London, April 20, 1824 Sir, I am sorry that overwhelming calls upon my time have prevented me
from earlier replying to your letter, which, however, was left here only a few
days ago ... In January last we paid Mrs. Bloomfield fifty pounds on
account, though the balance due to us is not even yet liquidated by the sale;
and consequently nothing more can be expected during the present year. I should
be very sorry that any sacrifice were made of the existing property for the sake
of raising a given sum for the creditors; and by law, the creditors have no
demand on the estate, till a year has expired after the decease of the author.
Even when that time should arrive, they would not be able very well to avail
themselves of it; because until our debt is fully liquidated, we could withhold
it from them. Under these circumstances I should think they would readily accept
of a reasonable composition; and we would gladly promote such a result, by at
once giving our promissory note at twelve months for one hundred pounds on the
credit of the returns forthcoming. If you can persuade them to this, no
sacrifice would be made; but the family must be prepared to wait a considerable
time before any thing more would accrue to them.
I remain, Sir,
Yours, &c. Robert Baldwin
Notes* Remains, II,
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