Volume 1 - Electric Scotland

66 WILLIAM BLACKWOOD.
where," but that the existence of the work in question is at this
moment unknown to every human creature except yourself, Mr
Murray, myself, and my brother. As I understand that you
are now at Dalhousie Castle, I think this communication of
sufficient importance to send it after you. I ought to add that
I have this moment received a considerable portion of the MS.
of the work; and that I distinctly pledge the author's word
that the whole will be ready in the month of November.
These anxious excuses and arguments went on for
some days—there being also a secondary question to
discuss in respect to some portion of John Ballan-
tyne's stock which was not according to the bargain,
and for which a hundred pounds was subtracted ac-
cordingly—until at length James Ballantyne wrote
to announce that about two-thirds of the first volume
were to be sent to-morrow evening,—the date is 21st
August : so it is evident that no time had been lost.
Blackwood had requested, with some urgency, that he
might have permission to send the manuscript on to
London.
I have myself [says Ballantyne] read it with the greatest
admiration and delight. The remainder, I think, will be ready
for your inspection about the beginning of next week. I read
your letter about the transmission of the first volume to London
to the author, thinking that the best mode of signifying your
wish, and the causes on which it was founded. The author's
refusal is couched in these words : " Nothing shall induce me
to allow the book to go out of your hands. To send it to London
would hazard things, which I cannot think of risking. Mr
Blackwood's taste is as competent as that of any man to enable
him to come to a just conclusion, and I will not subject the
book to the refusal of another."
Any further application would be needless, I am sure. But I
trust your own judgment will decide you. Few men have a
better.