Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-07-07

L
postponed for fifteen years later. This particular cub.
ject was never resumed but did not abandon thu
idea OF fictitious composition in prose, though de-
termined to give another turn 10 the style OF tho
work Ny early recoecons Of the Highland scene
ry and customs made favorable an sson in tho
poem called the Lady OF the Lake. that induced
to think oil attempting something OF the same kind in
prose- had been good deal In the Highlands at a
time when they much less accessible, and iiuch
less visited than they have been of late years and
acquainted with many OF the old warriors Of lT&5, wbo
were, like most veterans easily induced to fight their
battles again, for the benefit of willing listener
like myself. Il naturally occurred to me, that the an
cien traditions and high spirit Of people, who living
In civilized age and country, retained strong tine
ture of belonging 10 early period OF socic
W must AFFORD subject favourable Tor romance, II il
should not prove curious tale marrod in the telling IL
was with idea OF this kind, that, about the year
1905, threw together about third part of the first
volume OF waverey. TWAS advertised to be publish
ed by the late Mr. John Baliantyns, bookseller in Ed
ioburgh. under tho Of 'Waverley; or tits Fifty
Years since,-a title altered to ''t.s Sixty Years
since, that the actual date OF publication might be made
to correspond with the period in which the scene was
laid Having proceeded far, think, as the 7th chap
ter, Showed my work to critical friend whose opin-
ion was unfavourable; and having then some poeca
reputation, unwilling to risk the loss 81 Ii by at
tempting new style Of composition tho refore threw
aside the work had commenced, without either reuc-
lance or rernonsrance. ought to sdd that thouxa
my ingenious friends sentence ards revers-
ed appeal to the public, be considered as
any impuaton on his good taste; tor the specimen SUBJ
octed TO his criticism did not extend beyond the depar-
ture OF the hero for Scotland and, consequently had
not entered upon the part of the story which was H.
naily found most interesting BE that it may, this
portion of the manuscript was laid aside in the drawers
OF an old writing desk, which, my frat coming
side at Abbotsford in 1871, placed in lumber gar
ret, and entirely forgotten. Thus, though sometimes,
among other literary avosaons. turned my thoughts
the continuation Of the romance which l had com.
mcnced, yet asl could not find what had already
written, after searching such repositories a. were with
in my reach, and too INDECENT to attempt 10 write
anew from memory, as often laid asd. ali thoughts OF
that nature Two circumstances, in particular, recalled
my recoilectons Of the ni aid manuscript These cir
eumstsnces were. the publication Of Mics Edgeworih's
Irish Tales, aud AIR. SCOTS being called on by Mr.
Murray the bookseller, TO edit the posthumous Papers
OF Strut, the antiquary, including the unfinished ro-
nance Of Queen Hoo Halt.
The accident by which the long missed commence
ment OF Waverley (the acorn whence many charm
ing productions have sprung) was recovered heard
years ago: it confirmed by the authors own state
ment
81 happened Chc r.lae9to want sou,o flshins-ac
sie Tor the use OF guest when it occurred to to
search the old writing desk already mentioned, in which
used 10 keep articles of that nature got access TO
u with difficulty; aud. in looking 70. lines and
hies, the long los manuscript presented itself inn
medately set TO work 10 complete it, according to 10Y
original purpose. And here 1 must frankly confess,
that the modo in which conducted the story scarcely
deserved the success which the romance Afterwards
tanned. The tale of Waverey was put together with
so lttuc care, that cannot boast OF having sseched
any distinct plan OF the work. The whole adventures
OF Waverley in his up and down the coun-
try with tho Highland catcran Bean Lean, are mauag
ed without much skill 1t suited best, however the
duce some descriptions Of scenery and rnanners to
which the reality gave an interest which the powers
oil the author might have otherwise failed attain fer
them And though have been in other instances
sinner 10 this Sort do not recollect any OF these
vels, in which have transgressed widely in the
first OF the series"
Sir Walter then refutes the reports thu, ths novel
was ever offered for sale TO any London booksellers it
was published in 1874 rs progress was for some
time slow; but after the FIRST two three months. it,
popularity had increased in degroe which must have
satisfied the expectations of the author, had these been
far moro sanguine than he ever entertained Grea,
anxiety expressed 10 learn the name OF the author
but on this authentic information could be obtained
My original motive for publishing thu work anony
mously, was the consciousness that il expert
ment on tho public taste which might very probably
fail aud therefore there oecaslon take my
self the personal risk of discontinue. For this pur.
pose considerable precautions were used to preserve
seerocy.D
These detailed; and the author proceeds to say
why tho incognito strsnuousiy preserved. &"
am sorry (he says) can give little satisfaction TO que
ries on this subject have already stated elsewhere
tina, render little better for choosing to re.
nsin anonymous, than by saying, with shylock, that
such was my humour 1t will be Observed that had
cot the usual stimulus for desiring personal reputation
tho desire namely TO float amidst the conversation Of
men. or literary fame, whether merited undesery.
ed, had already 80 much might have contented
| mind more ambitious than mine; and in entering ibis
new contest for reputation, might be said ratker 10
endanger what ! had, than to have any considers bic
chance OF acquiring was affected, TOO, by
OF those motives, which, al earlier period OF life,
would doubtless have operated upon me. My friend
ships were formed,--my place in society fixed,-my
! life had attained its middle course. My ccndi
ton in society was higher, perhaps than deserved,
certainly as high as wished and there any
degree OF literary success which could have greatly
altered orimproved my personal condition. | was not
therefore, touched by The spur OF ambition, usually s
muiang such occasions and yeti ought to stand ex-
culpated from the charge OF ungracious unbecomng
Indifference to public applause. did not less feel gra
ttude for the public favour although 1 did not pro-
claim it,as the lover who his MISTRESS favour
in his bosom, is proud hough vain OF possess
ing as another who displays the token Of her grace
upon his bonnet. Ear from such ungracious OF
mind, have seldom felt satisfaction than when,
returning from pleasure voyage, found Waverley in
after the name OF the author. The knowledge that /
had the public appreciation, was like having the proper
y oil hidden treasure not less gratifying to the own
CT than il all the world knew that il was his own
Another advantage was connected with the secrecy
which observed. could appear, or retreat from the
stage at pleasure, without attracting any personal
ce or attention, other than what might be founded on
suspicion only. iDmy person, Also a succe SAUL
author in another department OF literature might have
lie patience; but the Author Of WaverIey was in this
respect smpassbIe to The critic the Ghost Of Ham
let 10 the partisan Of Marceus Perhaps the curios-
~ OF the public Iiiaed by the existence Of secret
and kept aoat by the discussion witch took place on
the subject from time 10 time, went good way 10 main
tain an undated interest in these frequent publications.
There was mystery concerning the author which each
new novel was expected to assist in unravelng, al
though II might in other respects rank lower than its
iectation, SHOULD aege Of my silence
secret dislike to enter personal discussions concern
ing my literary labours. IL is in every danger.
Gus intercourse for author 10 be dwelling continual