“SIR,--Quite unexpected, the fire-man from Lambeth that I have been after so long, call’d on me on Monday, to say that he was out of imploy; therefore I engaged him to meet me at Field’s in the evening, which he did; and inclosed is all the information I cou’d get from him. I informed him that when I wrote to him in the country I was imploy’d to look out for a person in his way, but did not know wether there was now the same person wanted or not, but wou’d write. At the same time I ask’d him if he shou’d like to go down into the country to make a trial for a short time, and see how he was likely to succeed; but this he seem’d to decline for some time, unless he went upon a certainty for constant imployment. After drinking a bowl of punch, he said he wou’d go down to make trial, in case his expences was all paid up and down, and paid for the time he was away. He seems to think, before he cou’d attempt doing any thing, there must be some alteration made to the kiln; but of this you will be the best judge, if you agree to have him down. He seems pretty confident they will be glad to have him back to Lambeth again very soon: in short, he thinks they cannot do without him. He says they had better a made him a present of £500 than a parted with him. I have been inform’d thro’ another hand that had use to work at the manufactory they have had very great losses in the kilns since he left, and that they have lost everything in the large kiln. He seems very confident in succeeding in firing China figures to any size; but of this he cannot be a judge till a trial is made. After I first see this man, I went and inform’d Mr. Vulliamy of it, and his advise is to for you to have him down, tho’ he says he is a drunken bad chap, but clever in his business. If you shou’d so determine to have him down, I think sooner the better, as he expects soon to be call’d to Gen. Conway’s[54] again, and likewise to fire some figures, &c., for a Mrs. Dimer,[54] in town. He has promis’d to call again in a few days, therefore you will please to give your answer. Mr. Vulliamy very much wants two boys of the last mould sent: begs you will forward them immediately. Mr. V. inform’d me a few days since that he would write to you the first opportunity, and am, “Sir, your very obedient servant, “J. LYGO.” “March 23rd, ’90.” In 1792 the following letter, also in my own possession, was addressed to Coffee by Miss E. Coade, and shows what a clear-headed, right-minded, and well-disposed employer she was:-- “Lyme, 25 July, 1792.