Letter from Archibald Constable, Edinburgh, to Cadell & Davies, 1808 December 9 : autograph manuscript signed.

Concerning Constables plan to publish the "Edinburgh Annual Register" being taken from him by James Ballyntyne; reminding them of his proposed plan and his preliminary discussions with literary friends who might be future contributors; saying "It was therefore with no small surprise and vexation we learned only yesterday that a Rival Work, has been Concocted by some Gent'n here, without our Knowledge (altho' most if not all of them were acquainted with our intentions in confidence) and their scheme even so far advanced that their Prospectus was actually printed off, which we have only this day seen for the first time - and of which we enclose you a Copy before we have had time to peruse it ourselves, with any sort of attention. At this early period of the business it is Impossible for us to communicate to you many particulars regarding it, or the writers of it - we can state from authority how'vr that the Ostensible Editor of it, is Mr. James Ballantyne, Printer - You will no doubt readily suppose that we are not over & above well pleased with the manner in which we have been treated in this matter; and from a quarter [illegible] whence we should have so little expected, or merited; for even the Editor was Informed by ourselves of our Plan - and after all we sh'd not have felt it so severely, had they not assumed the Tittle one all along intended for our work - What we may ultimately resolve on doing, either to forward our own Original Idea or to Counteract & Defeat the Enemy must depend upon Circumstances - & will require some further time to determine - Meanwhile we have taken the earliest opportunity of apprising you of the facts, so far as we are acquainted with them; that you may be prepared how to act, should any proposals be made to you - as may be the case;" asking to have their reply.