| Description | Sir,
The recent interruption to the progress of M’r Boulton’s recovery, & consequent confinement to his room, precluding him from the pleasure of paying his respects personally at this time to any of his friends, I take the liberty of replying to your favor of the 23d ins’t;—the more especially as Letter writing has been most strictly interdicted M’r Boulton by his Physicians.
You will perceive by the inclosed Card, to which the most extensive publicity has been given, that the Proprietors of this Establishment have felt the necessity of discontinuing the exhibition of the Manufactory;—& acting with due consistency to the resolution expressed in the publication alluded to, they have uniformly negatived the numerous applications subsequently rec’d from some of the most distinguished Personages in the United Kingdoms, who might reasonably take offence if particular exceptions were made, to the general prohibition.
I believe, Sir, it is not needful for me to urge to you the consequences to M’r Boulton’s health of the numerous applications he still receives on this subject, for the better you are acquainted with his disposition, the more fully will you be convinced that a conflict not only painful to his feelings, but also injurious to his health, must ever await the consideration of them.
A remembrance of all the cause which produced the prohibitory resolution,—a regard for consistency of conduct—& due respect for those persons whom Mr Boulton has had the mortification to refuse,—create a kind of mental warfare with the personal feelings that influence him in regard to the pending application, & never fail to leave traces equally visible & painful to all his friends.
Under these circumstances you will not only perceive that no personal disrespect is intended by this letter; but I am persuaded that the liberality of yourself & Friends will cheerfully forego whatever pleasure you may have promised yourselves from a Visit to Soho Manufactory
I am, with much respect,
Sir your obt huml Servt
Wm Cheshire
Soho Octr 25th 1805. |