of such an
article under our name. On the present occasion we shall
merely add, that our continuing the agency in London of your
Magazine must entirely depend upon its being free from per-
sonalities on the moral character of any individual.
Mr Blackwood's reply was, we fear, not exactly in
accordance with fact ; but there are recognised fictions
in such cases which a man is almost compelled to
accept whether he wishes to do so or not. He hastens
to clear the character of his respectable correspondents
from every shadow of blame :
—
W. Blackwood to Messrs Baldwin, Cradock, & Co.
It is quite unnecessary for me to say anything with regard
to your utter ignorance of the article in question till after you
had received the Magazine; and, as I never wrote you one
syllable as to the contents of this number, you were equally
ignorant both of the tendency of any of the articles or by
whom they were written.