Catalogue description 12 March 1808   R[alph] Finch to James Longsdon, Longsdon, [Longstone], Bakewell, as...

12 March 1808

R[alph] Finch to James Longsdon, Longsdon, [Longstone], Bakewell, as Longsdon's son, John wrote to him last Tuesday on the business of the day and the state of the market, it is not necessary to comment further. Finch arrived here [Liverpool] on Wednesday evening. He has persuaded P Hope to return the remainder of the goods bought from Longsdon's worth £71.19s, and forwarded them to their Manchester warehouse. He will tell Longsdon later whether he can get any solid security. He has spoken with Mr Paynter and Longsdon's friends who all advise the arrest of the parties. As this advice clashes with his own opinion he will desist for the present. P Hope has been arrested but friends immediately gave bail.

Hope now says it will be several months before the wines arrive, but as soon as the bills of lading are to hand he will send them to Longsdon's. Things here are very dull. People are much disappointed at the non-arrival of a packet expected from America. War with them is not expected in which case a good Trade is expected immediately. Cottons here are something lower than in Manchester. Many dealers have been down from there this week and bought about 3000 bags.

Addendum, Evening

P Hope accompanied Finch to Mrs M Burns who offers as collateral security for Hope and Hepple 500 acres of land in North America. Finch says they cannot get more, so he is inclined to accept it. He has employed Mr Orred, an attorney of respectable character, to draw up the deed, which cannot be finished before Monday. So Finch cannot be at Manchester as soon as expected. God willing he will arrive on Monday evening. He is writing to Longsdon's son tonight to make arrangements preparatory to taking stock.