The former had always been a good deal more cautious than his uncle, but the revolution, as we have seen, all but broke his nerve as a businessman. “I advise you to be doubly cautious in business generally,” he exhorted his brothers in a typical letter at the height of the crisis: As for me I have taken such a disgust to business that I should particularly like to have no more of any sort or description to transact … What with the state of things all over the world, the revolutions that spring up in a minute & when least expected I think it downright madness to go & plunge oneself up to one’s neck into hot water for the chance of making a little money. Our good Uncles are so ridiculously fond of business for business’ sake and because they cannot bear the idea of anybody else doing anything that they can’t let anything go if they fancy another person wishes for it. For my part I am quite sure there is no risk of Baring advancing much [on Spanish mercury] & if he chooses so to do let him do it, be satisfied and take things easy.

Ferguson, Niall (2000-08-31T23:58:59.000). The House of Rothschild: Volume 2: The World’s Banker: 1849-1998: Volume 2: The World’s Banker: 1849-1999 . Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Ferguson, Niall (2000-08-31T23:58:59.000). The House of Rothschild: Volume 2: The World’s Banker: 1849-1998: Volume 2: The World’s Banker: 1849-1999 . Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.