On receiving the celebrated “Declaration of Westminster” on the Spanish War, Scott wrote to Ellis: 

“Tell Mr. Canning that the old women of Scotland will defend the country with their distaffs, rather than that troops enough be not sent to make good so noble a pledge.  Were the thousands that have mouldered away in petty conquests or Lilliputian expeditions united to those we have now in that country, what a band would Sir John Moore have under him!...  Jeffrey has offered terms of pacification, engaging that no party politics should again appear in his Review.  I told him I thought it was now too late, and reminded him that I had often pointed out to him the consequences of letting his work become a party tool.  He said ’he did not fear for the consequences—­there were but four men he feared as opponents.’  ‘Who are these?’ ‘Yourself for one.’  ’Certainly you pay me a great compliment; depend upon it I will endeavour to deserve it.’  ’Why, you would not join against me?’ ’Yes, I would, if I saw a proper opportunity:  not against you personally, but against your politics.’  ‘You are privileged to be violent.’  ’I don’t ask any privilege for undue violence.  But who are your other foemen?’ ‘George Ellis and Southey.’  The other he did not name.  All this was in great good humour; and next day I had a very affecting note from him, in answer to an invitation to dinner.  He has no suspicion of the Review whatever.”

In the meantime, Mr. Murray continued to look out for further contributors.  Mr. James Mill, of the India House, in reply to a request for assistance, wrote: 

“You do me a great deal of honour in the solicitude you express to have me engaged in laying the foundation stone of your new edifice, which I hope will be both splendid and durable; and it is no want of zeal or gratitude that delays me.  But this ponderous Geography, a porter’s, or rather a horse’s load, bears me down to a degree you can hardly conceive.  What I am now meditating from under it is to spare time to do well and leisurely the Indian article (my favourite subject) for your next number.  Besides, I shall not reckon myself less a founder from its having been only the fault of my previous engagements that my first article for you appears only in the second number, and not in the first part of your work.”

Another contributor whom Mr. Murray was desirous to secure was Mrs. Inchbald, authoress of the “Simple Story.”  The application was made to her through one of Murray’s intimate friends, Mr. Hoppner, the artist.  Her answer was as follows: 

Mrs. Inchbald to Mr. Hoppner. December 31, 1808.