| Title | 22 October 1811
John Longsdon to firm. Thinks he can find customers for ducks from double twist if can be made for 10½d gray and for some 9/8 made from their double twist which preferred to those from single twist. If they can get strong double twist at 2/4 lb they can start 9/8 shirtings in reeds which now make 5/4 which need not interfere with the common sort for Alcock, Watkin & Co.
What do 6/4, 9/8 and 5/4 cost per piece - saying they cost "about so much a yard" no guide. Wishes to know how many shillings a piece will stand to them Writer can form a judgement what they ought to bring - length at 31 yards.
Very few goods sold for October; can promise funds until December without encroachment on their banker. Fewer 7/8 shirtings they make the better - but do not damn themselves and turn off the weavers hastily whom in a few weeks they may wish they had kept employed. Finch to tell writer when various sums on Bickers come due as he means to limit credit to about £300 though he thinks their house is doing business well and steadily. Find debt of M L & Co taken at 2/6 - last March if writer is correct taken at 2/-.
Glad old ducks to be dropped. Long consumed capital, time and expense and never paid one shilling.
Manufacture of D T shirting rendered desirable from circumstance of weaver being under no necessity to use dressing on the warp which must keep them more honest and be of no disadvantage to the goods.
Never been informed how they draw on Alcock & Co and wonder no advice of drafts handed to writer. If they write to them there - giving unnecessary trouble to both parties and expense.
Addendum to father. Afraid he does not intend to come to London and very sorry; change would do him good. Expects to find John Barker at his lodgings tonight or tomorrow on way to Portsmouth for embarkation. |