| Title | 12 Feb 1811
Manchester. William to John Longsdon enclosing as correct statement of accounts as possible from books here; £333 in debt at 31 January 1811. Nothing owing to them in Manchester - so everything must be discharged by bills in London without unexpected sales here. To sell shirting here is to sacrifice them and spoil his market. His arrangement with Habgoods may enable them to escape present situation which is worse than he imagined. Must contract business to survive, making utmost practical to attempt including various qualities until see their way more clearly or a more certain vent opens. Does he still want to take on fresh weavers, William against it - things worse daily. Large house in Spanish trade just failed; asks are Habgoods affected. Present stock fustians: 70 pieces, 6 shaft card, 20 Velveteens of all prices and 10 pieces Laby Cards, Genoa Cards, Thicksetts at 260 pieces shirting bleaching 10 or 12 fine ones and no ducks and more of any sort in warehouse; whole should be here in 4 weeks 59 pieces sent today to Messrs Habgood by boat. 7 pieces finer sort remain here to be put in next pack. Refused sending velveteens to be finished unless were nearly of a price. His letter for E M forwarded by The Sterling for New York. Cotton remains at 14d. |