Letter – John Ibbetson – 11 May 1768

At a Meeting of the Directors of Greenwich Hospital, at Salter's Hall on Wednesday the 11th May 1768.

 

The Receivers Letters of 20th, 23rd, 26th, 27th & 29th of last Month, together with the several Accounts and Papers which accompanied the same having been read;



Resolved:

                  That they be acquainted that the Board are very well satisfied with the reasons they have given why the Expenditure upon the new Smelt Mill & Refinery at Langley Castle Pasture (including the amount of the Estimate of the cost of the Materials stil wanting to compleat the same) will amount to the Sum of £1408.2.2 3/4 notwithstanding it so much exceeds their former Estimates; and that they entirely approve of their Judgement, care, and attention in the execution of that Work; as it appears that the same has been compleated upon a much more perfect and substantial Plan and is much better calculated for the dispatch of Business than was originally intended.



Resolved:

                  That they be directed to cause such further Quantity of Peats as may be wanting, and also the necessary Quantity of Bone Ashes, Coal and Lime to be provided, with whatever else may be needful for the commencement and carrying on of the business of Smelting and Refining.



Resolved:

                  That their account of the Money already expended amounting to £1327.18.19 3/4 and their Estimate of the Expence of the Materials stil wanting, be sent to the Clerk of the Checque; for his Information and guidance when their General Account comes to be examined.



Resolved:

                 That the Boards reasons for having Ordered the said Mill & Refinery to be built together with such of the Receivers Letters as relate thereto, to be laid before the next General Court; by which it will appear of what advantage that measure has been, and may be, of to the Hospital by enhancing the Value of the Duty Ore, insomuch as to have already nearly defrayed the Expence of those Erections; and (as a matter likely to be productive of still greater advantages) that their authority be desired for the immediate commencement of Smelting and Refining such of the said Ore as now is, or hereafter shall be, on hand so long as the undertaking meets with the expected success; and also for establishing, at the Salaries and with the Allowances proposed by the Receivers, the Agents, recommended by them and such other Persons as shall be necessary to carry on the Work with spirit and advantage.