Francis Merryweather was an English shopkeeper in Venice from whom Lord Byron had bought a number of goods, mostly alcoholic beverages and condiments. Toward the end of 1817, Merryweather was fined by Italian authorities for voilating import laws;...
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Francis Merryweather was an English shopkeeper in Venice from whom Lord Byron had bought a number of goods, mostly alcoholic beverages and condiments. Toward the end of 1817, Merryweather was fined by Italian authorities for voilating import laws; Byron loaned Merryweather 600 lire to pay the fine. Later, angered by some "ingratitude" of Merryweather, Byron brought legal action against him for repayment of the loan, plus interest and court fees. For more on the Byron-Merryweather controversy see Shelley and his Circle, volume VII, pages 311-315. · Jacopo Castelli's autograph petition signed : [received 11 Jul 1818] : (B'ANA 0188a) : 2 pages (double sheet) : to sue Merryweather on Byron's behalf for repayment of a 600-lire loan, plus interest and court expenses; with docket and notes on page 4 of the double sheet; attached (sewn inside) is a receipt for 600 lire received from Siri and Willhalm, Byron's bankers, drawn up by the officers at the Salute Custom House and dated 7 Jul 1818.
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