Letter – Martin Morrison to George Crawhall – 24 Sep 1818

      NCastle 24 Sept 1818

Mr Geo Crawhall New house Weardale



I this morning rec[eive]d your two letters of the 22d Inst. – One enclosing a paper entitled ‘An Address to the Miners in Weardale’. I cannot sufficiently recommend the good sense and firmness which you have displayed in the interview with the nine delegates, sent by the Miners to you, demanding an advance of 10/- P.Bing in the price for raising Ore, and to be allowed 40/- PMo[nth] Subsistence Mony instead of 30/-. the Sum at present paid.- In establishing 35/- PB[in]g as the highest price for raising Ore, with some extra allowance for situations which in your opinion required it, I am persuaded that due consideration has been entertained towards the Miners, compatible with the trust repose in Us by our employers; and certainly more than the poor & exhausted State of the Mines justify. The advance in the price for raising Ore, within the last twelvemonth exceeds Sixteen pCent upon the previous years earnings; whilst the Price of Lead during that period, has not fluctuated more than 20/- to 30/- PFodder. New and expensive Trials to discover Mines, were never more numerous; at a time too, when the workings from their general poverty are scarcely defraying the Expenses they incur. – To give employment to the Workmen - by far too numerous for this Situation – is one stimulus to the exercise of your Knowledge and Industry and with such intentions I consider their present conduct unreasonable; and the language contained in The ‘Address’ mischievous & altogether unjustifiable

Convinced that no description of Workmen generally are better paid, it is my determination to adhere to what I consider our duty, and to make no alteration in the terms of the Bargains for the ensuing Quarter as settled with you in Weardale. – You will proceed with viewing the Mines; and to give all the protection you can, to such Men as are willing to take Bargains and making all the use of this Letter you may deem nec[e]sary

	I am & c &c M Morrison



PS If nothing prevent me I propose being at Alston on Monday, to return in the afternoon to Blue Back & home on Tuesday.