Reid Collection
“Prices are flat and flax does not seem to be moving as freely as it did some time ago….” Henry Reid, Belfast Ireland 4 July 1866
[Written by Annie’s brother, Henry Reid, to friend, Mike Mahone. Henry was a flax dealer]
Belfast 4 July, 1866
My dear Mike:
I am very much surprised at not hearing from you in reply to my letter asking you to come down. I duly received your letter and would have replied to it only I have not been paying much attention to the market since Christmas. Prices are flat and flax does not seem to be moving as freely as it did some time ago. I am sure however that this is only a temporary lull and that prices must go up again – considering the present very high rates in your market I should advise you to keep quiet but at the same time keep wide awake and you will get on very well for as soon as I see any symptoms of a reanimation I shall not be slow in letting you know.
Will you be good enough to reply to this letter and let me know when you are really going to be down for I have a matter to talk over with you which may be of vast importance to you, so I should advise your making an early start for Belfast. I shall anxiously await your reply. I have to say some thing to you about next season’s prospects. Mrs. Reid also is anxious about you and is expecting you every day. When you come we shall have a jolly spree and we shan’t go to bed till morning. Now be good enough to let me know at once exactly when I may expect you.
With kind regards to M. Mahone
Believe me to remain,
Your very sincere friend,
Henry Reid
Now do not disappoint us as we are anxiously expecting you.
Reid Collection
23 May 1865 | 4 July 1866 | 10 July 1866 | 13 Aug. 1866