Editor’s NoteEditor’s Note1137To Samuel Bentham30 May 1796 (Aet 48)

Q.S.P. Monday May 30 - 1796

Lloyd says the loss by fruitless loading and then unloading of the Sawing apparatus will amount to not less than £10. The man talked of sailing as tomorrow (Tuesday) but Lloyd has scarce any expectation that he will be ready [in] time enough for that day, and at any rate he has promised, and it is necessary for him to call and see Lloyd before he sails. That opportunity will therefore be taken to stop the machinery according to your order. But now that you see how expensive it will be, we desire to have your peremptory orders by return of post; not waiting for your return. If the Machinery is to go to Portsmouth, there can be no use in stopping it: since the Vessel is sure to stop at Portsmouth. But I suspect you have in contemplation the employing it in your Dock-manufactory in the plague-manufacturing Marsh: if so, and there should be any means of paying for it, it would certainly be a great blessing to have it there. Indeed why should his Majesty not pay us for it? (God bless him!) He could have it put up in the land of mortality as soon as any where else, and I should scorn to charge him rent for the spot it was set up upon; and if he grew tired of it two or three years hence, Puss and I would buy it of him. You might transfer hither your whole strength from Redbridge, Boys and other Apprentices, to Contagion-town and they and the Felons might rot together.

I shall probably send you this letter separate from the Indres² though they go by the Mail Coach likewise: for this going by the pg 213Post like other letters will be sure of being delivered, which it is necessary it should be that I may have your definitive answer about stopping the Sawing-Rattle-traps: whereas the Indres going in the form of a parcel may be delivered or not as God pleases.

Just now comes another Bill drawn by Poore in favour of David Thomas³ for £180-13-0 due June 23d days, 30 after date from 21 May.

A Letter from Mrs Lindgren is with the Indres 10 pr. price 15s a pair.⁴ Observe that some of them have the clause against Matrimony and Fornication—others not. They were bought at 5 different shops.

The high wind which is not quite over has blown down several of the Trees in the Park.⁵ The Garden Trees etc. have been sadly tormented and despoiled of several little branches—I hope nothing worse.