The day I received your letter of Monday, say on Wednesday last I was under engagement to Mr Cass to have an operation performed – I had prepared a written order to Beckett's complying with your request, but unfortunately had omitted to give it to our Clerk and the future events of the day put all out of my head – I submitted to the operation of having my bottom mangled and have been in bed and on the sofa ever since – I write this lying down.

The fact is simply this and as true as it is simple. We owe Beckett's so much money that without putting a bill of some description into their hands I dare not ask a renewal of credit at Glynn's – I assure you I have not had it in my power to pay a Clothier one penny during the last month, but the very first remittce I receive shall go immy to Beckett's accompd by a request to renew yr credit at Glynn's for £400 – we have received only one remittance since this year came in and after looking with confidence for something handsome from J S Smithson there arrived a line from him yesterday without a penny.