Autograph letter signed : London, to Mess'rs Winston & Russell, 1820 April 1.

Responding to a charge of dereliction of duty; saying "The charge of dereliction of my public duty, whether direct or implied, I shall always promptly answer; when I recommended a Song for my part in the forthcoming drama, I reasonably expected music to accompany the words, for very much depends upon the latter to produce the proper effect; the Music of one Song I received only yesterday (Good Fryday) and that of the other has not yet arriv'd, consequently - I am incapable of judging which should have the preference; The real cause therefore of postponing the piece (which your note would seemingly attribute to my neglect) assuredly did not originate with me; for if the Song had not been in question, I declare myself ready at this instant to appear in the character. The Second part of your note is express'd in such indefinite terms that under the best consideration, I am unable to give it a sensible reply; and as Mr. Elliston (if I understand the conclusion of such note) makes it a condition previous to his acting candidly by me, that I should answer all your queries, I must be content to subsist under pecuniary forfeitures, in respect of which he has in direct terms refused to render me any account; otherwise any honorable reference would be the anxious wish of Gentlemen."