Autograph letter signed : London, to Robert Crispin, 1776 January 12.

Concerning taking over the management of the Drury Lane Theatre from David Garrick: saying that he has gone over the "Draught with Dr. Ford which appears extremely well calculated for the Purpose"; discussing "the Debts due from the Performers" and what date they should be calculated from; discussing the mortgage: "we think likewise that the Term allow'd for us to take the Mortgage from Mr. Garrick, need only be three months (instead of a year) from the time of Lacy's [probably Willoughby Lacy] giving notice that He does not mean to pay it off -- (should that be the case) -- as we wish to have it in our Power as soon as possible"; adding "We think it will not be worth while to stipulate anything relative to the Box given up to G."; asking about another mortgage on Lacy's share and saying "I suppose the Register will inform us whether Garrick's is not the first"; saying that he hopes the final draft can be drawn up as soon as possible and that he'll appoint a time for meeting with a Mr. Ewart to discuss an article; concluding "I Hope you are recover'd from your Disposition -- tho' the Weather is so much against going abroad, and there is no alteration in the Articles material enough to require our meeting."