Description:In late 1598, Richard Quiney was in London on Corporation business. On 16 October his friend, Abraham Sturley had written to him from Stratford, outlining the financial difficulties he was in, and asking for his help in raising £25 which he needed to pay off his pressing debts.
In this document, Quiney, on 25 October, writes to Shakespeare asking for help with a loan of £30. He does not mention Sturley, but it is almost impossible not to link these documents. Moreover, on the same day, we know that Quiney replied to Sturley to the effect that he had been discussing a loan with Shakespeare.
In the 1590s, £30 represented a very substantial sum, sufficient, in fact, to purchase a small house in Stratford. There is no record of whether or not Shakespeare helped Quiney out.
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust reference: ER 27/4
A modernised transcript reads:
Loving countryman, I am bold of you as a friend, craving your help with 30 pounds upon Mr Bushell's and my security or Mr Mytton's with me. Mr Rosswell is not come to London as yet and I have especial cause. You shall friend me much in helping me out of such debts I owe in London, I thank God, and much quiet my mind which would not be indebted. I am now toward the court in hope of answer for the dispatch of my business. You shall neither lose credit nor money by me, the Lord willing, and now but persuade yourself, so as I hope, and you shall not need to fear but with all hearty thankfulness I will hold my time and content your friend, and if we bargain farther; you shall be the pay-master yourself. My time bids me hasten to an end and so commit this [to] your care and hope of your help. I fear I shall not be back this night from the Court. Haste. The Lord be with you and with us all, amen. From the Bell in Carter Lane the 25 October 1598. Yours in all kindness, Ric. Quiney.