| Description | (2 pcs.) (Press-copy of an original in Matthew Boulton's hand.)
Dear Madam,
We (B. & W.) are now set down together to consider your proposition of the London Street house. But before we reason upon the value of the premisses, let us consider
1st, what it is that you want and
2d, what it is that we want.
We conceive you want a warehouse to lay goods in safe and dry, such as may be sent to you to sell on commission or sent for the purpose of shiping. You also want a counting house, a safe against fire, a parlour or talking room, and one bed chamber.
In regard to our selves, we observe that 9 mornings out of ten we turn to the West-on. And as it is uncertain what points of the compass our pursuits may point to in future, we think it better that on the present occasion you consider us quite out of the question and consult intirely your own convenience.
We think it would be imprudent to purchase the house untill it has been carefully examin'd by an honest and skilfull surveyor, as well as the lease examined by a lawyer. Otherwise you may be brought into a total rebuilding of the house before the expiration of the term. We have not yet looked at prices tables, but it appears to us that 900£ layd out in the purchase, plus the repairs, cannot be rated at less than 50 guineas a year, besides the taxes. However, there is no doubt but you might let off some parts of it so as to reduce the rent a little. We think there is a previous question, viz. whether you ought not to rather shorten instead of lengthen your morning and evening walks by turning one yard to the west instead of the east, which makes two yards' difference.
In regard to our selves and ladies, it is so compound a consideration that we must leave something to the Fates, but shall, as circumstances may arise, let you know from time to time how we are inclined to dispose of our selves.
We both write in sincere regards and thanks for all your kind attentions, remaining ever, dear madam, your very affectionate friends,
Boulton & Watt
By repeated interuptions we have lost the post, but will send it per next.
[Edited transcript.] |