John Cruso at Hopton to Philip Gell in London - demands have been particularly heavy in the building way - has had to let Wiltshire have £400 towards his balance of £860 odd or he would have gone bankrupt - has let Harly have £300 towards his bill of £496 - Beardsley does not appear to pay any interest - hay in great demand - expenses high e.g. the men at the Silk Building paid £9-10 a week wages - has been to Bank Top and found Wright and Jackson have not settled the matter - necessary to have a referee - John will send £80 - are soldiers passing in all directions but does not think there have been any disturbances although the manufacturing areas are ready - is sorry to see that elm saplings are being used as spars and joists in so good a building, some are no better than good hedge stakes - Mr Smedley wishes to shorten his barn in Petty and put the remaining part into repair so has agreed that Smedley may take down one gable end and one bay. 7 May 1812