correspond with Constable, assuring him of my willingness to help in any
thing that can get the book out, and I am sure Mr. Thomson will feel the
same interest I have to leave here to-morrow for four months, but as I
am only at Abbotsford I can do any thing that may be referred to me.

'As for Milne's notes, there are many of them that I think worth
preservation as describing and identifying the individuals of whom
Fountainhall wrote, although his silly party zeal makes him, like all
such partizans of faction, unjust and scurrilous.

'I have only to add that the Manuscript is with Mr. Thomson for the
purpose of collation, and that I am sure Constable will be glad to treat
with you on the subject of publication, and that I will, as I have
always been, be most ready to give any notes or illustrations in my
power, the only way I suppose in which I can be useful to the
publication. The idea of retrenching the law cases, which originates
with Thomson, promises, if you entertain it, to remove the only possible
objection to the publication, namely the great expense. My address for
the next four months is, Abbotsford, by Melrose, and I am always, dear
Sir Thomas, very much your faithful, humble servant,

WALTER SCOTT.

_'Edin'r, 10 July 1823.'_

Again on 27th November 1823:--

'Dear Sir Thomas,--I have sent the Manuscript to Mr. Macbean, Charlotte
Square, as you desire. It is a very curious one and contains many
strange pictures of the times. Our ancestors were sad dogs, and we to be