The letters are to John Murray III, John Murray IV and Robert Cooke. They concern the publication of various works by, and connected with, Smith, and also his editorship of the “Quarterly Review” (1867-1893). The letters are arranged chronologically.

1880: folios 1-56;

1881: folios 57-113;

1882: folios 114-143 [Note 1];

1883: folios 144-164 [Notes 2-3];

1884: folios 165-202 [Note 4].

Notes.

[Note 1] Folio 141. A fragment of the proofs, [October 1882], of an article by Louis Jennings entitled “The justification of Lord Beaconsfield’s policy”. The article was published in the “Quarterly Review” of October 1882. The fragment, showing a correction by Jennings, was forwarded as an enclosure to William Smith’s letter to John Murray III, 17 October 1882 (folios 137-140).

[Note 2] Folios 145-146. Letter, [January/February 1883], of Janetta Manners to William Smith. The letter was forwarded as an enclosure to Smith’s letter to John Murray IV, 3 February 1883 (folio 144).

[Note 3] Folios 153-154. Letter, 25 July 1883, of William Smith to George Salmon concerning the willingness of John Murray III to publish Salmon’s “Introduction to the New Testament”.

[Note 4] Folios 171-172. Letter, 30 January [1884], written by Mary Smith on behalf of her husband, William, to John Murray III. The letter has been signed by William Smith.