| Description | Tottenham, 8 May 1762.
Dear Sir,
After I had seal’d my letter to you yesterday, I took a ride in the evening to town and found myself again favour’d with yours of 5 instant.
I certainly long to receave a system of chapes in order that no time may be lost. I have found several very good engravers for that purpose in the neighbourhood of Aldersgate Street, but if you choose that Mr. Benjamin Green should do them, I will endeavour to find him out. I hope you’ll not forgett sending the platina coat buttons very speedily, as also some loose steel links, togather with a card of enamelled and steel links separate, that I may produce them in some shops without exposing the platina links at the same time.
I was yesterday evening at Mavit and Casenove, where on my entrance I found them drawing out a large quantity of chapes on a whole sheet of paper, which I am to call for on Monday. I observe there are various sorts of throats, and I beleave the whole are not less than 300 gross. I left with them two of the chapes you sent me, which they desired for inspection till Monday. They seem’d to think the price rather high, but I mention’d the misfortune that had happened which had entirely effac’d their beauty, and further assur’d them that if they were not, when completed, as good or, if not, better at the prices than from any one besides, you would take them to yourself; and that they should be the very first that were made, and finished, if possible, in three or four months. They talk likewise of ordering some inlaid work.
Wilsons complain greatly of your not having sent the sett of patterns they so ernestly desired when you was last in town. I did not show them the chape patterns, as I shall take another opportunity of calling. (Query, will it be proper to let them have any of the chape prints when finished, or let them know the present reduction you have made in the price of your inlaid buttons?) I did not produce Mess. Cazenove’s account, as I thought it best to receave their order first. I shall call on Megier when I receave the steel diamond button (shall I shew him the platina links?). I should be glad to know in your next what coffe house he’s to be found at. I shall with pleasure embrace Mr. Hallen’s opportunity of raising £2000 in two payments on the security of part of my wife’s jointure, to which she consents.
We are here extremely [solicitous for ] the welfare of our friends at Bi[rmingham, and,] believe me, we are equally ardent in [our best] wishes to every thing that may promote [the] happiness of Mr. and Mrs. Boulton and Mr. and Mrs. Hector, and the greatest blessing we are desirous of is a steady continuance of the good harmony now subsisting. My wife and sister beg their most sincere compliments on all sides, joined with those of, dear sir, your most affectionate humble servant,
Jno. Fothergill
P S. Excuse haste, having Mr. Vere the china man here and Mrs. Baker of Birmingham. You joke me about gilt edges, and there is no other writing-paper to be had in the place.
[Edited transcript.]
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