Memoir of John Murray
John Murray to William Blackwood, 27 November 1818
Your letter has occupied my whole morning. Nothing can be
worse than your inattention to so important a matter. Even at this late period
you omit to send me any
![]()
![]()
| 492 | MEMOIRS OF JOHN MURRAY | |
![]()
one document on which counsel can form an opinion. What is
the accusation? What can you prove? How you could let it fall in this manner at
your door I cannot conceive; but I have done the best I can. . . I have had a
long consultation with Mr. Turner, and I
have sent after, and searched myself after, the works which the fellow has
written. Mr. Turner will write to-night. To neglect such a
thing as this when three-fourths of the talent of the Bar are in hostility to
you, and when any jury will be prejudiced against you, is very reprehensible.
The magazine is very far superior to the former one, and is liked by everyone
who has seen it; but at my leisure I shall write more particularly respecting
it. In the meantime I am collecting some excellent articles, which shall be
sent on Monday.
Most truly yours,
I hope they will arrive in time, or it is ruin to us as to
effect.
William Blackwood (1776-1834)
Edinburgh bookseller; he began business 1804 and for a time was John Murray's Scottish
agent. He launched
Blackwood's Magazine in 1817.
John Murray II (1778-1843)
The second John Murray began the
Quarterly Review in 1809 and
published works by Scott, Byron, Austen, Crabbe, and other literary notables.
John Russell, first earl Russell (1792-1878)
English statesman, son of John Russell sixth duke of Bedford (1766-1839); he was author
of
Essay on the English Constitution (1821) and
Memoirs of the Affairs of Europe (1824) and was Prime Minister (1865-66).
Sharon Turner (1768-1847)
Attorney, historian, and writer for the
Quarterly Review; he wrote
History of the Anglo-Saxons, 4 vols (1799-1805).
