[4] Walter played a leading part in establishing the Coal Exchange in London; but shortly after 1781, when he began to occupy himself solely as an underwriter and became a member of Lloyd's, he over-speculated and failed.

[5] The printing business developed and prospered, but the newspaper at first had a somewhat chequered career.

In 1799, Walter was again convicted for a technical libel, this time on Lord Cowper.

He had then given up the management of the business to his eldest son, William, and had (1795) retired to The Grove, Teddington, where he lived until his death at aged 74.

He very soon gave up the duties he undertook in 1795, and in 1803 transferred the sole management of the business to his son John Walter (editor, born 1776).