With regard to the fourth edition, I do not know whether it would be well to procure any review or notice of it, and I am not a fair judge of its merits even in comparison with the original form of the work; but my idea is, that it is less defective both in the theoretical and in the historical development, and ought to be worth the notice of those who deemed the earlier editions worth their notice and purchase:  that it would really put a reader in possession of the view it was intended to convey, which I fear is more than can with any truth be said of its predecessors.

I am not, however, in any state of anxiety or impatience:  and I am chiefly moved to refer these suggestions to your judgment from perceiving that the Fourth Edition is as yet far from having cleared itself.

I remain always,

Very faithfully yours,

W.E.  GLADSTONE.

In the same year another author of different politics and strong anti-slavery views appeared to claim Mr. Murray’s assistance as a publisher.  It was Mr. Thomas Fowell Buxton, M.P., who desired him to publish his work upon the “Slave Trade and its Remedy.”

Mr. Buxton to John Murray.

December 31, 1837.

“The basis of my proposed book has already been brought before the Cabinet Ministers in a confidential letter addressed to Lord Melbourne....  It is now my purpose to publish a portion of the work, on the nature, extent, and horrors of the slave trade, and the failure of the efforts hitherto made to suppress it, [Footnote:  See “Life of W.E.  Forster,” ch. iv.] reserving the remainder for another volume to be published at a future day.  I should like to have 1,500 copies of the first volume thrown off without delay.”

The book was published, and was followed by a cheaper volume in the following year, of which a large number was sold and distributed.

The following letter illustrates the dangerous results of reading sleepy books by candle-light in bed: 

Mr. Longman to John Murray.

2 HANOVER TERRACE, 1838.

MY DEAR MURRAY,

Can you oblige me by letting me have a third volume of “Wilberforce”?  The fact is, that in reading that work, my neighbour, Mr. Alexander, fell fast asleep from exhaustion, and, setting himself on fire, burnt the volume and his bed, to the narrow escape of the whole Terrace.  Since that book has been published, premiums of fire assurance are up, and not having already insured my No. 2, now that the fire has broken out near my own door, no office will touch my house nor any others in the Terrace until it is ascertained that Mr. Alexander has finished with the book.  So pray consider our position, and let me have a third volume to make up the set as soon as possible.

Mr. Murray had agreed with the Bishop of Llandaff to publish Lord Dudley’s posthumous works, but the Bishop made certain complaints which led to the following letter from Mr. Murray: