This bit of the webpage is over twenty A4 pages long, so in order for it to be less daunting, a new digest is provided here for your benefit...   The principal characters you are going to encounter are:- Mr David Scott Moncrieff, Treasurer at the R.E.A. Mr Andrew Leslie, House Superintendent at the R.E.A. Mr John Swan, China Merchant, Contractor to the R.E.A. from December 1875 to March 1877, his contract having been given up early due to many problems Mr John Donald, China Merchant, Contractor to the R.E.A. until December 1875, his contract having run out and him having lost the following one to Mr John Swan Mr D Forbes, Retailer of Crockery and Crystal, employed as a Consultant by the R.E.A. to determine whether or not wares supplied by Mr Swan were equal to sample Mr Snedden of Glasgow, Retailer of Crockery and Crystal, employed as a Referee in the dispute between Mr Swan and the R.E.A. in an attempt to avoid litigation Mr James McCaul, Solicitor of the Supreme Courts, Mr Swan's Agent in the dispute Mr Jenkinson, Manufacturer and Retailer of Crystal, his advice is sought in a dispute over crystal supplied by Mr Donald, and he keeps on cropping up again at various times   and the plot is... Mr John Donald is accused by Mr Swan of supplying crystal tumblers of foreign manufacture to the R.E.A. just as the latter is coming to the end of his contract. The matter is resolved, and the tumblers are shown to be of British manufacture, but Mr Swan wins the contract from Mr Donald. It is entirely unlclear when Mr Donald's contract began and also where crockery was purchased before, since no references to crockery exist (other than those detailed here) between 1870 and 1875. Both in Minutes of Meetings of the Visiting Committee and the Treasurer's Letter Books, references to crockery generally occur only when there is some problem. Mr Swan's turn as contractor encounters problems right from the start. What goes wrong with Mr Swan is not entirely clear, only one side of the argument being present. However, on 22nd November 1876 there is a quasi-trial within a meeting of the Visiting Committee for the R.E.A. From the trial it would seem that most of what has gone wrong is down to bad communication - the issue of whether or not the wares supplied are equal to sample resting on the important point of a misunderstanding of which sample is being referred to and which characteristics of this sample are to be reproduced. However, this becomes clear too late, and the communication problem is too deep-seated to be resolved, and Mr Swan is requested by the Visiting Committee to give up his contract under certain conditions, to which he agrees. However, foul play on either side cannot be ruled out. After over a year of being supplied with crockery and crystal which in their opinion is not equal to sample, the Visiting Committee feel strongly that they should get their crockery from a manufacturer in the potteries. They try to find out who would be the best by writing to asylums in Preston, Wakefield and Newcastle, asking them about their arrangements for procuring crockery. If anyone knows anything about crockery from these institutions, it would be interesting to compare it to that from the R.E.A. as supplied by Copeland. On 8th May 1877 invitations to tender are sent to:- W.T. Copeland & Sons, Stoke-upon-Trent T. Fell & Co, St Peters Pottery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Messrs G.L. Ashworth and Bros, Hanley Messrs J. Miller and Co (retailer), Edinburgh After a short while, the tender from Copeland, with some modifications, was accepted. No further letters to Copeland appear in the Treasurer's Letter Books, which would seem to indicate that the R.E.A. was entirely satisfied with the crockery which Copeland made for them. The initial contract was for three years, but it was apparently renewed many times, since sherds with impressed date marks retrieved from the R.E.A. grounds show continuity until possibly as late as 1897.   Why these letters and minutes are of interest... The following documents show in some detail the method adopted by one particular institution at the end of the nineteenth century for procuring crockery. The details of the arrangements are interesting, particularly the differences between using a retailer and a manufacturer as a contractor. In particular it is interesting to compare the evidence presented here from written records with the sherds retrieved from the site. Since even rough dates for the sherds are unavailable, it is not possible to say whether or not the sherds found are from the pottery being discussed here. However, if they are, this would be interesting since it would give the blue and white transfer ware from Clyde Pottery, Greenock, a much later date than expected based on the mark.   Visiting Committee Meeting 5th May 1875 The House Supt was requested to procure an estimate of the cost of the common articles of stone + glass ware from Mr Swan as against Mr Donald's prices. Visiting Committee Meeting 20th November 1875 He was also authorised to take estimates for the supply of crockery for 3 years, the Committee having ascertained that wholesale dealers would not incur the expense of procuring special patterns on contract for a shorter period. Visiting Committee Meeting 22nd December 1875 The Meeting deferred accepting any offer for supply of crockery until next meeting. Visiting Committee Meeting 29th December 1875 Mr. Turner stated that in consequence of its having been alleged that the tumblers furnished by Mr Donald under Contract now expiring were foreign manufacture and not British as contracted for, he and Mr Macmillan had shown one of the tumblers in question to Mr Jenkinson by whom it was pronounced to be foreign manufacture. Mr Jenkinsons's son who is in the glass trade was of the same opinion but one of the workmen in his employment thought that the tumblers might be British of inferior quality. The Treasurer then read to the meeting a letter from Mr Donald of the following terms. Edinburgh 28th Dec 1875 "Dear Sir, In consequence of Mr Swan having asserted that the crystal tumblers supplied by me to your institution were of foreign manufacture. In self defence I beg to say that I have put myself to the trouble and expense of bringing the manufacturer of the said tumblers from England who, I have no doubt, (if you kindly grant him a hearing) will be able to refute the statement made by Mr Swan, to your entire satisfaction. I am + c (signed) John Donald The Committee were then informed that the manufacturer of the tumblers was in attendance but they did not think it necessary to call him in, being satisfied that the tumblers were British. The Treasurer was authorised to intimate this to Mr Donald at the same time informing him that the tumblers supplied by him were very inferior to the sample. The Committee then had under consideration the tenders for crockery by Mr Donald + Mr Swan when they came to the conclusion that Mr Swan's offer should be accepted + they instructed the House Supt accordingly. Meeting of Managers 30th December 1875 The Minutes of Meeting of Visiting Committee of 30th ultimo 8th, 13th, 22nd and 29th instant were read and approved of Mr Grant dissenting therefor in so far as concerned the approval of the proceeding of the committee in reference to the acceptance of Mr Swan's offer to supply the house with Crockery in preference to Mr Donald. Mr John Donald Bristo Port Lane 30 Dec 75 Dear Sir, Your letter of 28th inst. was yesterday submitted to the Managers of the Asylum when I was directed to inform you that they were satisfied that the tumblers supplied by you to the Asylum were of British manufacture. They considered however that they were not equal in quality to the sample. Yours truly D. Scott Moncrieff Visiting Committee Meeting 12th January 1876 The Committee instructed the House Supt to return the tumblers furnished by Mr Swan as being inferior to sample and to intimate that the basins furnished were also inferior. Visiting Committee Meeting 19th January 1876 The House Supt having exhibited a British made tumbler supplied by Mr Swan as a sample of what he proposed to furnish under his contract. The Committee were of opinion that it was equal to sample Contracted for. The Committee were of opinion that the Basin + Ewers furnished by Mr Swan were not equal to sample, and the House Supt was desired to call his attention to this. Visiting Committee Meeting 26th January 1876 The Treasurer having submitted a letter from Mr Donald asking that the Asylum should purchase from him certain goods marked with the Asylum stamp worth £10, he was directed to write in reply that the managers could only purchase through Mr Swan the New Contractor, and suggesting that Mr Donald should sell the goods to him. Quarterly Meeting of Managers + Medical Board 27th January 1876 In reference to the application by Mr Donald China Merchants to be relieved of Articles marked with the Asylum stamp the meeting directed the Treasurer before declining Mr Donald's request to ascertain whether Mr Swan the new Contractor was willing that the articles referred to should be taken from Mr Donald, and if Mr Swan were agreeable, to instruct the House Superintendent to take the said Articles at the prices payable under the present contract. Visiting Committee Meeting 2nd February 1876 The treasurer quoted that in terms of the instructions of the Board at last meeting before writing to Mr Donald as had been previously directed by the Committee, he had asked Mr Swan if he had any objections to the Asylum relieving Mr Donald of the Articles marked with the Asylum stamp and the Mr Swan had agreed to this. The Committee then authorised the House Superintendent to order from Mr Donald the articles referred to provided the prices were restricted to those payable under the new contract, and the whole cost did not exceed £10. Mr John Donald 49 Forrest Road 3rd February 76 Dear Sir, I received your letter of 25th January. The Managers felt that without Mr Swan's sanction they could not relieve you of the goods to which you refer. I am glad to say however that as Mr Swan has signified his willingness to the transaction, the managers have authorised me to inform you that they will take from you the articles marked with the Asylum stamp provided you will supply them at the prices marked in the new contract and that the total cost does not exceed £10. Yours truly D. Scott Moncrieff Mr.Leslie will communicate with you when the articles are wanted. Meeting of Managers 30th March 1876 The Treasurer having produced estimates by Hawley & Lightbody for laying minton tiles on ten of the hearths in additions to the East House, he was authorised to accept the former being the lower and amounting to £27.10/- Visiting Committee Meeting 12th April 1876 The House Superintendent then submitted to the Committee various Articles of Crystal and Crockery supplied by Mr Swan together with the samples, and the Committee having asked the opinion of Mr Murray, and having been informed that in every instance the stock was more or less inferior to sample directed the Treasurer to call the attention of Mr Swan to the circumstance, and to inform him that if any such goods were sent again to the Asylum they would be returned and a supply procured elsewhere at the contractors expense. As the goods complained of had been accepted without complaint at the time and as the bulk had been broken the Committee did not think it necessary to return them, altho' they considered themselves quite at liberty to do so. The House Superintendent was instructed to label all the samples. Mr John Swan 10 Bristo Place 14 April 76 Sir At a meeting of the Visiting Committee of the Asylum that took place upon Wednesday their attention was called to various articles of crockery and crystal supplied by you under contract and on comparing these with the samples they were found to be in every instance, more or less of an inferior quality. The Committee considered that they would have been at liberty to return the stock as being inferior to sample. They desisted from doing so in the hope that no such goods will be supplied again. They desired me to intimate to you that if you should at any time in the future supply goods inferior to sample they will be immediately returned and the necessary supplies procured elsewhere at your cost. I am Sir Yours truly D. Scott Moncrieff Visiting Committee Meeting 3rd May 1876 The House Superintendent having reported another delivery of Crockery the Committee inspected the same and not considering the articles equal to the samples they instructed the Treasurer to ask Mr D Forbes to inspect them and report whether equal to sample or not. Mr D. Forbes Newington Terrace 4 May 76 Sir, The Managers of the Asylum wish to consult you as to whether certain articles of Crockery and Crystal furnished to them under contract are or are not equal in quality to the sample pieces. Mr Andrew Leslie House Superintendent at the Asylum will show you the stock and sample. It is not necessary that you should know the name of the Contractor. If you can undertake the duty you shall receive a suitable fee. Yours & c. D.Scott Moncrieff Visiting Committee Meeting 10th May 1876 The following report by Mr David Forbes on the Crockery supplied by Mr Swan was read to the meeting. 4 W Newington Terrace Edinburgh 11th May 1876 "Sir In compliance with yours of 4th inst I have examined the stock of Crockery and Crystal as furnished by your contractor for the Royal Edinburgh Asylum, whose name I do not know. In Crockery I find that the shape, size and strength of labelled samples has not been strictly adhered to and the body of the ware generally of a lower quality Viz + — Blue bed room ware. Coloured Corner dishes. White Chambers. Coffee tumblers and plates. In Crystal I find the same departure from labelled samples Viz + — Cruets, Tumblers, Water bottles and tops. Salt glasses In reference to Crockery ware - if your Contractor had applied to the original maker of such goods stock equal to labelled samples would have been procured without any difficulty. Also in Crystal - if labelled samples had been sent to either of our Edinburgh Glass Manufactories goods equal in every respect would be had without difficulty." (signed) David Forbes The Committee after considering the above Report instructed the Treasurer to write to Mr Swan requiring him to remove the Articles supplied by him at last delivery as being considered by the House Superintendent of inferior quality to sample and to send a supply of the same articles equal to sample indicating that if he fail to do so the Managers would procure them elsewhere and charge him with the difference of cost. The House Superintendent was authorised when Articles of Crockery were required which were not included in Mr Swans Contract to procure them elsewhere, the prices charged by Mr Swan being considered extravagant. Mr John Swan China Merchant Bristo Place 11th May 76 Sir, I am desired by the Managers of the Asylum to call upon you to remove the articles delivered by you upon the last order of the House Superintendent, the same being pronounced by him to be of inferior quality to sample, and to send a supply of the articles referred to which shall be equal to the samples. In the event of your failing to supply the articles according to sample I am to intimate that the Managers will procure them elsewhere charging you with the difference of cost. I am Sir Yours obediently D. Scott Moncrieff Visiting Committee Meeting 17th May 1876 There having been read to the meeting a letter from Mr Swan denying that his goods were inferior to sample the committee instructed the Treasurer to write to Mr Forbes to annex to his report a specific list of the Articles which he thought equal to sample and of those he thought inferior to sample and to send the said lists to the House Superintendent in order that he might order a supply of the inferior articles elsewhere, - at the same time writing to Mr Swan to remove them and that they remained at his risk. The Treasurer was authorised to pay Mr Forbes £3.3/o Mr D Forbes Newington Terrace 18th May 76 Sir, I have received your note of the fee due to you for inspecting the Crockery which will be paid in a day or two. The Managers, in apprehension of having to resort to legal proceedings with the Contractor, would like you to annex to you Report herewith returned, a specific list of those which you consider inferior to sample. If you think it necessary to see the goods again or to consult Mr Leslie please call on him tomorrow forenoon and let me have your Report again by Saturday morning if possible. Yours &c. D.Scott Moncrieff Mr John Swan 10 Bristo Place 22nd May 76 Sir, I received your letter of 15th inst. I annex list of the articles which are found fault with by the House Superintendent and which in terms of the contract entered into between you and the Asylum the Managers are procuring elsewhere. The Managers are willing either to send back the articles disapproved of to your warehouses or to return them to any person you may choose to send for them. In the mean time they lie at the Asylum at your risk. Yours obediently D.Scott Moncrieff Crystal Tumblers Cruets Water Bottles Tumblers for do Salts Crockery Tea plates Mustards Peppers Ashets Covered Dishes Dinner plates White Dinner plates  " Small plates  " Coffee tumblers  " Chambers Blue Ewers & Basins Visiting Committee Meeting 24th May 1876 The Treasurer reported that as authorised at last meeting he had procured from Mr Forbes lists of the Articles of Crockery which were equal and inferior to sample and had written to Mr Swan to remove the latter. He read to the meeting a letter from Mr McCaul solicitor on behalf of Mr Swan holding the Managers liable in damages for breach of contract if the goods falling under Mr Swan's contract were procured elsewhere. He was authorised to write in reply that it was Mr Swan who was guilty of the breach of contract and not the Managers and that the Managers intended to adhere strictly to its terms. The House Superintendent was then authorised to place the condemned articles in a place of safety and to consult Mr Forbes as to where suitable articles of a similar kind could be procured. He was also authorised to procure from Mr Swan those articles which were considered equal to sample, as also those that had not yet been subjected to trial. James McCaul Esq S.S.C. Fredrick Street 24th May 76 Dear Sir I have received your letter of this date in reply to which it is scarcely necessary to point out to you that it is Mr Swan, and not the Managers of the Asylum, who is guilty of breach of Contract, Mr Swan's tender bearing that "any articles the House Superintendent considers of inferior quality to sample may be returned at his discretion" and also bearing that should he fail to supply articles all of the same quality as samples shown the Managers shall have power "to procure them elsewhere and charge him with the difference of cost." I have now to intimate on the part of the Managers that they adhere faithfully to their contract with Mr Swan, and that instructions have been given to procure elsewhere those articles which the House Superintendent considers inferior, of which Mr Swan has a list, and with additional cost of which, in excess of his contract price, he will be charged in due time. Yours truly D Scott Moncrieff Meeting of Managers 25 May 1876 The Treasurer having read to the Meeting the correspondence which had taken place between him and Mr Swan & Mr McCaul his Agent in reference to the alleged inferiority of the Articles supplied under his contract for Crockery and the Meeting having fully deliberated upon the matter upon the motion of Mr Colston it was unanimously resolved, with the view if possible of avoiding litigation and reserving always the legal rights of the Asylum Board under the Contract, to submit to Mr Swan the following two alternatives either of which he might accept Viz':- That the question should be referred to a dealer in such goods (not being a Manufacturer) as sole referee either to be selected by him out of six names submitted by them, or to be selected by them out of six names submitted by him. The Treasurer was directed to communicate this resolution to Mr Swan's Agent requesting him to state which alternative he was prepared to accept. James McCaul Esq SSC 39 Fredrick Street 25 May 76 Dear Sir I have received your letter of this date and have submitted the same, with my previous correspondence with Mr Swan and yourself to a meeting of the Asylum Board of Management held this afternoon. It is not my part to enter into discussion with you as to the sufficiency of the reasons for which Mr Swan has been called upon to take back certain of the Articles supplied under his contract. I can confidently however assert that the Managers of the Asylum are desirous to act towards him with perfect fairness. In order to satisfy him of this, and if possible to avoid litigation, I was today instructed by the unanimous resolution of the Board, while reserving their legal rights under the contract, to submit to Mr Swan the following two alternatives for testing the quality of goods supplied by him Viz :- That the question should be referred to a dealer in such goods, (not being a manufacturer) as sole referee either to be selected by him out of six names submitted by them, or to be selected by them out of six names submitted by him. I have now therefor to request that you will inform me whether Mr Swan is willing to accept either of the above alternatives, and if so which he prefers. In submitting the above offer for Mr Swan's consideration I beg to stipulate that in the event of neither alternative being accepted this letter shall not be in any way founded upon, in any subsequent proceedings which may take place, the Legal rights if the Managers being reserved entire; and further that, while in the present instance the Managers are willing to make the questions between them and Mr Swan the subject of a reference in manner proposed, yet in all future transactions between them and Mr Swan the provisions of the contract will be strictly adhered to. I am Yours truly D.Scott Moncrieff Mr John Swan 10 Bristo Place 29th May 76 Sir, Mr Leslie has sent me your letter to him of 25th inst. This letter must have been written before you had seen a letter which I wrote to your agent on the same day, from which you will by now have learned that all the goods supplied by you on previous orders by Mr Leslie have not been accepted. Mr Leslie informs me that the goods referred to in your letter arrived before the letter was delivered. If you wished the delivery of the goods to bear the construction which the letter seeks to attach to the transaction you should have written the letter first. You can not however seriously maintain that because Mr Leslie accepts some of the articles supplied by you he is bound to accept all of them. Your obediently D.Scott Moncrieff Jas McCaul Esq SSC 30th May 76 Dear Sir In reply to your letter of yesterdays date I beg to inform you that I have already sent to Mr Swan a list of the Articles which are objected to and which will therefor fall to be laid before the referee. The question to be submitted to him is whether these articles are of the same quality as the samples shown to Mr Swan and which are now at the Asylum labelled for reference. Of course Mr Swan is aware that weight is an essential element in judging the quality of such goods. Yours truly D.Scott Moncrieff Visiting Committee Meeting 31st May 1876 The House Superintendent having reported a delivery of pie-dishes from Swan accompanied by an Invoice in which the size of the dishes was overstated he was requested to return the Invoice for correction. Mr A Leslie 3 June 76 Dear Sir Swan Please send me a note of the Articles condemned by Mr Forbes as far as these formed part of the last delivery by the Contractor immediately before Mr Forbes' inspection. Yours truly D.Scott Moncrieff Jas McCaul Esq SSC 39 Frederick St 5th June 76 Dear Sir, I am favored with your letter of 2nd inst. Upon inquiring at Mr Leslie I learn that you are correct in your statement that the goods mentioned in my list sent to Mr Swan on 22nd ulto. are not entirely composed of the Articles supplied on the last order of the House Superintendent, some of the Articles of previous deliveries having inadvertently and without my knowledge, been included. I now beg leave to annex a list of the last order by the House Superintendent the articles enumerated in which having been objected to lie at the Asylum at Mr Swans risk. While I regret that Mr Swan has been called upon to remove certain articles which had been accepted I think it right to mention that the same articles were also disapproved of, as you will see from my letter to Mr Swan of 14 April, and it was only out of consideration to Mr Swan that they were not returned at the time. With the above explanation I would be glad to know if Mr Swan is to agree to either of the alternatives set forth to you in my letter of 24th ultimo. It is needless to make any remark in regard to Mr Swan's offer as the Managers have no concern with the stock in his possession nor did he ever receive any samples from them. Yours truly D.Scott Moncrieff List referred to 4  Doz. Small Cover Dishes 4   "  Assets (Blue) 6   "  Tea plates (7 in) 1   "  Blue washhand Basins 12  "  REA Dinner Plates 12  "  REA Dessert do Visiting Committee Meeting 7th June 1876 The Treasurer read to the meeting the correspondence which he had had with Mr McCaul Agent for Mr Swan in reference to the crockery Contract concluding with a letter of yesterdays date in which correspondence Mr McCaul declines the reference proposed by the Managers but offering to refer whether or not the stock in Mr Swans possession is equal to samples alleged to have been handed to him by the Asylum. The Committee approved of the treasurer's reply to Mr McCaul's proposal and directed him to lay the correspondence before the Board at their first Meeting. In the meantime the House Superintendent was authorised to order a gross of tumblers from Mr Swan and if they were not equal to sample to return the same. The House Superintendent having reported that Mr Swan declined to admit that the pie-dishes referred to in the last Minute were overstated in size according to the rules of the trade; he was authorised to correct the invoice and transmit it to the Treasurer with the quarterly accounts for payment as corrected, leaving Mr Swan to try the question if he feels dissatisfied. James McCaul S.S.C. 16th June 1876 Dear Sir, As it seems likely that the questions between Mr Swan and the Managers of the Royal Asylum may form the subject of judicial proceeding I beg leave to inform you that the house Superintendent at the Asylum finds it necessary to make use of some of the Articles which Mr Swan has been called upon to remove as being inferior to sample, because it takes a considerable time to procure them elsewhere. Those which are used will of course be paid for, but Mr Swan shall not be entitled to plead that they are approved of and accepted from the circumstance of them having been unavoidably made use of and the managers hold Mr Swan liable to them in damages for compelling them to use such goods. Yours truly D.Scott Moncrieff Visiting Committee Meeting 21st June 1876 The House Superintendent reported another delivery of Crockery, and the tumblers mentioned in the last Minute, from Swan, under his contract, and reported that he had found them in nearly every case inferior to sample and had been confirmed in this by Mr Forbes who had also inspected them. He also submitted a correspondence betwixt Mr Swan and himself regarding these articles. Mr Leslie’s action in the matter was approved of. Visiting Committee Meeting 28th June 1876 The House Superintendent having reported a further delivery of pie dishes from Mr Swan which he considered inferior to sample and overstated in size in the Invoice. The Committee remitted the matter to the Board for disposal with a unanimous recommendation that if possible the Contract with Mr Swan should be cancelled. Meeting of Managers 29th June 1876 In reference to the questions with Mr Swan remitted by the Visiting Committee to the Board for disposal - the Managers were of opinion seeing Mr Swan had declined a reference as proposed by them, that the only course open to them was to instruct the House Superintendent to return such articles of crockery etc as he considered inferior to sample and to procure them elsewhere charging Mr Swan with the difference in terms of the contract. Visiting Committee Meeting 12th July 1876 A delivery of Pie-dishes from Mr Swan was reported and the Committee having compared them with the sample authorised the House Superintendent to return them as being inferior to quality and to order a supply elsewhere. Mr John Swan 10 Bristo Street 14th July 76 Sir, Mr Leslie will probably ere this have returned to you the pie dishes lately furnished, the same being pronounced inferior to sample and also overstated in size. Mr Leslie has the instruction of the Managers to procure them elsewhere charging you the difference in cost. Your account for last Quarter has been sent to me amounting to £36.18/.- From this I am instructed to deduct the value of the articles specified in my letter to your Agent Mr McCaul of 9th ulto., amounting to £6.15/5, Ό doz bowls returned on 24th April 2/. and for pie dishes overstated in size on 25th May and 26th June 9/.- leaving a balance due you of £29.11.6- Yours obediently. D.Scott Moncrieff Mr Leslie 14 July 76 Dear Sir, I return to you Mr Swans offer which you must carefully preserve. You had better get Mr Johnston to make a copy of it for reference. I have written to Mr Swan that you have the authority of the Managers to return the pie dishes lately sent as being inferior to sample & also that they are overstated in size. I have also informed him of the deductions to be made from his account from last Quarter. Yours truly D.Scott Moncrieff Visiting Committee Meeting 19th July 1876 In absence of the House Superintendent the Storekeeper was authorised to procure corner dishes and blue tea plates now wanted from some other China Merchant than Mr Swan - his having been condemned. 28th July 76 Dear Sir I am in receipt of your favor of yesterdays date, and in reply beg to state that Mr Swan can have access to the goods rejected by the House Superintendent at the Asylum any day he may choose to call. Mr Gray, the Storekeeper will show the articles in the absence of Mr Leslie. Yours truly p. D.Scott Moncrieff p. Macqueen James McCaul Esq SSC 39 Frederick St. Visiting Committee Meeting 9th August 1876 The Treasurer having submitted a letter from Mr Swan's Agent consenting to a reference as to the quality of his wares to one of six parties named by him on condition that the referee should act in all future questions under Mr Swans contract the committee directed that the reference under such conditions should be declined. Jas McCaul Esq SSC 9 August 76 Dear Sir I am favored with your letter of yesterdays date, and am desired in reply to inform you that the Managers of the Asylum can not agree to the reference proposed by Mr Swan on the conditions stated in your letter. Yours truly Yours truly D.Scott Moncrieff Visiting Committee Meeting 30th August 1876 There was read to the meeting a letter from Mr Swan requesting the Managers to take pie dishes which he considered equal to sample until the supply which he had ordered from Reid, the Maker of the sample dishes, was ready: The Committee authorised the Treasurer write in reply declining to take any dishes other than those contracted for but stating that when he was able to supply Reid's they would be taken. Mr J Swan 10 Bristo St 30 August 76 Dear Sir I have received and submitted to the Visiting Committee your letters of yesterday and today, and I am desired in reply to inform you that the Managers think it better to adhere strictly to the terms of their contract with you, and to decline to receive any goods which are not according to sample. So soon however as you are in a position to supply them with pie dishes of the kind contracted for they will take them from you. Until then they will procure them elsewhere. I am Dear Sir Yours truly D.Scott Moncrieff Visiting Committee Meeting 13th September 1876 The House Superintendent submitted to the Committee a delivery of crockery from Mr Swan which he had rejected as not being equal to sample. The Committee approved of what had been done by him and authorised him, (and authorised him) [sic] to procure elsewhere such a supply of the rejected articles or of similar articles as were absolutely necessary. The Committee then had under consideration samples of bedroom ware of a superior kind for the East House from three different shops when they authorised him to order a supply from Mr Swan, his being considered the best of the three conditionally on the price of each not exceeding 3/. Jas McCaul Esq S.S.C. 15 Sept. 76 Dear Sir, I have received your letter of yesterday. Mr Leslie reported to the Visiting Committee the rejection of the goods referred to as not having been equal to sample. The Committee inspected the goods, agreed with him in opinion & approved of what he had done. Whether or not the goods be identically the same as those previously rejected does not signify, and I now beg in intimate, on the part of the Managers, that they are rejected as being considered by the House Superintendent of inferior quality to the samples and that a supply is being ordered elsewhere, for the cost of which the Managers hold Mr Swan liable so far as it exceeds the contract price. Yours truly D.Scott Moncrieff Visiting Committee Meeting 20th September 1876 The House Superintendent having reported that the bedroom ware selected at last meeting was found to be 3/6 per piece the Committee after consulting Mr Murray authorised him to accept Mr Donalds at 3/- per piece keeping the other Specimen pieces. The Treasurer having stated that a Summons had been raised by Mr Swan against the Asylum for full amount of his account without deducting the value of Articles returned The Committee instructed him to lodge defences. Mr And. Leslie 20th Oct 76 Dear Sir, The action at Swan's instance is going forward and the articles rejected will require to be examined and sworn to. I send you a list of those referred to in the present proceedings and I think you had better set them very carefully aside along with the samples. If Swan's agent asks to see them we can not refuse him, but he should not be left alone with the goods, and if he asks any questions decline to answer. Yours truly D.Scott Moncrieff List of articles rejected for Quarter ending 30th June 1876 4   Doz. Blue Corner Dishes 3     "   Small blue Assets 1     "   12in --------do 6     "   7in Tea plates Blue 1    "  Blue washhand Basins 12   "  REA Soupplates 12   "  REA Dessert do 6     "  Pie dishes 27th October 76 Dear Sir Your account for Goods supplied under contract to the Royal Lunatic Asylum for Quarter ending 30th September last has been handed to me for settlement. The amount as rendered by you is £50.8.6½ but from this fails to be deducted £11.18.6 being price charged for Articles which have been rejected by House Superintendent, and £3.5.6 extra cost of Articles procured elsewhere in consequence of your failure timeously to supply to them to the House Superintendent's satisfaction. I have now to inform you that payment of the amount due £35.4.6½ will be made, here, on Saturday 4th November next between the hours of 11am and 12 noon. Yours truly p D.Scott Moncrieff p Macqueen Mr John Swan 10 Bristo Place [Registered letter] 31 Octr 76 Mr Leslie R.E.A. Swans a/c Quarter ending 30th Septr From above account is deducted value of goods procured elsewhere. For reference it is necessary that I should have the account rendered by the parties from where they were got. Kindly send them to me. 31 October 76 Dear Sir Swan V R.E.A. It is necessary that I should have, at your earliest convenience the following documents connected with this case:- Quarter ending 30 June I All invoices of the goods mentioned in the account sued for sent by the pursuer to you. II All letters from pursuer to you III Any copies you may have kept of your letters to Mr Swan IV All papers you have in any way bearing upon the question. I shall be glad to have these early. Kindly make an inventory to keep of the papers sent. Yours truly p D.Scott Moncrieff p Macqueen Mr Leslie R.E.A. Quarterly Meeting of Managers & Medical Board 2nd November 1876 The Treasurer having read to the Meeting the Correspondence which he had with Mr Swan and his Agent regarding the Crockery Contract and having laid on the table the Closed Record in the action raised by Mr Swan against the Corporation Mr Rowat moved and Mr Turner seconded that he the Treasurer be instructed to ascertain whether Mr Swan was still willing to offer a reference of the questions at issue to any one of the six persons named in his Agents letter of 5th August, such reference not to apply to goods which hereafter be supplied by him but only to those already furnished, and further, should Mr Swan agree to make such a reference, that Mr Jenkinson be selected from amongst the six persons named in the letter as sole Referee. It was then moved as an amendment by Mr Miller and seconded by Mr Kinnear that the action raised by Mr Swan be allowed to proceed. There having voted for Mr Rowat's motion Messrs Turner, Brown, Sibbald, Swanston and Macmillan and for Mr Millers amendment Messrs Miller, Grant and Kinnear, the motion was declared to be carried. Visiting Committee Meeting 8th November 1876 The Treasurer reported that in terms of resolution of the Meeting of the Board on 2nd inst he had written to Mr Swan's Agent enquiring if Mr Swan was still willing to refer the questions at issue to one of the six persons named in his letter of 8th August last, such reference however not to apply to disputes which might arise hereafter under his contract, and that after some little correspondence a Reference in these terms had been agreed to and further proceedings in court had been stayed in the meantime. There were two points however on which the Treasurer wished the instructions of the Committee. I. Mr Swan's Agent wished that the party who was unsuccessful in the Reference should pay the costs incurred by the other party in the action before the court and II. The Managers had resolved that Mr Jenkinson should be selected as referee from amongst the six named by Mr Swan, but having just ascertained that the crystal tumblers supplied by Mr Swan were manufactured by Mr Jenkinson, the Treasurer considered that the latter gentleman should not be asked to act as Referee. Of the others named by Mr Swan he had been advised that Mr Snedden of Glasgow was the most suitable. The Committee having taken the Treasurer's Statement into consideration were of opinion I. That the costs incurred in the Court of Session should not be referred to the Arbiter, but that each party should pay their own expenses, and II. That Mr Jenkinson could not with propriety be asked to act as Referee. They therefore instructed the Treasurer to limit the Reference to the questions in dispute, and the costs of submission and they further directed him to name Mr Snedden as the Sole Referee. Mr Leslie 8 Nov 76 Dear Sir, The Managers have consented to a reference of the questions between them and Swan to Mr Snedden of Glasgow. The samples are to be taken as they are with the exception of the sample of the large R.E.A. plate, of which a second sample is to be taken by you at the site of Mr Swan from the lot of plates from which the first sample was taken. Mr Swan will call at the Asylum at twelve o'clock tomorrow/Thursday and fix upon the second sample along with you. Yours truly D.Scott Moncrieff Visiting Committee Meeting 22nd November 1876 The Treasurer stated that in arranging the terms of the Submission in regard to Mr Swan's contract Mr Swan had alleged that the sample plate exhibited by Mr Leslie was not the one which he had contracted to supply, and he had asked to be allowed, along with Mr Leslie to select two or three more plates from the same lot from which Mr Leslie had taken the sample. To this the Treasurer had taken upon himself to agree, but Mr Swan now contended that the lot of plates exhibited by Mr Leslie was not that which the sample had been taken from, and he wished to have an opportunity of meeting with the Committee for which purpose he was in attendance. Mr Swan having been introduced stated to the Committee that he had never seen the sample plate but that before making his offer he had asked Mr Leslie for a sample, and at Mr Leslie's request Mr Gray, the Storekeeper, had given him a sample plate which he now produced, and which weighed 30 ounces. Mr Leslie's sample weighing 41 ounces. Mr Leslie having been examined stated that the sample plate was taken from a lot which he produced, and of which some were still in use in the house. It was a heavier lot than latterly delivered by Mr Donald, and which were thout [sic] by Dr Clouston and himself to be too light. It was exhibited to Mr Swan when he made his offer but no sample was then given to him. Sometime after his offer was made and accepted Mr Swan applied for a plate as a pattern for shape and Mr Gray was directed to give him one. The plate given was not intended as a sample. It was much lighter than the sample and Mr Swan was not informed that it was lighter. Mr Gray having been examined stated that the samples were shewn to Mr Swan before he made his offer, and that about three weeks thereafter he applied for a plate. That by Mr Leslie's instructions Deponent gave him one of the plates then ordinarily in use to serve as a pattern in shape, but without telling Mr Swan that it was lighter than the sample. The Committee having considered the matter - proposed to Mr Swan to relieve him of all the large plates marked R.E.A. manufactured by him, according to the pattern procured by him at the Asylum, and now in his Stock, provided the number did not exceed 4 gross, upon the condition that all the large plates to be thereafter supplied by him under his contract should be in all other respects equal to the sample plate now in the House Superintendents possession. To this proposal Mr Swan agreed. Mr Leslie 27 Nov 76 Dear Sir, I have received your note of 25 inst. I annex extract from the Minute of Wednesday's meeting. I have written to Swan to send no more than four gross. Yours truly D.Scott Moncrieff Mr Leslie 27 Nov 76 Dear Sir, Mr Swan wishes to initial the samples to be submitted to the Arbiter. You will let him do so, taking care of course that they are the proper samples as already labelled. Mr Swan informs me that he has only four gross 2½ doz of plates. You may therefor take the 2½ doz in addition to the 4 gross. The previous deliveries altho' inferior to sample the managers have agreed to keep. Yours truly D.Scott Moncrieff Mr John Swan Bristo St 27 Nov 76 Dear Sir, Mr Leslie writes to me that you have intimated to him that you are to send to the Asylum 5 gross and 2 doz R.E.A. plates. I may remind you that the managers agreed to take only 4 gross in addition to those already delivered. Yours D. Scott Moncrieff Meeting of Managers 30th November 1876 The Treasurer reported that Mr Swan had agreed to the reference offered to him in terms of the Minute of Meeting 2nd inst, the name of Mr Snedden of Glasgow being substituted for that of Mr Jenkinson for the reasons set forth in the Minute of Meeting of Visiting Committee of 8th inst, and a Deed of Submission in favor of Mr Snedden was accordingly signed by a quorum(?) of the Board. Meeting of Managers 28th December 1876 The Treasurer having reported than in the submission between the Asylum and Mr Swan the Referee had decided in favor of the former, it was remitted to the Visiting Committee to see that Mr Swan implemented the Referee's award and adhered to his contract in future, with power to the Committee if they saw fit to relieve him of the contract and to purchase at a reduced price the goods which he had in stock so far as stamped with the Asylum stamp. Mr Leslie 9th January 77 Dear Sir, I now send you copy of Mr Snedden's award. In terms thereof Mr Swan is bound to take back all the condemned articles and to deduct the cost of them from his invoice. He is also bound to supply the Asylum with goods equal to sample in heir of those returned. If he fail to do you had better report the matter to the Visiting Committee. Yours truly D. Scott Moncrieff Mr Leslie 17th Jany 77 Dear Sir, I have received your letter of today. I have also heard from Mr Swan, wishing the Managers to take the goods which he can supply at a cheaper rate than the Contract price. The visiting com. meet tomorrow & will decide as to this. Meantime any inferior goods which he sends must be refused. Yours truly D. Scott Moncrieff Mr John Swan 17th Jany 77 Dear Sir, I will submit your letter of 13th inst. to the Visiting Committee tomorrow. Meantime you must desist from sending to the Asylum goods of the kind which have been condemned. Yours, D.Scott Moncrieff Visiting Committee Meeting 18th January 1877 The Treasurer having submitted at [sic] letter from Mr Swan offering to dispose, at a reduced price, of sundry articles specially manufactured for the Asylum but not considered equal to sample, the Committee inspected the goods and authorised the Treasurer to offer to purchase them from Mr Swan at a reduction of five per cent on the Contract price provided he agreed to renounce the contract. Mr John Swan 10 Bristo Place 19th January 77 Dear Sir Having submitted to the Managers of the Asylum your letter of 13th inst. I am instructed by them to inform you that they are willing to purchase from you the articles specified therein at five per cent. abatement on the Contract price, provided you agree to renounce the contract and that you accept payment of your account under deduction of the difference between the Contracted prices and the prices paid by the Managers for the articles found inferior to Contract. Yours, D.Scott Moncrieff Visiting Committee Meeting 24th January 1877 There was read to the meeting a letter from Mr Swan agreeing to give up the Contract for Crockery provided the Articles, mentioned in his last letter, which had been specially manufactured for the Asylum, were taken off his hands at five percent under the contract price. The Committee were of opinion that in future the Asylum should be supplied with Crockery by some of the manufacturers in England and they authorised the Treasurer to write to the Asylums at Newcastle, Preston and Wakefield for information as to how they were supplied. Quarterly Meeting of Managers & Medical Board 25th January 1877 The Meeting specially approved of the arrangement which the committee had made with Mr Swan and authorised the Committee if possible to enter into a new contract for crockery with a manufacturing firm in the potteries. Mr Leslie 26 Jany 77 Dear Sir, I enclose letters from Mr Swan of 13th & 23rd inst. in which you will find specified the articles which the Managers have agreed to take from him at 5 per cent abatement on the Contract price... Yours truly D. Scott Moncrieff 22nd February 77 Sir For the information of the managers of this institution I shall feel obliged by your letting me know how, and by whom, the Preston Asylum is supplied with Crockery-ware, whether by Manufacturers or otherwise, and also if by contract or at ordinary trade prices. Any other particulars you can give me will thankfully received[sic]. Yours truly p D. Scott Moncrieff p Macqueen [note at top by editor of letter book(?): "Same to Newcastle + Wakefield"] Meeting of Managers 2nd February 1877 The Meeting also approved of the further action of the Committee in regard to Mr Swans Contract. Visiting Committee Meeting 7th February 1877 In reply to a letter from Mr Swan asking them to relieve him of certain articles of Crockery which he had in stock at 5 per cent discount the Managers authorised the Treasurer to ask him to state the number of Articles he wished so taken off him hands. Mr John Swan 10 Bristo Place 7 February 77 Sir Your favor of this date was duly laid before our meeting of Asylum managers. For considering your application I was directed to procure a statement of the quantities of each of the articles you name the managers were asked to relieve you off.[sic] Yours D.Scott Moncrieff 8th February 77 Dear Sir The Articles mentioned by Mr Swan are :- Lilac China Breakfast Cups & Saucers Tea Cups & Saucers Plates six + seven inches Bowls & c. Blue Willow Assets [sic] Corner dishes Jugs Bowls Pie dishes Wine glasses &c. In regard to Mr Swans application on the subject it is worthy of consideration whether with even 5 per cent discount the articles are not still too dear. Kindly at your earliest convenience send me a list of the Articles I am to invite English Manufactures to offer to supply. Yours truly p D.Scott Moncrieff p Macqueen Mr Leslie Visiting Committee Meeting 14th February 1877 The Treasurer having submitted a second list of goods which Mr Swan said were made specially for the Asylum and which he is willing to dispose of at five per cent discount, the Committee permitted it to the House Superintendent to consider and report. Visiting Committee Meeting 21st February 1877 The House Superintendent reported that many of the Articles in Mr Swans list were not contracted for, and could not therefor have been specially made for the Asylum, of others there was a supply already on hand and of some the quantity offered by Mr Swan was more than the Asylum would require for many years: further that Mr Swans prices even with five per cent discount were generally higher than the prices at which Mr Donald had offered to supply the same articles of better quality. The Committee then went over Mr Swan's list, marked such articles as they thought should be taken and directed the Treasurer to send a list of these to Mr Swan offering to take them at the contract prices with five per cent discount, or at Mr Donald's prices if these were more than five per cent under Mr Swan's. Thos Rowatt Esq 14 Mar 77 My dear Sir, I am sorry to learn that you are unable to attend the meeting today from indisposition. At the last meeting at which you were present a list of articles which Mr Swan wished to sell was gone over & you marked with a cross those which you thought should be taken by the Asylum. Before sending the list of these to Swan I thought it best that Mr Leslie should see it in order that there might be no mistake as to the articles being suitable for the Asylum. He approved of most of them but in regard to some he thought a smaller quantity than you proposed was quite sufficient, especially as there is no room for them. In these circumstances I think the list should be curtailed but I hesitated to do anything without your sanction as you have taken so much trouble in the matter. Mr Swan & his agent have written to me several times on the subject and I fear that I can no longer delay. I therefore propose to send Mr Swan the list as restricted by Mr Leslie, trusting that you will approve of my so doing. Yours truly D. Scott Moncrieff P.S. I think it right also to state that Mr Leslie wishes to take several things not marked by you & these I have added to the list. Mr John Swan China Merchant 17th March 77 Dear Sir I regret that I have been unable sooner to reply to your letters of 7th + 13th ultimo. The Committee in going over your List observed that some of the Articles stated therein had not been contracted for by you at all. Farther in some cases the quantities you stated were enough to have supplied the Asylum for 20 years. It is evident therefore that you must have been under a mistake when in your letter of 13th ultimo. you write that the goods were specially ordered for the Asylum. The Managers however are willing to relieve you of some of the Articles you specify, and I now send you a list of those articles they are willing to take, with the prices they are willing to pay, being in some cases your Contract price - with five per cent (5%) discount, in others the prices at which Mr Donald offered to supply them. Yours truly D. Scott Moncrieff List 16½ 7½ 5½ 3 2½ 1½ 3 9 5 11 3 12 2½ 6 1 12 12 12 doz  "  "  "  "  "  "  "  "  "  "  "  "  "  " — — — Deep Deep Flat Assets —Do —Do Vegetable ——Do Peppers Mustards Bowls, Willow + Jugs, Lilac Lilac Blue —do —do Dessert Dinner —Do —— —— —— Dishes —— —— —— quarts, Fibre quarts, China China Ewers Chambers Basins Plates Do— Do— 9 in 10 " 11" — — — — Pink Bowls. light plates Sugar —— —— —— — — — — — — 9 in- 6 in- — — band Pints Willow 7 in- Bowls — — — Willow Do Do Do Do Do Do Do Do Do & line only — — — — — — 5% 2/10 2/10 3/6 4/3 4/9 11/- 7/- 5% 2/6 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5 % 5% 5% off contract               off contract   off contract do do do do do do do Mr Leslie REA 17 March 77 Dear Sir I now send you copy List of Articles to be taken from Swan with the prices he is to be allowed therefore. Mr Rowatt having been displeased with the amendments proposed it is better to take these and be through with it. When the goods are delivered and a/c checked kindly send it in and I will get Swan squared off. Yours truly p D. Scott Moncrieff p Macqueen Mr John Swan 24 Mar 77 Dear Sir, In reply to your letter of 20th inst. the Committee have declined to reconsider your case and were I to bring it before them again they would perhaps withdraw from their offer to take anything they are not legally bound to do. Yours D. Scott Moncrieff Mr John Swan China Merchant 30th April 77 Dear Sir I am now prepared to settle with you for the Articles supplied by you to the Asylum and I will either send my Clerk to go over the accounts with you at any time you may fix, or you may call here. Yours truly D. Scott Moncrieff Visiting Committee Meeting 2nd May 1877 There was read to the meeting a letter from Mr Swan asking remission from a claim of £10 for the difference between the price of articles under his contract which were rejected, and their cost elsewhere. The Treasurer was authorised to allow him one half. The Committee having then taken into consideration the question of the future supply of Crockery - the Treasurer was authorised to send lists of the Articles in Common use to the following houses:- W.T. Copeland + Sons. Stoke upon Trent GL Ashworth + Bros Hanley T Fell + Co Newcastle on Tyne + J Millar + Co Edinburgh and to ask for samples and price lists for a three years contract from them. He was also authorised to ask Mr Jenkinson the cost of French toughened glass tumblers. A. Jenkinson Esq 10 Princes St 8th May 77 Dear Sir The Managers of the Asylum wish to know if you can supply them with French toughened glass tumblers for the use of the patients and at what price. Yours truly D.Scott Moncrieff Messrs W.T. Copeland & Sons Stoke on Trent 8th May 77 Gentlemen I send herewith a list of articles of crockery required at the Royal Edinburgh Asylum for the Insane for which the managers of that institution are taking competitive tenders. I shall feel obliged by your informing me if you are open to contract for a three years supply of these in such quantities, and at such periods as may be necessary. I regret that I am unable to inform you of the probable quantities that may be required; the institution having been hitherto supplied with articles of a somewhat inferior kind which do not last so long as your ware is understood to do. I may however mention that in the East Division of the asylum there are from 90 to 100 high class patients and in the West Division about 650 patients of a humbler rank. From these numbers you will be able to form some idea of the quantities which are likely to be wanted. If you are inclined to compete I shall feel obliged by your forwarding goods, with sketch of the monogram to Mr Andrew Leslie House Superintendent at the Asylum within ten days from this date, and at the same time to send a sealed tender addressed to me here. I am gentlemen Yours obediently D. Scott Moncrieff Also invited to tender were: Messrs G.L.Ashworth and Bros Hanley; Messrs T. Fell and Co St Peters Pottery Newcastle Upon Tyne; Messrs J.Miller and Co (retailer) Edinburgh Messers J. Millar & Co. Edin & Fell  " Ashworth  " Copeland 10th May 77 Gentlemen Referring to my letter of 8th inst. The Managers of the Asylum have agreed to allow contractors until the 1st June for sending in tenders, samples, and sketch monogram &c. The samples to be sent are these you may have nearest the description given, both in material and shape. If the shapes of any of the articles have to be altered and special moulds to be made a price is to be stated for the mould to become the property of the Asylum at the end of the contract. Yours truly D.Scott Moncrieff Visiting Committee Meeting 17th May 1877 The Treasurer was authorised to order from Mr Jenkinson a dozen toughened glass tumblers at 11/-. Mr A. Jenkinson 10 Princes St 18th May 77 Dear Sir I will thank you to send a dozen toughened glass tumblers as specified in your favour of 8th inst to Mr Leslie at the Asylum. Yours truly D.Scott Moncrieff Meeting of Managers 31st May 1877 It was remitted to the Visiting Committee, with powers, to accept estimates for the supply of Crockery for three years; 5th June 77 Dear Sirs Your favor and offer of 29th ultimo. I observe that you do not say if the prices you quote are not include carriage, packages + packing. Kindly let me know early if the figures include those items, or if not you might give mean approximation of these costs. Yours truly p D.Scott Moncrieff p Macqueen Mr Kirk Messers T Fell & Co St Peters Pottery Visiting Committee Meeting 18th June 1877 The tenders for Crockery by Fell + Co Copeland + Sons and Miller + Sons, which had been opened and tabulated by the Treasurer and compared with the samples by Dr Clouston and the House Superintendent, were submitted to the meeting and the Treasurer was requested to write to Messers Copeland for a note of their prices for the goods delivered at the Asylum. Messers Copeland & Sons Stoke upon Trent 19th June 77 Dear Sirs, The Managers of the Asylum have had before them your offer to supply the institution with crockery. They would feel much obliged if you would inform them what prices you would charge, or what additional percentage on the prices quoted for the goods delivered at the Asylum. Yours truly D.Scott Moncrieff Visiting Committee Meeting 25th June 1877 The Treasurer submitted a letter from Copeland + Sons as to the price of their goods delivered which, along with the other tenders, was, in the absence of a quorum remitted to the Board for disposal. 26th June 77 Dear Sirs I am obliged to you for the information contained in your letter of 22nd inst which I will submit to the Managers of the Asylum at their meeting on Thursday the 28th. I assume that the percentage covers the cost of packing and breakages before delivery as well as carriage &c. Yours truly D.Scott Moncrieff Messrs Copeland of Meeting of Managers 28th June 1877 The Meeting then took into consideration the tenders for Crockery which had not been disposed of by the Visiting Committee owing to the want of a quorum at last meeting, and the Treasurer having submitted a state contrasting the prices of the different offers the Managers agreed to accept that of Messers WT Copeland + Son, Stoke-upon-Trent, and remitted it to the Visiting Committee to arrange the terms of the Contract. Visiting Committee Meeting 2nd July 1877 The Committee then took into consideration the Contract for Crockery to be entered into with Messers WT Copeland + Son Stoke-upon-Trent - when it appeared necessary that someone should come to the Asylum to arrange matters, and the Treasurer was desired to write to Messers Copeland proposing this, and offering to pay are half of the expense. W.T. Copeland & Sons Stoke on Trent 3rd July 77 Dear Sirs, I duly received your favour of 27th ultimo. The Managers of the Asylum have resolved to accept your tender subject to some modifications in regard to the shapes and sizes of the samples which I believe are of little consequence. It will be necessary however that you send someone to the Asylum to see the House Superintendent and resident Physician, and to adjust the terms of the contract. The Managers will be at the half of the expense of your representative coming here, and if you agree to this please write to Mr Andrew Leslie, at the Asylum, advising when he may be expected. I will also thank you to send me a fresh tender quoting the prices of each article including the 7½ percent for carriage &c. as in your letter of 22nd ultimo. Yours truly D.Scott Moncrieff Messers Thos Fell & Co (Limited) St. Peters Pottery Newcastle on Tyne 14 Sept 77 Gentlemen, In answer to your letter of yesterday's date, I have to inform you that the Contract for the supply of Earthenware to this institution has been placed with another firm. I regret having omitted to give you notice of this sooner. I am, Gentlemen Your obed: servt. p D Scott Moncrieff Visiting Committee Meeting 1st October 1877 The Committee allowed an expenditure of £10 for China ornaments to be purchased from Messers Copeland. Visiting Committee Meeting 8th September 1880 The House Superintendent having submitted to the meeting his report upon Messrs Jenkinson and Donalds estimates for a supply of crystal was authorised to accept the former. Messrs Doulton & Coy Ld Lambeth Pottery London S.E. 6th Feby 900 Dear Sirs I enclose cheque in your favor for £149 in payment of amount certified by Messrs Sydney Mitchell & Wilson for(?) certificate also sent herewith to be discharged. Yours truly More details on the dissertation can be found on the next page. Back to main page The text and images in this page are ©copyright Joanna Dawson 1999 except that which is taken from letters and minutes from the Asylum, these documents being held in the Lothian Health Archive in Edinburgh University Library.