| Title | 22 and 23 Feb 1811
London. John Longsdon to Father. Writer fairly satisfied and cheered by present appearance of their concerns. He thinks stock taking March and Sept 1811 promises to be best he has yet witnessed; times unquestionably by far worst for general commerce.
As for old stumbling block, carding of cotton, writer hopes last proposition will remove most of difficulties. Has requested William to inform him of writer's views. One great motive for carding in Manchester is that they may be supplied with twist well and good terms - for he thinks they could make their goods entirely from twist as cheap as from weft and undoubtedly the best shirting will fetch more money - to prove which sample from John Bickers and Co for which they pay 14d a yard and think it cheaper than theirs at 1/0 though the getting up costs only and theirs 2/6. It measures 28 inches and is called 7/8 wide. Principal difficulty in setting up a room at Manchester is want of money to buy a little machinery and start up. New building may be converted into dwelling houses and weaving shops and will pay 7½% for building it. William has sent him calculation of machinery needed and annual rent for turning it. Writer convinced would answer better than any other measure.
In effecting sales ought to have 2 houses to which they should consign goods; admitting their objections against ER & C could be removed, they could not employ so safe and good a house perhaps. Seen him - his Country connections are now coming to Town and for next 2 months he can obtain 13d for their shirtings that they may draw at 2 months immediately on getting account sales allowing interest as with Habgood. Will see that sales made promptly and sent regularly. Directed William to send 100 pieces to Mr Roberts immediately.
Writer doesn't think it prudent to enquire much for customers for their shirtings - will as soon as can.
E Roberts January sales may be drawn for at 2 months from 1 March allowing 1 month's interest - or at 3 months whichever he likes. If he must allow interest, better to Roberts than a Manchester house.
Writer ... wished him to do some business through Jones hands as their account with them affords them no desire to keep it open at present and in these times Bankers papers much more reputable than Bills upon Commission. However, concealing their connections here, writer wishes he would think about it.
G M tells him fair quantity Bermuda cotton sold today in London at 14d, very best at 18d. Habgood Evans sales Feb 1811 263 pieces - £417.16s 3d due in cash 4 July 1811, including 2619 yards at 12½ - authorised sale at 12½ to bring as many as he could into this month's sale hearing of sacrifice to Patton of 203 pieces 12 3/4 is now limit to Habgood and Co and 13d to ER that he may make amends for the last account. When he draws for E Roberts last sales add £2 10s 6d an overcharge in carriage by Pickfords which was detected by writer suggesting keeping a check account at Manchester - for future pay his own carriage as writer has agreed with William
Writer says be of good cheer, rest assured they can weather all their difficulties. Keep Mr Finch at home and place confidence in William. |