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.
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, Herald Office, Glasgow. - Robert Buchanan wishes to publish David Gray's poems through Strahan. Mrs Gray should consult Matthew or David Buchanan before deciding.
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. - Buchanan now reports that Strahan has decided Macmillan had better retain the poems; holding a pen still painful.
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].