| Description | (On the outside is a memorandum by Matthew Boulton.)
Dear Father,
I have just this moment received Dr. Priestly[’s] biographical chart, for which I return you many thanks, with a letter from Mr. Renny. I was a little disappointed in not receiving a letter from you, but when I consider you are so employed in the Cornish business I am quite reconciled and as I am not much employed I cannot grudge you two to your one. I lately received a letter from my sister, in which I was sorry to see the death of old Mr. Phillips, who I suppose is a great loss to Cornwall.
Every body who comes to Mr. Parlby is very much pleased with the lamp but every one has some objection—some say it will not do for reading but very well for a large hall, another says it gives too much heat for a parlour, but the common objection is it gives too much light, and I cannot convince them that by putting on the shade that will be remeded. But I think if it was to be applied to the use which every one suggests it will be very useful.
I lately wrote to Miss Mynd to know if any cloaths were made for me at home, as the cloaths which I have here are worn out; and she sent me some of my old cloaths, as she thought I had better not have another suit of mourning, but I thought I better ask you wether you approved of that before I got them made.
Having exhausted both my fund of news and wants, I must conclude with desiring my compliments to all Cornish friends. I remain, dear father, your affectionate son,
Mattw. R. Boulton
[Memorandum by Matthew Boulton:]
No Admittance.
Order’d by the adventurers that, if the engine man for the time being permit any person to enter this house (the lords, adventurers, and captain of this mine excepted) he shall loose his place.
[Edited transcript.]
[Priestley] |