Letter – W Treston to John Erasmus Blackett – 27 Apr 1799

London 27 April 1799

My Dear Sir

      I beg you will acquaint Mr J.E.B. that it was not before this day I could obtain any informations as to the situation & character of Mr Nicholas De Lacroix <...> wich to rely upon - I now have heard via the channel of persons well acquainted with him; that he is at the head of his department in the office, as Comptroller of the cash, to which respectable situation he has progressively advanced during a long service of nearly forty years - He is represented to me, as a Gentleman of known honour & integrity, & as his appointment is very lucrative he is generally reputed to be worth some considerable property, tho he has ample occasion for it, in providing for a numerous family. His residence is at a village in the environs of London, where I understand he moves in a genteel & respectable society. (This is his general character in the work & if Mr JEB wishes any further inquiry as to any particular point, I will with pleasure do my best to procure him the necessary information - As I undertook this business I have taken the liability of addressing you in my own name judging it to be less formal, hoping it will not be less satisfactory - Requesting my kindest remembrance to Mrs <& Miss> B[lackett] and all your Family 

I remain my Dear Sir, Your very much oblig'd & sincere Friend

      W Treston

P.S. Your letters of the 20,22 & 24 inst were rece[ive]d in due course - the invoices shall be examined the earliest opportunity& your acc[oun]t be credited accordingly.