“I have been greatly surprised by receiving a letter from you to Mr. Orme, complaining of ‘wanton’ and ‘unmanly’ criticism on your publications, in the ‘Literary Gazette;’ and threatening to withhold your advertisements if ‘such practices are continued.’ Of course you are the best judge of the proper mode of managing your own affairs, and you will do in this respect whatever you deem most advantageous. I should be sorry to see you consult your own interest so little as to do what you say.
“With regard to the terms you apply to the reviews, I
am much astonished at them. My feelings towards you are
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“But what increases my wonder, on this occasion, is the want of foundation for the charge. I have just looked at the four last ‘Gazettes,’ and find—
“No. 457.—1. Kitchener’s
Economy of the Eyes.
Commended.
2. Greek Epigrammatica. Highly
praised.
3. Herban, a Poem. Said
to be of much promise.
4. Hubert’s Museum. Praised, for which the author has sent his thanks.
No. 458.—5. Memoirs of Monkeys. Praised.
6. Highest Castle, &c.
Declared what, it is—rubbish.
7. Camisard. Reported to be a respectable
novel.
No. 459.—8. Flora Conspicua. Much commended.
No. 460.—9. Clara Gazul. Commended in a way to sell it.
10. Natural History of the Bible. Highly
praised.
“Thus it appears of your ten publications noticed in last month, nine have been favourably treated, and only one rebuked. In the forthcoming number your ‘Norman History’ will also be highly spoken of; and it really does seem to me, that you cannot have seen the ‘Gazette’ yourself; but must have taken up your opinion from somebody’s assertion, without the least examination or inquiry.
“However, all that I have to say is, that I wish you well, and shall continue to do so; no matter how you act towards the ‘Literary Gazette.’ As for that journal, I will not give up one jot of its fairness, impartiality, or justice, to conciliate all the publishers in London. I am,
