| Description | James Brown (1789 - 1872) was a draughtsman, engine erector and engineer. he managed the London Office and was a partner in Boulton, Watt & Co. and James Watt & Co. He retired in 1861. According to the description in the Sotheby's 2003 catalogue, the subjects of the letters are books, printing and publishing matters, including the engraving of his father, James Watt, for the 'Eloge' by Arago; the 'Engineers Journal', editions of 'A History of the Steam Engine' and 'Anecdotes of Steam Engines' ; with various references to Robert Stuart, Mr Muirhead, Messrs. Finden 'who have not condescended to answer my last letter...This may be the practice of Artists, but it is not very much like men of business..', and others. One letter, marked 'Private', is about the notice by Matthew Robinson Boulton 'of his intention of withdrawing from business on the expiration of the term or our Articles of Partnership' - 'I am become the purchaser of his Interest and now the sole Representative of the Firm of Boulton Watt &c.. a leading motive in my becoming the purchaser, has been to ... prevent the disagreement & annoyance of their passing into the hands of strangers....'. Other letters cover the progress of the engine business; gold watches; planting and fencing; attacks on property by the 'Rebecca ites'; his health; a letter about the death of William Barton 'an old, faithfull and attached servant'; there are some mathematical calculations and an annotated diagram of a vertical sundial. |