Letter – Nicholas Walton to John Ibbetson – 20 Feb 1775

To Mr John Ibbetson Esq.                		Farnacres 20th February 1775



Sir

       It is with the utmost concern when I acquaint you, that in the Night between Saturday and Yesterday the Hospitals Smelting Mill has been broken into & the Smelting Bellows, all of them, so much cut as to be rendered totally unserviceable til repaired; and the Water turned upon the Wheels in such quantity than one of the Refining Furnaces is damaged and the Bone Ashes washed out of a Test which was therein ready for annealing.

       Mr Mulcaster the Agent at the Mill is now here and gives the above Account.  I intend to set out for the Mill immediately and shall consult Mr Fawcett the Hospitals Council in my way and consider with him of the proper steps to be taken.  And I shall endeavour to get Mr Peters the Hospitals Sollicitor to accompany me that nothing may be left short to make a discovery and we will set about getting every thing put into order again without loss of time.  Mr Mulcaster says he thinks the damage will be full Forty Pounds but that must be very uncertain til every thing is minutely examined.

       You may depend upon hearing the further particulars as soon as possible and I am for Mr Smeaton & Self

       Sir Your most hble Servt

                                   N W Junr 



PS. The Refining Bellows are safe.





To Mr John Ibbetson Esq.               		Farnacres 20th February 1775



Sir

       I have since I wrote you this morning called with Mr Peters upon Mr Fawcett who having advised an Advertisement without a moments loss of time, I have got Hand Bills printed off same as the inclosed which are intended to be distributed at the Markett Towns etc in the Neighbourhood of Langley Lead Mill and also to be incerted in the Newcastle Papers til I receive the directions of the Board what addition or alteration to make to the Advertisement and in particular I beg leave to recommend a considerable reward being offered for discovery.  I shall hope to hear from you the very first opportunity and am

       Sir Your most obed Servt

       N W Junr PS 



Mr Fawcett seems to think that the Offence is not Felony but that an Indictment will lye for the Trespass in case of a discovery.