the sole proprietor of the work, and yet in no degree the author of it.  One may believe, at least, that Mr Robins, having aided in drawing up the materials for publication, and having furnished some pieces for it, was entrusted with the disposal of it to the booksellers; Mr Walter himself, for value received; or other considerations, abandoning all further concern.  Some importance has been attached to a letter from Lord Anson to Mr Robins, as preserved by Dr Wilson, and published, as he says, by his lordship’s permission, or, to use his own expression, “Printed not without the noble lord’s consent; who,” says the doctor, “being requested to permit that this testimony might be exhibited to the world of his lordship’s esteem for Mr Robins, replied, in the politest manner, That every thing in his power was due to the memory of one who had deserved so well of the public.”  That Mr Robins deserved well of the public was unquestionable, though he had not written a line of the Narrative.  He had published several works on subjects of general utility; and, besides his private instructions in beneficial science, he had been employed officially in the service of his country:  In short, he needed not any thing of the reputation of the author of the Narrative, whoever he was, to extend his own.  But does the letter referred to, or the quotation now given respecting Lord Anson’s permission to publish it, in any degree determine the question, or any thing connected with it?  The Editor has a different opinion of it; he thinks it quite irrelevant—­that it does not yield the least shadow of proof, that Mr Robins had any thing to do with the volume of the Narrative, already given to the public.  All that can be legitimately inferred from it amounts to this, that Lord Anson, entertaining a high opinion of Mr Robins, and being much pleased with his works, was desirous that he should publish a second volume of the Voyage, and apprehended that he had abandoned the intention of doing so.  Of the fact of Mr Robins being the author of what had appeared, or even of the existence of materials for a second volume in a state fit for the public notice—­of any thing, in short, but an intention on the part of Mr Robins to this effect, the letter in question says not a word.  Let the reader judge for himself.  The letter is as follows:—­

“DEAR SIR,

“When I last saw you in town, I forgot to ask you, whether you intended to publish the second volume of my “Voyage” before you leave us; which, I confess, I am very sorry for.  If you should have laid aside all thoughts of favouring the world with more of your works, it will be much disappointed, and no one in it more than your very much obliged and humble servant,

Bath, 22d October, 1749.

“ANSON.”

“If you can tell the time of your departure, let me know it.”