Letter – Nicholas Walton to Peter Mulcaster – 23 Feb 1773

Mr Mulcaster.                      					Farnacres 23rd Febry 1773



       This day I reced your Letter of the 19th and have since weighed the Assays.  The Cake of Bullion falls short of the Assay more than common for some time past; it is near 23 Ounces under what it ought to have been; but you know we are certain that the Assays are not always to be depended upon.   I have not yet seen the Silver.

       Old Cowslitts Cotn Riggs & Dowke Burn Lead is Refineable and the produce by the mixture has certainly answered very well.

       What you have done as to the Lead Carriers is perfectly right.

       The Borehole must be carefully covered with a tollerable stout flat Stone not large, and take care nothing tumbles into the hole, and then covered with Earth for two feet or so and let it remain in the way til we come to the Mill.  I'll warrant you we will get the Water again.

       I was indeed much shocked when I read the amount of poor Routledges misfortune in the papers and your confirmation of it; but I am surprised more accidents of the kind dont happen as I have observed them often extremely careless.

       Our Hearths being kept cool will certainly be the occasion of your being likely to fail in getting the Lead of fine colours and therefore I should be glad if you could procure some of the finest sorts from Acton. I wish much to have them and as it will also be very agreable to Mr Smeaton I desire you will take some pains to get them and of the finest sorts.   They are intended to be sent to the Secretary of Greenwich Hospital.  I am for Mr Smeaton & Self

               Your most hble Servt

       N W Junr