Report – Joseph Dickinson to Martin Morrison – 5 Jan 1811

Mr Morrison 						Newhouse Dufton. Jany 5th 1811



       I now sit down to give you the present situation of the different Lead Mines, and first Coalcleugh Leadmine in general poorer than last quarter, and of course some of the lowest prices a little advanced. The East end nearly the same as before; continues to go forward in two distinct Veins both poor at present, no Bargains at Coalcleugh under 35s per Bing, and all the way to 50s and more above that price. 

       Hartleycleugh Leadmine more promising at present in raising Ore in the Cross Vein, & in another lately discovered. I find that place the last year, had raised nearly 1,000 Bings and according to the present appearance will do better the next. Wellhope Leadmine is nearly worked out only three or four Men taking out the Ore whereever they can find any at 50s per Bing. Two Bargains let at Hartley Cleugh at 26s per Bing, and none above 50s. We are now sinking a Shaft at Swinhope to bring the Air to the Forehead of the Levels and then another attempt will be made to prove the vein in the great Lime, but fear without an Engine it can not be effectually proved.

       Allenheads Leadmine East End very poor, a Cross String hath crossed the main Vein, & hath taken all the Ore away but hopes in driving forward the Ore will come in again, and the four lengths behind will raise a considerable quantity, for two or three quarters to come, and by turning the Water Level into the Vein, it is now driving at 50s per Bing, which before was driving at 18£ per fath[o]m. The West End at the <Bent> Whimsey flatts towards the cross vein a further discovery hath been made, by pursuing a string westward hath discovered a fresh flatt. was last quarter let at 30s & is now let at 14s per Bing. One bargain at last had let at 20s, two others at 21s per B[in]g, & other bargains let all the way to 50s per Bing & 12£ per F[ath]om, and none above these prices.

Weardale Mines poorer in general, the lower prices both at Breckonsike and at Burtree Pasture a little advanced this quarter in both these places about 110 Men to raise Ore from 30s to 50s per Bing and none above. Kilhope about 24 Men all at 50s per Bing and unless a Level is carried to that Mine to take out the Old Deads left there 40 or 50 Years since it will be very soon worked out. Sedlin Leadmine both hard and poor but employs about 100 Men, and all working at 50s per Bing. Middleshield being a hard Mine to Work, and not rich in Ore requires a great price per Bing, and except 8 Men at 25s per Bing the others about 100 most of them by Bing and Fathom, and none under 40s per Bing without some help by fathom. Slitt Leadmine employs about 40 Men, and is working from 40s to 50s per Bing. Longsike nearly worked out untill the Level comes to her assistance. Black Dean very poor 8 Men driving low Level 8 more opening Old Level in Old Mans Work, and about 10 men to raise Ore at 50s per Bing. Allercleugh employs about 26 Men 12 at 42s per Bing the others about 50s per Bing. Greenlaws poor, employs about 24 Men, 8 of them driving the level, the others to raise Ore at 50s per Bing. There being at every of these Works several employed in driving Levels, and other necessary Dead Work, which is the case in all Leadmines, but all Dead Work not immediately wanted, hath been avoided for the present. I have had a very unpleasant journey this time, and is now Storm bound here, but expect relief in a day or two. 

       Wishing you comp[liment]s of the Season etc.  

       Jos. Dickinson

P.S. Wolfcleugh Crawlah, & Langtyhead all poor, and no Ore raised under 50s per Bing at any of these places.