Volume 1 - Electric Scotland

Peter's letters. 219
expressions of the most inimitable beauty— quite enough to
interest all men of letters.
Sir W. S. is in very high feather. I have read two volumes
of the ' Pirate,' which is quite charming—as fresh and lively as
ever.
The first independent publication (after the trans-
lation of Schlegel) by which Lockhart made himself
known — though always under the shelter of the
Anonymous, a veil which of course was easily pene-
trable by those whose opinion was of any importance
—was the lively piece of contemporary history known
as ' Peter's Letters to his Kinsfolk.' We find the first
sketch of it in the following communication :
I saw James Ballantyne yesterday, and sounded him a little
about Dr Morris. He seems to say he would stake all his credit
on the Doctor's success. Scott also writes in great terms touch-
ing the Doctor. On the whole, I do think that the writing of
the book might be soon accomplished, and would be singularly
pleasant in the doing. 3 volumes 12mo, size of 'Waverley.'
1st vol., Edinburgh town described. [Here follows a detailed
account of contents, including sketches of the most notable
persons in Edinburgh, Scotch Education, Scotch Church, &c.,
the 2nd volume taking Glasgow for its subject.] Vol. 3rd to
be written chiefly by Wilson, and to contain accounts of the
Doctor's tours into the Highlands, Tweeddale, and along the
Clyde.
All this to be done immediately, currente calamo, on smooth
paper. What do you think on't ? I think it would do much
in every way, and reflect much credit if successful on your
Magazine. Let me, therefore, hear what you say.
There could be little doubt what Mr Blackwood
would say. His eager mind leapt at every feasible
literary project, and no doubt he spurred on the
writer with all the force of sympathy and encouragement.
It was a book entirely concerned with what
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