Selected letters to Mr Downs from Christiana Rose and Susan Thompson

DBR 1146 Monday 30th April 1860

Dear Sir

The consideration on Friday led us to examine our accts, for the purpose of ascertaining what the outlay of the present year had been. We find that Mr Neville has drawn cheques since 19th Feb 1860 £830 … of bills paid away – we now hold J Clarks bills £500 amount we consider at lost in bills having been returned so frequently late, we shall be a good deal later when others that we hold are cashed under these circumstances we have fully decided to incur no further expenditure with the exception of the new arrangements of the smiths fires & the smith for some it might be made at a lesser expense than what you named or doing as much as possible ourselves

This has been the worst Spring for getting money we have experienced and the alterations of the last two years have been very expensive. You will remember that we laid down when you entered with us that we wished to have the business conducted with as little outlay in machinery & on the premises as possible.

The reply to your query concerning account of salary we intended it as stated income When Mr Akester [?] first managed the works up to within 2½ years of his death he had no more than £2 in a week wages, he was then advanced to £150 with which sum he was fully satisfied. We cannot in our present position increase our salaries as the returns of the business will not allow of it. Should times become more prosperous it will be in our power to make some advance. The Glasgow order appears a reliable one but previous to doing anything on it you will make enquiries of his references at the Clydesdale banking co & also have the agreement made out fully satisfactory. I have enclosed all the papers and remain

Yours respectfully

C Rose.