| Description | (Annexed is an account of sales "since the last account," i.e. 10-25 Sep.)
Sir,
I confirm the letter I had the pleasure of writing to you the 12th instant; above is a transcript of the sales since that time.
The Prince of Holstein's plate is sent off. I am sorry to observe that but little profit is gain'd by this order; the exact costs thereof are minuted for yur inspection.
The japan trays and waiters which the Jew offer'd to buy are now sold to a Mr. Cooper of Birmingham, who gave £102. 10 for them upon delivery. Before I made the agreement I consulted Mr. Fothergill, and Mr. Z. Walker gave his opinion that, considering their sizes how irregularly sorted, their designs in general, and their qualities, it was better to sell them for the above sum than keep them any longer. There are now remaining upwards of six dozen of the best, which I selected out; these, with the common paintings, will still make a large shew, and be the more likely to sell.
Not many persons of distinction have been here since my last. It was expected the oratories (which were last week) would have brought much company to Soho.
Lady Bridgman was here on Saturday and took with her about £12 of plated goods, saying that you owed her for a sett of buttons about that amount which Sir Henry Bridgman returned some years ago, and that upon enquiry of you she made no doubt but you would recollect it. I inform'd her Ladyship I was ignorant of the affair and that I believ'd no such thing was noticed in our books; I shall endeavour to find it out and write her the result.
We are much in want of orders both for buttons and plated wares, and it is hoped some considerable ones will come during the time the machines are in hand, which I hear go on very well.
Not having opportunities (when you are not home) to speak to you so often as I could wish, I beg to mention the following particulars. Since the fire which happen'd in Caldecott's shop, I have not slept in the manufactory as I used to do. The dreadful scene I then discover'd, and considering the danger in which I was, induced me to abandon my room for some time, but I did not intend leaving it had it not been chiefly to remove the inquietudes of a fond mother. I consider the obligations I am under to you and Mr. Fothergill for the use of it, and was happy in being in some degree a guard to the place. Mr. Lawson is in possession of it and sleeps there constantly. Tho' that room was very convenient to me in many respects, yet I now lodge and board full as cheap at Mr. Thickbroom's house. I have not so much leisure time as is necessary to look after orders and many odd matters that are essential to be done, by being obliged to stick close to the accompting house. Indeed, I make it a point to be almost constantly in the way, seeing it is not only necessary on account of my business, but also to receive and give answers to people that come; for whether in business or curiosity they most commonly come into the accompting house on some occasion.
Had I an assistant who could be depended upon, &c., I might dedicate my time upon the whole more to your interest. The whole of the packing I have to do, as well as the first writing of ev'ry thing, &c. I am sorry to say George continues much as usual; I reason with and do all in my power to make him do well, and shall always do it so long as you are pleased to let him remain under me.
Have only just now been able to get off the goods for Mr. Floud of Exeter, which assortment consists of some of the best patterns, and have hopes they will be found to please; suppose you intend on your return to call of said gentleman.
Mr. Fothergill desires me to inform you that matters in general go on well, also that he purposes writing to you in a few days; further, that he expects (will arrive at his house this evening) Mr. and Mrs. Vere with Miss Lucas and Miss Webb.
This being all that offers at present, I subscribe myself with the utmost respect, sir, your obliged and most obedient humble servant,
Jno. Hodges
[The account, which precedes the letter, has not been transcribed.]
[Edited transcript.] |