Correspondence addressed to Peter Carmichael and Baxter Brothers, Dundee, principally from James Carmichael, brother of Peter, writing from Ailly-sur-Somme, France.

James Carmichael was engaged in setting up and managing a flax and jute spinning factory at Ailly-sur Somme, on behalf of Baxter Bros in partnership with M. Bocquet and others of Paris. Topics include orders for machinery from Dundee manufacturers; visits by Peter Carmichael to Ailly; the inconsistency of the weight of yarn exported by Baxters to France; the powering of the mill (water turbines and steam engines, their installation and problems); production processes and levels; types and quality of jute; tests comparing English and Belgium coal; relationships with the French partners; labour disputes and problems (including those of finding experienced spinners locally); Dundee workers including women employed at the mill; the death of William Wilson, a Dundee foreman at Ailly and his replacement; the suicide attempt of a clerk; comparative wage rates; the education of the Scots workers' children; personal and family matters. 8 August 1845 to 16 December 1847 [36 items]

Usually chronological within series.

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Description compiled by Mary Young, January 2008

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