Report – Joseph Dickinson to Christopher Blackett – 10 Jul 1807

No.6

Chris: Blackett Esq                                                                            Dufton 10 July 1807



	I take the liberty of forwarding you a Copy of the remarks made on Viewing the Leadmines belonging to Col Beaumont at Midsummer. Beginning with Coalcleugh the east end of which looks poorer at present, but hath raised a considerable quantity of Ore last quarter; the West End of which, and the small cross Vein, with the flats attending them, never looked better, but still continue hard to work. Welhope old vein at the West end very poor, but expect another opening for Ore before the end of the Boundary, being about Twenty Fathoms. The east end of which is more promising, having raised a small quantity of ore last quarter, and expect more when completely relieved with Air, which will take another quarter at least. The Cross Level at Wellhope, driven westwards out of the main level, in order to cut out the Vein called the <Mess> cross vein hath completed that undertaking, but no trial made in the Limestone where the Ore may be expected. Another quarter will make further discovery, that from the present appearance are not without hopes. The level at Hartley Cleugh is up to the Veins before worked there, and is now driving westward in one of them which is raising Ore, and expect another vein to join in a little further driving, and we have the Cross vein at no great distance before us, mentioned to be cut in Wellhope, which Cross Vein was very rich in Ore at coming out of Alston Moor liberty. We are now pressing the Vein near Greenley Cleugh in the great Limestone, the forehead of which hath a better appearance than heretofore, and pieces of Ore hath been found in the Vein before, but infrequently of late. The new level below Coalcleugh is driving briskly forward & likewise the other Level in Swinhope, but now slowly owing to a quantity of Clay which causes Walling and Arching. I expect to be in hard ground in a few fathoms driving, and the Vein not far of which hope will repay.

	Allenheads Lead Mine hath raised more Ore the last quarter than for several quarters before particularly in the east end; both in the flats and Vein foreheads, some of the leading foreheads we reduced the prices considerably, the West flats still certain to riase Ore, and are now worked to a great width, and shall be under the necessaity of taking out the Ore with all the expedition possible before the roof break down, which would put a stop to our proceedings then, except at a very great expense of Wood &c. The Crosscut begun at Xmas lat on the west side of the great cross <Vein> is now driven Southward about twenty fathoms. The vein discovered, but we have cut a considerable quantity of Water, which is very useful, going directly to the Engines, and is assisting in drawing out  the bottom Water. I hear our orders for going forward with a finishing Crushing Mill here and at Coalcleugh which upon a small scale would soon repay.

      Weardale Leadmine still continues poor upon the whole, and being in general soft workings where the Ore lays, particularly Breckonsike, will be under the necessity of picking out the Ore in the Old Workings, before the  Old <runnings> breaks down, we expect an underset of Ore at Breckonsike, which cannot be come at untill the low Level be carried up, which we are pursuing with all possible expedition.—There is a better prospect at Blackdean, than for sometime past, having raised more Ore last quarter than for some quantity before, owing to some more strength being come to the Vein from the North, and continuing with the Vein so far.--- A string Vein was cut the last quarr in that long level on the East side of Midlip Burn, a Bargain was let the last quarter to rise into the limestone above the level to prove the Vein, which they have not accomplished, but the further up to the limestone the better appearance the Vein makes.  – We have bargained again with Alex. Whaley at Brandon Walls Engine, for the same price & <Qiza> as before, to Michaelmas 1808, and by that time expect he will prove the Vein at a considerable distance from the Engine, and then may be worked in whatever way may be thought most convenient to Col Beaumont, Alex. Whaley proposed to take a Bargain in the Upper Sills & break fresh ground, a considerable way westward before the Engine, but did not think right to let him that ground untill a further consideration. Sedling, Midlip, Slitt, Wolfcleugh, Kilhope &c &c are all raising Ore, but the quantity will be considerably up upon the whole than before, and have upon the whole reduced the prices where it would bear it, and left off all the dead work, that would not injure the general working of the Mines, upon account of the falling prices of Lead.

	If you wish anything further to be done, desire You will procure me general directions I remain Yours &c Jos. Dickinson