Deed of Assignment of Copyright to George Thomson, 2 August 1793

I do hearby certify to all those whom it may concern, that all the songs of
my composition published & to be published along with Scotish airs by
M.r George Thomson of Edinburgh, are so published by my authority & consent:
& in particular, that I never authorised any other person to publish any
of those songs which were written by me for his work. -
And, only reserving to myself the power of publishing these songs,
at any future period & in any manner I may think proper, I
do hereby, as far as I legally can, prohibit any other person than
the said George Thomson from publishing the before mentioned songs,
& do also empower him to prosecute in terms of law any person or
persons pirating, publishing or vending the said songs, or any of
them, without his consent; & that at his own expence & for his
own behoof. -
In witness where of I have written & subscribed these
Presents, at Dumfries, the second day of August, one thousand, seven,
hundred & ninety three years. –

Rob.t Burns