Report – Joseph Dickinson to Martin Morrison – 8 Jul 1811

Martin Morrison Esq. Newcastle						Dufton 8th July 1811



       I arrived at Coalcleugh on Monday evening the 24th June, and examined the Lead Mines there on the Tuesday and wrote to Mr Emerson to meet me at Allenheads on the Wednesday, to consult how much the Prices might be reduced from the present appearance of the Mines, and from the reduced prices of Bread Corn and the other necessaries of Life; and found they all had fixed 45s to be the highest for raising Ore, the other work in proportion. But on opening your letter, found you were 3s per Bing under. We have adhered strictly to your Orders, but fear we have been too hard upon several of the Workmen, which is in part owing to the present poverty of the Mines.

       I find Coalcleugh Lead Mines poorer than last Quarter, but the East end forehead looks more promising, Wellhope & Hartley Cleugh likewise poorer than last Quarter. One Bargain let at 24s, Two at 26s, One at 30s & from thence to 42s per Bing the highest. Allenhead Leadmine poorer in general, & the appearance of the East forehead says she is upon the decline. Two Bargains let at 20s. One at 25s. One at 26s. One at 28s per Bing and from thence to 42s.

       Weardale Leadmines poorer in general, two Bargains at Burtree Pasture let at 28s, and from that to 42s per Bing. Sedlin, Kilhope, Slitt, Crawlah, Wolfcleugh nearly all at 42s, several of these I fear will not leave the Workmen a maintenance at 42s per Bing. I was at Wolfcleugh the 5th June to view the Wheel Case, which is broke down on one side to the bottom, and the dwelling House over it (occupied by two families) also coming down on the same side, it is at present stayed that it cannot shrink further, but the wheel cannot move, and no more water can be drawn untill it be repaired; some little time since a level was driven into the old workings in order to take the top water from the Engine that the Engine Shaft might be sunk into the Quarry Sill, in hopes there might be Ore in that Sill under the Great Lime which was so rich before, and untill the Engine be repaired that tryal cannot be made, the repairing of which will not be less than £100 according to estimation, & therefore desire you will write to Mr Emerson if you intend to have her repaired, and the sooner the better, if it has to be done, as the Water will increase every day

I am etc		Jos. Dickinson