Letter – Nicholas Walton to Peter Mulcaster – 4 Oct 1772

Mr Mulcaster							Farnacres 4th October 1772



      I have your Letters of the 26th & 30th Septemr now before me the former of which I acknowledged the Recet of from Newtonhall.

      The Bullion I have not yet seen as I only got home yesterday against Dinner if it proves of the weight you mention it is just within 5 Ounces 8 Pennyweights and 21 6/10 Grains of coming up to the highest weighted Assay which is very good work.  The two Assays differ prodigiously for it over runs the lower weighted one 236 Ounces 12 Pennyweights and 7 2/10 Grains.

      I was mistaken when I said you had lost a Tenth in the last Operation for I find it upon second Tryal to be rather less than one Eleventh part.

      I am very sorry the account you give of the produce from the years Ore is so likely to prove disadvantageous to the undertaking and to the Workmen but if it arises from the nature of the Ore and nothing more can be had than we get at present we must be content and make the best of it we can.  Mr Hilton would tell you my sentiments about the washing 50 or 60 Bings of Middle Cleugh Ore in the way you mention or in any other way you think more adviseable I am satisfied it is proper for us to make this Trial after you have compleated it pray let Mr Smeaton and I know the result of it that we may determine what is next best to have done.   Indeed Mr Mulcaster I am not only sorry on Acct of the Hospital and the Workmen  but also on your Account because tho' a Man does the best and to the uttermost of his power yet to see his endeavours not crowned with that success which he wishes this must be attended with anxiety and uneasiness.

      The Refining Furnace being done with the Newcastle Bricks is certainly proper.

      When Mr Rawling applies to us to pay Money upon Acct to his Men we will write to you and give you directions what to do

      The Lead Mr Carrick sends for he may have at 20s P Piece.

      Since writing what is contained on the other side I have made a calculation up in the price which you mention to have been paid to Mr Errington for his Edmond Byer Slags and at that price it will not be worth while to deal with Mr Cox.  It may perhaps be improper to deal with him at any rate which he can afford because you will take notice that in case we should Sell our Grey Slags we shall have no Black Slags to flux the Test Bottoms and Litharge with.  I am for Mr Smeaton and Self 

      Your hble Servt

      N W Junr