“I suppose, therefore, the only resource left me is the arbitration of public opinion.
“The argument which you decline to admit into the case was introduced there by Mr. Hunt. I recognize with you its disastrous effects, and applaud your prudence in excluding it.
“Regarding your offer to sell the books to another publisher, I may say that as the cream of their sale is already gone, I do not see the brilliant advantage to be derived from taking the skim milk to another publisher. I will, however, consult my board of attorneys,—pray do not suppose I limit myself to one—and beg you meanwhile, to accept my thanks for the benefit you design me.
“Will you have the goodness to send me my accounts for the last half-year.”
I supposed this was the end of it, but was surprised by a letter of September 14, saying:—
“We have your letter of the 11th inst.
“We think no occasion for arbitration in the matters at issue between us need ever have arisen. And we think, now, that a formal arbitration—as a means of settling the existing difficulties—would not prove a suitable or satisfactory method either to you or to us. We wish, however, to deal with you in a spirit of entire fairness, and we therefore propose another method, which will answer the same end in a much better way. Let us find a proper person, whose relations to both parties are such as to fit him to act as a confidential friend and adviser in the case. Let us confide the entire case, in all its bearings, to his intercession, and abide by his judgment. We have in mind a gentleman who, as we believe, would be in every way suitable and satisfactory to both,—Samuel Rogers, Esq., of this city. We understand Mr. Rogers to be a warm friend of yours, and we know him to be a just man, of sound judgment, and capable of taking a comprehensive view of the whole matter.
“If Mr. Rogers will accept the friendly office, we are quite ready to meet him in all fairness and candor, and to open our books and accounts to his inspection.”
M. N. TO B. & H., SEPTEMBER 16.
“Permit me to acknowledge the reception of your letter of the 14th inst.