| Description | (Annexed is a transcript of Lord Hawkesbury's letter to Charles Whitworth, introducing Collins.)
London, 30th July 1793.
Dear Sir,
I have received both your favours of the 25th and 27th July, with the former a pacquet with sundry introductory letters, also the power of attorney, &c.; the box of patterns is likewise come to hand. I am to receive to-morrow the letters of recommendation from Messrs. Raikes's,-Thompson,-and Thornton & Son to their friends at St. Petersburg. Inclosed I send a copy of Lord Hawkesbury's introductory letter; which please to forward to Mr. Boulton.
A ship having offer'd direct for St. Petersburg I thought it every way for the interest of Mr. Boulton to embrace the opportunity in preference to that for Hambro'. She is called the Arethusa, Captain Ostel, who purposes sailing (wind and weather permitting) on Thursday or Friday, but I believe it will not be before Saturday next.
She sails in company of several other ships, but without convoy. Heaven grant we may escape the French freebooters. At all events, should we even have the misfortune to meet with any of them, it is thought improbable they would carry a ship laden with ballast into one of their ports-they are precluded from doing it into those of Norway and Danmark-they would probably strip us of our little personal property and leave us to pursue our route. Thus people endeavor to argue me out of my fears, and I am very willing to hope for the best. Our vessel being light and new, a good sailor, I think our best chance, in case of meeting with a privateer, will consist in our flight, whilst he is engaged with the rest of our fleet, probably heavier sailers.
I shall write so soon as we get safe to Elsinore. I have got the real invoice for Daser & Co. The goods for them are actually shipp'd on board one of the ships which sails under convoy in about three weeks-the Arethusa taking no goods.
You will be pleased to direct any letters for me care of Timothy Raikes, Esqr., Petersburg. I have written to Mr. Boulton on Saturday last and requested a letter to Samoyloff; I beg you will remind him of it. I write now to Mr. Fothergill from here.
With every good wish for your health and constant happiness, I am most sincerely, dear sir, your very obedient humble servant,
Andw. Collins
Copy of Lord Hawkesbury's letter to Mr.Whitworth.
Sir,
The bearer of this letter (Mr. A. Collins) is the agent of Mr. Boulton of Birmingham, sent by him to Petersburgh on business which the inclosed letter from Mr. Boulton to myself will fully explain. You must have some knowledge of Mr. Boulton, at least by reputation; he is one of the most eminent manufacturers which this country has ever produced; he is the author of many new inventions, and has thereby contributed greatly to the increase of our commerce; on publick grounds therefore Mr. Boulton is entitled to the support and protection of all his Majesty's servants, and I beg leave to add that I shall consider as an obligation conferr'd on myself any assistance you may be able to afford him, so as to relieve him from the difficulties to which he is at present exposed through the Edict lately publish'd at St. Petersburgh.
I have the honour to be, with great regard, . . .
[Edited transcript.]
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