Letter – Nicholas Walton to John Holmes – 12 Nov 1774

Mr Holmes				Farnacres 12th November 1774



Dear Sir

       We were duly favoured with your Letter of the 22nd Ulto but have been so much engaged ever since that we have not had a convenient opportunity of writing to you til the present time.   We have this day drawn upon you for £170.6.5 payble Thirty days after date being the amount of 596 3/4 Ounces of Silver Bullion at 5s8 1/2d P Ounce.     We understand from the Agent at our Refining House  that an accident happened upon the taking off this Bullion, for just as they were drawing the Test out of the Furnace, a small quantity of the Lead Soot fell from the Chimney, which being by the heat of the Silver in some degree fluxed, it stuck to the Surface of the Cake but the quantity was so very small that we hope the injury which the Silver received is only in appearance, if however it should prove otherwise, we must make such allowance as shall appear to be necessary to make up any deficiency which may arise to you, on account of the Silver not being perfectly fine.

       There is a Cake of Bullion at Newcastle which we propose sending for London by this or next Weeks London Waggon it weighs upwards of 590 Ounces.

       We have taken the Liberty of desining Mr Everest to call upon you for Money for his Draft on us, the amount will be about £12 or £13 which you will be so obliging as Pay & the amount may be deducted from the next Cake of Bullion after you make the Payment.

       Mr Smeaton desires to mention, that on the 4th inst he drew a Bill upon you dated at Hexham & payble to Mr Adam Walker or order, for £20.

       We heartily join in congratulating you on the recovery of your young folks and are with best respects

       Sir Your most hble Servts

       N W Junr  J S



PS.     Mr Walton has been so unlucky as to break a Collar Bone by his Horse falling with him but hopes soon to get well again.





Sir                                 Farnacres 12th. November 1774

Thirty days after date Pay to the Order of Messrs Bell, Cookson, Carr, Widdrington and Saint One Hundred and Seventy Pounds Six Shillings and Five Pence.  Value received as advised by Sir Your hble Servts

       Walton & Smeaton 

To Mr John Holmes London