| Description | (Manuscript copy, not in Boulton’s hand.)
I do myself the pleasure of addressing you in consequence
of information which has just reached me that one of my workmen
of the name of Shaw has applied for a licence to open a
public house in a situation contiguous to my manufactory.
To the personal character of Shaw I have no
objections as his conduct in my service during 14 years has been
creditable but I am persuaded I need not point out to
you the inconveniences and detriment which must ensue from
the proximity of a public house to an extensive manufactory.
The great temptation which it would afford for the resort of workmen
on account of its contiguity cannot fail of being obvious
to you and I doubt not will operate as a sufficient motive for
withholding a licence to a house so situated and more
especially as there are already six public houses
within half a mile of the spot indeed did I not
conceive my request to be consistent with the public
accommodation I should certainly not have urged it but I trust
for the reasons apprised you will agree with me
in thinking that the interests of society will be more
promoted by the suppresion than by the establishment
of a public house and the circumstances which
have been pointed out |