| Description | (Two letters on one sheet. Directed to Mr. Bourdon’s, rue de Maurepas.)
[Matthew Boulton.]
My dear Matt,
You have reliev'd my anxiety very much by your letter of the 25th February, which is the only one I have receiv'd from you since I left France. I am glad you have discover'd your error in not paying the postage at the delivery, and hope in future our correspondence will not be interupted.
I recommend it to you to keep such a pocket book as I do, which is on one side ruled into seven horozontal devisions for the seven days of the week, and on the other side into one set of colums of £ s. d. for money receiv'd and another for money spent or paid. I will send you an example by young Toney, who sets out in a day or two to France.
I note down in every day anything remarkable that hath occur'd, or where I have visited; and I recommend that you note down on the space of such day of the month as you write any letter, the adress of such letter-example: Feb. 25, wrote to my father-and then when you write your next letter, begin it always by saying: My last was of . . . (such a date), since which I have receiv'd yours (or my sister's, &c.) of such a date. I will do the same, and then our letters will always hang together in such manner that one cannot be lost without there being a chasm in the correspondence, and the loss pointed out in our next letter.
I beg you will seal your letters with one waffer and also with sealing wax, and never trust to any body to put them into the post office but do it always your self, or you may be deceiv'd.
I found at my return from France much business accumulated, insomuch that I have not been able to overtake it; besides which I have been obliged to go to Bath and to Bristol on Cornish business.
Mr. Green and Mr. Dean say that Mr. Parlby and all your school fellows speak of you with great regard and say they shall ever retain an affection for you. One of the young Deans desires you will never pass through Oxford without calling upon him at Christ Church Colledge.
Mr. Watt went on Fryday to London in order to meet the King at Mr. Whitbread's brewery and to shew him that engine yesterday.
Perhaps by applying to the post office you may get your letters again; pray try.
I never can make any objection to your visiting Mr. DeLassert's, but, on the contrary, wish you were to be always with them and Mr. Guyot. The only thing I should be fearfull of is your being too troublesome by too frequent visits, of which you must regulate your self in some degree by your own judgment and observations, or you may consult Mr. Guyot and follow his advice. When that family go to Passey, it will be more convenient to them on you to visit once a fortnight.
I hope you saw the King go in the Coronation Coach to the Assembly de Noteable: I have a notion it was a grand procession.
I am sorry to hear that Monsieur de Callone hath been ill. Pray tell me in your next if he is said to be recover'd and quite well.
If you can think of any present that I could send Mr. Bourdon or his son, note it in your next.
Werstein, our domestick that we had at Paris, now lives with me at Soho in the capacity of butler and valet de chambre.
I must leave a little room for your sister, and therefore conclude with every blessing and good wish, being, dear Matt, your very affectionate father,
M. Boulton
Pray present my compliments to Mr. Bou[rdieu Sr.] and Jr. and the ladies. I beg in your next you will tell me very . . . how you spend your time from six in the m[orning till] eleven at night.
[Ann Boulton.]
My dear Matt,
As your father has w[ritten] a long letter, I shall only add a f[ew words] to request you wou'd destroy m[y letter of] the 2d instant and not mention [the] contents to any body. As your last letter came safe and in proper time, you may direct them as usual.
Miss Mynd desires her love, and with every good wish I remain your ever affectionate sister,
A. B.
[Edited transcript.] |