Volume 1

AD1583/1
Correspondence, Volume 1
Series
100 items (102 documents)
Manuscript
5 Jun 1780-26 Jun 1786

 

AD1583/1/1
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding reversal of the motion of engine
Item
1 folio (with single sheet attached)
Manuscript
5 Jun 1780

Endorsed:          ''Mr Watt June 5 1784 1780''
Addressed to:     ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol''

                                                                                   ''Birm[ingha]m june 5th 1780
Mr Wilson /
           Dear Sir
                         Yours of the 31st received covering D[ra]ft value £350, to acc[oun]t: I approve of the method W[illia]m [Murdock] proposes to do the reverse motion, which indeed is the one I first thought of, but laid it aside thinking the other would be less work - I don't know how I came to be so stupid as not to see that 3 Wheels could not reverse the motion. Two wheels can but not 3, but excepting that the present way will be a little more expense It is better when done and will last twice as long - At any Rate in any case when a thing I have proposed & have not had an opportunity of trying is found not to answer; if the matter presses, Will[ia]m is certainly right to go on in such way as will do, A man who only speculates in his closet, cannot have always such clear ideas of objects as the man who has them before him. I am Glad to hear that the engine is so far advanced & I hope it will answer. Mr B[oulton] is obliged to delay his setting out till Monday night.
           Mrs Watt joins in Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson & I remain
                           Dear Sir         Your's &c
                                                             James Watt

I am glad to hear that Mr F. is like to take part of C[hace]water.''

[The following is on a seperate sheet attached to the folio]

''31 Aug[us]t 1781
6 Counters & Boxes - £5. 5 [shillings]. – each
9 Barometers. 9 p[ai]r Scales - 110 f[ee]t of pipe - 28/ [shillings] each
9 Steam Gages - 10/ [shillings] 6 [pence] each

March 8 1782
4 Counters & Boxes £5. 5 [shillings] -
4 Barometers. 12 f[ee]t pipe to each - 4 p[e]r Scales - 28/ [shillings]
4 Steam Gages - 10/ [shillings] 6 [pence]''

 

 

AD1583/1/2
Letter, Boulton to Pool Adventurers regarding their petition
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
8 Dec 1782

Endorsed:         ''Extract of Mr Boultons Letter to Pool Adv[enture]rs Dec[embe]r 8 1782''.
Addressed to:    ''Mr. Wilson, Chacewater''.

''Extract from Mr. Boultons Lre [Letter] of the 8t[h] Decem[be]r 1782 to Capt[ain] Jo: Vivian -'' [''Wh[ea]l Pool?'' added in pencil at a later date]

''As to ye petition so far as it relates to Boulton & Watt, I cannot give any other answer than what I did at ye last Acco[un]t I attended; which was in effect that B&W co[ul]d not afford to give money out of their pocket, with their time & trouble, over & above their loss in ye Mine; which they patiently submitted to with the rest of the unfortunate Adv[enture]rs. That ye common & general expences of conducting B&W business amounted to as much upon every large Engine they erected, as was then charged in the book for their Share of savings, & that when that was paid; I intimated that the Adventurers should not have any reason to complain of any of B&W Charges -  until the Tide of good Fortune returned.''

 

 

AD1583/1/3
Balance Sheet,
James Lawson in account with Boulton & Watt
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
c1784

''D[ebto]r:          James Lawson in Account with Boulton & Watt

1780 -
Jan[uar]y 19.            To Cash lent him -                                 £6.  6 [shillings]. -
April 29.                   d[itt]o                 d[itt]o                        [£]1. 1 [shilling]. -
July 1.                     d[itt]o                 d[itt]o                        [£]1. 1 [shilling]. -
[July] 22.                 d[itt]o                  d[itt]o                        [£]1. 1 [shilling]. -
Aug[us]t 26.             d[itt]o                  d[itt]o                       [£]1. 1 [shilling]. -
Sep[tembe]r 16.       d[itt]o                  d[itt]o                        [£]1. 1 [shilling]. -
Oct[obe]r 7.             d[itt]o                  d[itt]o                        [£]1. 1 [shilling]. -
[October] 23.           d[itt]o                  d[itt]o                        [£]1. 1 [shilling]. -
Nov[embe]r 25.         d[itt]o                 d[itt]o                        [£]1. 1 [shilling]. -
Dec[embe]r 23.        d[itt]o                  d[itt]o                        [£]2. 2 [shillings]. –

1781 -
Feb[ruar]y 3.             d[itt]o                  d[itt]o                       [£]1. 1 [shilling]. -
April 21.                    d[itt]o                  d[itt]o                       [£]1. 1 [shilling]. -
June 6.                     d[itt]o               Paid him at sundry times in name of Wages say for 110 Weeks up to the 2[n]d ins[tan]t
                                inclusive a[t] 7/ [shillings]}                    [£]38. 10 [shillings]. -
[June] 13.                 To Cash lent him                                  [£]3. 3 [shillings]. –

1783 -
May 1.                     Carriage of a parcel                                      2 [shillings]. 6 [pence] -
                                                        [Subtotal]                    £61. 2 [shillings]. 6 [pence] –

1784 -                      To balance brought down                     [£]19. 9 [shillings]. -
                               Interest
                               To 150. 2 a[t] 8 s[hillings] P[ai]d           [£]60. - . -

                                                       [Total]                        [£]79. 9 [shillings]. -

C[redito]r:                [James Lawson in Account with Boulton & Watt]

1780 -
April 24.     By wages from 24 April 1779 to this date 52 w[ee]ks. 1 d[ay]s a[t] 7/ [shillings]    £18. 5 [shillings]. 2 [pence] –

1781 -
April 24.   d[itt]o       from 24 April 1780 to this date 52 [weeks]. 1 [day] a[t] 8/ [shillings]     [£]20. 17 [shillings]. 4 [pence] -
June 2.    d[itt]o      from 24 April 1781 to this date 5 [weeks]. 4 [days] a[t] 9/ [shillings]        [£]2. 11 [shillings]. -
                                                                       [Total]   Weeks 110 –

1784 -        Balance carried down                                                                                     [£]19. 9 [shillings]. -
                                                                                                       [Subtotal]                 £61. 2 [shillings] .6 [pence] -

1782 -
Mar[ch] 24.               By 46 Year Wages a[t] 9 s[hillings]  [£]20. 17 [shillings]. –

1783 -
Mar[ch] 24.               By 52 Weeks a[t] 10 [shillings]        [£]26. - . –

1784 -
Mar[ch] 24.               By 52 d[itt]o a[t] 11 [shillings]         [£]27. 6 [shillings]. -
                               By balance                                    [£]5. 6 [shillings]. -
                                                            [Total]              [£]79. 9. -''

 

 

AD1583/1/4
Watt to Wilson regarding receipt of drafts of value £569, 6 shillings and 8 pence
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
5 Aug 1783

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt Aug[u]st 5 1783''
Addressed to:   ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol [originally ''Mr John Turner, Bersham, Wrexham, N[orth] Wales'' to which is added ''wrong dracted by mistake catched in time'']

                                                                               ''Birmingham Aug[us]t 5th 1783.
Mr Wilson /
           Dear Sir
                            To day recieved yours of the 30th Covering Drafts value £569. 6 [shillings]. 8 [pence] - I advised in a former letter of the receipt of £1340 - I am sorry to percieve by Mr Lawsons letter that W[illia]m has had a return of his Ague. I hope he will be more careful of catching cold untill he feels his health firmly established.
           Having my attention engrossed planning engines I beg leave to refer answering the rest of your letter till next post,
                                                            and remain
                                                                     Dear Sir
                                                                                   Yours &c
                                                                                                  James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/5
Extracts from
Thomas Wilson's letters, also clipping concerning steam engines
Item
1 folio (with clipping attached)
Manuscript
c1794

                                                        ''Extracts from Mr Wilsons Letters.

''Chasewater Oct[obe]r 2nd 1789'' - ''I Hinted to Jethro Hornblower that if his brothers would sell, I would transmit their price to you at he same time observing to him, I acted without your knowledge; he said if it was his concern he should be glad to get anything, but Jonathan & he are upon such terms, as is likely to prevent their ever speaking to one another again, But he would speak of it to Jesse, tho[ugh] he expected without success indeed I imagine nothing will be made of it.'' - ''Truro Dec[embe]r 30th 1789 - Joining Cooks Kitching [Cook's Kitchen mine, Illogan] to the East, Messrs W & P Richards, cheif managers. - I have heard the latter have been with Hornblowers, but know not what is done, I propose going West next Week when expect to learn something of both.'' - ''Truro Feb[ruar]y 13th 1790 - Apropos if you wish to avoid a Lawsuit could not you possibly come at the knowledge of Winwoods price, by some friend in Bristol, if you could get his, Hornblower might be had at the same rate. I cannot recollect the persons name, who applied to Mr B, for the Metal Co[mpany']s Agency, but in my view he is a very proper person for such Business. Watson'' - ''Truro Feb[ruar]y 26th 1790 - D[ea]r Sir - I rec[eive]d both your favors of the 19th & 23rd, the first I rec[eive]d when on the way to Chasewater, & on resolving in my mind who would be the properest person to employ to sound the Hornblowers, fixed on Jethro with whom I have had many Conversations on the subject; & is fully convinced that the only way his Brothers & Winwood can expect to recieve any Thing must be by sale. I met him at home and opened the Business, by enquiring whether he thought it would be proper to write Winwood, with whom he is in the habit of Correspondence, he said it would answer no purpose, as the Articles of Partnership were, that W[inwood] could not sell without Jonathans Consent & that he was afraid Jona[than] was a true Hornblower obstinate as a Mule, for he had been with him the Friday before & endeavoured by all the Arguments in his power to pursuade him to sell but could have no positive answer. - He advised his writing that evening to Jona[than] to say that he had since he saw him, been thinking much on the subject, & was more confirmed in opinion, that if they would give any terms, he would mention it to me & did not Doubt to bring it to a conclusion, this morning I have a letter from him; as sender, In consequence of the Chat we had on Monday I communicated the affair to Jonathan, who says that it will be impossible to think on any terms of buying or selling, as both parties will differ so widely on the sum, so that unless some other mode can be thought of, I fancy it will be in vain, ''I suppose his sentiments are no other than a Consolidation Plan & says that without you (meaning me) are quite Serious on the business he will have nothing to say'' this is to the same purport as Jesse mentioned some months ago of which I wrote you, as far as I remember his expectations were to have all or part of the benefit derived from their invention above your Engine, I can see no good from this, how it could be adjusted if there were any, & yet I could like to know what they mean, but I shall take no steps whatever till I hear from you. - I have always impressed upon Jethro that what I have said to him was not by your orders or knowledge, but merely that if he & I could bring about an agreement it would be for the interest of both parties - I rec[eive]d yours of the 23[r]d this post, I should be extrememly Sorry that what I have done should be Injurious, in a Suit, which it appears must be the case their notions of their Engine is high, & it will be impossible to convince them to the contrary. The arguments you use Jethro is fully Sensible of in conversation with him I can still enforce them but without effect'' - Truro Mar[ch] 24th 1790 Mr Kevill let me into the secret of Tincrofts [mine, Illogan] stopping by showing me the Letter from Jonathan which produced it, this was his refusing to sign the Bond with Winwood, he states that by his agreement W[inwood] was to be at the expence of the patent, as well as at all future expences and risks. That tho[ugh] he had no fears of being cast, yet a tryal must be attended with expenses which in his situation would be imprudent to risk, he therefore declines the execution of the bond, unless Winwood would consent to indemnify him to which purpose he had wrote W[inwood] but says that W[inwood] will impute his refusal to sign to his fears of their ground & does not expect he will comply: all this I had before from Capt[ain] Morcam, but waited letting you know till I saw Mr Kevill; he says he is now satisfied that it is an infringement on you & claims great merit in putting a stop to it.'' - ''Truro April 13th 1790. On saturday soon after I had wrote Mr Watt, I was informed that the Tincroft Adv[enture]rs and Hornblowers, had agreed & their Engine was to be proceeded on, afterwards I saw Jethro who knew nothing of it & did not believe it; not willing to trouble you with uncertainties, I determined to wait on Mr. Kevill this Morning & went so far as Redruth, where I met E Rogers, who confirmed the report. - I sent him to Mr. Kevill with a Letter stating that You had out of compliment to him, consented to an abatement, but as I had heard that the H[ornblower]'s & Adv[enture]rs were agreed it was unnecessary to say more about it desiring him to inform me whether what I heard was True, to which he return[e]d the following answer - ''Messrs Winwood & Hornblower having at last consented to the terms, which the Adv[enture]rs at first required the Majority of the Adv[enture]rs thought fit to try ther Engine on Tin Croft, and have accordingly agreed with them for that purpose, greatly I assure you against my inclinatio, I am greatly obliged to Mr. Watt for his Civility to me & am - Y[ou]rs &c Tho[ma]s Kevill'' - I am much concerned at this turn of the business, on your Acc[oun]ts; but am satisfied that had this not been the Case, the Tryal would have been made elsewhere very soon, so that you must have met it, & it is as well soon as late'' - ''Truro Feb[ruar]y 4th 1791. I rec[eive]d Mr. Watts favor of the 9th I am much pleased to find that you mean to proceed against Tin Croft, & tho[ugh] we may find some difficulty in procuring the Evidence necessary, you may assuredly depend upon every thing in mine & Mr. [William] Murdocks power, but I Query whether either of us will be permitted to see it unless an Order for that purpose can be had from the Chancellor, & I Question much if there is any one besides ourselves who will act in your Favor, I have heard no more from Wh[ea]l Reeth. Mr Jno [John] Williams has claim'd again the Dues at Poldice [mine, Gwennap], it will be settled next acc[oun]t, I apprehend to commence very soon if not immediately.'' - ''Bristol Feb[ruar]y 24th 1791 - I rec[eive]d your 2 letters of the 21st & 22[n]d on my arrival here, & this morning went to Mr. Winwoods, who had been at or near Tewksbury [Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire] from Sunday last & was expected home tomorrow, I therefore left a Letter for him, to the purport of yours, & that I should call on him in my way home in 8 days, for an answer - I am well satisfied he is much afraid of the consequences, but Hornblower has Tyed him so that he can do nothing without his consent, & I believe his obstinacy is such that he will consent to nothing as he runs no risks. - I wrote to Rich[ar]d Thomas last Night, you will please to adress the Wheal Butson [mine, St Agnes] Materials to - Mr. Jno [John] James St Agnes - I am &c -'' ''Bristol March 7th 1791 - This Morning I saw Mr. Winwood, whose answer was that he could give no answer at all, to the message I left in my way to Swansea, he said that he has been very ill for some time, & could not attend to Business, for which reason he had not wrote Hornblower, without whose consent he could do nothing, but for himself he could say, he had no objections against your examining the Engine, provided Hornblower had none, he wish[e]d only to defend what they had Properly a right to, & had no wish to infringe the rights of others, upon the whole he behaved very Civil, & appears to be completely ignorant of what an Engine is, after I had left him he followed me to know what parts or priciples of their Engine it was you complained against as an inpingement I told him every part. I shall wait to hear from you whether you would wish me to call on Jonathan for leave to examine'' - ''Truro March 20th 1791 - I have just rec[eive]d your Favor of the 18th, & shall Write Jonathan to know when it will be agreeable to him, for Murdock & E Rogers to examine the Engine, or perhaps I may wait on him, & rather think the latter.'' - ''I wrote Boulton & Watt this day, a Copy of one to Mr Vivian, on Hornblowers Engine there is nothing exasperating but merely stating plain facts, else I should be afraid it might do harm if there should be an inclination to make it up by negociation. If as I hope this should find you in Town, so be so kind as to drop me a line & return.'' - ''Truro April 28th 1791 - I have seen Mr Murdock & given him your instructions for examining the Engine, E Rogers says he has been given to understand the Adv[enture]rs will not Permit a very particular one; Murdock has promised to go to Jona[than] this day, & to let me know the day fixed, which probably will be saturday, when I intend meeting them; they have been working this week with a full load, but what that load is or what they consume I have not learnt'' - ''He says he thinks those Mines who pay you have a right to call upon you to a Speedy decision with the H[ornblower]'s in order that one Mine may be upon as good a footing as others. I shall not neglect giving you every information as I am enabled so to do, & am &c'' - ''Truro April 30th 1791 - I rec[eive]d Mr. Watts Letter of the 25th the Radstoke Engine was working with only one Cylinder which has been the case these 3 or 4 Years. I had a letter from E Fox the same evening, saying you had referred him to me on the subject of Hewas [mine, St Ewe and St Mewan?] Engine, I told him I was only Commissioned to enquire into particulars of Load &c, I expect in a post or two to hear from him, when I shall inform you of it, This morning I rec[eive]d from Jona[than] Hornblower a Letter, Copy as under - Sir - Penryn 29th April 1791 - This day Mr. Murdock brought me a Letter from Mr. Watt, relative to examining Tincroft Engine, I appointed Monday with Mr Murdock for the purpose; but on Second thoughts tis better to defer it till Tomorrow sevennight as on saturday afternoon the sump men do not Work; therefore the Engine may be stopp'd without occasioning a delay in sinking the Shaft. You will please to acquaint Mr. Murdock with the alteration as to time - I have also thought it will be very proper that application should be made to the adventurers as they may probably take umbrage at our granting what in fact is only in their power to dispose of. I will then be ready to give every information on our part. I am Y[ou]r oblig[e]d H[onoura]ble Se[rvan]t Jona[than] Hornblower - from the above I rather think the Adv[enturer]s will be bought forward to refuse so particular an examination as you may wish, time will shew, I am &c -'' ''Truro Aug[us]t 9th 1791. - Gentlemen / The threaten[e]d Advertisement of Mr Hornblower [see below] made its appearance in yesterdays paper, one of which I send you enclosed; You will best judge what notice to take of it; some parts of it are not True, & others are in such a style as I cannot understand. Why have they not before this convinced the world by producing the Vouchers they speak of; I am sure if they have them, they have acted unwisely to let so much of their patent expire without any benefit, for want of their right being known. I have heard lately that they Claim a right to use a separate Condenser, from its having been used in Scotland, many years ago, in an Engine, where the water was of that petrifying Quality that it could not be used in the cyl[inde]r no other pertence for using any of your other principles have I heard, other than what has been formerly reported to you'' - ''Truro Nov 29th 1792 -
I rec[eive]d Mr. Watts 2 favors of the 23rd Ins[tan]t & yesterday sent to Sherbourne [Sherborne, Warwickshire?] the answer contained in the first, leaving out that part respecting Wh[ea]l Butson. Mr. Moyle having refused to give his acc[oun]t of the Tryals except to Mr. Vivian, I consulted this latter Gentleman & he thought as there was a mistake in the debth, on the 1st tryal, that it would be best to begin only with the adress to the disint[ereste]d Miners, & leave Wh[ea]l Butson for the present out of the question; Trestrail had told him that had the fire been properly managed he had no doubt but the performance would have been much better - I called yesterday upon Mr. W Richards Jun[io]r who told me he had given to his Uncle & Father a copy of the proposal for altering Tincroft, & they wished to meet before they Concluded to call a Meeting of the Adv[enture]rs, this he expected would be yesterday, that he should see his Father this Day & tomorrow he would inform me of their determination, Murdock & Me called at Tincroft on Monday, & found the Engine working 12 Strokes p[e]r minute under a load of 15.3lb [pound] on the Small Cyl[inde]r they now leave a Continual open road for Steam to pass upon the large Cyl[inde]r, the water is increased to 10 Strokes p[e]r Minute, & they now burn 30 Bushels p[e]r day; the water is not kept in fork 1/8 of the time. I have the satisfaction to inform you that we obtained an inversion of the last meetings resolution at the Wherry [mine, Penzance] for erecting one of Hornblowers Engines, by proposing to undertake the building of a Water Engine, for £550 the Sum Hornblower had given as the estimate of their Engine, & by undertaking to keep the water for £18 a Month for 4 years, by this we can get to work by the first of April, when by the most favorable acc[oun]t of their very strenuous advocate Mr. Moyle, it appeared very dubious whether we should at all have worked next season by their Engine. Moyle was extremely mortified & I have no doubt but Hornblowers will be equally so - I find they have engaged to build one of their Engines the same size as Tin Croft at a Mine called Wh[ea]l Margaret in Lelant which I before never heard of - From what passed at this meeting & other things I have heard, it does not appear to me they have any improvement in View, for they seem in thier Estimates of Consumption to make their performance at Tincroft their Standard, of Comparison -'' - ''Truro Dec[embe]r 23 1792 - Agreeable to Mr. Boultons request that I should get the best information of Tin Crofts Load & the present performance, I went thither the 21st & found Capt[ain] Jo[hn] Vivian very communicative for the first time, his information was as under. -
            17. 3. 9 of 9 3/8 – 3168
            13. 1. 3 of 8 ½   - 2026
                  3. 4 of 8.6    - 550
             House Water      - 55
             total load           5799 lbs [pounds]

- he had measured the Pumps himself Nov[embe]r 28th & they are still the same - Strokes 11 p[e]r Minute, Coals 36 in 24 Hours, Calling the Stroke 5,..9 Inches the effect is 14,671,492, the load on the lesser Cyl[inde]r is 16.74, on the longer 7.59 p[e]r Inch. He says his reason for giving 5318 as the load to Ch[arle]s Vivian as I wrote to you some time since was that the Engine seldom draws below the second lift, I also understood from him, that the top lift was seldom fully supplied, but better now than it had been in Summer. He is fully satisfied of the superiority of your engines, & now speaks out freely which he says he should always have done but from fear of the consequences to himself, as Sir H B had taken so decided a part against you, on whom he almost wholly depends. - He had got leave of the adv[enture]rs to work the larger Cyl[inde]r only & was to make the Tryal yesterday, in hopes that by throwing aside the use of the lesser the Engine would be able to work faster; this would be of great Service as the water where in fork keeps the Engine going as fast as she can. I fancy the Adv[enture]rs think if this is done they are liable to pay your Premium, & I think it would be very proper as soon as I am satisfied she is only working with one Cyl[inde]r to make a demand, but I shall wait your opinion on this hand'' -''

[watermark 1794]

[also the following newspaper clipping is attached]

                                                              ''STEAM ENGINES.
WHEREAS it has been understood, that Messrs. HORNBLOWER and WINWOOD have refused admittance to the agents of Messrs. Boulton and Watt, into their new invented STEAM ENGINE, on Tin Croft Mine, with an intent to conceal the same from their inspection ; this is therefore to inform the public, that there is no truth whatever in such a report; nor could it have originated in any thing less than a very uncandid and artful misrepresentation of the matter. The agents appointed by Messrs. Boulton and Watt for examining the engine, have twice gone through it, and noticied every external part of the machine.
             It was proposed to take some parts of it to pieces, to which also Messrs. Hornblower and Winwood gave full consent, upon condition, that the proprietors of the mine would admit of the delay, and other inconvieniences, which would necessarily follow. Upon an application to the adventurers for their concurrence, they would not give permission.
             Notwithstanding interested persons may endeavour by misstating facts, to conceal the truth, it is impossible for them to succeed ; except it be with those who have no knowledge whatever of the general principles of steam engines.
             Messrs. Hornblower and Winwood have by their engine at Tin Croft exhibited a machine which evidently surpasses every other of the kind in a double proportion ; and as so many years are now elapsed since the grant of their patent, and the public, as well as themselves, have been injured by the unjust pretences and threatenings of their competitors, to be intimidated any longer, by mere menaces, will, they presume, be truly ridiculous.
             Messrs. Hornblower and Winwood will, whenever called upon, prove, by proper vouchers, that such parts of their engine as others lay claim to, are of greater antiquity than any patent now extant, and therefore free for the use of any person ; that the fundamental principles of their machine are new and totally different from any other steam engine preceding the date of their patent. They are perfectly aware, that from the oppulency of their opponents, there are individuals in Cornwall, who have it in their power to derive a temporary advantage to themselves, by giving their support to the engines at present established ; but this is effected at the expense of others, to whom this advertisement is particular addressed.
             There ever will exist men, whose views are so much obscured by their own sinister pursuits, as to lose sight of the good of mankind in general ; and like Esau, will also sacrifice their own permanant advantages, to serve the present occasion. However, as it is to be hoped they are few, when compared with others, of the opposite character, (some of whom have signalized themselves, for the promotion of improvement, by introducing one of the above engines into Cornwall), the patentees are ready to treat with others, either to alter or build new engines, on the most advantageous terms ; in any part of the kingdom, and for any purpose whatever to which they are applicable ; giving at the same time ample indemnity against the imposing and ridiculous threats of rival patentees.

                                                                                                            J. HORNBLOWER
                                                                                                            J. WINWOOD

Penryn, July 30, 1791.''

 

 

AD1583/1/6
Copies of
James Watt's letters regarding the Hornblower situation
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
c1794

Endorsed:            ''1783, Copies of J. Watts letters to sundry persons relative to Hornblowers business & Hornblower's & Winwood's printed defence''

                                       ''Copies of J Watts Letters to sundry persons relative to Hornblowers Business -
                                                                                     (copy)
                                                                                                          Birmingham Nov[ember] 21st 1783
James Tooker Esq[ui]r[e] Sir /
           I should have done myself the pleasure to have answered your letter to B&W sooner but Mr B[oulton] has been from home ever since & has not yet ret[urne]d. The Gentleman concerned in the Radstoke Colliery [Somerset] must be sensible that it would be very Imprudent in us to give up the power of Vindicating our rights wherever we shall find it necessary or expedient they will therefore I hope excuse my giving no answer to the Queries you put in their behalf - As to the settling with Mr. Hornblower, the company must be directed by their own prudence, we cannot interfere into that matter with any degree of proprietry, What I mentioned to you when I had the pleasure of seeing you at Chilcompton [Somerset] was, that in cases of encroachment on our privileges our action must naturally be brought against the users of the Engine as well as the makes & that consequently such persons as used any part of our patent inventions were liable to damages. soon after Mr Boultons return we shall answer the Questions you have put about the size of a New Engine - I remain with much respect - Sir Y[ou]r Mo[st] Ob[edien]t & Most H[onoura]ble Serv[an]t (signed) James Watt
                                                                  (copy)                             Birmingham Feb[ruar]y 21st 1791
Mr Wilson. Dear Sir /
           In Respect to Hornblowers Engine we shall take the necessary measures but shall not Hurry ourselves or precipitate matters. - If they mean to keep the construction of the Engine Secret in the hopes to prevent our being able to prove the infringement they deceive themselves - If we do not obtain proof in an easier manner we shall make an application to the Lord Chancellor to enforce a discovery of their manner of Working which we are informed by council will be easier obtained on account of their pretending to work under a patent and consequently ought to have no secrets and the patent itself will prove great part of what we desire - It seems to us to be in vain to apply to Mr. Hornblower but as you are to be at Bristol it will be right to apply to Mr. Winwood informing him that we conceive the Engine to be an encroachment upon us that we are determined to try the matter with them & that in order to save expense to both parties we wish to know whether they will permit persons appointed by us to inspect & examine the working & construction of the Engine or whether we must take the legal steps to procure such an examination In my opinion it will be their Interest to face the matter at once as attempts at concealment can only involve them as well as us in expense and cost what it will we shall certainly endeavour to right ourselves as long as our money lasts which expensive as law is will we expect work out the time of our exclusive privilage. - We shall be obliged to you to write to us from Bristol, how long your stay in Wales is left to be and to whom we shall direct in your absence I remain &c (signed) Ja[me]s Watt.
(extract) 14th March 1791 - Mr. Wilson / D[ea]r Sir / I have yours of the [blank], I did not write to you last week having a fever of cold from which I am not yet Quite recovered the behaviour of the Horners [Hornblowers] is very provoking but we can do nothing until you can procure us proper evidences which please to exert yourself in doing and whatever our hopes or fears are of the result we shall undoubtedly try it. Consols [Consolidated Mines, Gwennap] & Poldice should be spoke to firmly. Do the latter think that the lads & us are to bear all the losses & them to take the profits, NO, we shall do no more for them. We have done a great deal too much for the Gratitude of the County - (signed) J Watt
                                                                                                Soho March 18th 1791
              Mr. Jonathan Hornblower Sir /
                        We accept of your obliging offer to permit those deputed by us to view & examine the Engine at Tincroft and are as desirous as yourself to pursue the most pacific measures, that are consistent with our determination to to use our utmost endeavour to defend our rights at all events. Mr. Wilson has no Comission from us to Mr. Winwood or to you other than whether we should be permitted to take evidence of the Construction of the Engine or should be obliged to take the necessary steps to procure it. Any offers of accomodation he might make were entirely his own acc[oun]t and unauthorized by us, but we suppose were dictated by the same desire of peace which you express. Why he did not apply to you in preference to Mr Winwood we must refer to himself to acc[oun]t for. - As to the present circumstances it would be very improper to enter into any controversy as to the merits of the Engine & your or our right to the invention - I shall only add that our desire is to do ourselves Justice not to Wrong others in which we must be guided by our own convictions only - At the present we shall depute Mr. W[illia]m Murdock & Mr. Edward Rogers to examine the Engine & shall afterwards send some Gentlemen of Reputation in the Mechanical line from London for the same purpose. Mr Wilson will give you proper Warning of each of their visits. Returning you thanks for the Obliging opinion you express of me I remain with Respect for Mr. Boulton & myself &c -
                                   (signed) James Watt
                                                                                    (extract)
Mr Wilson - Soho 9th July 1791
           - In respect to Mr. Hornblower if he is foolish enough to publish any thing please send it us before you answer it. And wherever you are that any Questions are asked about that affair refuse any other answer than that you never used the expressions complained of, but that it is true that you were refused the inspection of the Engine - whether by the Adv[enture]rs Captains or by him comes to the same point & as to what we mean to do and what steps we shall take and when is nobodys business but our own & if you knew it, it would be highly improper to mention it; but this every body may be assured off that if we suffer any injury it shall not go for nought -
                                                                                                             (signed) James Watt

                                                               (copy)                                              Soho Aug[us]t 13th 1791.
Mr Wilson.
            Dear Sir / The Advertisement you sent is a very contemptible one [see AD1583/1/5] and it is uncertain whether any notice ought to be taken of it or not you will please to procure several copies of the newspaper entire because the advertisement contains an acknowledgement that we actually been refused an examination no matter by whom - If any answer is printed we think at present it should be to the following purport Seeing it stated by an advertisement in your paper of .... that the reports of B&Ws Agents being refused by Messrs Hornblower & Winwood an examination of the Engine at Tin Croft were false, & having been accused at public meetings as the propagators of such reports - I think it necessary in my own vindication to state that these Gentlemen did indeed consent that B&Ws Agents should examine the Engine but on their arrival there at the appointed time were refused a particular examination of the contested parts by the Captains of the Mine and that after repeated applications to the adventurers to the same purpose no consent on this part has yet been obtained. Consequently I think myself fully justified in saying more; that B&Ws Agents have actually been hindered from making a particular examination of Tin Croft Engine. At whose instigation this has been done I do not take upon me to say whatever I may think. In respect to the remainder of the advertisement I shall only say that I apprehend the boasted proof of priority of Invention will not prove so easy as is held out - The merits of the Engine I leave for the public to decide and the decision of the right to a jury -
             This you will please to consider upon and let us have your opinion - The advertisement you send me shall lay before our council to see if any good can be made of it. It must to every thinking man appear a weak merely evasive paper And the refusal of examination is a good thing as it sets their course in a bad light - Keep your ears open & learn all you can - Yours Sincerely - (signed) J Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/7
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding William Murdock's illness and other matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
16 Aug 1783

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt Aug[us]t 16 1783''
Addressed to:   ''(double) Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol''

                                                                                     ''Birmingham Aug[us]t 16th 1783
Mr Wilson /
           Dear Sir
                        I was very much concerned this morning to hear from Mr Lawson that W[illia]m continues to have returns of his ague, and as the bark now disagrees with him have applied to Dr Withering for another prescription which please receive inclosed,
and which his Apothecary should immediately make up for him and administer according to circumstances which we Cannot judge of at this distance; But if after all he Continues dangerously ill or is not soon relieved by these medicines, we desire that you would call in Dr Gould or Dr Woolcot, and if judged necessary have William removed to Truro or Falmouth to be near his Doctor, and while he feels himself weak he ought not to undergo any fatigue -
           Mr L[awson]. also informed me from Mr Fox that the Horners have again made proposals to a certain small mine We hope they will prove like their former bravadoes but at the same time wish you to keep an eye upon their motions - We think it would be wrong after so much has been said on the subject to do any thing like threatning them with a prosecution, only you may say in conversation, that we are neither deaf nor blind and if we find ourselves injured will do the best we can in our defence; but even any hint of this kind should be thrown out cautiously - Davie Watson setts off Monday morning and will bring two Drawings for Poldory [mine, Gwennap] with him - I shall send draught of the Agreement soon for you to gett settled and executed by the Adv[enture]rs.
            The Engine materials are all ordered - Mr Boulton talks of setting out on Tuesday but I scarcely expect he will keep his word. - I will be obliged to you to write me concerning Will[ia]m, and also what you learn of this scheme of the H[ornblower]s.
            With Compliments to Mrs Wilson and all friends I remain Dear Sir
                                                                                                   Yours Sincerely
                                                                                                             James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/8
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding new engine at Poldice mine, Gwennap
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
23 Aug 1783

Endorsed:         ''James Watt Aug[u]st 23 1783''
Addressed to:    ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol''

                                                                                         ''Birmingham Aug[us]t 23[r]d 1783
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                        I have yours of the 16th and another. I am exceedingly glad that William is better & beg he would take care to continue so – Dolcoath [mine, Camborne] little Engine is ready all to the rotative wheels, and turning the gudgeons of the shaft which will soon be finished and then sent off - I intended to have considered what you proposed about a wooden house but have been so much taken up lately in settling accounts previous to Mr B[oulton]s going away to Ireland that I have not done it yet - As you have obtained goods from the Trevaskus people we shall certainly be as good as our word while they continue to have a losing mine but no longer, you say you have distressed yourself taking tallow to secure Mr Wilkinsons money, you should make him not us stand creditor there he is richer than us, however we will bear off as long as we can - We would very willingly lend small engines on proper terms if we had them, but have none ready, and we are so full of orders, thus we cannot at present do anything of that kind on our own accounts and indeed unless the depth be great the quantity of water you mention will hardly authorize the erection of any Engine as our rent & coals would come to as much as horses - however as soon as we can gett these kind of Engines in proper train of making we think the scheme may be worth following. I am really astonished at the Trumpeters [Hornblowers], by very late accounts from Bristol their Engine there is as bad as ever with all the improvement of the air pump, Our resolution, therefore is to lett them alone untill they do something flagrant and we wish you to say nothing on the subject to the people of Cornwall  until you hear further from us. I am sorry for the change at Wheal Virgin, how comes the Monthly Charge to run so high - Poldice seems to be doing beyond all expectation, but a price should not be given for the shares according to the present state, you should consider that, it may as suddenly grow poor again and that a great and certain Charge is coming on by the new engine erection. I leave you to manage Cosgarne land [Cusgarne, Gwennap] as you judge necessary but lay out nothing but what you judge so.
             As to Poldice new engine I can say little as not being on the spot - From what you tell me it will require a 52 inch Cylinder 9 feet Stroke, and the house may be of the same dimensions as Ale & Cakes [mine, Gwennap] - The Beam 15 feet 9 inch to ye Cylinder and 10 feet 9 inch to the pumps.

The side and back walls              3 feet 6 inches thick to the ground floor
                                                 3 feet to one pair of Stairs
                                                 2 feet 6 to top of walls

The lever wall                              6 feet thick at foundation
                                                 4 feet 6 thick behind the Cistern, & up to centre Gudgeon
                                                 5 feet 6 inches at sides of Cistern to level ground floor
                                                 5 feet   -   -   -   - to first floor

                            The heights
The foundation of lever wall 4 feet under the Bottom of Cellar
From ye bottom of Cellar to platform planking              4 feet 6 inches
                                    to ground Floor                      7 feet 3 inches
                                    to first Floor                          10 feet 3 inches
                                    to Upperside spring beams     13 feet 6 inches
                                    to top of Side walls                5 feet -
With These dimensions William can proceed untill drawings are sent him, which cannot be untill the Cylinder &c are determined upon, as to Boiler it will be the same as West Wheal Virgin only 7 feet wide at bottom as well as bilge.
             I have a scheme for abolishing Ballance Bobbs which I mean to practice on your Chacewater engine, and could have wished to have done it in this Poldice engine, but do not at present see the way of doing it without a perpe[ndicular?] Shaft to bottom, therefore it may be best to say little about it as councils should not be distracted, and Poldice has no time to spare in this erection. I shall at any rate before I determine any thing make a model of it.
           Mr Boulton sett out for Ireland yesterday and his being on the flight prevented me from answering you sooner -
                                                             I remain
                                                                         Dear Sir
                                                                                      Your's &c
                                                                                                   James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/9
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding orders to Mr Wilkinson and/or the Dale Company
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
30 Aug 1783

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt Aug[u]st 30 1784 [1783]''
Addressed to:    ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol''

                                                                                               ''Birmingham Aug[us]t 30th 1783.
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                        I was this week visiting our Engines in Shropshire, which found all well - Our friends at Coalbrookdale have been informed by somebody or other in Cornwall that Mr Wilkinson had had more orders from the Gwennap mines than they had; (meaning for the article of pumps for they do not contest that of the Engine part) which they seemed to impute to a partiality in Mr Boulton or me to Mr Wilkinson, now I gave no orders out since I left Cornwall except The order for Poldice Clack door pieces and windbores which I was desired to give to Mr Wilkinson, and the orders for Wheal Virgin new pumps which I divided as exactly as I could between them, as I have done the order for Poldory pumps. As I have had reflections of the same kind or something very like them from Mr Wilkinson I am come to the resolution to intermeddle no farther in the orders for pumps, unless when particular directions are required, You will therefore let the Mines know that I will be obliged to them to send their orders orders directly to the Dale Company or to Mr Wilkinson for such proportions or quantities as they Chuse to order from either of them - They both have our good wishes and I do not chuse to be embroiled with either of them particularly in a point wherein our own interest is no ways concerned further than in getting the mines well served which they will be by either of them.
             And if at the same time you could get them to give such directions as they please about thicknesses size of Clack doors &c In which W[illiam].M[urdock]. can advise and assist them, it will remove another source of uneasiness from me - I trust in your prudence to manage this matter cautiously, and not to mention it in the words I have used, but to infer that I find it difficult to manage so as not to give offence and that it would be obliging us for them to issue the orders from the Mine themselves.
              But in any case give no reason to think that there is any other variance between him & them than each party being willing to do as much as they can to serve the mines - In your situation as agent for Mr Wilkinson You certainly are at liberty to use your interest for his service as no doubt their agents will do for theirs, but you will please to let the mines know that it is as Mr W[ilkinso]ns agent not as ours, And I dare say that you will join the Dale Comp[an]ys friends against any orders being given to other founders. You will see that the whole affair requires prudence and I expect you will exert it. I shall write to Mr Wilkinson myself concerning the Issue I have put it on & he will naturally give you his directions, in the mean time you need not write to him about it, as I dare say you will be sufficiently watchful for him - Poldory pumps I have ordered, so they are out of the case - I am sorry to learn that W[illiam] M[urdock] continues to have returns of his ague and fear he will not get well without he confines himself more - I have not heard however if he has taken the last prescription which I hope will do him good as it is calculated to enable him to go out while taking it though it would certainly succeed better if he could stay within.
               I have not heard from Mr Boulton since his departure - I remain with Compliments to Mr Wilson Dear Sir Yours &c
                                                                                            James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/10
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding movable engines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
2 Sep 1783

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt Sep[tembe]r 2 1783''
Addressed to:   ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol''

                                                                                       ''Birmingham Sep[tembe]r 2[n]d 1783
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                          I have yours of the 28th, and am willing on my own part to enter a scheme of lending small engines provided you & Capt[ain] Paul take part in it, Mr B[oulton]. will I believe also agree to it, and I think that if W[illia]m Chuses he should have a part, you may proportion the Shares in such manner as proves agreable to you.
             You are to consider B&W in this matter as seperate people, only in relation to the usual third of the savings which is to belong to them as a company, and will not ammount ot much, & which must be charged to the borrowers of the engine, along with the Charge of working it.
             The best way will be to furnish the engine complete & the mine to pay for erection at the Spot, and to find pumps, The house must, if we can, be contrived to be moveable or else to be a charge on the mine, an 18 inch Cylinder working both up and down will do a great deal of work, as it will at least make 20 Strokes per minute, if not over loaded; but these moveable engines should not make above 4 feet Stroke in the Cylinder - I cannot tell with certainty, but I suppose an engine of that size will cost about £250 besides the pumps, I think those of 15 inches or even 12 inches will ans[we]r many of the mines, and they maybe made as large as 24 inches, Larger ones would not I think answer so well to have such short strokes - I shall consider the subject of wooden houses; but as I have so much on hand I wish W[illia]m [Murdock] would follow his own judgement in regard to Dolcoath; but let him remember that these rotative motions pull & push much endwise and must be well spurred, and the sills of the rotative motion firmly held down - I approve very much of C. P. as a partner, and shall leave it to your joint wisdom to settle the mode of agreement with the mines, but I would agree with none that have not a good deal of water to draw, and in my opinion we should always find Coals, and engine men, provided you can get any you can trust, I shall turn the matter in my mind, and write more fully than I can do to day having a headache.
             I wrote you the Last post on a subject which must managed with delicacy, so as neither to convey an idea that we do not wish to take the trouble of giving out the orders for pumps, nor that We have deserted Mr Wilkinsons interest, nor that we wish to turn away orders from the Dale Company [Coalbrookdale, Shropshire] - but that Both he and they are are our Good friends, and we wish to keep them so by not intermeddling in the distribution of orders, which will come with a better grace from the mines than from us.
             I also wish the matter to be left to them for the reason I mentioned that, every mine has their particular notions about the sizes of Clack doors the taper of Clack seals and the thickness of the pipes, which it is impossible to me to remember, and by omissions sometimes give offence, and they seem to have a disposition to look upon us as accountable for even the errors of the founders in such goods as we order - They will do well however to send drawings or very particular directions about Clack door pieces & windbores; though both Mr Wilkinsons people and the Dale know my sentiments on these heads in general.
             I must however mention one thing to you; that if the orders come through my hands the dale people expect the half of the pumps, and Mr Wilkinson growls terribly if he has not more than half.
             Mrs Watt joins me in condolising with Mrs Wilson on her miscarriage, but we glad to hear that She is in a good way after it - I remain,
                                                                                   Dear Sir
                                                                                                Your's &c
                                                                                                            James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/11
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding engines at Chacewater and Halamanning mines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
16 Sep 1783

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt Sep[tembe]r 16 1783''
Addressed to:   ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol''

                                                                                                ''Birmingham Sept[embe]r 16th 1783
Mr Wilson /
        Dear Sir
                        I rec[eive]d yours, with the monthly account and also the bill of lading of the tin, but you neglected to say whether the vessel was sailed or not which will make the insurance difficult, considering the late Storms which have been extrememly violent here.
             The other day I received a letter from Mr Fenton advising that you had informed him that I preferred two Engines to one in the Case of Chacewater [mine, Kenwyn] and wanting me to have a comparative Estimate ready against he came this way which he says will be soon. In the Case of having two Engines I propose to repair the present one for one of them, if possible, It must in that Case have a new outer bottom and a new Bobb & eduction pipe, probably a condenser. You will therefore pass an examination upon it, and see whether the House will stand, and what else will do. Or if you must go the Vole and erect an intire new one an the Shaft - Also whether any pumps will do again, Pump rods &c Also such estimates as you can among you and send me copies of them article by article that I may add or deduct - for me to begin out of the Blank and make such estimates here would be nonsense however I will do what I can - As to the proposal of the double engine, that must be seriously considered and cannot easily be estimated, I think it will be be best discussed when we are together, I believe I shall be able to get a model of the pump work for it ready by the time you return from Wales, by which we will be better able to judge of its effects -
As to the Altering Hallamanin [Halamanning mine, St Hilary], I do not think it can be done without an Expence equal to that of a new Cylinder &c - The Engine having been so much hashed and abused, and besides I do not think it a proper place to try any new thing, nor that they could manage it when done untill some body else sett them the example - By the by, Rob[er]t Muir wrote me some time ago that that he was quite sick of his place there and wanted to be removed, he complained that they used him ill and that he could get nothing done which was wanted; if this be true and he can be made usefull in another place I think he should be relieved but I leave it to you and to W[illia]m to judge of this - Mrs Watt joins in compliments to Mrs Wilson and other friends & I remain Dear Sir
                                                                                                                        Yours &c
                                                                                                                                    James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/12
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding the arrangement of small engines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
18 Sep 1783

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt Sep[tembe]r 18 1783''
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol''

                                                                                                 ''Birmingham Sep[tembe]r 18th 1783
Mr Wilson /
             Dear Sir
                        I have yours of the 13th The accounts wanted are to the 30th inclusive, but it will do to send them as you mention viz to 30th Last month compleat and then early in next month a state of this month, and these accounts should contain allowing by us and to us in Cornwall and if you could send me a valuation of our stock in the different mines it would enable us to form a better Judgement of the State of our affairs. Pray what is Pool [Wheal Pool, Wendron] doing?
               In relation to small Engines with short Strokes many things can be done with them that cannot be done with Larger ones. For instance they may be placed directly over the Shaft and have no working beam. I have two schemes of this kind one is by her piston rod Coming through the bottom of Cylinder but that I am much inclined to give up on account of the difficulty there was of keeping the stuffing box tight in Mr Wilkinsons inverted Engine though it was only a Steam Joint. The other way has the piston rod going upwards as usual, and is consequently free from that inconvenience neither of these two will need any working beam except a small one for the Condenser and plug frame, And with a working beam a 4 feet Stroke may be managed without either Chain or rack and sector, and even in the new Engine for Chacewater I propose to have no chain nor rack on the outer end of the beam only a simple Joint. On the whole however I cannot calculate any material saving by having no beam in small engines, and in large engines I fear it cannot be dispensed with - I shall be Glad to see William [Murdock]s drawing and will readily agree to try any thing he proposes to which I do not see such objections as would hinder him from wishing it - If chacewater be done in one Engine I propose to divide the main rod into 2 one of which shall ascend while the other descends by which means they will always ballance one another and need no Ballance Bobbs except the Г bobbs which connect them together at least they will need no Ballance weights, [here is given a diagram showing the mechanism by which the main rod is divided into two alternately ascending and descending rods] when the Engine draws up A, B will descend; and when the engine pushes down A, B will be pulled up by the Connecting piece C,C, and will then work the sett of pumps belonging to it so that the engine will work one half of the pumps in its ascent and the other half in its descent. If the stroke of the Engine in the pumps be 7 feet, the Г bobbs need only be 12 feet radius to differ exceedingly little from a straight line in their motion - By an experiment we have tried lately. Lately with our 15 inch Cyl[inde]r the difference of consumption of fuel with the steam Case & without it is as 11 to 14, but is not quite so much in proportion in larger engines.
             I have had no answer about the Engine man from the Irish men, I must therefore defer saying any more untill I hear how they behave to Mr Boulton and untill they pay us what they owe - I wish T D may not disappoint Mr Wilkinsons expectations, as to Poldice agreement I can say nothing until Mr Boulton returns except that we owe the adventurers good will and thanks for the past and hope we shall be able to please them somehow - Please attend to what I wrote last post and furnish me with all the facts relative to the expense of erection you can. If able You have a double engine I think 20 inch barrels in[dis??] and 7 feet Stroke in pumps 8 in Cyl[inde]rs - I am glad to see that W[heal] V[irgin] is some What revived and Poldice so very Glorious. I wish you not to mention What I have said about Engines to any body but William untill we get the experiments made and be satisfied ourselves - With Compliments to Mrs Wilson and all friends I remain,
                                                 Dear Sir
                                                             Yours &c
                                                                       James Watt

our corn mill goes most Gloriously now grinds, and dresses 8 bushels an hour with less than I Cwt [hundredweight] Coals p[e]r hour, and a boiler 4 feet dia[mete]r supplies it with Steam in plenty, a bad joint of the under part of the upper nozle was the cause it did not do so well before, ie it made it use about 2ce [twice] the quantity of Steam, we expect to make it use still fewer Coals''

 

 

AD1583/1/13
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding parts for various engines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
17 Dec 1783

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt 17 Dec[embe]r 1785 [1783]''
Addressed to:   ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall,  via Bristol''

                                                                                               ''Birm[ingha]m Dec[embe]r 17th 1783
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                         Yours of the 7th and 10th came both to hand last post. The nozles for the small engine, and for Polgooth [mine, St Austell] were sent off Nov[embe]r 28th of which Mr Roberts advised you, which letter hope you have received, and this post I am informed from Pritchard & Barlow say they have also informed you that they are shipt on board the Falmouth, & sailed from Bristol ye 15th. The connecting rod rotative Wheels and Shaft for Chacewater Drawing Engine are nearly ready and shall be sent the next week. I am very glad to hear that Chacewater is likely to get better, our account of monthly costs is frightful.
              I cannot pretend to judge of the new plan until I know more about it, but have not much disposition to engage in new undertakings, though indeed I shall like this the better for its lessening our shares in the mines.
            Zack Walker arrived safe & well, but I have heard no account of Mr Boulton, since he left him.
            Mrs Watt joins in wishing Mrs Wilson a happy time and soon over, & I remain         D[ea]r Sir
                                                                                                                                               Yours &c
                                                                                                                                                          James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/14
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding proposition to invest in Wilson's copper company
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
10 Jan 1784

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt Jan[uar]y 10 1784''
Addressed to:   ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol''

                                                                                      ''Birmingham Jan[uar]y 10th 1784
Mr Wilson /
              Dear Sir
                          I have yours of ye 5th. Wheal Towan [mine, St Agnes] Cyl[inde]r is ordered to come with Poldice, and I shall immediately order one for crane. As to Scorier [Scorrier], if the savings had come to more than you agreed for we would have had no complaints. The bargain was also of your own seeking. However the Engine seems to be in Shamefull order and ought to be cured on all acc[oun]ts.
              Mr Mathews has wrote to me for information concerning the State of your concern and also What your stocks consisted in and many other particulars which I could not furnish him with, I therefore promised to write to you for an abstract of your account of Stocks, Debts &c, and you will also please to be perfectly explicit, on the nature of the agreement with Papps and any other incumbrances the Company is saddled with, Also what relates to the interest due on the Shares with any other particulars you judge necessary to give a clear notion of the present state of the business.
              Mr Wilkinson has been here and absolutely declines taking any part, from his aversion to great Companies and from his fears of some bad opposition in ye Copper trade which fears seems to have some foundation.
              As to us Mr B[oulton]. can by no means spare the money from his other concerns, and indeed would be much to blame were he to think of it. I proposed to have taken one share on my own account; but must be perfectly satisfied of the prudence of it. I am very willing to risk the money, but it may happen as it has done in other Copper companys that not only the capital may be lost but one may be brought into Debt. While the concern continues under your management, I do not fear that; but changes may happen in that point And you know now the affairs of Your own Company were managed before you took charge of them, and the same may happen again were you to give it up. The Great Drawback in your Company is that very few of the partners are men of business, and you see that for that reason Men of business refuse to engage with you.
              As I have yet no free money it is a serious consid[eratio]n with me how I engage myself in schemes I do not perfectly understand, I must therefore beg of you to state the matters as cleary as you can that I may see my way, and have a good look before I leap.
               I have not yet got the London matters settled and will be obliged to you to collect for us what you can and as soon as you can, as it will require a considrable sum still to bring about what I mentioned to you, and with out which I cannot have peace of mind nor call any thing my own. I shall be glad to hear from you in answer to all these matters soon and also whether you have thought of any body in place of Mr Wilkinson.
               I Expect in your next to hear news of Polgooth and also of the state of the mines in general - Have you done any thing about Pool yet and is there any hopes of that mine?
            We have had severe frosts here and a deep snow, which is now gone off but the frost still continues though milder.
            Mrs Watt joins in compliments to Mrs Wilson and I remain Dear Sir
                                    Yours &c James Watt
I have heard nothing of the crucibles yet. -''

 

 

AD1583/1/15
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding accident at Poldory mine, Gwennap and other matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
24 Jan 1784

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt Jan[uar]y 29 24 1784''
Addressed to:   ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol''

                                                                                                 ''Birm[ingha]m Jan[uar]y 24th 1784
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                         This day brought me yours of the 18th enclosing Bills value £967. 9 [shillings]. 5 [pence] - with the State of C[hace]water Co[mpany] on which I shall correspond or see Mr Mathews; I observe you have not said what the yearly proffits of the mines have been the late years, nor do you mention whether G P is to have 4/64 of the profits given him or whether he is to be allowed to purchase in so many shares at the then value of the stock, nor whether his annuity and shares is for life only, or payable to his heirs - The wafers also tore off what you said about the value of General St Legers & the other shares so that I cannot make it out. As to N[orth] Downs [mine, Redruth] we have not been wrote to, but our intention was to take a 32[n]d & Mr Wilkinson will take some part, but this you need not mention as from us, as Mr Boulton is not with me - We shall also do what we can to get adv[enture]rs but I fear it is a bad time, as money never was scarcer and these abominable funds will soon make it more so - I am exceedingly shocked at the account of the accident at Poldory and should have been Glad to have had some particulars they must certainly have had a very strong steam otherwise the people would have had time to escape please also to advise who the people were and how so many came to be about the boiler; Copper tubes must be entirely given up without men can be found more carefull in the management of them. If any of the families of the deceased or the surviving persons who were scalded are in distressed circumstances, I am sure that Mr B[oulton] will Join me in being pleased that you should give a small matter for their immediate relief as if of your own accord without mentioning our names, when I see him we shall advise further on that head mean while use your discretion, and say nothing about what you do to any body but ourselves - Mrs Watt joins in Compliments to Mrs Wilson & family & I remain
                                                                                                Dear Sir
                                                                                                             Your's &c
                                                                                                                        James Watt

The two small Engines are ordered and the small work of them going on Drawings for houses & boilers shall be sent next week -''

 

 

AD1583/1/16
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding purchasing Cornish copper
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
26 Jan 1784

Endorsed:         ''Mr Boulton 26 Jan[uar]y 1784''
Addressed to:   ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chase Water near, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol''

                                                                                                    ''Soho 26th Jan[uar]y 1784
Dear Sir
             Upon examining my Xmass Acc[oun]ts I am astonished to find that I have bought between 5 & 6 Hundred pounds worth of Copper this last Year of the Paris Mine Comp[an]y [Parys Mine, Amlwch, Anglesey, Wales] which is certainly a reproach either to me or to the Smelters of Cornish Ores. I am therefore desireous of doing all in my power to correct the Error & do hereby offer your Comp[an]y my custome upon certain conditions. The first & most material of all is that the Copper be fine be ductile be sound & free from flaws & in short that it be as good as that we buy of the Paris Mine Co[mpany] - and I must do them the justice to say it is the best I have ever used. - Upon interogating the Manager of my Plated Manufactory how he came to buy of ye P[aris]. M[ine]. Co[mpany]. when he knew I was so much interested in Cornwall. he answered because it was better & Cheaper than he could find else where & further that if we could be allowed 2 shilling a pound for Useing some kind of Copper which we had used to purchase We should be loosers by the bargin. The Copper I am speaking of is for plateing Silver upon it & must be refind as high as you can refine it & must be made as tough it must be cast Sound & then forged into bars 2 Inches Sq[ua]r[e] & of any length you please for we shall saw it into Short lengths say about 5 Inches long. I am sensible you cannot refine less than one furnace full at a time which I will take as a trial if you think it worth your while.
             I find Mr Wilkinson is deterd from takeing any shares in y[ou]r Co[mpany] In consequence of some conversation he hath lately had w[i]th Anglesey he says there will be some hard blows amongst the Copper Co[mpanie]s soon.
              I have lately wrote to Sr F Bassett [Sir Francis Basset] & sent him a printed Copy of the Birmingham Commercial Committee by which it appears that they intend to apply to parl[iamen]t to impede the Exportation of Tin & Copper or put a duty upon those Metals. In case they persevere our Cornish friends must exert every power to counteract them for you may be assured that Anglesey will rather promote than prevent the duty for if by such a measure the consumption of Copper should be reduced one half the Anglesy Co[mpany] in that case will have almost that half because they openly avow to undersell all other Co[mpanie]s 5£ a Ton in such markets as they are resolved to have but if we cannot fight them with weapons of Copper I think we may be a match for them with weapons of Tin in case the Tin Smelters were unanimouse & particularly if a Tin Bank was established in Cornwall I think you may force the Sale of Copper by Tin. - but more of that when I come to Cornwall in March.
I again say if you wish my Custome you must write to Holebrook directly to prepare some Copper for me. but where can you get it forged & for what price. You ought to have a forge & Rolling Mill in Wales - Williams is Rolling Thousands of Tons of Round Bolts for the Navy & is connected w[i]th Forbes. - I can make better Bolts.
I beg youl tell me p[e]r return of Post what I am to depend upon.
Present my best respects to Mrs Wilson wishing you both health & all other good things
                                     I am Dear Sir
                                                                          Yours faithfull friend
                                                                                    M Boulton

I use about £300 worth of Copper for plating
& about £200 worth of Shruff} p[e]r annum
but shall use much more

pray tell me the present price of Tin in Cornwall with the Charges of putting it on Board & delivering it in London - also tell me if it can be shiped at Falmouth for Haver de Gras [Le Havre, Normandie, France] as a friend of mine in France wants me to supply him. Mr Watt will write you about money''

 

 

AD1583/1/17
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding the copper market
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
27 Jan 1784

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt 27 Jan[uar]y 1784''
Addressed to:   ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol''

                                                                                               ''Birmingham Jan[uar]y 27th 1784
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                          On looking over the C[hace]water ballance I perceive the following articles which want explanation, 1st at what rate do you value the fine copper? 2[n]d of what nature is the inven[tor]y in Wales 3[r]d money advanced to the men, whether advanced in such way as to be certain value? or whether you do not run a risk of Losing some part of it? 4th Tin in ores, how valued Copper ores on hand, whether valued at prime cost or if any allowance taken off - It looks ill your having so large a Stock of fine copper, I should think that it is in part caused by your want of a Mill, and more by your want of some active partner in London - Lastly I do not understand what you said to me about the interest due on shares which I wish you would fully explain. The greatest Objection however is the extravagant rate at which the Anglesea [Anglesey] Comp[an]y are getting ores, which on any demurr in sales must over Stock the markets and infallibly lower the price of copper so much that nothing but loss can be got by it, which indeed makes me tremble for the business in general, but to do these Gentlemen justice they are indefatigable in seeking out forreign markets, which will throw the back water of sales on some of the forreign mines and probably stop some of them entirely - There were mines wrought in Swisserland [Switzerland] in the time of the war which are now stopt.
            I have talked with Mr Boulton about the sufferers at Poldory, and we give you authority to give them, from 5 to 10 guineas according to your discretion, and desire it may be given in small sums at a time to such as you think require it and as from yourself, unless some collection be made for them in which case you may give a moderate sum as from us so as not to be ostentatious.
            Mrs Watt joins in compliments to you and to Mrs Wilson and I remain &c
                                                                                                                       Dear Sir
                                                                                                                                    Yours &c
                                                                                                                                                 James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/18
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding Papps Mill
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
3 Feb 1784

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt Feb[ruar]y 3 1784''
Addressed to:   ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol''

                                                                                                 ''Birmingham Feb[ruar]y 3[r]d 1784
Mr Wilson /
           Dear Sir
                        I got home from London on Thursday. I intended to have written to you from thence in ans[we]r to yours of the 14th but was kept in such a hurry that I could not, I was at G Papps Mill which seems to have power enough but still wants much repairs - He himself is seemingly not long for this world, being quite emaciated and has lost his voice, has got swelled legs, and a miserable cough. As I have got a very bad cold in coming down in this horrible cold weather, I cannot write you any thing in answer to yours to night only thought it right to lett you know we are alive and that the small articles for Towan & Crane are in great forwardness.
            Mr B[oulton]. will come home on Wednesday & will soon set out for Cornwall, with compliments to Mrs Wilson & all friends I remain
                                                                                               Dear Sir
                                                                                                           Yours &c
                                                                                                                         James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/19
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding various matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
7 Feb 1784

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt Feb[ruar]y 7 1784''

Addressed to:   ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol''

                                                                                                ''Birmingham February 7th 1784
Mr Wilson /
           Dear Sir
                         Last post brought y[ou]rs of ye 29th covering Bills value £823. 8 [shillings]. 9 [pence]. and we are obliged to you for paying up Chacewater. I have not yet been able to pay proper attention to the articles for Crane [mine, Camborne] but shall in my next write my sentiments - In relation to the stamping of ores at 10/ [shillings] p[e]r 100 I know not if it will answer and think you had better decline any bargain on that point at present. They ought to give the price of Stamping & Carriage for all they cannot stamp with the stamps on ye mine - I shall however make some calculations & send you.
            As to the small Engine in the bottoms once you send me the particulars I shall send an answer as to the propriety; but if at all proper to be done I think the small Engine Comp[an]y should undertake it, and should have a price proportioned to the disadvantages, which will be considerable, and if the Engine be disused from that part of the mine not needing it we BW&Co should have a consideration for the Engine lying on hand.
             I observe in the acc[oun]ts that David Watson is charged only 4/ [shillings] p[e]r week to the mines which is 7/ [shillings] p[e]r week less then he is worth to us. I suppose it is a mistake for 14/ [shillings], which should rectifyed in time. Having a bad headache & nothing else particular to write, I remain
                                                           Dear Sir
                                                                       Yours &c
                                                                                     James Watt

I forgot to advise you before that Poldory eduction pipe was shipt on board the Furly Capt[ain] Pollard, Jan[uar]y 5th''

 

 

AD1583/1/20
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding various mines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
19 Feb 1784

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt 19 Feb[ruar]y 1784''
Addressed to:   ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol''

                                                                                                ''Birmingham Feb[ruar]y 19th 1784
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                         Yours of the 8th I could not answer sooner on acc[oun]t of a headache and of a meeting held here of the Albion Mill Company - The nozles for Poldory have been detained these 6 weeks by the frost on the canal & river, both which are still fast & likely to be so - Query if ye frost does not go before I get your answer, shall I send them by land, they are about 30 Cwts [hundredweight] besides the steam case, which latter is either at Bristol or froze up by the way - The Eduction pipe I advised in my last was sent by Capt[ain] Pollard - Your own things were detained for some time waiting for thaw and at last sent off by land about 3 weeks ago - Had previously determined to send no buckets for small engine condensers - I have finished drawings for all the small parts of Wheal Towan & crane and they are now in hand, the nozles cast and the cyl[inde]rs to be shipt with Poldice -
             In relation to the stream works, It appears to me that as you have water it is needless to think of an Engine. I think the scheme very practicable and the method W[illia]m [Murdock] has thought of a very proper one, but I am in some doubts whether the company could get any thing by undertaking it, particularly as it lies so so far from inspection, and would necessarily take up too much of Williams attention & thereby might occasion complaints at the great Mines, and in relation to small engines in general untill we can get into some regular course of manufacturing them we would rather wish to delay them unless where they are to serve some very good end, as at present they cost us here much more trouble than large ones, and also tend to distract our attention from more important business. At the same time we are taking proper steps to get them put in train.
             As Mr Boulton will be with you about the begginning of April I think you had better put the matter off till then when you send me the proper data for the underground Engine at Wheal Maid, I will sett about it, at present It seems to me that a 16 inch single engine with 4 feet Stroke will do the business & the Engine may be made so as to become a double one in case of need.
             Every body here is much alarmed at the State of the nation which seems to be endangered by the present political Struggles, which seem to be whether we shall be governed by a King and parliament as we used to be or by a dictator of self assumed authority & a few other scoundrels - Have you sent an address from Cornwall - You should send one from the Mine adventurers!
             Mrs Watt joines in comp[limen]ts to you & Mrs Wilson and I remain           Dear Sir
                                                                                                                                    Yours &c
                                                                                                                                                 James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/21
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding engine at Wheal Towan, St Agnes
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
6 Mar 1784

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt Mar[ch] 6 1784''
Addressed to:   ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall''

                                                                                                ''Birm[ingha]m Mar[ch] 6th 1784
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                         Yours of the 28th received, I am no friend to underground engines, however as you have engaged it is needless to say any thing about it, let the result speak for itself.  I should not have bound myself to put in another engine at Towan if the one now made should not answer, because in that case I fear the water cannot be drawn for the money, and because in a case of that kind Where they were to reap an advantage as well as us we should be bound no farther than our own interest led us, therefore it should only have been to take away the defective engine and leave both parties to a new bargain.
             I am very sorry to hear of the falling off of the mines; but hope those that are alive may recover in time to prevent the sentence - In relation to the poor woman who had her husband scalded, I think you may give her two guineas more on some proper occasion when you think it may be of most service to her, or perhaps it may be most prudent to say you lend it her, untill she be in better circumstances but take no document from her, however do as you will, only let such things not be construed into precedent - I go to London on wednesday next, and at present write in haste.
             I remain Dear Sir
                                     Your's &c
                                                James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/22
Letter,
Buchanan to Wilson regarding engine parts dispatched for Poldory mine, Gwennap
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
20 Mar 1784

Endorsed:        ''Jno [John] Buchanan Mar[ch] 20 1784''
Addressed to:   ''Mr Thomas Wilson, at Chasewater, near Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol''

Mr Thomas Wilson
            Sir
                        We sent off p[e]r Canal from Birmingham the first Curr[en]t, All the Goods we had for Poldory vizt -

             No.      1 -        Cross pipe.
                        2          Upper  Nozle.
                        3          Middle d[itt]o.
                        4          Lower d[itt]o.
                        5          Box -   4 Copper Valves.
                        6          d[itt]o  Cylindrical Valve & Bason.
                        7          d[itt]o  Uprights, Glands & Bonnets.
                        8          d[itt]o  Racks & Sectors.
                        9          d[itt]o  3 Spindles.
                       10         d[itt]o  Barom[ete]r Steam Gage, & a parcel for Ed[ward] Bull.

Weight of the Whole 23c [hundredweight]. 0q[uarter]. 20lb [pound], and the value about £59 - including the castings -
            If you want to make Insurance, you will please to give directions about it to Messrs Prichard & Barlow who we have desired to inform you the Moment the Goods are Shipt. - There was sent off for you the 17th Ult[im]o to Care of Messrs Prichard & Barlow 3 Boxes - One of which Contained a Cylindrical Valve & Bason for Polgooth, Value £4. 4 [shillings]. 6 [pence] and the other 2 Contained the Goods you Bought when at Soho. We hope they are Safe arrived before this, or that you have heard of their being Shipt.
                                                                                                 We are Sir
                                                                                                             your most Ob[edien]t Serv[an]ts
                                                                                                                        For Boulton & Watt
                                                                                                                                    John  Buchanan
Soho near Birming[ha]m
20 March 1784 -''

 

 

AD1583/1/23
Letter,
Pearson to Wilson regarding accounts for various mines
Item
1 large folio
Manuscript
27 Mar 1784

Endorsed:         ''Mr Pearson 27 March 1784''
Addressed to:   ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Chasewater near Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol.''

                                                                                                               ''Soho Near Birmingham
                                                                                                                             27th March 1784
Mr. Thomas Wilson.
                   Sir
                         Annexed have sent you sundry Accounts which you have not had before. - In the State of Accounts mentioned in January Acc[oun]t you call United Mines [Gwennap] Piston Rod £21 - 5 [shillings] - 8 [pence], the Invoice you had of said Rod is £21 - 15 [shillings] - 8 [pence]. - In the above mentioned Monthly Account for January you only allow 4/- [shillings] p[e]r Week for David Watson at sundry Engines - This needs very much to be explain'd; perhaps you meant to have made it 14/- [shillings] p[e]r week. - Have not yet heard of February Account. -                                           I am     Sir
                                                                                    Your most Ob[edien]t Ser[van]t
                                                                                    For Boulton & Watt
                                                                                    James Pearson

Pool Adventurers D[ebto]r                                                                              To Boulton & Watt
1783
Dec[embe]r       To Freight of Piston Rod from Seaton to Liverpool in Oct[obe]r 1780            £ - . 8 [shillings]. 7 [pence]

Dolcoath Adventurers D[ebto]r                                                                        To Boulton & Watt
1783
Dec[embe]r 20   To a Piston Rod   7 [hundredweight]. 2 [quarter]. 7 [pounds] a[t] 8d [pence]     £ 28. 4 [shillings]. 8 [pence]
                         [ditto] Iron bound Case                                                          - . 10 [shillings]. -
                         [ditto] Insurance to Liverpool on £29   a[t] 1 p[e]r Ct [hundredweight]     - .  5 [shillings]. 10 [pence]
                                                                                                            [total]                £29. - . 6 [pence]

Polgooth Adven[ture]rs D[ebto]r                                                            To Boulton & Watt
1783
Dec[embe]r 23   To 1 Brass Cylindrical Valve & Bason 58lb [pound]           a[t] 15d [pence]  £3. 12 [shillings]. 6 [pence]
                 [ditto] Iron Work for d[itt]o 20lb [pound]                             a[t] 6d [pence]            - .10 [shillings]. -
                                                                                                                        Box         - .  2 [shillings]. -
                                                                                                                        [total]     £4.  4 [shillings]. 6 [pence]

Mr. Thomas Wilson D[ebto]r                                                                 To Boulton & Watt
1783
Dec[embe]r 12   To a Spectacle Case                                                                             £ - . 5 [shillings]. –

Poldory Adven[ture]rs D[ebto]r                                                                        To Boulton & Watt
1784
Feb[ruar]y 28   To Iron Work for Nozle       0 [hundredweight]. 3 [quarter]. 8 [pounds] a[t] 6d [pence]    £2. 6 [shillings]. -
             [ditto] 3 Brass Valve Seats, ground & fitted               0. 0. 24. a[t] 15d [pence]                    [£]1. 10 [shillings]. -
             [ditto] 4 Copper Valves with Steel Spindles               0. 1. 27. a[t] d[itt]o                             [£]3. 8 [shillings]. 9 [pence]
             [ditto] Cylindrical Brass Valve & Bason                     0. 1. 18. a[t] d[itt]o                             [£]2. 17 [shillings]. 6 [pence]
             [ditto] Iron Work for d[itt]o                                        0. 0. 21. a[t] 8d [pence]                      [£] - .14 [shillings]. -
             [ditto] 3 Steel Spindles for Sectors                           0. 2. 2. a[t] 12d [pence]                      [£]2. 18 [shillings]. –
             [ditto] 6 Racks & 6 Sectors forged & Case hardened 0. 3. 5. a[t] 12d [pence]                      [£]4.  9 [shillings]. -
             [ditto] 6 Steel Collars for ends of Spindles                0. 0. 16. a[t] 12d [pence]                    [£] - . 16 [shillings]. -
             [ditto] 3 Guides 3 Caps for d[itt]o d[itt]o                   0. 1. 21. a[t] 18 [shillings]/8 [pence]     [£] - . 8. [shillings]. 2 [pence]
             [ditto] 10 Large Pins for Bridges & Guides               0. 0. 20. a[t] 6d [pence]                       [£] - . 10 [shillings]. -
             [ditto] 12 Small d[itt]o for Caps                                            a[t] 3d [pence]                       [£] - . 3 [shillings]. -
             [ditto] Steady Pins                                                 0. 0. 6. a[t] 6d [pence]                        [£] - . 3 [shillings]. -
             [ditto] Fitting Nozle with 2 Seats Valves, Racks, Sectors &c                                              [£]15. - . -
             [ditto] Part of expense of Patterns for Nozle Guides &c                                                     [£] 2. 2 [shillings]. -
             [ditto] Carriage of patterns to Foundry & Carr[iage] of Nozle from Foundry                           [£]15. - . 
             [ditto] d[itt]o of Nozle &c to Birmingham & Exp[ense]s at unloading                                   [£] - . 7 [shillings]. 6 [pence]
             [ditto] Barometer & Pipes 28/- [shillings] Steam Gauge 10 [shillings] /6 [pence]                  [£]1. 18 [shillings]. 6 [pence]
             [ditto] 6 Boxes for Gearing &c & plugs for packing Nozle                                                   [£] - . 17 [shillings]. -
             [ditto] 3 pins to keep in packing in Nozle                                                                          [£] - . 1 [shilling]. 6 [pence]
                                                                                       [Grand total]                                         £ 41. 4 [shillings]. 11 [pence]

                                                                       Ent[ere]d''

 

 

AD1583/1/24
Table of accounts for engine parts for Crane, Camborne, and Wheal Towan,
St Agnes
Item
1 sheet
Manuscript
1784

Endorsed:            “Boulton & Watts Acc[oun]t for Mr Wilkinsons Bill for Crane & Wh[eal] Towan Engines 1784''

[includes accounts for various parts purchased of Boulton & Watt for June 22nd 1783, total £78 10 shillings and 3 pence, and for October 29th 1783, total £64 13 shillings and 5¼ pence]

 

 

AD1583/1/25
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding various matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
8 Apr 1784

Endorsed:          ''Mr Watt Ap[ri]l 8 1784''
Addressed to:     “Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol''

                                                                                                            ''Birm[ingha]m Ap[ri]l 8th 1784
Mr Wilson /
             Dear Sir
                         I received yours of the 3[r]d to day, covering your draft for £500, which shall be put to audit when we receive the accounts - Mr B[oulton]. is now at London but will soon return here & set out for Cornwall, but how soon I cannot say not having heard from him since he left home - In relation to the Engines on North Downs I would scarcely venture to put them up in the double way untill you see how Crane and Towan works.
            I shall send you a list of what Iron work is doing here for these last on Tuesday next, being much indisposed with a Headache to day - I am pushing there work on as hard as I can.
            I am sorry to hear such bad accounts of the mines, but hope they will mend in time before the dead warrant comes out against them.
            I hope you are now recovered from the pain in your back, such complaints have been com[mo]n here lately - I remain
                                                                                                              Dear Sir
                                                                                                                         Yours &c
                                                                                                                                   James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/26
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding James Watt's imminent visit to Shropshire
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
17 Apr 1784

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt Ap[ri]l 17 1784''
Addressed to:    ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol''

                                                                                                                      ''April 17th 1784
Dear Sir
             I have yours of the 12th, I write this only to advise that as I set out for Shropshire tomorrow and will be absent there and at Bersham [Denbighshire, Wales] about a week you need not expect to hear from me in that time.
            Mr B[oulton]. goes with me but returns on wednesday. When moneys become due we shall be obliged to you to Collect again, as the late pay[men]ts have put us behind with Mr Mathews, wh[ic]h is disagreeable.
                                                           With Compl[imen]ts to Mrs Wilson & all friends
                                                                        I remain
                                                                                     Dear Sir
                                                                                                  Yours
                                                                                                             James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/27
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding various mines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
29 Apr 1784
Endorsed:          ''Mr Watt Ap[ri]l 29 1784'', also ''Ja[me]s Tates Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Miss Wilson's hopes they had a pleasant Journey''
Addressed to:     ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol''

                                                                                                             ''Birm[ingha]m Ap[ri]l 29th 1784
Mr Wilson /
             Dear Sir
                        I returned from Wales on Monday & am favoured with yours of the 19th & 24th the latter inclosing Bills value £781. 5 [shillings]. 1 [penny]. - when at Bersham [John Wilkinson's ironworks near Wrexham, Denbighshire, Wales] saw the goods going off for poldice &c among other things a new condenser they said you had ordered I know not for what mine - I was vext to find that they had bored the Cylind[e]r for Crane ¼ inch less dia[mete]r than ordered which there was no time to remedy by making another. If as you hinted in a former letter you think there is any risque of the engine being overpowered I shall order another to be cast & sent off immediately p[e]r Severn and the one now sent may ly over for some of these others who want Engines.
             In relation to the cross bobs, I have thought of several methods that will any of them do but in my opinion none of them so well or so durable as these bobs, and at any rate we have already made all the Cast Iron work and brakes for these two Engines, and as we have made a model of this motion & put it to very severe trials without perceiving any material defect, I am Clear for carrying them into execution in this case & in the next that is done W[illia]m [Murdock] shall have liberty to try any other sort he prefers, mean while I shall be glad to see his drawing and shall then give my opinion of it - I observe what you say relating to Poldice & Wheal Virgin, pray have we ever had any dividend of Tin from the former? - I am glad to hear such acc[ount]s of Polgooth, but fear you must get another Captain there, inconsiderate men should not be trusted with such weighty business - We have got several orders for small rotative engines, and are going on with the Blackfryers corn mill [Albion Mill at Blackfriars in London, opened 1786 and destroyed by fire in 1791]; but have got an opposition to our charter from the whole body of Millers & Mealmen about London.
                                                                  I remain
                                                                        Dear Sir
                                                                                      Yours &c
                                                                                                 James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/28
Letter,
Buchanan to Wilson regarding dispatch of nozzles for engine of Poldice mine, Gwennap
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
1 May 1784

Endorsed:         ''Jno [John] Buchanan May 1 1784''
Addressed to:    Thomas Wilson, at Chase Water, near Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol''

''Mr Thomas Wilson
            Sir
                      On the 24th Ult[im]o there was sent off p[e]r Waggon for Bristol, to care of Messrs Prichard & Barlow, a Compleat set of Nozles for Poldice Engine, all marked P...e & numbered as follows -
            No1 @ 4           4 Nozles of Cast Iron
                5 @ 9 -         5 Boxes, Containing the Gearing &c for the nozles the Barometer, Steam Gage &c
                                    Weight of the Whole                                          31c [hundredweight]. 1qu[arter]. 22lb [pound]
                                    Value of the Whole, about                                  £74. -

I wrote to Messrs Prichard & Barlow to desire these Goods might be Shipt p[er] very first Vessel for Portreath or Hayle and that they would advise you the moment they were sent off, - I hope they will arrive Safe, and in good time. The Piston Rod was Shipt some weeks ago for Chepstow [Monmouthshire]. I have desired Mr Baldwyn there to send it also off immediately for Portreath, Hayle, or Falmouth and to advise you when it is Shipt - I hope you you will soon hear of it.
             You will please to take notice that David Watson's Wages advanced (p[er] Agreement with Messrs B&W) on the 1st Ult[im]o Say 1st Ap[ri]l 1784 to 13/- (Thirteen Shillings) p[er] Week at which rate he is to be paid till the 1st of next Ap[ri]l 1785 at which time it advances to 14/- [shillings] p[er] week. Mr Boulton desires me to inform you that he expects every day the Arrival of a Gentleman from London on particular business. When this Gentleman has been here & settled the Affairs he comes about, Mr Boulton will then as Soon as possible set out on his Journey to Cornwall.
                                                I am       Respectfully
                                                                         Sir
                                                                                    Your Most Obed[ient] Serv[an]t
                                                                                                 John Buchanan
Soho near Birming[ha]m
1 May 1784 -''

 

 

AD1583/1/29
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding engine parts for Wheal Towan and Crane mines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
18 May 1784

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt May 18 1784''
Addressed to:    ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall''

                                                                                                 ''Birmingham May 18th 1784
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                           To day I received the following Invoices from Bersham with advice of theirs being shipt the 15th in the Success. Thomas Tupper Master for Truro.

[here is given a list of engine parts, with weights, for Wheal Towan, St Agnes, and Crane mine, Camborne]

The Iron work making for these engines here is as follows -
The 2 Cross barrs & steel brasses for the main rod at the outer end of ye beams.
D[itt]o for the Г bobbs. 4 in number.
The Cross barr on which the angling pieces turn at the top of Crane piston Rod, (the Barr & Brasses only without either the anglers or the upright additions to the rod) -
The Piston Rods may be made with you, as waiting till they are made here would detain the goods, & I also propose that the working gear should be made in cornwall, Drawings for which shall be sent you.
            I had a letter from Mr Williams for a small Cyl[inde]r for Tresavean [mine, Gwennap] - I have referred him till the success of there undertaken be known, & have desired him to apply to you as if we once begin to erect these small engines for others we shall never afterwards have it in our power to get a proper bargain - I have also a new plan for simplyfying small single Engines which I wish to try first.
            I have Crane agreement before me to which I see no objection it may therefore be executed when you please.
            Mr B[oulton]. still continues at London, I expect him down this week, but believe the [Albion] Mill Comp[an]y will not get their Charter.
            I have been much tormented with Headaches lately, which with several things harrying me has prevented me writing so often as I should otherwise have done.
            I hear a report that Polgooth shares sell very high Whats the reason or What is the fact -
                    With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson          I Remain
                                                                                                Dear Sir
                                                                                                               Your Obed[ien]t serv[an]t
                                                                                                                          James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/30
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding Polgooth mine, St Austell, and North Downs mine, Redruth
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
20 May 1784

Endorsed:          ''Mr Watt May 20 1786 [1784]''
Addressed to:     ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol''

                                                                                                            ''Birm[ingha]m May 20th 1784
Mr Wilson /
           Dear Sir
                          I have yours of ye 15th, and am more sorry to hear what you tell me of W[illiam]. M[urdock]. than I am glad to hear of the prospect at Polgooth. I am sorry I wrote any thing to you on the subject of the carriages but I mentioned only a small part of the arguments which have hitherto deterred me from meddling with them, any thing we can do in reason to bring his mind to a proper biass you may readily suppose we will do.
            If Kestal addit Engine [Wheal Friendship, St Hilary] is bought for N[orth]. Downs I fancy it must have a new condenser & perhaps nozles but W[illiam] M[urdock] is a better judge of its wants than I can be, at this distance of time and place.
            I am very much indisposed to day which prevents me from writing more, than that Mr B[oulton] will come here to morrow & shall be dispatched with all expedition.
                                               I remain
                                                              Dear Sir
                                                                         Most Sincerely
                                                                                    Your's
                                                                                                James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/31
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding investment in Cornish mine
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
29 May 1784

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt May 29 1784''

Addressed to:    ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol''

                                                                                                 ''Birmingham May 29th 1784
Mr Wilson /
              Dear Sir
                         I have yours of the 24th but cannot give an answer to it till I see Mr Boulton which I could not do to day as it has rained incessantly, and I am not very well - If a proper sett of adventurers are got we shall join them for some share, though scarcely so much as Captain M. puts down for us, as to Mr Wilkinson I can say nothing as he is not in this neighbourhood at present, In my opinion the whole depends on the Advent[ure]rs you can find & partly on your Continuing in the management. I should have much objection to the locking up any considerable sum of money in a mine where one could not dispose of their share readily, and which is more liable to be affected by the prices of ores than other mines, on account of the poorness of the ores you have.
            In regard to the savings we shall be moderate as we can, as we should not like to lett our oldest Customer perish but I think we shall not come lower than you have mentioned. I shall see Mr B[oulton]. & write to you on tuesday, but perhaps not very fully as he has fixed saturday next for his setting out for Cornwall - which being to be so soon I think it would be wrong to take any decided step untill he arrives with you - In the mean time I would not have you to say much to the Captain & by all means don't discourage him - With Compl[imen]ts to all friends
                                                 Dear Sir
                                                             Your's
                                                                        James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/32
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding investment in Cornish mine
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
1 Jun 1784

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt June 1 1784''
Addressed to:    ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall''

                                                                                                         ''Birm[ingha]m June 1st 1784
Mr Wilson /
             Dear Sir
                        I have had a short conversation with Mr Boulton, on the subject of my last, & he should have met me here to have some farther talks on it but has not Come - As he is so soon to be in Cornwall we thought it best to delay any definitive resolution till he goes thither. What past was that provided a proper set of adventurers could be got & the matter put under management we approved of that we should take a share (about 1/8) we have at present no objection to C M continuing Captain, but we think there is to any Captains being sole manager. Therefore our engaging without we see proper advent[ure]rs in the County enter along with us cannot be depended on. On the whole it will be best to say only that if a proper set is made up we will take a part - I write to Mr Wilkinson to night, but I fear he will do nothing, as the Comp[an]ys giving up the mine looks ill.
            I shall be glad to learn if you have spoke to any of the merchants and to whom, - I have no news, but remain
                                     Dear Sir                                    Yours &c
                                                                                                James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/33
Letter,
Pearson to Wilson regarding accounts for United Mines and Poldory, Gwennap
Item
1 large folio
Manuscript
3 Jul 1784

Endorsed:         ''Tho[ma]s Pearson with sundry Acc[oun]ts July 3 1784''
Addressed to:    Mr. Thomas Wilson, Chasewater near Truro, Cornwall. Via Bristol''

                                                                                                ''Soho near Birmingham
                                                                                                            3 July 1784
Mr. Thomas Wilson.
           Sir
            Annexed have sent two accounts, with which be pleased to do the needful; and you will thereby oblige.
                                                                                                                          Sir
                                                                                                                                    Your most Obed[ien]t Ser[van]t
                                                                                                                                    For Boulton & Watt
                                                                                                                                    James Pearson''

[the next page contains table of accounts for monies owed to Boulton & Watt for various parts for the Poldory engine, owed by the United Mines Adventurers, and for various items purchased by the Poldice Adventurers]

 

 

AD1583/1/34
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding proposals for a Coal Tax
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
11 Jul 1784

Endorsed:          ''Mr Watt July 11 1784''
Addressed to:     ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol''

''Mr Wilson.                                                                                          Birmingham July 11th 1784

            Dear Sir
                         To day brought yours with the monthly acc[oun]t which have not yet had time to examine.
             Mrs Watt joins in Congratulations on the increase of your family, & we hope his share of fortune will attend him Our Compliments to Mrs Wilson with best wishes for her recovery.
              I am glad to hear that Mr B[oulton]. has got up his spirits we were very uneasy about him from the account he gave of himself in his letters. I should have sent the drawings for the working gear for Crane & Towan but have been taken up all this week attending meetings about the Coal Tax & Southern is from home.
              Anthony Mitchel was here yesterday and gave me Four Guineas which he desired might be paid to his Brother Dick Mitchel, which please to do on receipt of this - The Coal Tax would have proved ruinsome to us & to the manufacturers of this country but I hear that it is laid aside & wisely other wise it would have bred rebellion.
                                I remain          Dear Sir          Yours &c
                                                                                        James Watt

The Coffee came safe & is very good''

 

 

AD1583/1/35
Letter,
Pearson to Wilson regarding accounts for various mines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
22 Jul 1784

Endorsed:          ''Tho[ma]s Pearson with Sundry Acc[oun]ts July 22 1784''
Addressed to:     ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chasewater near Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol''

''Poldice Adventurers                                                                                                      To Boulton & Watt
For Freight of a Piston Rod to Liverpool & Charges there in 1783                            £ - . 13 [shillings]. 11 [pence]

Poldory Adventurers                                                                                                      To Boulton & Watt
For Freight of a Piston Rod to Liverpool & Charges their in 1783                             £ - . 10 [shillings]. 9 [pence]

Consolidated Mines Adv[enture]rs                                                                                   To Boulton & Watt
For Freight of a Piston Rod to Liverpool & Charges there in 1783                            £ - . 10 [shillings]. 9 [pence]

Dolcoath Adventurers                                                                                                     To Boulton & Watt
For Freight of a Piston Rod to Liverpool & Charges there in January 1784                £ - . 11 [shillings]. 10 [pence]

Mr. Thomas Wilson.                                                                                  Soho near Birmingham 22[n]d July 1784
             Sir
                         Above have sent Account Freight to Liverpool & Charges there of sundry Piston Rods, with which beg you will do the needful. Two Accounts were sent you the 3[r]d instant, which hope reached your hands.          We are Sir
                                                                                                                                  Your most humble ser[van]ts
                                                                                                                                   For Boulton & Watt
                                                                                                                                   James Pearson''

 

 

AD1583/1/36
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding Boulton's activities in Cornwall
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
24 Jul 1784

Endorsed:         ''Mr Boulton 24th July 1784''
Addressed to:    ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson [of] Chase
s [the alchemical symbol for water], at Mr James Watts, near Birmingham, Via Bristol''

''Mr Wilson /                                                                                                    Cosgarn 24th July - 1784

Dear Sir
                         I rec[ei]vd by this morning post your two Letters from Bath & London with a Copy of old Machaevals letter which I have shown to Mrs. Wilson & both took ye advice you gave us. I have the pleasure to tell you that she is perfectly well & so are all your children. Miss Wilson is well but I found Mrs. Wilson Son² sitting upon 2 soft pillows complaining a little.
             I met of Foxes & Phillips at N[orth]: Down[s] acc[oun]t & had same some conversation respecting W[hea]l Busy [mine, Kenwyn] when they all seemd as I thought, very desireous of the Connection, but desired to further consider it for a few days: however I did not get any answer till this morn[in]g when Tommy Lug[g] came with a Message from G: Fox declineing to take so large a part as ¼ I find they are not all of the same opinion. When ever you talk to old Phillips upon any such like business pray dont do it before Catherine who is quite averse to the old man takeing upon him any of the cares of the things in this world.
Mrs. Wilson hath rec[ei]vd this morn[in]g a letter for you & one from Mr Wilkinson confirming a former one & says he will take 5/16 of the W[hea]l Busy mine & if B&W take ¼ there will be no difficulty of finding friends & Merchants that w[oul]d take the other shares.
We now draw 200 Kibbles p[e]r day & I hope by by ye time you return to draw 300 D[itt]o p[e]r day or more by the addition of 2 spare Kibbles to fill whilst ye other 2 are drawing. Pray desire Mr Watt to give you a drawing of the best & most convenient kind of Kibble Latch or Catch that will be readily opend & safely shut such as they use at Newcastle as I find they can fill them in the drift & are now makeing room in it for that purpose. W[hea]l Virgin is doing well they have a good Vein of Ore at the end of ye Syphon & W[hea]l Maid [mine, Gwennap] gains ground of the W[h]im although it draws 200 p[e]r day. I have had Capt[ai]n Martin & Mr Laynam at Cosgarn [Cusgarne] who asked, with affliction in their Countinance, for something towards the Loss of June which was upw[ar]ds of 700£ they thought they must now Stop as many of ye adv[enture]rs could not sustain such losses. I to encourage their going on offerd to give them ye next 2 Mo[nths] but declined giveing anything for the past - I cannot help wishing that ye small Engine for N[orth] Downs may be a double one from the beginning otherwise no man knows when any other opportunity may occur for the Erection of one of our double Engines with improv'd pit work. I think that & a verdict will be a death stroke to ye Hornblowers - The Nossels for Crane &c are not arived pray enquire after them & expedite them if possable. I have seen little of W[illia]m [Murdock] he is either at Cambron [Camborne] or Redruth or Polgooth, where is gone to day.
I wish you would bring my daughter & Miss Wyns with you (unless they wish not to come). You may either take the whole of ye light Coach or a Chaise. The opportunity is so favourable that I cannot resist the temptation of your Guardianship.
Wishing you & your Charge a pleasant & prosperous Journey. I remain
                                                                         Dear Sir
                                                                                        Your faithfull friend
                                                                                                   M: Boulton''

 

 

AD1583/1/37
Letter,
Buchanan to Wilson regarding Taylor and Landor's wages
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
21 Aug 1784

Endorsed:         ''Jno [John] Buchanan Aug[us]t 21 1784''
Addressed to:    ''Mr Thomas Wilson, at Chasewater, near Truro, Cornwall, P[e]r favour of Messrs Landor & Taylor}''

''Mr Thomas Wilson
           Sir
                       This will be delivered to you by George Taylor and John Landor, who come to assist at some of your Engines and who I hope will arrive safe, and be in time for you. Taylor's Wages is 15/- [shillings] p[er] Week to the 1st of March next and 16/- [shillings] p[er] week for the 3 following years. -
Landor's Wages is 15/- [shillings] p[er] week for 3 years, besides which Messrs Boulton & Watt have agreed to pay house rent for his Wife here, which will be nearly 1/- [shilling] p[er] week more; - You will therefore please to Charge such wages for them as shall indemnify Messrs B&W for this and also for their travelling Expences down, and back - Coach hire being now much dearer than when they went down formerly, say 5/- [shillings] ea[ch] from here to Bristol, and the rest of the road in proportion, Query if you should not allow them a trifle more than usual? this you will please to settle with Mr Boulton -
I hope the goods for W[hea]l Towan & Crane are arrived safe long e're now, and found right. I am Sir
                                                                                                               Your Most Obed[ian]t Serv[an]t
                                                                                                               John Buchanan
Soho near Birming[ha]m
21 Aug[us]t 1784 -''

 

 

AD1583/1/38
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding Lawson's wages
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
26 Aug 1784

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt Aug[us]t 26 1784''
Addressed to:    ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol''

''Mr Wilson.                                                                                Birm[ingha]m  Aug[us]t 26th 1784
           Dear Sir
                          I received yours of the 19th with bills enclosed value £529 - - 2 [pence?] which are placed to your credit. I could not write last post having a headache & obliged to do some other business. I send inclosed J. Lawsons account here which is none of the best, what remains you must make out with you, and as to ballance owing us if any there be Consult Mr Boulton. His wages were the first year 7/ [shillings] p[e]r week, ye 2[n]d y[ea]r 8/ p[e]r week, the 3[r]d y[ea]r 9/ [shillings], the 4th y[ea]r 10/ [shillings] & the 5th year 11/ [shillings] p[e]r week, which is the end of his agreement. As to what he has done for us since you must settle it with him & Mr B[oulton].
                          I thought to have sent you Crane & Towan account of Materials to night but it has not come in, shall send it on Saturday - I shall observe your hint relative to W[illiam]. M[urdock]. - Mrs Watt joins in best wishes to Mrs Wilson & family & I remain  D[ea]r Sir
                                                            Yours sincerely
                                                                       James Watt

Am very sorry to hear that C[hace] Water concern is like to be over set after all, what cant be helpt must be born with -''

 

 

AD1583/1/39
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding various mines
Item
1 small sheet
Manuscript
31 Aug 1784

Endorsed:          ''Mr Watt Aug[us]t 31 1784''

                                                                                                              ''Aug[us]t 31st 1784
Mr Wilson

            Dear Sir

                        I received yours inclosing 4 bills value £634. 9 [shillings]. 1 [penny] which shall be placed to your credit, I am Glad that you have made up your difference with J W[illia]ms and also that you have made up the Chacewater adventurers, which I am certain must have caused you much trouble and uneasiness & I hope will reward you for it.
            I send with this Towan & Crane accounts for nozles which please place to our credit. The sooner you can get these Engines finished the better for it is impossible to do any thing at N[orth]. Downs with certainty untill these are tried. Mr Watt joins in comp[limen]ts to you & Mrs Wilson & I remain
                                                                       Dear Sir            yours &c
                                                                                                             James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/40
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding suspected French spy
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
20 Nov 1784

Endorsed:          ''Mr Boulton Nov 20 1784''
Addressed to:     “Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chase Water, near Truro, Cornwall''

                                                            ''Gloster [Gloucester] Saturday n[igh]t ye 20 Nov[embe]r [17]84
Dear Sir
             We are got so far on our journey well & without accident after spending almost one day at Exeter & 1 Day at Bath. I saw Mr Gullett at Exeter who had 2 French men with him & whom he said intended seting out in a day or two to Cornwall but as I am persuaded one of them is a spy I must beg you send a Note to Crane Engine desireing they will not admitt any french men & the same to the Whim Engine. I also wish you w[oul]d desire Mr Rasp not to take any French to Crane. as to ye other Engines there is no preventing 'em from seeing but these cautions should be sent ye day you recieve this letter or will be too late.
              Rivers said he could sell the Gray Mare & therefore if not sold let him try or perhaps his old Master ye Miller w[oul]d take her. I left a Gold Shirt pin Sticking at my beds head Cosgarn I wish you w[oul]d order it to be taken care of.
              I shall be happy to hear that you are all in better health & particulary Mrs. Hicks present & accept my best thanks for all your kindness & believe me            Yours sincerly            M: Boulton

[marginal] Turn over

dont forgett when you go to Cambron to enquire after & to see Vivians house & furniture I wish I had a few stones W[hea]l Bussy [Wheal Busy] ore that is about 1/3 or less Tin & 2/3 Copper. I want to try to smelt both together for a particular purpose''

 

 

AD1583/1/41
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding Chacewater mine, Kenwyn, and Crane mine, Camborne
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
23 Nov 1784

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt Nov[ember] 23 1784''
Addressed to:    ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol''
           ''Mr Wilson                                                        Birm[ingha]m Nov[embe]r 23[r]d 1784
Dear Sir
              I am favoured with yours of the 18th inclosing Dr[a]ft value £1200 - which shall be placed to credit - Mr Boulton arrived with family, well on Sunday night but I have not yet had time to hear all the news, some things he mentioned were very agreable, but I was very sorry to learn the disappointment relative to the produce of our Ores at Chacewater, I hope however that matters will mend there.
           I shall consider the proposition you make relative to Wheal Mount [mine, Perranzabuloe] adventurers & write you, the experience you have now had of Crane will inform you better as to the propriety of the bargain than any thing I can say - as to the burning of Crane I can say nothing as not being on the spot, I cannot make an engine on any Construction which should use less steam, the fault must therefore lye in the coals or in the boiler or some mismanagement of the Engine, by the engine man, all which should be examined into.
             With best wishes to you & Mrs Wilson, Mrs Murdock & other friends, I remain, Dear Sir
                                                                                                 Yours Sincerely
                                                                                                            James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/42
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding various matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
16 Dec 1784

Addressed to:     ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chase Water near, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol''

                                                                                                ''Soho Decem[be]r 16th 1784
Dear Sir
              I am fav[oure]d with yours of ye 4th In[stan]t but have not had a moments leasure since my return to look over the Acc[oun]t for I have had my house constantly full & more visiting since I came home than ever I experienced. Mr Wilkinson hath been with me a few days. I read him that part of your letter relating to Chasewater Castings - the 15£ for Assay office is right. I hope George hath not returnd ye Gray mare as she will be a dead weight. I wish you w[oul]d send me the 2 Rec[eip]ts for ye Horse Tax as I believe I shall buy 2 new Horses & they will save me a further Tax.
Your letter of ye 11th In[stan]t to B&W is before me from which it appears that ye order for ½ of W[hea]l Virgin Castings hath been neglected to be sent I can only say that it was wrote out & the drawings made & Mr Lawson undertook to deliver the same to Mr Daniel. I therefore beg you will apply to Mr Lawson for it & cause it to be sent to Mr Rathbone of Colebrook dale Shropshire or to Mr Daniel explaining and appologizing for the neglect. To the best of my remembrance the order was divided equaly as to number, but the Brass barrels were order[e]d from Mr Wilkinson which I cannot find a Copy of. - As Mr Lawson took charge of it I suppose he can furnish you with ye whole. If he hath not given Mr Daniel the drawings of ye things wanted from ye Dale he hath been guilty of great neglect.
I am sorry to perceive by the last Months Acc[oun]t of ye Counter & Coals at the Consol[ida]t[e]d Mines that the Engines (except one) are performing very badly & would certainly cause a Clamor if the advent[ure]rs or at least some of ye Capt[ai]ns were aware of it I therefore request you would only mention it to W[illia]m Murdock & desire he would endeavour to find out ye Cause & correct it. I am sensible he is much hurryed & hath not time to look into it a ye minutia of these things but I beg he will take ye necessary time even if he neglect Chasewater which I am so much more immediately interested in. I consider our honor is more at Stake at W[hea]l Virgin than if we were p[ai]d by the Counter and I earnestly request that W[illia]m will see that every thing is done there which ought to be done & that you see that he doth see it done for the sake of peace & good humour.
             I have found your old Book of ye Monthly acc[oun]t of Counters which I will send to you p[e]r first opportunity with the Copper Barometer Pipes. I presume you have rec[ei]vd Mr Wilkinsons note for Chasewater materials w[hic]h please to send to Mathews on B&W acc[oun]t.
            We are very discontent in this part of the Country (as well as at Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds, Sheffield, Norwich & all the Manufactoring & commercial part of ye Kingdom) at the erronious principles w[hi]ch the Ministers have shewn in taxing Trade and are unanimously of opineon That all taxes on ye Materials employd in Manufactories or upon Manufactories themselves are impolitic & in ye end must ruin ye trade of this Country to which all its present greatness is owing. As your County abounds w[i]th Stone you dont feel the tax on Bricks as all our new & riseing Manufactories do in this neighbourhood & if we tamely submit to pay the tax on Lead without saying a word I presume that next Session Cornwall will be made to feel the evil by a tax on Copper & Tin. It hath already put a Stop to some Lead Mines & prevented one that I know of from being set to work. All taxes ought to be laid either upon Luxuries, Vice, & upon every thing we consume & therefore if the whole additional taxes were laid upon the Land to be p[ai]d by the Tennant it would ultimately fall upon the Consumer - But of all things dont cut open the Hen that lays the Golden Eggs.
Matt is gone to visit a friend in Herefordshire, Nanny & Miss Mynd are well & joyn w[i]th me in thanks to Mrs. Wilson & your self for your kindness's to us in Cornwall rejoycing to hear Mrs. Hicks is better & desire youl present all our Compliments to ye White Hall Ladies.
            I remain         Dear Sir                Yours sincerely
                                                                                      M: Boulton''

 

 

AD1583/1/43
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding engines at various mines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
21 Dec 1784

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt Dec[embe]r 21 1784''
Addressed to:    ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol''

                                                                         ''Mr Wilson
                                                                                                            Birmingham Dec[embe]r 21st 1784
Dear Sir
               We have yours with the monthly acc[oun]t and also yours of the 16th - I am sorry to learn the great consumption of Crane Engine, But think by attention and Curing the faults it may be reduced to 10 but scarcely made less at the load it now has which Mr B[oulton]. says is about 10 lb [pound] on the inch one way - As to Hallamanin I see no proprietry of giving up any time as they seem resolved to give up the mine, our giving away our profits can answer no end. As to Wheal Mount, you want = to 10 Strokes of 6 feet each in an 8 inch box which are equivalent to 15 Strokes of 4 feet long, & that number is probably as many as it will go under 19 lbs [pounds] on the inch, and leave room to go faster to draw out the water now 36½ fathoms of an 8 inch box will load an 18 inch Cyl[inde]r  nearly to 19 lbs [pounds] on the inch, therefore I wish to know if that is the utmost depth proposed, or if you would have the Cyl[inde]r enlarged. The castings are not yet ordered because we are now & have been for some time busy planning the north downs Engine which cost an infinite deal of time & trouble & prevent me from being able to attend to other things besides Mr B[oulton]s coming home has brought many visitants here who takes up ones time & distract us, On your Answer however I shall order the materials for Wheal Mount. As to Wheal Wreath, I shall order the Cyl[inde]r as soon as possible, but cannot promise it immediately for the reasons given & because Bersham people are quite full of work. I recommend taking the 50 Guineas p[e]r month, but the bargain in all these Engines should be for years certain if they work the mine, though in that we run risks if War or other Accidents sh[oul]d raise price of coals.
             I think Chacewater new Comp[an]y are right to give no security untill they have assignment & possession of all the premises.
             It is unlucky that any thing should render tin more scarce as the Beasts here are making great Complaints for want of it & intend to petition parl[iamen]t to prohibit or lay a heavy duty on the exportation of it - As to the interest in Wheal Towan We had much better have had no share in the mine than been plagued about it, My opinion for myself is to give it to F[ox] P[hillips] & F[ox]. as they gave up their Share in W[hea]l Virgin & it will take many W[heal] Towans to = it - We have had very cold weather here but it is now much milder, though still frosty.
            Mrs Watt joins in best respects to you & Mrs Wilson & I remain         Dear Sir            Yours Sincerely
                                                                                                                                                  James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/44
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding parts for engines at various mines

Item
1 folio
Manuscript
8 Jan 1785

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt Jan[uar]y 8 1785''
Addressed to:    ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol''

                                                                        ''Mr Wilson
                                                                                                           Birm[ingha]m Jan[uar]y 8th 1785
Dear Sir
           I am favoured with yours of the 2[n]d.
Since I wrote your last, I ordered 4, 18 inch Cylinders expecting one would be wanted for Wheal Mount, Wheal Wreeth [Reeth] & Wheal Maid, the other was on speculation, I shall however order a 20 inch for Wheal Mount as you desire, & believe shall be able to dispose of the 4th for a Mill; for I would not send one to Cornwall w[hi]ch was not ordered, as they are so apt to take advantages. The other parts of them shall be pushed on as fast as we can consistent with expediting N[orth]. Downs which at present takes all our attention & will do so for some time. In relation to our premium on these engines I shall say nothing at present Mr B[oulton]. not being at home only that I do not fall in with your sentiments.
              I am very happy to hear that Mr Murdock is so much happier than he was & hope he will continue so, he need not make any further enquiry about Smiths as we shall endeavour to supply ourselves here.
              I write in haste there being a person waiting for me but desire to be remembered with best Respects to Mrs Wilson & other friends and remain
                                                Dear Sir                         Your's Sincerely
                                                                                               James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/45
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding various mining matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
31 Jan 1785

Endorsed:            ''Mr Watt 31 Jan[uar]y 1785''
Addressed to:       ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol''

''Mr Wilson /
                                                                                                          Birm[ingha]m Jan[uar]y 31st 1785
Dear Sir
              We are favoured with yours of the 23[r]d. In relation to the Gentlemen you mention if they are not disposed to agree to what is reasonable, we cannot think of altering our determination on that account. We should not wish to disoblige either of them, but on the contrary, and we expect that they have more sense than to take offence at a fair offer & where no offence was intended.
              The thing principally to be regretted is that we have on the faith of their support engaged in so many Engines which will prove a load too much for us to bear, the outley of 4/5 of the cost, (for you do not mention that W[illiam] M[urdock] seems willing to take a part) - If therefore these Gentlemen or others proper, decline taking shares, we should wish that you could either be off bargain with the three last mines; as thus you could persuade them (the adv[enture]rs in ye resp[ecti]ve mines) to take the Engines on their own acc[oun]t I have not stopt the Cylinders &c nor from going on hopeing that some thing may be done; but if you can be off bargain with all or any of them shall not mind taking the Cyl[inde]rs on our own acc[oun]t untill we can dispose of them elsewhere - What with Chacewater Mine and Albion Mill we shall be very scarce of money and should never of our own accord have thought of sinking so much money in these small engines, without some more assistance than it seems we are likely to have as therefore you know our necessites we hope that you will lend your friendly assistance to get us out of the scrape some way or other, which we shall take as a favour. It seems to me that the best way will be to try the resp[ecti]ve mines, to see if they will erect them for themselves, but as Mr B[oulton]. is not with me I write only my private opinion on that head but on the general topic have consulted him. We certainly now can have no objection to erecting engines of that kind for Wheal Virgin or Wheal Maid on ye adv[enture]rs account, Our only reason for not wishing it before, was to keep these small Engines in the hands of the Comp[an]y. But before we erect such Engines indiscriminately for the county it will be necessary that Mr B[oulton]. & I should have another consult[atio]n about the proper premiums; for the Tables being calculated from the effects of large cons[umptio]n Engines are by no means right for smaller ones, as small engines of the Comm[o]n Construction would have used many more coals in proportion We shall probably write you on this subject in the Course of the week. You are not to understand from what we have said on other page that we have any desire to exclude W[illiam]. M[urdock]. we rather wish him to be concerned, if agreable to him therefore you will please to mention nothing to him as of our implying a doubt or hesitation about him. In relation to Polgooth tin, if the quantity you say, is coming here, our tin sh[oul]d not come unless bought by some person here receivable in Cornwall at the coinage price; otherwise they will serve us as they have done formerly, that is will take every advantage of us. Therefore please to reserve the tin until we advise you of a customer. You are right, the market here has been supplied by people whose necessities laid them open to the Birmingham sharks, who bit very hard. - I apprehended the raising the price of Tin is a very wrong & unnecessary step as it must open the market for the Malacca Tin, which can be bought there for 50 or 56/ [shillings] p[e]r Cwt [hundredweight] & may be brought to the Continent of Europe as cheap as the Cornish tin at 70/ [shillings] coinage price as it comes as Ballast. You may be sure we shall readily give every assistance to any scheme for regulating the price of Copper, but if money is required I fear we can do little as every 1d [penny] seems to be preoccupied for some time.
             We are very Glad to hear that Chacewater seems to be mending, & hope you will avail yourself of its prosperity if it sh[oul]d continue, to get some more of our Share disposed of as it is much too large for our finances.
             As I write this letter merely to make you turn your mind to what may be most proper to be done, you will naturally take no decisive step untill You hear further from us.
             With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson & all friends, I remain
                          Dear Sir                       Your's Sincerely
                                                                       James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/46
Letter, Boulton & Watt  to
Wilson regarding engines at various mines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
3 Feb 1785

Endorsed:          ''Boulton & Watt Feb[ruar]y 3 1785''
Addressed to:     ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol''

''Mr Wilson                                                                                             Birmingham Feb[ruar]y 3[r]d 1785
Dear Sir
               We are fav[our]d w[i]th yours of ye 29th Ultimo in which we have recievd 6 Bills Value £703. 7s [shillings]. 7d [pence]. Also your several acc[oun]ts of Mines & Engines which we will examine in a few days & write you the result. Our Mr Watt wrote to you on Tuesday last which we now confirm. As Ye Gent[leme]n who were intended to be concernd seem to decline it becomes necessary to look out for another set of Advent[ure]rs & cannot think of any more likely or desireable than our friends Phillips, Fox's or Edwards as we would on no account engage with any but respectable persons for we do not by any means consider it as a bad concern, but should find it rather inconveinient at this time, to spare all the money as we have so many new undertakeings in hand which are daily swollowing up considerable sums.
On 2[n]d thoughts we think it will be best not to offer to the adventurers, of Wheal Mount, Fuz [possibly Fursden mine, Sithney, or Furze Hill Wood Consols near Buckfastleigh, Devon] & Wreath, the Engines on their own acc[oun]t as by erecting a number of small Engines about ye Country will multiply your & our Trouble to little purpose doubting not but in a short time a proper set of partners may be found.
             The Engines now contracted for have certainly a title to a preferance before any others & when they are erected We Shall then be better able to judge whether we should go on any further on this plan. In relation to W[hea]l Wreath we shall write to know if their Cylinder is cast & if not we shall order it to be a 20 In[ch] Cylinder being of your opinion that it will be a better bargin.
We shall be happy to hear of ye new Engine at Chasewater being got to work & more so to find a good mine.
            With respectfull Compliments to Mrs. Wilson
                    We Remain
                         Dear Sir
                                       Your faithfull & Obed[ian]t Serv[an]ts
                                               Boulton & Watt''

[the handwriting is that of Matthew Boulton]

 

 

AD1583/1/47
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding meeting with Mr Pitt and various other matters
Item
1 large folio
Manuscript
10 Feb 1785

Endorsed:         ''Mr Boulton Feb[ruar]y 10 1785''
Addressed to:    ''To Mr Thomas Wilson, Chase Water near, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol''

                                                                                                 ''Soho Feb[ruar]y 10th 1785
Dear Sir
              Yours of ye 31st Ul[ti]mo the post did not deliver untill this minute so that it hath been ten days in coming. Mr Watt went to London with Mr Wilkinson on Tuesday even[in]g and as I have had two summons's from Mr Pitt I shall set out tomorrow even[in]g upon the subjects of the Iron Trade, the Irish trade, & many of the late taxes, which the Commercial part of this Country are unanimous & Violent against. I refer you to the news papers for our resolves at the Quarterly meeting of ye Iron Masters at Stourbridge [Worcestershire] which I attended, & likewise the Resolves of ye Birm[in]g[ha]m committee w[hi]ch will be pub[lishe]d in a day or two. You are too tranquil in Cornwall to enter into the spirit of these sort of politicks but tis necessary somebody should & that even the whole manufacturing & Commercial part of the Kingdom should be unanimous in correcting the erronious principles w[hic]h our Goverment hath adopted in laying taxes, perhaps you will feel when I say dont tax Mines nor the means of getting rich but tax Riches when got & the expenditure of them.
            Mr Will[iam]s hath not wrote ye letter you alude to, he lately wrote upon the subject of
North downs Engines & non other. What I said to Capt[ain] Paul[l] was upon the supposition that he had enterd into ye little Engine Co[mpany] upon some intimation either from you or Mr Watt, that the little Engines should pay B&W nothing for saveings; & therefore for the sake of peace I acquiessed untill Mr Watt & I could discuss the subject: which we have since done & I see the thing in a different light to what I did when the subject was first broched & am now fearfull that the Ultimate consequences of erecting many of these small Engines may be very injurious to our interest as well as to the interest of certain mines which have been set to work by our best friends at great expence; & therefore neither you nor Capt[ai]n P[aull] can ask us to put our selves to expence & trouble (for we cannot erect a small Engine without both) to do our selves & friends an injury. I wish from Motives of peace, & friendship, that Capt[ain] Paul may continue one of the Company & if it doth not afford him reasonable profits or even such as are equivilant to his first expectations I will make it up to him out of my own profits, in ye 2 Engines you mention, if he thinks it reasonable, for I will never be accused of breaking my word or promise.
I had no other motive for wishing to take our Polgooth &c Tin in kind than to stop the clamors of this Town, which was indispensably necessary, not only for the good of its Manufactures, but likewise for the interest of Cornwall for two reasons 1st because I am sure if the scarcity of Tin at this place had continued that our Commercial Committee would have applyd to parl[iamen]t  to put a duty upon all Tin exported to foreign Countries, & 2[n]dly because many of our Manufacturers from the mere want of Tin have lately taken to ye use of Iron Tin'd in lieu of solid Block tin as for example, many Tuns of Tin are used p[e]r Annum in makeing Buckles with a thin coat of Silver on the Top but since tin hath been so scarce they have made the Buckle of Iron & only tin'd it & then Silverd the top which I fear will lessen the consumption of Tin at Birm[in]g[ha]m. I partly promised one of my friends here some tin at the next Coinage & if he cant supply himself I must perform my promise: however you shall be informd before Lady day [25th of March] for I have no wish to take it out of our friend Fox's hands.
Crane Engine ought not to consume more than 12 Bush[e]l in 24 Hours working 13 or 14 Strokes p[e]r Minute in lieu of 16 or 17 Bush[e]ls p[e]r day It is therefore certain that there is some imperfection either in the escape of Steam by the Piston, or the joints are bad, or the Valves do not open & shut in right time or dont fit well or the Boiler is bad, & must be tryd. I am convinced that the inward flue or tube in small boilers is of importance & am sorry that hath not one It cost a large sum in comparision to some made here about that size of new plate instead of old thick plate. We will write to you from London about the Beams & Gudgeons for N[orth]. D[owns]: for I cannot give you now any directions only I think Beams long enough should be provided & the drawings I left w[i]th W[illia]m [Murdock] may be of some guide.
I am happy to hear that health is restored to your family & pray for a long continuance of it. We are all well & join in best wishes & Compliments to Mrs. Wilson yourself & Truro friends.
            I am with great regard
                                                D[ea]r Sir               Yours sincerely
                                                                                 Matthew Boulton

I am convinced that 'tis both my interest & duty to come to Cornwall again soon but we have a large field of Business before us in this Country & Mr Watt wants more of my assistance so that I think he will not readily concur in my coming to Cornwall so soon as I ought I therefore wish you would take frequent opportunities, between now & May, to intimate that either He or I should come to Cornwall soon or our friends will complain & that we shall find it our interest to spend more of our time in that Country as the whole of our Cornish business is now become very important - I shall be glad to hear that ye Mare is gone.
                                                                        Burn this piece''

 

 

AD1583/1/48
Letter, Boulton & Watt to
Wilson regarding Arkwright's patent, also various mines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
26 Feb 1785

Endorsed:         ''Boulton & Watt 26 Feb[ruar]y 1785''
Addressed to:    ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chase Water, near Truro, Cornwall''

                                                                                     ''London 26th Feb[ruary] 1785
Dear Sir
              Yours of ye 20th In[stan]t is before us We also rec[ei]vd by the last post a letter signd by W Paul & J: Williams by which they decline all connection in the small Engine concern & request us to you directions to repay them the money they have advanced. In complyance therewith We desire you will accordingly repay them as they have left us no other alternative. As We had complyd with your request as to an abatement upon the 2 Engines viz: Crane & Wheal Towen [Towan] & as M[atthew]: B[oulton]: intimated in his last to you that he would forego the whole Profits of those two Eng[i]n[e]s rather than have any difference of give a shadow of ground for an accusation of breaking his word, He was the more surprised to receive so peremptory a refusal: however be it so.
There are 3 Cylinders cast for W[hea]l Mount, Wheal Wreath & Furze [possibly Fursden mine, Sithney, or Furze Hill Wood Consols, Buckfastleigh, Devon] & one of them is a 20 In[ch] Cylinder but orders for any change in the other two came too late to the best of our remembrance but as we have not Copies of our correspondence here we cant speak decidedly. After consulting with Mr Wilkinson at Birmingham respecting the devision of the Tin stuff We wrote you the purport, which was, that it would be quite agreeable to us all, to acceed to your plan of takeing the Stamps you mentiond & stamp (in conjunction with you) all our shares of Tin Stuff both of Chase water & Poldice. Mr Wilkinson is now here & continues of the same opineon We must therefore request you will take the necessary measures to enable us to do it to the best advantage.
             The new double Engine, for N[orth] Downs are very serious matters & require many new contrivances which Mr Watt was got into the very marrow of when he was supenied [subpœnaed] to London by which that business must unavoidably be suspended 'till he returns home which will be next week. As these new contrivances will effect the form & situation of the Engine House We must request a stop be immediately put to it, as the alterations will take place at the foundation; but if there is much progress made in the building we must beg that a section of it with a plan of it & the situation of the Shaft be directly made out & sent to Birm[in]g[ha]m p[e]r post.
It gives us great joy to hear of the discovery at W[hea]l Virgin & hope we shall e'er long hear of similar good tydings at Chase water.
             With best respects to Mrs. Wilson We remain
                                    Dear Sir
                                                   Your faithfull & Obed[ien]t Serv[an]ts
                                                            Boulton & Watt

Mr [Richard] Arkwright the great Cotton spiner had a second trial this last week of the validity of his patent for Carding & roveing & after a hearing of 9 hours the infringers & evaders were cast, by which many Capital Cotton Mills will be stoped Notwithstanding Proof was offerd to the Court that more than ten tho[usand] people would be thrown out of employ [&] 200,000£ worth of works renderd useless. But the Judge answerd & said the Question before them was a Question of Law & not of political expediency & therefore the Jury without going out of Court gave a verdict for Mr Arkwright.
N.B: The evasions were not so like Mr Arkw[righ]ts as the Trumpeters Engine is to ours but the Judge & Jury confined the evidence to principles & not to forms or Names. Thus more stability hath been given to patents than by almost any Trial that ever came before a Court''

[the handwriting is that of Matthew Bouton]

 

 

AD1583/1/49
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding Chacewater tin and various other mines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
15 Mar 1785

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt March 15 1785''
Addressed to:    ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol''

''Mr Wilson /                                                                                        Birm[ingha]m March 15th 1785
           Dear Sir
                          I am favoured with yours of the 5th & 10th I returned from London on Thursday last much indisposed with a cold, which is now getting better, I left Mr B[oulton]. there which will prevent my answering some parts of your letters. I shall next post concerning Wheal Wreath Cyl[inde]r, as to Wheal Maid I can give you no answer till I see Mr B[oulton]. for he is too much hurried at present to be able to give an answer from my writing to him - I shall be glad to have the cost and ammount of ores at ye sev[era]l mines you promise, as soon as you can.
             In relation to N[orth]. Downs Engines please inform Mr Williams that it was only Wheal Messa [part of North Downs sett] which we wanted to stop, knowing that the other was built. The Cyl[inde]rs for both & most of the other goods are cast, otherwise it would have given me much pleasure 6 months ago to have received orders to go on in the way we used to do, as it would have saved me much labour pain and anxiety; I hope however that the Engines will answer very well in the new way at least I shall do all I can to make them answer, and I believe that they can now be executed as soon in the new way as the old, If I can I shall write Mr Williams next post in the mean time please advise him or the adv[enture]rs to set their minds at ease.
             As to the division of Chacewater Tin among the smelting houses; I can say little, particularly as I do not understand from your letter whether Mr Daubuz has a smelting house independant of Mr Fox, If so in my opinien we should send part to the one & part to the other, as to Mr D I know not what to say - If opposing us be a tie of friendship we owe him that obligation, as to Polgooth tin I am for letting Mr Fox have it, but I believe Mr B[oulton]. has promised some people here to lett them have some of the other, but if they gett any they must buy it as it lies in Cornwall as I shall not consent to bring an ounce here without we can retail it on our own account.
           With best respects to Mrs Wilson, I remain
                                                                      Dear Sir Your's sincerely
                                                                                  James Watt

I think you may sound Fox & Co[mpany]. about the small Engines, & advise''

 

 

AD1583/1/50
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding possible tax on tin and copper
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
19 Mar 1785

Endorsed:          ''Mr Watt Mar 19 1785''
Addressed to:     ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol''

''Mr Wilson /                                                                                          Birm[ingha]m Mar[ch] 19th 1785
            Dear Sir
                          I find by a letter from J. Turner that Wheal Mount and Wheal Wreath are made 20 inch Cyl[inde]rs. our part of them shall be dispatched as soon as can be done without interfereing with N[orth] Downs, to which I shall direct my principal attention. I wrote to Mr Boulton about the Chacewater Tin, He says that we should do as others do, send it to those who will give most white tin for it. However I am for dividing it and letting Mr Fox have 1/3 at least but at the same time you may lett all know that in future we shall sell to those who give the best price As to the White Tin Mr B[oulton]. says that the Minister is pondering upon taxing tin & Copper, and in such Case our Birminghamites will most infallibly Join him In order therefore to prevent any complaints he says we should bring all our Tin to Birm[ingha]m. I agree with him in the principle but will bring none unless previously sold or a sale secured, for which purpose shall go or send about next week, meanwhile you will please to keep our Tin disengaged & to advise what quantity we are like to have of Polgooth & Chacewater - As to Malacca Tin what I know of it is that the price is about 63/ [shillings] on the spot that the freight home would be a mere trifle, coming as ballast so that the Insurance would be the principal charge, there is about 1000 tons Shipped at the Port of Rhio [Malaysia] annually and several other ports furnish it, and it is supposed that with a larger sale they could furnish much more as they have always a large stock on hand - The Tin is of excellent quality some not inferior to Stream tin.
              Mr B[oulton]. has met with a bad accident by falling down the steps from the house of Commons into Westminister hall, by which he has much bruised himself and sprained an arm & one leg.
              Our minds here are all engrossed with this Irish treaty which if not amended is like to prove a fatal one to the nation at least to the manufacturing part of it - The Taxes on Manufactures too cause Loud complaints, when you get your Tax upon Tin Cornwall will join the cry, but I would advise them to begin per advance and to join the lead miners, who are now solliciting a repeal of the Tax on that Metal, It is only by manufacturers and miners supporting one another, that they can prevent themselves from being crushed by the Landed Interest.
              With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson & all friends
Dear Sir
                         Yours Sincerely
                                                   James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/51
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding various mines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
29 Mar 1785

Endorsed:          ''Mr Watt Mar 29 1785''
Addressed to:     ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol''

''Mr Wilson /                                                                                          Mar[ch] 29th 1785
            Dear Sir
                          I wrote you last on the 19th since then I have been quite knockt up with a kind of Slight fever, so that I could not apply at all to business. I am now recovered & hope to get forward in the business, Mr B[oulton]. lies confined with a sprain in London which however is not dangerous, and does not much hinder his politicks, as he has regular levee every morning.
            This day I have yours of the 24th & shall put a 20 inch Cyl[inde]r in hand for Wheal Maid.
             It gives me much satisfaction that W[illia]m [Murdock] & you have agreed to take up the half of the small engine concern, as I should have some regret at multiplying the shares & we could not conveniently go on as we were, whither W[heal]. Maid shall be on our or owners acc[oun]t I shall not attempt to determine untill Mr B[oulton]. comes home, I shall also as soon as you desire order a new Cylinder &c for Crane & approve of your destination of the present Cyl[inde]r &c, but hope you will be able to make the erection at a less expence than the last rotatative you made. The House & beam at Crane will probably do with the boiler & condenser cistern, but the condenser should be removed with the Cylinder - Tubes should be put through all the boilers Or at least the flues made to wind round them in one direction, not bridle flues. I would recommend the Plan for the Engine houses that I sent for Towan. The firing in the inside of the house has several Conveniences & will save the expence of a boiler house if the boilers are well covered with bricks I do not see that they suffer from the weather & if they should a slight shed roof will secure them, I would also make the working beams 13 feet long for the 4 feet Strokes as it gives a little more room. The working beams according to the new method need not be splitt as Crane is, I would send drawings but being very busy with N[orth] Downs do not chuse to break off, but thinks that by saturdays post I can send you some thing for a guide as to the novelties, I would also place the T. Bobbs in the same direction with the working beam.
             Polgooth adventurers should send a positive order for the size of Engine they want, and it shall be double or single as they please, which they will judge best of on seeing the drawings for Wheal Messa which are nearly finished and shall be sent p[e]r Coach when done, I shall also calculate the size of the Boiler, for the 20inch cyl[inde]rs & send you as soon as I can - In your acc[oun]t of Polgooth tin I observe you debit Sawle & Comp[an]y for 8 Cwt [hundredweight]. 0 [quarters]. 4 [pound] short paid in Mich[aelma]s quarter, for which you do not debit them in the Ball[an]ces at the end. I am sorry to see W[hea]l Virgin cut so poor a figure in the month of Feb[ruar]y & to hear that your prospects there are like to grow worse, I think some means should be fallen upon to get at the distant bottoms in time before the state of the mine becomes too bad, when do you hope to have C[hace]water in the way of basting herself & Poldice too, I don't like these outgoings without they tend to speedy returns.
            I wrote you on the 19th concerning the tin, but having been confined could not since go out about it but shall do so soon and advise. Mr Daubuz w[rote] to Mr B[oulton]. about the smelting what he promised [or if?] any thing I know not, but upon = terms I desire that 1/3 be given to Fox & Comp[an]ys Smelting house, as to Mr D[aubuz]. I really think his claim I should be small considering his having no connection in the mine.
I am sorry to hear of Mrs Hornblowers death she appeared to be a worthy woman, much better than he deserved, Mrs Watt desires to join in Comp[limen]ts to you to Mrs Wilson & other friends &
                                            I remain                Dear Sir
                                                                                     Your's sincerely
                                                                                                  James Watt

One fault in Crane boiler is the great thickness of the plates''

 

 

AD1583/1/52
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding Mr Daubuz's Smelting House
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
2 Apr 1785

Endorsed:         ''Mr Boulton Ap[ri]l 2 1785''
Addressed to:    ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chase Water near, Truro, Cornwall''

                                                                                              ''London April 2[n]d 1785
Dear Sir
              I rec[ei]vd a letter about 9 day ago from Mr Daubuz of Falmouth intimating that it was understood by all parties when they engaged in Chase water Mine that their Smelting House should have a preference in the Tin Stuff of that mine & that it was one of the things that induced them to engage & other Arguments (but I can't this instant refer to their letter) Now although my friendship for some other persons would lead me to throw every advantage in my power into their Scale yet I must own I think there is reason & Justice in what Mr Daubuz says as they have a right to consider themselves upon a similar footing in Chase water Mine as our friends Foxes &c are in Polgooth Mine.
              I dont believe I ever mentiond to Mr Watt any thing relative to ye disposal of that tin & probably it will not occur to him that any thing had been said by ye Truro Comp[an]y & therefore he may possably write to you without considering it. But my opinion is that they are entitled to the most consederable share of it and if it is too late this quarter we must correct it the next. Pray ask Mr Daubuz to shew you my letter by w[hi]ch youl see my sentiments However I will by ye next post write to Mr Watt both upon that point & also respecting the Tin wanted at Birm[in]g[ha]m.
I write now in a hurry & can't say more than that I remain with respects to Mrs. Wilson
            Dear Sir
                                    Yours &c sincerely
                                                M: Boulton

I will send you a few papers to read by ye next Coach upon Irish affairs w[hi]ch I am now busy upon, & have united all the great Manufacturers of G[reat]: Britian into one Society.''

 

 

AD1583/1/53
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding Tin and Copper Taxes, Chacewater tin and various mines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
16 Apr 1785

Endorsed:          ''Mr Watt Ap[ri]l 16 1785''
Addressed to:     ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol''

''Mr Wilson /                                                                              Birm[ingha]m Ap[ri]l 16th 1785
            Dear Sir, I would have wrote you sooner but had not answer from Mr B[oulton], to whom we should sell our tin he agrees with me to sell the whole to Messrs Fox & Co[mpany] and to bring none here, as our Tin merch[an]ts formerly took the advantage when we brought tin here, and now no one has offered to take it in Cornwall at the Coinage prices, and if they had, unless it were to prevent mischief we would much rather sell it to those who bought from us when it was more plenty - As to the Smelting he determines on nothing and I am not disposed to change the sentiments I expressed in my last on that subject. I have yours of the 7th with the monthly accounts -
             I have now got very nearly through the tedious Job of drawing and contriving for N[orth]. Downs, and expect health granted, to dispatch the drawings & executed agreements next week. J. Turner has shipt the Cylinders & great part of the pumps and other things, & has now got all the drawings from us for the small parts, so that the whole will very soon be compleated there, and we are hard at work upon the nozles &c. I know not how these engines will turn out; but I have been at all the pains I could to make them perfect in their kind and I think never bestowed so much attention on any thing.

[here is given a paragraph being subsequently heavily crossed through and illegible]

              I have it on good Grounds that a tax is proposed to be laid on the exportation of Copper & on Tin, It having been represented to the minister that the former is sold £10 p[e]r ton cheaper abroad than in England and that they can get the latter from no other quarter. The Minister has shewn a degree of obstinacy and faculty of manœuvring in the Irish business and in the Excise Laws that nobody thought him capable of - And at present he seems likely to carry his points in the house of Commons, at least, the consequences of which will be dreadfull unless the higher powers side with the people. Loss of trade Emigration or civil war is what we are threatened with. I mention this to make you put your neighbours on their guard, for if the Minister subsists & thinks proper to tax copper, he will not be foiled nor persuaded out of it.
             Please excuse the scrawling above [referring to the paragraph being crossed through], you shall know some other time what it means - With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson & other friends, I remain, Dear Sir
                                                                          Your's sincerely
                                                                                     James Watt''

[the next page contains numerous sums of multiplication and addition]

 

 

AD1583/1/54
Letter, Boulton & Watt to
Wilson regarding the smelting of tin
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
26 Apr 1785

Endorsed:         ''Bouton & Watt Ap[ri]l 26 1785''
Addressed to:    ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol''

                                                                                     ''Birmingham April 26th 1785
Dear Sir
                          As we are now together (our Mr Boulton haveing returned from London on Fryday last) We take ye first opportunity of giving you our joint sentiments, respecting the disposal of the Chase water Tin. -
        You are sensible of our attachment to & our friendship for Messrs Phillip's & Fox's & there needs no arguments to perswade you of our inclination to throw our Tin & every other advantage in our power into the Scale of their interest.
But you also know that it is our earnest desire in all cases to keep up harmony & good humour in the Mines in which we are concernd.
As you are not a stranger to the Conversation which passed at Truro with the Cavedres [Carvedras Tin Smelting Works, Kenwyn] Gentl[ema]n previous to our takeing possession of the Mine You are the better qualifyd to steer in that middle course which our connections, our interest & our friendship require.
Pray tell us whether it is the profits of Smelting, or the profits of buying our White Tin at the end of each Quarter at the Coinage price that is most coveted by the parties.
We think it not prudent implicitly to send all our Black tin to any one House for reasons you understand. But in most cases where the offers are equal we think such smelters as are concernd in each Mine which produces the Tin hath a natural and equitable claim for a great part & therefore in ye Case of Chasewater Tin we should suppose that it could not be deem[e]d unjust or ungenerous if we sent 2/3 to Cavedras Smelting house & 1/3 to friend Fox's & to continue Polgooth as usual to Messrs Fox's.
We sent by the coach which sets out from this Town yesterday Morn[in]g  3 oClock & w[hi]ch gets to Exeter this night & to Truro on Thursday next a Rolle of drawings for N[orth]: Downs Engine as p[e]r list on the other side upon which subject Mr Watt will write sundry particulars next post.
Wishing prosperity to the Mines & health to Your Family We remain with esteem
                                               Dear Sir
                                                            Your faithfull friends & Serv[an]ts
                                                                                 Boulton & Watt

The drawings are directed to you & adressed to the Care of Land of Exeter & Rivers of Truro}

Mr B[oulton] hath orderd the 5 Circumferenters & Instrum[en]ts which Mr Lawson wrote for & they will very soon be sent from London p[e]r Wagon to Truro directed for You.

                        a List of the drawings

      No  1          General Section of W[hea]l Messa
            2          Ground plan of d[itt]o
            3          Plan of ye first floor of d[itt]o
            4          Inside front view of d[itt]o
            5          outside front View of d[itt]o
            6          Parrallel Motion drawn Connected
            7          D[itt]o in parts
            8          D[itt]o Views of the Beam
            9          General Section of W[hea]l Fortune
           10         out side front View
           11         Inside Front View''

[the handwriting is that of Matthew Boulton]

 

 

AD1583/1/55
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding premium on smaller engine at North Downs mine, Redruth
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
9 May 1785

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt May 9 1785''
Addressed to:    ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol''

                                                                                                ''Birm[ingha]m May 9th 1785
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                          We have yours of May 5th covering Freemans Draft on Goslings value [£]142. 10 [shillings]. 4 [pence] at your Credit. In respect to Harris You will please bring that matter to a conclusion. We absolutely refuse the having any concern in the alledged mistakes about the Boiler but as to ye s[ai]d months savings you may do as you please in giving it up, so as you procure payment for the rest.
            By our last letter to Mr Daniel we absolutely refused giving any Abatement beyond the 1/3 come what will. We have certainly shewed a disposition favourable to the Mines even beyond our interest, but we neither can nor will be any more the only persons to make up their deficiencies.
            As to the proposition of giving up our premium on one of N[orth]. Downs engines when working without the rest. We agree that if such engine or a smaller one is erected merely for bringing in the Addit sooner, we shall give up the premium entirely till the mine is set to work; but if the Engine is wrought so as to drain & set to work a part of the mine, in such case we shall expect to be paid a part of our premium proportioned to the work done in the mine, pray tell Ed[war]d Bull I shall send an answer to his letter next week - I remain           Dear Sir
                                                               Your's sincerely
                                                                           James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/56
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding proposed abatement for Wheal Virgin
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
10 May 1785

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt. May 10 1785''
Addressed to:    ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol''

                                                                                                 ''Birm[ingha]m May 10th 1785
Mr Wilson /
             Dear Sir
                         I have yours of the 5th covering two bills value £600, I approve in general of what you say about the tin so far as the dividing equally extends but I see no good reason of putting D. on the same footing with the rest -
            In relation to Wheel virgin I know not what to say, but cannot help thinking their proposition very remarkable that previous to the mines having made any material or continued loss they should apply for an abatement or expect that we should be at the sole expence of sinking a new shaft, they might with equal propriety ask us to take on ourslves any other expence about the mine all that can be said is that shall not even give reason to expect an abatement untill we are fully satisfied of the propriety of it, particularly as they have had a continual abatement in the agreement for the Engines, which has not been the case with those to whom we have granted abatements, for most of them have paid nearly as much in proportion after the abatement as W[hea]l Virgin does now; However Please to give them a civil answer and put them of till we see more into it - I have no hesitation however in saying, as an adventurer, that the Shaft should be set about immediately at ye cost of ye mine as the delay of it is running too great a risk in such a concern as to the small engines I thought I had mentioned to you in one of my letters, that we agreed to the exchanges of places for the Engines which you mentioned, and that if we could gett the 18 inch ordered for Furze disposed of which we have an immediate chance of we should order another for Prince George [mine, Gwinear] a 20 inch Cyl[inde]r.
            Drawings for these small engines shall be sent as soon as we get clear of some things which have fallen behind by our attention to N[orth]. D[owns].
              Mr B[oulton']s sprain gets better though slowly he being still extremely lame.
              - I am glad to hear that Chacewater looks so favourable as it has given me much uneasiness, I shall be glad to receive a more particular account of it & the other mines when you write next -
              With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson I remain
                                     Dear Sir
                                                   Yours &c
                                                             James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/57
Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding Cornish Metal Company
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
19 May 1787

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt May 10 1787''
Addressed to:    ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol''

                                                                                               ''Birm[ingham] May 10th 1785 [1787]
Mr Wilson
            Dear Sir
                          I have yours of the 6th also yours by Tom baker who came last night, Mr B[oulton]. has Committed a mistake in not informing you Prince George Drawings were never sent off as he desired them to be detained here that he might send some thing with them, which I did not know of, & afterwards he took on him to inform you of their detention which he has forgot to do, & they are safe here we are at a loss whether to go on in preparing materials for that Engine or not as it does not seem that every thing is settled with the adventurers, & if any Stramash happens in the Coper trade these small mines will be crushed, we have however already got patterns & other articles in considerable forwardness so that much of the expence is incurred, but we shall want orders before we go any farther.
             I am glad that the evil day is suspended in respect to the C[ornish] M[etal] C[ompany], though I must confess I do not much like finnancing & carrying on trade by borrowing such sums. The intelligence you have had concerning the India Comp[an]y is partly true, but I cannot say to the ammount of 3000 Tons yet they will probably be forced to export at least their usual quantity of 1500, but W[illia]ms has taken care to come in at least for his share, our information was principally from him & from Mr Wilkinson, the latter has proposed as a means of taking the burthern of Sales of the shoulders of the CMC that Mr W[illia]ms should buy all their Copper at a reasonable discount & dispose of it as he can & that some means should be devised, such as lowering the price in proportion as the quantity increased, to prevent more being raised than can be sold, & it seems from Mr Wilk[inso]ns sounding that Mr W[illia]ms might be brought to come into it. This w[oul]d be a desirable thing if Mr W[illia]ms can be perfectly tied down to bargain, but it would be a bad thing for this town & the nation in general: as he w[oul]d have a monopoly or the next thing to it in his power - If Poldice No 3 beam cannot be had or sh[oul]d not suit you I w[oul]d recommend one of the new sort but please advise as soon as you can that the castings may be got ready & drawings for the paralel motion.
            Not withstanding this new recruit of money to the County please attend to my caution - In any case the standard of ores must be lowered to stop in some degree the fury of new mines & raising so much ores.
             My health gets rather better, though it gives no room to brag much of it - With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson & family I remain Dear Sir
                                                                         Your's Sincerely
                                                                                        James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/58
Letter,
Pearson to Wilson regarding accounts for Trevaskis and Wheal Crenver mines
Item
1 large sheet
Manuscript
14 May 1785

Endorsed:         ''Mr Pearson 14 may 1785'', also [non-contemporary annotation] ''re Trewaskus & Wh[ea]l Crenver acc[ount]s''
Addressed to:    ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Chasewater near Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol''

[The top half of the page consists of accounts for Trevaskus (Trevaskis mine, Gwinear) Adventurers for August to November 1784, and for John Landor for September 1784 to April 1785]

                                                                                                ''Soho near Birmingham 14 May 1785
Mr. Thomas Wilson.
             Sir
                       Herewith have sent sundry Accounts, with which beg you will do the needful. Finding the balance due by Trevaskus Adv[enture]rs not to agree with the list of debts you sent the beginning of the year, have sent a State of that Account as above by which you will be able to find out the cause of the difference. In the list of debts mentioned above you take no notice of W[hea]l Crenver [mine, Crowan] Adv[enture]rs therefore beg leave to inform you that the bal[an]ce ag[ains]t them including Savings for April is £73. 15 [shillings]. 7 [pence]. If any part of the Coynage at Polgooth charg'd in last Monthly Account, should have been charged to Doctor Withering; please to charge him with his part thereof and let same appear in your next Monthly Account. - We remain
                                                                         Sir
                                                                                    Your most ob[edian]t Ser[van]ts
                                                                                                 For Boulton & Watt
                                                                                                              James Pearson''

 

 

AD1583/1/59
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding specifications for Wheal Messa engine house, Redruth
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
19 May 1785

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt May 19 1785''
Addressed to:    ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol''

“Mr Wilson /
                                                                                                 Birmingham May 19 1785
Dear Sir
               I am favoured with yours of the 14th. The House for Wheal Messa is to be executed by its own drawing and differs from Wheal Fortune [mine, Gwennap?] in the following particulars - 1st in the house being one foot narrower. 2nd in the House being one foot shorter if chosen 3[r]d in a difference of thickness of Lever, back & side walls, for which see drawing. 4th in the Centre of the working beam being placed lower, 5th in a different height of the middle story 6th in the walls being higher above the spring beams, 7th In the lever wall being Slitt down below the cellar floor to admitt the T bobb & in some other particulars which will be seen on comparing the two setts of drawings. In so much that I conceive you have misapprehended what Mr Murdock said, I fancy that he was speaking of Polgooth house which will be nearly the same with Wheal Fortune but for which will send Drawings on Saturday. The length of Beam is the same both in Wheal Fortune & Wheal Messa.
            In relation to small Engines there are cast & ready for cornwall as under 3 - 20 inch Cylinders, Crane, Wheal Mount & Wheal Wreath, 1, 18 inch which was for Furze, and there are two others 18s cast of which one is ready & the other nearly so. Now we would not wish to have such a number as 3 of one size lye on hand, as it may be very long before we can dispose of them, as almost every customer wants some peculiarity. In other respects I agree with you, that it would be better to erect the 20 inch for Prince George You will therefore advise whether you & Mr Murdock would agree that one of the 18s lye on account of the small Engine company, or whether you can not make it get its bread by stamping tin at Polgooth which I foresee will be obliged to resort to some such shift, and in consequence of this dry weather may be brought to bargain with you, it may be wrought either as a single or double engine according to the nozles it is fitted with, but as we do not wish to increase the number of Engines belonging to the Company perhaps it may be as well to lett it lye on ye Company's account at Bersham untill a customer can be found, or you may use it as an argument for a better price or some other favour from prince George people. We are sorry to observe that expenses are like to run high and tin to run short at Polgooth, by which kind of management that valuable mine may be wrought out before it produces any profit, which might certainly be remedied by the means above proposed; for an 18 inch single Engine would work 17 Stamp heads at their common rate of Going; but in case the engine were to be erected on acc[oun]t of the mine it will be necessary for us to consult how our premium should be charged & if erected by T. Wilson & comp[an]y. The Mine should give a proper price for Stamping & a preference so that the Engine might be kept always at work.
                        With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson           I remain           Dear Sir
                                                             Yours &c
                                                                         James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/60
Letter,
Pearson to Wilson regarding accounts for Poldice and Polgooth mines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
24 May 1785

Endorsed:         ''Mr Pearson 24 May 1785''
Addressed to:    ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Chasewater near Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol.''

                                                                                                             ''Soho near Birmingham
                                                                                                                          24 May 1785
Mr. Thomas Wilson
               Sir
                        Since writing the 14th ins[tan]t along with sundry Accounts sent you, have been looking into the State[ment] of the sundry Mine Accounts which you sent up to Decem[be]r last; and find a great difference in Poldice Mine account, arising from the Article of Tin, which without an explanation from you cannot be understood here; viz according to the State[ment] you sent up to Dec[embe]r Poldice Mine hath produced -

Tin to end of October 1783 £6741. 10 [shillings]. - 1/124 part = £54. 7 [shillings]. 4 [pence]
d[itt]o from end of Oct[obe]r 1783 to December 1784} [£]15184. 5 [shillings]. - 1/62 d[itt]o = [£]£244. 18 [shillings]. 1½ [pence]
                                                                                               [Total]                    £299. 5 [shillings]. 5½ [pence]

From which deducted £180. 5 [shillings]. 1¼ [pence] being the whole that you have in your different Accounts allowed for Tin from that Mine, in which sum is included £39. 7 [shillings]. 10½ [pence] 25 April for 1/62 part Tin Christmas quarter} [£]180. 5 [shillings]. 1¼ [pence] –

                                                                                                Deficiency £119. - . 4½ [pence]

and if the above mentioned £39. 7 [shillings]. 10½ [pence] should prove to be for Tin not stated in the Account you sent of that Mine (w[hi]ch seems likely) in such case the deficiency will be £158. 8 [shillings]. 2¾ [pence] in our part of Poldice Tin up to Christmas last; for you will please to observe the above £180. 5 [shillings]. 1¼ [pence] includes the whole you have ever allowed, as far as last Monthly Account goes, for Tin from that Mine. - There seems some difference in Polgooth Mine Acco[un]t, for the State[ment] of the Mine which you sent up to December does not correspond with the balance against the Mine for 1/16 part. Beg you will if possible explain these two accounts, but particularly that of Poldice Mine, where the difference is so very great. and at same time wish to know what the £100. - is for w[hi]ch you charged to D[oub]l[e?] Engines 23rd Aug[us]t on Account. An answer as soon as is convenient will oblige
                                                                                      Sir
                                                                                               Your most Ob[edien]t Ser[van]ts
                                                                                                For Boulton & Watt
                                                                                                James Pearson''

 

 

AD1583/1/61
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding Timothy Hollis' tour through Devon and Cornwall
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
27 May 1785

Endorsed:          ''Matthew Boulton Esq[uire] May 27, 1785''
Addressed to:     ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chase Water, 6 Miles from, Truro, Cornwall, p[e]r fav[ou]r of Mr Hollis''

                                                                        ''Soho near Birmingham 27th May 1785
Dear Sir
                          This Letter will be delivered to you by my very worthy and particular Friend Timothy Hollis Esq[ui]r[e] of London, a Gentleman of considerable fortune, and most respectable character.
             Mr Hollis intends to make a tour thro' Devonshire & Cornwall in quest of health and amusement, & will naturally wish to see such of the great Mines as are most easily accessable, and to be acquainted a little with the general out lines of the Cornish business as well as to see any thing, or place, that may be worth the attention of a traveller; I shall therefore esteem it a particular favor, if you will be so obliging as to contribute to Mr Hollis's views in any respect, or furnish him with any travelling money he may want and I assure you any favor or civility shewn to him I shall more sensibly fe[?el than if shewn? - this part of the letter is missing] to myself - I regret much that I cannot accompany Mr. Hollis and shew him that regard which his Character and forty years acquaintance entitle him to - Pray excuse my freedom and retaliate on me upon all occasions -
                                                                                      I am Dear Sir
                                                                                                  Your faithful
                                                                                                  & obedient humble Servant
                                                                                                  Matt[he]w Boulton

Pray shew Mr Holles Chase water Mine & any other he may wish to see & if he should go to Marazion or Hayle pray fav[ou]r him with a letter to Mr Edwards & to Mr Bevan. I have given Mr Hollis letters to Mr Daniel, Mr Jno [John] Vivian, Mr Phillips's, Mr Foxes so that I hope by your assistance your or their [this part of the letter is missing] will see the Gwennap Mines and [this part of the letter is missing] Dolcoath''

 

 

AD1583/1/62
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding plans for Polgooth mine, St Austell
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
28 May 1785

Endorsed:         ''Mr Watt May 28. 1785''
Addressed to:    ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol.''

                                                                                   ''Birm[ingha]m May 28th 1785
Mr Wilson /
            Yours of the 23[r]d which seems to require no particular answer, I shall write on tuesday concerning Mr Boultons Coming as I have no opportunity of seeing him to day.
            On Thursday morning last I sent off per Coach section front view and Ground plan of Polgooth No 2. I have drawn it with the new motion but if chains are preferred, I believe the house is high enough, but of this you will please advise immediately as we mean to make particular drawing of the working beam and motion with dimensions, The outer end I mean to hang merely by a simple joint and to guide the rods below by rollers if required. The cylinder condenser & nozles I regard as fixt, and have ordered accordingly - The house was obliged to be made higher because I did not think it would answer to put the beam above the Centre in a single Engine. The Great perpendicular links are to be formed each out of two strong straps of Iron with a piece of good dry oak put in between them, I find that this motion will save about half a ton of Iron work on the inner end of the beam and more at the other, but I do not think it will save any wood as the Logs of the beam must be longer than in the other way - Mr Southern not being used to draw the pit head frame had drawn the uprights as set a spur which I did not intend, but the other two pieces which butt against the catch piece should be placed as drawn as it will distribute the pressure better. The Drawings for the small Engines perpendicular motions are now in hand, some of the nozles are finished and shall be sent off soon, I have got a customer for one of the 18 inch Cyl[inde]rs which lie upon hand & shall the 20 inch one for prince George mine.
                         I remain - Dear Sir
                                               Your's sincerely
                                                             James Watt

I have been much plagued with headaches lately -
      In the parcel was also sent Drawing of T bobbs for N[orth]. Downs -''

 

 

AD1583/1/63
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding engine at Wheal Maid, Gwennap, and the copper trade
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
7 Jun 1785

Endorsed:          ''Mr. Watt 7 June 1785''.
Addressed to:     ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol''.

                                                                                    ''Birm[ingha]m June 7th 1785
Mr Wilson /
             Dear Sir
                         I am fav[oure]d with yours of June 1st. In relation to the stamping by Wheal Maid Rotative, If you will send me the right number of blows p[e]r minute that a good Water Stamps goes & the height the head is raised each time I will endeavour to contrive the proper method of applying W[hea]l Maid Engine to that purpose -
            What you heard about the Copper trade certainly concerns us very much & we are are obliged to you for your information, though we knew of it before, and Mr B[oulton]. is now in London about it. I cannot give you particulars, but it seems absolutely necessary that something should be done, and I give you the hint that you may use it with prudence without mentioning my name; that those Companies who do not come into the Compact or who may not be received into it, will stand a bad chance of being able to purchase Copper ores in Cornwall. The folly of the Companies has been pushed to the extreme they have been taking the direct way to extinguish the mines by which they lived and have been working to Williams hand - with Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson
                         I remain                       Dear Sir             Your's sincerely
                                                                                                James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/64
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding terms for Crane mine, Camborne
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
21 Jun 1785

Endorsed:          ''Mr Watt June. 21. 1785''
Addressed to:      ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol''
                                                                        ''London June 21st 1785
Dear Sir
              Yours of the 9th & 11th were transmitted to me here - Though Mr B[oulton]. was here when I received the Letters, yett I have had no opportunity of counsulting him on ye subject of Crane; but I think we should agree on the terms you mention, that is £70 p[e]r month, and if £120 is not gained that they should make up the deficience - As to men I know not what to say, as we are extremely deficient in that article even for the works we have in hand here, but when I return will try what can be done. We have only 3 men who can put an engine together & each of these must do at least 3 engines this season, and the inferior hands we have are very few & at such wages as would probably be grudged in Cornwall. We must see if we can get some hands from other works which we are constantly in quest of but there is so much machinery going forward all over the nation that it is difficult to get any that are worth hiring - As to W[heal]. V[irgi]n I can add nothing to what I said before only that their saying they would stop the sumps & drifts does not savour of good policy, and therefore cannot operate on our minds as a motive -
             I fancy by this time the copper business is settled as Mr Vivian sett out from hence with the principals of two Copper Comp[an]ys to meet others at Bristol & I believe they have formed a plan which if followed out under good management will be beneficial to the County, but will strike off many of the Copper Comp[an]ys.
             I wished to have been able to have done something for your personal interest in it but had nothing to say, being no way in authority, and Mr B[oulton], only a secondary - I am happy to hear of the success of Polgooth which I hope will continue.
             And also of the well doing of Wheal Towan but think the risks of frequency of removal should be better considered in small Engine agreements, by some saving Clause.
              I am unhappily detained here till Sunday next which proves exceedingly inconvenient.
                                                            I remain
                                                                        Dear Sir
                                                                                       Your's  Sincerely
                                                                                                James Watt

Mr B[oulton]. is at Birm[ingha]m''

 

 

AD1583/1/65
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding proposed Copper Association
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
28 Jun 1785

Endorsed:          ''Mr Watt 28 June 1785''
Addressed to:     ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall''

                                                                                    ''Birmingham June 28th 1785
Mr Wilson /
             Dear Sir
                        I have yours of the 22[n]d inclosing two Bills, value £300. 5 sh[illings]. 8d [pence] -
             I was very sorry that being under the tie of secrecy I could not communicate to you what was passing in relation to the Copper trade, and if I had communicated what I first knew of their intentions my information would have been bad as they have intirely gone off their first ground. Neither Mr B[oulton]. nor me were originally in the secret, but he was desired by the meeting at Truro to assist Mr Vivian in the negociation, for my own part I did not go to London untill all was concluded, and being no way impowered had no right to give my opinion, which I was the less disposed to do as I do not thoroughly understand the subject. Neither Mr B[oulton]. nor I however lost sight of your private interest we have mentioned you in such terms to Mr Vivian as with his own good opinion of you, will I hope prove for your advantage, & which I hope you will pursue by being of any service to the Association which you can be, consistent with your duty to your employers.
            I am sorry to say that I fear nothing can be done for your Company but the association buying their works from them. The plan came ready digested from Cornwall and Mr Vivian & Mr B[oulton] were only impowered to make specific propositions, these produced others from the Comp[an]ys which are now under the consideration of the meeting at Truro and I expect made publick or refused.
            In whatever state they are I shall now venture to tell you them on condition that if they are still secret you will keep the matter so and any rate burn this letter that I may not be brought into any scrape. The Cornish miners to associate and fix the Standard of their own ores from time to time.
            The 4 Companies - English. Morris. Gnoll, Freeman to buy the ores at the Standard with allowance for returning charges.
            The Mining Company to buy the Copper from the Smelting Companies allowing 8 p[e]r Cent profit.
            Ores to be paid as usual 6 months Credit to be given on Copper.
            Williams & the Associated Miners to divide the Copper market among them & keep up prices -
            These are the principal outlines the principal part unsettled was the value of the returning Charges in which if proper you could be of service in giving them information - On the whole I am not quite satisfied on the matter, I do not like the Cutting off so many of the Companies and yet it seems necessary to the being of the Mines.
             Let the Event be as it will you may be sure that we will do all we can for your interest, but considering the people we have to deal with you will see that our power is limited -
             I fancy Mr B[oulton]. will set out for London soon but some matters of importance detain him for a little.
- Arkwright has had another tryal & lost it shamefully by a proof of prior invention brought against him.
                         With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson
                                               I remain
                                                            Dear Sir
                                                            Your's Sincerely
                                                            James Watt

I beg you will destroy
this letter -}''

 

 

AD1583/1/66
Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding Cornish Metal Company
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
30 Jun 1785

Endorsed:          ''Mr Watt 30 June 1785
Addressed to:      ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol.''

                                                                                     ''Birm[ingha]m June 30th 1785
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                          We are favoured with yours of the 25th. You have not been properly informed of the nature of the bargain which Mr Vivian has made with the 4 or 5 Companies in the name of the Cornish miners - The Smelters are to find stocks to pay for the ores as usual and to give credit on the Copper for 6 months & then to take bills at 2 months which you see will require a large capital. The Cornish Company take on themselves all the risks of sales & buy all the Copper from the Smelting Companies at the standard price they themselves fixt allowing the returning charges and 8 p[e]r Cent for profit - The Scheme of buying your Companie's works on your & our account you see will not do, as we could not be admitted into the Contract, but as the Cornish company had a proposal of having some works of their own, I think it very probable that in such case they may be induced to buy those belonging to your Comp[an]y.
            You may depend on having our interest for yourself as far as it will go, but in the mean time think you would do right to apply to Mr Vivian, to Mr Fox and to any others you think can be serviceable. To give you a key how to render yourself usefull I find by a letter Mr B[oulton]. received to day that the returning charges are not yet settled and that information on that head is wanted they Companies say that the £3. is little enough and Williams has got information from some company that 55/ [shillings] is enough, which exceeding your estimate so much, leaves room to suppose that you have not comprehended every charge in your account.
            You will now no doubt have learnt that no other company can be addmitted except those with whom they have bargained, which mode of agreement took place only 2 days, before Mr Vivian left London Mr Boulton called once or twice upon Mr Boldero to inform him partly of what was going on but did not meet with him, Mr Wilkinson Governer of the Mines Royal was also warned, but said he must call a meeting of the Comp[an]y before he could do any thing and in the mean time the bargain was concluded & that Comp[an]y left out - The only chance any comp[an]y has of getting in is by some difference happening about the returning charges, which as it is submitted to reference can scarcely happen - As this Matter will make a great difference in the mining interest in Cornwall, hope you will keep you eye steadily on what is like to take place. I should think that some of the Copper comp[an]ys finding themselves shut out every other way will be glad to become concerned in the mines which must be now much more valuable than they were before.
           Mr B[oulton]. desires me to say that he mentioned you in a proper manner to Mr Vivian when in London, and that he is now writing him on the same subject.
                                    With Compliments to Mrs Wilson   I remain
                                                             Dear Sir
                                                                      Your's Sincerely
                                                                                      James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/1/67
Letter, Watt and Boulton to
Wilson regarding terms for Mr Harris
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
5 Jul 1785

Endorsed:         ''Mr. Watt 5 July 1785''
Addressed to:    ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol''

                                                                                                  ''Birm[ingha]m July 5th 1785
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                          Yours of the 29th received, covering bill for £500 which shall be duely placed to your account.
            In answer to Mr Harris the terms will be as you have said £56 p[e]r month for a 63 which comes about £47. 9 [shillings]. - from this sum we can make no abatement neither at beginning the mine till they are repaid costs nor afterwards should it become a losing mine, as by accepting of it we give a continual abatement, nor if they agreed by the tables would we commence by an abatement - I believe I shall prevail upon 2 men to come down to assist you in the erections, but there is one of them we have not agreed with yet, as soon as we can we shall send them off.
            I have heard nothing particular concerning Mr B[oulton]s motions, but suppose that he will be with you by the time you mention, with Compliments to Mrs Wilson I remain
                                                              Dear Sir
                                                                         Yours sincerely
                                                                                       James Watt

Dear Sir
               I have just seen yours of ye 29th & return you my thanks for your kind invitation w[hi]ch I think it is probable I may avail my self of, but have not yet scarcely thought of my plan. I understood by a letter from Mr Vivian that ye meeting was to be the 28th but you say ye 22nd pray enquire of him & tell me as soon as possable.

Mr Vere undertook to acquaint Mr Baldero that I wished to give him some usefull information but as I heard nothing from him I went to ye Shop. He was not at home, I left my name, & heard no more.
I have not been inatentive to your interest, Mr. Vivian seems well disposed towards you, but the primary plan must be settled before the secondary parts of it. I hope when I come we shall be able to make ye plan usefull to you & to make you usefull to it. My Leg mends very slowly I can't walk or ride on Horse back. pray can I buy in Cornwall a one Horse Chaise & a Horse if not let me know at Exeter (at Llands) as I could probably pick up one there.          with best Compl[imen]ts to Mrs. Wilson
I remain           D[ea]r S[i]r           Yours sincerely                        M: Boulton''

 

 

AD1583/1/68
Letter,
Roberts to Wilson regarding John Holl's employment in Cornwall
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
28 Jul 1785

Endorsed:          ''John Roberts 28 July 1785''
Addressed to:     ''Mr John Wilson, Chasewater, near Truro, Cornwall''

''Mr John Wilson
             Sir
                           We sent away yesterday a Man named John Holl, who by the time this reaches you, will most likely be arrived, he has been some time at Work for us here, his Wages fifteen shillings p[e]r Week - he has had the misfortune to have a Sick Wife, who lay for some time at a great expence to him, she is now dead, but was the cause of his being in debt, in consequence of which you will only pay him Ten Shillings p[e]r Week, as he has agreed to leave 5/ [shillings] p[e]r Week for the Support of his Child, and to discharge his debts . . . We recommend him to your Care and remain
                                                                                     Your Most Obed[ien]t Servants
                                                                                      for Boulton & Watt
                                                                                      Jno Roberts
Soho near Birmingham
28 July 1785''

 

 

AD1583/1/69
Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding the Cornish Metal Co, and the death of
William Phillips
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
20 Aug 1785

Endorsed:         ''Mr. Boulton 20 Aug[ust] 1785''
Addressed to:    ''Mr Thomas Wilson, of Cornwall at, Mr Stephen Ludlows, No 5 - Lower Royall Copper Warehouse, London''

                                                                          ''Chasewater 20 Aug[us]t 1785
Dear Sir
             I could sooner calculate an Eclipse than where or how to intercept your Orbit so as to convey a letter to your hand but as Mrs. Wilson tells me it is probable this may find you in London I will therefore venture to risk a few lines, if it is only to tell you that Mrs. Wilson, Your Six Sons, Your Mother & Sister are all here alive well & merry which information I know will be a Cordial to you. -
             But alass we have had a sudden & melancholy change in the death of our worthy, good, sincere, Benevolent, hospitable, Charitable, usefull, spirited, good humourd, Religious, pleasant, & kind friend, William Phillips of Redruth. I dined with him & all the Quakers at Truro on Tuesday ye 9th & he as as well on Thursday as ever I saw him. On Fryday ye 12th Dick & I went in a Chaise to polgooth We dined & drank one Glass of wine when lo! a Messenger arived to announce his Death.  I will not depress your Spirits by discribing all that followed: poor Dick hath almost been overset.  I accompanied him home that night & have done all I could to alleviate the shock by every friendly office in my power. - let us change ye Scene.
             The New Copper plan is commenced We have bought the whole of 2 Days Sales of Ore (except a dole belonging to Mr Innis of Tresavene [Tresavean] Ores) & all is going on unanimously & much to the satisfaction of all parties (except a certain Class whom I need not discribe) and I expect the Cornish Metal Co[mpany] will have Copper in London in a Month. If you or Mr Matthews could have found anybody in Town that would have taken a part w[i]th me I would have Subscribed for Ten Thous[an]d & then our particular friends & us could have formd a Majority in the Metal Co[mpany] however be that as it may I shall take a good Slice as I have no doubt but I can find chaps for any part in a little time on my own terms as the security is as good as the Bank & the foundation of the New House is grown more Solid since your departure although Mr Ennis & his Son & his Sons Brother are laying their heads together but all in vain.
              It is unfortunate for your self that you are obliged to be from home at this time as I wish you to be one of the Miners Committee but the thing is too intricate & long to tell you all. Chasewater adventurers have put you into their lisst. I believe Mr Ben[allac]k hath been proposing to Mr Edwards some plan of Smelting for Hayle Co[mpany] at Peng[?]es works. I know nothing of your or his plan & therefore I say nothing.
I have done all in my power to serve Ben[allac]k & had induced Vivian & all the Quakers to resolve to serve him but was sorry to learn yesterday at Truro that he is one of the Privy Council that is held on the South side ye Street at Truro, & they now say they dare not trust him. they say he hath also given ye Vice Warden bad advice.
I wish you would take an opportunity of Explaining to the Gent[leme]n in Lombard Street that I was not desired by the Cornish Gent[leme]n to go to London to form plans but to Execute that which they had formed & our success in the accomplishing of it, depended upon Secrecy & dispatch: and if I did any thing wrong, it was in calling, with an intent to communicate the Plan to Mr Baldero - because it was in intent a breach of trust that I could not have justifyd my self in had any inconveniences arose from it, My Partner Mr Watt had a greater right to be offended & so had you Besides my own interest as well as my honour was at Stake.
             My Leg is no better but rather worse within these few days & I cannot pick up either a one horse Chaise or a