| Description | (Directed to William Matthews’, 6 Green Lettice Lane.)
Dear Father,
I am this moment returned from Mr. Watt’s, where I have left Mr. Matthews extreemly ill, insomuch that Mr. Freer thinks he can scarcely survive the night. Dr. Withering has not been to him yet, intending to come tomorrow (Sunday). Mr. Scale has had a conversation with him respecting his will, but nothing determinate has been done. He mentioned Mr. Watt or you as one of his executors, but I think most probable he will name Mr. W.—indeed, I fancy it has been rather urged to him to do so, alledging that you had too much business on your hands. You will best judge, if in case he should live some days longer, how far advisable it may be for you to come down; I understand from Mrs. Watt that her husband is to be here on Monday. Mr. Scale, in case he lives through the night, will attend him to morrow and perhaps persuade him to settle his affairs; both the doctor and Mr. Freer think it absolutely necessary.
I thought it advisable to give you this information immediately, and I hope it may not yet bee too late.
I remain your dutiful son,
Mattw. R. Boulton
Sunday morning.
I was disapointed of sending this letter yesterday night; I therefore send you the news of this morning. Mr. Matthews still lives, but Mr. Freer thinks it almost impossible for him to survive many more attacks, which of late are become frequent. He staid with him the night, and thought that the last attack would have been fatal. Dr. Withering comes this afternoon. Mr. Scale is gone to him to see if any thing can be done respecting his will.
[Edited transcript.] |