Letter – Nicholas Walton to John Smeaton – 25 Nov 1769

Part of Mr Walton Junrs Letter of 26th November 1769 to Mr Smeaton

 

      I inclose you a Copy of Mr Mulcasters last Letter by which you will observe he wishes to have a Relation employed as a Refiner. I have wrote him that I shall consult with you upon the Subject of his Letter, after which he shall hear from me, and ‘in the meantime’ as an alteration appears at present impracticable ‘things to go on as at present’ - I do think that Barnott is a Man we cannot depend upon at any rate and it will certainly be well for us to breed up Workmen in this branch of Business or we may probably continue in the same Situation we are at present and Indeed I am of Opinion it is likely Barnotts Ideas may be elevated too much by his being as it were the Sole manager of the Working part but yet I do not see how we can be benefited by taking a Person at present who is an Entire Stranger to the Work. I must notwithstanding confess I wish to Oblige Mr Mulcaster in his request. I am almost at a loss what to say upon this point Do you think it would not be proper in Case we have another experienced Man in the Room of Barnott to discharge him immediately or otherwise continue at present? It should be understood if another Man comes there is to be three Men employed as Refiners at all Times, and the being the Case such Man cannot have any Interest in supposing that the third Man is introduced by way of being ready in case of his Misbehaviour for it only shew our Intention of always having three Men employed in the Refinining only. This cannot be so well done if Barnott continues as he will naturally turn jealous of his not being regarded should there be an alteration made from the present Method. I am of Opinion Mr Mulcaster is perfectly right in giving an entire Confidence to the Workmen which is perhaps the only Method to keep them honest, as you observe from what he States their Opportunitys, should they include to be dishonest are such, that there is no preventing their taking advantages but by making Assays as a Check upon their Operations.





Part of Mr Walton Junrs Letter of 4th December 1769 to Mr Smeaton

I have wrote to Mr Mulcaster agreable to your Sentiments as my own entirely coincide therewith.