Rdceived 31-10-92
Answered 14-11-92
London
9 September 1892
My dear Chris
Just a few hasty lines.
Tasman will tell you how he and Stormont have been trying to make up a directorate for the Moonstone blocks and get it put on the market. Have just been trying to get Balchin to take an interest in it and the director Murdochs statement about it are satisfactory. But we should have liked to have your opinion about it. Balchin thinks the plum has been taken out of the pudding from it having been worked so long.
Balchin’s clerk found today that Rucher & Henderson were shipping for you whisky, gin and brandy by the Jelunga. If this has been ordered by you it is a breach of your agreement with Balchin which I have seen. He sent a message to me to call today and is very angry about it. I protested that you could not have ordered this, but that they were sending to you on consignment. I went to R H & Co’s office, found the principals both absent for some hours – so have not seen them today. Please to keep on the straight path, else you will get yourself and me also into trouble. The Jelunga goes next Tuesday. I will write at length by her mail.
I am rather taken with Murdoch – he seems to be a good man and clever. ???? hope he is an honest one.
Archie sails today in the same ship for Barrow, Glasgow and Liverpool thence to West Coast South America in the same position. No chance of promotion and things are so bad it would not do to cast away his place until better times come round. He will be away for months by that time. If you have a good wet season and things loom up with you, you maybe in a position to make him an offer.
John Inglis died on the 7th inst. while on his holiday, from gout reaching the lungs and heart. Sad business for his family and put them about at the Trinity House – he was almost indispensable to the Elder Brethren.
I am keeping very well but the effects of influenza will hang about me. All are well at home.
Explain to Balchin why R H & Co are shipping for you. If you mean to continue this put an end to the agreement existing between you. Don’t forget that Balchin has helped to ???? for you and does your business conscientiously.
Excuse haste.
Yours affectionately
Jas. A. Elmslie
Will tell you next mail where to write to Archie in South America.