| Description | (Draft by Samuel Garbett, docketed by Boulton as follows: "This I copy'd December 23, 1797, and sent to Walter Capper, Esqr., the day following.")
Copy letter. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to Walter Capper (-). 23 Dec. 1797. (2 pcs.)
(Press-copy.)
Dear Sir,
On the 13th of May last, Mr. Hog's council desired time of the Court of Sessions to answer representations made on the 30th of April by some English creditors and Mr. Garbett, stating many misapprehensions of Mr. Hog and important mistakes which he had made in consequence thereof, and shewing that it would not only be contrary to their interest but to the interest of the creditors in general if the stock in Carron Co. was allow'd to be sold before measures were taken to compell that Company to divided their undivided profits, which now amount to an enormous sum, and before it has been asscertain'd to whom the stock belong'd at the time of the sequestration (and consequently in what manner the different classes of creditors are to rank upon the money that might be receiv'd for it), and untill the numerous complicated questions describ'd in the representations were discuss'd.
Mr. Hog has not yet answer'd that representation, and, as more than £100,000 depends upon it, he probably waits for the determination of the usual annual meeting of his constituents in January; and therefore I am desireous to wait untill after that time, and also untill after the Court of Sessions breaks up in February, and that if he doth not then answer, a meeting in London may have the whole account of the improper conduct of their affairs distinctly before them and consider what may be done for the protection of their property in many material respects.
I certainly should have desired a meeting in London some months since, if many reasons had not render'd it improper for the creditors and accidentaly very inconvenient for me, in consequence of my engagements with Goverment for a coinage, which demands my constant attention.
Mr. Garbett has long since been prepar'd to pay the money which, in entire confidence, I have allow'd to remain in his hands, and it is now a serious subject of consideration what part of it should be divided. It is, however, ready and now in my hands for the creditors' directions. But as some very material points will occur between this and March, which will then require a meeting, it would be highly imprudent to have another meeting before then, as the major part of the creditors live at so great a distance from London.
I beg you will lay this before your friends, and allow me to subscribe my self, sir, your most obedient humble servant,
Mattw. Boulton
[Edited transcript.] |