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Dear Madam,
Having receiv'd a letter from Mr. Townend of York (the active partner in the Yorkshire Copper Co.) which pricks me to the quick, as it presses me for a payment, that was only due the 3d instant, and in a manner that is too unhandsome for me to bear, I therefore find my self under the necessity of flying to you for a temporary relief. I say temporary because I have a demand on the Sierra Leone Co. for about 1500£ for coin, and upon Mr. Bowser for 2000 guineas for copper, which I hope to receive, or at least as much as will pay my draught on you, before due.
If Mr. Hurd had paid me what he ows, or if I could sell 20 ton of copper I now have here, I should not be pinched; but there is neither money nor trade at Birmingham at this juncture. Hence necessity has obliged me to draw upon you for £2271 3s. 2d. payable to George Townend, Esqr., at six weeks after date, and dated the 3d instant. This being paid, I have the satisfaction of saying that I do not owe a single guinea for copper or brass or any other metal, but have much owing to me for those materials.
I cannot promise to provide you with cash for the discharge of the above, but I have no doubt of providing you with good paper, and hope you'l be able to do the rest.
I rather think it will be June before we shall meet, unless we are sooner call'd by our Albion friends. We are all tolerable well and in as good spirits as the times will allow. Adieu. I remain ever yours,
M. Boulton
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