Autograph letter signed : place not specified, to William Elliston, 1804 December 8.

Saying that, in accordance with a promise to his wife Elizabeth, he has had the "old S. S. Stock books examined, to ascertain how much was the residue (of the £700) now standing in my Uncle's name"; giving details of the sales of stock and noting that there is £200 left, "not £250 stock as the Bankers had said"; saying that he has written his wife on the subject and hopes that she can find additional money in the house, "as the last small sum was sold out so late as Octr & it does not appear that any bills of whatever description have been paid"; saying that this letter will be delivered by Sir Robert Burton, "who is charg'd with a commission that has of late occupied a considerable degree of my attention, & some of his"; explaining that he is considering buying the Royal Circus in London; describing its current condition: "In its present state & from very bad management, it is not highly appreciated by the Public, but I am confident it may be raised to a high credit & consequent & proportionable emoluments"; saying that the full price may seem considerable for a single buyer to undertake, but that he would only have to pay out about £3500 at present and that he "deprecate[s] the idea of all partnership"; discussing the prospect; adding "Nothing but my anxiety after independence & my family's welfare influence me; but as I am now tolerably well off, no enquiry, no pains should be omitted to avoid any deception"; saying that Burton will tell his uncle more about the idea in person.