"_To the Reverend Mr. Compton.
"To be sent to Mrs. Williams_."
And it is thus worded:—
"Sir,
"Your business, I suppose, is in a way of as easy progress as such business ever has. It is seldom that event keeps pace with expectation.
"The scheme of your book I cannot say that I fully comprehend. I would not have you ask less than an hundred guineas, for it seems a large octavo.
"Go to Mr. Davis, in Russell Street, show him this letter, and show him the book if he desires to see it. He will tell you what hopes you may form, and to what Bookseller you should apply.
"If you succeed in selling your book, you may do better than by dedicating it to me. You may perhaps obtain permission to dedicate it to the Bishop of London, or to Dr. Vyse, and make way by your book to more advantage than I can procure you.
"Please to tell Mrs. Williams that I grow better, and that I wish to know how she goes on. You, Sir, may write for her to,
"Sir,