Byron replied that his poems belonged to Mr.Murray, and were his "property by purchase, right, and justice," and referred Galignani to him, "washing his hands of the business altogether." M.Galignani then applied to Mr.Murray, who sent him the following answer: _John Murray to M.Galignani_.
_January_ 16, 1821.
SIR, I have received your letter requesting me to assign to you exclusively the right of printing Lord Byron's works in France.

In answer I shall state what you do not seem to be aware of, that for the copyright of these works you are printing for nothing, I have given the author upwards of L10,000.

Lord Byron has sent me the assignment, regularly made, and dated April 20, 1818; and if you will send me L250 I will make it over to you.

I have just received a Tragedy by Lord Byron, for the copyright of which I have paid L1,050, and also three new cantos of "Don Juan," for which I have paid L2,100.

What can you afford to give me for the exclusive right of printing them in France upon condition that you receive them before any other bookseller?
Your early reply will oblige.
Your obedient Servant, J.MURRAY.
M.Galignani then informed Mr.Murray that a pirated edition of Lord Byron's works had been issued by another publisher, and was being sold for 10 francs; and that, if he would assign him the new Tragedy and the new cantos of "Don Juan," he would pay him L100, and be at the expense of the prosecution of the surreptitious publisher.