GENTLEMEN,--In the spring of the year 1803 a MS. novel in two vols., entitled _Susan_, was sold to you by a gentleman of the name of Seymour, and the purchase money L10 rec^{d.} at the same time. Six years have since passed, and this work, of which I am myself the Authoress, has never to the best of my knowledge appeared in print, tho' an early publication was stipulated for at the time of sale. I can only account for such an extraordinary circumstance by supposing the MS. by some carelessness to have been lost, and if that was the case am willing to supply you with another copy, if you are disposed to avail yourselves of it, and will engage for no farther delay when it comes into your hands. It will not be in my power from particular circumstances to command this copy before the month of August, but then if you accept my proposal you may depend on receiving it. Be so good as to send me a line in answer as soon as possible as my stay in this place will not exceed a few days. Should no notice be taken of this address, I shall feel myself at liberty to secure the publication of my work by applying elsewhere. I am, Gentlemen, etc., etc., M. A. D. Direct to Mrs. Ashton Dennis, Post Office, Southampton April 5, 1809. With this letter was preserved the following reply:-- MADAM,--We have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 5th inst. It is true that at the time mentioned we purchased of Mr. Seymour a MS. novel entitled _Susan_, and paid him for it the sum of L10, for which we have his stamped receipt, as a full consideration, but there was not any time stipulated for its publication, neither are we bound to publish it. Should you or anyone else [publish it] we shall take proceedings to stop the sale. The MS. shall be yours for the same as we paid for it. For CROSBY & CO. I am yours, etc. RICHARD CROSBY.