| Description | My dear Son,
Extract of the Journal of the Sohoites.
Monday. We got to Litchfield two hours before dinner was ready. Saw the Cathederal, Sam Johnson's monument, and Sam Barker's person. Drank tea with Mrs. Bingham, &c., at Burton, and got to Derby time enough for supper.
Tuesday. Breakfasted and dined with Dr. Derwin; saw his garden only, his spouse being at Matlock. Saw the china manufacture, a silk mill, and Mr. Strut's engine, and then proceeded to Matlock, which we found full of dancing, card playing, beauxs and bells. The sublimity of the lofty rocks, the beauty of the scenery, and the sprightliness of the company all conspired to delight and make all our flock of chickens kackle. No complainings were heard on our journey, no toothaches, nor fevers or asthmas, were known in our camp; but, like friskey kidlings, our virgins bounded over the rocks and asscended the highest torrs.
Wednesday. As to my self, I was contented to see every on so cheerfull, happy, and good humour'd, and on Wednesday morning I went to Sir Joseph Banks's, were I found Sir Joseph, Lady, and Miss Banks in a new fire engine on old principles; also Mr. Cavendish, Mr. Lloyd, Mr. Turner, all F. R. S., Mr. Fenton Junr., and Mr. Mylnes. Spent the remainder of the day agreably and
Thursday. the next morning the whole party marched to Greogory engine, which was a very difficult task to me, as it is situated at the top of a mountain. I found many defects about the engine; however, it did not perform very bad. I made out a list of the things the proprietors ought to do, but as they cannot stop five minutes in the 24 hours without an hinderance to the working of the mine, I fear no repairs will be done. I forgot to say that I found Lawson at Sir Joseph's, but as it was not possible to make any trial he will return to Leeds. From Gregory engine we had many fine prospects and amongst other objects we saw Lincoln Cathederal, and then scrambled down the hill to dinner, after which I, with Lawson, returned to Matlock, where I found the ladies dancing and transported with the beautys and joys of the place.
Fryday morning, Sir Joseph's family and visiters call'd at Matlock to pay their compliments, and I accompany'd them to see the Cromford Canal and Sir Richard's house. The remainder of the day was spent in walking and dancing, and
Saturday. on Saturday morning we all departed from Matlock through a beautyfull country to Chatsworth, where we found a magnificent palace with jet d'eaus, straight lined vistos, and parralell ponds. The house badly furnished, and all in the stile of King William's day. We, with Sampson Loyd (who had accompany'd us on horseback) dined at Stoney Middleton, from whence we proceeded through the most beautyfull vale surrounded with high rocks that can be conceiv'd or discribed (Middleton Dale). We ariv'd at Buxton at the close of the evening, all well.
Sunday morning. A dull morning, sun invisible all day, and incessant rain; no walking out, nor cheerfull countinance; every face pale, sickly, and disperited. The toy shops, the ball-room, the theatre all shut, and not even a church open. The complaints of the ladies all return'd and Pandora's box seem'd open. However, I bathed and found my self the better for it, and rub'd through the day without pleasure or pain.
Monday morning. A few intervals of sunshine, and I bathed and found my self easy and pleasant, but I am sorry to say Mr. Capper is not well and talks of returning tomorrow; if so, you will see us before the day appointed for our return.
As the post will depart in half an hour, I must acknowledge your letter of Tuesday, which I receiv'd last Fryday night at Matlock. I am much obliged to Mr. C. Stewart for his information about Castle Bromwich, but I cannot come to any resolution upon that head untill I return and finaly conclude with Mr. Birch, which I shall do without delay.
I will thank you to enquire of Messrs. Smiths how the buckles are going on, and whether they have finished some paris from every die already sunk, and whether they are getting a dye done in the stile of Benjamin's buckle; they should also make one in the tast of your German buckle, but much smaller. It would be proper to converse with Mr. Brown upon that subject, for it must be systemised as soon as possible and every thing set piece work, and they must get one or two persons more to rivet and mount the buckles, so as to finish one, two, or three gross per week.
Remember me kindly to Miss Mynd, Mrs. Watts, to New Hall Street, and all friends, remaining ever your very affectionate father,
M. Boulton
(All desire to join in love.)
[Edited transcript.]
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