Beschreibung:

SMOLLETT, Tobias (1721-1771). Autograph letter signed to an unidentified recipient, Chelsea, 6 January 1758, one page, 4to .
SMOLLETT, Tobias (1721-1771). Autograph letter signed to an unidentified recipient, Chelsea, 6 January 1758, one page, 4to . Excuses for defaulting in the settlement of a debt: an 'affair with Mr M___' had been expected to enable him to settle a debt with Mr Palmer of Ironmonger's Hall, but Smollett has been 'taken with a violent Cold which had like to have fallen upon my Lungs, & has confined me since Monday last' -- he begs the recipient to explain the case to Palmer, as he has received messages telling him to 'expect no further Forbearance'. A postscript tells of a plan to borrow money together with a friend: 'I do not believe it will succeed; but if any person comes to inquire my character of you, you will not be surprised'. The years 1753-1763 saw Smollett slide ever deeper into debt, in spite of the ever-increasing range and scale of his literary activities. He himself attributed his difficulties to a number of flaws in his character, but undoubtedly the scale of his entertaining at Monmouth House in Chelsea (his annual expenses were £600-£800) contributed very largely.