Very faithfully yours,
W.E. GLADSTONE.
In the same year another author of different politics and strong anti-slavery views appeared to claim Mr. Murray's assistance as a publisher. It was Mr. Thomas Fowell Buxton, M.P., who desired him to publish his work upon the "Slave Trade and its Remedy."
Mr. Buxton to John Murray.
December 31, 1837.
"The basis of my proposed book has already been brought before the Cabinet Ministers in a confidential letter addressed to Lord Melbourne…. It is now my purpose to publish a portion of the work, on the nature, extent, and horrors of the slave trade, and the failure of the efforts hitherto made to suppress it, [Footnote: See "Life of W.E. Forster," ch. iv.] reserving the remainder for another volume to be published at a future day. I should like to have 1,500 copies of the first volume thrown off without delay."
The book was published, and was followed by a cheaper volume in the following year, of which a large number was sold and distributed.
The following letter illustrates the dangerous results of reading sleepy books by candle-light in bed:
Mr. Longman to John Murray.