Volume 1 - Electric Scotland

140 WILLIAM BLACKWOOD.
was selling, which was a great consolation ; and Mr
Graham Dalyell (in whose name some one of those in-
corrigible jokers wrote to Leigh Hunt, giving himself
up as the anonymous Z, a laughable but unpardonable
outrage), with his lawsuit, was an advertisement not
perhaps too dearly purchased.
The alarm in the minds of the writers at the be-
ginning of the Dalyell business lest they should be
themselves betrayed, seems to have risen to a con-
siderable height, though they bore the trouble of
their publisher with great equanimity. The follow-
ing correspondence shows the fluctuations of their
feelings. The letters are as usual without date, but
highly characteristic of the disposition and policy of
the moment :
—
John Wilson to W. Blackwood.
All you have to do is to keep up your mind in good fighting
condition. In all you say or do commit neither yourself nor
others, even to the best and most friendly. Infringe this rule,
and you are no longer safe.
If Scott is secured—and I think there is Uttle doubt of that
—all is and must be well. Jefifrey is too knowing a man to
care a straw about the matter. At the same time, be not too
much concerned by anything you hear, nor elated. Let every-
thing take its course, and, above all, let ws speak and act for
ourselves without any word or deed of yours. You should
consult Cranstoun or some other first-rate man about Hunt.
No doubt that is actionable. "Whomsoever you consult retain
in case of an action, and retain nobody but a first-rate man, and
if possible a Whig. Cranstoun, being a Liberal himself, is the
best person. Eetain one only ; and trust to chance for a junior
counsel. A retaining fee is, I suppose, a trifle. Hunt will not,
I think, bring an action, but he could. Speak or write to
Cranstoun before Hunt can apply. Jeffrey, of course, would
not advocate your cause against Hunt. Cockbum might, or