Volume 1 - Electric Scotland

DEFIANCE OF ALL COCKNEYS. 2*75
the loss of my chair ; but damn the Cockney if he shall crow
over me ! I do not know what answer you wrote about the
author's name ; but if, on consulting only two or three of my
most judicious friends, Mr L. and you think I should give
my name without being in any predicament, do so by all
means. I saw the passage in the ' Liberal.' But independently
of that I am entitled to call him blackguard at all times, and
I never shall conceal being the writer if my friends think
it would not be exposing myself to a degrading squabble.
As it is, I leave it to Mr L. and yourself. If anybody asks me
my answer. Yes, to be sure. ... In my opinion he has no
action and will fail. Why does he not bring one against you ?
He dare not ; and that will be obvious to a jury if he bring one.
I shall expect to hear progress. Meanwhile let not my name be
withheld, if by giving it you and your best friends think good
can be done.
A second letter follows to a similar effect :
John Wilson to W. Blackwood,
It appears to me that I might write a letter to Mr Cadell
telling him I was ready to give my name on being asked it by
Hunt himself or on being informed that he wanted my name
for his own satisfaction. But that I dislike libel actions, either
as Prosecutor or Defender, I have no sort of objection (an
action excepted) to give my name, — quite the reverse, I
assure you, and neither Cockney nor any one else shall ever
intimidate me either by a blow (!!!!!) or a bluster. If
the knave really asks my name, he shall have it without an
hour's delay.
I am most happy in the thought of seeing you at Elleray,
and on the whole it is better to take no step till you
come up, when either I shall write to Mr Cadell or you be
empowered to let Hunt know that the Name is at his service.
Perhaps that is the best way, as I wish to write no unnecessary
letters. Consult with Mr L. before you leave Edinburgh, and
ask him from me (with thanks for his letters) to write such a
letter from me to Cadell as you think judicious, which bring
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