This page gives details of the information found concerning Adam Clarke Baynes.

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A Summary by researcher Roger Barrington, of papers held by the British Library, concerning a proposed suit by R.Bentley v. A.C. Baynes

1. Page 110 - A letter dated July 5 1839 signed A.C. BAYNES at Liverpool. It concerns a response from B. to a Solicitor's letter giving him notice of proposed intention of proceedings against B. for reprinting the "Prarie and Red Rover", a novel by James Fennimore Cooper. B's reply was defensive in tone stating his intention to avoid a Court of Law if possible. Letter addressed to Richard BENTLEY, Publisher of New Burlington Street, London.

2. f. 114 A letter from Richard BENTLEY to George Faulkner (Solicitors). "Mr. BAYNES must be made to pay for his dishonesty". Dated 7th July 1839 at Ramsgate.

3. A letter from B. to Faulkner referring future correspondence to Messrs Merrick Solicitors, Falconer Square. Dated 6th July 1839 - Liverpool.

4 & 5. This outlines the case. "In the year 1831 he (BAYNES) applied to Mr. COOPER himself to revive an edition of his work to be published by him (BAYNES). This of course Mr. Cooper refused......." A reply by B. (nothing of interest).

6. An Indenture made 24th October 1839 between James Fennimore COOPER of New York in the first part, Henry COLBURN of Great Marlborough Street, Middlesex, Publisher of the second part and Richard BENTLEY of the 3rd part.

7. Case outline. Virtually identical to 4 & 5.

8. Opinion given by J.L. Knight BRUCE of Lincolns Inn 30.9.1839 in that Mr. COOPER has the right of action against B. for what he has done in respect of the latter and if B. continues then BENTLEY will have right of action against B.

More opinions along the same lines. Indentures which appeared to be identical to 6 above.

I formed the opinion that B. was not the only publisher who was bringing out English editions of works originally published in the U.S. Bentley would claim to have the rights was aggrieved and wished an example to be made.

There is a reference to A.C.Baynes, a "British Pirate", at THE JAMES FENNIMORE COOPER WEBSITE