| Description | This volume is marked on the front cover, in a hand which may be Matthew Boulton’s:
M.B. 1783 to 1788
and on the spine, in M. R. Boulton’s hand, is the title
M. Boulton, Private Letter Book, 1783 to 1788.
To the pages of the volume are fixed the documents listed below. These are arranged in two sequences, one at the front of the book (1 to 200), and one at the back (201 to 226), the book being turned over and the back being treated, as it were, as the front. The numbering of the pages is irregular. Those at the front of the book are numbered as follows: pages 1 to 121 are marked in a contemporary hand in the usual fashion, except that two pages were numbered 94, with an unnumbered page between; these pages have now been numbered 94a, 94b, and 94c; from 122 to 146 the numbers refer to open folios, in the manner of a ledger, and in the list below, the letters a and b after the folio numbers are used to distinguish the left and right sides respectively; pages 147 to 291 were not originally numbered, but have now been paginated in the usual way. The rest of the pages, to which are attached the documents in the second sequence, are numbered from A1 to A43, beginning at the back.
A number of the pages are empty. At the front of the volume is a contemporary Index, to which a number of entries were added by an employee of the Assay Office. Some of the copies are incomplete.
Transcripts of 1, 13, 132, 173, and 198 will be found after the table of Contents.
CONTENTS
Part I. Pages 1-286.
Page
1. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to [William Chapman Jr.] [Dublin]. 9 Dec. 1783. 1
2. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Knox (Dublin). 9 Dec. 1783. 3
(Copy of an original in John Buchanan’s hand.)
3. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Whitehurst [? London]. 9 Dec. 1783. 5
4. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to John Gilbert [? Worsley]. c. 9 Dec. 1783. 8
5. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Sir Joseph Banks (London). 11 Dec. 1783. 10
6. Memorandum of Melvill’s behaviour during Boulton’s stay in Dublin. 11
c. Dec. 1783.
7. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to the Paris Mine Company. 22 Jan. 1784. 12
8. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to —. 4 Nov. 1786. 12
9. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to A. Guyot (Paris). 22 Oct. 1786. 13
10. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Ralph Allen Daniell [Truro]. 2 Nov. 1786. 14
11. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to —. [c. 27] Jun. 1785. 16
12. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mr. Rose. 27 Jun. 1785. 17
13. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to William Matthews [London]. 26 May 1786. 18
14. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 2 Nov. 1786. 20
15. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to John Morris. 2 Nov. 1786. 22
16. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Vivian. 13 Mar. 1787. 25
17. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 22 Oct. 1786. 29
18. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Morris. 21 Oct. 1786. 30
19. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Rupert Leigh. 9 Jul. 1785. 32
20. Memorandum respecting an engine for Sir Herbert Mackworth. 33
21. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Jacob Wilkinson. 9 Jul. 1785. 34
22. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 15 Feb. 1786. 36
23. Boulton & Watt (Soho) to Mr. Edwards. 23 May 1786. 37
(Copy of an original in Matthew Boulton’s hand, signed by him in the firm’s name.)
24. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to the Rev. S. Parlby [Stoke by Nayland]. 8 Feb. 1786. 38
25. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 17 Mar. 1787. 40
26. Boulton & Watt (Soho) to Forster, Lubbock, Bosanquet, & Co. 17 Mar. 1787. 41
(Copy of an original in Matthew Boulton’s hand, signed by him in the firm’s name.)
27. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Richard Phillips. 25 Mar. 1787. 42
28. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Vivian. 17 Mar. 1787. 43
29. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Williams (Anglesey). [? 19] Mar. 1787. 46
30. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mr. Clutterbuck. 23 Mar. 1787. 46
31. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mr. Rashley (St. Austell). 23 Mar. 1787. 48
32. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 13 Mar. 1787. 49
33. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Wilkinson. 17 Mar. 1787. 50
(Includes a statement in James Pearson’s hand of the account of the
New Riverhead Water Works Co. with Boulton & Watt.)
34. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Vivian. 25 Mar. 1787. 52
35. [Matthew Boulton] (Soho) to the Birmingham Brass Works Committee.
26 Mar. 1787. 54
(Copy of an unsigned original in an unidentified hand.)
36. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Colonel Macormick (London). 26 Mar. 1787. 56
(Copy of an original in an unidentified hand, signed by Boulton.)
37. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to Samuel Garbett [London]. [27 Mar. 1787.] 58
38. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mr. Mouron (Calais). 27 Mar. 1787. 60
39. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Ratcliff (Dover). 27 Mar. 1787. 61
40. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to Samuel Garbett [London]. [c. 28 Mar. 1787.] 62
41. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Williams (London). 28 Mar. 1787. 64
(Directed to Bates’s Hotel, Adelphi.)
42. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mary Linwood. 17 Mar. 1787. 66
43. Copy memorandum relative to Baron Stein, headed ‘Facts.’ [c. Mar. 1787.] 68
(Copy of an original In an unidentified hand.)
44. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to Mr. Pradeaux. 29 Mar. 1787. 72
45. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Matthew Robinson Boulton. 29 Mar. 1787. 74
46. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Jean André De Luc. 31 Mar. 1787. 75
(The first sheet is a transcript in an unidentified hand; the rest is a press-copy
of the original in Boulton’s own hand. Compare the draft, 70.)
47. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Vivian. 1 Apr. 1787. 76
48. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Jean André De Luc. 31 Mar. 1787. 75
(Letter of introduction for Mary Linwood.)
49. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mr. Garbett. 7 Apr. 1787. 80
50. Matthew Boulton (—) to Colonel MacCormick. No date. 81
(Draft.)
51. Matthew Boulton (—) to Mr. George. No date. 82
(Draft.)
52. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mr. Garbett. 2 Apr. 1787. 82
53. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Vivian. 8 Apr. 1787. 84
54. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to —. 18 Apr. 1787. 86
55. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Messrs. Garbetts. 20 Apr. 1787. 87
56. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Wilson. ? 12 Apr. 1787. 88
57. Ann Watt (Harper’s Hill) to [Matthew Boulton]. 11 Apr. 1787. 90
(Transcript in an unidentified hand.)
58. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Gilbert Meason. 12 Apr. 1787. 90
(Draft of 60.)
59. Matthew Boulton (—) to —. c. May 1787. 91
(Draft. Marked No. 2.)
60. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Gilbert Meason. 12 Apr. 1787. 94a
(Signed for Boulton & Watt. Compare the draft, 58.)
61. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Motteux. 19 [Apr.] 1787. 94c
62. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Samuel Garbett. 21 Apr. 1787. 94c
63. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Samuel Garbett. 22 Apr. 1787. 96
64. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Vivian (London). 16 Apr. 1787. 98
65. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Vivian. 22 Apr. 1787. 100
66. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Wilson. No date. 102
(Draft.)
67. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Jean Pierre Droz. 23 Apr. 1787. 103
(Draft. Marked No. 3.)
68. Memoranda on coinage. 104
(In an unidentified hand.)
69. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Motteux [London]. 27 Apr. 1787. 105
70. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Jean André de Luc. 31 Mar. 1787. 106
(Draft of 46.)
71. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Vivian (London). 29 Apr. 1787. 107
72. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Motteux [London]. 29 Apr. 1787. 107
(Letter of introduction given to John Vivian.)
73. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Vivian. 27 Apr. 1787. 108
74. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Whitehurst. 29 Apr. 1787. 109
75. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Joah Bates. 3 May 1787. 111
76. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Jean Pierre Droz (Paris). 7 May 1787. 112
(Draft. Marked No. 4.)
77. Matthew Boulton (—) to John Wilkinson. No date. 113
(Loose.)
78. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Samuel Garbett (London). 12 May 1787. 114
79. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to —. 13 May 1787. 116
(Incomplete.)
80. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Vivian. 5 May 1787. 118
81. Matthew Boulton (—) to —. No date. 120
(Draft.)
82. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to M. R. Boulton. 21 May 1787. 121
83. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to —. 12 May 1787. 122a
84. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to William Matthews [London]. 20 May 1787. 123a
85. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Robert Wissett [London]. 16 May 1787. 124a
(Copy of an original in an unidentified hand.)
86. Boulton & Watt (Soho) to —. 29 May 1787. 124b
(Copy of an original in Matthew Boulton’s hand, signed by him in the firm’s name.)
87. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Wilson. 19 May 1787. 125a
88. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to George Watson (Bristol). 19 May 1787. 126a
89. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to George Meason (Edinburgh). 22 May 1787. 126b
90. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Vivian (London). 16 May 1787. 127a
91. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Wilson. Jul. 1787. 128b
92. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Robert Wissett (London). 26 Jul. 1787. 129a
(Directed to East India House.)
93. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to —. 26 Jul. 1787. 129a
94. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to —. 25 Jul. 1787. 129b
95. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Motteux [London]. 29 Jul. 1787. 130a
(Copy of an original in an unidentified hand.)
96. Proposal to Mr. Mitchell. 133a
97. Matthew Boulton (—) to Battier & Zournliu. 1 Aug. 1787. 133a
98. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mr. Pradeaux. 2 Aug. 1787. 133b
(Draft.)
99. Matthew Boulton (—) to Jean Pierre Droz. 2 Aug. 1787. 134a
(Draft. Marked No. 5.)
100. [Matthew Boulton] (—) to —. No date. 134b
101. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Vivian. 1 Aug. 1787. 135a
102. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mr. Whitbread. 1 Aug. 1787. 136a
103. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Motteux [London]. 12 Aug. 1787. 137a
104. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Robert Wissett [London]. 7 Aug. 1787. 138a
105. Matthew Boulton (—) to —. No date. 138a
(Draft.)
106. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mr. Mitchell. 10 Aug. 1787. 138b
107. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to John Vivian (London). 13 Aug. 1787. 139a
108. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Vivian (London). 19 Aug. 1787. 140a
(Directed to the Cornish Copper Office, Royal Exchange.)
109. Boulton & Watt (Birmingham) to Mr. Effingham Lawrence (London).
5 Apr. 1787. 141a
(In an unidentified hand. Directed to Tower Hill.)
110. [Matthew Boulton] (—) to —. No date. 141a
111. [Matthew Boulton] (—) to —. [c. 9 Oct. 1786.] 142a
112. [Matthew Boulton] (—) to —. No date. 142b
(Draft.)
113. Matthew Boulton (Truro) to John Wilkinson. 8 Oct. 1787. 143a
114. Matthew Boulton [Truro] to James Watt [Harper’s Hill]. 8 Oct. 1787. 144a
(Original: B&W Box 20/13.)
115. Matthew Boulton (Truro) to Josiah Wedgwood. 8 Oct. 1787. 145a
116. Matthew Boulton (Chacewater) to Thomas Wilson. 13 Oct. 1787. 146a
117. Matthew Boulton (—) to Mr. Eden. No date. 146a
(Draft.)
118. Memoranda. Matthew Boulton [Chacewater] to John Hodges, Joseph Harrison,
and Thomas Greenhow [Soho]. [5 Oct. 1787.] 147b
(In Boulton’s hand. Compare the entry in his Diary under this date.)
119. Matthew Boulton (Chacewater) to Christopher Gullett [Beerferris]. 3 Oct. 1787. 148
120. Matthew Boulton (Chacewater) to Samuel Garbett. 5 Oct. 1787. 150
121. Matthew Boulton (Truro) to Samuel Wyatt (London). 5 Oct. 1787. 152
122. Matthew Boulton (—) to —. ? 4 Oct. 1787. 154
123. Matthew Boulton (Truro) to Richard Chippindall. [5] Oct. 1787. 155
124. Matthew Boulton (Chacewater) to Ann Boulton. 5 Oct. 1787. 156
125. Matthew Boulton (Truro) to Mr. Poli (Naples). 8 Oct. 1787. 158
126. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Matthew Robinson Boulton. 1 Dec. 1787. 164
127. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mr. Manuel (Paris). 3 Dec. 1787. 168
128. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to Jean Pierre Droz. 17 Dec. 1787. 170
(Draft. Marked No. 6.)
129. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Motteux [London]. 11 Dec. 1787. 170
(Copy of an original in an unidentified hand.)
130. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to Mr. Pradeaux. 17 Dec. 1787. 172
(Draft.)
131. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to Jean Pierre Droz (Paris). 31 Dec. 1787. 173
(Draft. Marked No. 7.)
132. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to M. R. Boulton [Paris]. 19 Dec. 1787. 174
133. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to William Matthews [London]. 7 Dec. 1787. 176
134. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to William Harrison. 7 Dec. 1787. 176
135. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Robert Williams. 7 Dec. 1787. 178
136. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to [John Vivian]. 28 Dec. 1787. 178
137. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to Jean Pierre Droz [Paris]. 31 Dec. 1787. 180
(In French. Marked No. 7.)
138. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Wilson. 28 Dec. 1787. 182
(?Incomplete.)
139. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to M. R. Boulton. 27 Dec. 1787. 184
(Mostly in French. Compare the English draft, 143.)
140. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to [Jean Pierre Droz] [Paris]. 27 Dec. 1787. 185
(In French.)
141. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Motteux & Co. [London]. 31 Dec. 1787. 186
142. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Jeffries (London). Jan. 1788. 187
(Draft.)
143. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to M. R. Boulton [Paris]. [27 Dec. 1787.] 187
(Draft, in English, of 139.)
144. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Dalrymple. 26 Mar. 1788. 188
145. Matthew Boulton (Harper’s Hill) to William Matthews [London]. 28 Mar. 1788. 190
146. Boulton & Watt (Soho) to J. D. Leptrap & Son. 27 Mar. 1788. 192
(Copy of an original in an unidentified hand.)
147. Boulton & Watt (Soho) to John Bowman. 26 Mar. 1788. 194
(Copy of an original in an unidentified hand, signed by Matthew Boulton in
the firm’s name. Includes a statement of Bowman’s account with Boulton & Watt,
and transcripts of a bill of lading and a letter from Thomas Beckett to Boulton & Watt,
dated at Liverpool, 23 Feb.)
148. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Samuel Wyatt. 15 Apr. 1788. 198
149. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to John Motteux [London]. 2 Apr. 1788. 199
150. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Otto Jacob Finck (Altona, nr. Hamburg). 7 Apr. 1788. 200
(Copy of an original in an unidentified hand, signed by Boulton.)
151. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Robert Wissett [London]. 2 Apr. 1788. 202
(Copy of an original in an unidentified hand, signed by Boulton.)
152. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Williams. 24 Apr. 1788. 204
153. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to A. Guyot (Paris). 30 Apr. 1788. 206
(Copy of an unsigned original in an unidentified hand.)
154. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Daniel Huichelbos van Liender (Rotterdam).
24 Apr. 1788. 208
(Copy of an original in an unidentified hand.)
155. [Matthew Boulton] (London) to Jean Pierre Droz [Paris]. 8 Feb. 1788. 210
(In French. Incomplete. Press-copy of an original in an unidentified hand.
The copy has been struck through in pencil.)
156. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Jeffrys (London). 30 Apr. 1788. 212
157. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Jean Pierre Droz [Paris]. 31 Mar. 1788. 214
(In French. Copy of an unsigned original in an unidentified hand.
The copy has been struck through in pencil. Compare the draft (196).)
158. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Jean Pierre Droz [Paris]. 1 May 1788. 218
(In French. Copy of an unsigned original in an unidentified hand.
The copy has been struck through in pencil.)
159. Boulton & Watt (Birmingham) to John Daniel Huichelbos van Liender [Rotterdam].
5 May 1788. 220
(Includes a receipt.)
160. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to —. 22 May 1788. 221
161. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to —. 22 May 1788. 221
(On the same sheet as 160.)
162. [Matthew Boulton] (Soho) to Capper, Palmer, & Perkins. 6 May 1788. 222
(Copy of an unsigned original in an unidentified hand.)
163. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mr. Johnson (Bradley). 13 May 1788. 224
164. [Matthew Boulton] (Soho) to Mr. Pitt. No date. 226
(Copy of an unsigned original in an unidentified hand.)
165. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to —. 2 Jul. 1788. 230
166. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to —. 31 Jul. 1788. 231
(Copy of an original in an unidentified hand, signed by Boulton.)
167. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to H. Thrale & Co. 16 Jul. 1788. 231
(Copy of an original in an unidentified hand, signed by Boulton.)
168. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to William D. Brown [London]. 14 Jul. 1788. 232
169. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Rennie. 27 Jul. 1788. 234
170. James Watt Jr. (Birmingham) to the Marquis de Crest. 11 Aug. 1788. 235
(In French.)
171. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Dolphin & Bedford (Birmingham). 1 Aug. 1788. 236
172. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to [William Bedford] [Birmingham]. 30 Jul. 1788. 237
(Copy of an unsigned original in an unidentified hand.)
173. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt (Buxton). 14 Aug. 1788. 238
(Original: B&W Box 20/19.)
174. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to —. 8 Aug. 1788. 240
175. — (London) to James Rumsey. 2 Aug. 1788. 242
(Copy of an original in an unidentified hand. Dated at Jeffries Square.)
176. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Ralph Allen Daniel. 21 Aug. 1788. 244
(Copy of a transcript in an unidentified hand, signed by Boulton. Marked ‘2d copy.’)
177. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to William and Charlotte Matthews [London].
24 Aug. 1788. 246
178. Schedules of rotative, Cornish, and other reciprocating engines. 248
179. [Matthew Boulton] to Ralph Allen Daniel. 2 Sep. 1788. 252
(Copy of an unsigned transcript in an unidentified hand.)
180. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mr. Whitbread. 3 Sep. 1788. 254
(Copy of an original in an unidentified hand, signed by Boulton.)
181. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to —. 5 Sep. 1788. 257
182. Benjamin Vaughan (—) to —. 258
(Loose. Copy of a transcript in an unidentified hand.)
183. Boulton & Watt (Soho) to James de Drauna (London). 8 Sep. 1788. 258
(Copy of an original in Matthew Boulton’s hand, and signed by him in the firm’s name.)
184. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to [? J. T. Dillon]. 13 Sep. 1788. 260
185. Matthew Boulton (—) to —. 261
186. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Vivian. 4 May 1788. 262
187. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to Thomas Wilson. 4 May 1788. 263
188. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Wilson. 4 May 1788. 264
189. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Otto Jacob Finck (Shelton). 19 Aug. 1788. 266
(Directed to Finck at Ephraim Chatterley’s, Shelton, Staffs.)
190. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to William Matthews [London]. 25 Aug. 1788. 268
191. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Samuel Parker & Son. 25 Aug. 1788. 268
192. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to —. 1 May 1788. 270
(Draft.)
193. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to [? J. Watt]. 27 Dec. 1787. 271
(Draft.)
194. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Jean Pierre Droz. 15 May 1788. 272
(In French. Unsigned transcript in an unidentified hand.)
195. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to Jean Pierre Droz. 14 Apr. 1788. 274
(Draft.)
(A letter has been torn out at this point.) 276
196. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Jean Pierre Droz. 31 Mar. 1788. 277
(Draft of 157.)
197. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to Mr. Pulteney. [? Apr. 1788.] 280
(Draft.)
198. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to Mr. Manuel [Paris]. 19 Dec. 1787. 284
(Draft.)
199. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to Aimé Argand (London). [c. 24 Aug. 1787.] 285
(Draft. Directed to Mr. Howard’s, Old Street.)
200. [Matthew Boulton] to Jean Pierre Droz. 286
(Draft.)
Part II. Pages A1-A43.
(These documents will be found at the back of the book.)
201. Zaccheus Walker (Birmingham) to Sir Francis Bassett. 5 May 1783. A1
202. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to Sir Francis Bassett. 6 May 1783. A3
(Copy of an original in Zaccheus Walker’s hand, signed by Boulton.)
203. [Matthew Boulton] [Soho] to Matthew Brickdale. [29 Jun. 1783.] A5
(Copy of an original in John Buchanan’s hand. The draft is 211. This letter was apparently not sent; see 205.)
204. Schedule of observations relating to the manufacture of brass. [29 Jun. 1783.] A8
(The original was sent with 205.)
205. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to [Matthew Brickdale]. 29 Jun. 1783. A10
206. Memorandum or part of a draft letter. [c. Jun. 1783.] A12
207. Draft schedule of observations relating to the manufacture of brass. [c. Jun. 1783.] A15
208. Matthew Boulton (—) to Sir Francis Bassett. [c. Jun. 1783.] A15
(Draft.)
209. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to —. 3 Jul. 1783. A17
210. Matthew Boulton (—) to —. A20
(Pages 4 and 5 only.)
211. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to [Matthew Brickdale]. [29 Jun. 1783.] A21
(Draft. Compare the copy, 205.)
212. Matthew Boulton (—) to —. No date. c. 29 Jun. 1783. A22
(Transcript in an unidentified hand.)
213. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Sir Francis Bassett. 6 Jan. 1784. A23
214. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Wilson. 8 May 1783. A25
215. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to George Watson (Bristol). 8 May 1783. A26
216. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to —. 8 May 1783. A27
217. Matthew Boulton (Chacewater) to James Watt (Harper’s Hill). 17 Sep. 1786. A28
(Original is in B&W Box 20/12.)
218. Matthew Boulton (Chacewater) to James Watt (Harper’s Hill). 19 Sep. 1786. A31
(Original is in B&W Box 20/12.)
219. Matthew Boulton (Truro) to Aimé Argand (—). 27 Sep. 1786. A33
220. Matthew Boulton (Chacewater) to James Watt (Birmingham). 26 Sep. 1786. A35
(Original is in B&W Box 20/12.)
221. Matthew Boulton (Chacewater) to Zaccheus Walker [Birmingham]. 26 Sep. 1786. A37
223. Matthew Boulton (Chacewater) to Duval & Son (—). 8 Oct. 1786. A38
224. Matthew Boulton (Chacewater) to James Watt [Birmingham]. 6 Oct. 1786. A39
225. Matthew Boulton (—) to Mr. Garbett. 8 Oct. 1786. A41
(Postscript only.) Docketed: ‘Postscript to my letter to Garbett on coinage.’
226. Memorandum respecting the Cornish Metal Company. A43
TRANSCRIPTS
1. Matthew Boulton to William Chapman Jr. 9 Dec. 1783.
Soho, December 9th, 1783.
Dear Sir,
I return’d a few days ago from my Caladonian ramble, in good health, and with many agreeable reflections upon the same. I stay’d two days and a half at Newcastle and saw many greater coal drawing gins than we shall ever make: that at Wallsend Colliery has a 70 in. cylinder; that at Wellington burns 3 Newcastle cholders per day = 8 ton. I took great pains to see Mr. Watson and Rippon: your younger brother was so obligeing as to ride over to his house with a letter from me, but to no purpose, for he would not be seen. I saw Mr. Morrison, who wishes to have a gin engine so soon as we have try’d one at Bilston, which we will do this spring. I had the pleasure of supping at your father’s and of seeing him and Mrs. Chapman with a fine family of children in good health, who were all very obligeing to me and shew’d me every attention the shortness of my time would permitt.
Upon my arival at Birmingham I found your brother Edward under the roof of Zaccheus Walker. He could not be in better or safer company, or where he could get more information respecting the Birmingham trades. He had made a great number of memorandums of the prices of different articles, with the discounts, &c., but it is the opinion of Mr. Walker that if your brother is determin’d to follow that line he should go into some factor’s warehouse at Birmingham for 2 years, as it is impossable for any person to carry in their eye or to distinguish the precise quality of Birmingham goods without being long in the habit of examining them and their prises.
Edward called upon me this morning and seem’d determin’d to set out directly to Dublin. I advised him to wait untill he had exchang’d a letter with you, least you should come to England whilest he is going to Ireland. I advised him not to attempt to step up to the landing of the stairs at once, but to have patience, and ascend with patience step by step. I expect Mr. Henfry at Soho every hour (he sells our plated goods in Dublin), and if he yields up his accounts and his payments properly I cannot with any propriety break my agreement with him; and untill that is the case I can only furnish your brother with buttons of our manufactory and recommend him to a buckle maker and brass founder to act as their commissioner in Dublin, for ’tis impossable for him to keep a hard ware warehouse and to buy goods unless he had one or two thousand pounds in cash; and as most of the principal shop keepers in Dublin come to England every year and know all the prises, it is impossable for there to be more than one middle man’s profit. However, I will go to Birmingham in a day or two and consult Mr. Walker and remove any stumbling blocks that may arise from Edward’s being a stranger at Birmingham.
Since the foregoing your brother hath brought from our warehouse your favour to me dated the 30th November, and at the same time seems overwhelm’d with grief and distress in consequence of a distressing letter he hath this post receiv’d from his sister, touching some misfortune that hath befallen your father’s affairs. I did not say much to him to day to blunt his feelings, but be assured I shall endeavour to console him and render him all assistance and advice in my power. He now seems determined to go to sea from Ireland, but I shall endeavour to keep him here and mitigate his distresses till he or I hear again from you, or some plan is digested for him.
Henderson is gone to London and vows vengeance upon me for causing you to rival him. He hath endeavour’d to poison me in Mr. Keir’s opinion, but his malignancy will only recoil upon himself.
I am much vexed that the letters to Mr. Melvill, to Lord Arran, and yourself, with the silver filligree buttons, were not deliver’d to you in due course, and I must therefore beg of you to apply to Patrick Hanlon, the landlord of the Crown Inn in Newry, who receiv’d the parcel from my hands, with the carriage , in the presence of Mr. Garbett and our two servants, and let him know that unless he finds the parcel I shall make him pay for the silver filligree buttons or bring an action against him. Perhaps it might be well if you consulted Lord Arran, and pray explain to Melvill the matter.
I should be glad to know when you depart for England as a guide to me in writing. Present my respects to all friends, and believe me, dear sir, yours sincerely,
Mattw. Boulton
13. Matthew Boulton to William Matthews. 26 May 1786.
Dear Sir,
Pray present my best thanks to Mrs. Matthews for her obliging letter, and the parchments also, which came very safe, and are all right.
I receiv’d the inclosed letter from Mr. [?Bab] Dadley two days ago, which I shall wave answering untill I know the sentiments of my Albion friends. It’s true that Essex is out of the circle that bounds our promises, but our affection to the Mill extends much further. Pray shew Mr. Dudley’s letter to my Bretheren of the White Hat, and ask them what they would wish us to do.
I, with Mr. Garbett, propose to be in town on Tuesday evening per Oxford coach, but shall not stay many days, for if I was obliged to live in London this hot weather, I should soon be ill: indeed, if I was to stay a fortnight I should sleep at Islington, and even for the short time I shall stay, I think it better, particularly as it’s probable the musick at the Abby may draw some of your family or friends to Green Lettice Lane. However, if I should find an empty house, I and my bedfellow may possably get into my old nest.
I beg Mrs. Matthews will get her hair dress’d in due time, as I hold her engaged to go with me to the Abbey. I beg ‘Israel in Egypt’ may be one of the days.
I am not so comfortable in my mind as I could wish, from it being distracted with too much business and too many things, and thereby prevents me from takeing air, exercise, and proper relaxations.
Scale’s recovery is very doubtfull, but there is no doubt that he will never have the use of his hands or arms again, not even to hold a pen. The muscles that govern the arms are quite wasted away.
Our honest and accurate Pierson (the Soho bookkeeper) seems inclinable to a consumption and much indisposed.
Mr. Watt says he is over done, and frets at every little thing, particularly at every new order; and in the multiplicity of our concerns there will always be something or other ariseing of the unpleasant kind.
I want for my self a confidential secretary, auditor of accounts, steward, bailiff, &c., &c. I want an honest, faithfull, and sensible man that can assist me in writing letters, that I can depend upon for the examination of our Cash, and all other accounts at Soho, and that can likewise keep my Houshold accounts as Scale did, and that can receive my rents and manage my tennants, who are all runing behindhand (I have upwards of 40); besides which, our Engine accounts, which are now very numerous, require a monthly examination, and we sustain losses for want of keener management in the collection of our dues. In short, I want such a man as Z. Walker was 20 years ago.
If you or Mr. Wyatt could find me the man I want, you would thereby contribute to my health, to my peace, and happiness. Find me such a man as what either of your selves were before you were men of the world, and that description comes the nearest to my ideas.
My love to Mrs. Matthews and Parliament Street. Adieu. I am ever, dear sir, yours sincerely and affectionately,
M. Boulton
83. Matthew Boulton to —. 12 May 1787.
Soho, May 12, 1787.
Dear Friend,
I am unwilling to add to your fateagues, but necessity hath no law. I know you are acquainted with Mr. Colmore, and I believe you are not totaly unacquainted how much I am difficulted for a warehouse in Birmingham. After sending my clarks day after day a-hunting for a warehouse, or a house capable of being converted into one, I have walked my self through every street (drawing a line from the Navigation Office through the New Church to the bottom of Steel house Lane) on the Soho side of the town, but can neither find a warehouse or a house that the proprietor will suffer to be converted into one. I published the inclosed advertisment in both the Birmingham papers, but all in vain.
I know Mr. Colmor’s impatience to pull down Newhall, and I fear he will think me a litigious and troublesome tennant, but if he doth he wrongs me, as he cannot be more desireouse for my quiting New Hall than I am my self, but what can I do? I cannot stop my business, nor throw many thousand pounds’ worth of goods into the street. I have repeatedly apply’d to Mr. Holloway to set me a convenient spot to build a warehouse upon, but he tells me Mr. Colmore will not let any of the land I have apply’d for untill Newhall is pull’d down. I therefore apply’d to others for land, and I have found a spot which goes from one corner of Lionel Street down Livery Street to a bridge over the canal, which stands where New Hall pool dam formerly stood. My motive for choosing that spot is because it is near Soho and near the canal. In other respects it is not an eligable situation, it being amongst a number of poor houses, in poor streets such as Water Street and Livery Street. The land I mean is Mr. Colmor’s and is let by him to one Webb, who offers me one half of it. I have no intention of makeing a wharf, I have no use or wish for one, and yet as this land wants but one yard of touching the canal, and as it is impossable that Mr. Colemore can set that yard for any use whatsoever, I had not the least doubt but he would accomodate me with it; but upon my applying to Mr. Holloway, he tells me Mr. Colemore will not set that scrap or any other in the neighbourhood untill New Hall is pull’d down and the proprietors of the canal have finished that part of it which runs through Mr. Colemore’s land. If that is his resolution, I am of opinion it is against his interest, for I have reason to believe that many people are at this instant in the humour to take much of Mr. Colemore’s land; and if he will not let it, they will be drove to build upon Mr. Carless’s, Mr. Ing’s, and some others’, and when once a few good houses are built, others will follow the example. I have now a spot offer’d me upon Mr. Ing’s land, and the spot I mean comes up to front Snow Hill and touches the navigation, and I think it equaly eligable with Webb’s. I have another spot offer’d me on the other side Snow Hill, on Carless’s land, which touches the navigation. I have also more than half an acre near Mr. Baskervill’s, which the canal runs half the way round and which I took some years ago of the Governors of the School for 99 years, but after all I wish to be a tenant to Mr. Colemore and to be in that part of the town which is nearest Soho, and all my views respecting the navigation is to land a boat load of coals for my own private use, and perhaps my copper from Wales without exposeing it all, which would not be 6 boat loads a year. There is also a nasty irregular diagonal piece of land on the other side of the said bridge, faceing Water Lane, and was a part of the old New Hall pool, which I thought Mr. Colmore would have been glad of a tennant for, as it is an unlikely piece of land to be let; but Mr. Holloway gives me the same answer to that as to the other. I therefore know not what to do or to say.
If Mr. Colemore will let me either of the aforesaid two scraps of land, I will instantly build my self a good substantial warehouse, which I think I can get finished in 6 weeks from the day I receive Mr. C.’s resolutions, and in 6 weeks more I will be bound to get into it and quit New Hall; I shall also build a house, but I will take a future day for that; or, if I could take a warehouse, a house, or other building that is capable of being made into one, I will not incommode Mr. Colemore a day longer than absolute necessity obliges me.
I therefore should esteem it as a singular favour if you could squeese out so much time as to wait upon Mr. Colemore and present my most respectfull compliments to him, and at some time represent to him my difficulties and the disagreeableness of my suspence, assureing him that there is nothing he can ask me to do, but what I am desireous of doing. Pray excuse this intrusion, and believe me, dear sir, your faithfull and affectionate friend,
Mattw. Boulton
124. Matthew Boulton to Ann Boulton. 5 Oct. 1787.
Chasewater, October 5, 1787.
I receiv’d my dear daughter’s letter of the 30th September. I intended writing to you yesterday, but was obliged to attend the Committee of the Metal Co. in the morning at Truro, and likewise a meeting of the adventurers of North Downs at the mine in the afternoon; by which you may judge I am pretty well; but in returning from Truro I was caught in the hardest shower of hail and rain I was ever in, insomuch that I was obliged to call at Mr. Wilson’s and change all my clothes. The severity of the storm hath left a pain in my teeth.
I wrote to you the day I arived at Truro (viz. the 26 September). The day following I attended the Committee in the morning, and in the evening went to Chasewater. The next morning I rode to Cavedras smelting house near Truro to dine with Mr. Danbury upon beef and mutton steaks and fish all broiled upon the hot melted blocks of tin. Present: Mr. S. Glover with his son and two daughters, Captain Todd, his lady, and son, with Miss Daniel, Miss Danbury, Mrs. Gwatkin, Mrs. Nankivell, one of the Miss Jameses, and others. After tea the whole party walked in procession to the play house, all in good humour. Before half the play was perform’d, I was taken ill, and retired to bed at Rivers’s. Soon after, Mr. Wilson came to me and would send for Dr. Gould, who order’d me nothing. The complaint was the most excrutiating pain I had ever felt, and was confined to the left side of the small of my back and upon my belly, exactly the same complaint I was arrested by upon my road from London. Pains in those parts always produce sickness and vomiting. Mr. Wilson went to bed in the same room, but about 3 in the morning he was obliged to go fetch the doctor, for I was grown more worse, and in about an hour I . . . the doctor, the apothecary, [and an] old woman, who freed me from my pain about 6, soon after which I fell asleep and waked in about 3 hours quite well, and went to Chasewater that night. The doctor says it was a . . . in the left kidney. I have been well ever since, except being a little tender, which is a property not well suited for this stormy climate; however, I make no doubt but by the temperate manner of my living (for I drink no red wine and eat moderately of meat once a day) I shall preserve my health and embrace my dearest daughter about the middle of November.
Pray be as attentive as you can to Mr. and Mrs. Vere, and make their residence at Soho as agreeable as you can. But what is become of Soho? Enquire, and say I have neither heard from any one either at the top of the hill or the bottom: Messrs. Scale, Hodgess, Roberts, I have refer’d him to Madam De Lessert, who is one of the most clever and sensible women I know.augh, Harrison, Miss Mynd, are all silent.
I wrote last post a long letter to Matt, and another to Madam de Lessert in his favour. He seems to think he could improve faster at Paris in various ways, and I also am of his opinion, but I dare not trust him there without a faithfull Mentor by his side: although I have a high opinion of Matt’s discression, honour, and virtue. I have refer’d him to Madam De Lessert, who is one of the most clever and sensible women I know. If she can accomplish what I have pointed out, I shall consent for 6 months. Don’t undeceive Matt about your French letter: I perceive it has made a strong impression on him. Pray where is Miss De Luc? Will she, or will she not, come and stay with you a little longer at Soho? Do invite her; I wish she would.
Pray send the inclosed paper under cover directed to the parties therein named at Soho, and write me any and all the remarkable occurances that hath happen’d since my departure.
Is Mr. Walker returned? Is Jane or her sister married?
Pray let Mr. Roberts know that I left an account book upon my desk: it is about 9 inches square, and contains calculations of all the Cornish engines. I beg he will send it to me by the coach, as I am in great want of it; or he may send it in Mr. Hodgess’s parcel. I either left it in his room, or in mine, which is the next to it. [Marginal note:] Desire Mr. Roberts to let me know how the new warehouse goes on.
I am very happy to learn that you are keeping good company, and particularly happy to find that you are at Mr. Salt’s, for I assure you I have felt very unpleasant ever since I set out, at the idea of leaving you to the wide world, but consoled my self by my reflections on your discression and good sense. I beg you will present my best respects to Mr. and Mrs. and Miss Salt, with thousands of thanks for takeing in and nourishing a deserted orphan.
Mrs. Daniel wished that I had brought you, and both she and Miss D. said they would have taken good care of you, and so said Mrs. Vivian. They have made a more elegant assembly room at Truro than ours at Birmingham, and I have made the ladies a present of lamps to light it; but they are like the foolish virgins, for they have not provided any oyl, nor is there a pint of the right sort in Truro. I have therefore wrote by the post to London for some.
Pray present my best respects to all friends in New Hall Street, Soho, and every where, and let me hear from you often, being, dear Nanny, your very anxious and very affectionate father,
Mattw. Boulton
Mrs. Wilson and her 7 children are well and sent kind respects to you.
132. Matthew Boulton to M. R. Boulton. 19 Dec. 1787.
Soho, December 19, 1787.
My dear Son,
Since my last I have receiv’d yours of the 25th ultimo and the 5th instant. You have certainly my leave in future to employ another taylour, for I think, with you, that Metman’s charge is exorbitant and would never be paid by any man who keeps an account of his money; indeed, ’tis such as justly merits the loss of your and your friends’ custom. And now I am speakeing of oeconomy I cannot help repeating what I have often requested of you. I therefore must with reluctance change the word request to insist, that you do keep an accurate account of all the money you pay and receive. I see by your letter of the 11 November that you have receiv’d of Mr. Delessert 4372 livres, but I must own it would be some satisfaction to me, to see what you have done with it: not that I am so anxious upon that head, as I am for you to get into a habit of keeping exact accounts, particularly your Cash account. It is a habit that you ought to acquire whilest you are young, and never depart from it dureing the course of your whole life; for men who do not practise it with great rigidity, generaly become bankrupts. Many of my acquaintance are so exact in that point, that they ballance their Cash once in every 24 hours, and if they find any deficiency they do not sleep untill they correct their errors. If you cannot make out all your money, or don’t like to name every trifleing expence, still put it down in your account under the article deficiences; for your account must ballance exactly, otherwise I must say you are not to be intrusted with money, and that I should be blamed both by my self, and all mercantile men, in instrusting any to your disposal. This subject is as disagreeable for me to repeat, as it can be to you; I will therefore close it by insisting upon you conforming to my wish, and send me an account monthly. I also beg you’l communicate these my sentiments to Mr. Manuel, that he may see that you conform to the indispensible habit and rule of keeping an exact Cash account, and that you immediately begin by settleing all that is past.
There are some other bad habits which I must beg you will correct your self in, such as writing a bad hand (knowing that you can write a good one), and what is still worse, false grammar and false spelling. I have noted 5 of these errors in your letter of the 25 November, which I have some inclination to send you as an evidence of what I say: example, you write ‘19 persons in company, part of 1which 2is English,’ and that ‘every 3think is conducted with cleanliness.’
If you do not sufficiently well understand the principles of keeping merchants’ accounts, I beg you will learn of a proper master the Italian or double entry method of bookkeeping, it being an important art that you’l be in need of.
I beg you’l present my very respectfull compliments to Mr. Sage, with many thanks for his particular attention to you, and tell him if he finds any deficiency in his collection that I can assist him in, I beg he will point out his particular wants, and I will endeavour to supply them.
Your last letter was adressed to the care of Mr. Gill. Pray tell me in your next, what Mr. Gill; and, if Mr. Thomas Gill, endeavour to learn whether he came to France upon the cotton business or what.
I must beg you’l read the 2 first pages of this letter to Mr. Manuel, that he may know my wishes and sentiments. You will do well to consult Mr. Sage or Mr. Guyott what chymical or mineralogical dictionary you shall purchase, that you may understand technical terms, scientifical terms, and names of all chymical principles and substances; and I likewise beg you will assist Mr. Sage to make his preparations: for a man will never make a good chymist unless he acquires a dexterity and neatness in makeing experiments, even down to the pulveriseing in a morter, or blowing the bellows. Distinctness, order, regularity, neatness, exactness, and cleanliness are necessary in the laboratory, in the manufactory, and in the counting-house.
Present my kindest respects to all my much esteemed friend dans la Rue Coqheron, as well as to Mr. Manuel, wishing them all and you many, many, many happy returns of this season.
I thank Mr. Manuel for his very polite and kind letter, which I will answer very soon, but at present I have a great accumulation of letters before me, as I have been too much indisposed lately to attend to business, which I have a greater share of than usual at this time, Mr. Watt being in Scotland.
The Scriptures say, ‘Whom the Lord loveth he chastiseth,’ and on that principle only, I speak truth, although it may not be pleasant to you nor me in the present case. Yet I must do my duty towards you, or I shall not do it to my own conscience. I therefore hope you’l do yur duty to your self or you cannot do it to me. There is nothing on earth I so much wish for, as to make you a man, a good man, a useful man, and consequently a happy man.
I most fervently pray for the preservation of your soul and body, remaining ever,
My dear son,
Your most affectionate father,
Mattw. Boulton
I have lately had a severe fit of the gravil and stone, and in consequence thereof I have voided 36 stones as large as small pease within 9 days past.
173. Matthew Boulton to —. 8 Aug. 1788.
Soho, August 8, 1788
Dear Sir,
Previous to your speaking to me respecting the School Land I have taken upon lease, contiguous to your son’s steel works, I had been apply’d to by Messrs. Hill & Roch, timber merchants, but haveing enter’d into no engagement I consider’d my self at liberty to give you a preferance.
My terms are 3d. per yard square for the whole piece, and the aforesaid gentlemen have now offer’d to accept it on those terms, but I have declin’d giving them an answer untill I have again offer’d you the preference upon the same terms—which I now do, and beg your answer tomorrow if possible, as I have promised to give my ultimatum to the parties, which I could not do consistant with my regard for you and your son, untill I had offer’d you the refusal.
With respectfull compliments to your son, I remain, with great respect, dear sir, yours sincerely,
M. Boulton
198. Matthew Boulton to Mr. Manuel. 19 Dec. 1787.
(Draft.)
Sir,
I receiv’d your most polite and obligeing letter of the 25 November, which is the more agreeable to me as I it serves to dispell all my fears respecting the safety of my son, his morals, his principles, and his education in general, and convinces me the more of the obligation I owe to Madam Delessert. Moreover, it affords me the pleasing hope of makeing an adition to the small number of one class of my acquaintance whom I have selected by certain . . . traits, and which I hope will be copyed by your pupil.
I have by this post wrote to my son a letter which perhaps will not be so palatable to him as one containing less truth and less sincerity, but there are certain good habits he must attain, such as I have mentioned in my last and present letter to him, which I hope he will allow you to peruse, as it will save me the disagreeable task of repeating.
There is another subject I forgot to mention to him in my catologue of faults, and that is the subject of too much ease and indolence. When my son was young he was of a weakly constitution and grew fast, which furnished me with irrefragable reasons for indulgeing him, and not forceing him to labour in learning by harsh means, as would have been the case had he been placed in any of our great publick schools. But now he is sufficiently strong to apply himself dilligently to his studys, for he hath much to acquire before he is qualify’d to take an active part in the world with advantage and honour to himself. I must therefore beg you will quicken him, and not suffer him to get into habits of indolence, but on the contrary I beg he will add (to the catologue of good habits which I have exorted him to) that of industry and a constant application to something laudable, without which he will not be qualify’d to conduct the establishment I wish to place him in.
When you see our worthy friends dans la rue Coqheron, I beg you will present my most respectfull compliments to them all, and assure Madam De[Lessert that] I have a lively sense of the obligations she hath confir’d on me, particularly that of prevailing upon you to take charge of my son. Be pleased also to add that I have receiv’d her friendly letter, that I shall conform with pleasure to all its contents, and that I shall write to her soon. But I have such an accumlation of letters before me to answer, owing to near a fortnight’s confinement by a very painfull malady, in which time I have voided 36 stones the size of small peas. I am now free from pain, but am too feeble to labour much.
Wishing you easy health and cheerfull spirits, with many happy returns of this season, I remain, with great regard, sir, your obliged and obedient humble servant,
If you want any of the books, manufactures, or produce of England, I assure you I shall have much pleasure in executing your commands. |