Report – Joseph Dickinson to Martin Morrison – 30 Oct 1809

M Morrison

      Dufton 30th October 1809

Dear Sir

      In examining the Lead Mines I find Coalcleugh nearly as before, the west flatts continuing to raise ore from 24s to 50s per Bing. The flatts to the South of the Horse Level, being more productive, than those to the north. The East end still continues to raise Ore, both on the South & north veins about as usual, which continue their points, and are now divided about 20 fathoms; that to the South continues the property of the Air taking fire, when not worked in for a few days but not so as to do any damage, only frightening the workmen.

      Wellhope Lead mines nearly worked out, only a few men in the Old ground at 50s per Bing. Hartley Cleugh continues to raise ore in the Cross Vein, which we are still driving forward, to the other veins, in a contrary direction at each end and expect better from them than at present. The great level below Coalcleugh is still driving forward and the trial in Swinhope likewise.

      Allenheads Lead Mine will raise a considerable quantity of Ore this Year and principally owing to the large Quantities raised at the West end, the last Partnership of 8 men is supposed to have raised upwards of 400 Bings in the space of 7 or 8 weeks at 12s per Bing, and is now let for the quarter at the same price, the adjoining partnership have raised a large quantity at 20s per B[in]g and is now let for the quarter at 18s per Bing. The East end forehead is not quite so promising at present, the two or three lengths behind will raise a considerable quantity for two or three quarters which is now let for 30 to 50s per Bing, by this time we hope the forehead will be better again.

      Weardale, Breckonsike & Burtree Pasture, in general poorer than last quarter, and of course the prices rather advanced and now let from 38s to 50s per Bing. Sedlin Lead Mine, nearly the same as before, except four Partnerships more, from the Engine foot northward, and all let at 50s per Bing without much assistance. Killhope nearly the same all let at 50s per Bing without any assistance. Blackdean poorer than before and the prices rather advanced, all let at 50s per Bing, except the necessary deadwork. Middlehope Shield, poorer in the West end, and prices rather advanced, Eastward looks better in the level forehead and Rise which is not finished. Slitt Lead Mine, all let at 50s per Bing, except the necessary deadwork, the forehead of level westward more hopeful. Longsike nearly as usual all let at 50s per Bing. Greenlaws poor, now under 50s per Bing, and level driving at 110s per f[atho]m.  Levelgate, 14 Men at 50s per Bing in Old Vein, 8 men driving level at 170s per f[atho]m, that level has cut a vein, supposed to be the vein found on the side of the road above Newhouse, and is now let to rise in the upper Sills to prove; Longtyhead 17 Men at 50s per Bing with 20s per f[atho]m for driving a Level. Greenfield 6 Men at 50s & 10s for Sinking. Crawlah 26 Men at 50s with some small sums for deadwork. Wolfcleugh very poor, 40 Men and only 2 at 50s per Bing, all the rest at <B[in]g & f[athom]m>. Bolts Burn, a new trial, 4 men at 50s per B[in}g and 10s more for making the discovery & working all the dead work necessary for the quarter. Brandon Walls, bargained with Alex Whaley, for another Year at 90s per Bing. Hareup Gill, viewed the works, but found no person to treat with; Mr Emerson will treat with them afterwards. I remain Sir

      Josh Dickinson