I delayed answering your favour, thinking I could have
overtaken the ‘Dæmonology’ for the Review, but I had no books in the
country where it found me, and since that Swift, who is now nearly finished,
has kept me incessantly labouring. When that is off my hand I will have plenty
of leisure for reviewing, though you really have no need of my assistance. The
volume of ‘Somers’ being now out of my hands I take the liberty to draw at
this date as usual for £105. Now I have a favour to ask which I do with
the more confidence because, if it is convenient and agreeable to you to oblige
me in the matter, it will be the means of putting our connection as author and
publisher upon its former footing, which I trust will not be disagreeable to
you. I am making up a large sum of money to pay for a late purchase, and as
part of my funds is secured on an heritable bond which cannot be exacted till
242 | MEMOIRS OF JOHN MURRAY |
You will understand distinctly that I do not propose that you should advance any part of the money by way of loan or otherwise, but only the assistance of your credit, the bills being to be retired by cash remitted by me before they fall due.