On printed notepaper for 21 Maxwell Street, Glasgow. - Macmillan has agreed to publish a new edition of David Gray's poems at his own risk for Mrs Gray's benefit. Mr Maclehose received the enclosed letters Nos. 1-3 in the Isle of Man and later a reply from Macmillan [No. 4]. Nos. 5-6 are Mr Freeland's replies to letters from Logan concerning possible publication by Strachan [sic]. Nos. 7-8 are Mrs Gray's letter to Buchanan and his reply. No. 9 is Logan's own note to Maclehose. Mrs Gray is happy for Macmillan to publish an enlarged edition of her son's poems: he has offered her £30 extended over three years but she retains the copyright. Asks Houghton to comment and return the enclosures. Postscript: the eldest son Matthew appears to be dying of consumption.
Printed notepaper for 21 Maxwell Street, Glasgow. - Encloses note from eldest surviving son of Mrs Gray [mother of poet David Gray]; financial support of the family; Macmillan's have not returned David Gray's MS; Mr Maclehose thinks they will not publish any more of his work. Asks Houghton to enquire after the MS for Mrs Gray's sake. Postscript: Macmillan's promised to bring out another volume from which Mrs Gray should receive £30, but perhaps it should not be urged now.
Enclosed: letter, 12 Nov. 1869, from Andrew Gray to William Logan: has obtained the £6 from the Bank; very grateful to Logan and other friends for looking after their interests. Merkland, 1 f.
Printed notepaper for 21 Maxwell Street, Glasgow. - Mr. [Alexander?] Macmillan has written to say he does not plan to publish another volume of David Gray's poems; MS will be returned via Mr. Maclehose; will consider what is best for the Gray family.
Including re publication of David Gray's poems.
On printed notepaper for 21 Maxwell Street, Glasgow. - Is glad the inscription for David Gray's memorial is to be little altered, though preferred first draft. Sheriff Bell and Mr Maclehose approved version received this morning and Mr Hedderwick has printed it; encloses copies, including the only printed copy of original draft [no longer present]. David Gray's dates have now been added, a poignant last touch by the three most deeply involved in his case.
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'.
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, 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.