ct.

_Mr. W.E. Gladstone to John Murray_.

13 CARLTON HOUSE TERRACE, _April_ 6, 1842.

My DEAR SIR,

I thank you very much for your kindness in sending me the new number of
the _Quarterly_. As yet I have only read a part of the article on the
Church of England, which seems to be by a known hand, and to be full of
very valuable research: I hope next to turn to Lord Mahon's "Joan of
Arc."

Amidst the pressure of more urgent affairs, I have held no consultation
with you regarding my books and the sale or no sale of them. As to the
third edition of the "State in its Relations," I should think the
remaining copies had better be got rid of in whatever summary or
ignominious mode you may deem best. They must be dead beyond recall. As
to the others, I do not know whether the season of the year has at all
revived the demand; and would suggest to you whether it would be well to
advertise them a little. I do not think they find their way much into
the second-hand shops.

With regard to the fourth edition, I do not know whether it would be
well to procure any review or notice of it, and I am not a fair judge of
its merits even in comparison with the original form of the work; but my
idea is, that it is less defective both in the theoretical and in the
historical development, and ought to be worth the notice of those who
deemed the earlier editions worth their notice and purchase: that it
would really put a reader in possession of the view it was intended to
convey, which I fear is more than can with any truth be said of its
predecessors.

I am not, however, in any state of anxiety or impatience: and I am
chiefly moved to refer these suggestions to your judgment from
perceiving that the Fourth Edition is as yet far from having cleared
itself.

I remain always,

Very faithfully yours,

W.E. GLADSTONE.

In the same year another author of different politics and strong
anti-slavery views appeared to claim Mr. Murray's assistance as a
publisher. It was Mr. Thomas Fowell Buxton, M.P., who desired him to
publish his work upon the "Slave Trade and its Remedy."

_Mr. Buxton to John Murray_.

_December_ 31, 1837.

"The basis of my proposed book has already been brought before the
Cabinet Ministers in a confidential letter addressed to Lord
Melbourne.... It is now my purpose to publish a portion of the work, on
the nature, extent, and horrors of the slave trade, and the failure of
the efforts hitherto made to suppress it,