Letter – Isaac Hunter to Thomas Smith – 8 May 1782

      8th May 1782

Thos Smith Rookhope



Sir

The situation I found you in when last at the Mill gives me too much reason to believe that the reports that I have heard in regard to your conduct were too true, its (at least to me) a disagreeable subject to dwell upon, therefor shall only ad[d] what the consequences will be in case there’s not a reformation and that not a partial one – in the first place I must tell you that you have put it out of my power to show the least indulgence, therefor may expect the greatest attention &c to your office will be expected f[ro]m you & that the least neglect or mismanagement will be reported by me – do not deceive yourself with hopes of being screen’d by our former friendship, for I solemnly declare (however I may be hurt in my feelings by being obliged to expose the faults of a Person that I work’d so much to see do well) that that shall have no effect w[i]th me but will report the least fa[u]lt as if my greatest enemy ,till there’s a through out reformation – and that it may is a real wish of (but a Character lost is not eas[i]ly regain’d)

      Y[ou]rs &c IH