Letter – Nicholas Walton to Hall – 7 Nov 1772

Mssrs Hall and Hudson Agents to the Govr & Co in Alston Moor 

      Farnacres 7th Novemr 1772



Gentlemen

      We have for some time part observed that the Ore brought from the Companys Mines in Alston moor was not dressed in such manner as to make the best produce in Smelting and more particularly that from the Middle Cleugh Veins however as were informed that the Company Smelted their own Ore in the same condition as they delivered the Duty to us we were unwilling to say anything til we had made such a tryal as should fully satisfy us of the advantage to be gained by a more perfect degree of washing.  We therefore now beg leave to inform you that having delivered 50 Bings of Middle Cleugh Ore to be Re washed; and weighed Bing for Bing with 50 Bings of the same Ore delivered to be Smelted as it came from the Mine, we found that the produce from the 50 Bings of Ore Smelted after washing was considerably greater than what was sufficient to pay for the Washing and all Contingent Expences attending but as besides the Expence of Washing it the refuse per 50 Bings amounted to above £1-3- in Carriage from the Mines to the Hospitals Mill and as the Lead Mine Leases require the five parts to be all well Washed 'and dressed after the best manner and made fit for Smelting' we think ourselves obliged in justice to Greenwich Hospital to acquaint the Company's Agents that we cannot continue to take the Duty of Middle Cleugh Mines in the condition that it has been hitherto delivered to us.

      We propose also to make a similar tryal of Rampgill Ore after which you will hear again from us.

      NB. The Ore was Re washed at the Hospital's Mill by separating the different kinds and letting in the Smitham

      We are Gents Your most hble Servts

      NWJunr

      JS