| Description | (Directed to the Hotel de Chaulnes, rue d'Enfer. Dated conjecturally on the docket 20 Feb. but this is surely wrong, for in his letter of 11 Mar. Boulton noted that prior to the receipt of his son's letter of 5 Mar., he had not received another from him since the one dated 30 Jan., and the comment that the present letter was written "at home," appears to indicate that it was written at Soho.)
My dear Son,
I receiv'd a letter from you a few days ago, but I have it not with me, and am writing this from home. The principal thing I remember of it is that it was carelessly wrote and not like a man of business. What is the reason you do not write your letters in French? is it ignorance or indolence? I suspect the latter. I must beg you to reform in these points or I shall complain in a smaller degree of Mr. Manuel.
I write this to tell you that I this day sent by Mr. Milnes, who hath a cotton work at Passey, a pair of steel shoe buckles and one pair of knee ditto, which I beg you will deliver to Mr. Droz as soon as you receive them, and write me word how he is in health and when he will send me a proof piece.
I beg you will send the inclosed to Mr. Sayde; Mr. De Lessert can tell you where he lives, but don't take it your self as I don't think he is a proper acquaintance for you. I intended inclosing it in Mr. De Lessert but was in a hurry going a little way from town.
N.B. Mr. Milnes is not one of my acquaintance.
Pray make my compliments to Mr. Manuel and tell him I have order'd a watch chain for him, which shall be sent as soon as finished.
Your sister was at the City Assembly last night with Mrs. Vere and Miss Motteux. I have not seen her to day, but hear that she has got cold.
I have just receiv'd a letter from Metman, who says very civil things of you, but I shall resign him up to Mr. Manuel and shall write to Metman next mail.
Mr. Collins is with me and desires his compliments.
Write me directly about Mr. Droz. Adieu, my dear Matt. I am your very affectionate father,
M. Boulton
[Edited transcript.] |