Letters from William Stevens to Jonathan Boucher

Containers:

Box 2, Folder 38

Scope and content:

Item 1: [William Stevens], London, [Eng.], to [Jonathan Boucher], 8 Feb[ruary] 1793 1 page. Autograph Letter Signed. Signed with monogram. (B/3/67). He does not think that he is qualified to look over Boucher's discourses. He has delivered Boucher's injunctions to Frere, and his answer to Dr. Morrice's invitation. Item 2: [William Stevens], Otham, [Eng.], to [Jonathan Boucher], 11 Sept[embe]r 1793 2 pages Autograph Letter Signed. Signed with monogram. (B/3/68). He gives an account of his travels in Berkshire and Somerset. Old Jones is occupied with thoughts on the Bishop's life, but seems disposed to introduce extraneous matter [ Life of Bishop Horne, pub. 1795]. Stevens is sorry to hear that Boucher's business is going badly and that he has been disturbed by that most ungrateful scoundrel, Golding, for whom he recommends whipping and ducking. Boucher has left an estate in the North. Stevens approves of the scheme for Scottish Union, but it should take place gradually. [The scheme for union between Episcopalian Church; see also A/4]. Item 3: [William Stevens], London, [Eng.], to [Jonathan Boucher], 21 Nov[embe]r 1793 1 page. Autograph Letter Signed. Signed with monogram. (B/3/69). Boucher is much in favour of Scottish Union. He advises him to leave the negotiations for the scheme to Sir William Forbes [D.N.B.] who is intimate with the Archbishop. [Bp. Skinner of Aberdeen hoped to assist the scheme for Scottish Union by the appointment of Boucher as Bishop of Edinburgh; Boucher visited Edinburgh in Oct. 1793 but the idea was abandoned largely owing to opposition from the Presbyterians.] Item 4: [William Stevens], London, [Eng.], to Jonathan [Boucher], 27 Nov[ember] 1793 1 page. Autograph Letter Signed. Signed with monogram. (B/3/70). Canon Holcombe owes him 18 6s 8d interest. His two "nephews", as Dr. Glasse calls them, visited him last night [probably two of the Richardson family]; the Richardson business now looks more hopeful; the estate may be rendered solvent. Item 5: [William Stevens], Otham, [Eng.], to Jonathan Boucher, Epsom, Surry, [Eng.], 3 Oct. 1794 3 pages Autograph Letter Signed. Signed with monogram. (B/3/71). He has all the troubles of family man with none of the pleasures. Tom and John Richardson have been guilty of some financial misconduct in discharging the debts of the estate; Stevens has written a reproving letter to John [later Sir John Richardson, D.N.B.]. Item 6: William Stevens], Otham, [Eng.], to [Jonathan Boucher], 8 Octo[ber] 1794 2 pages. Autograph Letter Signed. Signed with monogram. (B/3/72). Stevens asks Boucher to write to Anthony Richardson telling him that he may draw on him [i.e. Stevens] to the amount of the bills, rather than delivering up the coffee on the island; he does this on the assumption that Tom Richardson will raise the money before the bills fall due; he is surprised that Anthony can upbraid him with not coming forward to help the family when they are already under such great obligations to him.

Language:

English

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