| Citation |
PGCJ.775.050
11 Nov 1775:12, 13 (619)
London, August 4. The subsequent letter, transmitted to the
Dutchess of Kingston by Mr. Foote, requires some preliminary
explanation.
Mr. Foote, interdicted by the chamberlain from
representing the libellous piece, called "A Trip to Calais,"
threatened the publish the scenes, and dedicate them to her
Grace of Kingston . . .
To her grace the Dutchess of Kingston.
Madam,
"A member of the privy council, and a friend of your
grace's (he has begged me not to mention his name, but I
suppose your grace will easily guess it) has just left me.
He has explained to me what I did not conceive, that the
publication of the scenes in the "Trip to Calais," at this
juncture, with the dedication and preface, might be a
infinite ill consequence to your affairs. I really, Madam,
wish no ill, and should be sorry to do you an injury.
"I therefore give up to that consideration what neither
your grace's offers, nor the threats of your agents could
obtain. The scenes shall not be published, nor shall any
thing appear at my theatre, or from me, that can hurt you,
provided the attacks made on me in the newspapers do not
make it necessary for me to act in defense of myself. Your
grace will therefore see the necessity of giving proper
directions.
I have the honor to be your grace's most devoted servant,
[signed] S. Foote."
. . . [She answers, including] I doubt not but a brave and
generous public will protect me from the malevolence of a
theatrical assassin . . . [signed] E. Kingston."
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