Letter – Nicholas Walton to John Ibbetson – 15 Aug 1777

Extract of a Letter to Jno Ibbetson Esqr. dated Farnacres 15 Augt. 1777

	

      I am concerned when I acquaint you that one of the workmen at Langley Mill has lost a Cow by the Lead Mill Smoke in a part of the Ground which it was expected would not have been so much damaged as to have produced any fatal effect and a Cow belonging to another Workman has been much hurt from the same cause.   It is very extraordinary but is an undoubted fact that tho’ Langley Mill is in a more exposed situation than any other Lead Mill in the Country, from which it was naturaly inferred less damage would be done by the Poisonous quality of its Smoke than was found from other Lead Mills yet the very contrary of this happens as every days experience shews us and I am certain it will be found necessary to throw off some more Ground as waste about the Mill.

      I have the satisfaction to think that the work wch has been done in consequence of the Boards order of the 3d Augst last will prove very salutary and afford an opportunity of accommodating the Workmen with Ground less liable to be affected than that from whence the present damage has arose but I must beg leave to postpone saying any thing more upon this head ‘till Mr Smeaton and I can consult together upon the matter which we will do the first opportunity and afterwards will give our Sentiments as to what seems further Necessary to be done by way of preventing damage as much as may be in future.