[12a] Proposals for publishing his Scottish Poems by subscription.

[a][12b]Writer in Ayr.

[12c] The written acknowledgment of his marriage which Burns gave to Jean. She, influenced by her father, consented to destroy it.

XIX.—TO MR. M'WHINNIE, WRITER, AYR.

[MOSSGIEL, 17

th April

1786.]

IT is injuring some hearts, those hearts that elegantly bear the impression of the good Creator, to say to them you give them the trouble of obliging a friend; for this reason, I only tell you that I gratify my own feelings in requesting your friendly offices with respect to the enclosed, because I know it will gratify yours to assist me in it to the utmost of your power.

I have sent you four copies, as I have no less than eight dozen, which is a great deal more than I shall ever need.