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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D3580/C/241
Title10 or 11 October 1811 Father to John Longsdon
Date1811
DescriptionJohn is principal source of satisfaction writer feels or looks forward to in this world. Hurt at the manner of writer not approving of patterns being sent to Mr Willson.
When writer heard he wanted patterns sent to Mr R, John was so near leaving London that writer could not give John his reasons. Immediately thought if Mr W [Wilson?] sent an order in John's absence it would probably (from their former mode of doing business) be a large one which writer could not permit to be executed. So thought best not to send patterns. Once sent by Mr W as he was going hence to London a parcel of bill stamps rendered useless by the change of the Stamp Act and which he said he would get exchanged at the Stamp Office and send the useful ones down to Manchester. Never heard word since, though one memento at least has been left at their company's house at Manchester.
Strong claim of gratitude on firm in which Mr W acted so conspicuous a part. Trusts if Mr W can be of service to John in the course of business he will be.
Brothers sale to Potters, writer agrees with John. 13 Oct, Sunday evening, add. William's mind of late much improved but considerable ability and great caution required to be equal to the situation he manages in such times as these. Times so bad for manufacturing and so great a mass of manufacturers possessing more activity than considerations that it is impossible at present to do much with a confined capital with reasonable degree of safety. Admires John's activity but perhaps better if they had latterly made fewer.
Beside increasing stock it would have been means of goods being made better if John's directions better attended to. Greatest fault as writer sees is in the reeds being made too narrow and in which William has erred worse - but lay aside recrimination and do their best; part with worst weavers and attend with care and exactness to orders and directions John communicates. Like new carding and spinning usage which has considerably increased quantity and shortly will qualify.
Apprehensive about stock in hand. Family circumstances of late pressed hard upon writer. Looks forward to laying a solid foundation for John and William to walk upon.
Danger of selling to unsafe houses - talked with acquaintance of Mr Ward when at Manchester. Checked on Alcocks; respectable house but Alcock not rich.
Keeling who has tenant right of Peak Forest Mill wants to know if writer has any thought of taking it. When George Morewood returns, put a quantity of good letter paper in his trunk - not gilt - but this writer writes upon execrable. William said Hog a partner in Roberts house called and told him he was sure he could sell the finished 6 shafts for 19d at least and wished him to put them into his hands. Cautioned William against parting so vague a promise - same promise made before by same house and not realised.
Week ending 5 Oct, 148 pieces. 120d. 100 pieces. Considerable increase of broad ones. Writer expects William and Mr Addison on Sunday on a shooting excursion. Jas. sent John a little game. Hopes to send his mite. English Chronicle is again come but not a bit better printed. Mr Bossley finds same - agreed to write joint letter to Editor but forgot. Please inform him of shameful negligence of his public.
11 Oct 1811. Mother to John Longsdon. Looking forward to Spring. Will get cloth from Mr Johnson and get John a set of shirts made if he will send a shirt and directions how he wants them made. Will get stockings if any remaining. Father cannot come to London with Mr M - too much business. Wishes she had health and strength enough to learn farming; would enjoy it and find time for improvements - easy if set about with method and activity. James has been out with his gun and they will try to make up a hamper for John this week. Will send best fowls or ducklings as soon as weather colder, James sends 2½ brace partridge and a pheasant.
Levelfile
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
Archive CreatorLongsdon family of Little Longstone
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