Letter – Nicholas Walton to Peter Mulcaster – 16 Feb 1773

Mr Mulcaster.                                     			Farnacres 16th February 1773



       I have seen some very curious pieces of Lead of various colours exceedingly thin and cut into Stripes about the breadth of Ribbons.   I believe they are taken from the Ore Hearth after drawing out the Bouse. The way to keep them from being ruffled is to cut a number of thin Strips of Plained Wood into pieces so as to be rather broader and longer than the piece of Lead and to lay the Lead between those pieces of Wood and after that is done to tie them carefully together so as to keep the whole firm.  If you can procure Mr Smeaton and me about three dozen of those beautiful pieces of Lead it will be very agreable to us and the sooner you send them the better.

       There are 58 pieces of Lead come to Newcastle but as the Thaw is come on so strong I suppose you are given over carrying.  Another opportunity will scarce offer but if it does I would have you make use of it.

       I am Your hble Servt

       N W Junr