“I should like to enlarge a little upon the subject of literary property, on which he has touched, in my opinion, with proper feeling.  Certainly I am a party concerned.  I should like to say something upon the absurd purposes of the Literary Fund, with its despicable ostentation of patronage, and to build a sort of National Academy in the air, in the hope that Canning might one day lay its foundation in a more solid manner. [Footnote:  Canning had his own opinion on the subject.  When the Royal Society of Literature was about to be established, an application was made to him to join the committee.  He refused, for reasons “partly general, partly personal.”  He added, “I am really of opinion, with Dr. Johnson, that the multitudinous personage, called The Public, is after all, the best patron of literature and learned men.”] And I could say something on the other side of the picture, showing that although literature in almost all cases is the worst trade to which a man can possibly betake himself, it is the best and wisest of all pursuits for those whose provision is already made, and of all amusements for those who have leisure to amuse themselves.  It has long been my intention to leave behind me my own Memoirs, as a post-obit for my family—­a wise intention no doubt, and one which it is not very prudent to procrastinate.  Should this ever be completed, it would exhibit a case directly in contrast to D’Israeli’s view of the subject.  I chose literature for my own profession, with every advantage of education it is true, but under more disadvantages perhaps of any other kind than any of the persons in his catalogue.  I have never repented the choice.  The usual censure, ridicule, and even calumnies, which it has drawn on me never gave me a moment’s pain; but on the other hand, literature has given me friends; among the best and wisest and most celebrated of my contemporaries it has given me distinction.  If I live twenty years longer, I do not doubt that it will give me fortune, and if it pleases God to take me before my family are provided for, I doubt as little that in my name and in my works they will find a provision.  I want to give you a ‘Life of Wesley.’  The history of the Dissenters must be finished by that time, and it will afford me opportunity.”

During the year 1813 the recklessness of the younger Ballantyne, combined with the formation of the incipient estate at Abbotsford, were weighing heavily on Walter Scott.  This led to a fresh alliance with Constable, “in which,” wrote Scott, “I am sensible he has gained a great advantage”; but in accordance with the agreement Constable, in return for a share in Scott’s new works, was to relieve the Ballantynes of some of their heavy stock, and in May Scott was enabled “for the first time these many weeks to lay my head on a quiet pillow.”  But nothing could check John Ballantyne.  “I sometimes fear,” wrote Scott to him, “that between the long dates of your bills and the tardy settlements of the Edinburgh trade, some difficulties will occur even in June; and July I always regard with deep anxiety.”  How true this forecast proved to be is shown by the following letter: