BIB_ID
293453
Accession number
MA 47.1
Creator
Burns, Robert, 1759-1796.
Display Date
1792 Sept. 16.
Credit line
Purchased by Pierpont Morgan, 1906.
Description
1 item (3 p.) ; 25.3 cm
Notes
Part of a large collection of letters from Robert Burns to George Thomson. See collection record (MA 47 and MA 50) for full description.
Written from Dumfries. Address panel with seal and postmarks (Dumfries and SE 17) and addressed to "Mr. George Thomson / Trustees' Office / Edinburgh." Docketed "Mr. Burns to G. T. In answer to his proposal @ writing new Song for Scots Airs. Sept. 1792."
Written from Dumfries. Address panel with seal and postmarks (Dumfries and SE 17) and addressed to "Mr. George Thomson / Trustees' Office / Edinburgh." Docketed "Mr. Burns to G. T. In answer to his proposal @ writing new Song for Scots Airs. Sept. 1792."
Summary
Responding to Thomson's request for assistance in compiling his collection of songs, and discussing the proposed work. Asking for a list of airs to be included with the first lines of the verses so that Burns "may have an opportunity of suggesting any alteration that may occur to [him]," but acknowledging the right of any publisher to approve or reject his suggestions. Discussing remuneration, noting that "to talk of money, wages, fee, hire &c. would be downright Sodomy of the Soul," and asking only to receive a proof of each of the songs that Burns composes or edits. With a postscript stating that Burns has "some particular reasons for wishing [his] interferance to be known as little as possible."
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