George Dyer, Cliffords Inns, Fleetstreet, London, to the Earl of Buchan, Castle Street, Edinburgh, 7 October 1809.

Dr Sr

               I did myself the honour of writing to you some time since, at a time Amelia Opie had formed some intention of visiting Edinburgh: but, as she did not put her design in Execution, did not receive my letter.  I remember, at the time, indulging an ardent wish of revisiting Edinburgh, but partly from a calculation of expences, and partly on account of being on a visit to a friend in a state of extremely ill health, I could not realize my wishes.  I am in the same situation at present.  I spend much of my time in the country.  These last three months I have spent in the family of honest James Martin, formerly member for Tewkesbury.  His complaints subject him to extreme pain, and as I have sympathies with him, as an old friend, and three muses there at least, his three amiable daughters, all much my friends, I spend much time there, they [?], and a fine country being all favourable to writing poetry.  It falls in with my plan, too, of visiting libraries, as I pass thro’ Oxford.  I am on a similar expedition at present, going to visit a dear friend, far gone in a decline, [?] and stop a little while at Cambridge, to peruse some books there.  So that Edinburgh seems to me a great way off, how desirable soever it would be to me to revisit a place, where I experienced so much kindness.

               I enclose this paper not with the immediate intention of soliciting Subscriptions.  I shall certainly be much obliged to any friends, who will favour me with their names, as I do not intend to put to press till I have got at least 200 subscribers.  I wish once for all to get m poems fairly before the public, and shall then probably bid adieu to the Muses and spend the few remaining years of life in preparing my bibliographical papers: but I consider the first as a step that must be prevaribly taken.  One part of my poetical work I shall consecrate to friendships and I propose correcting the poems on visiting Dryburgh, which as it now is very incorrect.  I will thank you, Sir, to present my best respects to Lady Buchan, Mr Fletcher, Dr Anderson, &c.  I propose writing to Dr Anderson by the next parcel, that comes by Mundels agent in Paternoster Row.  I had sent several letters to A. Opie, which she was kind enough to say she would deliver among others one to Mrs Fletcher.  But Mrs Opies not coming frustrated my wishes of paying my respects to you by that Lady. Previously to my publishing my Poetical writings, I propose publishing a poem to be entitled Bredon Hill,— which you know (Bredon Hill) is in Worcestershire. I mean this to be followed with the 4 volumes;—of which I shall make this the avfant courier.  I return to Cliffords Inn in about a month.  The scene of several of my poems will lie in Scotland and therefore it would be gratifying to me to have a few names from Scotland.  But these things must take their own course.  I am conscious of having taken great pains with the work, and of having had great pleasure in my poetical reveries.  But I am not sanguine in expectation of encouragement.  I have however a list, tho’ a [?], of respectable names, of friends, whom I esteem, and who have a friendship for me.  In my &c above I include Mrs Blake, Miss Hamilton and a great many more.

               I remain, dear Sir,

                                                       Respectfully Yrs

                                                                     George Dyer

P.S.  I should feel highly gratified & [?] by a line whenever you [?]

Text: Joseph Angus Papers, acc. no. Angus 168, Angus Library, Regent's Park College, Oxford.