[ James Sheridan Knowles, Irish dramatist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('J. Sheridan Knowles') to the Birmingham printing ink manufacturers Beilby & Co, regarding a debt (incurred through his association with the Glasgow newspaper 'The Free Press').

3pp., 4to. Bifolium. On aged and worn paper, with some repair, and traces of stub from mount still adhering. Addressed on reverse of second leaf, with postmarks, to 'Messrs Beilby & Co | Printing Ink Manufacturers | Birmingham'. On the same page, in another hand: 'Mr Reuben Sparks.' Knowles's entry in the Oxford DNB gives the context. In 1816 he 'moved to Glasgow, where he established and ran a school for nearly twelve years [...] In 1823 and 1824 he added to his income by conducting the literary department of the Free Press, a Glasgow paper which advocated liberal and social reform. His school did not prosper [...] In 1830 Knowles left Glasgow with his wife and their son, and settled in Newhaven, near Edinburgh'. The letter concerns a debt (resulting from his association with the newspaper) 'which ought to have been liquidated long before this', with Knowles uncertain as to whether he is himself personally liable. He has written regarding the matter to his 'former Clerk Mr William Rowe, Treasurer now to the Edinburgh Theatre', and in the meantime points out that 'Mr. Northhouse' (the newspaper's editor) who 'ordered the article' was 'no partner whatever of mine, nor has he been since'. Nevertheless Knowles does suspect that he is 'the person you ought in justice to look to' for payment. If this be the case, he asks for 'a few months indulgence - Say till Novr: You may perhaps be through the medium of the Public Prints that I have met with some disappointment in consequence of the deferred production of my last two dramatic works Alfred and The Beggar's Daughter of Bethnal Green which are to appear early next season. This has somewhat pinched me - and my emoluments from my labors are now completely suspended as the College has shut'. The letter carries a postscript, written crosswise across the second page, initialled 'J. S. K', in which Knowles states that if he finds that he is the firm's debtor he will 'with the greatest pleasure pay you interest'.