| Title | 11 May 1812
Father to John Longsdon. Need his delicate touch and proper advice on very unfortunate circumstances at Goatley alleviate. Conduct of Serlo and of writer's brother which has been and is imprudent in the highest degree poignant with sorrow. Writer has to add that he fears imprudence will be too mild a term for that of the former. Folly of writer's brother leaving home almost unparalleled and totally destroys any chance of restoring Order and adopting steps necessary to render Serlo's schemes less pernicious. Letter received by a house in Sheffield from Serlo dated Dublin 15 of the last month but far from satisfactory. No trace of writer's only brother.
Firmness and activity both necessary - writer means to do best he can taking integrity for his guide.
John's proposal that William and Mr F [Finch] to manage Manchester concern without troubling him with it - if it can be done with propriety, safety, shall feel a happiness he has long been a stranger to in Manchester concerns, but from the depressed state of the market and the low prices Mr Finch has been obliged to make sales. Writer is apprehensive that John has altered his opinion of this concern for the worse since 2nd of this month. Hopes Mr E with John's assistance will obtain sufficient knowledge of such goods as suit London market, perhaps obtain a few permanent orders. Rejoiced John did not accept Mr Morewood's offer of coming to see them and return 20th of this month from bustle of getting in cattle and unfortunate circumstances that have happened, the long anticipated joy would have been turned into regret. |