Burns, Robert.

inviting him to "Accept in plain, dull prose my most sincere thanks for the best poetic Compliment I ever received. I assure you, Sir, as a Poet you have conjured up an airy Demon of vanity in my fancy, which the best abilities in your other capacity would be ill able to lay", celebrating Scottish song, informing him of the ongoing Scots Musical Museum ("...I have been absolutely craz'd about it, collecting old stanzas and every information remaining respecting their origin, authors, &c..."), telling him that three of his songs would be included in the collection and inviting further contributions, 4 pages, 4to, integral address panel, at Mr William Cruikshank's, St James's Square, Newtown, Edinburgh, [25 October 1787], repairs to seal tear and fore-edge of first leaf, remains of guard, some dust-staining to address panel



[with:] Agnes McLehose ("Clarinda"), autograph letter signed, to Robert Ainslie, congratulating him on his book (Reasons for the Hope that is in Us), 1 page, 4to, Calton Hill, 20 May 1831, integral address leaf, seal tear repaired

By descent to Rev. John Skinner; gift to Rev. George Newby (note enclosed with letter)

Letters of Robert Burns, ed. Ferguson, vol. 2, pp. 133-34

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

"...There is a certain something in the old Scotch Songs, a wild happiness of thought and expression..."

Rev. Skinner (1721-1807) was the author of 'Tullochgorum' and other songs. Burns had had unwittingly passed just a few miles from Skinner's parish during his Highland tour in the summer of 1787, but subsequently met his son in Aberdeen and suggested a correspondence. A verse epistle from the Rev. Skinner duly followed, to which this letter was a response.