[Thomas Coutts & Co., London bankers.] Manuscript Letter from the firm (signed 'Thomas Coutts & Co.') to John Hankey of the London banking family, expressing 'much surprize' at his firm's treatment of a bill from Lord St John.

2pp., 4to. Bifolium. Addressed on reverse of second leaf 'To | John Hankey Esqr'. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. An unusually forthright document in the staid world of Georgian banking, the letter begins: 'Sir | We have received the favor of your Letter dated yesterday with much surprize, not only as it informs us of a praemium being offer'd with an acceptance of your house, but also as it seems to intimate that it has been done with our concurrence - we can assure you, Sir, that your Letter is the only information we have had upon this subject - the bill, it is true, is in our hands, and we have Lord St John's directions to deliver it to a person who is to pay a Sum of money into his account but we are perfectly ignorant from what that money is to arise'. Further instructions from Lord St John are required, 'before the person calls for the bill'. From the Hankey & Co. banking archive.