Series 4 > William Melrose in China, 1845-1855

H7
1851
here long ago, writes me to ask you to let him send you samples
when you are buying. Andrew knows him. He is very attentive in
sending me Bateson’s circular always. If you can properly, perhaps
you might now and then see what he has to offer. Hoping this will
find you all well; remember me kindly to my aunts, not forgetting
Aunt Nellie.
William to Andrew Melrose and Company
Canton, 25 February 1851
I have received yours of December and am glad to see that the
curiosities are nearly all sold. I have very little to advise this month
having made no purchases on our account.
The seconds of the last .£5,000 Nationals on our joint account
have not come to hand; I hope they have not miscarried but that
you have only forgotten to send them away last (December) mail.
If they have miscarried, I am afraid it will be difficult to sell the
firsts here without them, and one of the managers of the Bank says
he thinks nobody would buy them. In that case should they not
come next month, I will conclude that they have miscarried, and
expect that you will send off fresh ones immediately on receipt of
this, which please do, as I may, in event of seeing anything cheap,
purchase on the faith of them being sent out here by the April mail
from England. And should I have shipped the tea and they not come,
it might be awkward, but I hope to get them next mail.
I have to advise having drawn on you for £35 2s. 6d. at ten days
sight at 4s. njd. in favour}. L. Man, account Messrs A. M. & Co.
joint with J. R. & Co. Exchange better this month. Hope to advise
some shipments next mail.
Canton, 26 March 1851
I have yours of 22 January and am glad to see that you are all well.
It was a stupid mistake about the Marseilles letters. I usually send
my letters to Mr Edger and he pays the postage at Hong Kong and
forwards them for me. But this time I was at Macao staying at
Scare’s; he was sending his, he said, by the Portuguese post boat, a
safe opportunity and sure to catch the mail. I sent mine with his
per post boat and of course nobody paying the postage for Marseilles,