Letter – Nicholas Walton to Peter Mulcaster – 1 Jan 1772

Mr Mulcaster							Farnacres 7th January 1772



      I reced your Letter of the 31st Ult. together with the Assays for Operation ending the 28th Ult and Plan of Mill Close etc.

      The last Cake of Bullion when reckoned to weigh 476 Ozs falls short of the Assays 23 Ozs 16 Dqt but when the 12 Ounces are added as appears by the Operation 488 it will then be short 11 Ozs 16 Dwt.

      The Hedge or Stone Dyke rather, as you set it out by the abovementioned Plan will I think answer very well so you will proceed as fast as you can.

      It will certainly be right for us to go on as we are without thinking further about the Fallowfield Slag Men at least til some more favourable lights can be had and to give our own Men every due encouragement.

      What you have done with regard to the Washing is proper and you may be assured we shall at all times make any further allowances which you judge reasonable when bargains are made too low.

      I am in no hurry about the Stock of Materials but I would have the Accts of Stock to bear date upon the 31st December at which time I would always have it taken in future Years.

I have consulted my Father about Carrying down the Water in a Box and he judges it absolutely necessary; so you will do it accordingly. The Top of the Shaft should be covered so as to admit of nothing to be open but the Top of the Box. I am for Mr Smeaton & Self

      Your Hble Servt

      N W Junr