| Description | This section consists of two letter books containing copies of letters written by Samuel Galton, chiefly relating to his role in the management of Farmer & Galton, the gun manufacturing firm he ran in partnership with James Farmer, and substantial correspondence relating primarily to his business affairs, but also concerning his administration of the financial affairs of various family members. The letter books and correspondence from James Farmer and William Bird in particular is a rich source of information for the organisation and growth of the gun manufacturing business, and contains significant details about orders placed by individual merchants, and about other aspects of the firm, including the manufacture and supply of materials and the recruitment and management of employees, including Samuel Galton's brother-in-law, Joseph Farmer. Many of these letters also discuss matters relating to James Farmer's bankruptcy in 1755, and letters from John Galton also contain details about this event. Samuel Galton also seems to have acted as administrator of the financial affairs of Susannah Abrahams and Hannah Foord, as suggested by letters from these individuals and from other relatives including Hannah Galton and Molly Baskerville. |