Letter – Nicholas Walton to John Ibbetson – 23 Jul 1776

To John Ibbetson Esqr.						Farnacres 23d July 1776

		

Sir

      The drought having continued this Summer to a very uncommon length and Water being on that account in great Scarcity at Langley Mill we looked out for a place upon Langley South Common for a proper Reservoir and having pitched upon one of the Content of about an Acre we have thought it adviseable to order the immediate execution thereof as it probably may be of use before the Summer is over.   It is now in Hand and we apprehend will Cost about Thirty Pounds.   This tho’ Very farr from a Compleat remedy will be an Aid farr more in Value to the Mill than the Amount of the Expenditure. 

      Some Damages having accrued to the Cows of Mr Mulcaster this Spring  which were undoubtedly owing to the Mill Reek, and further Damages being complained of by Mr Fall at Langley Castle Farm, we have mutualy considered how, as much as possible, to prevent Damage to the Farm of Mr Fall; and having Advised with Mr. Mulcaster and him, are of opinion the best thing that can be done will be the building a Wall by which the Ground in the said Farm that is most likely to sustain damage of this kind will be seperated from the part much less liable to be effected and which now lying open and undivided from the rest subjects the whole of the Stock thereon to the same chance, whereas being separated by a Wall both may be occupied to greater advantage.   It is proposed by the Tenant Mr Fall to keep such kind of Stock upon the Ground most subject to be affected as is found by experience to be least hurt by the Reek; as for instance Sheep as we understand may be fatted on such kind of Ground only they must not be continued long upon it for if they were they would be considerably hurt at least, if not killed; the Sheep therefore intended to be fed on this kind of ground ought to be nearly fat before they are brought upon it and then they will be fit for the Butcher as we are told before anything disastrous is to be expected.   The Expence as p[er] Estimate inclosed, we Compute will be about £140 -  and we shall be glad to receive the Boards Directions herein with all convenient dispatch.   We are 

      Sir Yours &c

      NW Junr  J S 





Estimate of the Expence of Walling off Ground near Langley Mill to prevent damages by the Smoke or Reek &c. of the said Mill as also by way of improvement to Mr Falls Farm at Langley Castle as follows



Winning Stones for and building 263 Roods of Wall including 

   Carriage of Stones at 9s	                                 £118  7  -

Winning Stones for and raising 26 Roods of Wall already 

   Built Carriage of Stones included at 2s/                    2 12  -

Fencing off the Buddle Water by a Low Wall on the South side 

   of the Mill Burn carriage included about 90 Roods at 3s/6d 15 15  -

Three Gates including Posts Loops Crooks & fixing              3  3  -

                                                            £139 17  -

Farnacres 23d July 1776	N.W. Junr.	J.S.