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

"Sentiments upon some of the points of the proposed arrangement for his undertaking the management of the plated business."

London, 27 September, 1808.
Sir,
I have perused your favor of the 23d with no small attention, from which I can perceive that my proposal, as far as relates to the application of savings in the intended agreement with Mr. Glynn as my successor here, does not entirely meet with you approbation.
I observe the reasons you advance, and the idea of my first contributing my proportion towards his commission, and afterwards receiving back no more of the savings to the trade than a like proportion; I am sorry you do not see differently, and more particularly when the source of this remuneration is fully considered.
Your remark on the different interests such an arrangement would occasion, and the instance you furnish in the event of Mr. Glynn's death, etc., I do not see exactly in the light you do; but in order to obviate the difference, I do not object to take on myself the risk of his life during the proposed term, and in consequence of his decease to relinquish further claims from the same source; or, it wou'd be still more agreable was the agreement to be with the firm instead of me alone, provided my emolument cou'd be so modified as to amount to the same, or whatever might be agreed on.
I am very anxious to impress on your mind the motives which induce me thus to contend for this particular object. They arise purely from a desire to make some early provision for my children. I must be at great and unavoidable expence in removing my family from the bosom of friends and relatives into a society of strangers; and, in the event of my death at an early period (perhaps before my son wou'd have served his apprenticeship), without some such aid as this, their situation wou'd be deplorable indeed. To a mind like yours I need but barely observe that the more my mind is relieved on that head, with the more energy wou'd every faculty be exerted for the general good; a sad instance of the contrary we have recently had to lament.
As far as I am in possession of your sentiments relative to Mr. Glynn, I have given him the general outline, without saying who were to be parties to the agreement in question. I ventured to suppose that the terms you wou'd propose shou'd be nearly what I mention'd in my last; but at same time gave him to understand they were not yet finally determin'd, with which he seem'd satisfied.
I also mention'd an advance in his rent for these premises, to which he did not much object; for, as my unexpired lease of nine years from Christmass next will be worth from 200 to £300, and this together with the value of glass cases and other fittings up of the warehouse (which I presume you wou'd add thereto), you will of course expect from him an advance accordingly.
I have had much conversation with him on future plans, and find him very grateful for what is offer'd, and ready to use every effort and diligence to improve and benefit the general cause. We are fully agreed on the means of improving the concerns here, and which I hope will amply repay all parties.
I conclude this with hoping you will not be offended at the freedom with which I have express'd my sentiments; their motive is naked before you; but after all I consider myself as in your hands and de[di]cated to your views, being well assured that with liberal minds like yours I have everything to hope and little to fear; and, waiting your determination, I remain, sir,
Your grateful and very obedient servant,
R. Chippindall
PS. I saw Mr. Mynd yesterday, and was highly pleased to observe how much his looks are improv'd since I last saw him at Soho; I hope he will dine with me in a few days.
I have seen Mr. Woodward this day; he and Mrs. W. return'd to town yesterday, the latter quite recover'd. I had some conversation with Mr. W. on the subject of the plated business, which led to his observing that I was the fittest to succeed Mr. Hodges, and from which I presumed you might have hinted at the offer you had the goodness to make, and of course did not deny it.
I am very anxious to hear if you have had a personal communication yet with the great little man at Mrs. Hodges's, and of the result.
My inventory and sales, and also sales to the end of this month, shall be forwarded at its close. We have been unusually flat, but hope soom the scene will change.
PS. I have this moment received a letter (in tolerable humor) from Mr. Rhodes, but brim full of eccentricity.
[Edited transcript.]