Memorandum of Agreement between William Creech and Robert Burns, 17-23 April 1787

Description

This document is a memorandum of agreement between Robert Burns and his publisher William Creech concerning the copyright of his poems. It is written by Henry Mackenzie, who witnessed and advised during the negotiations.

At the meeting, Creech agreed to pay Burns 100 guineas for the copyright to his poems. Creech had written to Thomas Cadell, a well-known publisher in London, to ask for support in financing the arrangement. Although he had not yet had a confirmation, Creech agreed to go forward with the plan and promised to pay Burns the agreed sum.