| Title | Father to John Longsdon - pleased to receive his letter of 20th announcing suspension of voyage to Heligoland. Surprised and agitated by letter of 18th especially as John very lately observed that time he hoped would ere long arrive that writer should be repaid for having so long persevered in an unsuccessful business - refers to John to writer's reply that it has been attented with the unpleasantness John described now writer knows self feels - but is sure that it is and is so not a reasonable time for abruptly stopping the business. Contract it as much as the losing part of it can be, surely William and Finch from the situation things are now put into and by John's assistance may do a little to keep matters on right side. Writer has not discovered any dishonest practices in Mr Finch - feel for unpleasant situation into which his large family would be thrown if the works were abruptly stopped, as well as consideration of what writer's own loss would be - crisis at which it would not redound to writer's own reputation which he hopes will never be unsullied (sic). Has been unlucky and would have done tolerably well considering the times - viz an earlier sale of 7/8 shirtings, the finished card, William buying machines, his late purchases of cotton not being as good as should. Do not mean to reproach but to hint what might have been the case in present bad times if more fortunate circumstances had happened.
Letter from William yesterday mentioning receipt of one from John with enclosure for brother James who sets out tomorrow via Manchester on his Lancaster journey. Jones acknowledges receipt of £190 in London to their credit. William communicates an order from John for Mr Bickers. Details of some small bills which is a little cheering. Mr Finch to be at Manchester on Monday, Tuesday to examine particulars which goods are on hand and their qualities, return to Longsdon on Wednesday and come to him in London as soon as possible to clear up all accounts which will be best done personally and he will have opportunity of informing him and elucidating the information by showing him the articles, pointing out the trade they are for and introducing him where it appears necessary and proper as circumstances occur. Please let writer have comments by Monday night's post. |