Letter from Samuel Whitbread, Southill, to Sir George Beaumont, 1805 October 17 : autograph manuscript.

Arguing on behalf of Mr. Reynolds in a decision by Sir George to favor Mr. Dance over Mr. Reynolds for a landscape plan for Coleorton Hall; appealing to Sir George to reconsider his decision with respect to Mr. Reynolds; saying that he had understood from letters from Reynolds and Reynolds' wife that Sir George was pleased with the work Mr. Reynolds was doing and expressing his hopes that through his satisfactory work at Coleorton Reynolds would find work that would allow him to support his family; saying "I had not overlooked nor had I concealed from him the Mechanical Difficulties which would arise, & which he [illegible] himself to encounter, but I am so well acquainted with his assiduity, Talents, & Temper, that I did by as means apprehend he would find them invincible. Many Persons have embarked much later in Life in professions more arduous with less ability & have succeeded: & I did not doubt of his success under your powerful patronage & [illegible];" apologizing for the "...liberty I take in expressing myself so freely on the subject, to which I am excited by a great desire for Reynolds's welfare, & encouraged by the manner in which you have been so good as to communicate with me respecting him, both thro' himself & by your letter. Not having had the pleasure to see Coleorton Hall it is impossible for me to say how far I agree with the decision of Mr. Dance: of whose judgment & experience I cannot entertain the least doubt. but it appears to have been exceedingly prompt & conclusive. I wish it had been otherwise, because from what some say, you still appear to like Reynolds's plan; & before Mr. Dance's arrival it does not appear to have struck you as either impracticable or immensely expensive;" adding "Surely there is a possibility of his Success still. In that part of the Business which depends upon Taste he appears not to be defective, & he could very well furnish plans & in a very short time would I dare say be able to provide for, estimate, & superintend their Execution. I refer all this to your serious consideration under the persuasion that you are as desirous as I possibly can be for Reynolds's Success...I have only to add that Reynolds's Letter to me is expressive of every thing that is grateful & respectful to you...at the same time giving symptoms of such dire chagrin; of which he would be unfeeling not to be at this time possessed;" apologizing for the length of the letter and hoping to hear his reply.