Report – Joseph Dickinson to Martin Morrison – 15 Feb 1808

Dufton 15 February 1808

Mr Morrison,

           Your's of the 9th instant have received and should have given you the Account sooner, but the last of the Duplicates of Bargains &c only came to hand the 12 instant.  - In the second week of December when I found it was not likely that I would be able to attend at the Bargains, wrote to the Head Agents at each of the Mines, the state of my Health and that if I did not make my appearance among them on the monday or tuesday after Xmas day desired they would go forward in examining the Mines, Letting Bargains etc when most convenient to themselves, and that I had no other directions for them, further than as at last quarter;  that the prices for raising Ore and dead work might be kept as low as possible, and all dead work be discontinued  that could be without Injury to the Mines, giving them my reasons for believing the Lead Trade  would rather be further down than otherwise from the present appearance on the Continent. - At that time intended sending my Son to the Bargains, but a few days before his setting forward my disorder returned worse than before and he would not leave me in that state.

           I find that by the duplicates of Coalcleugh Bargains the Lead prices for raising Ore is the same as last quarter in general and some of the dead work prices reduced and no material alteration in the Mines under Mr Little since I received them last - 8 Men in the East end forehead to raise Ore at 30/ pBing and next to the forehead 8 Men at 24/pBing, next to them at 30/ pBing; The West flatts at 32/6 and the Old ground all the way to 50/ pBing and very little dead work except the Main Levels. - And find by the Duplicates of Allenheads bargains the Lead price  p Bing is the same as last quarter one Bargain at east end let at 25/p Bing with 6 Men, another at 21/ with 8 men and at different prices up to 50/ pBing and <1% pTon> the highest, and no dead work going forward of consequence except the <…pent> to find the Vein on the Westside of the great Cross Vein  By the Duplicates of Weardale Bargains I find there is 130 Workmen now in Bargain at Breckonsike which continues poor, the principal part of the Ore bargains are let at 50/pBing only one with 8 Men at 28/ pBing and one at 34/pBing and one at 38/pB and 12 Men at 45/pBing, all the rest at the beforementioned price except four Partnerships with 8 Men each working under level, the average price of which is 40/6 pBing and each Ptnership 30£ for drawing water this Quarter, which according to calculation will advance the price for raising Ore to about 55/ pBing and the more ground there is opened the more it will require to draw the water, there is a low level coming up which will take the water off in two or three Years time; whether or not it would be right to give up working that part until the low level take that water off, you are best able to judge, as knowing the price of Lead, and what situation you are in with the Bishop. - Burtree pasture Mine, is poorer than before, the further We drive, the more of the Sill goes underwater, by the Duplicate there is now about 86 men in Bargain, 8of them at 30/ pBing 8more at 38/ pBing, 28 more in dead work, and the other 42 Men raising Ore from 46 to 50/ pBing. - At Sedlin Old Mine about 60 Men all working at 50/p Bing and no dead work.  - At Slitt Mine about 64 Men all raising Ore at 50/pBing, except 8 Men driving level 110/ p fathom. - At Longsike in Midliss about 44Men all raising Ore at 50/ pBing.  In Kilhope about 40 men and all raising Ore at 59/ pBing. - At Greenlaws 24 men and their principal dependance is all by the fathom.  - At Langley-foot in Burnhope 20 men all at 50/ pBing.   At Blackdean 26 men, 10 at 45 & 50/ pBing the other 16 both at Fathom and Bing; which was made in this Mine and level, and Ore found that would work at 45/ or 50/ pBing, if the water had been taken off which could not be done without an Engine, but suppose the present will not be a suitable time for such an undertaking. - At Crawlah 8 Men at 50/ pBing. At Bollihope 7Men, 3 of them at 50/pBing and 4 sinking at 80/ p fathom 150/ pBg Middlehope Shield 8 men mining in the Vein in the great Lime 15/ fm and 30/ pBing. - At Wolf Cleugh 38 men 18 of which to raise Ore at 50/ pBing, 12 driving and sinking by fathom and 8 driving and sinking at 30/ pBing and 30/ p fathom, these are the whole that appear in the Duplicate, but know there must be more Men at most of these places.  It sometimes happen the Bargains are not all finished at Quarter end and therefore have to stand over untill they are finished. - I give you the particulars of the Weardale Mines, more than the others, not knowing what situation  you may be in with the Bishop and request your directions, (If you wish to discontinue any part of these Mines) before the 25th of March next when I expect by the blessing of God. -  Notwithstanding the large Quantity of Ore raised in Weardale I fear the expenses of Crushing Mill, Driving  Level, & will be like to outrun & fear the quantity of Ore taken at 90/ pBing will not cover the Expenses. - Request a line when you have fixed the Pays and when Self or Son intends being there to assist  I remain Dear Sir 

                                           Yrs &c

                                             Josh Dickinson