I am quite sure, that upon the business I am upon now every line will be acceptable, and I therefore make no apology for this hurried despatch. I have just received a parcel from Oliver & Boyd. I transmitted a letter from M. to Wright, and which was for your mutual consideration, to you, viâ Chronometer, last Friday. I afterwards received a note from you, dated Chichester, and fearing from that circumstance that some confusion would arise, I
* The last paragraph in Mr. D’Israeli’s letter refers to ‘The Life of Paul Jones,’ which has been already mentioned. As the novel, ‘Aylmer Papillon,’ written in 1824, was never published, the preface to ‘Paul Jones’ was Benjamin’s first appearance as an author. Mr. Murray sent a copy of the volume to Allan Cunningham—then Mr. Chantrey’s manager and secretary. Mr. Cunningham, when acknowledging its receipt, said: “It contains much curious and instructive matter, and stamps anew on my mind the character of the man. His love of literature, his thirst for fame, his inflexible temper, his heroic bravery, and his vanity, which was superior to all. With the particulars of his life I am intimately acquainted. He was born in my native place [Blackwood, Dumfriesshire], and his journals and letters, which are both interesting and numerous, are in the possession of his nieces. I have several of his letters myself.” Allan Cunningham afterwards wrote a work on the pirate hero, entitled ‘Paul Jones: a Romance,’ perhaps the best of his works of fiction. |
| JOHN GIBSON LOCKHART. | 195 |
I am very much obliged to you for your letters; but I am very sorry that you have incurred any trouble, when it is most probable that I shall not use them. The Abbotsford and Chiefswood families have placed me on such a friendly and familiar footing, that it is utterly impossible for me to leave them while there exists any chance of M.’s going to England. M. has introduced me to most of the neighbouring gentry, and receives with a loud laugh any mention of my return to Edinburgh. I dined with Dr. Brewster the other day. He has a pretty place near Melrose. It is impossible for me to give to you any written idea of the beauty and unique character of Abbotsford. Adio!
