Letter – Nicholas Walton to John Holmes – 23 May 1770

To Mr John Holmes.                           				Farnacres 23rd May 1770



Dear Sir

      Your Letter of the 12th Instant I was favoured with on my return from a little Journey I had been taking Northward.

      I have this day Drawn upon you for £142.2.9 Payable as usual  Ten days after date Particulars as follows:



474 Ounces of Silver Bullion at 6s - 1/2d £143.3.9

Deduct a Miners Compass                        1.1 

                                          £142.2.9



      I do not charge you with any Carriage this time, it having been paid by a Person in Newcastle with whom we have not yet settled. it may be taken Notice of when the next Cake is sent.

      The Miners Compass gives great Satisfaction and my Partner and I are much obliged by the trouble you have had. I must further desire youll be kind enough to get a good Beam for the Commissioners of Greenwich Hospital which will Weigh One Ton at each End; I would have it plain and rather stout for the Purpose.  There is no Occasion for Scale Boards or Chains. When it is ready Mr Salter of North Street Westminster will send it on Board some of the Newcastle Colliers and you will therefore let him know when it is got.  The Directions must be to Messrs Walton &  Smeaton at Mr Aireys in Pilgrim Street Newcastle.  We are much in want of it.  When you take a Recet. on the Note for the Beam you will be pleased to Word it as follows.  Recet the Contents in full by -

      My Father wishes to know where a Steel Yard is to be had for Weighing large Waggons such as the London Carriers Travel with, and how much such a one as will Weigh Four Tons will cost, if you can Inform me of this you will Oblige me much.

      With regard to the risk of the Silver I can say nothing more at present as Mr. Smeaton is not here but dare say when we are together we shall not have any difficulty in fixing everything relative to that matter in such a way as to be agreable to you.

      I have made Enquiry about the Quantity of Lead you mention and am informed that you may have it at the followg. Rate.





Charges at Newcastle Refined p fodr Unrefined p fodder

                     of 21 cwt      of 21 cwt



One fodder of lead                                £14 10     £14  5

Shipping                                                  6          6

Waterage (rrther uncertain but cannot vary materially) 1          1

Custom House charges 2s6d for 100 to 600 pieces 

  each containing 1 1/2cwt but how much for 14 

  pieces I do not know

Freight to London                                      7          7

Exclusive of Custom House charges                 £14 18  9  £14 13  6



      If you think proper to give an Order, I will take care you shall have the Lead upon the Lowest Terms the Markett will Afford, when your Order arrives, & I believe I may venture to say the Lead will be as good Quality as any.

      My Wife and Family join in best respects to you and yours & I am 

      Sir Your most Obliged Hble Servt

                        Nich Walton Junr



PS I believe we shall not have any Silver of Consequence for some time.   





Dear Sir. 							Farnacres 24th January 1770

Ten days after date pay to Mesrs Bell, Cookson, Carr, Airey & Saint or their Order One Hundred and Forty Two Pounds Two Shillings and Nine Pence Value received and place it to Amount as advised by Dear Sir Your most Hble Servts

      Walton & Smeaton

To Mr John Holmes Watchmaker Strand LONDON

Delivered the Newcastle Bank 24th May 1770