Yesterday brought a letter from you, with another lithographic & proposes to be circulated by Mr Parkes. I have slept a night, and, after considering them, thus reply—
I know no names, nor can throw out any hints, which will not suggest themselves to Mr Parkes, nor do I possess any information more than he or you have already.
My wife was born 30 November 1781, & I am the 3rd of June 1780. The National Endowment & Assurance Society, of which my friend Fry is Actuary, in Arthur Street West, London Bridge, will safely assess the value of our lives. Mr. G. Sturges is interested in it.
Pray reserve ten Guineas for Alice to learn the dress-making business. I wish her to get at it as soon as possible. the lady we have selected to teach her is thoroughly competent, & takes the lead here among the Ladies. We have great [one word] for the future welfare of our daughter, but they must each be fully qualified in order to succeed respectably. Ellen is as a Milliner — Alice may be, as a dress-maker, and thus they can each serve the other.
If Mr Parkes will serve us — he can, & I shall be thankful for what he does.
I am a freeman of London,2 never was at Edinburgh, & know nothing of Mr Lushington's wine, but a saying about it by Mr Condor to my wife
I am deeply grateful to Mr. Lushington for his munificence, & to you for your multiplied exertions.
Dr. West