| Title | 4 February 1850
Answered 6 February. Joseph Paxton at Chatsworth to [William Longsdon]. Received letter from Mr Harrison about William being proposed as a Director to which replied on Saturday thought none better could be found. Sent Harrison's letter to their Chairman, Mr Ellis with same expressions. Rest assured would give writer more than ordinary pleasure to see William elected member of the Midland Board, and would be great relief to writer to have William to consult with Mr Wigley's statement not by any means correct but is sufficiently so to show them in a very bad position. Should like to see William when could more fully go into all matters relating to Company's affairs - no bed of roses now to be a Director. Went on Board little more than 12 months since, and should not have least objection to being relieved of post. Since July last they have worked most zealously to make up the past bad management - but writer finds stumbling blocks at every corner. Long time before ship is righted. Their concerns are now on too large a scale. No Director unless he spends whole time at the concern can make himself anything like acquainted with so extensive and so intricate an establishment. Will explain to him fully his views on the future some day soon. They have committee meeting tomorrow and a Director's meeting on Wednesday. Will contrive on Thursday to have some time fixed for them to meet and talk over matters. In meantime most satisfied writer should have greatest pleasure in having him for a colleague. |