Father to John Longsdon: just returned from warehouse Finch going to Manchester to take stock. Pleased with John's intention of corresponding more directly with him and hope it will have effect desired. Notes remarks on late cotton purchase; wishes William to be amply impressed with necessity of buying very best quality in present state of manufacturing connections. Old shirtings in great measure dropped - what John has substituted he thinks more likely to meet present demand, hopes will succeed, but change of Weavers, new reed etc he must calculate as loss; does not mean to throw cold water on it. Approves and feels much satisfaction in John's plan of getting a set of respectable customers. Worried about John's health. Mr George Morewood gone to Liverpool. Thanks for Courier; favourable report of conciliation in America will help present dull market. Last report of Cotton from Lancashire very dull. Has John heard anything from William of a dividend in Mr P. Longsdon's affairs? Disappointed that nothing heard yet. Said that Ward's commission would be superseded. 14 March.