Reference
HW87/14
Title
Letter: Richard How (London) to Edward Ellis (Uffeulm [Ilfracombe?], to be left at Tiverton)
Date free text
5 June 1714.
Production date
From: 1714 To: 1714
Scope and Content
Recommends himself as a suitable match for his daughter, although apparently a complete stranger. Gives account of his life & success in business : Educated by Richard Scoryer at his school in Wansworth, apprenticed to Theodore Eccleston for payment of £80 (+ £20 at end of term) though the usual terms were £150 or £200. Refused offer of partnership with another tradesman, but went into partnership with Theodore Eccleston & his son John, contributing £1,000 (£700 provided by his father & £300 by a relation). This amounted to 1/10th of the total stock, but since How expected to do most of the work he insisted on taking 1/5th of the profits. Theodore Eccleston has been mainly concerned with meetings, worship & public business, while John Eccleston was afflicted with lameness, & though he has recovered has been careful not to do much work. How’s net profit over 3½ years has been £900. Gives list of names & addresses of people to whom reference could be made. If Ellis rejects this offer, he is to send this letter back [as he evidently did] & direct to William Bartram at John's Coffee House in Grace Church Street, because what letters come to our shop directed to any of the three partners either partner opens. Since the paper is so thin that it can be read when folded up, How fills up space by giving an account of recent religious legislation.
Level of description
item