| Description | Sir,
Agreeable to your directions, inclosed is an invoice of Lady Derby's ice pails and Venus vase, the latter of which is forwarded to Mr. John Whitehurst in Bolt Court, Fleet Street; the former are sent to be deliver'd to Mr. J. Stuart. When the Venus clock is examin'd, presume you will cause both to be deliver'd her Ladyship in Grosvenor Square.
I pack'd this day the pictures for the Earl of Exeter, viz. his Lordship's original one and the copy, and by possitive direction of Mr. Fothergill they are sent per waggon to be convey'd to his Lordship in Grosvenor Street on Thursday or Friday next. I hope they will arrive safe.
I beg leave to remind you that Mr. J. C. Preidel, No. 12 Grevill Street, Hatton Street, was wrote to from hence lately that you would call upon him in a few days' time respecting his orders, &c. Mr. Cabrit wrote to us concerning him (of which you will recollect); however, he said he could inform you more particularly respecting said Mr. Preidell when he should have the pleasure of seeing you in town, so imagine you will previously see Mr. Cabrit.
Mr. P- has given us several extensive orders, and by his last letters seems to be in full expectation of them; none are proceeding with, except his order for about 12 double gross oval steel, which we promised him should be soon sent by our last to him.
We have sent lately to Mr. J. P. Du Roveray goods to near the amount of £80. A day or two since, we received from him another extensive order for steel fine buttons, which will amount to upwards of £200; and he expresses himself in a violent hurry for them, assuring larger commissions will soon follow if we execute these very expeditiously. As you have been pleased to intimate to me your ideas of said gentleman's substantiability, and that you would not wish to trust him for above £100, I thought it prudent to accquaint you of this; and as you are upon the spot, probably may learn accounts of him to your satisfaction. I believe Mr. Scale does not think it prudent to proceed with said order untill he hears from you.
Five boxes are sent per waggon containing plated wares, which are the chief that be now ready to send.
I think it may not be amiss to mention that you have about £700 worth of vases finish'd ready for sale, among which are above one dozen with figures, party with time pieces. Mr. F. intends looking out an assortment from among them to send to AIX.
Mr. Stuart has about £200 in fine buttons and hilts which he took with him, trifling of which are yet sold, by his accounts. Upwards of £800 goods have already been sent to Mr. Stuart.
I have the honour to subscribe myself with the utmost deference to all your commands, sir, your much obliged and most obedient humble servant,
John Hodges
PS. Pray excuse haste.
[Edited transcript.] |