Weekly national intelligencer., 1848-10-21
WASHINGTON IRvING's SKETCH BOOK.
FROM THE "xsrcKEHBocKEn" roa OCTOBER.

PUTNAM, Publisher, Broadway, New York, has
issued an elegant new edition, revised of Washing-
ton hring's Sketch Book. Nothing, of course,
need be said of work which has " stamped itself
upon the age, and to all time" but the history Of
its production is of such interest that we give it en-
tire, from the early sheets of the volume, kindly
loaned US by the publisher:
The following papers, with two exceptions, written in
England AMI formed but part Of an intended series for which
had made totes and memorandums Before could mature
pan however, circumstances compelled me to send them
pecemea tc the United Sates where they published
from time toime in portions or numbers 1t was not my in
tenton to publish them in England, being conscious that
much Of he contents could be interesting only 10 American
readers, and in truth being deferred by the severity with
which American productions had been treated by the British
press.
By the tine the contents Of the first volume had appeared
in this occasional they began find their
the Atlantic, md to be inserted, with many kind encomu
in the Londor Literary Gazette. It said also that Lon
don to publish them in collective form.
determined therefore bring them forward myself that they
might at least the benefit Of my superintendent and
vision accadingly took the printed numbers which had
received from tie United States Mr. John Murray, the emil
nen publisher, from whom had already received friendly
tentons, and M them with him for examination, informing
him that shout he be inclined to bring them before the pub
ic had maeias enough hand for a second volume.
Several days having elapsed without any communication from
Mr. Murray, ad1essed note to him. in which construed
bis silence into tt rejection of my work. and begged that
the numbers had left with him might be returned to
The following was his reply
"Mr Dean SIR entreat you to believe that feel truly
obliged by your kind intentions toward me, and that enter
tain the ungned respect for your most tasteful talents
My house is completely filled with wokpeope at this time,
and have only Office to transact business I'M and yeer
day was wholly occupied, should have done myself the
pleasure Of seeing you.
al would suit to engage in the publication Of
your present work. it is only because do that scope
in the Of which would enable make those
tsfactory accounts between without which really feel
satisfaction in engaging but will do all to promote
their circulation, and shall be most ready to attend to any m
ture plan of yours.
With much regard remain, dear sir, your faithful
want, ls JOHN MURRAY.h
This dsheartening, and might have deferred from
any further prosecution of the NATTER had the question of
publication in Great Britain rested entirely with but
apprehended the appearance Of spurious edition.
thought Of Mr. Archibald Constable publisher having been
treated by him with much hospitality during visit Edn-
burgh but first determined to submit my work Sir Walter
(hen r Scott, being encouraged TO do by the cordial
reception had experienced from him Abbctsord few
years previously and by the favorable opinion he had
pressed to others Of my earlier writings accordingly
him the printed numbers Of the Sketch Book parcel by
COACH and at the time wrote to him. limiting that since
had the pleasure Of pArtakng Of his hospitality had
taken place in my affairs which made the successful exercise
Of my pen alimPoran to mc begged him, therefore, to
look the literary articles had forwarded to him. and if
he thought they would bear European republication
tain whether Mr. Constable would be inclined to be the
publisher.
The parcel containing my work went by coach SCOTS
address Edinburgh the letter went by mail to bis residence
in the country By the very first post received reply, be-
fore be had seen my work
81 down Kelso said he, "when your letter reach
ed Aobotsford my way TO town. and viii con-
with Constable and DO all in my power forward your
views assure you nothing will give Inc more pleasure"
The hint, however, about of fortune had struck
the quick apprehension of Scott and with that practical and
efficient goodwill which belonged to his nature he had al
ready devised way of aiding weekly periodical, ho
inform me, about be set up in Edinburgh,
supported by the respectable talents and amply furnish
ed with all the necessary information The appointment Of
the editor, for which ample funds provided, would be
five hundred pounds sterling year. with the reasonable pros
pect of further advantages This situaon being apparently
at his disposal he frankly offered to The work. how
ever he ntim,ted have somewhat Of political bear
ing and he expressed apprehension that the tone it
desired to adopt might not suit "Yet risk the ques-
on," added he because know well qualified
for this important task and perhaps because il will necessa
y bring you to Edinburgh. If my proposal does suit
you need only keep the matter secret and there is harm
done. 'And for my love pray you wrong not IT,
the contrary, you think could be made to suit you let
know as soon possible addressing Castle street, Edinburgh
In postscript written from Edinburgh, he adds "I am
Just come here and have glanced the Sketch Book II
positively beautiful and increases my desire to crp you
if he possible Some difficulties there always in msnag
ing such matter especially at the outset but will OBJ
viate them as much possibly can"
The following is from imperfect draught Of my reply,
which underwent notifications in the copy sent
"I cannot express how much graified by your let
ter had begun to feel if bad taken an unwarranable
liberty but somehow oher there is genial sunshine
about you that every creeping thing into heart and
confidence Your literary proposal both surprises and fat
ters me- as il evnces much higher opinion Of my talents
than have myself
m then went on to explain that found myself peculiarly
untitled for the situation offered TO me- not merely by my po
ica opinions, but by the very constitution and habits Of my
mind. MY whole Of ife observed sbss been de-
sutoy and untitled for any periodically tecunng task,
or any stipulated labor Of body mind. have COM
mand Of my talents such they are and have watch the
varyings Of my mind would thoeo Of weather cock
Practice and training may bring into rule, but at
present useless for regular service Of my
country Indians, Don Cossack.
I must, therefore, keep pretty much have begun
writing when can, not when would. shall occasionally
shift my residence and write whatever is suggested by OBJ
In txaoo, ..,J