"Cheltenham, Oct. 12. 1812.
"I have a very _strong_ objection to the engraving of the
portrait[57], and request that it may, on no account, be prefixed;
but let _all_ the proofs be burnt, and the plate broken. I will be
at the expense which has been incurred; it is but fair that _I_
should, since I cannot permit the publication. I beg, as a
particular favour, that you will lose no time in having this done,
for which I have reasons that I will state when I see you. Forgive
all the trouble I have occasioned you.
"I have received no account of the reception of the Address, but
see it is vituperated in the papers, which does not much embarrass
an _old author_. I leave it to your own judgment to add it, or not,
to your next edition when required. Pray comply _strictly_ with my
wishes as to the engraving, and believe me, &c.
"P.S.--Favour me with an answer, as I shall not be easy till I hear
that the proofs, &c. are destroyed. I hear that the _Satirist_ has
reviewed Childe Harold, in what manner I need not ask; but I wish
to know if the old personalities are revived? I have a better
reason for asking this than any that merely concerns myself; but in
publications of that kind, others, particularly female names, are
sometimes introduced."
[Footnote 57: A miniature by Sanders. Besides this miniature, Sanders
had also painted a full length of his Lordship, from which the portrait
prefixed to this work is engraved. In reference to the latter picture,
Lord Byron says, in a note to Mr. Rogers, "If you think the picture you
saw at Murray's worth your acceptance, it is yours; and you may put a
_glove_ or mask on it, if you like."]
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