The name of Robert Owen is but little remembered now, but at the early part of the century he attained some notoriety from his endeavours to reform society.  He was manager of the Lanark Cotton Mills, but in 1825 he emigrated to America, and bought land on the Wabash whereon to start a model colony, called New Harmony.  This enterprise failed, and he returned to England in 1827.  The following letter is in answer to his expressed intention of adding Mr. Murray’s name to the title-page of the second edition of his “New View of Society.”

John Murray to Mr. Robert Owen.

September 9, 1817.

DEAR SIR,

As it is totally inconsistent with my plans to allow my name to be associated with any subject of so much political notoriety and debate as your New System of Society, I trust that you will not consider it as any diminution of personal regard if I request the favour of you to cause my name to be immediately struck out from every sort of advertisement that is likely to appear upon this subject.  I trust that a moment’s reflection will convince which I understand you talked of sending to my house.  I beg leave again to repeat that I retain the same sentiments of personal esteem, and that I am, dear Sir,

Your faithful servant,

JOHN MURRAY.

Among the would-be poets was a young Quaker gentleman of Stockton-on-Tees who sent Mr. Murray a batch of poems.  The publisher wrote an answer to his letter, which fell into the hands of the poet’s father, who bore the same name as his son.  The father answered: 

Mr. Proctor to Mr. Murray.

ESTEEMED FRIEND,

I feel very much obliged by thy refusing to publish the papers sent thee by my son.  I was entirely ignorant of anything of the kind, or should have nipt it in the bud.  On receipt of this, please burn the whole that was sent thee, and at thy convenience inform me that it has been done.  With thanks for thy highly commendable care.

I am respectfully, thy friend,

JOHN PROCTOR.

The number of persons who desired to publish poetry was surprising, even Sharon Turner, Murray’s solicitor, whose valuable historical works had been published by the Longmans, wrote to him about the publication of poems, which he had written “to idle away the evenings as well as he could.”  Murray answered his letter: 

John Murray to Mr. Sharon Turner.

November 17, 1817.

I do not think it would be creditable to your name, or advantageous to your more important works, that the present one should proceed from a different publisher.  Many might fancy that Longman had declined it.  Longman might suspect me of interference; and thus, in the uncertainty of acting with propriety myself, I should have little hope of giving satisfaction to you.  I therefore refer the matter to your own feelings and consideration.  It has afforded me great pleasure to learn frequently of late that you are so much better.  I hope during the winter, if we have any, to send you many amusing books to shorten the tediousness of time, and charm away your indisposition.  Mrs. Murray is still up and well, and desires me to send her best compliments to you and Mrs. Turner.