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INTRODUCTION
This volume is entitled on the front cover, in a hand which may be Matthew Boulton’s, ‘M: B: Letter Book, 1781 to 1783,’ the closing date having been written later than the rest. (In fact, despite the title, the book contains a single letter (18) from the end of 1780.) It has 468 pages, numbered in a contemporary hand up to page 47. The subsequent pages, and the entries, have now been numbered, but these numbers are not original.
To the pages are fixed the documents listed below. All are press-copies of originals in Matthew Boulton’s own hand, unless stated otherwise. Inserted at the front of the book is a contemporary Index to pages 1 to 47.
The originals (or, in the case of the draft 162, the fair copy) of most of Boulton’s letters to James Watt will be found in the Boulton & Watt Collection, namely 25, 27, 34, 35, 39, 41, 46, 49, 56, 60, 63-65, 67-69, 71, 75, 76, 81, 82, 84, 85, 87, 94, 101, 103, 104, 107, 112-116, 118-121, 127, 129-132, and 139 in Parcel D3; and 143, 145-150, 153, 155, 162, 164, 166, 168, 169, 172-174, 205, 206, 210, 212, 213, 215, 219, 220, 226, 232, 233, 235, 237, 241, 247, 248, 253, and 254 in Parcel D4. The originals of 44, 58, 122, and 242 have not been found. 137a is a copy-letter which had been torn out of the book; it was found and restored after the entries were numbered.
Transcripts of 11, 72, 180, 196, 200, 259, and 275 will be found after the table of Contents.
CONTENTS
Page
1. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to George Townend (London). 13 Feb. 1781. 1
(In John Buchanan’s hand ?)
2. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mr. Edgeworth. 25 Feb. 1781. 3
3. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Edwards (Hayle). 13 Feb. 1781. 4
4. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John McIntosh [London]. 15 Feb. 1781. 4
5. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Logan Henderson. [?28] Feb. 1781. 5
6. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to George Townend. 20 Mar. 1781. 8
7. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Elizabeth Montagu. 15 Feb. 1781. 10
8. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mr. Ryan (London). 5 Mar. 1781. 12
9. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Peter Capper [Redland]. 28 Feb. 1781. 14
10. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Charles Wyatt. 28 Feb. 1781. 16
11. Draft of an agreement between T. & T. Richards and Boulton & Fothergill. c. Apr. 1781. 17
12. Paper read at the Brass Committee. 21 May 1781. 18
13. Boulton & Watt (London) to Perier, Frère, & Co. (Paris). 4 May 1781. 20
(Copy of an original in Boulton’s hand, signed by him in the firm’s name.)
14. Matthew Boulton (London) to William Chapman (Newcastle). 4 May 1781. 21
15. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Logan Henderson [Cusgarne]. 13 Mar. 1781. 22
16. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Peter Capper [Redland]. 13 Mar. 1781. 23
17. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to Peter Capper [Redland]. 12 May 1781. 25
18. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Wiss. 26 Dec. 1780. 26
19. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Logan Henderson [Cusgarne]. 6 Jan. 1781. 27
20. Matthew Boulton [London] to Mr. Richards (Soho). 2 May 1781. 29
(Copy of a transcript in Boulton’s hand. Cf. pp. 43-45 below.)
21. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 24 May 1781. 31
22. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 7 Jun. 1781. 33
23. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mrs. Eliza Wilks. 8 Jun. 1781. 35
24. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 19 Jun. 1781. 37
25. Matthew Boulton [Birmingham] to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 16 Jun. 1781. 38
26. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mr. Jenkins (Truro). 19 Jun. 1781. 39
27. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 19 Jun. 1781. 40
28. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mrs. Eliza Wilks. Jun. 1781. 41
29. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to Peter Capper [Redlands]. 22 May 1781. 42
(Incomplete.)
30. Matthew Boulton (London) to Mr. Richards [Soho]. 2 May 1781. 43
31. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to Mr. Hart. 31 May 1781. 45
32. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 22 May 1781. 46
33. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 26 Jun. 1781. 48
34. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 26 Jun. 1781. 49
35. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 21 Jun. 1781. 50
36. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to George Seddon [London]. 22 Jun. 1781. 51
37. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 28 Jun. 1781. 52
38. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Fothergill [Bath]. 28 Jun. 1781. 52
39. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 23 Jun. 1781. 54
40. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to William Matthews [London]. 28 Jun. 1781. 55
41. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 28 Jun. 1781. 58
42. Matthew Boulton (—) to William Chapman (Newcastle). c. 29 Jun. 1781. 60
43. Boulton & Watt (Birmingham) to Moor, Kimmett, & Burrows. 29 Jun. 1781. 60
(Copy of an original in Boulton’s hand, signed by him in the firm’s name.)
44. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 1 Jul. 1781. 61
(Incomplete?)
45. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mr. Jenkins [Truro]. 3 Jul. 1781. 63
46. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 3 Jul. 1781. 64
47. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 3 Jul. 1781. 64
48. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mrs. Ann Watt [Cusgarne]. 7 Jul. 1781. 66
49. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 10 Jul. 1781. 68
(Includes a transcript, in John Buchanan’s hand, of a letter from John Scott to Boulton & Watt, dated at Shrewsbury, 9 Jul.)
50. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to George Mackey. 18 Jun. 1781. 71
51. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 10 Jul. 1781. 71
52. John Buchanan (Birmingham) to John McIntosh [London]. 11 Jul. 1781. 72
53. John Buchanan (Birmingham) to George Seddon [London]. 11 Jul. 1781. 72
54. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mr. Hadley. 7 Jul. 1781. 74
55. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to William Matthews [London]. 10 Jul. 1781. 75
56. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 14 Jul. 1781. 76
57. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to John McIntosh [London]. 15 Jul. 1781. 77
(Copy of an original in John Buchanan’s hand, signed by Boulton.)
58. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 17 Jul. 1781. 78
59. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to William Matthews [London]. 22 Jul. 1781. 81
60. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 21 Jul. 1781. 82
61. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mr. Jenkins [Truro]. 19 Jul. 1781. 85
62. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Handley [London]. 24 Jul. 1781. 85
63. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 24 Jul. 1781. 87
64. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 26 Jul. 1781. 89
65. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 28 Jul. 1781. 91
(Includes a transcript, in an unidentified hand, of Boulton’s account with
Bromwich, Isherwood, & Bradley, dated London, 15 Jun.)
66. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mr. Rothwell. 5 Aug. 1781. 94
67. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 30 Jul. 1781. 94
68. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 7 Aug. 1781. 96
(Includes transcripts, in John Buchanan’s hand, of two letters to Boulton &Watt
—one from John Turner, dated at Bersham, 1 Aug., the other from Hugh
Jones, dated at Chester, 1 Aug.)
69. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 9 Aug. 1781. 103
70. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Logan Henderson [Cusgarne]. 9 Aug. 1781. 106
71. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 12 Aug. 1781. 108
72. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Mynd. 15 Aug. 1781. 110
73. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to George Mynd [Soho]. 15 Aug. 1781. 110
74. John Buchanan (Soho) to [James Watt] [Cusgarne]. 14 Aug. 1781. 111
75. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 14 Aug. 1781. 113
76. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 16 Aug. 1781. 115
77. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to George Seddon [London]. 30 Jul. 1781. 116
(Copy of an original in John Buchanan’s hand, signed by Boulton.)
78. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 10 Aug. 1781. 116
79. [Matthew Boulton] (Birmingham) to Peter Capper [Redland]. 19 Aug. 1781. 118
(Copy of an unsigned original in John Buchanan’s hand.)
80. Matthew Boulton (London) to Zaccheus Walker. 23 Aug. 1781. 119
81. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 11 Aug. 1781. 120
82. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 18 Aug. 1781. 122
83. [Matthew Boulton] (Birmingham) to [John Edwards]. 13 Aug. 1781. 125
(Copy of an unsigned original in John Buchanan’s hand.)
84. Matthew Boulton (London) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 21 Aug. 1781. 126
85. Matthew Boulton (London) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 25 Aug. 1781. 128
86. Matthew Boulton (London) to Zaccheus Walker. 25 Aug. 1781. 130
87. Matthew Boulton (London) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 27 Aug. 1781. 131
88. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to William Matthews [London]. 31 Aug. 1781. 133
89. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Williams [Chacewater]. 20 Aug. 1781. 136
(Copy of an original in Zaccheus Walker’s hand, signed by Boulton.)
90. Matthew Boulton (London) to —. 28 Aug. 1781. 137
91. Matthew Boulton (London) to William Matthews [London]. 28 Aug. 1781. 138
92. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to [Lowe, Vere, & Williams] [London]. 30 Aug. 1781. 139
(Copy of an original sent with 88.)
93. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to William Matthews [London]. 1 Sep. 1781. 140
94. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 1 Sep. 1781. 141
95. Boulton & Fothergill (London) to Lowe, Vere, & Williams [London].
27 Aug. 1781. 142
(In Matthew Boulton’s hand, and signed by him in the firm’s name.)
96. Matthew Boulton (London) to Robert Small. 28 Aug. 1781. 143
97. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Barker & Wilkinsons. 10 Aug. 1781. 144
(Transcript in Zaccheus Walker’s hand.)
98. Boulton & Watt (Birmingham) to William Matthews (London). 25 Aug. 1781. 145
(Copy of an original in an unidentified hand, signed by Boulton in the firm’s name.)
99. Boulton & Fothergill (London) to Lowe, Vere, & Williams [London].
27 Aug. 1781. 145
(Copy of an original in an unidentified hand, signed by Boulton in the firm’s name.)
100. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Alexander Small. 13 Sep. 1781. 146
101. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 6 Sep. 1781. 148
102. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Handley [London]. Sep. 1781. 150
103. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 4 Sep. 1781. 151
104. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 11 Sep. 1781. 153
105. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Edwards [Hayle]. 7 Sep. 1781. 155
106. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Logan Henderson [Cusgarne]. 6 Sep. 1781. 158
107. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 13 Sep. 1781. 160
(Includes a dispatch note in John Buchanan’s hand, respecting goods
sent to the care of Prichard & Barlow, 31 Aug.)
108. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Anthony Tissington [Alfreton]. 13 Sep. 1781. 164
109. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Anthony Tissington [Alfreton]. 14 Sep. 1781. 165
110. Patrick Colclough [Carlow] to [Boulton & Watt] [Soho]. [1 Sep. 1781.] 166
(Copy of a transcript in John Buchanan’s hand.)
111. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 15 Sep. 1781. 169
112. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 16 Sep. 1781. 170
113. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 25 Sep. 1781. 172
114. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 27 Sep. 1781. 180
(Includes an ‘account of pipes sent from Bradley for Poldice mine,’ in John Buchanan’s hand.)
115. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 16 Oct. 1781. 183
116. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 2 Oct. 1781. 184
117. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to George Seddon [London]. 3 Oct. 1781. 186
118. Matthew Boulton (London) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 6 Oct. 1781. 187
(Incomplete.)
119. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 23 Oct. 1781. 189
120. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 27 Oct. 1781. 193
(Includes a transcript in John Buchanan’s hand of a letter from an
unidentified correspondent to Boulton & Watt, dated at London, 25 Oct.)
121. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 30 Oct. 1781. 195
122. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 15 Nov. 1781. 198
(Includes a transcript in John Buchanan’s hand of a letter from Thomas
Handley to Boulton, dated at Rolls Buildings, London, 13 Nov.)
123. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mr. Palmer. Nov. 1781. 200
124. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Patrick Colclough [Carlow]. 15 Nov. 1781. 201
(Copy of an original in John Buchanan’s hand, signed by Boulton.)
125. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Sir Waldon Hanmer (Sympson Place). 14 Nov. 1781. 203
126. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to —. 14 Nov. 1781. 204
127. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 3 Nov. 1781. 205
128. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Logan Henderson [Cusgarne]. 3 Nov. 1781. 208
129. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 17 Nov. 1781. 210
130. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 1 Nov. 1781. 212
131. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 13 Nov. 1781. 214
132. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 20 Nov. 1781. 218
133. John Buchanan (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 4 Nov. 1781. 219
(Includes a transcript of a letter from James Playfair to Matthew Boulton.)
134. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to — [London]. 17 Nov. 1781. 220
Letter of introduction for Carretto.
135. "Jonathan Hornblower’s specification of his invention." 5 Nov. 1781. 221
(Copy of a transcript in John Buchanan’s hand.)
136. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to William Matthews [London]. 29 Nov. 1781. 222
137. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to James Woodmason [London]. 29 Nov. 1781. 223
137a. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to William Matthews [London]. 6 Dec. 1781. 224
138. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to Zaccheus Walker [Birmingham]. 5 Dec. 1781. 225
(Incomplete.)
139. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 29 Dec. 1781. 226
140. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Turner. 31 Dec. 1781. 229
141. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Logan Henderson. 22 Jan. 1782. 230
142. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to William Matthews [London]. 21 Jan. 1782. 231
143. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 13 Jan. 1782. 232
144. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 12 Jan. 1782. 235
(Draft.)
145. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 9 Jan. 1782. 236
(Includes a transcript in John Buchanan’s hand of a letter from John Turner to
Boulton, dated Bersham, 7 Jan.)
146. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 18 Jan. 1782. 241
(A very poor copy.)
147. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 22 Jan. 1782. 242
148. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 19 Jan. 1782. 245
(Includes Boulton’s sketch of the application of a sun and planet
motion for coal winding engines.)
149. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 4 Feb. 1782. 248
150. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 9 Feb. 1782. 254
151. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Turner. 5 Feb. 1782. 256
152. [Matthew Boulton] (Soho) to Lord Mahon. 11 Feb. 1782. 257
(Copy of an unsigned original in John Buchanan’s hand.)
153. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 12 Mar. 1782. 260
(Incomplete.)
154. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to William Matthews [London]. [c. 11 Feb. 1782.] 261
155. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 21 Mar. 1782. 262
(Incomplete.)
156. Matthew Boulton (—) to William Matthews [London]. Mar. 1782. 266
157. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Samuel Garbett. 28 Mar. 1782. 267
158. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Rev. A. Hoskins. 28 Mar. 1782. 268
(Includes a promissory note.)
159. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mrs. Elizabeth Montagu. 23 Mar. 1782. 269
(Includes, in John Buchanan’s hand, a statement of her account with Boulton.)
160. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mr. Stretch. 29 Mar. 1782. 270
161. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Josiah Wedgwood [? Etruria]. 30 Mar. 1782. 271
162. Matthew Boulton (London) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 7 Mar. 1782. 272
(Draft.)
163. Matthew Boulton (—) to ‘Mr. Perrott.’ No date. 272
(Draft? Francis Parrott.)
164. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 26 Mar. 1782. 273
165. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to William Matthews [London]. 1 Apr. 1782. 276
166. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 2 Apr. 1782. 278
167. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to —. 4 Apr. 1782. 281
168. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 14 Feb. 1782. 282
169. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 3 Apr. 1782. 286
170. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mr. Ramsden. 3 Apr. 1782. 288
171. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mr. Ramsden. 19 Apr. 1782. 288
172. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 6 & 10 Apr. 1782. 289
173. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 13 Apr. 1782. 292
174. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Watt [Cusgarne]. 19 Apr. 1782. 294
175. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 22 Jun. 1782. 296
176. Matthew Boulton [? Birmingham] to Mr. Ingram. [22 Jun. 1782.] 297
177. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to [William Matthews] [London]. 19 Jun. 1782. 298
178. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to — [? Etruria]. 23 May 1782. 300
179. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to [Mrs. Eliza Wilks]. 25 May 1782. 300
180. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to [William Matthews] [London]. 20 Jun. 1782. 302
(Misdated Friday, i.e. the 21st; cf. 192.)
181. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to [Charles Vere] [London]. 21 Jun. 1782. 304
182. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to [William Matthews] [London]. 28 Jun. 1782. 305
183. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to [William Matthews] [London]. 26 Jun. 1782. 306
184. Matthew Boulton (—) to —. 28 Jun. 1782. 308
185. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to —. 19 Jun. 1782. 308
186. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to William D. Brown [London]. 6 Jul. 1782. 309
187. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to Thomas Handley [London]. 6 Jul. 1782. 309
188. Boulton & Watt [Soho] to [Thomas Wilson] [Chacewater]. No date. 310
189. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to —. 8 Jul. 1782. 310
190. Matthew Boulton (—) to William Matthews [London]. No date. 311
(The copy of the first part is poor. A better copy was added later (195).)
191. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to [Charles Foreman]. 9 Jul. 1782. 314
192. Matthew Boulton (—) to [William Matthews] [London]. No date. 318
(Incomplete.)
193. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to [William Matthews] [London]. 30 Jun. 1782. 320
194. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to —. 15 Jul. 1782. 321
195. Matthew Boulton (—) to William Matthews [London]. No date. 322
(A copy of the first part of 190.)
196. Memorandum of Boulton’s dealings with Fothergill. 1782. 323
(Copy of an original in ?John Buchanan’s hand, but composed by Boulton.
This is the concluding page of the Boulton’s narrative relative to his dispute
with John Fothergill. The original was clearly composed before Fothergill’s death, 19 Jun.)
197. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to [? Samuel Garbett]. 14 Jul. 1782. 324
198. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to [William Matthews] [London]. 1 Sep. 1782. 326
199. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to [? Charles Foreman]. 21 Jul. 1782. 328
200. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to [John Wilkinson]. 16 Jul. 1782. 330
201. Memorandum respecting the Wanlockhead engine, headed ‘Facts.’ 331
202. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Bateman (Manchester). 16 Jul. 1782. 332
203. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to —. 25 Jul. 1782. 334
204. Boulton & Watt (Soho) to Watson & Rippon (Newcastle). 20 Aug. 1782. 335
(Copy of an original in Matthew Boulton’s hand, signed by him in the firm’s name.
Includes a bill of exchange on Watson & Rippon, in a different hand.)
205. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to James Watt [Harper’s Hill]. 28 Sep. 1782. 337
206. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to James Watt [Harper’s Hill]. 23 Sep. 1782. 339
207. Matthew Boulton [Cusgarne] to [William Matthews] [London]. c. 23 Sep. 1782. 340
(Incomplete.)
208. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to F. N. Knipe (Chelsea). 23 Sep. 1782. 341
(Directed to Saltero’s Coffee House. There are two copies of the second
sheet, one of which is very poor.)
209. Table of observations on sundry engines. 343
210. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to James Watt [Harper’s Hill]. 25 Sep. 1782. 344
211. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to —. 30 Sep. 1782. 347
212. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to James Watt [Harper’s Hill]. 30 Sep. 1782. 351
213. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to James Watt [Harper’s Hill]. 5 Oct. 1782. 352
214. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to C. D. (Chelsea). 3 Sep. 1782. 355
(Transcript, in an unidentified hand, of an original directed to Saltero’s Coffee House.)
215. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to James Watt [Birmingham]. 10 Oct. 1782. 358
216. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to Peter Capper [Redland]. 10 Oct. 1782. 362
217. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to Zaccheus Walker [Birmingham]. 12 Oct. 1782. 365
218. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to George Watson (Bristol). 12 Oct. 1782. 366
219. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to James Watt (—). 12 Oct. 1782. 370
220. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to James Watt [Harper’s Hill]. 17 Oct. 1782. 371
221. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to ? Samuel Garbett. 17 Oct. 1782. 374
222. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to —. 18 Oct. 1782. 377
223. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to William Matthews [London]. 19 Oct. 1782. 378
224. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to George Watson [Bristol]. 19 Oct. 1782. 379
225. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to ? F. N. Knipe. 17 Oct. 1782. 380
226. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to James Watt (—). 19 Oct. 1782. 381
227. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to Zaccheus Walker [Birmingham]. 28 Oct. 1782. 382
228. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to Lowe, Vere, & Williams (London). 19 Oct. 1782. 383
(Includes an instruction to pay F. N. Knipe.)
229. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to Zaccheus Walker (Birmingham). 28 Oct. 1782. 384
230. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to Ann Boulton. 26 Oct. 1782. 385
231. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to M. R. Boulton. 28 Oct. 1782. 388
232. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to James Watt (—). 28 Oct. 1782. 390
233. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to James Watt [Harper’s Hill]. 24 Oct. 1782. 391
234. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to F. N. Knipe [Chelsea]. 31 Oct. 1782. 394
235. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to James Watt [Soho]. 2 Nov. 1782. 396
236. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to John Scale [Soho]. 2 Nov. 1782. 400
237. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to James Watt [Soho]. 4 Nov. 1782. 402
238. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to George Watson [Bristol]. 9 Nov. 1782. 405
239. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to Major Tucker (Chilcompton). 9 Nov. 1782. 406
240. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to Peter Capper [Redland]. 11 Nov. 1782. 409
241. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to James Watt (—). 7 Nov. 1782. 412
242. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to James Watt (—). 16 Nov. 1782. 413
243. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to Theophilus Richards [Birmingham]. 416
18 Nov. 1782.
244. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to William Matthews [London]. 16 Nov. 1782. 417
245. Matthew Boulton (—) to ?James Watt. ?11 Nov. 1782. 419
246. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to Josiah Wedgwood [?Etruria]. 30 Nov. 1782. 421
(In an unidentified hand.)
247. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to James Watt (—). 28 Nov. 1782. 424
248. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to James Watt (—). 7 Dec. 1782. 425
249. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to James Wiss [London]. 27 Nov. 1782. 427, 429
250. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to Jee & Eginton (Birmingham). 28 Nov. 1782. 428
251. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to Zaccheus Walker [Birmingham]. c. 28 Nov. 1782. 429
252. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to Elizabeth Vernon Fothergill. 30 Nov. 1782. 431
(Addressed to ‘Bessey.’)
253. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to James Watt (—). 5 Dec. 1782. 434
254. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to James Watt (—). 12 Dec. 1782. 436
255. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to John Edwards [Hayle]. 27 Jul. 1782. 438
256. Matthew Boulton (—) to —. No date. 439
(Incomplete.)
257. [Matthew Boulton] (Soho) to [Thomas Fenton] [Rothwell Haigh]. [Apr. 1782.] 440
(In an unidentified hand.)
258. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to John Stackhouse [Pendarves]. 15 Dec. 1782. 442
259. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to Mr. Gilbert. 11 Dec. 1782. 443
(Copy of an original in an unidentified hand.)
260. Matthew Boulton (Cusgarne) to William Wyatt. 16 Dec. 1782. 445
261. ? Matthew Boulton to James Watt. 448
262. Memorandum: Mr. Bateman. 454
263. Zaccheus Walker (Birmingham) to Rev. A. Hoskins. 22 Nov. 1781. 455
264. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to James Bateman [Manchester]. 15 Jul. 1782. 456
265. Memorandum signed by Charles Foreman and Samuel Garbett. 23 Feb. 1782. 457
266. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to [Mr. Fastre] [Namur]. c. Apr. 1782. 458
(Draft. The correspondent is described as ‘engineer and brazier at
Namure, Flanders.’ Fastre was with Boulton at Soho on 13 Apr.)
267. Memorandum of mutual propositions between Benjamin Henfrey and Matthew
Boulton. 20 Jan. 1783. 459
(Dated at Soho.)
268. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to William Playfair. 27 Jan. 1783. 460
(Incomplete.)
269. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mrs. Elizabeth Fothergill. 2 Aug. 1783. 461
(In an unidentified hand.)
270. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mr. Moor [London]. 30 Jun. 1783. 463
(Original directed to the Adelphi.)
271. Matthew Boulton (—) to —. 464
272. Matthew Boulton (—) to —. 464
(Draft letter.)
273. [? Matthew Boulton] (Cusgarne) to —. 13 Nov. 1782. 465
(Transcript in an unidentified hand.)
274. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Henry Henn (Birmingham). 19 Aug. 1783. 466
275. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to —. 20 Aug. 1783. 467
276. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to —. 20 Jan. 1783. 468
(Draft letter of introduction for Samuel Garbett.)
TRANSCRIPTS
11. ‘A crude plan, or out lines, of an agreement between Messrs. T. & T. Richards of
Birmingham and B.& F. of Soho.’ c. Apr. 1781.
A crude plan or out lines of an agreement between
Messrs. T. & T. Richards of Birmingham and B. & F. of Soho.
1st. 1st B. & F. agree to let, and Messrs. R agree to take, the Toy-room at Soho, with all the presses, counter, show glasses, and drawers, as they now stand.
2d In consideration of B. F. resigning to Mess. R. all their retale customers, or the custom of such persons as visit Soho, they the said Messrs. R. do agree to purchase of B. & F. all the plated wares and all other articles made at Soho which they may have occasion to sell in the Toy room, and at the usual and customary prices, with the usual and customary discounts and times of credit.
3d That B. & F. haveing some articles for sale manufactured by them, such as ornaments in or moulu, &c., which Messrs. R’s may not think proper to purchase on their own account, it is therefore mutualy agreed that, in consideration of Messrs. R. being at the trouble and expence of the sales, they shall be intitled to — per cent. upon the amount of all such goods as are the property of B. & F. All such goods as B. & F. may think proper to deposit in the room shall be carefully preserved, and, if sold by Messrs. R., they shall receive — per cent. upon the amount thereof.
[4th] And all other articles which Messrs. R. may think proper to purchase from other different manufactories, they shall buy and sell in the said room on their own account.
[5th] Messrs. R. are desireous of being at some certainty in the possession of the said Toy room. It is mutualy agreed that either party may quit this bargin at the end of 3 years, by giveing one year’s notice; and, for want of such notice, it shall be binding for 3 years more, and so on, from 3 years to 3 years, untill one of the said parties shall give one year’s notice to the other of their intentions to dissolve this agreement; except B. & F. should sell or lett or quit the said manufacture, and that it should be employed for such purposes as render a Toy room inconvenient, and thereby the Toy room shall be totaly discontinued—then, and in that case, Messrs. R. shall quit it at one year’s notice being given.
[There are a few cancelled passages, which have not been transcribed.]
48. Matthew Boulton to Mrs. Ann Watt. 7 Jul. 1781.
Dear Madam,
From an intimation given me by Mr. Watt I expected to have receiv’d a long catologue of grievances from his beloved wife; but behold, I read your friendly epistle of the 28th June without one groan—nay, I verily believe I smiled from the begining to the end of it, as it contain’d no grievances but such as I flatter my self you also can now smile at , with a mixture of pity for an unfortunate waspish mortal that too often stings himself. And yet I must own that no circumstance whatsoever has so great an effect in putting me out of humour as a cold reception at the end of a long journey, with scarcly cold victules, and damp beds; but your situation was still worse: no victules, no neighbours, no friends, nor hospitable village near; a dark night, with bad roads, an exhausted husband, and two poor complaining children. Under these circumstances the exertion of a proper spirit even in a lady is not only allowable but it is heroism. I don’t think I ever saw you look so serious as when, alone, with a lighted taper in your hand, you asscended the Cosgarne humble stairs in quest of lodging for your supperless infants.
Alas, pover Madame! I am very sorry for the inconveniences and distress you have had to grapple with, but I applaud your exertion in the zenith of it.
The truth is, H. did not expect you that night, and being under the dominion of Love or the Devil , he was overpower’d with surprise, and is become very soar with disapointment; insomuch that every little circumstance that is not to his mind grieves him, and he curdles the balmy milk of friendship with vexation.
I am glad to find that Mr. Watt has soared above resentment, and I hope he will shew so much regarde to his own peace and dignity as to persevere in the style of conduct he hath adopted towards H. But above all I hope he will be able to keep his spirits up to their present standard, for I find my own exhilirated thereby.
I shall send in a few days the plain tea urn you request, also one tea tray and a plated waiter. I think you want some spoons, and therefore I have snatched out of the melting pot 6 silver table spoons, which are quite new, but are of 3 or 4 patterns, and they will be always worth their weight in silver. I shall send them to Cosgarn. Pray, do you not want some better table knives and forks? I think I should send to Shiffield for 2 double dozen. I hope you have receiv’d the paper, for without it your rooms will have but a raged appearnce. By this time you perhaps may have found out many other wants. Pray send me a catologue of them all, and I will take care they shall all be few.
Mr. and Miss Wilkinson spent all Wednesday at Soho, and Mr. a part of Thursday and Fryday. We have had a lady visitor at Soho for about a week past (Mrs. Gamston of Worcester). She, with Miss Mynd and a part of Scale’s family, took a ride yesterday on horsback to see the beautyfull city of Dudley, and in going, a dog sallyed forth from a cottage, frighted our little poney, threw the rider, and broke her arm. I have no particuler news to tell you. My wife and children are tolerable. Jim is well, but I know nothing of Miss Peggy .
I fear I shall not get time to write to Mr. Watt this post, it being Saturday night and I have 2 boats to row.
Mr. Fothergill is yet at Bath, but talks of going to London for the recovery of his health, which is much mended. Mrs. Rollison is brought to bed, and Molly at Bersham is married. Old Mrs. Free is pretty pert, and Mr. Falconbridge is going to be marryed to Miss Young the actress, who is now at his house, and his partner Mr. Husband is in Warwick jail; and Mr. Newbold, my late carpenter, is in Stafford jail on suspicion. I am prevented from sending more news by a constant raping at my door.
My wife joyns in very respectfull compliments to you and Mr. Watt with, dear madam, your faithfull friend,
Mattw. Boulton
72. Matthew Boulton to Thomas Mynd. 15 Aug. 1781.
Sir,
I have bestowed some education upon your son George. I have endeavour’d to introduce him into business, and thereby perminently provide for him. I have always wished to be his friend, and have given him friendly admonitions; but ’tis all in vain. The bad example he sets in my Manufactory, the disorders he causes in my house, his abominable behaveour is such as hath caused some of my friends to forbid their sons from coming to my house, solely on George’s account; his robing my gardins and my trees of their fruit, with various other kinds of mischief hath brought me to the resolution of returning him to you, and thereby getting quit of one source of constant cause of uneasiness. He hath repeatedly promised amendment, but as he continues to break his word, ’tis in vain for him or you to amuse me with fresh promises, being now resolved to have no more to do with him. I therefore beg you will consider him as your son, and that ’tis your moral and legal duty to provide for him: hoping that being constantly under your eye, he may in time amend.
I am your obedient servant,
M. Boulton
73. Matthew Boulton to George Mynd. 15 Aug. 1781.
Your idleness and negligence in business, the bad example you set in my Manufactory, your lying out of nights, breaking the peace of my family, shooting the birds in my garden, robing my orchard of apples, my walls of their fruit, and my kitchen garden of its produce—your conduct in general is so bad and so wicked that some of my friends have forbid their sons from comeing to my house on your account. And as your behaveour is so highly disgracefull to your self and me, I am therefore now resolved to return you to your father and never suffer you again to disturb my peace, nor the peace of my family and friends: to which end I have order’d my ser[vants] to lock you out and not to permitt you ever to enter my house or my Manufactory any more.
I have repeatedly given you my advice and gentle admo[nitions], but to no purpose. Your conduct is too base to merit any more. You must therefore return to your father, who is obliged by law to provide for you. I am not. You have forfeited all claim to my protection. [You] have promised amendment but have not kept your word; therefore ’tis in vain to renew those promises.
I am your injured uncle,
M. Boulton
88. Matthew Boulton to William Matthews. 31 Aug. 1781.
Dear Sir,
We arived at Colebrook in good time and I accomplish’d my business at the copper mills the next morning, but I was so ill all night that I could not keep my bed. The disorder which I had been incommoded with the preceeding day now return’d with redoubled vigour, I believe, from the triming I got in Bolt Court. I had a simelar night at Oxford, and another at home, insomuch that I have now scarcely strength enought to walk. I have sent for Dr. Withering, hopeing he will put a stop to it, or I know not what the event may be.
By way of endeavouring to lighten the load upon my mind, and to discharge from my remembrance as much as possable the disagreeable altercation with Mr. Vere at my departure, I will just recite what is uppermost and then try to forget it. Surely it was indiscreet in Mr. V. to suffer his passions to appear so conspicuous as they did before several persons at Mr. Whitehurst’s, comeing in with an angry countinance, saying, ‘Where is Mr. B.? how is all this? what is the meaning of this sudden departure?’
My wife reply’d, ‘I told you we should not stay more than a week, and Mr. B. has done his business’ (for she knew no better).
‘No, he has not done his business with me, and I don’t understand it.’
My wife and the rest were astonished. What could they conclude but that I must be under pecuniary obligations to Mr. V. and consequently his slave? What conclusions must Mrs. Barker draw when Sam tells her what he saw? Hence may arise some real inconveniences. When I met Mr. V. in Bolt Court, every feature in his face was expressive of passion. I receiv’d his broadside with calmness, though with pain; but when he told me that I had said he had busied himself too much in B. & F. affairs (or to that effect), I then waxed warm, but not so as to be totaly incautious of my expressions.
‘Sir,’ (says I,) ‘I doubt not but you have been told so, but who ever told you so did it for the dishonorable purpose of prejudiceing me in your esteem, for they told an infernal lye, as I never suffer’d such an expression to fall from me to any person whatsoever, nor had I any such idea in my mind, as I consider’d your interference as meant friendly.’
‘I will suffer no man to tell me it’s a lye,’ says he, and labour’d much to twist my expressions into calling him a lyer.
‘Sir,’ (says I,) ‘if I had been guilty of so much rudeness and injustice, I ought to go down on my knees and ask your pardon, and I would do it, but I was distinct in my expression, telling you I believe you had been so inform’d, because you said you had, but your informant is a lyer.’
I now grew cool again, and reason’d with Mr. Vere, but his warmth did not subside so much as to part quite so friendly with me as I could have wished. A loss in trade gives me some concern, but the loss of a friend much more, as they are rare to be found. However, I am conscious of having wished and intended him well, and if I am so unfortunate as to loose his friendship, I shall endeavour to console my self with the idea of not haveing merited that loss.
It would ill become me to propose a connection with any other banking house, because Messrs. L. V. and W. might then justly accuse me of ingratitude and dishonour, but if they are determin’d it shall be so, I do not dispair of exhonorating my self. After all, I cannot help thinking it hard that whilest I am sustaining a greater load of business than my nature can bear; whilest I am grappleing with many plagues that are unknown to any body but my self; whilest I am doing all in my power to keep up our credit and restore B. & F. losses (which perhaps could never have been done had I not embarked in the engine business); whilest I am content to free Mr. F. from all care, that he may recover his health, and at the same time he (who is not exposed to the expences in conducting the business I am) is shareing as great a portion of profits as my self—surely, I say, ’tis hard to add to this the destruction of my peace and health, and of that tranquility so essentialy necessary to it and to the powers of thinking distinctly upon the various subjects which my business requires.
As to Mr. F.’s insinuation that my circumstances were no in a good situation when he embarked with me, was as mean as false; our books will shew to the contrary, for my capital was always greater than his. They could not be bad when I received 6000£ with my wife 2 years before, and in 2 years after, her fortune was worth £28,000, which was more than 3 times his. Yet I did not spend more except in treating our customers and in establishing the credit of our house; and in that respect I spent ten times what he did, in the former part of our connection. But you know Mr. F. can tell a lye occasionaly, when he thinks it will serve his turn—an instance of which you may perhaps remember, when he told you that the connection with Ebbenhouse was intirely my doing, whilest he was in Germany, Russia, and unknown to him. This he would have continued to have asserted, had I not luckely found his letter, wrote from Germany, adviseing me that by a personal conference with Ebbenhouse he had made such an agreement, and in consequence thereof I lent F. £2000 unasked, to make his profits and capital handsome. But this is nonsense, and I know not how I have run into it.
Our books have constantly been before Mr. F. and not me; they are the true records of our transactions, and to them I shall submitt; and as Mr. F. hath named you to settle those books and all matters, I shall make no objections or ask of you any favours upon that head, for if I did, I know it would be in vain, as I am perswaded you have firmness enough to hold the ballance of Justice even, in spite of favour or affection.
I hope to manage for all the money by Michaelmass day, independant of Mr. Watt, who retains 1000£ because I have not sent him Messrs. L. V. & W. discharge, and they will not send it till the account is reduced, which that £1000 would effectually enable me to do. Thus, with the folly of one partner and the low spirits and peevishness of another, I am unfortunately circumstanced.
Present my kind respects to Mrs. Matthews, and believe me, yours most sincerely,
M. Boulton
My hurry will not suffer me to read what I have wrote; if I do, I loose the coach.
108. Matthew Boulton to Anthony Tissington. 13 Sep. 1781.
Sir,
I am this moment favoured with yours of the 6 instant, and return you my sincere thanks for your kind invitation, which I will with pleasure avail my self of when ever I have an opportunity; but I fear it will not be in my power to do my self that pleasure in the course of my next week’s tour through Derbyshire, as I shall carry the ballast of a wife and niece with me.
I propose to set out on Sunday evening, in my own chaise, to Lichfield, and on Monday morning to get into the Sheffield coach and to go to Sheffield that night. I shall spend 2 days at Rotherham, and then intended returning by Yate Stoop, and appointing an hour to meet you there; but if the adventurers are predetermin’d to go on in their own old way, it will be unnecessary for me to go so much out of my way. However, I should be happy to meet you alone, and to converse with you upon the subject. I think Alfreton is near to the Peacock (Kendal’s). Would you be so good as meet me there on Monday? I suppose you know better than I do what hour the coach stops there. If time will not allow more, we can settle when and where to meet.
And I should be glad to be informed by you, what quantity of water per 24 hours your mine produces, as I have been told by parties interested that the engine works 2 pumps of 16 in. diameter with a 6-feet stroke and ten strokes per minute, besides the house water. I have also been told that they have one pump of 25 inches diameter and 8 strokes per minute; but I am also told that, when they get near the bottom, the engine did not make more than 6 strokes, and I think you say in the letter I received in London that they only left fifteen fathom under level, with a pile of pumps 18 in. diameter. As I have never been at the mine, it is imposable to for me to speak decidedly untill I know of my own knowledge certain matters of fact. There is much to be said in favour of the under ground engine, but there is also very much to be said against it, as follows:
Digging or excavating the ground for a house, if an 8-ft. stroke, 48 feet high and 18 feet wide, by 31 feet back from the shaft, which is exclusive of a 3-feet wall for back, end, and sides.
Do. for the boiler and coal hole, 22 feet wide and 26 ft. long, and 16 ft. high, besides the ashole.
A small shaft to lead the chymney into the large shaft.
Lowering down timber and bricks and all materials.
Extra expence in makeing boiler under ground.
Excavation for a smith’s shop under ground.
Candles for the erection must be had in great plenty.
Less work done under ground and by candle light.
Men’s time lost in coming up and going down.
All repairs more expensive under ground than above.
Lowering down and getting in coals.
Carrying out ashes.
Engine cannot be made so perfect, nor kept quite in so good order.
The engine will be more in the power of the engine men to keep it in bad order, and will therefore burn more coals.
I cannot pretend to set prises to all these articles; neither have I time to do it to those I am master of, unless the adventurers had chose to have appointed us their engineers, and in that case it would have become our duty and our business; but you may be assured that I should not contend for the surface plan unless I could find the means of condensing our steam without working 8 in. pumps to the depth of 95 fathom and totaly getting quit of that 95 fathom of pumps. If the adventurers wish me to be explicit they must be explicit with me.
It is now more than 20 years since I first heard the name of Tissington mentioned with respect by Dr. Franklin, Lord Hopton, and many of my Derbyshire friends. I therefore shall think my self happy in a personal acquaintance and be ready to give you every information in my power with candor at all times.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
Mattw. Boulton
176. Matthew Boulton to Mr. Ingram. 22 Jun. 1782.
Dear Sir,
I am sensible of your friendly disposition towards my late worthy partner, and hope you will long continue it in favour of his unhappy family, who now stand more in need of it than ever. I consider your letter of this day as a mark of it, and therefore I esteem it kind, as I shall always do every token of respect you may ever shew to any branch of this disconsolate family; feeling my self impel’d by an irresistable force to father it to the best of my power.
The scene of woe at Handsworth is not discribeable by words, and can only be conceiv’d in a small degree, even by minds benevolent as your own.
I shall always be happy to see you at Soho, and particularly when we can devise any balmy services for the fatherless and the widow.
I am, with great regard, dear sir, yours most sincerely,
Mattw. Boulton
This night compleats our partnership of exactly 20 years, and this night (for reasons in favour of the family) it dissolves, and the house will be carryed on for a time in my own name, but I hope to see a time when the name of Fothergill will be restored to it again.
180. Matthew Boulton to William Matthews. 20 Jun. 1782.
Dear Sir,
The week before the last, Dr. Withering told me he had great hopes that Mr. Fothergill would soon be restored to his former health, as he had put him upon a regimen by which he gain’d 4 pound weight per week (haveing order’d him to be weighed once a week). Mr. F. went to Birmingham most days last week, and seem’d quite as well as usual, but on Saturday he complained to Mr. Walker, saying he was going to have the influenza. On Wednesday I heard he was very ill, upon which I sent a servant to enquire at Handsworth; he return’d about an hour after our letters had been sent to you by the coach, and inform’d me Mr. F. was just departed this life.
This great and sudden shock distresses me almost beyond the power of supporting my self, for let the conduct of any part of that family have been what it will, their present distresses turn every passion into tender pity.
I waited on Mrs. F. this morning and administer’d all the consolation that words could give, but I must do more, or their distresses will be great indeed; for although B. & F. can pay their debts, yet Mr. F. estate cannot pay Swellengrable’s debt.
I never wished for life and health so fervently as at present, for I consider it my duty to father that family to the best of my power, as an addition of a widow and 7 children is no small one; I therefore hope for the advice and assistance of their London friends in what ever tends to the welfair of the family in general.
I propose to bring Jack up in our Birmingham Warehouse, and I flatter my self I can prevail upon Mr. Berkmayer of Hambro’ to take Will, who is now in Germany. I must also look out for Tom, as he is now nearly 14, and as to Mrs. F. and her daughters, she proposes to leave Handsworth and seek out some situation where she can live cheap and retired; but the thing that is most distressing is the debt which Mr. F. ows to Mrs. Swelengrable, although it doth not become payable these 3 years.
The case stands thus. Soon after I return’d from London last, Mr. F. seem’d to flatter himself that I should give my security for Swelengrable’s money; but although I wished to serve Mr. F., yet when I reflected that I should thereby act dishonorably towards our friends in Birchen Lane, by pledging any part of my own or B. & F. property for other purposes, when they alone have a prior right to it. I therefore desired Mr. F. and Mr. Sinkelaar to excuse me from entering into any such engagement—at least I was determined not to do it, or give any answer as to what I would or would not do, untill I had settled all my accounts with B. & W., and likewise B. & F.’s; and that I thought such settleing might be accomplished some time about Midsummer, and then I would be explicit. But this unexpected change has of course decided me not to incumber my self with that debt, but to reserve all my powers for the widow and children, to whom I certainly shall give what I promised out of the engine profits, and do every other friendly act for them which is in my power. However, I think it absolutely necessary (in order to prevent Swelengrable from incommoding the house of B. & F.) to dissolve the partnership on Saturday night (when B. & F. have been to a day 20 years together) and on Monday to commence a new house under the firm of M.B. & Co. I have therefore ordered our clarks to take an inventory, and so justly and exactly that they can answer all questions upon oath. At the same time, we shall begin a new set of books, in order that a distinct line may be drawn between the old and new house; but, nevertheless, Mr. F. family shall in no respect be injured by that necessary change, as I consider it a point of honor that I should take one of the sons, when of age, into business, and then restore the name of F. to the house.
As the house of B. & F. will terminate on Saturday night, I shall of course send a letter to our friends in Birchin Lane to announce the change, and to beg a continuance of their confidence, without which I should be plunged into distress, and consequently deprived of the powers of helping a helpless family.
As our engine profits have of late been appropriated to the discharge of the money borrow’d last year of the Truro Bank, I of course have it not in my power to lessen the account with Messrs. L.V.W. & Co. so fast as I could wish; but, nevertheless, I hope to lessen it £1000 per quarter. Mr. F. expected to have receiv’d his 1000 pounds of Holyoak in a week or two, but I suppose this change may alter that matter.
I most heartily wish your business and the weather would permitt you to come down. We stand in need of your advice, and should receive great consolation from it.
Adieu, my dear sir. I am ever sincerely yours, etc.,
Mattw. Boulton
192. Matthew Boulton to William Matthews. No date.
My dear friend,
I wrote to you on Fryday last (no, it was Thursday ) of the melancholy change at Handsworth, which, with a thousand anxieties ariseing therefrom, hath almost deprived me of nature’s kind restorer, balmy sleep. But as the greatest consolation I can find at this important cricis, is that of unbosoming my self to my friend, I hope you will excuse me and give me a little of your kind attention: for nothing will afford me so much relief as telling you all that passes in my mind upon the present occasion; hopeing for the assistance of your correction and advice; but you will see from the nature of the subject, that this letter is only to your self.
Do not think I hang out false coulors when I say I wish to comfort, to support, and to father, poor Fothergill’s family. I sincerely wish and mean to do it, to the utmost of my power; but when I take a general view of their and my own situation, I am so much alarmed that I fear I shall be foil’d in my wishes and intentions to support them, unless I meet with the assistance and protection of Mr. Foreman and Mr. Vere. You will remember the ballances of our books in November last in favour of B. and in favour of F., but when you recollect that Van Orsoy’s debt was not taken in (or rather, not deducted from our respective accounts), and when you consider that Asqua & Tyson’s bad debt and many others were not deducted, but carried on as good—I say, when you reflect upon these things, and the uphill load of Bill Account, you will readily perceive that Mr. F. capital will be reduced to nothing; and though he has no other debt, I believe, in the world, besides Swelengrable’s, yet that is so heavy a one as to render his private estate insolvent. Hence arises a dreadfull picture, viz. a helpless widow and 7 helpless children without a shilling to support them; and though I say they shall never want a shilling whilst I have two, yet if Messrs. L.V.W. should take fright and break us all up, the scene would be dreadfull indeed; because, by that measure, our house would be annihilated for ever, our buildings, tools, and stock would be sold for half their value, and the shock upon my spirits, as well as upon Mr. Watt’s, would blast that harvest which promises so plentyfull a crop in the engine trade; and, moreover, it would bring upon Messrs. L.V.W. the inconvenience of being in advance to a large amount, which would add much to my distresses. Thus, by the plan of proceeding, all parties would injured: poor Fothergill’s family would fall into immediate distress, without a ray of hope for better days, and perhaps some others might share a similar fate. Whereas, if our friends do not withdraw their confidence, and that means could be found to immediately reduce our Bill Account to one half (and thereby the expence of it would be reduced to one quarter of the present expence, and the trouble almost to nothing), our thoughts would be agreeably employ’d in the regular conducting our business and getting of money, instead of anxiously employing them in constantly provideing for this eternal sinking fund. If Mr. Foreman would take the mortgage out of L.V.W. hands and advance one half of the money upon it (or, say, £7000, and if L.V.W. would give us credit for £3000 on my personal security, I think I could find friends that would guarantee the other 3000 to them, and thus all parties would be relieved from distress; and I would forfeit my life if we did not conduct the business with considerable profit, of which Mrs. Fothergill should have one half, besides the profits I before offered of 8 ml. out of the engine business; and when one of the sons was of age, and proper for the business, he should be taken into the house, and the name Fothergill again restored. In such case, Mr. Foreman may have the examination of the books once a year, and see that all is going on right; and he may lessen the debt by receiving my 2/3 of engine profits, so that it would not be a long time in paying off.
I have desired Mrs. Fothergill to take an exact inventory of all her effects, as she is appointed by Mr. F. will, sole heir and executrix; and have advised her to tell Sinkelaare that she cannot give him any satisfactory answer before the expiration of the year, which the law allows her, and in that time she will get the assistance of a friend to examine B. & F. books, and she will then give him a faithfull account of all her effects, but cannot do that till she has had time to inform her self. Now, as Swellengrable will have nothing to receive out of our house, he will have nothing to do with our books; but certainly the Lord Chancellor may order proper persons to inspect them, and they will find them regular and fair, although poor so far as relates to Mr. F. account. I think it better to conduct the house in my own name untill I am relieved from all my anxieties and some distinct plan is settled for its future conduct; besides, there is a greater open for a partner with money to offer. Sinkelaar has apply’d to me yesterday, saying he had now given up all expectations of me becoming bound, but wished [to] know the amount of Mr. F.’s capital; which I beg’d to be excused answering, for I think it absolutely necessary for me and our clerks to remain silent and neuter upon that head till the proper time comes. The rent roll of engines I sent you before was wrote out by John Bauchanan in a hurry, and he had committed some mistakes, he haveing valued Dolcoath by the last month (which was £75), but the average will be about 60£ per month. I have sent you one of our engine agreements, that you may shew Mr. Foreman the nature of them, but must beg it to be carefully return’d to me before you set out for Ostend. [The copy is apparently incomplete.]
196. Memorandum of Boulton’s dealings with Fothergill. 1782.
My present business of erecting steam engines and steam mills requires much uninterrupted thinking and close application, but whilest I am thus perplexed by F. and his wife it is impossible for me to attend to conduct it as I ought. I have no peace or satisfaction in life; I have no moments of space for domestic enjoyments, for the instruction of my children, or for any sort of relaxations that are essential to my health; but I drudge on 12 hours a day with my mind continuously upon the stretch with vexation, which must shortly impair all the powers of life unless timely remedied.
I am therefore resolved either to put an end to my partnership with F. or to put the conduct of my interest in the trade into the hands of Z.W. and A.C., who are capable of managing the business more to the satisfaction of our friends and to the advantage of the parties interested without the assistance of F. than with it.
I will have it upon such a plan that I can withdraw and go and live in Cornwall altogether, or I will have nothing to do with it. I have lost much money last year by being deprived of doing what our engine business required.
My anxiety and attention to support the house of B. & F. for these ten years past hath been constantly upon the stretch, and I flatter myself I should have very soon made a permanent establishment for such of the rising generation who may merit it; whilst F. has endeavoured to injure the credit of me and my house.
I am as sorry for F.’s ill health and his misfortunes as any of his friends can be, and have offered to do as much for him, which he and his wife have requited by the most ungenerous and indiscreet conduct. Surely it is enough (without being maliciously ill used by F. and wife) that I suffer in the opinion of people who do not distinguish him from me, by having my name annexed to his who is accused by his Dutch friends of sundry things that I hope are not true.
Could any thing be a stronger mark of my good intentions towards F. than offering to rescue him from ruin? to take the anxiety of a heavy debt off his mind and fix it upon my own?—which I was not so much as thanked for, nor my friendly letter containing that offer even acknowledged. I likewise offered him a gift of £8000, not a farthing of which could he obtain by law or any other means. But all my offers have been treated with contempt, and in return for my kindness Mr. F. and his wife have exerted themselves to injure my character; but it will be found proof against all its invaders. However, this their conduct, I must say, is enough to kindle the flame of resentment, let a man’s Christian virtues be what they will, and justifies him in quoting F.’s own words on a former occasion, ‘Thank God I have not signed any Articles of Partnership’; nor have I yet bound myself to release him, nor ever will untill I feel myself perfectly exhonerated from all F. and wife’s charges and insinuations, but do hereby recall all my offers.
200. Matthew Boulton to John Wilkinson. 16 Jul. 1782.
Dear Sir,
I have the pleasure to tell you that Mr. Watt hath finished all the forge drawings in a very compleat manner, and that I surrendered Barnet and your pattern-maker to him on Monday morning, the latter of whom seems incapable of comprehending drawings of things he has not been accustomed to see, and Mr. Watt is fearfull of his blundering and therefore he has only given him the most plain and simple parts to begin with.
Although a forge is a simple machine, yet I do assure you there is much more brain work in the drawings and in the whole of it than you seem to be aware of, insomuch that I am perswaded that if the execution of it was left entirely to your people, it would injure your pocket and our character. I have therefore appointed one of our engineers (viz. Robert Cameron) to superintend the proceedings at Bradley one or two days a week, or oftener if necessary, who, with my self or Mr. Watt, shall examine every pattern before it is cast from, and thereby prevent any capital mistakes. Robert Cameron was bred a millwright and is a good workman, as well as a good mechanic and calculist. He erected the last great engine at Poldice. I have sent him over to day to set out the house, and the whole now depends for expedition on the masons, carpenters, founders, and smiths. I did not think of Robert when you was at Soho, but he is certainly the best man for the job that can be found. If your pattern maker wants any assistance I will spare our pattern-maker, who is a very good one, to make any of the parts at Soho. Thus we shall furnish you with every thing you want, and if it goes on slow, it will be your own fault.
Poor Buchanan has broke one of his fingers to day in such a manner that it must be cut off. He caught it in my model of the slitting mill as it was at work.
With respectful compliments to Mrs. Wilkinson and friend Moor, I remain, dear sir, yours sincerely,
Mattw. Boulton
259. Matthew Boulton to Mr. Gilbert. 11 Dec. 1782.
Dear Sir,
I received from my friend and confidential clark Mr. Z. Walker your favour of the 26th November, with a copy of his answer to you. I cannot help saying but I am very much of his opinion, and do think it almost impossible to find three or four men that will answer your discription, or that would continue long to answer it in the situation you propose to place them. The best workmen in the line you want are low ignorant men, and very unfit to be trusted from under the eye of a master, particularly into royal apartments.
My opinion is that, instead of fixing three or four such men in one shop, or each one in his own shop, that it would be better to find one man of fair character, and in other respects qualify’d, who alone is to answer for the good or bad conduct of such men as may be employ’d under him: I think I could find you such a principal man if I was in Staffordshire, and he or I could also find two or three subordinates. I should suppose that about 30 or 40 guineas would furnish me one shop for all. But I must beg you will inform me of all the particular things that you wish to be done, and whether their operations are to extend to any of the other palaces besides the Queen’s and St. James’s; and what are they to do there, besides hanging bells, cleaning grates, repairing locks, or making new keys (which latter should never be permitted to be done but by the order and authority of some person of consequence). If a new lock or a new grate, &c., are wanted, it will be found best and cheapest to purchase them of those persons whose particuler trade it is to manufacture them; but as to repairs I think your plan is best, with the alteration I propose. I am persuaded that the annual expence of these things must have been considerable, and if it is not an improper question I should like to know (for my own goverment) what is your idea of the expence per annum that all these sort of repairs may be done for—that is to say, what did you intend to expend in the wages of these four men, with the expence of metals, coals, tools, and all other contingencies? I beg you will consider me as a person who hath no self interested views, and that is sincerely anxious to assist you, as well as to contribute by every means in his power to the wishes of the best of Kings, and the best of Men.
I hope to be in Staffordshire on Christmas day and to receive your further commands, which shall have every attention in my power, but if this business could be delay’d for two months perhaps we might settle it more distinctly, as I hope to pay my respects to you in town towards the end of February.
My friend Mr. Samuel Garbett hath been appointed to investigate sundry important matters relative to the weight and standard of the coin, as well as what ever relates to the conduct of the business of the Mint. The Lords of the Treasury have certainly made a proper choice, for I do not think there is a man in England better qualify’d, more to be depended upon, or more proper in every respect than Mr. Garbett is for that task. If you should perchance meet him, I beg you will consider him as your friend, for I assure you he is very much so—at least I consider him such, from the tenure of a conversation that passed between him and Lord Shelburne last summer.
I believe you are not insensible that I have long turned my eyes upon the mines of this county as the most likely means of rewarding me for the ten years’ attention I have bestowed upon fire engines, and of refunding me the money I have expended upon that subject, and likewise (what is still greater) the money I have lost getting, by withdrawing my attention from my manufactory and employing it in the perfecting and erecting of steam engines, which I have done without profit upon either men or materials, reserving only to ourselves the value of 1/3 of savings made in fuel, comparing the actual consumption of our new engines with a standard fixed by a committee of Cornish gentlemen as the consumption of fire engines of the old construction. This afforded me a flattering prospect, but I have long been situated like Tantilus, with the liquor at my lip without tasting, at least in a greater degree than to pay the general expences of conducting our business; however, I now hope to begin with the new year to get money, for I have set nine large new engines to work since my arrival here in September last, and have now the pleasure to see twenty-one of them going in this county, and likewise to say with truth that not one of the great copper mines in Cornwall at this time working would have existed as a mine had it not been for me and my partner.
The next object we shall turn our attention to is the application of our engines to the draining of fenney lands, which we can do in a much more effectual way than has ever yet been done. We have also invented sundry methods for applying them for every purpose which water and wind mills are now apply’d to, such as grinding corn, spinning cotton, sawing timber, rolling of copper, forging, rolling, and slitting of iron; the consequence of which, when conjoined to our new canals and the late discovery of making good bar iron with pit coal, will quite change the old system of the iron trade and, I believe, much lessen importation of foreign iron.
I hope you will excuse this digression and believe me when I say I most heartily wish you health to carry you through all your laudable undertakings, and I doubt not but a just reward will follow. With most respectful compliments to Mrs. Gilbert, I remain, dear sir, your faithful and obliged friend,
Mattw. Boulton
275. Matthew Boulton to —. 20 Aug. 1783.
Dear Sir,
My time haveing been much interupted by visitors, my mind much absorbed by the settleing of all my worldly affairs (which I only finished this morning) and by yesterday’s seperation from my two affectionate children, hath deprived me of the powers of writing to you the letter I promised before this day, which I hope you will excuse.
Wishing you easy health and cheerfull spirits for as long as you find life desireable, I remain, with great regard, dear sir, your sincere friend and servant,
Mattw. Boulton
In my absence, please to apply to Mr. Bedford, my attorney, in case of any business relative to Mrs. Swelengrable or Mr. Sinkelaar.
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