On printed notepaper, 21 Maxwell Street, Glasgow. - He and Hedderwick are taken aback by Buchanan's note to Mrs Gray. Houghton should see the enclosed correspondence soon, including Macmillan's 'kind, practical letter'; has arranged it by date for Maclehose to number.
Belle Hill, Bexhill. - Astonished by Mrs Gray's attitude which is very different from her late husband's; will send poems directly to Lord Houghton but warns that some will damage David Gray's reputation; offended by doubts as to his best intentions and wishes to sever connection with the Grays and 'an atmosphere in which I breathe so painfully'.
Merkland, Kirkintilloch. - Glad Buchanan's publisher [Alexander Strahan] entrusts the new edition [of her son's works] to Macmillan; asks Buchanan to return David's work to Mr Freeland for assessment by Lord Houghton, Mr Hedderwick and Sheriff Bell; hopes Buchanan will assist in promoting the book when it is published; [no signature].
On printed notepaper, Herald Office, Glasgow. - Buchanan now reports that Strahan has decided Macmillan had better retain the poems; holding a pen still painful.
On printed notepaper, Herald Office, Glasgow. - Since seeing Logan, has been ill with a fever 'like lightning on the brain'. Buchanan writes that Strahan now offers two thirds of the profits from publication of David Gray's poems; asks Logan to consider in the light of Macmillan's offer, and indicate decision.
On printed notepaper, Herald Office, Glasgow. - Robert Buchanan wishes to publish David Gray's poems through Strahan. Mrs Gray should consult Matthew or David Buchanan before deciding.
Belle Hill, Bexhill. - His regard for her late husband. Recommends his publisher Strahan for the new edition of her son's poetry; Freeland will explain terms. Offers any other help he can.
On printed notepaper for 21 Maxwell Street, Glasgow. - Mrs Gray brought the enclosed notes from Buchanan and Freeland. Logan does not think Buchanan is reliable: some time ago Miss James advised David Gray's late father to delay publishing a new edition but recommended Buchanan, to whom many manuscripts were sent; hopes Macmillan can undertake publication instead as Logan does not wish to be associated with Buchanan.
On printed notepaper, Macmillan and Co... 16 Bedford Street, Covent Garden, W.C., London. - Buchanan cannot publish [David Gray's poems] without Mrs Gray's consent. Macmillan could offer her say £50 for the rights and a royalty per copy sold; no great profits anticipated, but David Gray could be dissociated from Buchanan's mediocrity. The late father's alleged authorisation might be a problem; asks if it is worth wrangling over; perhaps Buchan could edit the poems under supervision to curb his vulgarity. Possible purchase of copyright by David Gray's Glasgow friends. Postscript: might call with [W. Aldis] Wright; 'We are going to walk down from London to Glasgow & beg our way'.
82 Elmwood Street.
Includes verse: 'How quick fly the days, and the months, and the years...'
The Limes, Barnsley.
Tanshelf Lodge, Pontefract.
Dunkeld [gives permanent address as Ackworth at end of letter].
15 Chapel Street, Park Lane, W.
19 York Terrace, Regent's Park.
Lord Warden Hotel, Dover.
Lord Warden Hotel, Dover.
The Homestead, Roundhay, Leeds [on headed notepaper of Leeds Liberal Club].
Ferrybridge.
Netherby, Longtown, Cumberland.
Ferrybridge, Normanton.
Holmesfield.
Hyrstlands, Dewsbury.
The Homestead, Roundhay, Leeds [on headed notepaper of Leeds Liberal Club].
Gledhow Hall, Leeds.
Cairo.
Crewe Green Vicarage, Crewe.
Wrenbury, Nantwich.
Bartholmley Rectory, Crewe.
The Rectory, White Roothing, Dunmow, Essex.