| Browse this collection | This entry describes an individual archive record or file. Click here to browse the full catalogue for this collection |
| Archive Reference / Library Class No. | D3580/C/655 |
| Title | Arranged with William Longsdon esq gentlemen Director for last 3 years of Midland Railway Co, who has in last 20 years spent much time in America and is intimately acquainted with Railway system of US. Proceed to Canada to examine personally and report.
Mr Longsdon shall take his seat at Board in Canada as a Director and remain there 12 months if necessary where his advice and practical Railway experience of utmost assistance to present management.
English shareholders asked to sign proxy in favour of William Longsdon and President of Company on or before Saturday 6 May.
3. Mr Longsdon will understand it is wished he should work as far as possible in harmony with Directors; appointment not originating in hostile feeling or any lack of confidence injudicious administration of President Mr Harris, zealous and indefatigable, Managing Director Mr Brydges and rest of board but from feeling that to preserve harmony between Board of Directors sitting in Canada and body of shareholders in England agree proxies must necessarily in last resort decide all matters of importance essential to establish machinery for more close and frequent communications than hitherto existed.
4. In same spirit Mr Longsdon is despatched to Canada not to interfere or overrule - but in belief that they will welcome assistance of gentleman of much Railway experience at period when so much labour devolves on them in winding up accounts for construction of line and organising management.
5. With this in view William Longsdon will be elected as director at ensuing meeting to take his seat on the board.
6. Committee think it better not to fetter writer's judgement by any detailed instructions - already sufficiently aware of general line of policy which is wish of English shareholders.
7. With these general instructions William Longsdon will exercise his own judgement as a Director taking care to communicate fully and frequently with Committee on all matters of importance.
Signed on behalf of Cttee
Samuel Laing Chairman
Attested by Brackstone Baker |
| Extent | 1 item |
| Level | Item |
| Repository | Derbyshire Record Office |
| Archive Creator | Longsdon family of Little Longstone |
| Privacy Notice | Data Subjects in Archives Privacy Notice |
| Term | Letters (documents) |