Autograph letter signed : [London], to William Elliston, 1796 August 19.

Congratulating his uncle on his escape from "an accident that might have been fatal"; writing that he hopes his uncle takes care of himself: "you will be pleas'd my Dr Sir to recollect you have friends, to whom you are most dear & valuable, & in losing you, they will lose the best part of themselves"; confirming receipt of several books and giving his opinion on them: "I must now tell you I've perused Dr Gregory's book, & esteem it most highly -- I shall recommend it most strongly to Mrs E's attention, & shall take care her sister shall peruse it"; adding that he will be sure to get a book by Addison; mentioning that he has been "oblig'd to send for the Tea Pot, as they had forgot the Pattern, & had made a stand which was too large"; reporting on his theatrical career, including that the actor John Bannister is "eat up with spleen" and has refused to allow Elliston to play Sheva (probably a reference to the character of that name in Richard Cumberland's play The Jew); writing that he does not "chuse to play Hamlet, or indeed any thing I could not confidently [offer] the public"; adding that he has promised to appear in George Colman's The Iron Chest: "Mr Colman has behav'd very politely & generous to me. I may have a night if I please, which it is more than probable I shall accept, & also on easy terms"; adding that Colman has "desir'd me to draw on his treasures," if Elliston needs cash, but that he is not going to avail himself of the offer; writing that he is going to Colman's house tomorrow.