Letters – Benjamin Johnson to Finlay & Hodgson – 19 Mar 1833

Finlay Hodgson & Co London					Mar 19 1833



      In answer to your letter of 15th Inst. The Mark  WB [within an oval] is put upon all the lead refined at Blaydon to distinguish it from the refd lead made at Dukesfd and Allen Mills. The 140 p[iece]s alluded to by Messrs Maltby must therefore be refd Lead. I will thank you to ascertain from them by what ship they recd and at what date. I am surprised at Mr W Parkers ire at our selling to G&F. He must know that they have long been purchasers of us, and he might as well object to our sales to L. B & Co or James & Co. I will thank you to request Mr Key to pay £1000 to the Bishop on the 31st inst. Walkers Parker & Co are shipping largely to Liverpool port. Last Week Mr Parker has purchased a parcel of Litharge from the Lead Company. We must lower our price or lose our sale. I shall now sell £14/- per ton. Walkers Parker & Co commence working in a few days when we must again reduce our price.