Letter – Nicholas Walton to Peter Mulcaster – 8 Jul 1771

Mr Mulcaster 								Farnacres 8th July 1771

 

      Your Letters of the 2nd & 5th instant are now before us and for the reasons you have given we have determined to take the Cakes of Bullion from Langley Mill as they come from the Test but only with this difference that you cut them in pieces so as to answer the Weight of 100 Ounces each piece a little over or under as it may happen it is not material which. For instance if a Cake should weigh 450 Ounces cutting it into Four will do - of 480 or 500 - 5 pieces, 580 or 600 - 6 pieces & so on as in the Sketch sent herewith.

      As we find the Smoke at the Mill sometimes hinders the Workmen at the Peat House we think it would be well to let the Smelters work Night Shifts instead of working in the day time and therefore desire that may be done if you find it will not be attended with such inconvenience that it had better be let alone.

      We are pleased to hear you got so well away with Carrs Ore and hope the Tryal with it and Middle Cleugh Ore will Answer the end proposed, but if you find any difficulty in making this Tryal on Acct. of a want of Water you had best proceed in Smelting some other sorts til a favourable opportunity comes in the way.

      The Lead made and the Lead delivered at Newcastle to the ending of lost Lead Carriers Pay including what was Sold at the Mill has answered so nearly that we are quite satisfied with your care in the delivery.

      As you cannot be certain of furnishing all the Carriers that come for Lead by putting off the delivery to once in fourteen days you must only deliver once in three Weeks til it accumulates so as to enable you to deliver oftener.

      Carrs Lead produces 5 Oz 17 dwt 14 4/10 Gr P Fodder which as the price of Lead now is will scarce bear refining. You will hear further about this in about a Weeks time and til then go on as you are now doing. We are

      Your Hble Servt

      NW Junr

      JS