Estimates the lowest possible cost of coining farthings as 1s.9 1/2 d. per pound weight. He and another mill owner, Essington, are considering putting in a joint tender

<325r>

[1]

Sr

Having some business which will unavoidably keep me in the Country for three weeks, & fearing some progress may be made towards coining of Farthings in that time; I give you the trouble of this to inform you, that since I was in London I have been considering of the lowest rate they can possibly be hammer'd at, which is 21d$\frac{\mathrm{1}}{\mathrm{2}}$ to ye pound, & which rate I compute as follows viz

For ye Fillets – –	0. 1. 4$\frac{\mathrm{1}}{\mathrm{2}}$
& To ye Tower––––––	4
To a Comptroler – –	$\frac{\mathrm{1}}{\mathrm{4}}$
& for vending & distributing – – – –	$\frac{\mathrm{3}}{\mathrm{4}}$
	1. 9$\frac{\mathrm{1}}{\mathrm{2}}$

This last article will certainly be a very expensive one, for let us manage what we can, we must have a house to lodge them in, as well as a Teller or two to pay them to such as come to demand them. As forye coinage being free I am of opinion you will find abundance of inconveniencies therein, (too long to set forth herein) whereas, when whereas on ye contrary I hope you will be of opinion that a contract, so limited & restrain'd as we propose it may, will be subject to none. aAnd I am sure in respect to the publick it will be ye same thing when ye price is once fix'd I cannot be able to {illeg}think of such a contract Imyself but have desir'd Mr Essington (who has a mill as well as myself, & who is willing to join wth me,) to wait on you, in case any thing should

offer before my return.    I am       Sr yr most humble sert

Cha. Parry