Autograph letter signed : [London], to [Richard Brinsley Sheridan], 1787 September 26.

Informing his correspondent about the state of affairs at the theater: "the confusion the honest Gentlemen in the East have thrown us into is not be described -- and I am afraid several of the parties now with us (who I am clear will ultimately be injured) are well-wishers, not to say abettors of our enemies -- the very rats forsake the Vessel as if sinking -- figure dancers &c. -- I will do my best; but cannot help wishing you on the spot"; telling him that Dodd and Parsons are ill; saying that he has cast Robert Palmer as Joseph Surface in The School for Scandal and explaining his rationale: "I'll tell you my inducements -- (I know you have not a very high opinion of his abilities) -- He will be very much like his Brother [John Palmer, who had initiated the role in 1777] in it; which has been the case in all the Characters which he perform'd for him at the Haymarket. The Public I believe wou'd not relish any performer in it who shou'd be unlike Palmer; and I am very clear all the Paragraph mongers (for they are in the Eastern interest) wou'd otherwise declare the Performer execrable, and the Play undone by the change"; begging his correspondent: "For gods sake, my dear Sir, do something to the Rivals and Lady's last stake; and let us have them"; saying that he will proceed with the play The Pilgrim "as soon as Parsons's health will suffer him to come to the Theatre -- He seems to fight shy and to have something en reserve -- if he would plumply say no, I wou'd undertake the part myself"; asking his correspondent to respond with "a few hints and some comfort. I write in great hurry and not in the best temper"; adding in a long postscript that he has since received a letter from his correspondent and will hold off advertising Palmer as Joseph Surface until he hears from him again; discussing how the production might be received in the press and suggesting a response: "A plain state of facts from the beginning; with remarks on Palmer's duplicity wou'd do more good with the public than any remarks on, or replies to their stupid, impudent attacks"; assuring him that he is doing all his can, "for on my honour, I am much more distressed than I shou'd be were the whole concern my own."