| Description | Sir,
Inclosed I have the pleasure of transmitting an account of the sales since your departure, and which I purpose doing ev'ry fortnight untill your return. I presume ere this you are inform'd of the new order received for reels, &c., which is wanted in a hurry; it happens well in this respect, that as we are not much hurried in the plated branch, it will employ some of the hands, &c.
Mr. Scale has not so many button orders as he could wish, tho' enough to keep the workmen on. Lately arrived two inlaid button orders consisting of more than 2000 groces, which take off all those you had on hand, and Thickbroom will now be busied in compleating them. The silver dishes and covers for the Prince of Holstein are nearly finish'd, and which shall be immediately sent off as they are ready. Mr. Bingley I believe has done his utmost to accelerate their dispatch. Mr. Wilson is now at work with the paintings order'd for Mr. Palmer, which I imagine will be done to the limitted time, but am sorry to inform you the six or moulu clocks will not, but shall endeavour to get some of them.
Mr. Simmons' time (being three days a week) is chiefly employ'd at landscapes, being what suits his abilities best. He has done several pieces from prints, &c., that came from Mr. Eginton's, which are judg'd likely to sell if at reasonable prices. Therefore, as Jee & Eginton's frames come very expensive, I have ventur'd to order a few black ones with gilt borders, which will come cheap and in all probability be one means of tempting their sale. I am now at a loss what to give him to paint, and could wish for your instructions when at leisure. I am inform'd you have a large collection of prints, landscapes, &c., in your library; no doubt there are many among them that would make pretty pieces.
I was with Mr. F. Eginton a few days since in order to settle the account of goods of yours in his possession, when he hinted to me how unhappy he had been ever since he left Soho-more particularly thro' the ungenerous and untrue expressions of some body-but that he had lately received some consolations from your kind and gen'rous expressions towards him, which he seems to hold in a very grateful light. He likewise inform'd me you had thought of the tortoiseshell branch as a business likely to suit him and in consequence was so kind to offer him the use of your tools, &c. He mention'd he thought of writing to you on the subject to know in what manner he might have them, &c. It's conjectured he does many common paintings for Mr. Clay; indeed, he told me he had orders for Calypsos and Penelopes by dozens, and also shew'd me some solid gilt buttons of his making.
Mr. Clay lately sent two paper plates, desiring plated borders might be put thereto, which was accordingly done, with the consent of Mr. F. If there were many orders of this kind they would prove more profitable than getting up waiters wholly here; such retardations happen with those we have had in general order'd, that several have and others now in hand are likely to prove too late, tho' the delays from one circumstance or other I believe to be in a great measure unavoidable.
Mr. Du Roveray has writ that he shall shortly be in Cornwall on business and has desired your address, which is sent him.
Nobody very particular has been here; the Bishop of St. Asaph and his family lately visited, admired most things, but bought but little-indeed, most people that come buy little else but small toys, which go off very well. Caldecott is fully employ'd from what sells in the Toy Room and from the small orders that now and then come, which is well. I observe that the generality of people of distinction and fortune that visit Soho, as well as foreigners that are recommended or have heard of you, seem much disapointed when they cannot see you. Mrs. Monckton (daughter of Lord Pigott's), Colonel Monckton's lady, writ a polite letter to you requesting your interest in votes for the Colonel, who was a candidate for Stafford, which election was expected to be yesterday, and as there was not time to write to you I was directed to inform her of your absence, &c.
It is much talk'd of here that Mr. Keir is building a large manufactory at Tipton Green, but I do not hear for what purpose; presume you know something of it. It is likewise remark'd that he seldom visits Soho.
Mr. Stuart was here to day. He inform'd me he had sold two of the large paintings and was in expectation of disposing of another almost directly. He thinks he could sell some of the small common ones; in consequence, and by Mr. F.'s permission, about half a dozen are to be sent for tryal.
Mr. Tyson being gone to see his friends in the North, I sleep at your house during his absence, and I am happy to inform you Mrs. Boulton is pretty well.
Mrs. Laing of St. Petersburg was here this afternoon, recommended by Thomson & Peters, which prevented Mr. Fothergill from writing to you this evening. Mr. F. desires his respects to you (he continues pretty well) and informs you that after he had writ on Saturday last, upon further consideration with Mr. Keir respecting the 1525 machines, Mr. Ray was writ to to inform him of the order, but it was left to his option whether to come down or not. It is supposed they can be got up without his assistance. The time is short; they are wanted [by] the first of November.
Having nothing more to add at present, I beg leave to present my respects, being with the utmost sincerity, dear sir, your [most obl]iged and obedient servant,
[John] Hodges
[Edited transcript.]
Copy account of goods sent from Soho, 20 Aug.-9 Sep. 1780.
(Press-copy.) |