His duties were to take charge of the ledger and account department, though he never took much interest in his work, but preferred to call in the help of a clever arithmetical clerk.
It is unnecessary to speak of the foundation of the _Edinburgh Review_.
It appeared at the right time, and was mainly supported by the talents of Jeffrey, Brougham, Sydney Smith, Francis Horner, Dr.Thomas Brown, Lord Murray, and other distinguished writers.

The first number immediately attracted public attention.

Mr.Joseph Mawman was the London agent, but some dissatisfaction having arisen with respect to his management, the London sale was transferred to the Messrs.

Longman, with one half share in the property of the work.
During the partnership of Murray and Highley, they had occasional business transactions with Constable of Edinburgh.

Shortly after the partnership was dissolved in March 1803, Murray wrote as follows to Mr.
Constable: _April_ 25, 1803.
"I have several works in the press which I should be willing to consign to your management in Edinburgh, but that I presume you have already sufficient business upon your hands, and that you would not find mine worth attending to.