Autograph letter signed : London, to C. Anderson, 1821 April 17.

Discussing details of a possible northern tour to Durham, Sunderland, Stockton and Whitby; saying "I am aware you will argue that visiting the Towns that I would wish to exchange for others is on your part chiefly matter of Compliment or of courtesy - but for my own part I would never bow to any than if I considered myself in danger of breaking my back by it - The place & county of my Nativity naturally excited in the liveliest feelings of respect and veneration whenever I tread the soil of my own Country - but with us the case is different at present - we are dealers for our mutual welfare - but at Sunderland many of my Relatives and Friends might say will not Emery act in his native Town - I answer Yes - but not to my own comparative loss and your little gain - with regard to the two Shields, I love the people as I do all my Northern Friends but I have (as you know) experience of their Theatrical propensities and certainly would not be induc'd to try my luck there again unless I have a clear 3'd of each night - I have play'd for nothing there before - but to return to Stockton & Whitby as Falstaff say there 'Rebellion lies in our way' - and good may come on it - let it be @ Durham and Sunderland if you will because their contiguity is of Moment but Lords sake shield me from the two Shields - Where one has frequently been, the novelty is the less - And I would sooner forego Scarboro' altogether than relinquish Stockton and Whitby . Pray favor me with a speedy answer on this subject as I have my theatrical army in Battle Array and am anxious to give my final answers as soon as possible."