Report – George Crawhall to Martin Morrison – 31 Mar 1814

       March 31st 1814

Coalcleugh

       The Mines at Coalcleugh in general are much better than they were the last Bargains, and have produced a considerable greater quantity of Ore the last quarter than I expected from their appearance at Christmas and from the present state in all probability will continue raising an equal quantity of Ore in the ensuing quarter. We have got one communication from the top Level into the eastend workings completed which affords us great relief in a part of the workings for Air, there will require two more similar holings from the top Level to the Low Level before we can effectually Air the leading workings at the eastend so as to be wrought to an advantage[;] we are going forward with the second communication with all expedition. The other deadwork we have in hand is likewise going forward as rapidly as we can enforce.

       The Sun Vein at the east end which is the principal support of the Mine is raising ore at present very well particularly the last two lengths that we have lately open’d; the number of Men employed to raise Ore in this Vein are 6 Men at 20s per Bing, 16 Men at 30s per Bing 6 Men at 36s per Bing, 8 Men at 38s per Bing & 14 Men at 40s per B[in]g. The westend workings are much the same as last quarter & are producing full as much Ore at present as they have done this Year, there are 4 Men raising Ore at 30s per Bing, 4 Men at 35s per Bing, 8 Men at 36s per Bing, 18 Men at 40s per B[in]g and 10 Men at 42s per Bing some of those at 40s per B[in]g have a few pounds over for siding and drawing Deads.

       The other old workings in the top sills etc continue very poor, and much exhausted, there are 10 Men raising Ore at 40s per Bing, & 30 Men at 42s per Bing.

       Low Coalcleugh Vein, we are now opening out the Engine Shaft in this Vein, but only make bad progress the Shaft & Engine Wheelcase being entirely crushed together & fallen in for a considerable number of fathoms in length & breadth, which renders it a very difficult and dangerous undertaking, but I expect in a short time we will get the most dangerous part secured, & then we shall make better progress.

       Wellhope continues very poor & no variation of the Bargains since last quarter, 10 Men are raising ore at 42s per Bing.

       Hartley Cleugh is extremely poor, & at present not producing more than ¼ of the quantity of Ore she raised last Year, the No[rth] & So[uth] Foreheads in the Vein which was the most productive workings at this place are producing no Ore at present & the back ground being so much wrought out that it produces considerably less than usual, 6 Men are raising Ore at 30s per Bing and 22 Men raising Ore at 40s per Bing.

       Furney Shield. We have cut the Vein in this trial which makes a very bad appearance in the Great Limestone at the random she is cut, we are now sinking to prove the low part of the Sill and if there be no better prospect shortly than at present we’ll be under the necessity of abandoning her

       I remain etc  Geo. Crawhall