Autograph letter signed : London, to [Benjamin Kennicott], 1754 Oct. 18.

Richardson's letter to an unnamed recipient [Benjamin Kennicott] discusses his own and John Swinton's parts in the Universal History. Swinton's contribution included an attack on George Sale's Koran: "Mr Swinton was not to write a dissertation on the Koran, or its Merits or Demerits; but the History of its Author." As a contributor to the History, "Mr Sale was not thought blameable by the Public; and his Name and Management gave reputation to the Work. What need of such Pains ... to decry both?... Surely the Proprietors of a very expensive Work, who run all the Risque, ought to be allowed to be Judges of what they pay for, and are to set their Names to." Richardson goes on to complain of Swinton's behaviour in a private dispute: "Was this worthy of the Gentleman and Scholar?" Richardson explains that he has written no letters to Swinton: "Just freed from a work which has cost me much Time and Trouble, I was desiring to take leave of the Pen ...."