Now, I really hesitated whether I should not make my excuses to you, and accept this proposal,--not on account of the pecuniary terms, for about these I have never much troubled myself--but because I should have had ampler space for this noble subject than the Review would have afforded.

I thought, however, that this would not be a fair or friendly course towards you.

I accordingly told the applicants that I had promised you an article, and that I could not well write twice in one month on the same subject without repeating myself.

I therefore declined; and recommended a person whom I thought quite capable of producing an attractive book on these events.

To that person my correspondent has probably applied.