| Title | 3 March 1811
Islington. John Longsdon to Mr Finch. Writer has been informed by William of shirtings coming round. Trust he is aware of necessity of selling shirtings - expedient to make as many as his capital will afford without being compelled to sell any in the gray market. Has expressed astonishment to Father that Finch should sell 203 pieces to Patton at 9½ when he knew funds available in London by using which the pieces would have been got round and sold in this market at 12½ or 12 3/4. But the mischief does not end here. Writer has applied to very reputable house for an order and had shirtings supposed to be his own making offered at 12d - these Patton might sell at 11d with sufficient profit. Writer asks 12d and calls himself or means to represent the real manufacturer.
Does present plan of manufacture agree with Finch's sentiments - ie articles for London trade or home consumption, that direction of manufacture his province, and after they leave Derbyshire - William's and all Manchester business buying cotton and twist and paying for them, bleaching and any other business which may originate in any branch of manufacture - all of which he is old and experienced enough to deal with.
For 5 years writer has watched his Father's gradually declining property, now his constitution, without interfering. When he saw same system being pursued to the ruin of the concern he advised his father against its continuance. Unless he sees very decisive and prompt alteration in management and issue of business, writer will correctly recommend Father to withdraw altogether and save what possible from wreck. William has left a very advantageous situation to conduct writer's father's business and if it is to be carried on as formerly he will immediately resign.
All transactions in this plan will have been communicated before this reaches Finch, as writer sends it via Manchester. Thinks Mr Bickers likely man to take a few ducks and has asked William to send some. Has told Father he is right to keep to old width of shirtings during depression of trade - but have seen no other shirtings of same width.
What does Finch think of spinning room in Manchester to make weft and Throstle twist for shirtings.
In March have received Finch's and Father's letters - better to bleach all shirtings for this trade than sell in Manchester at 10 or 10½. |