Letters – Benjamin Johnson to Storr & Mortimer – 23 Apr 1833

Messrs Storr & Mortimer



Dr Sirs,

      I have duly received your letter to Mr Backhouse of  the 20th Inst including specimens of the cake of Silver which I have given to Mr Pattinson who has the charge of Mr Bts Refineries under whose immediate inspection the cake was made. He can in no way account why it should have been less pure than our Silver usually is, and indeed prides himself that it was the largest and best piece of Silver that had ever been made at Mr Bts works. Mr Pattinson is considered eminent in his profession. There is another circumstance which I am to comprehend – when you had re-refined the cake if I may be allowed the expression – why do you make a distinction in the quality of the Silver? I should suppose after you had got rid of all its impurities the residue would be of the best quality & of equal value. If you have any of the dross ,or Lead or whatever (& which I hope you have) it may be, that has come out of it I shall feel particularly obliged to you to send it by any of the Newcastle Traders, as I am confident I cannot convince Mr Pattinson of any impurity unless I can shew him the positive fact by producing the alloy that was taken out of it. 

23 April 1833						I am Sir BJ