Report – Joseph Dickinson to Martin Morrison – 18 Oct 1811

M Morrison Esq								Dufton 18 Octo 1811



       On examining the Mines at Coalcleugh find them nearly as last Quarter, or if any alteration for the worse, some of the West Flatts nearly worked out, only one Bargain at 26s per Bing the others from 28s to 40s per Bing the highest. Hartley Cleugh & Wellhope poorer than last Quarter only one Bargain at 26s per Bing, the others from 32s to 40s the highest.

       Allenheads Mines poorer than last Quarter, and of course the prices advanced, one Bargain 24s, another at 25s per Bing, and from that to 40s the highest. The East end of that Mine hath very little Ore in it, being just taking the Height of the fells I feared that would be the case, which you will see in my Quarter acct at Midsummer 1810, having so many similar instances, and fear this will not be the last.

       Weardale Leadmines in general poorer than last Quarter. Breckonsike, one Bargain at 36s and from there to 40s per Bing. Burtree Pasture poorer than last quarter, two Bargains at 26s, one at 29s & from thence to 40s (Fear this is upon the decline). Sedlin Lead Mine poor and nearly all let at 40s per Bing. Kilhope nearly as before, all let at 40s per Bing.

Middlehope Shield poorer than last Quarter and let from 35s to 40s per Bing. Slitt, poorer than before and let at 40s per Bing.

Longsike all let at 40s per Bing.

Greenlaws, poor only 4 Men at 40s per Bing.

Allercleugh, poorer than last Quar[te]r & let from 38s to 40s.

Levelgate, old ground let at 40s per Bing.

Longtyhead, all let at 40s per Bing.

Bollihope let at £12 per F[ath]om & only £10 for all dead Work.

Pikestones let at £12 per F[ath]om & nothing for Dead Work.

Black Dean very poor, only 4 Men to raise Ore at 40s per B[in]g.

Crawlah, 4 Men at 40s per B[in]g, 6 M[en] at £11.10s per F[atho]m & Sink a Shaft.

Wolfcleugh, poor & let from 30s to 40s per Bing.

Brandon Walls let to Alex. Whaley to Mich[aelmas] 1812 at 70s per Bing.

Harup Gill poor, & no person appeared to take a bargain.

From the above statement, you will see the Mines are in general poor and we have settled the Prices 2s per Bing from the last Quar[ter] and all dead Work reduced in proportion and some discontinued for the present, The prices had been fixed upon by the Agents of the different Mines, from the intelligence Mr Emerson had given them before I went; and fear the Bargains in general are let lower than they can be supported for twelve Months together, without disabling the Men to meet their advance Cash and if so, will increase the Mining Debt. 

       I hope for Better times & am  &c Jos Dickinson