Stevenson began working on the Weir of Hermiston in 1892; he laid it aside and took it back up in 1893 and again in 1894. This manuscript probably dates to 1892; he dictated much of the later drafts to his amanuensis and step-daughter Isobel Strong.
A series of various drafts and notes for the preface and first three chapters of the unfinished novel, including: a list of chapter headings (1 p.); 14 lines of verse, being the first draft of the dedicatory verses to his wife (1 p., differing from the published version); "Life and death of Mrs. Weir" (12 p., corresponding to chapter 1 and approximately as printed); "In the matter of the hanging of Duncan Jopp" (5 p., corresponding to chapter 2 "Father and son"); early notes corresponding with portions of chapter 3 of the printed version, including the Trial of Duncan Jopp, Archie's meeting with Dr. Gregory, parts of his interview with his father, etc. (9 p.); notes corresponding with portions of the latter half of chapter 3, including Archie's interview with his father and the first few words of chapter 4 (6 p.); a draft of the preface and the opening of chapter 1, headed "The Hanging-Judge" (written on the versos of p. 15-18). Written on the rectos and some versos of 36 leaves, and with revisions and corrections throughout.