Letter – John Ibbetson – 9 Mar 1768

At a Meeting of the Directors of Greenwich Hospital at Salter's Hall on Wednesday the 9th March 1768..

 

      A letter of this date, from the Governor of the Lead Mine Comp offering to buy the whole of the Lead Ore Dues lately advertised, at 62s pr Bing for the Bouse, and 47s or Bing for the Cutting Ore, as also the Proposals from Sir Lancl. Allgood & from Mr. James Elliott & Co. wch were transmitted in the Rece[ive]rs Letter of the 12 of last Month & for part of the Sd. Dues, having been read, the Board were inclined to accept the Companys Offer; But as the Gentlemen who were attending on their behalf refused to engage to make use of the Mill &c at Langley Castle Pasture, whilst in the Companys Possession, which was so strongly recommended by the Recers. in their aforesaid Letter; those Gentlemen were told that their said offer could not be accepted & then they withdrew.

 	The Board then went into the consideration of Smelting and Refining the said Dues, and being unanimously of Opinion (as a Mill & all other Conveniences are now ready at Langley Castle Pasture) it will be a more eligible measure, than to continue any longer subject to take up with the Companys Forms. - It was Resolved -

      That the Rece[ive]rs. be directed to send up as soon as possible an Acct. of the Number of Smelters, Refiners, Labourers, & Persons proper to oversee them, as will be necessary to carry on the sd busyness with the Salary and Wages usualy given to such Persons, and the expense of everything that will be wanting at the first Outset;

      And That they do in the mean time take the proper steps towards engaging such Persons on the best Terms possible assuring them (if necessary for their encouragement) that it is the firm intention of the Board, to continue to Smelt and to employ them, so long as the same shall be attended with success, and they shall discharge their Duty properly.