Autograph letter signed : London, to William Elliston, 1796 September 8.

Saying that he has been anxious to hear news of his uncle's health; telling him about his benefit, which occurred the previous night and was successful ("The house overflow'd in all parts"); saying that the play performed was Romeo and Juliet: "I had intended to have perform'd in the 'Wheel of Fortune' but I have been by a number of combined chances pitted against Mr [John Philip] Kemble, & as the character in this piece was esteem'd a good performance, it was deem'd politic to abandon the intention"; discussing the takings for the night and asking advice on financial matters; writing that the winter managers are eager to hire him and that he has had meetings with Richard Brinsley Sheridan and Henry Harris, manager of Covent Garden Theatre; weighing the prospect: "The first points to be consider'd is how far it is prudent to come at all, & if I do come, upon what establishment I ought to be -- & to which house I should give the preference"; writing that he favors Covent Garden "on account of the doubt of payment at the other Theatre, & because I shall have more to contend with"; describing how he plans to negotiate with Sheridan; discussing the issue of his managers in Bath and the fine incurred if he leaves them: "I have taken care to profess the sense I have of the good conduct of my Bath Managers towards me, & am very tenacious of keeping that good opinion I believe they hold of me at present"; describing other obstacles, including a £500 penalty that will be incurred if his wife Elizabeth leaves "Miss Th. Fleming" (probably a reference to the Fleming dance academy, where Elizabeth had been teaching), "nor is there any alternative to this but Miss F.'s accompanying us hither, & this might create what would not be pleasant to any party"; mentioning the idea of Elizabeth staying in Bath until he is established in London, but saying "I know her family are averse to it, nor do I think she much approves it"; asking for his uncle's advice.