Letter. Richard Chippindall (Soho) to Matthew Robinson Boulton (London).

"Complaints of Glynn’s conduct. Brown’s account. Apprentices’ indentures." (Directed to London Street.)

Soho, 9 December 1812.
Sir,
From recent circumstances, as well before as since you left home, it is easy to perceive from Mr. Glynn's letters that he has complaints to make against those who have the management of the plated trade, and, more particularly, against what he calls his want of support from hence.
As far as respects myself, I am unconscious of having acted towards him with any impropriety, and least of all with a want of that confidence and support which he and every one in his situation must necessarily require; but for want of particulars I cannot say more. I have understood that you now are in town and, much as I regret the necessity of your interference, yet from your now being on the spot I think it better to recur thereto than that the business of this place should suffer any interuption, or things pass on, as at present, without explanation.
If your leisure will permit, I have therefore to request of you to obtain from Mr. Glynn what grievances he has to complain of, that they may be replyed to and properly explain'd, and that good understanding restored which has been of late so unpleasantly interupted.
I remain, sir,
Your most obedient servant,
R. Chippindall
PS. I wish also you wou'd obtain Mr. Glynn's sentiments respecting Brown of Pall Mall, who has returned to London Street his own acceptance for £41. 14. 2, and in addition to which owes £18. 17. 9, which shou'd be drawn for the 30th instant; and who I have long been fearful is not in prosperous circumstances.
We have of late had much trouble with our apprentices, from their enlisting, and from the suggestions of the recruiting officers, who have given them to understand that they need not consider their indentures binding unless executed on the very day they attain the age of fourteen, which seems to have occasion'd a general buz thro'out this place.
I have thought it necessary to see Mr. Barker this day on the subject, and from him I am sorry to find that the promise given by you to release them at the age of twenty-one, indorsed on the back of the indenture, shou'd have been on a seperate sheet, and for want of which he has fears of the indenture itself being invalidated. According to our present situation with these young men, this seems a subject highly necessary to be at a certainty upon, and I hope you will see it in the same light.
I wonder we have no answer from Gilbert.
[Edited transcript.]