Autograph letter signed : London, to Fanny Burney, 1782 July 29.

Writing of his great appreciation for her recently published novel Cecilia: "There are few, I believe I may say fairly, there are none at all, that will not find themselves better informed concerning human Nature, & their stock of observation enrichd by reading your Cecilia. They certainly will, let their experience in Life & manners be what it may. The arrogance of age must submit to be taught by youth"; discussing the characters in the novel: "You have crouded into a few small volumes an incredible variety of Characters; most of them well planned, well supported, & well contrasted in each other. If there be any fault in this respect, it is one, in which you are in no great danger of being imitated. Justly as your Characters are drawn, perhaps they are too numerous: but I beg pardon; I fear it is quite in vain to preach oeconomy to those who are come young to excessive & sudden opulence"; complimenting the "natural vein of humour, the tender pathetick, the comprehensive & noble moral, & the sagacious observation, that appear quite throughout that extraordinary performance"; concluding "In an age distinguishd by producing extraordinary Women, I hardly dare to tell you where my opinion would place you amongst them -- I respect your modesty, that will not endure the commendations which your merit forces from every body"; adding in a postscript his "compliments & congratulations to Doctor Burney on the great honour acquired to his family."