Autograph letter signed : London, to Sir George Beaumont, 1812 June 2.

Agreeing to produce the play he sent him; saying he has read and approves of the play and "...I do, hereby, with all becoming managerial dignity, announce to you, that, I shall be glad to bring the Piece forward upon the Haymarket Stage, as soon as I can, in the present season; - if a horrid press of a Partner, who is harassing me in Chancery, should not tear the said unhappy Stage all to pieces, before I can fulfil my wishes on this Subject...I might advise sundry touches, heightenings, &c &c, to the work in question, before we venture to produce it to the Publick. - The 'Dutch Painting' as the Author terms it, wants some dabs of distemper, to produce stage candle-light effects which the present taste of the Town (be it false or true) deems requisite. Here I shall be most ready to give any of my Phosphorous (which you very partially call Promethean fire) that we may flesh away successfully: and, on those points, I wish much to talk with you. - The infernal Regions, which I now inhabit, allow some Holidays to me, at this period; - but they are, so much engaged, either at, or for the Theatre, that I am unable to name a day - at least an early one, - when it would be possible for me to get to Grosvenor Square. - Under such circumstances, perhaps you will have the goodness to give me a call at the Stage Door of the Theatre. - I shall be there tomorrow (Wednesday) from Two till Four o'clock; & from Two till Four, also, on the next day, Thursday. Falstaff was 'witty in himself, & the cause of wit in others.' Edmond Phipps never comes near me, of late, himself, & (as it appears in your case) causes others to absent themselves from me."