Humphrey Jones writes to his parents on 3 August 1854 from London. He informs them that his former employer, Williams Higgins of Chester, eventually saw fit to send Mr Clarke, his new employer, a character reference. Although he sent an 'excellent' reference, Humphrey does not feel any obligation towards Higgins as he took so long to send the reference. He says that he is not aware that he 'ever spoke anything out of the way to Hughes'. This is a reference to a claim made by Higgins in a previous letter. Higgins alleged that Humphrey had made unfavourable comments about him to Hughes, a chemist in Llangollen. Humphrey asks his parents if they will get in touch with Hughes and ask him 'what it is that has given the Bear so much offence'.