CHAPTER V
EDITOR AND AUTHOR
Pursuing his aim of putting life into the Establishment Macleod had, in 1849, started a little paper, the Edinburgh Christian Magazine, which may be described as a miniature plan or first sketch of Good Words. Its circulation did not exceed five thousand, but ‘the blue magazine,’ as it was called, was no mean agent in the revival of the drooping Church. While yet minister of Dalkeith he was frequently seen about the office of the publishers, Messrs. Paton & Ritchie, in George Street, Edinburgh; but after his removal to Glasgow the editorial instructions were given in correspondence with the head printer, Mr. J. C. Erskine. That gentleman writes: ‘Usually he was behind time, and I had consequently to poke him up about the middle of each month. But we were always on the best of terms, and I always felt honoured as well as delighted in being associated with so lovable a man and having the privilege of his acquaintance.’ These are some of the letters, in whole or part:—
(1) Erskine,—I have worn crape for two days for you, having made up my mind that you were out of print, or in Death’s Index Expurgatorius. What has become of you? Well, the concern must pay, but the proof-sheet must be corrected or the whole article cancelled, as I MUST not give the facts from a private letter in that style. Delay the publication if you like, but put it right, or let the concern of P. & R. perish!
(2) Erskine,—You know what it is to be done up in sheets, with a second volume in the Press. Have patience! I bind myself to be ready by the 20th, though at present I am a blank sheet.
(3) [September 1851.] Excellent Erskine, Prince of Printers,—this is to intimate my intention of being in Edinburgh on Monday, and visiting your den about twelve, or so, when we shall complete all arrangements. I think I am in excellent time, and am backing slowly into the old rails, when you need rail no more! The matrimonial switch gives a wrong turn. The number may be easily discovered which marks your marriage,—it is full of blunders of the Press! a perfect type of your hallucination!—N. McL.
(4) [Monday, 11 a.m., September 23, 1851.] I shall never transgress more if the firm forgive me, and the demons do not seize me and hotpress me. As a married man, Erskine, you should know something of the difficulties married men have experienced, since the days of the Patriarch of Uz to those of Paton & Ritchie, from wives. I will send off more MS. by post in the afternoon, and I shall see you on Monday between one and two. Don’t throw vitriol on me. Keep the printers off!
The next refers to the birth of his first child: