| Description | London Novem. 20. 1795
Mattw. Boulton Esq
My Dear Sir
I was in some degree prepared for the disappointment of not seeing you by a Conversation I had this morning with Mr. Weston-& altho' I am really very sorry at being so very long deprived the Pleasure of your Company I rejoice most exceedingly that the good Complexion of your Cause-occasions my not seeing you: Mr Weston seems in high Spirits about it.-I am also extremely happy to hear that your Son takes an active part in the Improvements at Soho because I know the Pleasure it will give you.
I will see the Epsomites & agree with the fat Housekeeper observing to you that she expects 20 Guineas & tea and if she is prudent & saving the wages are no Object-I understand there is a young woman who has lived under her at Mr. Knipe's whom she strongly recommends as Kitchen Maid-or I suppose Cook, in your family-but I know nothing further of her. I myself cou'd have sent you a very ugly, but a very good natured Girl as House maid-only that I keep her for Your use here. shou'd you not contrive to have the old one's off the premises the day the new one's come?-but Miss Boulton will of course judge-I only hint it-because there is a good deal of Art used sometimes to set new Servants against the Place. I will write to you again when I have agreed with the Housekeeper-but if you wish to enquire for any other Servants you should let me know the Places you want to fill up-I have had & got some exceeding good servants out of Lincolnshire-query whether I shall make some Enquiry there for you thro' my friend Mr. Lucas?
I am quite happy to hear your Elbow is likely to get well soon.-I did not pause about asking you the favor for fear of being refused-my only fear is you granting too much-but the one in question was a trifling matter & delay'd only for personal Interview-and in that state it may rest a while-but now about Patty Taylor-surely you must be tired of her by this time & she wou'd be of much use to me-I want somebody to read to me while I work-& my present Compagnonne is not equal to the task-you know Mrs. Vere is gone into Lincolnshire & I have not a single soul to converse with-nevertheless if I thought her of Use to you she shou'd not come away till you come to town-but if that is not the case-I have no doubt of her coming very safe in the Coach-therefore at a convenient Opportunity if you don't want her, pray send her home.
The Times wear a most alarming Aspect-I fear we are making very hasty strides to the same Anarchy & Confusion that has reigned in France-& one cannot think on the subject without being in some degree low spirited: how fare you all at Birmingham? Give my kind love to your Son & Daughter & believe me ever Dr Sir
Your most affectionate Friend
C Matthews
Love to Patty, I cannot [write] to her to night. |