A Publisher and His Friends | Page 4

Murray dates from the year 1768, in which
year John MacMurray, a lieutenant of Marines, having retired from the
service on half-pay, purchased the bookselling business of William
Sandby, at the sign of the "Ship," No. 32, Fleet Street, opposite St.
Dunstan's Church.
John MacMurray was descended from the Murrays of Athol. His uncle,
Colonel Murray, was "out" in the rising of 1715, under the Earl of Mar,
served under the Marquis of Tullibardine, the son of his chief, the Duke

of Athol, and led a regiment in the abortive fight of Sheriffmuir. After
the rebellion Colonel Murray retired to France, where he served under
the exiled Duke of Ormonde, who had attached himself to the Stuart
Court.
The Colonel's brother Robert followed a safer course. He prefixed the
"Mac" to his name; settled in Edinburgh; adopted the law as a
profession, and became a Writer to the Signet. He had a family of three
daughters, Catherine, Robina, and Mary Anne; and two sons, Andrew
and John.
John, the younger of Robert MacMurray's sons, was born at Edinburgh
in 1745. After receiving a good general education, he entered the Royal
Marines under the special patronage of Sir George Yonge, Bart.,
[Footnote: Sir George Yonge was Governor of the Cape of Good Hope,
and subsequently Secretary at War; he died in 1812.] a well-known
official of the last century, and his commission as second lieutenant
was dated June 24, 1762. Peace was signed at the treaty of Paris in
1763, and young MacMurray found himself quartered at Chatham,
where the monotony of the life to a young man of an active and
energetic temperament became almost intolerable. He determined
therefore to retire on half-pay at the age of twenty-three, and become a
London bookseller!
It is not improbable that he was induced to embark on his proposed
enterprise by his recent marriage with Nancy Wemyss, daughter of
Captain Wemyss, then residing at Brompton, near Chatham.
While residing at Chatham, MacMurray renewed his acquaintance with
William Falconer, the poet, and author of "The Shipwreck," who, like
himself, was a native of Edinburgh.
To this friend, who was then on the eve of sailing to India, he wrote:
BROMPTON, KENT, October 16, 1768.
DEAR WILL,

Since I saw you, I have had the intention of embarking in a scheme that
I think will prove successful, and in the progress of which I had an eye
towards your participating. Mr. Sandby, Bookseller, opposite St.
Dunstan's Church, Fleet Street, has entered into company with Snow
and Denne, Bankers. I was introduced to this gentleman about a week
ago, upon an advantageous offer of succeeding him in his old business;
which, by the advice of my friends, I propose to accept. Now, although
I have little reason to fear success by myself in this undertaking, yet I
think so many additional advantages would accrue to us both, were
your forces and mine joined, that I cannot help mentioning it to you,
and making you the offer of entering into company.
He resigns to me the lease of the house, the goodwill, etc.; and I only
take his bound stock, and fixtures, at a fair appraisement, which will
not amount to much beyond £400, and which, if ever I mean to part
with, cannot fail to bring in nearly the same sum. The shop has been
long established in the Trade; it retains a good many old customers; and
I am to be ushered immediately into public notice by the sale of a new
edition of "Lord Lyttelton's Dialogues"; and afterwards by a like
edition of his "History." These Works I shall sell by commission, upon
a certain profit, without risque; and Mr. Sandby has promised to
continue to me, always, his good offices and recommendations.
These are the general outlines; and if you entertain a notion that the
conjunction will suit you, advise me, and you shall be assumed upon
equal terms; for I write to you before the affair is finally settled; not
that I shall refuse it if you don't concur (for I am determined on the trial
by myself); but that I think it will turn out better were we joined; and
this consideration alone prompts me to write to you. Many Blockheads
in the Trade are making fortunes; and did we not succeed as well as
they, I think it must be imputed only to ourselves. Make Mrs.
McMurray's compliments and mine to Mrs. Falconer; we hope she has
reaped much benefit from the saltwater bath. Consider what I have
proposed; and send me your answer soon. Be assured in the meantime,
that I remain, Dear Sir,
Your affectionate and humble servant,

JOHN McMURRAY.
P.S.--My advisers and directors in this affair have been Thomas
Cumming, Esq., Mr. Archibald Paxton, Mr. James Paterson of Essex
House,