| Description | Dear Sir,
I was in town yesterday but return'd to C. Lodge before the arrival of the parcel or wou'd have replied to yours last night, being much flatter'd by your preferring to write to me rather than take your nap.
Your housekeeper is to set off on Monday next; of course, will be at Birmingham on Tuesday. I have given her a few lines to you, lest the appearance of a stranger might alarm you. I wish most sincerely that she may answer my expectations of her. If she does, I am sure she will suit you.
I will certainly try to execute your other more difficult commission, but I think you shou'd have tried how far I have taken your ideas with respect to the housekeeper before you shou'd entrust me again. I feel, however, how necessary it is that you shou'd have some confidential person to assist, and will make all the enquiries I can for one.
I am very glad that you feel more firm with respect to your lawsuit; to despond when justice is so much on your side betrays cowardice, and I wou'd not have you to be a coward. I believe I shall dine at the Bishop of Bangor's on Saturday, and if the Lord Chief has done at the Old Bailey possibly he may be there: wou'd you have me say anything about the Cornish sco-ls, or feel his pulse in any way? If you wish me, write me how I shall behave myself.
I wish success to the Pneumatic Institution, and think the agent employ'd as Puffer acquits himself prodigiously well; if he wants any more employment (tho' in a different way) I will send him some by Friday's parcel.
I am much concern'd to hear Miss Boulton is still confin'd; I fear it may be of long continuance. Pray give my kind love to her and tell her if wishes wou'd avail, she has my sincerest for a speedy recovery.
The late winds have frighten'd the underwriters amazingly, and B. & Watt's insurance, the common premium of which wou'd have been 1½ years, was with great difficulty effected at five guineas.
I will deliver your message to Mrs. Vere, whose ill fortune seems yet to stick by her, for Mr. Woodcock is dead. But that is not the worst: the multiplicity of his business alarms so much those who have undertaken to manage that I fear they will throw it up, and we can get no papers from them or she might do all that there is now to do herself; this has kept her from going into Lincolnshire as usual.
On the 31 of this month I cou'd with ease pay the three thousand in cash, if you cou'd now say whether you wou'd prefer that or payment by a bill at a month, but I shall be obliged by your saying which you prefer; I hope indeed that your wants may be supplied in this town rather than at Birmingham.
I am much obliged for your kind invitation and shall hope I may be able to accept it in spring.
I am afraid Mr. Watt is very indifferent by his non-attendance at Soho; pray remember me to him and Mrs. Watt, as well as the folks at home, and believe me, dear sir, your most affectionate friend,
C. Matthews
I have charged you for the post chaise-not, as you desired, at fifty guineas, for it was too much, but at forty guineas, and if you think that too high, say so, and it shall be alter'd.
[Edited transcript.] |