“Begs leave to inform the nobility, gentry, and others, that he has a greater choice of the Chelsea Porcelain than any dealer in London, both useful and ornamental; and as they were bought cheap can be sold more reasonable than they can be made at the manufactory. He has compleat services of plates and dishes, tureens, sauce-boats, &c., which no one else has; several elegant epargnes for desarts, and one beautiful one bought at the last sale; several figures and greatest choice of branches with the best flowers, such as were on the chandelier at the last sale; and upwards of three thousand of those flowers to be sold by themselves, so that ladies or gentlemen may make use of them in grottos, branches, epargnes, flower-pots, &c., agreeable to their own taste.” After much research I find that Mr. Spremont continued the works until 1768 or 1769, when he retired, principally through ill health,[58] after having amassed a comfortable fortune; his ledgers dating from 1759 to 1768. During the time of his carrying on the establishment the works were very flourishing--indeed, it was said that “the china was in such repute as to be sold by auction; and as a set was purchased as soon as baked, dealers were surrounding the doors for that purpose.” Mr. Spremont’s managing man was Francis Thomas, of whom I shall have a few words to say presently. When Spremont retired from the concern, it was purchased by, or assigned over to, Mr. James Cox, who engaged Francis Thomas as overseer, at a salary of £100 a year, and this arrangement continued to the 6th of January, 1770, when Mr. Thomas died. Shortly afterwards the concern again, and for the last time, changed hands. Mr. Thomas was a man of good ability and of much practical skill, and to his energy in directing the works under Mr. Spremont much of their fame may be traced. He was buried in the south aisle of the parish church of Chelsea, where an inscription to his memory now remains. I have in my possession a bill from Elizabeth, widow of Francis Thomas, which is somewhat interesting, as refuting the statements which have been made as to the position held by this gentleman, and which I therefore give entire:-- JAMES COX, Esq., _to_ ELIZ. THOMAS, _Dr._