I have been most anxious to hear of Gifford, after his late alarming attack—his state, I find, still is most precarious!
I truly sympathise with you in your important difficulties on the choice of a successor. I am well acquainted with all the objections which may rise even whenever one shall be fixed on—yet some one must; and the earlier the better, that in case Gifford survives, he may have the advantage of consultation and some advice, which the present Editor only can give.
It is in the compass of a hope that Gifford, by close care, may live in the artificial atmosphere of his apartment a considerable time. I have known more than one case—the parties, indeed, were much younger and more perpendicular—where, always in the most imminent danger, they lived many years in an apartment where heat was regulated. I doubt if he has the most skilful medical aid.
In case you fix on an Editor before I see you, let me request you would do it guardedly—so as not to fetter yourself—you may easily do this because you are enabled to make as splendid an offer as the annals of literature ever recorded. It is strange to me that no one should occur to you in your own wide circle, as I imagine it to be. I would, in this dilemma, make a list of the more eminent writers. I would carefully sift that list, at least twice, and then I think you might fix on two or three of whom a trial might be made. What you want is a literary man, with Gifford’s habits. Be cautious of one man whom we know. If Gifford’s state is unequal to overlook the next number, can’t you put the Review in commission, by giving articles to several persons to edit? The Review may be delayed, but it would possibly hurt it, to suspend the publication.
