| Description | Undated letter addressed 'My dear Sir'. Downes thanks the recipient for helping him with his new book. He discusses his previous work, the accusations of a 'mean & shortsighted fraud' and his regrets about writing a personal book which exposed his 'rather peculiar life' to examination. He reflects on writing and the nature of a writer's life. He writes that he is flattered by Mr Macnamara's invitation but declines his offer, fearing that in reality 'this writer approved by Mr Jeffrey' may disappoint Macnamara and 'abate his ardour'. He sends compliments to Mrs L. and arranges to visit with letters of Wordsworth, Jeffrey and Hazlett on the subject of his work. |