The year of writing is inferred from the contents and the placement of the letter and from Wilbur L. Cross, writing in the publication noted below, that "through the summer and autumn of 1758, Sterne and Blake were engaged in a brisk correspondence which was carried on by special messengers between York and Sutton"."
In a penciled notation, beneath p. 1, Belle da Costa Greene, indicates that The Rev. Mr. Blake was head master of the Royal Grammar School near York and that he was a neighbor and close friend of Sterne; the note continues saying "Sterne destroyed Blake's letters to him but Blake preserved those of Sterne."
Part of a collection of letters from Laurence Sterne. Letters in this collection have been described individually in separate catalog records; see collection-level record for more information.
Address panel with trace of a seal and addressed "To / The Reverend / Mr. Blake."
Thanking him for his letter and advising him that there will be sufficient time to make more particular plans should the condition worsen.