hard. Hamilton knowing his own powers and fame, demanded four hundred pounds per volume: the other began with offering two hundred and fifty; and as Hamilton would not hear of this proposal, rose to three hundred; still the author would not bend. The bookseller knowing Hamilton did not depend entirely on his efforts, and that it was his own interest to advance in his offer, even to Hamilton's demands, said—"Mr. Hamilton, you are a liberal gentleman, as well as an able writer, do come down somewhat; now let us split the difference." Hamilton mused, and appeared to the other not unlikely to yield, when a servant entering, delivered him a letter with a black seal, and the Selkirk post mark. Requesting his visitor's permission to peruse the epistle, he opened it, and was evidently much affected by the contents. After several
