I did not answer the letter to which the enclosed alludes,
because its impropriety in all respects rendered it impossible for me to do so
without involving myself in a personal dispute, which it is my anxious
resolution to avoid: and because my determination was fully taken to abide by
what I told you in my former letter, to which alone I can or could have
referred you. You made an express proposition to me, to which, as you have
deviated from it, it is not my intention to accede. The books may remain with
me upon
198 | MEMOIRS OF JOHN MURRAY |