I have received your Favour of the 29 Ulto. In answer to which you desire my particular Conditions in respect to Mr Mumford:—The Custom among Merchants I believe in every part of Europe is to ask money with young men who enter their ’Counting Houses, because it is understood that the advantage in acquiring Knowledge in Business is greater than the usefulleness a young man can be of. As I have never done this in any Instance I will not begin with Mr Mumford, and as our acquaintance is already begun & I have a very favourable Idea of him, I shall readily receive him at my Table at Breakfast & Dinner. Perhaps I may give him a Room in my House, but this I cannot promise as it will depend on Family Conveniency of which I have not at present time to consult with Mrs Williams. As to Cloathes & other Expences I suppose his Father has made proper Provisions, but I shall have no objection to advance him on his Fathers acct what Cash he may want in Case of any delay relative to Remittances. I shall not expect that after Mr Mumford has acquired Knowledge enough to be usefull he should leave me, I do not know his present Age so do not know the Time he should stay with me but I think it should be ’till he is 21. unless it should be disagreable to him & this he should declare in the first three months.—
I heartily wish you my dear Friend many happy new Years.—Apropos! I shall be happy if you will give me all the motions of Mr Ridley who I suppose is yet in Paris, (this entre nous) some Commercial Concerns with him induce me to wish this.— I am dear Billy sincerely & affecy Yours.