| Description | Dear Sir,
I am fearful you will deem it troublesome to receive a letter on the following subject, but must beg your indulgence. I acquainted Mr. Eginton with your resolve in consequence of his reply, at which he was much concern'd to think any offence should be taken by his expressions, for he had much rather not have had the subject of the plates mention'd than have risqued himself to your displeasure. He has wrote me the following, i.e.
"I am sorry Mr. Boulton left Soho before we had an opportunity of letting him know more distinctly my thoughts of his kind offer respecting the plates, &c. I shall therefore be much obliged if you will inform him that altho' I had no other idea when I spoke to Mr. Matthews than that of paying for them in pictures, yet, having consider'd his offer of permitting me to pay for them when it is convenient to me, should think myself ungrateful not to acknowledge his generosity and accept of his offer. And if he will please to commission you to deliver them to me I will endeavour to ballance the account (as also our former one) soon as possible, but am doubtful I dare not promise to pay more than about £20 or £30 per year; but if Messrs. B. & F. are kind enough to encourage the undertaking by promoting the sale of my pictures when it is convenient, I hope by that means to pay more."
I beg to observe that, at your being so much struck at my relation of Mr. E. first reply, I did not name to you that he further said he own'd it was kind to give him his own time for payment, but for his satisfaction wish'd you to fix a time, and would further consider of it. The plan he now proposes I flatter myself will prove agreeable to you, if you please to overlook the expression that caused the umbrage, in which case you will much oblige by giving a line in your first letter to Soho, or as soon as convenient.
Nothing particular has occur'd here for these few days past. I am sorry to remark that orders still continue scarce, tho' I hear 'tis a general complaint in Birmingham. I hope that as soon as Christmas is turned, if not before, [the] prospect will be widely alter'd.
You reply respecting the plates will be consider'd by Mr. E. a great favour, if you approve of letting him have them. I am always anxious for the prosperity of your concerns, and it give me pleasure when any of your dead stock can be disposed of, which is one motive of my taking the liberty of mentioning these particulars.
I am with the greatest respect, dear sir, your much obliged humble servant,
Jno. Hodges |