| Description | (Directed to 149 the Strand, near Somerset House.) [Edited transcript.]
Sir,
This is purposely to acquaint you that the Princess Daschkan, with her son and daughter, from Russia, visited Soho this afternoon. I waited upon her Highness, &c., over the manufactory. The shops in general were but thinly peopled; I had a good apology by saying it was Whitsuntide holiday. She ask'd if you had not an Exhibition Room in London for your manufactures; I inform'd her that you had a small assortment of paintings and vases, &c.
I have given her your address and she seems very desirous of seeing you and purposes being in town on Thursday or Friday next. She beg'd I wou'd write to inform you of her coming and that if you were about leaving town before that time, that you would, if convenient, stay a day or two longer, as she much wish'd to have a conference with you.
The Toy Room never before cut such a poor aspect for plated wares and vases-scarce a candlestick to be seen-but it is well your demands are so great as to so much lessen the stock.
She desires to be a subscriber for a copying machine. She saw the operation and was much delighted and astonished at the invention.
The fire engine was not in order and she could not stay while it was set going.
Her Highness purchased a sett of buttons and several small pictures-in all, about seven guineas' worth.
Being the present needful I have the honor to subscribe myself, sir your much oblig'd and most obedient humble servant,
John Hodges
PS. Mr. Fothergill was confin'd to his house all last week by indisposition. I have the pleasure now to mention he was at Soho to day, pretty well, tho' not perfectly in health.
I beg my respects to Mrs. B. and Miss Mynd, also to Master and Miss, hoping all are very well.
The Princess and her family reside at No. 17 Cork Street, Burlington Gardens.
[Edited transcript.] |