Autograph Letter Signed to John Childs of Bungay, Suffolk, printer, non-conformist, agitator, staunch nonconformist (DNB).

One page, folio, closely written, chipped with some loss of text, creases and small closed tears. Obviously close (he calls him "Jockie"), Atkinson touches on various radical matters and people in a relaxed, allusive and witty fashion. He initially discusses a poem he is putting togther which "Henry & David" wish to get printed under Childs auspices ("any idea or expression not harmonising with your taste & judgment tell me & I will amend it"). He will get the printer David Maurice (a friend; also see BBTI) to set it up. He alludes to "D.R's song of 'The Thorn'", his lethargy, receipt of Childs's letter, a meeting in Camberwell "to give D R & H S a benefit", allusions to other people (initials only). In the final paragraph he he commences "Cobbett 'dang oure my daddie' Coke & his friends competely. That chap is an incarnation of aspirit from another world & will give the Norfolcians a taste of his quality befroe he has done with them. The Times in its abuse of him has ben emulating its old doings of 'Cursing made easy' . . . " Postscript acknowledges a hamper and reports sending a barrel of oysters. Copy of main text provided on request.