| Description | (Directed to William Matthews’, 6 Green Lettice Lane.)
Dear Father,
The inclosed letter from Mr. Wilson arrived last night and I take the first opportunity of forwarding it.
I am sorry to say we have not yet been able to strike above 18 cwt. a day. The third press is not yet finished, nor have the other two worked so well as one might have expected; the blow is so violent as to shake everything exceedingly.
Every precaution has been taken with respect to the preventing of the bits beeing stolen, and we have been endeavouring to prevent the too great access to the Mint which has hithertoo existed, and I think it will be worthy of your attention whether or not it would be advisable to erect a pallisado from the corner of the compting house to the opposite pallisado inclosing the coals, and at this gate a porter to be placed to prevent totally the admittance of any curious or otherwise intentioned person; the same may weigh the box of bits in entering the Mint, assist in loading the waggon, and do other various jobs; he should also sleep in the Mint, as from various circumstances it appears necessary to have a person on the premises in the night. This proposition you will be best able to decide upon at your return.
The son of Mr. G. Rose, secretary , brought a letter from his father requesting to see the Manufactory. I met him at Birmingham and brought him in the carriage to Soho; he only staid one hour and a half, being obliged to leave Birmingham at one o’clock.
I rejoice with you at your s[uc]cess in obtaining an exemption from the burthensome office of sheriff, [and] hope it will contribute to your ease of mind.
In hopes of your speedy return, I remain your dutiful son,
Mattw. R. Boulton
PS. Have [not] heard any thing further about changing the inscription upon the edge. I recollect in one of Mr. Monneron’s letter[s] before your departure he desired [to] have, instead of the present inscription, Bon pour les 84 departemens; it will be necessary to know soon if this change is to take place. There is ready to be sent tomorrow nearly two tons.
[Edited transcript.] |