| Description | Dear Father,
In your last to me of instant you mention an inclosed note for Glover, desiring it might be sent him; either from accident it has been lost, or perhaps in the hurry of your business you may have forgot to inclose it. He has not yet begun with the upper windows, and I am afraid it will be impossible to get the house in that state [of] forwardness you might reasonably expect. Is it your intention to have the wall below the windows taken out, as in the lower rooms—suppose, for example, thus? [Here there is a sketch of a sash window, viewed from the inside.] It will require more time, and I think in the bedrooms it will of [be] little real utility. In either cases, the outside appearance will be the same.
I shall take care that Nichols is removed into the Lamp Room, as you direct. He says he has finished ten pair of dies, and complains that Mr. Lawson does not supply him fast enough. Another circumstance which I think is not sufficiently attended to in the Mint is the changing of dies, nor do I believe it ever will so long as you permit them to work with it according to their judgement. You should fix a stated time, or determine the number to be struck by one pair of dies, and then oblige them to change the dies whether good or bad; it will be little lost than the good ones will require less touching up.
The Mint and cutter out often stop at present for want of metal. I [have] spoken often to Mr. Kellet about it, but he assures me it will [be] impossible to supply it faster without entirely abbandoning the Birmingham business. You will therefore be so good as to decide about his affair.
I know of nothing more, material, to mention to you, and with the most sincere wishes for your health and happiness, I remain, dear father, your dutiful son,
Mattw. R. Boulton
You will be so kind as to see that the inclosed letter for Mr. Streiber be delivered to him, if yet in town; but in case he should have left London, pray send it down again to me.
I was just sending the present off as yours of the 29 instant came to hand. I have forwarded you the desired things, according to your instructions. I was rather doubtful whether you wished the originals or copies of yours and Droz’s letters, but not being able to find the copies I have [sent] the originals, which I suppose will equally answer your purposes.
[Edited transcript.] |