Letter – Joseph Dickinson to Christopher Blackett – 28 Mar 1807

[Annotated on cover in a different hand:] 

Mr Dickinson of Dufton / Letter to Mr Blackett / March 28th 1807 /

[underlined:] Confidential Communication



[addressed to:] Chr Blackett Esq. Wylam 



      Coalcleugh 28th March 1807

Dear Sir,

      I have just now received yours, Inclosed to Joseph Little, in my return from Letting Bargains at Allanheads this day, and note the Contents.  Coalcleugh and Allanheads are both upon the reviving order, and Weredale ever since I knew these Mines, hath been upon the decline, particularly Breckonsike, the foreheads both in the upper, and under levels, hath been driving forward at a considerable expence in hopes the Vein, would again carry ore, which I learned yeasterday is not the case, and by letting these foreheads stand, together with the great level at Level Gate, would be attended with a considerable saving.  Besides these there is some other tryals going forward, that are not very promising, and may be declined until a further oportunity.

      If the expence incurred in the erection of the Crushing Mill at Breckonsike, had been expended at Coalcleugh, and Allanheads would put up a sufficient one at each place, and if my advice had been attended to would been the case. I expect to begin inspecting the mines in Weredale on Monday, should like to have your opinion befor[e] letting the Bargains there whither it would be advisable to put a stop to all or what part of the expence incurred in making further tryals untill the event of the tryal is known - shall send this by a Special Messenger, who will bring your answer to me in Weredale.

      		And remain d[ea]r Sir Yours J. Dickinson



no person knows anything of these contents