“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 |