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.
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 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.
Re memorial to Robert Burns
On printed notepaper for 21 Maxwell Street, Glasgow. - The editor of the influential Herald agreed to send a reporter to cover the inauguration of the David Gray monument; wished Houghton had been present; speeches of Sheriff Bell and Mr Hedderwick; sends copies of Herald [no longer present].
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.
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.
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.
Only has personal autographs of David Gray. William Logan could probably supply one.