Report – Joseph Dickinson to Martin Morrison – 9 Apr 1811

Mr Morrison Esq							Dufton. April 9th 1811



       I herewith send you a State of the different Leadmines at this time, and of course begin with 

       Coalcleugh Leadmine, poorer in general. The two Veins at East End keep their points Eastward, The South Vein about 30 Fathoms South of the other at her forehead and now let at 34s per Bing – there is a Cross Vein pointing nearly South which has just crossed this, & produces Ore about the same price, which we intend to follow, in hopes of further discovery as well as for Ore. The Ore prices at this Mine from 30s to 48s per Bing which is the most I intend to give at this time; and all deadwork, which doth not interfere with the regular working of the Mine discontinued for the present, except the great Level.

       Hartley Cleugh – another Vein being discovered since my last, and now let at 20s per Bing. The other Veins being lett from 26s to 48s per Bing. Another Vein being discovered with Ore, near Ninebanks, a few fathoms driving will prove her in the Great Lime Sill, have continued a few fathoms driving a Level.

       Swinhope Vein, we cannot prove without an Engine to draw the Water, every thing being ready for that purpose we have discontinued working there untill a further consideration.

       Allenheads Leadmine in general poorer except the East End forehead now let at 48s per Bing and the two next lengths let at 21s per Bing each; a Bargain in the West End Flatts let at 14s per B[in]g and except two or three Bargains, all the rest at 48s per Bing, or what is equal by the F[ath]om, & all Dead Work not immediately necessary discontinued.

       Weardale Lead Mines, and first Breckonsike, which continues poor in the under Sills, and inconvenient to bring out their Work, and mostly let at 48s per Bing, with the exception of three or four Bargains, a few shillings under.

Burtree Pasture Mine, better in the three forehead lengths, one Bargain at 29s another at 34s the others from that to 48s per Bing.

Sedling Lead Mine is nearly the same as for sometime past and nearly all lett at 48s per Bing which with the help of the Crushing Mill, and their own endeavours, hope they will make a living for themselves & families.

Kilhope Bargains are all let at 48s per B[in]g they being all residents, and in general work the length of the day, hope they will do well.

Middlehope Shield continues a hard and expensive Mine and so far requires a high Price per Bing for working the Ore when the necessary dead work is done, is now let from 30s to 48s per Bing.

Slitt Lead Mine hath done better the two last Quarters in the under Sills, two Bargains let at 40s per Bing, but the upper Works all let at 48s per Bing.

Longsike a single Bargain let at 48s per B[in]g and very little more can be done untill the level be up, which is driving with all expedition possible.

Levelgate Mine about 8 Men for Ore at 48s per B[in]g. The level at 180s per Fathom.

Greenlaws Mine very poor, only 4 men at 28s per Bing. The Level at 130s per Fathom.

Silver Dikes (the Mine above Newhouse) four Ore Bargains from 35s to 48s per Bing besides there driving for further discovery.

Black Dean Mine only about 7 Men for Ore at 48s per Bing and the low Level driving at £12. . . per Fathom.

Crawlah Mine continues poor 18 Men all working at 48s per Bing.

Longtyhead Mine about 15 Men all at 48s per Bing, and a level at 80s per fathom.

Allercleugh Mine very poor, none of the Men but hath by the fathom and Bing, and by taking 2s per Bing of[f] the head Price will be a very great saving particularly in Weardale, where there is almost a continuation of the highest Price, and believe they will bear it best, for they are nearly all residents and go regularly to their work every day, saturday not excepted, and in general work the whole of the day as I am informed which they have not the opportunity of doing where the workmen live at a considerable distance.

       I am sorry at not having the pleasure of your Company this time, but hope this will find you in Health.

       I remain etc.  Jos. Dickinson