From S & W Salte, say pleased excursion to Doncaster answered his expectation; goes on to discuss Edmund Cartwright (1743-1823), and his new power loom: 'Mr Cartwright was once Professor of Poetry at Oxford, & a really good poet himself. But it seems he has left the barren mountain of Parnassus & the fountain of Helicon, for other mountains and other Vales & Streams in Yorkshire & he has left to them to work in the Wild large and open field of Mechanics - be it so, and may his schemes prosper & fill his purse with gold.'He asks SO's opinion of the new invention: 'Can this new Automaton perform the wonders in weaving SO Confidently & SO flatteringly held to the World? do let have your most candid opinion, distinguish between what is visionary & what may be practicable in their machine. We are far from limiting the boundary of Mechanism in the Arts, Discoveres [words missing] look like miracles will be made. Genius, application, [words missing] with none, or surmount all difficulties...it is in their very essence to produce something new, for the present or the future generations to admire. Mr Arkwright was a happy Mechanic. In his life time he has received the regard of his Ingenuity -- It does not happen SO in general. We think Mr Cartwright will not be equally fortunate & we cannot give you a reason (from our Ignorance) for this Opinion. You will satisfy us a little more.' He concludes by saying that trade conditions for Oldknow's goods are difficult, they are not looking forward to the 'large Company sale' [East India Company sale of cloth].
Dated at: London .