[ Professor A. Marshall Elliott of Johns Hopkins University; George Francis Scott-Elliot, botanist; and David Douglas, Edinburgh publisher. ] Correspondence relating to Scott-Elliot's 'The Border Elliots'.

Three items, aged and somewhat creased. Scott-Elliot's book was privately printed by Douglas in 1897. Aaron Marshall Elliott was founder of the Modern Language Association and founding professor of Romance Languages at Johns Hopkins University. ONE: ALS from 'David Douglas' to Elliot. 2 October 1900s. 3pp., 12mo. Bifolium. The letter begins: 'When I had the pleasure of seeing you, I had an indistinct recollection of some one wishing to communicate with you regarding “The Border Elliots” - but could not remember the name – On coming home yesterday my clerk shewed me the enclosed letter.' He explains that he has had a letter sent to the address of Item Two below returned to him, and that he has since 'sent it to Baltimore where I hope Professor Elliot will get it in due time – I told him there was no hope of his getting a copy at present but if he communicated with Quaritch or Sotherans they would look out for any copy that might come onto the market'. He is sending Item Two on. Docketed by Elliot: 'Letter of Prof. Marshal Elliot abt “Border Elliots” | Oct. 3 | I saw D. D. about this – He does not want the letter back | G. E.' TWO: ALS from 'A. Marshall Elliott' to Douglas. 6 September 1900. 2pp, 12mo. Bifolium. On cancelled letterhead of the Hotel Engadiner-Kulm, St. Moritz, Engadine. Neatly and closely written. He writes that he has been 'engaged in genealogical researches' in 'the Elliots of America (United States)' at the British Museum, where he has 'had the great Pleasure of frequently consulting your magnificent work on the “Border Elliots”. He would like a copy of Elliot's 'inexhaustible treatise', as it would be 'of inestimable value' and a work of 'constant reference'. In attempting to explain his 'fitness for the task I have undertaken' he states: 'I am Professor in the John Hopkins University of Baltimore (U.S.), that I have an enviable reputation for my literary work in America and that I have been more or less occupied with genealogical research all my life. | I am now acting as Special Delegate of the United States to the Paris Exhibition, where I have spent the greater part of this summer.' He boasts that he is 'acquainted with the geographical history of the Chief Elliot (Eliot) branches both in England & Scotland, having personally visited St. Germas, Godalming; Redheugh, Loniston, Stobs, Wolflee, Hawick & Minto House.' THREE: Autograph Copy Signed of letter from 'Geo. S. Elliot' to Professor A. M. Elliott. On letterhead of Corwar, Newton Stewart, N.B.; 10 September 1900. 3pp., 12mo. Bifolium. He regrets that he can do little to assist Elliott 'in follg up the histy of the Elliots & extendg it to those in the New World'. Regarding his book he explains: 'the case stands thus: - When it came out, Mr D. Douglas, the publisher, Edinb., had a certain number of copies for sale, but these have long since been disposed of […] The bulk of the issue I retained in my own hands for private distribution, & unfortunately this source too is almost entirely exhausted'. He praises Elliott as 'one who takes so great interest in the subject & who is engaged in further developing it – Besides I have sufficient clan feeling remaining not to treat with indifference anythg comg from one of our name.'