Letter – Nicholas Walton to Peter Mulcaster – 7 Jun 1772

Mr Mulcaster.                            				Farnacres 7th June 1772



      We reced your Letters of the 29th May & 2nd inst and observe their Contents.

      You are certainly right in deferring the Smelting of Middle Cleugh Ore til you can get Ore to mix with it.

      The Black Slag, by Assays No 1& No 2 was well worth Refining.  The Operations in Refining the Slag lead and Lead produced from the Litharge saved from Silver Tests have answered exceeding well, compared with Assays for Silver; the latter has produced 14Ounces, full, P Fodder.  The Fume Lead is not Refineable by far, nor could we expect it, but it was right to make an Assay.   The Assays of Keswick Lead Ore will enable us to judge of some matters relative to it, that we could not determine upon til that was done.

      You have acted prudently about yr Pig which was broken.   We have not yet heard whether the other broken pieces arrived or not.

      We are not surprised at your distress on Acct of not receiving the Bricks, & Wm Labourne only is to blame, but we, hope you are now relieved, as we understand 1000 were sent off by Corbett on Monday last or Friday & they are undoubtedly now at Hexham or with you.  Your remark is just & proper, and it is the duty of us all to endeavour to have everything done in the best manner and without loss of time.   We are

      your very hble Servts

      W&S 

PS The Operation is received along with your Letter of the 2nd instant but have not yet examined it.

      The Stock of Litharge was omitted in the former Operation.