Memoirs of the Life of Sir Walter Scott, Bart.
Walter Scott to John Ballantyne, 14 October 1814
“Abbotsford, Oct. 14, 1814.
“Charles
Erskine wishes his money, as he has made a purchase of land.
This is a new perplexity—for paid he must be forthwith—as his advance was
friendly and confidential. I do not at this moment see how it is to be raised,
but believe I shall find means. In the mean while, it will be necessary to
propitiate the Leviathans of Paternoster-row. My idea is, that you or James should write to them to the following
effect:—That a novel is offered you by the Author of
Waverley; that the author is desirous it should be out before
Mr Scott’s poem, or as soon thereafter as possible; and that
having resolved, as they are aware, to relinquish publishing, you only wish to
avail yourselves of this offer to the extent of helping off some of your stock.
I leave it to you to consider whether you should con-
| LETTERS TO JOHN BALLANTYNE. | 323 |
descend on any particular work to offer
them as bread to their butter—or on any particular amount—as L.500. One thing
must be provided, that Constable shares
to the extent of the Scottish sale—they, however, managing. My reason for
letting them have this scent of roast meat is, in case it should be necessary
for us to apply to them to renew bills in December. Yours,
W. S.”
James Ballantyne (1772-1833)
Edinburgh printer in partnership with his younger brother John; the company failed in the
financial collapse of 1826.
John Ballantyne (1774-1821)
Edinburgh publisher and literary agent for Walter Scott; he was the younger brother of
the printer James Ballantyne.
Archibald Constable (1774-1827)
Edinburgh bookseller who published the
Edinburgh Review and works
of Sir Walter Scott; he went bankrupt in 1826.
Charles Erskine of Shielfield (1771-1825)
Scottish Writer to the Signet; he was baron balie of Melrose and sheriff-substitute of
Selkirkshire under Walter Scott.