Letter

Thomas Hill to Richard Hill.

He has received his of the 25 and 26 August by which Hill expresses his agreement to pay for the stock purchased (see 112/1783).

Hill gave his permission for his nephew to engage him in only one or two ventures, and this he thought the best. "Je suis fache de n'avoir pas vous interesse dans le West des le Commencement Je n'avais pas alors trop bonne opinion; j'aurai garde de ne vous meller plus comme vous m'ordonner, ces sortes d'affaires etant si perilleuse". He gives account of Clifford's management. He has seen Mr. Archer and will get him to send an account of all that he has done for Hill. He had written that Mons Cantillon could go to Spain and he has been invited by Messrs. Laws to return to Paris.

He leaves for Paris at the end of May and has asked Thomas to accompany him. He asks Hill's permission to do this "en veu qu'etant a la tete des affaires il peut me rendre des services par son interet et par son avis" He has met men venturing in the Mississippi business, but there is great risk, and mindful of Hill's advice he willingly gives up these schemes "et je resterai ici ou j'irai a Paris comme vous le jugerez apropos".

Clifford sends his compliments - he is too much occupied to write. He is not very inclined to undertake in these difficult times the loan asked by the Emperor, and it does not offer such good interest as formerly.

He gives further details of "les actions de West".

Directed for the Honourable Richard Hill Esquire at Richmont near London.