| Description | Soho Sepr 26 1792
Dear Father
I have been prevented from answerg your two last letters of the 19 & 22 Inst by a Cold & fever which I have shared in common with many of my neighbours.
Your orders respecting the East India specimens have been punctually attended to. Yestarday 50 Specimens of the quadruple of the Couvrie were sent to Mr Wissett & the others of 5½ grains are in hand & in hope to send some to morrow.
The directions for Mr Brown respectg Monnerons Acct were immediately transmitted to him & I believe he has forwarded a statement as you desire. Mr Lawson was already set out before the receipt of you letter 22d, intendd to stay at Manchester, a few days in which time he expected to receive your determination & if nothing required his return to continue his journey to Scotland; not needing his assistance in the execution of the specimens he is left to pursue his plan.
Next friday se’nnight the 5th of October is the usual day for recievg Rents at Lichfield; I however thought it advisable to pospone it a week in hopes of your return, as there are several things which require your presence. Particularly the arrears owing from Thacker, who does not seem to be making the least preparations for paying any part of them. I also understand that nothing has been done with respect to repairing the banks of the Medow, & that the river continues its ravages. There are several circumstances, which I learnt from one of his neighbours, who was lately at Soho, not much to his Credit.
We have had here a most melancholy season for the Harvest the incessant rains have greatly damaged the Corn & nothing is a greater rarity than the face of the Sun at Mid-day.
My Sister is perfectly well. she has escaped even the slightest Cold, indeed, I am the only invalid of the family, we may therefore look upon ourselves as favored for few of our neighbours have been equally lucky.
In anxious expectations of your early & safe Arrival I remain
Your dutiful Son
Mattw R Boulton |