SD571. James Fraser to Samuel Moulton-Barrett (uncle)
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 343 (in part).
Houndsditch
23d Decr 1826
S M Barrett Esq.
My dear Sir,
We have met here this day for the express purpose of determining what course to pursue in order to complete the Loan of £2000 without which the business of the company cannot be carried on– We perceive that communications have been made to you upon this Subject with a view of obtaining the execution of the documents which will be necessary on the occasion and we regret that the Situation in which we are now placed will render it absolutely necessary to receive without delay the Sum above alluded to– You are aware that the Securities must be Signed by each of us, before the Loan can be completed—and we cannot conceal from you our concern that your absence from the Kingdom gives us Some little embarrassment, as we are all of us most anxious to Secure your Interest in the Copartnership Business—our Funds are now exhausted and unless the proposed arrangement be completed by the 7th Jany next we must either determine the copartnership or make ourselves personally liable for the £2000, which in that case will be advanced on our own Security, and this you would be excluded which would distress us very much as the aspect of affairs are changed very much in our favour of late– We trust then that you will immediately transmit to us a proper Instrument on receipt of this duly attested by some professional Gentleman of Known respectability in the neighbourhood of your present residence authorizing some person here to act for you in this matter should we not receive from you Such Instrument we Shall be compelled with sincere regret to complete the business without your Signature–
We are My Dear Sir with great respect
your Obedient humble Serts
James Fraser
Jno Dunston
Thomas Dyer
D Desormeaux
My Dear Sir
For your government I inform you that The Right honourable the Lord Melvell has seen our Hearth on Board of the Herald and he has kindly expressed his aprobation, the Capstans are nearly completed so are the Patents for the new Boilers and Patents are in a forward State for Scotland, I really wish much to see you, so do all the Company and I have some hopes that this business will one day pay you for my humble self what ever change fortune may take with me I will endeavour to be resigned I never experienced much of her favours nor do I dread her resent much—you will look on this act of the Company as only a measure of propriety, nor could they act otherwise, but I can say that nothing would give them greater pain than to think that they were to loose your Co-operation by retirement–
I have the honour to be
My Dear Sir
Yours faithfully
James Fraser
28 Decr 1826
My dear Sir I have had the honour and pleasure to receive your Letter of the 18th and the Company have been told by Mr Allwood that it will not be legal without a regular power of attorney sent by you pray therefore send one I hope you will see my Friendship in every line. JF
Address, on integral page: S. M. Barrett Esqr / Caen / France.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
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