Report – Joseph Dickinson to Martin Morrison – 16 Oct 1808

      Dufton 16th October 1808

Dear Sir

      In examining the Mines at Coalcleugh I found several of the old workings poorer than before, and have been under the necessity of advancing the price from 48s to 50s per Bing, the leading foreheads and Principal flatts are nearly the same prices as before, and upon the whole expect  Coalcleugh will produce near 3000 Bings of Ore this Year. Wellhope Mines are generally worked out at the west End, the east end more promising, some small quantities of Ore hath been raised from them. Hartley Cleugh continues to raise ore in the Cross Vein, the price hath been reduced from 36 to 28 per Bing this Quarter. The rest of the Mines in that district continue nearly the same as last Quarter.

      Allenheads Mines are very promising at the East end and now let at 35s per Bing which would let at a lower price, but have conditioned to drive through their length at not more than 7 feet in height for the convenience of airing another Partnership of Workmen Sinking before them into the same Vein, about 15 fathoms further East than the present forehead. The whimsey now sinking will take the work out at Fawside level, which will be a particular advantage to the Workings in the East-end. The flatts behind the foreheads continue to raise ore nearly as usual and very little alteration in prices. The flatts at Cragg Shield whimsey, continue very poor I fear will continue so, unless some Strings or small Veins, come to their assistance. The little Shaft at West end continues very good and is now lett at 25s per Bing with Eight Men each Way; its continuance is not expected long but coming at a time when the Price of Lead is high, will leave a Considerable Profit.

      Weardale Mines are in general poor, Breckonsike and Burtree Pasture more so than any of the other Mines, and several Places in these Mines worked out, that a few partnerships will be out of employment, Sedlin and Longsike still continue to raise ore, but in smaller quantities, and mostly at 50s per Bing. The upper part of Slitt Lead Mine is poorer than before, and the low level not up to the ground that was productive above. Middlehope Shield is not holed between the upper and under level, but is expected soon and will cause a circulation of Air, and then the Vein may be tried to raise Ore which at present is the most promising trial in Weardale. Killhope still continues nearly as usual, raising ore at 50s per Bing. Greenlaws Mines hath very little ore to see, but the workmen have taken Bargains to raise ore in expectation of Ore being before them. I hope they will not be disappointed. Wolfcleugh and the other Mines, nearly as before. We concluded a Bargain with Alexander Whaley, at Brandon Walls Lead Mine for another Year, upon the same Conditions as before (viz £4·10 per Bing) and bid Mr Emerson at the Rate of £6 per Bing at Harehope Gill which he did not think himself at liberty to take without consulting his Partners in the Mine and then will give an answer. These are all the particulars worth noticing and remain Sir

      Jos Dickinson