''Soho.
21st January 1799.
Mr. Tho[ma]s Wilson.
Sir /
On the 19th Instant we forwarded
to the Care of Mrs Barlow. Bristol a set of nozzles in 6 pieces
marked P & number'd 1 to 6 - also a Box mark'd P and number'd 1 -
The above Articles are destined for Poldice No 5 Wheal Unity
Adventures, but as we are unacquainted with the best Conveyance to
Poldice we request you will have the Goodness, to order her to
dispatch them by the Conveyance you conceive most eligible -
We
remain
Sir
Your
most obed[ien]t Serv[an]ts
for Boulton
& Watt
J Lodge''
[here gives
short weight and canal weight for the castings]
AD1583/11/2 Letter, Watt junior to
Wilson regarding the opinions of the judges being against Maberley
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
25 Jan 1799
Endorsed: Mr Watt Jun[io]r Jan[uar]y 25th 1799.
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall.
''London
25 January 1799.
Dear Sir
Send forth your Trumpeters & let it be proclaimed
in Judah that the Great Nineveh has fallen; let the Land be cloathed
in Sackcloth & in Ashes! Tell it in Gath, and speak it in the
streets of Ascalon. Maberley and all his host are put to flight!
The second Argument came on this day, when after
hearing Le Blanc on the opposite side & Rous on ours, much at
length, All the Judges gave their opinions seriatim in our favour,
and treated all the Doubts that had been hitherto raised, as
contrary to the common sense & the common honesty of Mankind. -
Every thing handsome, honourable and laudatory was said in our
favour, and in one day we are repaid for the Labour of Years. - All
controversy is now terminated, for it is impossible to suppose that
the opposite party can be so insane as to attempt to go to the
Lords, if they do, the same fate awaits them there with tenfold
certainty.
I have no time to say more now. I shall cut you out work enough in a
few days. We shall now see, what new devise, these villains who have
have hitherto cloaked their dishonour under the cover of quibble, of
Dry Law, can resort to, to save them from the pecuniary mulet which
awaits their misdeeds. They shall now render unto Cæsar, the things
which are Cæsar's, and the protraction of their punishment shall
only render it the more compleat, as I always told you, though you
would not believe me. It was impossible, that justice and reason
should not in the end prevail over the miserable jargon of sophistry
that have been opposed to them.
Excuse this Rhapsody & believe me truly Yours
J Watt Jun[io]r.
P.S. Send out to
R. Mitchell & all other friends immediate Intelligence''
AD1583/11/3 Letter, Watt junior to
Wilson regarding continuation of Wilson's History of the Recusant
Mines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
29 Jan 1799
Endorsed: Mr Watt Jun[io]r Jan[uar]y 29 1799.
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall.
''Mr. Thomas
Wilson
Truro.
London 29th Jan[uar]y
1799.
Dear Sir,
As I presume you are by this time come to your
Senses, as well as ourselves, I have to beg of you to furnish Mr.
Weston immediately with the continuation of your History of the
Recusant Mines from 1794 down to the present time, with an Account
of all the sums owing from each according to the Agreements entered
into with them, and another statement of what it would amount to
according to the deductions that have been proposed and in some
cases, acted upon by B[oulton]&W[att].
You will see the necessity of this being immediately done,
respecting all our own & all Bulls Engines, as we shall proceed to
lay our actions against them all without delay. Of this however you
need take no notice, but profess yourself ignorant of our
intentions.
My father & Gregory desire to be remembered to yourself & family and
I remain
Dear Sir
Yours most truly
J Watt Junior.
P.S. We have not
heard whether Maberley means to go any farther with his action, but
we are of opinion that no Counsel will venture to advise such a
proceeding however much they may be backed by Cornish promises.
It is somewhat ludicrous that Daniells agent gave us notice, only
two days before the Argument, either to abandon our Actions against
Consols & United Mines, or to proceed with them immediately. We
shall certainly gratify him with the latter''
AD1583/11/4 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding the threat of legal steps being
taken to recover debts
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
6 Feb 1799
Endorsed: Mr Ja[me]s Watt Sen[io]r Feb[ruar]y 6th 1799.
Addressed to: Mr Thomas
Wilson, Truro, Cornwall.
''London Feb[ruar]y 6th 1799.
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
Yours of the 2[n]d received yesterday, I
observe the contents but mean at present to confine my self to what
passed respecting Mr Daniell, in which you acted very properly. It
is now necessary to tell all applicants positively, that you have no
authority from us to make any compromise whatever, & that unless
they speedily pay the full sums as due by your accounts with the
chancery costs they have occasiond that we shall take the legal
measures to compel them, and it will be proper that you go to as
many of their accounts as you can to demand payment & inform them of
the above.
Previous to the late argument Mr Daniells & Harris's
attorney applied to the Court to oblige us to file our declaration
against them in C[ommon]. pleas in which they shall be obliged & the
actions pushed on if they do not pay in the interim, & we shall also
proceed against the other delinquents, some of the Chancery bills
are now going on. As far as we can judge of the sentiments of the
Courts here they have little chance for mercy their conduct being
looked upon as abominable, & from us they can claim none after the
horrible expence they have put us to.
Your application to the mines at the accounts need
not be until you hear from us again, but you may answer those who
apply to you in the terms I have stated. I have no news to tell you
except that we have now very hard frost & a great load of snow.
My health has been very indifferent since I came to town, but is
rather better than it was, my Sons are both well.
With comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson & family I remain
Dear Sir
Yours sincerely
James Watt.
The bill of
£186. 9 [shillings] came safe.
Shall thank to send a note of the sum total of premiums we have
rec[eive]d from Cornwall''
AD1583/11/5 Letter, Watt junior to
Wilson requesting account of savings made by using James Watt's
engines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
16 Feb 1799
Endorsed: Mr Watt Jun[io]r Feb[ruar]y 16 1799.
Addressed to:
Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall.
''London 16 Feb[ruar]y 1799.
Mr Wilson
Truro.
Dear Sir
Your favour of the 11th Inst[an]t is at hand with
Statement of Premiums received from Cornwall.
I must now request you to undertake another task of a more arduous
nature, viz to calculate the Savings in fuel that have accrued to
Cornwall from the use of our Engines, during each Year since their
first introduction: You will also please to state the value of such
Savings in Money, during each year, at the then prices of Coal. -
And in another Column you will please to state the Receipts of
Boulton and Watt in the course of the Year.
In a separate Paper, I should wish you to state the
amount of the Sums that have been given up to the Mines by B[oulton]&W[att].
in each Year. -
I am sensible that this is giving you a great deal of
trouble, but it is of the utmost consequence to us to have it done
immediately and I therefore beg you will not lose a moment in
getting it done & sent to us here. -
I believe you did send some time ago, a list & history
of Bull's and Hornblowers Engines, but I have it not by me here, and
am likely soon to be in want of it. Please to cause a Copy to be
made out with any additions that may have occurred and send it me
hither.
Please to say whether Bulls Engine upon Herland, was
included in the compromise made with that Mine.
Would it be possible for you to send the annual Amount
of Copper and Tin raised in Cornwall since the Introduction of our
Engines, and to say what portion of it proceeds from Mines worked by
them.
I wish you to read over again your Narrative of the
advantages that have accrued to Cornwall from the use of my father's
Invention, and to state any additional matter that occurs to you
upon it.
You cannot oblige us more than by using dispatch in
these affairs, and expecting to hear from you as early as possible,
I remain
Dear Sir
Yours most truly
J Watt
Jun[io]r.
P.S. As so
much of the Month is advanced, I presume it would now be too late
for us to give you instructions about attending the Mine Accounts -
indeed I see no harm that can arise from waiting till next month,
when we shall have better digested our operations. - We are going on
with the Actions against Harris & Daniell. -''
AD1583/11/6 Letter, Watt junior to Wilson regarding
specimens of copper ores sent for assaying
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
20 Feb 1799
Endorsed: Mr James Watt Jun[io]r Feb[ruar]y 26 1799.
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall.
''London
20th Feb[ruar]y 1799.
Mr Wilson
Truro.
Dear Sir
I have sent, per Coach, a small parcel, containing a
Specimen of Yellow Copper Ore, and one of Pyrites found with it. A
friend of mine wishes to have them both assayed for Copper, which I
shall be obliged to you to get done and inform me of the result. -
I believe it is common to buy up poor pyritical (mundic)
Ores in Cornwall, for the purpose of mixing with the richer before
they are smelted. I wish to know whether a mixture of the two Ores
sent you, would be deemed preferable to the smelting of the rich one
by itself.
You will please to place the carriage of this parcel &
any other expences attending this Commission to my Account. - I
expect your Answer to my last and am truly
D[ea]r Sir
Yours
&c
J Watt Junior''
AD1583/11/7 Letter, Watt junior to
Wilson regarding Davies Giddy's proposal to negociate with Crenver
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
1 Mar 1799
Endorsed: Mr Watt Jun[io]r March 1st 1799.
Addressed to:
Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall.
''London 1 March 1799.
Mr Wilson
Truro.
D[ea]r Sir,
We duly received your favours of the 19th 22 & 24th
Ult[im]o containing Your Statement of the Annual & Total savings in
fuel produced by the use of our Engines in Cornwall, which, though
the amount is less than was expected, will be sufficiently accurate
for the purpose we have in view.
We are sensible that you have had much trouble in
the Compilation and are obliged to you for the dispatch which you
have used. We shall next expect from you the remainder of the
documents which you are preparing. -
Mr. Davies Giddy in a letter to Gregory proposes for
B[oulton]&W[att] to open a Negociation with Wh[ea]l Crenver through
his mediums. This B[oulton]&W[att] have altogether declined, partly
because Crenver Adv[enture]rs receded from a similar proposal made
by themselves (through the same channel) prior to the first Argument
in the Kings Bench, and partly because the Action is already
commenced, in consequence of Notice to declare having been given to
us by the Law Agent of Wh[ea]l Crenver.
You will please to refer to us, all the Recusant Mines
that propose treating, and not give any of them room to suppose,
that we are disposed to give up any part of what the Law will give
us. They have chosen to put it upon that Issue, and must now take
the consequences.
We are instructing Mr. Weston to proceed against the most
notorious offenders, but have been a good deal interrupted by an
unfortunate event, the death of his youngest brother, Mr. George
Weston, who died last Saturday after a very short illness.
The Messrs Boulton & my father are in town, but we all
propose returning to Soho in about a week. - I am D[ea]r Sir
Yours truly
J Watt Jun[io]r''
AD1583/11/8 Letter, Watt junior to Wilson requiring
account of tin and copper raised in Cornwall
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
11 Mar 1799
Dear Sir
Your favour with the Acc[oun]t of Hornblower's Engines
reached me in town & I have now before me yours of the 8th & 6th
Inst[an]t.
The particulars you have sent are sufficient as far as
they go, but I still want the Account of the Annual Amount of Tin &
Copper raised in the County & the proportion which has been raised
from Mines worked by B[oulton]&W[att]'s Engines, as nearly as you
can give it.
Murdock cannot leave this for two months to come; the
best means must be taken to quiet those who are anxious for his
appearance. We have written to Herland respecting their Cylinder. -
We dare say that Grylls will not be wanting in new
Inventions to keep up the humbug that has hitherto proved so
beneficial to him, but we should doubt whether at this time of day,
he will be able to meet with dupes who will give credit to his
Artifices. - A Question something similar to what you have stated,
was started by Mr. Short in Chancery, but was scouted by all the
bar, and we immediately desired that a Case might be made out to be
argued in the Kings Bench to which the Chancellor agreed; since
which our opponents have appeared ashamed of gulling their clients
with such absurdities, but we shall make them come to a very speedy
decision about it. - We are determined they shall have as much Law
as they like, perhaps a good deal more than they like, and that
without delay.
Mr. R. Boulton remains in town, he talks of taking an
Expedition to Cornwall with Mr. Deriabin, who is upon the point of
returning thither.
I am D[ea]r Sir
Yours truly
J Watt Jun[io]r''
AD1583/11/9 Letter, Hodge junior to Wilson enclosing
draft for payments on Wheal Leeds
Item
1 small folio
Manuscript
6 May 1799
Endorsed: Rich[ar]d Hodge Jun[io]r St. Earth. 6 May 1799.
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Willson, Truro.
''St. Erth 6th March 1799
by mistake for May.
Mr Thomas Willson.
Sir /
Inclosed you have Messrs Gluyas & Son's d[ra]fts One
hundred & twenty Pounds - for part payment of Rich[ar]d Trevithick &
Selfs note due to Messrs Boulton & Watts the first Ins[tan]t £163. 2
[shillings]. 6 [pence] Amo[un]t of Wh[eal] Leeds Engine Savings -
The remaining forty three pounds 2s[hillings]/6d [pence], shall be
remitted you in course ten days hope this short delay will not
matter materially - you w[oul]d have had the full amo[un]t ere
this, had not Jno [John] Rowe Esq[ui]r[e] been in London, he pays
One quarter part of Wh[eal] Leeds Cost - you'l please not call on
Trevithick for any part of this Amo[un]t as he had furnishd W[hea]l
Leeds Adv[enture]rs with Materials to a greater Amount than his part
of Savings -
I am Sir Y[ou]r Mo[st] Obed[ient]
Serv[an]t
Rich[ar]d Hodge
J[u]n[io]r.
please
Ackowledge the Re[ceip]t of inclosed Bills}''
AD1583/11/10 Letter, Gregory Watt to
Wilson regarding shares offered to Mr Simcox
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
22 Jun 1799
Endorsed: Greg[or]y Watt June 22 1799.
Addressed to:
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson,Truro, Cornwall.
''Birm[ingham] June 22[n]d 1799.
Mr. Wilson.
Dear Sir
We, that is Mr. Murdock and Myself, have
this Moment left Mr Simcox to whom we have offered the shares for
£100 and the Costs which were stated as probably amounting to about
£500. Simcox, who has just returned from London said he had heard
there was a letter from Penrose but he had not considered the
business. He has promised an answer as soon as possible but as their
committee do not meet till the latter end of next week we are I
suppose in for another Months cost. In the mean time Mr. M[urdock].
begs E. Rogers will visit wh[eal] Susan and inspect her situation
and what is going on as soon as possible, and favour us with a
report & also state what has been done relative to the little Mines
which he was requested to throw up. If that is not done let him tell
Penrose that they may be had into the Bargain for the other shares
cost free. If Penrose declines & no other mode of immediate disposal
appears, let them be instantly thrown up.
John Williams has never given and an answer to the question whether
he and the Foxes will purchase the 32[n]d in West downs at £60 or if
W.M. is to retain his right in it? - request a decisive answer which
you will be so kind as to transmit immediately that this share may
be included in the bargain making with the Birmingham Co[mpany] -
I am glad to hear that Charles stood his journey well and should be
pleased to hear himself of his amended health and present
employments - With best respects to Mrs. Wilson & remembrance to Mr.
Boulton and all your Family believe me Dear Sir
Yours
very sincerely
Gregory Watt''
AD1583/11/11 Letter, Llewellin to Wilson regarding
premium on Beerferris engine
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
2 Jul 1799
Endorsed: W[illia]m Lewellyn July 2nd 1799.
Addressed to: Mr Thomas
Wilson, Truro.
''Beerferris 2[n]d July 1799.
Sir,
I have your favour of the 26th past. - on the 18th I
wrote Mr Crawshay on the subject of the Charges for the Premium of
the Engine, I have not as yet any Answer, (without which I cannot
act in the Business), but am in daily expectation of it. - I have
been informed that it was not usual for Messrs Boulton & Watt to
Charge for their Engines 'till the Water was out of the Mine, in
that Case the Charge should commence from 23[r]d September 1797 -
however, as soon as I have Mr Crawshay's Directions I hope finally
to settle this Affair -
I am, Sir
Your most
Ob[edien]t humble Serv[an]t
W[illia]m Llewellin''
AD1583/11/12 Letter, Forman to Wilson regarding
goods dispatched to Cornwall
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
2 Jul 1799
Endorsed: W[illia]m Forman July 2 1799.
Addressed to: Mr. Thomas
Wilson, Truro, Cornwall.
''Soho 2nd July 1799.
Mr.
Thomas Wilson.
[here gives list
of copying machines and sundry associated goods purchased of James
Watt & Co]
Sir
Agreeably to an order from your Son We have this
day sent as above p[e]r Ashmore's Waggon which we hope you will
receive safe.
We are
Sir
Your
most obed[ien]t h[um]ble Serv[an]ts
for James Watt & Co.
W[illia]m Forman.
Some Lists of
Prices are put in with the Machines -''
AD1583/11/13 Letter, Watt junior to
Wilson regarding the closure of the United Mines account
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
2 Jul 1799
Endorsed: James Watt July 2 1799.
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro,
Cornwall.
''Mr Wilson
Truro.
Soho
2 July 1799.
D[ea]r Sir
Your favour of the 28th Ult[im]o covering 12 Bills of
the total Value of £10,000 is at hand & the Account of United Mines
therewith closed.
We have no objection to indulging Wh[ea]l Gons
Adv'[enture]rs in the luxury of a trial, but we can hardly form so
mean an opinion of their understanding as to suppose they will risk
a measure so totally desperate. No time however shall be lost in
putting them to the proof, and if a settlement is not made before Mr
R. Boulton leaves Cornwall, it will be out of the case afterwards.
It would be very agreable indeed to Mr. Murdock to get
rid of his mining concerns some way or other & as you have his
instructions, I hope soon to learn that you have brought them to a
conclusion.
I am D[ea]r Sir
Yours
very truly
J Watt Jun[io]r''
AD1583/11/14 Letter, Gregory Watt to
Wilson regarding estimate given to Mr Daubuz for engine
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
30 Sep 1799
''Mr. Wilson
Truro.
Soho September 30 1799.
Dear Sir,
The
estimate given in to Mr Daubuz was founded on a Cyl[inde]r of 26
inches diameter because we have one of that dimension ready made,
and of course could compleat the engine more expeditiously if it is
employed. With the length of stroke mentioned it will be quite
sufficient for the work proposed to be done.
We have mentioned to Mr Murdock what you have communicated to us
respecting the state of Godolphin Mine but he had rece[ive]d such
very favourable accounts of the situation of west Downs that he does
not appear at all dismayed and seems inclined to retain them in his
own hands.
Should any thing farther occur you will we trust be so good as to
communicate it to us. Mr. M. I am happy to inform you is now
tolerably well.
With best respects to Mrs Wilson and all your family I remain
Dear Sir
Your obliged Servant
Gregory Watt.
As you make no
mention of the Health of your sons Thomas and Charles I trust they
are both well.''
AD1583/11/15 Letter, M R Boulton to Wilson regarding
political and financial troubles in Europe Item
1 folio
Manuscript
3 Oct 1799
Endorsed: Robinson Boulton Oct[obe]r 3 1799.
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall.
London Oct[obe]r 3rd 1799.
Dear Sir
Since I left you I have been in a constant hurry &
bustle without however making a rapid progress hither, as you will
judge when I tell you that I arrived here only on Tuesday last. I
found my friend Rob[er]t Garbet in readiness to accompany me to
Plymouth where we passed a few days in viewing its wonders - at Bath
I made a second halt & was detained there by some friends till
Monday - Weston is proceeding to sue out the writs & thinks it will
not be necessary to trouble you to provide any more names of
Adven[ture]rs It will probably be a week or a fortnight yet before
the writs are obtained as some preliminary points are to be first
settled at a consultation of our Counsel -, within that period
however you may expect them & we shall request you to see them
served with all speed -
Weston will write you at the time when he forwards the
writs & at present I do not recollect any thing to be observed for
your Government -
There is at this time a stagnation of political news, at
least from Holland - Accounts are expected hourly with the greatest
anxiety & the prevalent opinion is that the troops will be recalled
- The great failures at Hamburgh have been severely felt in the City
& many houses of note have in consequence stopt payment - It is I
believe in agitation among the West India Merch[ant]s to follow the
example of the Liverpool Merch[ant]s to petition Mr Pitt to give
them a similar assistance - Their argument to him will be a forcible
one - Without a loan they say we shall be unable to make good our
instalments of the Omnium - If that should be the case the ministers
reply may I think be easily anticipated -
This is a subject I know upon which my sentiments will
not be received by you without some mistrust, but I hope the
sincerity of my assurances that I shall ever entertain a grateful
recollection of yours & Mrs Wilson's kind attention to me during my
long stay with you, will not be doubted -
I beg to be cordially remembered to Mrs Wilson your
Sons, Edwards & other friends & I remain
D[ea]r
Sir
Your obed[ien]t
humb[le] Ser[van]t
Robinson Boulton.
P.S. I shall be
glad to hear favorable tidings of Sam's Voyage -''
AD1583/11/16 Letter, M R Boulton to Wilson regarding
the case against Hornblower Item
1 folio
Manuscript
10 Oct 1799
Endorsed: M. R. Boulton Oct[obe]r 10 1799.
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall.
''Mr
Wilson.
Soho
Oct[obe]r 10th 1799.
Dear Sir
I know it will give you pleasure to learn
that your friends here are in general well, Murdock indeed has been
an invalid for some time past but is now recovering & my sister's
health is mending fast -
We are now all assembled again excepting Mr Watt
sen[io]r who is at Bath, but intends returning in a few days -
Weston I am glad to say is very confident of success in our attack
against Hornblower & thinks there will be no difficulty in making
the infringement evident to the jury. The report drawn out by Rennie
is a very satisfactory one & the opinion entertained by him in
regard to the piracy, is the unanimous one of all the Engineers to
whom the subject has been mentioned - I hope R Mitchel will furnish
us with the wooden model of the Cylinder bottom as soon as possible
& to prevent loss of time, let it be forwarded p[e]r Coach -
As I hear nothing of Penrose's Bill I presume it has
been regularly honored & you will please therefore to fulfill my
promise to Capt[ai]n A Vivian - I do not recollect exactly the sum,
whether 7 or 8 guineas & if you have not any memorandum of the
precise am[oun]t, we would rather wish you to remit the larger sum
than leave any ground for cavil - In the letter which Accompanies
the remitt[an]c[e] you will merely say that the bill is sent by my
directions without noticing on what account -
We suppose you will be consider[in]g of an application
to Passmore respecting Carzize Wood & if you have occasion to see
Grylls it will be proper to mention to him that we are preparing to
proceed against Wh[ea]l Rose Adven[ture]rs next term & if he has
therefore any communications to make upon that subject they must not
be delayed -
All parties here unite in Comp[limen]ts to yourself &
Mrs Wilson & believe me
D[ea]r Sir
Your obed[ien]t
humb[le] Ser[va]nt
Robinson
Boulton''
AD1583/11/17 Letter, Pasmore to Wilson regarding
savings owed by Carzize Adventurers Item
1 folio
Manuscript
14 Oct 1799
''Helston Oct[obe]r 14 1799.
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson.
S[i]r
I this day rece[ive]d your Letter of the
11th Inst[an]t. - The Major Part of Carzize Advent[ure]rs have paid
me their Proportions of Messrs Bolton's & Watt's Savings & I have
this day written those who have not paid requesting that they will
not fail paying me in the Course of this Week, as Soon as I have
Collected the whole I will fix a day for the Payment. -
I am
S[i]r
Y[ou]r
very h[um]ble Serv[an]t
W Pasmore''
AD1583/11/18 Letter, Carne to Wilson
requesting that the premium might be temporarily given up Item
1 folio
Manuscript
15 Oct 1799
“Penzance 15 October 1799 -
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson.
Sir
Inclosed you have 4 Bills as
under -
Rich[ar]d &
J[oh]n Cunnack on Wood & Cornish £100
d[itto] d[itto]
[£]100
Cha[rle]s Durlton Navy
[£]30
J Batten & Son - Fenton
&c [£]10
Value
together £240
in full for
Savings due to Bolton & Watt to End of April - the Rec[eip]t please
to Acknowledge -
I Rec[eive]d y[ou]r Last favour. the Acc[oun]t is Right but Cansold
as more than the above - our Mine is Very Poor at Present - I
suppose we shall be full Two Hundred Tons fewer Short this Sampling
& no prospect of Getting thro the Winter without Considerable Loss -
for the Time past we shall Come forward to pay the Amount as fast as
we Can. but as to future can say Little about at Present - for
unless the Lords will again give us up the dues for Some time till
we Can get our levels into the ore Ground we must go down Soon -
Prince George has given in £250 - towards keeping on up the Mine [?]
- Our Adventurers requested me to Pettition Messrs Bolton & Watt
again to request the favour of their giving up a Part of their
Savings for the next Six months for the Support of the Mine - & in
fact for the Publick Good - if it was One half the Savings or near
one third for the next Six Months it would be Considered as a favour
- & would in Conjunction with the Lords & Prince George Adventurers
be a Means of Supporting the Mine -
Be kind enough to Inform Messrs Bolton & Watt of our request - that
we Consider ourselves Greatly obliged by the favour Already
Rec[eive]d - I hope they will Comply with our Present request -
I remain Yours
Sincerely
Will[ia]m Carne.
PS If you doubt
of my of my Statement Respecting the mine will thank you to make
Enquiry - I have been Informed that some of our Adventurers intends
giving up their posts next Account -''
AD1583/11/19 Letter, Westons to
Wilson regarding Writ to be served on Jonathan Hornblower Item
1 folio
Manuscript
16 Oct 1799
Endorsed: Messrs Weston Oc[tobe]r 16 1799.
Addressed to: Thomas Wilson Esq[ui]re, Truro, Cornwall.
''Boulton
& an[othe]r v Hornblower.
Sir,
It being determined when Mr. Robinson Boulton was last
in Town to bring an Action against Jonathan Hornblower to establish
the fact of Infringement on Mr. Watt's Patent, in the Engines
erected by him in Partnership with Mr. Winwood, in hopes that a
Verdict against him may induce all the Mines where his Engines are
erected, to agree to Boulton & Watt's demands, we inclose you a Writ
against him, which we request you will get Mr. Edwards to serve with
as little delay as possible, in order that the Action may be tried
at the Sittings after next Term.
We are,
Sir,
Your most obed[ien]t h[um]ble Serv[ant]s
For Messrs Weston
J Wilson.
Fenchurch Street
October 16th 1799}
Mr Thomas Wilson
Truro''
AD1583/11/20 Letter, Llewellin to Wilson regarding
the cessation of work at Beerferris Mine, Devon Item
1 folio
Manuscript
16 Oct 1799
Endorsed: W[illia]m Lewellin Oct[obe]r 16 1799.
Addressed to: Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro –
''Beerferris 16 Oct[obe]r 1799 -
Mr. Thomas Wilson.
Sir,
I am favord with your's of the 12th inst[ant].
I expected the Business had been settled between Mess[rs] Boulton &
Watt and Mr. Crawshay. as he inform'd me he should write them on the
Subject, & receiving no further Directions from him I consider'd it
settled, therefore I must refer you to him & them about it, the Mine
was stopt 26th of August last, -
I am,
Sir
Your most Ob[edient] h[um]ble Serv[an]t
W[illia]m Llewellin''
AD1583/11/21 Letter, Landor to Wilson
regarding model of cylinder bottom Item
1 small folio
Manuscript
17 Oct 1799
Endorsed:
John Launder Oct[obe]r 17 1799.
Addressed to: Mr Wilson, Truro.
''Poldice
Mine Oct[obe]r 17.
Sir,
I have been Weiging this matter in my Own mind &
Likewise Consulted With a friend Conserning this Modell Belonging to
the Cylander Bottom, - and as you Intamated that it must be Laid
Before a Court I ham Informd that ether my Name or person is Liable
to Apeer at a Court also - it would Give me pleasure to Do all in my
power in this or any other Case as touching my Self but you know
what troble it Will Caus in my family if it is ever Understood that
I had any Consern in the matter - and prahaps Mobd from the County -
I think it Would be much Better if you posable Can to Imploy Some
Other person - Sir I ham thinking that Thomas Pearson as he Lives in
Plymouth is a proper person to Execute this Buisness Or prahaps I
may with Safty Give Some tradsman in Truro the Diferant Secttions -
but I ham Sertain it is no manner of Use to Attempt to stay hear if
Discoverd that I have any hand in the matter - a few Lines of Advice
Will Oblidge Your Servent Jno
Landor''
AD1583/11/22 Letter, Reynolds to
Wilson regarding savings in Cook's Kitchen engine Item
1 folio with part removed
Manuscript
18 Oct 1799
''Dear Sir,
The above order is for Messrs Boltons & Watts savings in
C[ooks]. Kitchen Engine, & Charged from May to Sept[embe]r last both
Mo[nth]s included at £12 p[e]r Mo[nth] -
I will thank you to inform me when the Compromise from
£18 to £12 p[e]r Mo[nth] took place,
I am
Dear Sir,
Your Most obed[ien]t
Servant
W[illia]m Reynolds.
Pool 18
Octo[ber] 1799''
AD1583/11/23 Letter, Carne to Wilson regarding
the expiration of Boulton & Watt's patent Item
1 folio
Manuscript
18 Oct 1799
''Penzance 18 October 1799.
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson.
Sir -
Since writing my Last I have been Informd
Messrs B[oulton] & Watts Patent Expire on the 29th of next Month - I
have Seen the Copy of the Patent - & some cases in which Lord Kenyon
has Laid it down as the Law - that in all Acts of Parliaments where
there is no Specific day Mentioned shall be Considered as bearing
date from the first day of the Session - if this is the Case it will
be Unnecessary to ask any Abatement - but if we fence till May - we
shall want Help. perhaps it might be as well for us to Close the
Business so as to Prevent any further disputes for Mess[rs] B[oulton]
& Watt to Say what they would take from the End of this Month to the
End of the this Patent to be p[ai]d them at Xmas next.
I Remain y[our] H[um]ble
Serv[an]t
Will[ia]m Carne''
AD1583/11/24 Letter, M R Boulton to Wilson regarding
various matters Item
1 folio
Manuscript
19 Oct 1799
Endorsed: M. R. Boulton Oct[obe]r 19 1799.
Addressed to: Mr T Wilson, Truro, Cornwall.
''Soho
Oct[obe]r 19th 1799.
Mr T Wilson.
Dear Sir
Your two favors of the 8th & 15th Ins[tan]t
are at hand - It is not a matter of any great moment to get the
exact proportions of the Cylind[er] Bottom; we wish for a model
principally to exemplify the construction of this part of the Engine
in which the whole mystery is concealed. Want of dimensions need not
therefore be an obstacle to R Michells proceedings & we hope he will
not on that account longer defer the execution of the Model.
Murdock had not adopted any resolution in regard to his
mining concerns & it does not appear that his indecision is likely
to be removed by deliberation - We have ourselves relinquished all
thoughts of becoming the purchasers & have recommended him to
dispose of the shares by auction, but he declines doing it from an
opinion that the Foxes will have sufficient interest to keep down
the bidding when it is known they wish to buy - I am not so well
acquainted with the nature of Mine surveys as to know how far such a
connivance may be practicable or whether Murdock's objections are
not unfounded - He expresses a strong wish for Cap[tai]n E Rogers to
go underground to inspect into the state of the Mine & to send him
our opinion upon the prospect of its continuance. I have great
doubts whether such a report, like the former ones will not tend
full as much to increase as to dispel his perplexities but as he at
present lays great stress upon it & proposes upon its reciept to
come to some determination we shall thank Cap[tai]n Rogers to take
an early opportunity of visiting the Mine; & if you can also procure
from J Williams a copy of the Mine Acc[oun]t to the end of ye last
month Murdock wishes it to be sent with the report - We observe you
have written to the defaulters Carne, Grundry, & Hodge & in case the
latter do not sent you satisfactory answers before the reciept of
this we wish them to be deliver'd over to Mr Edwards' Care with
instructions for him to take the necessary measures to enforce
payment of the arrears to the present period -
Grylls not having answerd my last letter, cannot with
propriety be written to a second time, & without accident brings you
together it is by no means our wish for you to renew the overtures
in regard to Wh[ea]l Rose -
At Mr Watt's return I shall mention to him your wish
relative to the accommodation in the mode of making your payments -
In the interim the statement of your Acc[oun]t to the end of last
month will be acceptable as we are now closing our Books -
My best wishes attend all with you & I remain
D[ea]r Sir
Your
obed[ien]t humb[le] Ser[van]t
For B&W
Robinson
Boulton''
AD1583/11/25 Letter, Gregory Watt to
Wilson regarding inability to answer Wilson's last letter Item
1 folio
Manuscript
23 Oct 1799
Endorsed: Gregory Watt Oct[obe]r 23 1799.
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall.
''Soho
October 23[r]d 1799.
Mr. Wilson -
Dear Sir
Your last two letters with their Enclosures
were duely rec[eive]d. My father being absent and my Brother and Mr
R Boulton being engaged with several other urgent affairs renders it
impossible to reply immediately to the several points contained in
your letters, but you may expect an answer in a few days.
With compliments to Mrs. Wilson and remembrances to other friends, I
remain Dear Sir
your very Obed[ien]t
Servant
Gregory
Watt''
AD1583/11/26 Letter, J Gundry to Wilson regarding
Treskowe saving Item
1 small folio
Manuscript
30 Oct 1799
Endorsed: John Gundry Oc[tobe]r 30 1799.
Addressed to: Mr. Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro.
Sir
The reason why I did not Answer y[ou]r first Letter
respecting Treskowe saving was because our Acco[un]t woud be in a
few days -
I have now to observe that the Bill of Savings
deliv[ere]d being 5 Months Premium was Yesterday charg[e]d, & shall
pay you, from our next Sale of Ores.
I rem[ai]n Sir
Y[ou]r
H[um]ble Serv[an]t
Jno Gundry.
Oct[ober] 30 1799''
AD1583/11/27 Letter, M R Boulton to Wilson regarding
various mines Item
1 folio
Manuscript
30 Oct 1799
Endorsed: Robinson Boulton Oct[obe]r 30 1799.
Addressed to: Mr T Wilson, Truro, Cornwall.
''Soho Oct[obe]r 30th 1799 -
Dear Sir
Your two favors of the 24th & 26th Ins[tan]t the former
covering a remittance from Cook's Kitchen Adv[enture]rs value £60
are at hand.
The absence of my father, who has been suddenly called
to town, prevents us sending you the promised reply to Carne's
letter wishing previously to learn his sentiments upon the subject;
- & for the same reason Mr Watt defers answering your last letter of
the 26th - We beg you to express our thanks to R Michel for his
drawings which are perfectly intelligible - Tho' we are certainly
inclined to think his fears upon the present occassion unfounded, we
should very reluctantly press his acquiescence to any request, which
he might imagine likely to involve him in the smallest difficulties
& we beg you to assure him that the application would not have been
made had we concieved it likely to be attended with the consequences
which he apprehends -
A Model is preparing under the direction of Murdock & I
believe we shall not be under the necessity of giving you any
further trouble upon this subject -
If we understand you rightly that the Wh[ea]l Jewel
Adven[ture]rs have charged the premium three months short of the
time which the Engine has worked, it will be proper to write Grundry
immediately to inform him peremptorily that we expect the three
months additional premium to be paid.
We certainly are not inclined to suffer him to arrogate
the right of regulating our claims; neither do we see the justice of
the adven[ture]rs indemnifying themselves for part of their loss at
our expence. Mr Grundry even seems determined not to allow us the
opportunity of exercising our generosity on the present occasion but
disposes of our property without consulting us - We shall however
endeavour to convince him that our consent is not altogether
superfluous & that we are not disposed to subscribe to his arbitrary
regulations -
We approve of your proposal in regard to Hodge, but
punctuality can only be ensured by some such compulsory measure - I
much regret after Passmore's exertions to get the Carzize Wood
business settled that the obstinacy of some of the Adven[ture]rs is
still likely to give both him & ourselves more plague - We shall be
under the necessity to follow up the law proceedings ag[ains]t that
Mine in the course of the ensuing term which commences on the fifth
of November & without therefore a conclusive settlement takes place
speedily, both parties I fear will unavoidably incur additional
expence & vexations - Your favorable account of Godolphin Mine has
been fully confirmed by Capt[ai]n Pearce in a letter to Murdock. He
is now therefore in possession of every information which he desired
in order to make up his mind upon the subject & if will not benefit
by his former experience at Wh[ea]l Suzan, he can only blame himself
for the consequences -
I remain
D[ea]r
Sir Your obed[ien]t
humble Ser[van]t
For B&W
Robinson Boulton''
AD1583/11/28 Letter, Boulton and Watt to Wilson regarding
payments due on Wilson's bond Item
1 folio
Manuscript
23 Nov 1799
Endorsed: James Watt Jun[io]r Nov[embe]r 23 1799.
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall.
''Soho Nov[embe]r
23[r]d 1799.
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
Mr R. Boulton had duely informed us of your
request to be indulged in the non payment of the installment of £500
due on your bond this year, in addition to your commission on the
premiums which we mean to retain; which request would have been
sooner answered had we had an opportunity of meeting to discuss it
before yesterday. We wish for your sake as well as for other reasons
that the debt should be liquidated as soon as possible; but the
reasons you urge for the delay, have for the present prevailed upon
us to settle it as follows.
First not to require you to remit us the s[ai]d £500. -
. installment at present, so that if the money has been provided you
may apply it to the uses of your trade.
Second, we to retain and apply to your credit, (towards
the payment of your own private bond,) the premiums, or ballance of
premiums on the money received in Cornwall, both from the
uncontested & contested premiums; but in regard that the contested
premiums, were not received in consequence of your sole exertions,
nor without a very heavy expence in Law &ca we propose that the
following deductions should be made before your Commission is
computed - 1st The sums to be repaid to the friendly Adv[enture]rs
in Consols and 2[n]d the Law expences, The former you know the
amount of, & the latter is not yet perfectly made up, but we know it
much exceeds £10,000, at which sum we shall at present state it. We
have however received from Maberley in law costs & premiums about
£1500, which being deducted from the 10 th[ousand] leaves 8500, but
say £8000 to be deducted from the recusant premiums before your
commission is computed the whole of which ballance is to be carried
to your credit as mentioned & no part retained by you, consequently
the monies you have received or may receive on our account to be
regularly remitted to us.
We hope this arrangement will prove satisfactory, as at
the time the arrangements concerning the installments were made
neither you nor ourselves, had any great reason to expect that these
contested premiums would have been received Consequently you should
look upon it as so much adventitious gain, which lessens your debt
without depriving you of any money you would otherwise have had.
We shall be obliged to you for your reply in course and
beg that our best wishes & kind compliments may be made acceptable
to Mrs Wilson & family & our remembrances to other friends, & we
remain
Dear Sir
Your's
sincerely
James Watt.
Matt[he]w Boulton.
[the above is
written in the hand of James Watt]
D[ea[r Sir
I should be glad to hear how your sons Tho[ma]s &
Charles health goes on, as well as how you are likely to be affected
in the Brewery by the present exorbitant prices of grain which are
now nearly equal to what they were in the last dear year.
Your's
sincerely J Watt''
AD1583/11/29 Letter, Pasmore to Wilson regarding
forthcoming meeting of the Carzize Adventurers Item
1 folio
Manuscript
25 Nov 1799
Endorsed: Will[ia]m Pasmore Nov[embe]r 25 1799.
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro.
''Helston
Nov[ember] 25. 1799.
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson.
S[i]r
I duly rece[ive]d your favor of
the 23. Inst[an]t & am Sorry it is not at present in my power to fix
a day for the Settlement of Messrs Bolton & Watt's Demand on Carzize
Adv[enture]rs -
A meeting of the Advent[urer]s is fix'd for Tuesday the 3[r]d
Inst[an]t when I doubt not proper Measures will be adopted to
Collect the Money & render a Prosecution unnecessary, I will
immediately after the Meeting Communicate to you the resolutions
that may be entered into. -
I am
S[i]r
Y[ou]r
very h[um]ble Serv[an]t
W Pasmore''
AD1583/11/30 Letter, Pasmore to Wilson regarding
proposed prosecution of indebted Carzize Adventurers Item
1 folio
Manuscript
5 Dec 1799
''Helston
Dec[ember] 5th. 1799.
Mr Wilson.
S[i]r
At the Meeting of Carzize Advent[urer]s on
Tuesday last, it was resolv'd to prosecute immediately those
Adv[enturer]s who do not pay their Proportion of the £300. 0
[shillings]. 0 [pence] to be paid Messrs Bolton & Watt on or before
the 11th Inst[an]t, I hope therefore that this Business will be
finally settl'd in the Course of next Week, as I think neither of
the Advent[urer]s will suffer himself to be prosecuted.
I am
S[i]r
Y[ou]r very h[um]ble Serv[an]t
W Pasmore''
AD1583/11/31 Letter, J Gundry to Wilson
requesting delay in payment of Treskowe savings Item
1 folio
Manuscript
9 Dec 1799
Endorsed: Jno [John] Gundry Dec[embe]r 9 1799.
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro.
''Goldsithney 9th
December 1799.
Sir
I wrote to you some time since that we had charg[e]d to
Treskowe Mine Five Months Savings to Messrs Boulton & Watt, buy £93.
6 [shillings]. 8 [pence] & that I shoud send you a Bill ab[ou]t this
time for it.
The present is to request ''by the desire of the
Adv[enturer]s'' that this payment shou[d] be prolonged. untill the
present Ores now raising shoud be Sold. the Mine having Lossed the
last Six Months a Large Sum but now appearing much better, & will
enable us I hope to discharge, without collecting Cost -
I am
Sir
Y[ou]r H[um]ble Serv[an]t
Jno Gundry.
Dec[embe]r 9
1799''
AD1583/11/32 Letter, Lodge to Wilson regarding
dispatch of engine parts for United Mines Item
1 folio
Manuscript
12 Dec 1799
''Soho 12th December 1799.
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson.
Sir /
We yesterday forwarded per Sleep
Boats to the Care of Mrs. Barlow Bristol the follow[in]g Engine
Materials for the United Mines - We have requested Mrs. Barlow to
let them remain in her possession till she receives Instructions
from you, - have the Goodness to make enquiry of the Proprietors of
the mines by what mode of Conveyance they would wish them to be sent
& acquaint Mrs. Barlow with the Result - Many articles are mark'd UM
& number'd as follows - No 1 to 6. One Set of nozzles. No 7
Perpendicul[a]r Steam pipe. No 8 Socket for d[itt]o. No 9 & 10
Eduction pipe & Socket. Also a Box containing the Wrought Iron &
Brass necessary for the Completion of the Nozzles -
Understanding that the above Goods are much wanted we beg you will
delay no time in consulting with the Proprietors how they would wish
to receive them -
We
remain
Sir
Your most
obed[ien]t Serv[an]ts
for Boulton & Watt
J Lodge.
Short Weight of
the whole 83 C[w]t [hundredweight]. 3 qu[arters]. 23 lb
[pound]
Canal weight d[itt]o 78 C[w]t [hundredweight]. 1
qu[arter]. 13 lb [pound]
My
most respectful Compliments to Mr Charles Wilson, shall write to him
soon -
(over)
PS. We request
you will send us an Acc[oun]t of the Tin receiv'd from you some Time
in March with all Charges affixed to it, being prevented from
closing our Books till we are furnished with such Acc[oun]t -''
AD1583/11/33 Letter, Pasmore to Wilson enclosing
payment for savings on Carzize Mine Item
1 folio
Manuscript
15 Dec 1799
Endorsed: Will[ia]m Pasmore Dec[embe]r 15 1799.
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro.
''Helston
Dec[ember] 15th. 1799
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson.
S[i]r
The inclos'd Eight Bills & one
Order on Truro make Three Hundred Pounds the Sum agreed to be taken
by Mr Bolton for the Savings in Carzize Mine, your Acknowledgment of
their Receipt will Oblige
S[i]r
Y[ou]r
very h[um]ble Serv[an]t
W Pasmore''
AD1583/11/34 Letter, Boulton and Watt to Wilson regarding
Wilson's bond Item
1 folio
Manuscript
18 Dec 1799
Endorsed: Messrs Boulton & Watt 18th Dec[embe]r 1799.
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall.
''Soho Dec[embe]r 18th 1799.
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
At the time when it was first proposed to
take your Bond payable by installments, for your debt to us,
whatever hopes we might entertain, the payments of our arrears from
the Cornish Mines was looked upon by you in a very problematical
light, consequently your probable commission on these arrears was
not taken into consideration; but if it had, we should certainly
sooner have insisted upon its being wholy appropriated to the
lessening your debt. And though the bond was afterwards drawn as you
mentioned, yet we thought that as that commission was money which
you could not in reason have reckoned upon that you would have
embraced the opportunity of liquidating so much of the principal as
it amounted to; and we are sorry that your necessities have made you
act otherwise.
As we are blameable in not sooner having come to an
explanation on this subject, we shall now agree to our retaining
only the £500 to pay the installment due at Michaelmas next, & the
interest now due, giving you credit for the anticipated payment &
crediting your accountcurrent as usual for whatever the commissions
as usual may exceed that sum.
In regard to the deduction from the premiums on account
of Law Expences we cannot make any change from what we have already
said. Without these law Expences neither you nor us would have ever
got one farthing neither of these contested premiums nor of others
which were paid during the suit; and we should think it hard to pay
you a commission on our losses which must be the case were we not to
deduct them.
We are sensible of the trouble you have had, but you
will remember that upon that account we forebore for several years
charging you interest upon money of ours which you had retained &
which we should not now have mentioned except in our own vindication
from the implications in your last letter.
We hope what has been said will finish this business and
times will mend with you so as to render future payments less
inconvenient. Mean while we remain with best wishes to Mrs Wilson &
family we remain
Dear
Sir
Your faithful serv[an]ts
Matt[he]w Boulton
James Watt
We are unable to
state matters so clearly as we wish for want of your account which
we request may be sent us as soon as possible''
AD1583/11/35 Letter, M R Boulton to Wilson regarding
Wilson's bond and mortgage Item
1 folio
Manuscript
18 Dec 1799
Endorsed: R Boulton Esq[ui]re 18th Dec[embe]r 99
Addressed to: Mr T Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Mr Wilson -
Soho
Dec[embe]r 18th 1799.
Dear Sir
I have thought it proper to accompany B[oulton]&W[att]'s
Letter with some remarks in answer to such parts of your letter as
have reference to the transactions between you & B&W in which I have
been involved.
You are correct in stating that I informed you upon my
arrival in Cornwall that my residence there would not make any
difference in the Commission which would otherwise accrue to you
upon the litigated premiums - Neither has this circumstance
influences B&W's opinion in considering the quantum of commission to
which you are entitled - The propriety of the deduction they contend
for rests upon very different grounds - viz whether you are entitled
to a commission upon the money Spent in supporting the common cause
& with[ou]t which disburshment neither you nor they would have
recieved a penny - The reply you allude to did not certainly embrace
this Consideration, it had reference solely to the object of my
journey, for which I could undertake to answer; the other question
had not been agitated to my knowledge & was not therefore a point
upon which I was empower'd to give an opinion -
Moreover admitting for the sake of argument that the
tenor of my observation had been misconcieved by you, the merits of
the case are not thereby altered. If you think yourself entitled to
a commission upon more than the nett reciepts you have equally an
opportunity of stating the grounds of your claims & B&W will not now
be less disposed to canvass impartially the justice of them than at
any antecedent period - You ask in your letter why a bond was
required with certain stipulations, if you were expected to
appropriate your commission to the liquidation of the debt - The
question does not appear to me of difficult solution - The Bond &
mortgage were proposed at a time when neither you nor ourselves
could in justice act upon a supposition of the contested premiums
being speedily, if at all recover'd with[ou]t further litigation &
at a time therefore that the appropriation of your commission could
not be a subject of consideration - Under these circumstances you
covenanted to refund B&W's advance in a limited time, but fortune
has put you in possession of an unexpected resource by which your
debt may be extinguished more rapidly & the only question therefore
is whether this additional aid ought not to be so applied - My
opinion that B&W would expect it to be applied to the liquidation of
your debt was certainly intimated to you long previous to my
departure from Cornwall & in consequence of a conversation which
took place upon this subject, in your countinghouse, you requested
me to be inform B&W of your wish to be indulged in retaining the
first instalment of your Commission. I wrote them accordingly
without however concieving this proposal in any degree connected
with the conditions of the Bond & of course it never occurred to me
that the ratification of the latter would be construed by you into a
compliance with your request.
I could not suppose that you would in any event hesitate
to execute a bond proposed by yourself or that you would consider
B&W as acceding to your proposition in regard to the commission
without receiving a notification to that purport - I have entered
into this detail with a view of explaining to you my conception or
the transactions in which I have been the organ of communication
between you & B&W, the merits of the reasons which you have urged
for their compliance with your wishes, I shall, as I have hitherto
done, leave entirely to their consideration being more competent
than myself to judge of them - With respectful compliments to Mrs
Wilson & family
I remain
D[ea]r Sir
Yours sincerely
Robinson Boulton''
AD1583/11/36 Letter, M R Boulton to Wilson regarding
receipt of Carzize debts, and other matters Item
1 folio
Manuscript
21 Dec 1799
Endorsed: R Boulton Esq[ui]re Dec[embe]r 31st 1799
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho Dec[embe]r 21st 1799.
Mr Wilson.
Dear Sir
We have in course your favor of the 17th
covering sundry bills value together £400. 11 [shillings]. 3 [pence]
which are at your Credit - The reciept of the long expected
remittance from the Carzize Wood Adven[ture]rs gives us much
pleasure & not less so the final settlement with Mr Passmore - Our
proceedings against the remaining refractory Mines will be revived
with additional vigour in the ensuing term - The declarations are
prepared & will be then filed against Godolphin &c -
Upon referring to our last letter we percieve we have
omitted to acknowledge the receipt of your remittance of £42. 12
[shillings] recovered from Hodge in consequence of Mr Edwards
interference & for which we beg you to express our thanks to that
Gentleman - As his talisman appears to have produced such a
beneficial effect in this instance we think it will be the best
specific for Messrs Grundrys obstinacy & we shall thank you to
consign them to his care.
There is not the least reason for an abatement either to
Trescaw or to Wh[ea]l Jewel & we shall certainly insist upon the
full premium from both Mines. The conduct of the Grundrys plainly
indicates that the more they are indulged the more they will
require, without Mr Edwards writes them in forcible terms we fear
their insensibility will be proof against his Rhetoric -
We suppose Mr Williams of Scorrier has informed you of
his petition for an abatement to the Godolphin Addit Adven[ture]rs
in consideration of the short time the Engine has worked. He wished
us to give up the premium of the Engine which they have purchased to
replace the former, but for several reasons we preferr'd making the
Adven[ture]rs a specific abatement of the prem[iu]m upon the Engine
which has been stopt & we have accordingly agreed to relinquish £50
which you will please to place to Mr Williams Credit - We have
declined entering into any negotiation with Carne till the whole of
the arrears are liquidated in case he does not remit soon it will be
highly necessary to give him an admonitory epistle -
We remain
D[ea]r Sir
Your
obed[ien]t humb[le] Ser[van]ts
for
Boulton & Watt
Robinson
Boulton''
AD1583/11/37 Letter, M R Boulton to Wilson regarding
various matters Item
1 folio
Manuscript
29 Dec 1799
Endorsed: R. Boulton Esq[ui]r[e] Dec[embe]r 29. 1799
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall.
“Mr Wilson
Dear Sir
We have in course your favor of the 24th
Ins[tan]t covering Bills value together £259. 0 [shillings]. 10
[pence] which are at your Credit -
The prospect of terminating the correspondance upon the
unpleasant topics which it has latterly been our lot to discuss
affords us very sincere satisfaction & we trust that both parties
will at all times have reason to rejoice in the connexion which has
so long subsisted between us - We are for the present precluded from
stating to you our ideas in regard to the threatened detention of
our future premium having at this time several avocations which
engross our attention - the Acc[oun]ts which you promise to send us
will be very acceptable as our books now remain unclosed principally
for want of them -
We are
D[ea]r Sir
Your obed[ien]t humb[le] Ser[van]t
for Boulton & Watt
Robinson Boulton
Soho Dec[embe]r 29th 1799''
AD1583/11/38 Letter, J H Tremayne to Wilson regarding
receipt of bill Item
1 folio
Manuscript
11 Jan 1800
Endorsed: Mr Tremayne Jan[uar]y 11th 1800
Addressed to: To Mr. Thomas Wilson, at Truro.
''Heligan 11th Jan[uary] 1800
Sir
By this Nights Post I received your kind Favor
inclosing to me a bill from Messrs Bolton & Watt for three hundred,
thirty five Pounds, 13s[hillings]/9d [pence] for which I beg you to
present them with the sincere thanks of our Family - being sensible
of their generous & spirited Behaviour to the respective Adventurers
in the Consolidated Mines -
When you write Messrs Bolton & Watt, I desire you also
to present them and Mr Robinson Boulton with my Compliments, and am
Sir
Your friend & most obed[ien]t
Servant
J Hawkins Tremayne''
AD1583/11/39 Letter, Boulton to Wilson
reflecting on recent events Item
1 large folio
Manuscript
13 Apr 1800
Endorsed: M Boulton Esq[uire] Ap[ri]l 13th 1800
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall.
''Mr Tho[ma]s
Wilson
Truro.
Soho
13 Ap[ri]l 1800
Dear Sir
Before this time, I have no doubt but you have heard me
abused more than may be agreeable to you: but I assure you that no
rewards or punishments in the power of Cornish men to bestow, can
deter me from speaking truth when calld upon by the Gov[ernmen]t
under which I live, or from doing that duty I owe to my Native
oppressd & half ruind Town.
There are few assertions in any of the publications on the part of
the Miners but what I can prove the fallacy of, & note in the
Manufacturers answers, but what I believe to be true: However in
order to enable you to form a more accurate judgment than you can do
by hearing one side only; I have sent you a packet of papers by the
Coach which I beg you will attentivly read & fav[o]r me with your
remarks at leasure. -
If we had paid little regard to truth & been as bold as our
opponants: If we had employd the same degree of corrupt influence, &
all the Charms of youth & Beauty to have Canvassed the whole of the
House of Commons, we perhaps should not have been in the Minority.
You know & so do the Cornish Gent[leme]n that I have Canvassed it on
former occasions with success, but on the present I assure you that
neither my Colleague or my self canvassed one single Member nor did
we employ any other person to do it.
After all I am perswaded it was not the Merits of the Miners Case
that decided the business so much as Charitable considerations in
fav[o]r of a distressd L[or]d with a large Family. - It was the
Ministers that began this business (which I hope now to retire from)
& I shall now leave it to them to finish - May health happiness and
prosperity attend you & all your is the sincere wish of
Dear Sir Your
faithful friend
Matt[he]w Boulton''
AD1583/11/40 Letter, Fox & Sons to Wilson regarding
meeting of Wheal Pool Adventurers Item
1 folio
Manuscript
27 Sep 1800
Endorsed: G.C. Fox & Sons Sept[embe]r 27. 1800.
Addressed to: Thomas Wilson, Truro.
''Esteemed
Friend
Thomas Wilson
We have been called in as Adventurers in the Pool Lead
Mine to pay Boulton & Watts a premium for using Hornblowers Engine,
we could not take upon us to comply with the demand for more than
ourselves, and we have been thinking the best way will be, to
convene a meeting of the Adventurers at Helston, but who is the
proper person to do this, we do not know; as thee was interested in
the Mine & also Agent for the Smelting Comp[an]y we don't know a
more proper Person than thyself and we shall be obliged to thee for
taking this trouble, that the business may be settled without Law -
we suppose the shares our Cr[editor]s & selves bought must be free
to us of the demand, to the day we bought - that is the sellers
should refund it, and therefore should be inform'd of the Meeting -
We are truly
Thy assured Friends
Geo[rge] C Fox & Sons''
AD1583/11/41 Letter, Fox & Sons to Wilson regarding
meeting of Wheal Pool Adventurers Item
1 folio
Manuscript
7 Oct 1800
Endorsed: Geo[rge] Fox & Sons Oct[obe]r 7 1800
Addressed to: Thomas Wilson, Truro
''Falmouth
7th October 1800 -
Esteemed Friend
Thomas Wilson
I have thy favor of the 6th Ins[tan]t informing me of a
Meeting being fix'd for Wh[ea]l Poole Adventurers to be held at
Helstone on Friday. I should with pleasure have attended, had it
been convenient, but I am very unwell & not equal to be with you. I
therefore request thee wilt inform the other Adventurers that I am
ready & so is my Brother to pay our proportion of the Sum mentioned
by our friend Boulton. I conclude it will be settled amicably, if
any one should object I hope B[oulton]&W[att] will take the
proportion of those who are willing to settle it. I am Truly
Thy assured Friend
Geo[rge] C Fox & Sons
for R W. Fox''
AD1583/11/42 Letter, Johns to Wilson
enclosing Hornblower to Reed Item
1 folio
Manuscript
11 Oct 1800
Endorsed: Jethro Hornblower October 1800
Addressed to: Mr Charles Read, Helston, and subsequently to
Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro.
Mitchell Friday
D[ea]r Sir
On searching amongst some of Wh[eal] Pool Papers I have
found the Agreement of Hornblower & Winwood with the Adven[turer]s:
it is Executed on their part and the Counter by Mr Robinson & Mr
Johns. I should be glad to have a line by Capt[ai]n [part here is
missing] of the result of this morning with that Party B[oulton]&W[att]
and remain
D[ea]r Sir
Y[ou]r Hum[ble]
Se[rvan]t
Jethro Hornblower
[next page]
Helston 11th Oct[obe]r 1800
Dear Sir
You will see clearly by the annexed Letter from Mr.
Hornblower to Mr. Reed that the Bond of Indemnity to Wheal Pool
Adventurers have been executed by Messrs Winwood & Hornblower - &
for what Purpose it was sent back unexecuted from Bristol I cannot
understand unless it was to prevent the Adv[enture]rs from &
refusing to pay more than the Price of Agreement for the erecting
the Engine Vizt £1000. & which if it had been understood by the
Adv[enture]rs that the Bond had been really executed I amongst the
rest woud have positively objecte to paying more than that Sum - you
had better take Care of this Letter & I remain with Compliments to
Mr. Bolton
Dear Sir
Your m[o]st obed[ient] Serv[an]t
W[illia]m Johns.''
AD1583/11/43 Letter, Fox & Sons to Wilson hoping
that the business between them is now settled Item
1 folio
Manuscript
20 Oct 1800
Endorsed: G.C. Fox & Sons Oct[ober] 20th 1800
Addressed to: Thomas Wilson, Truro.
''Falmouth 20th October 1800
Esteemed Friend
Thomas Wilson
We received thy favor of the 15th Ins[tant] and to
oblige our Friend Boulton we fully intended today to have sent one
of our Clerks to Helston, but our RW Fox's Wife being extremely
unwell it entirely slipped his recollection till one oclock and it
was then too late; please to inform our Friend Boulton thereof with
our Respects, we confess it has given us much pain - The writer was
riding out on Saturday & entirely forgot not being able attend to
business but little for 3 days past. -
We hope the business is setled without us, thee knowest we are
always ready to come to any Settlement to lessen the continual
vexation our friends have had in consequence of their demands being
resisted. -
We are truly
Thy
assured Friends
Geo[rge] C Fox & Sons
Truro''
AD1583/11/44 Letter, Trevithick to
Wilson regarding terms with Mr Boulton Item
1 folio
Manuscript
22 Oct 1800
I am sorrey its not in my power to wait on Mr. Bolton either of the
days you propos,d and as he intends leveing this County on thursday
hope you will be so good as to solicit him on my behalf to be on so
easy a terms as posiable and as soon as I can get a few hours to
spare will wait of you to know the terms fix,d on
I am Sir your
very H[um]b[le] Serv[an]t
Rich[ar]d
Trevithick''
AD1583/11/45 Letter, Fox & Sons to Wilson regarding
proposed meeting with Mr Boulton Item
1 folio
Manuscript
27 Oct 1800
Endorsed: Geo[rge] Fox & Sons Oct[obe]r 27 1800
Addressed to: Thomas Wilson, Truro
''Falmouth 27 October 1800
Esteemed Friend
Thomas Wilson
We
have a letter from William Johns, who says its inconvenient to
attend at Penryn or Falmouth but proposes to meet at Bennetts's at
Helston on Friday at 12 oClock, so thee will confirm this proposal
to him & us - or the contrary as our friend Boulton may think proper
- He writes that no accommodation can take place, as the Adventurers
are of opinion, B[oulton]&W[att] must fail on the merits of the
case, besides the statute of limitation is against their Claim, but
they appear to have made up their minds that they stand on good
grounds by resisting the payments on its merits only - we wish we
could have been the means of putting an end to this unpleasant
business to our friend Boulton & Watt, but there seems no chance of
succeeding as so great a loss attended some of the Adventurers who
bought in at high prices, would not Boulton & Watt be justified in
accepting less from Wheal Pool than W[hea]l Unity let us hear from
thee by return of the post that we may desire John Hamilton to
attend, our R W. Fox being confined by the Gout - he begs his best
respects to our friend Boulton.
We are
Thy
assured Friends
Geo[rge] C Fox & Sons''
AD1583/11/46 Letter, Daubuz to Wilson regarding
monies owed by the Wheal Wherry Adventurers Item
1 folio
Manuscript
15 Nov 1800
Endorsed: L.C. Daubuz 15th Nov[embe]r 1800
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
''Truro Nov[embe]r 15. 1800.
Sir
Pursuant to the Conversation that passed between us, I
have now to desire that you will be so good to inform Mr Boulton,
that I saw some of the principal adv[enture]rs of Wh[eal] Wherry
mine at Penzance & they professed their determination to pay Mr
Boulton provided he Confined his demands to the time the Engine was
actually working, which they make out as follows, 14 months in the
plan if
Messrs B[oulton]&W[att] @ £16. 4 [shillings]. 3 [pence].
- £226. 19. 6
on Hornblower's
160. - . 6
[total]
£387. - . -
this is £42 less than Mr. B[oulton]. demanded & which is accounted
for by the Engine being idle during the winter 1795 - The stopped in
october & went to work again in May. They say this has been the
uniform custom of Mess[rs] B&W to make such deductions on those
mines where they have had a Contract - they would then propose to
pay 1/2 at 3 1/2 at 6 m[onth]s date - They intimate further a
reliance that Mr B[oulton]. will when the business is over make the
adv[enture]rs an allowance for the prosecution of those
adv[enture]rs who demur to pay their proportion of the sum so agreed
to pay Mr. B[oulton]: This I believe is the purport of what the
Gentlemen I conversed with determined upon.
The adv[enture]rs in Wh[eal] Margaret seem to also
inclined to pay what may be Claimed on them, say that proportion
according to what has been paid by the adv[enture]rs of Wh[eal]
Unity, which they are instructed would be £5.12. 4½ p[e]r month to
the end of October last.
If Expence should be incurred by endeavouring to Compel
Dr Moyle to pay his part who at present seems to be the only
adv[enture]r who threatens to resist, they trust Mr. B[oulton]. will
hereafter indemnify them -
I remain
Sir Your very h[um]ble Serv[an]t
L. C. Daubuz.
The
adv[enture]rs of Wh[eal] Margaret are instructed that the
adv[enture]rs of Wh[eal] Unity have paid only to november last''
AD1583/11/47 Letter, Boulton and Watt to Wilson regarding
negociations with Wheal Margaret Adventurers Item
1 folio
Manuscript
17 Dec 1800
Endorsed: Boulton & Watt Dec[embe]r 17th 1800
Addressed to: Mr T Wilson, Truro
''Soho 17th Dec[embe]r 1800.
Mr. Wilson
Dear Sir /
We are sorry to percieve that the course
of our negociation with the Wheal Wherry & Wheal Marjaret
Adven[turer]s appears to be rather retrograde than progressive - We
always understood the Chief Obstacle to a settlement to be the
opposition of Messrs Pasco & Moyle but now that one of the parties
has conform'd to the opinion of the majority & we offer to take upon
ourselves the prosecution of our Claims against the remaining
recusant we percieve with regret that the difficulties & demurs
are started & the original Basis of the compromise made the subject
of Dispute - The respect which you know we entertain for Mr. Giddy's
abilities & Character would render him in our Opinion the most
acceptable Arbitrator which could be selected, did we concieve the
present Case a proper one for Arbitration - The Wheal Marjaret
Adven[turer]s must surely be satisfied that a proportional Deduction
has been made from our original Demand upon them as in the Case of
Wh[ea]l Unity - A simple position of the Rule of three will prove it
beyond Controversy, that there exists no error in the time of our
Calculation unfavourable to the interest of the Wheal Marjaret
Adven[turer]s is also clear, because we have it upon the Authority
of Mr. Daubuz & the purser that the Engine went to work sooner than
the Date assumed by us - The Engine in both Cases continuing to work
to the expiration of the patent, no anomaly in the Comparison can
arise from this Circumstance; the sole point therefore upon which
any difference of Opinion can arise of the proportional Rates at
which the Engines were originally assessed - Our Calculations in
this respect have undergone frequent revision, & we do not hesitate
to assert in the most unqualified manner that the sums of our
demands upon the Wheal Marjaret & Wh[ea]l Unity Adven[turer]s are
perfectly proportional according to the principal Uniformity adopted
in our Calculations of premium - Whether this principle is
mathematically correct & equitable will properly become the subject
of investigation before the Court, but cannot justly be made the
object of a reference in the present Negociation - Such a reference
cannot in our Opinion be an equitable one, because it does not
embrace the whole merits of our Claims. In effect does not the
proposal of the Wheal Marjaret Adven[turer]s amount to this? - They
required us to concede to them all the advantages which had been
enjoyed by those with whom we have concluded settlements to give up
nearly 1/3 of our Claims without any equivalent & then to submit to
reference whether they are not entitled to a further modification
for supposed inaccuracies of Calculation - The equity of such a
proceeding is by no means evident to us, for why are we to make this
great Sacrifice of our Claims without it is to place our modified
Demands beyond the reach of Cavil - An Arbitration in the outset of
our Negotiation, upon the original Sum of our Demands & to which the
whole merits of the Case had been referred would have afforded us an
Opportunity of supporting our rights to their full extent, but in
the proposed reference only the quantum of Sacrifice to be made by
us, & not the quantum merit, will come under Consideration - The
very partial tendency of such a reference is obvious - In the event
of an Appeal to a Court of Justice we shall stand in a very
different predicament, unrestrained by any Offers of Compromise &
whether well grounded expectations of recovering the full Sum of our
Demands by substantiating the justice of our Calculations - Upon a
review of these Circumstances we are confident that Mr. Giddy
himself will not disapprove of our Reasons for declining such a
reference as is proposed by the Wheal Marjaret Adven[turer]s & we
hope likewise the Adventurers upon further Consideration of the
subject will not persist in rejecting the same terms of Compromise
which have been unanimously acceded to by their Neighbours under
similar Circumstances - You of course understand that we are willing
to accept from the Majority their quotas of our modified Demands
under a special Agreement to that purpose, & to recover the
remainder at our expence from Mr Moyle - In making or rather in
receiving this Offer we give the Wheal Marjaret Adven[turer]s an
unequivocal testimony of our desire to terminate the difference
between us in the same amicable manner as we have done with their
Neighbours, by any sacrifice which is not derogatory to our
Character; but we must by you at the same time to impress upon them,
our determination not to depart from the standard of Compromise upon
which we have treated in other instances, or to concede to
Opposition what we do not think due from justice - The Wheal Butson
Deed is in our possession executed by Sir Chris[tophe]r Hawkins
David Jenkins & John James & our further instructions respecting
this Business will form the subject of a separate Letter.
We remain
Dear Sir
Your Obed[ien]t humble Serv[an]ts
Boulton & Watt''
[the handwriting
appears to be that of Mr Lodge]
AD1583/11/48 Letter, Boulton & Plate Company to Wilson regarding
dispatch of goods Item
1 folio
Manuscript
17 Dec 1800
Endorsed: Boulton & Plate Co[mpany] Dec[embe]r 17th 1800
Addressed to: Mr. Thomas Wilson, Chace Water, near Truro,
Cornwall.
''Soho Dec[embe]r 17th 1800
Mr. Thomas Wilson
[here gives
table of goods purchased of M Boulton & Plate Co]
Sir
Agreeable to your kind Order we have forwarded the
above specified Articles which we hope will be approved. They are
sent conformable to your directions for Mr Matt[he]w Wood
Wood Cross
Street, Goswell Street
London
and by this time we expect they are delivered.
We are Sir
Y[ou]r obed[ient]
h[um]ble Servants
P[er] M Boulton
& Plate Co[mpany]
Soho 20th
Dec[embe]r 1800''
AD1583/11/49 Letter, M R Boulton to Wilson regarding
attempted armed robbery at Soho Item
1 folio
Manuscript
24 Dec 1800
Endorsed: R Boulton Dec[ember] 24 1800
Addressed to: Mr T Wilson, Truro.
''Soho Dec[embe]r 24th 1800
Mr Wilson
Dear Sir
I earnestly request you to get copies of
the inclosed Advertisement circulated with all practicable speed
thro' your County & more especially at the different Ports - If we
can succeed in apprehending this fifth Offender we should free the
Country of a gang of Villains who have long been the terror of their
neighbourhood & the adjacent Counties - We first recieved intimation
of the design of these depradators to attack our premises about a
week ago & we have been constantly upon the alert ever since - The
extent of our Manufactory & the numerous avenues which it was
necessary to guard in order to prevent the escape of the Villains
after they had committed the Robbery rendered it necessary to employ
between 20 & 30 persons to whom of course our plans of operation
were communicated - The chief part of the force consisted of
ourselves Agents & Men & much to the credit of our Assistants the
secret tho' entrusted to so many was not betrayed & not withstanding
this numerous corps was posted in different parts of the Manufactory
for several nights preceeding the attack. No notice of our movements
transpired. On two several nights a detachment of the gang came to
try their false Keys upon the lock of the Cashiers Room but without
success - It was therefore resolved to force open the Door & Tuesday
Night was fixed on under the idea that a greater quantity of cash
than usual would be accumulated for the payment of the Workmen on
Christmas Eve - Accordingly about ½ past twelve five of them made
their appearance & proceeded to carry their plan into effect. In
about half an hour they had collected their booty & were returning
with it when the signal was made for seizing them. In a moment the
posts which had been stationed to prevent their retreat sallied from
their concealment & the scene of action was instantaniously
illuminated by torches & the inflamation of combustibles which had
been prepared for that purpose - Two of the Villains were soon
secured with their Arms & part of the spoils upon them, The three
others jump'd down a set of Steps leading to a lower yard &
endeavoured to make their retreat over the Houses of Brook Row. One
of them was desperately wounded by a bayonet & unable to effect his
purpose fell from the roof & was secured with his arms - The fourth
was soon after discover'd & apprehended behind a chimney, but their
more fortunate Companion succeeded in making his escape not however
without being much hurt by his fall or badly wounded by some of our
shots - We have traced his first retreat by the marks of his blood
which he lost in getting away & from the vigilant searches which are
making in all quarters after him he can only escape detection by a
miracle - Similar hand bills to the one inclosed have been sent to
all the principal towns of the Kingdom & from the great publicity
which the transaction has already acquired I have no doubt but we
shall render his removal from Birmingham very difficult - your
friend Gregory Murdock & myself were posted together & had the
satisfaction of assisting to secure the two offenders who were first
taken. Mr J Watt was placed in another part of the building but soon
joined in pursuit of the remaining miscreants - None of the party
recieved any injury -
Not doubting but you would take a lively interest in the event of
our nocturnal campaign I have availed myself of the first leisure
moment to communi[ca]te it to you & believe in great haste
Your obedient servant
Robinson Boulton''
AD1583/11/50 Letter, Daubuz to Wilson regarding
amounts to be paid by Wheal Margaret Adventurers Item
1 folio
Manuscript
27 Dec 1800
Endorsed: L C Daubuz Dec[ember] 27 1800
Addressed to: Mr. Thomas Wilson.
''Mr. Wilson
Sir
Be so good to state to Messrs Boulton & Watt, that all
that is desired by the Wh[eal]. Margaret Adv[enture]rs is to pay in
same proportion as the Wh[eal]. Unity Adv[enture]rs & That in
justice they ought not to pay more.
It was proposed to refer to Mr. Giddy to make up this
ratio - It is in plain case no doubt & a Simple position of the Rule
of Three, but the Adv[enture]rs do not know the data - They referred
to Mr. Hornblower who states a less sum to be due than Mess[rs]
Bolton & Watt. It is natural enough for the Adv[enture]rs to inquire
where the Error lies. They must be one on one side or the other &
why should Messrs B[oulton]&W[att]. expect that the Adv[enturer]s
should pay their demand before this is cleared up – from
Sir Your
very h[um]ble Ser[van]t
L: C: Daubuz.
Saturday Evening
- Dec[ember] 27th.
Mess[rs] Boulton
& Watt seem to have overlooked the time that the Engine was idle at
Wherry - or did they make an allowance for this in their charge on
that mine?''
AD1583/11/51 Letter, Edwards to
Wilson enclosing bills Item
1 small folio
Manuscript
15 Jan 1801
Endorsed: Mr Edwards Jan[uar]y 15 1801
Addressed to: To Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro.
''Hayle
Cop[per]house 15 Jan[uar]y 1801
Dear Sir
[here gives
table of bills]
the Receipt of
which be pleased to acknowledge, & accept for millions of happy
years the wishes of
Dear Sir
Y[ou]r mo[st] hum[ble] serv[an]t
Edwards''
AD1583/11/52 Letter, Boulton, Watt & Co to Wilson regarding
settlement with Wheal Margaret Item
1 folio
Manuscript
18 Mar 1801
Endorsed: Boulton Watt & Co[mpany] March 18th 1801
Addressed to: Mr Thom[a]s Wilson, Truro
''Soho March 18th 1801
Mr T Wilson
Dear Sir
We found your favor of the 10th Inst[an]t on
our return from Stafford Assizes where we have been detained several
days by the trial of the villains concerned in the Robbery of our
pay office - They have been found guilty & condemned, but a point of
law is reserved for the opinion of the Judges whether from the
situation of the premises their offence amounts to a Burglary or is
only to be considered as a Larceny - If the former charge is not
substantiated their punishment will be confined to seven years
transportation.
From the information contained in your last letter we
observe with pleasure that our cornish disputes begin to assume a
more favorable appearance than they have latterly done - We have
however been too much accustomed to the fickleness of fortune in our
transactions in that quarter, not to mistrust in some Degree the
present favorable prospect.
The Wheal Butson business may indeed be considered as
finally terminated & the acc[oun]t with J'r James closed beyond
revocation. Of the Wheal Margaret Settlement we confess we do not
entertain the same opinion - There appears to us an ample field for
future cavil & particularly in the mode of payment. ''The purser,
you say, is to remit as soon after each acc[oun]t as he can collect
the Cost.'' But if any of the Advent[urer]s refuse to pay their
quota of this Cost is the payment of our demands to be postponed
till it can be collected? - This is a case very likely to occur
considering the litigious & captious disposition of some of the
parties concerned & we should therefore be glad to understand in
what way you consider this clause - We are certainly not disposed to
take advantage of any error in the time of working of the Wh[ea]l
Margaret Engine & if it can be satisfactorily proved to us that we
are under any mistake in this respect, we shall readily correct our
error - In a paper delivered to me by Mr Daubuz when I was last in
Cornwall the Wheal Margaret Engine is stated (I think in his own
hand writing) to have commenced working on the 3rd of Nov[embe]r
1793 - Tho' this statement does not agree with the period assumed by
us in our calculation it serves to shew that there is a material
difference in their own acc[oun]ts of the time & of course without
some proof the accuracy of one or other of these alledged periods we
cannot be expected to adopt them in preference to the information we
have obtained thro' other channels - We need scarcely caution you
not to mention the date assumed in our Calculations, to Mr Daubuz
whose object appears to us to be in part to obtain our admission of
this point - By comparing the Coal book kept at the Mine or some
other similar document with the Custom house debenture book from
which we suppose your information was obtained, we see no difficulty
in ascertaining the precise date when the Engine commenced working &
if you are convinced upon satisfactory evidence that your former
information upon this point is erroneous we shall have no hesitation
in making a proper allowance for any overcharge in point of time -
We must be guided by your judgement in afixing a value upon
Crawshaws Engine Materials. You have a discretionary power to sell
them for any sum between £100 & 150 not doubting but you will do the
best for our interest under existing Circumstances -
We remain
d[ear]
Sir Your obed[ien]t humb[le]
Ser[van]ts
Boulton
Watt & Co''
[the handwriting
is that of Matthew Robinson Boulton]
AD1583/11/53 Letter, Watt and M R Boulton to Wilson regarding
various matters Item
1 folio
Manuscript
7 Sep 1801
Endorsed: Boulton & Watt & Robinson Boulton Sept[ember] 7
1801
Addressed to: Mr T Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho
Sep[tembe]r 7th 1801
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
Dear Sir
We are favoured with yours of
4th & approve of what you have done respecting the shares in the
mines.
We desire you may take the necessary means to procure
payment from Trevethick; we are loth to be harsh, but do not chuse
to risk the loss of the money.
Mr R. Boulton is at home, but having much on hand at
present J[ames] W[att] resumed his correspondence with you - Mr
R[obinson].B[oulton]. being at the foundary This letter is left open
for him to add what he pleases respecting the July Flowers &c.
We remain Dear Sir
Your's
sincerely
Boulton & Watt
J W thanks you
for the favourable acc[oun]t you give of your family - all here are
in their usual health, with comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson & family
Your's J W
[next page]
Dear Sir
The gratification of the palate is as you know such a
subordinate pleasure with me that I am really not willing you should
spoil so many good apples for the sake of it & more especially as
they would arrive in the absence of all your friends - Mess[rs] Watt
junior have been from home for some months & the old gentleman & my
father will set out upon an excursion in the course of a few days -
You will easily concieve that I have not much leisure for the
pleasures of the table or other indulgencies - Indeed my avocations
have latterly been so numerous as to compel me to relinquish the
Correspondence with you to Mr W[att] sen[io]r who has entirely
withdrawn himself from business excepting an occasional attention to
the unsettled concerns in Cornwall - We are busy building a
considerable addition to our foundry to enable us in some degree to
meet the uncommon demand for Engines. Our orders in this line have
been & continue to be numerous beyond all expectation chiefly from
the failures of puffing Engineers, whose mistakes being now longer
disguised under the fascinating term of an attempt to rescue the
public from the odious oppression of the patentees have completely
opened the eyes of the unbelieving.
I am glad to learn that your family continue to enjoy a
fair share of health & I beg to be kindly remembered to ye whole
circle assembled next Sunday remaining with many thanks for your
friendly intentions
D[ea]r Sir
Yours
sincerely
Robinson Boulton''
AD1583/11/54 Letter, Boulton, Watt & Co to Wilson regarding
Wheal Margaret and other matters Item
1 folio
Manuscript
5 Oct 1801
Endorsed: Boulton Watt & Co October 5th 1801
Addressed to: Mr T Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho Oct[obe]r 5th 1801
Mr T Wilson
Dear Sir
The result of the auction has satisfied our
expectations which were not indeed very sanguine & we beg thankfully
to acknowledge your services on the occasion - We shall trust to
your vigilance to see that the conditions of Sale in regard to the
payment of the purchase money are duly fulfilled & to recieve the
amount of the ores to which we are entitled.
The constant repitition of the plea of poverty by the
Wheal Margaret & other Mine Adven[ture]rs has almost made us to
callous to it. It is singular that a body of respectable men
adventuring in a Mine for the benefit of their dear selves should
think themselves entitled to the privilege of recurring constantly
to the eleemosynary assistance of their correspondents - The Wheal
Margaret Adven[ture]rs have already enjoyed an extension of the time
of payment much beyond any other mine in the same predicament & the
very reason which they assign for a prolongation of it, pecuniary
exigencies, may we can assure them be pleaded with equal justice by
us for the punctual performance of the agreement. - Our
disbursements for this last quarter have been uncommonly heavy owing
to a considerable extension of our works which is now carrying into
effect & which will more than absorb our disposable capital - Thus
circumstanced we think it must be evident that our reasons for
pressing the discharge of our claims in conformity to the agreement
are equally urgent with those by which the Adven[ture]rs are
actuated in requiring a further accommodation in the payment of them
- We beg you therefore to represent these circumstances to Mr
Fleming & to inform him that it would be highly inconvenient to us
to accede to the prolongation he requires without he will allow us
to draw upon him for the balance at 6 weeks date from this day - By
this proposition he will obtain nearly the accommodation he desires
& we shall be enabled by negociating his acceptance to mitigate in
some measure our own percuniary exigencies -
We remain
D[ea]r Sir
Your
obed[ien]t Ser[van]t
Boulton
Watt & Co''
[the handwriting
is that of Matthew Robinson Boulton]
AD1583/11/55 Letter, Boulton & Watt to Wilson regarding
monies owed to them by Wilson Item
1 folio
Manuscript
22 Feb 1802
''Mr Thomas
Wilson
Truro
Soho 22[n]d Feb[ruar]y 1802
Dear Sir
Your letter of the 28th Ult[im]o was received in the
absence of our Mr. Boulton, then in London occupied in making
arrangements to obviate the extreme inconvenience likely to result
to our affairs from the sudden death of our friend Mrs. Matthews. -
we perused the contents of it with some degree of disappointment and
Chagrin at not finding the prospect of assistance we were authorized
to expect from your quarter, realized.
It appeared to us, that without properly adverting to
our necessities, or to the manner in which the latter portion of
your debt had been incurred, you were disposed to give a preference
to other creditors, merely because they were more importunate. We
were led to expect from what you mentioned when here, that Mr
Chilcots debt would not be claimed, and that the whole proceeds of
the sale of your property should be remitted us, subject only to
such exceptions as were specified in your proposals. We also looked
forward to your employing more energy and activity in the sale of
your Mine shares, in that of Perran Foundery, of the Assay Office at
Redruth and of the brig brothers.
With respect to the Reath [Wheal Reeth] Shares
we must decline having personally any thing to do with the sale of
them, but have written to Messrs Weston to enquire who are the most
likely persons to transact that business for you and to request them
to correspond with you upon the subject. Our motive for not
undertaking the Sale must be obvious, viz that we should not wish to
be accessary to recommending a share in a concern of which we never
thought favourably and think less so now.
We request you will state positively when we may expect
any remittance from you and to what Amount, as well as what progress
you have made towards getting the Mortgage paid off; we fear we
shall be under the necessity of disposing of it soon by public Sale.
We
remain
Dear Sir
Your ob[edien]t Serv[an]ts
Boulton & Watt
PS. We wish to
know for our Government whether the last instalment has been
received from Fleming and if not, request you will desire Mr Edwards
to write to him immediately, to urge the payment ~''
AD1583/11/56 Letter, Boulton & Watt to Wilson regarding
Wilson's debts and Mr Boulton's illness Item
1 folio
Manuscript
8 May 1802
Endorsed: Boulton & Watt 8th May 1802
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho May 8th 1802
Mr Wilson
Dear Sir
We are fav[oure]d with yours of the 3[r]d
instant & observe your shipment of Tin on account of B[oulton]W[att]&
Co[mpany] who will write you if they want any more.
If you can procure money to pay off the mortgage, the
exchange of the security will be managed in the usual course of such
business by our attorney here sending the deed to his correspondent
in cornwall or otherwise as shall appear proper. You will therefore
advise us when you have concluded with the Lender & we shall give
the necessary orders.
Whatever our own wants may be we are unwilling to force
you to a sale of profitable concerns under such disadvantages,
provided you can get the mortgage paid off, in such event we shall
wait till the end of this year in the hope you may be able to keep
your promise of reducing your private debt to us to £1000, but we
must have a new bond for the whole sum the former being in part
cancelld by the payments you made & not covering our subsequent
advances to you, as we are legally informed, Therefore on receiving
your answer we shall order the new bond to be made out and sent for
execution. We nevertheless expect you will embrace every opportunity
of reducing the debt as speedily as possible.
We will wish you to recollect the terms on which we hold
our shares in N[orth]. Downs namely that whenever it ceases to pay
cost we throw up our shares.
We did not answer your letter of Mar[ch] 4th because it
is as painful to us to write reproofs as for you to receive them &
they seem unassailing.
BW.&Co have just said that they desire you to purchase 5 blocks more
of Tin before any further rise takes place.
Mr Boulton continues very ill with the complaint in his
kidneys which confines him to the house & mostly to his bed, in
short he is dangerously ill all the rest of us are in our usual
health.
We remain
D[ea]r Sir
Your obed[ien]t
Serv[an]ts
Boulton
& Watt''
[the handwriting
is that of James Watt]
AD1583/11/57 Letter, Boulton, Watt & Co to Wilson regarding
Wilson's debts and other matters Item
1 folio
Manuscript
5 Oct 1802
Endorsed: Boulton Watt & Co 5th October 1802
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro
''Soho Oct[obe]r 5th 1802
Mr Thomas Wilson
Dear Sir
It has afforded us much pleasure to recieve
a letter from you of the agreeable tenor of your favor of the 28th
Ult[im]o - The removal of the mortgage at this period will be a
particular accommodation to us & with Mr Coode we beg to observe
that the sooner the transaction is completed the more agreeable it
will be to us - We shall forward p[e]r the Bristol Mail Coach of
this Evening addressed to Mr John Johns Attorney Penryn the Lease of
the Caribbee Inland from Mr Enys to your self & the Assignment of
Messrs Wilson Thomas & Co[mpany]'s brewery with a letter of advice
requesting him to remit the amount of the security as soon as the
proper conveyance is executed on our part - Mr Johns being an entire
Stranger to us we have entrusted him with our interest in this
Affair only in compliance to your wish & we hope therefore you will
use your influence with Mr Johns to get the business speedily &
satisfactorily terminated.
We think you have disposed of Crawshaw's Engine upon
very advantageous terms & beg you to accept our thanks for your
successful termination of this Affair - You have our congratulations
also upon Tom's rising farm & our best wishes for a long continuance
of the flattering testimonies of it which you say he is recieving in
such abundance - In addition to the satisfaction you experience from
ye issue of Williams voyage we hope you have also that of recieving
him with unimpaired health - It will give us pleasure to be any way
conducive to his future prosperity & to see both you & him here on
the occasion you mention or any other - You will of course have the
goodness to appraise us when it is your intention to favor us with a
visit that we may forecast to be at home & disengaged -
We confess ourselves much surprised at the sudden
alteration of your opinion respecting the Neath Works. It appears
singular to us that this establishment which did not prosper under
the late high price of Iron should now offer such a prospect of
success as to induce you to change an opinion confirmed by some many
years experience. We wish you may not soon have reason to return to
your former sentiment of it's merits -
Mr Boulton's health continues stationary, he is free from pain so
long as he follows the doctor's directions in restraining himself
from Motion & enjoys in general a tolerable share of spirits -
Mr Watt sen[io]r is gone to the Continent in hopes of
meeting with Gregory whose health has latterly been such as to cause
considerable anxiety, but I am happy to say the recent accounts from
him have been of more favorable nature & have nearly dissipated our
alarms for his welfare - With our best regards to yourself & family
We remain
Your obed[ien]t
Ser[van]ts
Boulton
Watt & Co''
[the handwriting
is that of Matthew Robinson Boulton]
AD1583/11/58 Letter, Boulton, Watt & Co to Wilson regarding
Simon Vivian's relocating to Cornwall Item
1 folio
Manuscript
18 Oct 1802
Endorsed: Boulton Watt & Co[mpany] 18th October 1802
Addressed to: Mr Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Mr Wilson
Truro
Soho 18th Oct[obe]r 1802
Dear Sir
We have your favour of the 12th and have communicated
its Contents to our Mr Boulton who had already received a similar
application from Mr Edwards on behalf of Mr Kevill. He had conversed
with Mr Gibbins and seemed to infer from what passed, that a promise
of the place had already been made to the young man who officiates
as Assistant to Mr. Christoe. We are convinced that Mr Boulton will
do whatever may be in his power to serve you, but he does not seem
to entertain much hope of success.
You will shortly receive a Visit from Simon Vivian, who
set out last week with the whole of his family for Cornwall. As we
have left him at liberty to assign his own reasons for returning, it
is unnecessary for us to enter into particulars which could be of no
service to him. It was our Intention to have made him a present of
£100 to have enabled him to defray the expences of his journey and
to have set himself up in a Smiths Shop at Camborne, or elsewhere
among the Mines, where he would stand a chance of meeting with
employment; but upon inspecting his Account we find that he has,
unknown to us, already overdrawn it £57, exclusive of his former
debt of which we have made him a present; This will reduce the Sum
to receive from us to £43, of which £30 have been given him to
defray the Expences of himself & family to Cornwall. -
If you find that he is disposed to settle in the manner
we have pointed out & that there is any chance of his succeeding,
you will please to advance him the remaining £13 or even £20,
towards the purchase of furniture & tools, or perhaps it might be
better to consult with his wife what may be the most advantageous
manner of disposing of this money for his benefit, as our intention
is that it may be of service to his family.
You may further tell her or him that if we find this
money is economically and judiciously laid out, and that he is
exerting himself in a proper way to get employment and subsistence
for himself and family, we may [feel?] disposed to assist him still
farther, but that this must depend entirely upon the accounts we may
receive of his conduct and industry. We should think he might be
quantified either for his old Employment of Smith to some of the
Mines, or for keeping Engines in order. -
By the Accounts from our G Watt he is much better & is
returning here through Holland. His father & mother having missed
him in Germany are gone to Paris, and we do not know exactly when
they will return, but should rather expect them back about the
latter end of this Month. We shall be glad to see you whenever
convenient & are truly
Dear
Sir Yours &c
Boulton Watt & Co''
[the handwriting
is that of James Watt junior]
AD1583/11/59 Letter, Vivian to Wilson
asking for money promised to him by Boulton & Watt Item
1 folio
Manuscript
9 Nov 1802
Endorsed: Simon Vivian 9th November 1802
Addressed to: Thomas Wilson Esq[ui]r[e], Truro
''Camborn 9th
Novem[be]r 1802
Sir /
Messrs Boulton & Watt Jun[io]r promised to send you an
order to pay me a certain sum of money when I arived to Cornwall
with my famaly, we came here last sunday all preaty well except my
wife who is but poorly we came by water from Bristol & by means of
contrey wind my money almost exausted and a suply is much wanted,
here hope to settle hope you & your good famaly is well. your answer
will much oblige
Sir Yo[ur] M[o]st
H[um]ble Serv[an]t
Simon Vivian''
AD1583/11/60 Letter, Vivian to Wilson
asking for money promised to him by Boulton & Watt Item
1 large sheet
Manuscript
2 Dec 1802
Endorsed: Simon Vivian 2nd December 1802
Addressed to: Thomas Wilson Esq[ui]r[e], Truro
Sir /
the 7th of last month I arived in Camborn and I think
the 9th I wrote to you conserning some money you was to have an
order from Messrs Boulton & Watt to pay me which I am in much want
but have received no answer whether you have had the order or not
your answer will much oblige
Sir Y[ou]r M[os]t
H[um]ble Serv[an]t
S Vivian.
Camborne 2nd
decem[be]r 1802.
NB sent to
Redruth by a boy''
AD1583/11/61 Letter, Boulton, Watt & Co to Wilson regarding
message for Mr Edwards of Hayle Item
1 folio
Manuscript
9 Jan 1803
''Soho Jan[uar]y 9th 1803
Mr Thomas Wilson
Dear Sir
We have a letter from Mr Edwards of Hayle
from which we percieve that our message to him respecting the Case
has not been delivered - If it should have escaped your recollection
we beg leave to recall to your attention the memorandum which was
entered in your pocket book & to add that we are very anxious to
have our wishes upon this subject communicated to Mr Edwards as soon
after the receipt of the present as can be done without material
inconvenience - Our best wishes attend yourself & family
& we remain
D[ea]r
Sir Your obed[ient] Ser[van]ts
Boulton Watt & Co''
[the handwriting
is that of Matthew Robinson Boulton]
AD1583/11/62 Letter, Pearson to
Wilson regarding order for rifle, and accounts Item
1 folio
Manuscript
27 Sep 1803
Endorsed: James Pearson Sep[tembe]r 27 1803
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho 27 Sep[tembe]r 1803
Mr. Thomas Wilson
Sir
Your favor of 8 ins[tan]t was duly
rec[eive]d & would have been immediately answered, but for the Rifle
Gun ordered, which has occasioned many sendings after the GunSmith;
however I'm at last informed that one is in hand such as
Gov[ernmen]t purchase, & I hope it may be finished soon, but of
w[hi]ch am very doubtful, the orders from Gov[ernmen]t being so
pressing. - The dissagreement you enquired after is occasioned by
''1802 Oct[obe]r 20. Mr. Edwards Bill Costs £23. 2 [shillings]. 5
[pence]'' w[hi]ch is unentered from your Acco[un]t occasioned by a
Rem[ittan]ce of £50. having been sent him from hence 5 Nov[embe]r
last, intended to cover the debt of £23. 2. 5 & the rem[ainde]r as a
present for his attention to the business of B[oulton]&W[att], and
of w[hi]ch I thought you had been made fully acquainted, indeed I
understood at the time that you had not paid him the £23. 2. 5 nor
would not, in consequence of the rem[ittan]ce made him; and now I
have no orders respecting it, w[hi]ch as it stands in the way of
calculating In[teres]t beg you will (in the Acco[un]ts to be sent)
allow what In[teres]t to 30 ins[tan]t that you think right, & should
any thing appear materially wrong therein you will be likely to to
be advised. - I am for Boulton & Watt
Sir
Your mo[st] ob[edien]t Ser[van]t
James Pearson.''
AD1583/11/63 Letter, Pearson to
Wilson regarding charges for rifle ordered Item
1 sheet
Manuscript
12 Oct 1803
Endorsed: Ja[me]s Pearson Oct[obe]r 12 1803
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Oct[obe]r 12. 1803
Mr. Thomas Wilson D[ebto]r
To Boulton Watt & Co[mpany]
Soho
20 Oct[obe]r 1803
Sir
Above you have charge of the Rifle Gun
ordered, which is ready Money, & on w[hi]ch we charge no profit.
Wish to see the amount appear in the accounts you have to send. -
The Gun was sent by Ashmore's Bristol Waggon.
We are
Sir
Your mo[st] ob[ediant] Ser[van]ts
For Boulton Watt & Co
James Pearson.''
AD1583/11/64 Letter, Pearson to
Wilson regarding Wilson's debts to Boulton & Watt Item
1 folio
Manuscript
24 Nov 1803
Endorsed: James Pearson Nov[ember] 24 1803
Addressed to: Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho 24 Nov[embe]r 1803
Mr. Thomas Wilson
Sir
I am desired by Messrs Boulton & Watt to
acknowledge receipt of your Letter of 17 instant enclosing Bills One
hundred & fifty Pounds, and a Statement of your Account, leaving a
balance against you in their favor £1916. 10 [shillings]. 5¼
[pence] which they have noted in confirmity. -
Nothing particular hath occured to them respecting the items of the
Account, but they are extremely dissapointed by the repeated failure
of your promises to diminish the amount of the Debt, and however
much it may give them pleasure to learn your prospects of success,
they cannot hold you in any way justified in employing their Money
in an extension of your concerns, after the very urgent
representations which have so frequently been made to you on that
subject. -
I
am Sir
Your most obedient Servant
For Boulton & Watt
James Pearson.''
AD1583/11/65 Mr
Watt's Specification of his Method of lessening the Consumption of
Steam and Fuel in Fire Engines Item
1 large folio
Printed material
late 18th century
Mr. WATT's
SPECIFICATION of his Method of lessening the Consumption of Steam
and Fuel in Fire Engines.
His present
Majesty having granted to Mr James Watt His Royal Letters Patent,
dated the 5th Day of January 1769, for his, the said James Watt's,
new invented Method of lessening the Consumption of Steam and Fuel
in Fire Engines, the said James Watt, in Compliance with a Proviso
contained in the said Letters Patent, caused a Specification or
Description of his said Invention to be enrolled in the Court of
Chancery, on the 29th Day of April, 1769, in the following Words,
viz.
My Method of
lessening the Consumption of Steam, and consequently Fuel, in Fire
Engines, consists of the following Principles:
First, that
Vessel in which the Powers of Steam are to be employed to work the
Engine which is called The Cylinder in common Fire Engines, and
which I call The Steam Vessel, must, during the whole Time the
Engine is at Work, be kept as hot as the Steam that enters it;
first, by inclosing it in a Case of Wood, or any other Materials
that transmit Heat slowly; secondly, by surrounding it with Steam,
or other heated Bodies; and; thirdly, by suffering neither Water; or
any other Substance colder than the Steam, to enter or touch it
during that Time.
Secondly, In
Engines that are to be worked wholly or partially by Condensation of
Steam, the Steam is to be condensed in Vessels distinct from the
Steam Vessels or Cylinders, although occasionally communicating with
them; these Vessels I call Condensers; and, whilst the Engines are
working, these Condensers ought at least to be kept as cold as the
Air in the Neighbourhood of the Engines, by Application of Water, or
other cold Bodies.
Thirdly,
Whatever Air or other elastick Vapour is not condensed by the Cold
of the Condenser, and may impede the Working of the Engine, is to be
drawn out of the Steam Vessels or Condensers by Means of Pumps,
wrought by the Engines themselves, or otherwise.
Fourthly, I
intend in many Cases to employ the expansive Force of Steam to press
on the Pistons, or whatever may be used instead of them, in the same
Manner as the Pressure of the Atmosphere is now employed in common
Fire Engines: In Cases where cold Water cannot be had in Plenty, the
Engines may be wrought by this Force of Steam only, by discharging
the Steam into the open Air after it has done it's Office.
Fifthly, Where
Motions round an Axis are required, I make the Steam Vessels in Form
of hollow Rings, or circular Channels, with proper Inlets and
Outlets for the Steam, mounted on horizontal Axles, like the Wheels
of a Water Mill; within them are placed a Number of Valves, that
suffer any Body to go round the Channel in one Direction only; in
these Steam Vessels are placed Weights, so fitted to them as
entirely to fill up a Part of Portion of their Channels, yet
rendered capable of moving freely in them, by Means hereinafter
mentioned or specified: When the Steam is admitted in these Engines,
between these Weights and the Valves, it acts equally on both, so as
the raise the Weight to one Side of the Wheel, and by the Re-action
on the Valves, successively, to give a circular Motion to the Wheel,
the Valves opening in the Direction in which the weights are
pressed, but not in the contrary; as the Steam Vessel moves round,
it is supplied with Steam from the Boiler, and that which has
performed it's Office may either be discharged by Means of
Condensers, or into the open Air.
Sixthly, I
intend, in some Cases, to apply a Degree of Cold, not capable of
reducing the Steam to Water, but of contracting it considerably, so
that the Engines shall be worked by the alternate Expansion and
Contraction of the Steam.
Lastly, Instead
of using Water to render the Piston or other Parts of the Engines
Air and Steam right, I employ Oils, Wax, rosinous Bodies, Fat of
Animals, Quicksilver, and other Metals, in their fluid State.
AND the said
James Watt, by a Memorandum added to the said Specification,
declared, that he did not intend that any Thing in the Fourth
Article should be understood to extend to any Engine where the Water
to be raised enters the Steam Vessel itself, or any Vessel having an
open Communication with it.
AD1583/11/66 Method of Calculating tables for Wheal Maid 63 inch Cylinder;
double 9 feet or 18 feet Stroke Item
1 quarto sheet
Printed material
late 18th century
Method of
Calculating tables for Wheal Maid 63 inch Cylinder; double 9 feet or
18 feet Stroke.
PROPOSALS to the
Adventurers in.
By BOULTON and WATT.
FROM the time
that we first offered our new-invented steam engines to the public,
our conditions have uniformly been as follows:
1 To give a licence for the use of our engine during the
term of our exclusive privilege granted to us by an act of
parliament passed in the year 1775, and also to furnish all plans
and instructions necessary for the erection of such engine.
2 The engine to be erected by the proprietors of the
works for whose use it is wanted, and at their expence.
3 The profit which we require for such licence, drawings,
and instructions, is to be such sums paid from time to time, during
the term of our privilege, if the engine should so long work, as
shall appear to be equal in value to a third part of the savings of
fuel, which shall have been made during these respective times by
the use of the engine or our invention, instead of one of the common
construction of equal power.
According to these conditions, our profits are made to
depend entirely on the superiority of our engine to the common one,
and are always proportional to the advantages which our employers
gain by the use of the engine, that is, for every pound which can
become due to us, the proprietors must have gained by the use of our
engine two pounds. There are other very considerable advantages
which the proprietors will gain by the use of our engine instead of
the common one, and in which we have no share.
The above conditions have been generally approved by the
proprietors of mines who have applied to us for our engines; and we
therefore propose that they shall continue to be the basis of all
our future agreements.
The principal objection that lies against them, is the
difficulty of ascertaining what is the real consumption of fuel by
common engines in performing a certain quantity of work; though this
may a first sight appear an easy matter to determine, yet it is in
reality more intricate than it appears, for it is necessary to
ascertain the quantity of coals consumed in some given space of
time, the number of strokes made by the engine during that time, the
length of these strokes, and the weight of the column of water
raised by the engine, besides many other less material
circumstances, which however do in some degree affect the result.
In Cornwall, where the mode of firing requires a very
large quantity of fuel to be thrown in at once, and where upon every
stoppage for cleansing the boiler, or other purposes, all the coals
contained in the fire place are necessarily lost: the consumption of
coals for one hour or one day cannot ascertain the monthly
consumption, which must therefore be determined by an account kept
for some period of time, which shall include all common stoppages,
and shall by that means shew the average consumption for each month
or each day. Such an account was accordingly kept, during a
sufficient time at Poldice mine, for the purpose of ascertaining the
consumption of fuel, and the effects of two of the engines there;
the result of which is explained in the following part of this
paper.
This account was taken in order to adjust our premium
for the engine we were to erect at that mine, and has since been
acceded to as a standard of the effects of common engines, by all
the other gentlemen with whom we have agreed for the erection of our
engines in the county.
It may not be improper to observe, that we have had
occasion to examine common engines in many parts of England, and we
can venture to affirm that the effects of the coals which we have
admitted in our calculations to be produced by Poldice engines, are
very much greater than the average effects of coals applied to
common engines.
As we continue convinced that the effects of Poldice
engines have been fairly stated and deduced, we intend in all our
future agreements in Cornwall, to consider them as the standard of
the effects of common engines, with which we mean to compare our
engines, by which means all the trouble, uncertainty, and disputes,
which frequently attend trails of engines will be avoided. If it
should be alledged that there are some common engines that are
better than those of Poldice, we answer, That if there are such,
they are not proper engines to fix a general standard by, and
therefore if we were asked to compare with such extraordinary
engines, we should require a larger share of the savings.
In order that those who wish to have our engines may
have an opportunity of satisfying themselves of the accuracy of our
rules and methods of ascertaining the profits which may become due
to us, and in order to avoid all disputes about the mode of
calculating such profits, we have drawn up the following explanation
:
I. When the adventurers in Poldice mine proposed to
substitute one engine of our construction in place of the two
eastern engines of that mine; it was proposed that an account should
be taken from the company's books of the quantity of coals consumed
by these two engines; and of the number of strokes per minute, and
the length of each stroke when the water was kept in fork, during
the months of August and September 1778; and that the coals to be
consumed monthly by the new engine, when erected, should be compared
with those consumed by the old engines, during the abovementioned
period, after making proper allowances when the new engine should go
faster or slower, or when it should draw the water from a greater
depth.
II. The old engines were both in good order, one of them
was lately built, and the other had undergone a thorough repair. It
was agreed by all who had examined the going of the engines, that
six strokes per minute was fully their average rate of working, when
the water was kept in fork, and that five feet six inches was also
fully the average length of their stroke. - The diameter of the
cylinder of the most eastern engine was sixty-six inches, and of the
other sixty inches. - The diameter of the pumps in both the engines
was seventeen inches; and the quantity of coals consumed by both
engines, during the sixty-one days of August and September, was two
hundred and forty-two weys, of sixty-four bushels each; but it being
alledged that part of the coals then used were not of so good a
quality as usual, it was agreed to deduct twenty-two weys on that
account, and to fix the consumption of both engines, for these two
months, at two hundred and twenty weys.
All these articles are brought into one view in the
following table, and the coals are divided between the two engines,
in proportion of the areas or squares of the diameters of their
cylinders, and reduced to a month of thirty days.
[here gives
specifications of two Eastern engines at Poldice mine, Gwennap]
III. As engines consume greater of lesser quantities of coals as
they are more or less loaded, though the number of strokes they make
per minute be the same, it became necessary to enquire what
quantities of coals were consumed monthly be engines very lightly
loaded; and it appeared both by the testimony and opinions of those
persons who had experience of engines in that state, and also from
calculation, that an engine with a sixty inch cylinder loaded only
to one pound on each square inch of the piston, going at the rate of
six strokes per minute of five feet six inches long each, would
consume in thirty days 1920 bushels, that is one wey [3
hundredweight] per day.
IV. It was agreed, to facilitate calculation, that the
increase of consumption under other loads should be proportioned to
the loads in the manner which shall be explained.
And it was also agreed, for the same reason, that the consumption
should be considered as proportioned to the number of strokes per
minute.
The consumption by cylinders of different diameters,
loaded to the same number of pounds per inch, going the same number
and length of strokes per minute, and constructed equally well, will
be as the square of their diameters.
V. The two engines at Poldice consume 6924 bushels in 30
days; the squares of their diameters (60 and 66) are 3600 and 4356;
the sum of these squares is 7956. To find the consumption of a 60
inch loaded to the average of these two, say, as 7956 (sum of the
squares) is to 6924 bushels, so is 3600 (square 60) to 3131, the
bushels which would be consumed in 30 days by a 60 inch cylinder,
going six strokes per minute of five feet six inches long each, and
loaded to 5, 4-10ths pounds per square inch.
VI. To find what such an engine would consume at the
load of five pounds on the inch, deduct 1920 (the consumption at the
load of one pound on the inch, see § III.) from 3131 and there will
remain 1211, which is the additional number of bushels of coals
necessary monthly, when the load is increased from one pound to 5,
4-10ths on each square inch; then as 5, 4 is to 1211, so is 5 pounds
to 1121 bushels, which added to 1920, gives 3041, the number of
bushels such an engine would consume, when loaded to 5 pounds per
inch. And 1121 divided by 4, (the number of pounds intermediate
between one pound and five pounds gives 280 bushels, for the
additional quantity necessary monthly for each pound on the inch
increase of load; which being added to 1920 in the following manner,
will show the number of bushels consumed by a 60 inch cylinder at
all loads commonly used.
[here gives
table of calculations]
VII.
These calculations being confined to one particular cylinder and
length of stroke, in order to make them general we shall calculate
what would be consumed by a cylinder of 10 inches diameter, which
will render the calculation of any other more easy. The square of
10 is 100; then, as 3600 (square of 60) is to 100, so is 1920 to 53,
333/1000 bushels; and if we divide that number by 5.5 feet, the
length of the stroke, we have 9,6969 for the consumption of a 10
inch cylinder with a one foot stroke at one pound per inch. And in
like manner to find the increase of consumption for each pound per
inch, say, as 3600 is to 100, so is 280 to 7,7777; which divided by
5.5 gives 1.4141 for the increase of consumption for each pound of
additional load of a 10 inch cylinder with a one foot stroke.
VIII. To apply these calculations to any other given
cylinder, say, as 100 (square of 10), is to the square of the
cylinder required; so is 9,6969 to the number of bushels required by
that cylinder with a stroke of one foot long, and loaded to one
pound on the inch: Or, which is the same thing, multiply the square
of the cylinder given, by the decimal .096969 (or for shortness by
.097) multiply that product by the length of the stroke in feet and
decimals, and it will give the monthly consumption at the load of
one pound per inch with the given stroke. And to find the increase
of consumption for each pound per inch, say, as 100 (square of 10)
is to the square of the given cylinder, so is 1,4141 to the increase
of consumption for each pound increase of load on the given
cylinder, with a stroke of one foot long (or for shortness multiply
the square of the cylinder given by ,014) then multiply the product
by the given length of the stroke, and you will have the increase of
consumption by the given cylinder for each pound additional load on
the square inch, with the given stroke, which being added
successively to the consumption at one pound on the inch in the
manner which has been shown, will form a table for that engine.
IX. To find what fuel is saved by one of our engines, it
is necessary to find the size of the common engine which would do
the same work.
Our engines do actually work as briskly and well under a
load of ten pounds and a half on the inch, as common engines do when
loaded only to seven pounds on the inch; consequently, if any person
wanted to erect a common engine to do the work performed by one of
our engines, it would require a cylinder, the square of whose
diameter exceeded the square of the diameter of ours, in the
proportion of 10 ½ to 7, or of 1 to 1,5 : therefore to find the
diameter of the common engine, which would be equal in power to that
proposed to be erected for you by us -- Square the diameter of our
cylinder, multiply the square by 10 ½ and divide it by 7, which will
give you the square of the common cylinder equal in power, and by
extraction of the square root, you will have the diameter; or to
save division you may multiply the square of ours by 1,5, and it
will give you the square of the common engine.
X. Thus to find the common engine equal in power to that
proposed for Wheal Maid --- the diameter of which is 63 inches, and
its square 3969 which multiplied by 1.5 gives 5953 -- the square of
the common cylinder equal to it in power, the diameter of which
would be 77,1 inches.
To find the consumption of such common engine, the square 5953
--being multiplied by ,097, produces 577,441 - which multiplied by
18 feet - the length of the stroke gives 10383 - bushels, the
monthly consumption at the load of one pound on the square inch.
And again multiplying the square 5953 by ,014 produces 83,342 which
multiplied by 18 feet - the length of the stroke gives 1500,156 -
for the monthly additional consumption of coals for every pound
additional load of the engine.
The square of the diameter of the cylinder, (that is,
the number of circular inches it contains) multiplied by ,7854,
gives [blank] the square inches of its area, which multiplied by the
pounds load on the square inch, gives the total number of pounds
weight, which would produce such loads per square inch, when the
beam is equally divided.
XI. To find the weight of the column of water in the
pumps, square the diameter of the working barrel (in inches)
multiply it by the total height of the column of water (in yards,)
and add to it 1-44th of the product, the sum is the weight of the
column of water in pounds avoirdupois. N.B. You will err very little
if you add only 1-40th instead of 1-44th.
To find the load raised by the cylinder when the beam is
not equally divided, multiply the weight of the column of water
contained in the pumps, by the length of the stroke of the pump
rods, and divide that product by the length of the stroke of the
cylinder piston rod; the quotient is the weight raised by the
cylinder.
XII. From these calculations is formed the following
table, which shews the monthly consumption of a common fire engine
of a 77,1 - cylinder, which is equal in power to that proposed to be
erected a Wheal Maid at different loads from one pound to seven
pounds on each square inch, when going at the rate of six strokes
per minute.
[here gives
table of calculations]
XIII. To compute the monthly savings from the above table, having
found the weight of the column of water in the pumps, see if it
corresponds to any of the numbers in the table, column 2d, in
col.4th on the same line you will find the numbers of bushels which
the common engine equal in power and length of stroke would have
consumed at six strokes per minute, when so loaded; but if the
engine has made any greater or lesser number of strokes, the number
of bushels must be increased or diminished accordingly; and from the
number of bushels so found, you are to subtract the coals actually
burnt by our engine; the remainder being divided by 3, will shew the
part due to us for that month.
XIV. If the load of the engine corresponds to none of
the numbers in the table, the shortest and easiest way will be to
proceed in the following manner. Say, as 12021 pounds, the total
load of the engine for each pound on the square inch, is to 1900
bushels, the encrease of consumption monthly for each pound encrease
of load, so is 1000 pounds to 124,7 the monthly additional
consumption for each 1000 pounds encrease of load; multiply
therefore the load at the cylinder end of the beam by 124,7 the
multiplier so found, and add to the product to 8383 bushels, which
is the coals which would be consumed monthly, if the cylinder were
loaded to o pounds per inch, (a) [see * below] and you will have the
monthly consumption at the given load, and at the rate of six
strokes per minute; but as the engine will seldom go exactly at that
rate, divide the monthly number of strokes shewn by the counter by
8640, the strokes in a day when the engine goes 6 strokes per
minute, the quotient will be the number of days the engine must have
wrought at the rate of 6 strokes per minute to have made that number
of strokes : then say, if 30 days give [blank] bushels, what will
the number of days found by this computation give ? The answer will
be the monthly consumption at that load and rate of going.
XV. Or, for greater exactness, you may subtract the next
lesser number of pounds, you find in the second column of the table,
from the weight of the column of water, and say, as [blank] the load
for one pound on the inch is to [blank] bushels, so is [blank]
pounds the remainder so found to [blank] the additional number of
bushels required for such additional load, which number so being
found being added to the number of bushels in the table
corresponding to the abovementioned next lesser number of pounds,
will give the monthly consumption required, at six strokes per
minute.
In
consequence of the preceding reasoning, we make the following
proposals to the adventurers in.
1.
An engine of our construction with a cylinder of [blank] inches in
diameter, capable of [blank] stroke to be erected at the charge of
the proprietors of the mine, according to the directions and
drawings we shall furnish you with for the purpose.
2. The consumption of coals by a common engine equal in
power to the above, to be determined by the preceding table, and to
be proportioned to the depth of the pumps and to the number of
strokes, in the manner which has been described.
3. The actual consumption of the new engine is to be
compared monthly with the said table, according to its actual load
and rate of going, and whatever smaller quantity of coals it shall
appear it has burnt than what the table shows for the corresponding
effect, by a common fire engine, is to be divided into three parts,
the value of one of which parts we ask for our premium, and to be
paid us monthly in money; the coals being valued at the price they
shall cost when delivered at the engine house, the drawback of the
duties being first deducted.
4. Our premium to commence from the day the engine is
properly set to work to drain the mine, and to continue so long as
the ending shall be used, not exceeding the term of our exclusive
privilege.
5. The accounts of the coals consumed, the quantity of
water raised monthly, and the depths from which it shall be raised,
to be entered in a book to be kept for that purpose at the mine,
which, with the buying and debenture books of coals, are to be open
to our inspection.
6. We ask a power of appointing a check on the company's
coal measurer, if we shall judge it necessary.
7. We ask liberty of inspecting the engine, the pumps,
and all other appurtenances of it, either by ourselves or our
agents, at all reasonable times, and of directing the necessary
repairs, in cases of too great consumption or fuel.
8. A power to be lodged in us of refusing improper
coals, and of removing such engine men as do not do their duty, as
our interest and reputation are materially concerned in the good
performance of the engine.
9. The number of strokes the engine makes to be kept
account of by a counter fixed on the beam.
10. Plans, drawings and directions of all sorts for
erecting, repairing, and working the engine to be furnished by us.
11. We engage that the engine shall be able to work a
pump of [blank] inches diameter, and [blank] fathoms high, or others
equivalent, at the rate of ten strokes per minute.
12. [blank] pounds to be allowed for the injection or
cold water pumps, and all the remaining power required to work it to
be estimated as part of the load of the engine.
13. If any flat or horizontal rods are to be worked by
the engine, an experiment is to be made, how much their friction and
resistance to motion amounts to, and it is to be reckoned as a part
of the load of the engine, and added to the weight of the column of
water in the pumps.
[*] Note, (a) That is supposing that the engine raised no water, and
its power was employed only in overcoming the vis mertiæ and
friction of the machine and pumps, raising the house water, &c.
AD1583/11/67 Comparison of Effects of the Engines Item
1 folio
Manuscript
late 18th century
''Comparison of Effects of the
Engines.
Do you know what
Effects in respect to raising Water are produced by one Bushel of
Coals in Tincroft Engine. Are they greater or lesser than are
produced by the same Quantity of Coals in Mr. Watt's Engines.
Before I can answer that Question I must beg Leave to
explain my Ideas of the proper manner of making such a Comparisons.
The Engines to be compared ought to be as much as possible in
similar Circumstances. Now it so happens that there is no Engine of
Boulton & Watt's that is so advantageously circumstanced as Tincroft
Engine. For, the power of an Engine is not wholly expended in
raising the water, but a very great portion of it is employed in
overcoming the Vis Inertia of the pump Rods, the Resistance of the
Water in passing through Buckets & Clacks and friction of various
kinds which may arise from the particular disposition or situation
of the pumps - Now Tincroft has only 28 Fathoms of dry Rod to the
adit or Level where the pumps discharge the Water and show only two
Lifts of pumps making in all 23½ Fathoms - Consequently there are
only two sets of Buckets & Clacks - The Size of the larger Cylinder
is 27 Inches Diameter and 8 feet Stroke. The size of the lesser
Cylinder is 21 inches Diameter, & 6 feet stroke nearly. The Stroke
in the pumps is only 6 feet.
The only Engine of Boulton & Watt's that is near these
Dimensions is that lately at work at Tresevane, where the depth to
the adit was 16 Fathoms, and the pumps were 98½ Fathoms high divided
into 6 Lifts and consequently 6 Clacks & Buckets. The size of the
Cylinder was 28 Inches 8 feet Stroke in the Cylinder and 6 feet
Stroke in the pumps Consequently this Engine was very much more
burthened with Extra Work than that at Tincroft. Yet, according to
the Accounts taken of the Work done and Coals consumed by the
Tincroft Engine in the month of February last - it's Effects were
the only the raising of 12 & ¼ Million pounds weight of water one
foot high with each Bushel of Coals - But the Effects of Tresevane
Engine during January, Feb[ruar]y & March 1785 when it was going at
the Rate of about 7 Strokes a minute were the raising almost 20
Millions of pounds weight of Water one foot high by one Bushel of
Coals -
Seal Hole Engine
is a very improper subject of Comparison - It is a Cylinder of only
20 inches Diameter & 4 feet Stroke - It is burthened with a Rotative
motion the friction of which is very considerable - It has 60
fathoms of Dry Rods above the adit - The pumps are 87 Fathoms high -
divided into 5 Lifts, and consequently there are 5 Buckets & Clacks,
so that considering the finall size of this Cylinder the shortness
of the Stroke and the other Circumstances already mentioned, the
Tryal must appear to every person conversant in Mechanics as very
unfair - But to this must be added that the Water in that Mine is
remarkably bad, and incrusts the Boiler with a Stony Substance which
prevents the Fire from having it's due effect in creating Steam. -''
[the handwriting
is that of Matthew Boulton]
AD1583/11/68 Account of the State of the Principal Mines in
Cornwall Item
2 large folios
Manuscript
c1794
Account of the
State of the Principal Mines in the County of Cornwall &c at the
time of the introduction of Mr Watts improved Steam Engines into the
County; & the
In the year 1775
the writer of this was sent from Yorkshire to Cornwall by a Company
of Gentlemen cheifly of that County; who had 2 years before engaged
in setting to work Chasewater a considerable Copper & Tin Mine & in
Smelting Copper Ores: The above Mine had been previously drained by
2 Steam Engines, of Newcommens construction to the depth of 62
Fathoms & had stopt in 1770 from those Engines not being able to
keep the Water, or from the Produce of the Mine not being sufficient
to pay the expence of working it. In 1773 Fenton & Co. took this
Mine and Mr Jno Smeaton Engineer having for some time before
attended to the improvement of Steam Engines then in Use, they were
induced to apply to him, to build an Engine with his improvements,
which Engine being much the largest ever built in Cornwall was set
to work in Aug[u]st 1776, but after working several Months at a
considerable expence it was found ineffectual for the purpose
wanted, having never been able to sink the Water more then 2/3rds of
the Debth required to work the Mine to effect, & the Engine was of
necessity obliged to stop, till a Level which had been begun at near
a Mile distance from the Mine in 1773 cou'd be finished, which Level
was for a considerable distance 50 Fathoms under the Surface & which
when compleated would take 14 Fathoms from the Depth of the Mine;
Viz would reduce the height necessary to reduce raise the Water from
62 to 48 Fathom. It became necessary to expedite the Level as at
that time it appeared certain the Mine on which 12 or £14,000 had
been expended could not be worked till the Level was completed, to
effect this it was agreed in Jan[uar]y 1777 to build a small Fire
Engine upon it. At this time Thomas Dudley an Engineer was at Soho
from Cornwall, and had examined 2 or more Engines build near that
place on Mr Watts construction, he wrote to his Friends such
flattering acc[oun]ts of those Engines superiority over the Engines
in common Use, that the Managers of Chasewater were induced to apply
to B[oulton]&W[att] to erect a small Engine on the above Level;
which Engine was set to work under the Inspection of Mr Watt in
September the same Year. The Engine so build was evidently to all
unprjudiced Persons so much superior to any Engine then in use, both
with respect to power & saving of fuel, that the Writer was
convinced an Engine of the same construction of 63 Inches would do
all the business that was intended to have been done by the Engine
before built by Mr Smeaton, which was of 72 Inches Diam[ete]r That
he immediately wrote to his Co[mpany] & had their Consent to order
such Engine, as it would save them considerable time & Money, to
know whether the Mine on which they had already expended such large
Sums, was worth prosecuting without being under the necessity of
waiting from that time as it afterwards proved more than 3 Years,
before the Level could be completed, till when the Mine could not
have been set to work, by the Engines then in use. The Engine built
by Smeaton was converted into one of Boulton & Watts, & was set to
work in August 1788. & tho it certainly was not so perfect as if it
had been entirely new, yet it got out all the water to the Depth of
62 Fathoms, & also enable the Co[mpany] to sink to the Depth of 72
Fathoms before the level was completed, which was not done till
Jan[uar]y 1780. This Engine was immediately the means of convincing
the most prejudiced against this improvement in Steam Engines, for
it was known to most Adv[enture]rs in Mines, as well as to the Men
particularly working in that Mine, that the 2 Engines which had been
employed previous to 1770, (One of which was 66 & the other 64
Inches Dia[mete]r), had with great difficulty drawn the Water to the
same Depth, particularly in Winter, & and that they consumed on the
Average of the Year, 6 Weys of Coals in 24 Hours; Whereas this
Engine of B&W kept out the Water effectually & with ease during the
Winter, & consumed for some Months not so much as 2 Weys & on the
Average of a Year Viz from the 31st of October 1778 to the 1st of
November 1779 only 2w[eys]. 1q[uarter]. 6lb [pound] in 24 Hours.
This was a proof convincing to the meanest capacity, the Facts were
plain, & needed not either Argument or calculation to convince all
of the great Utility of Mr Watts improvement; The consequence was
that applications were made to B&W to build by most of the Mines in
Working & by several Mines which were Idle, which could not be
wrought by the Old Engines on acc[oun]t of the great expence
attending them.
I shall now endeavour to give an acc[oun]t of the state of the
principal Cornish Mines, at this the time when Boulton & Watts
Engine were begun to be introduced into general Use.
The Mines of
Wh[ea]l Virgin, Wh[ea]l Maid, West Wh[ea]l Virgin & Carharrack;
laying contiguous to each other, were in 1779 wrought by 7 Steam or
Fire Engines, these Mines were then worked by as many sets of
Adv[enture]rs who paid the expence of drawing the Water of the
whole, in proportion to the produce of each; but which was so
expensive, that they ceased to work in the latter end of that Year,
& I believe it is a fact that no one will dispute, that those Mines
would not have been attempted to have been again set to work, had it
not been for the improvement of Mr Watt. In the year 1780 a set of
Adv[enture]rs were form[e]d to work them under the Firm of the
Consolidated Mines they were set to work in 1782 by 5 of Boulton &
Watts Engines.
The 7 Engines before employed consumed in one Year from June 30 1778
to July 1st} W 6362..3..12.
B&Ws 5 Engines, from June 30 1783 to 1st July 1784 consumed
only} 2030..3.. -
saved 4332..0..12
which estimated at 50s[shillings] p[e]r Wey [3 hundredweight]
amounts to [£]10,830. 9 [shillings]. 4½ [pence] in one Year. These
Mines are still working & are the most productive of any Mines in
the County. In the Year 1788 an accurate acc[oun]t was taken, of the
Number of Souls employed, Goods consumed, Expence of working, &
Am[oun]t of Produce, of all the Copper Mines in the County, working
the Year 1777. From which it appears the above Mines, employed :
Married Men -
542, Young Men - 217, Women & Girls - 316} Total - 1075.
The expences
was 56,001. 14. 3., Am[oun]t of Produce - 48,034. 7. 8., Loss -
£7,967. 6. 7
By which it
clearly appears these Mines could not have supported the expence of
working the old Engines, & their continuance to this Day is owing to
the benefit of Mr Watts improvement.
Poldice is a
Copper & Tin Mine laying paralel to the above Mines, at the time of
their being stopt in 1779 there was 4 Engines of the old
construction working on this Mine & one of B&Ws of 63 Inches then
building; this Engine was set to work March 1780, but though the
power was considerably encreased, the Water was so much so, in
consequence of the above Mines stopping that in May following this
Mine was also obliged to stop, & it is evident from the
communication of these Mines, they can only be wrought at the same
time; this Mine was again set to work in September 1782 at the same
time with the above Mines & are now working, from the acc[oun]t
taken in 1787 it appears. Poldice employed:
Married men -
280, Unmarried - 140, Women & Children - 243} Total - 663.
The Expences
were - £21,751. 14. 6
Am[oun]t of Copper produced
£11,315. 3. 3,
Amount of Tin produced £9,868. 15. - .} £20,183. 18. 3
Loss £567. 16. 3
From which it is
evident this Mine could not have been wrought without the assistance
of Mr Watt's improvement.
The United Mines
had been unwrought for some years, waiting the driving of a deeper
Level into these Mines & which Level was finished in the year 1779
or beginning of 1780. The Adv[enture]rs set to work in July 1780 2
Engines or Boulton & Watts construction, & these Mines have been
continued working to this time without intermission, by the
assistance of 2 more Engines since set to work of B&Ws said
construction. It cannot be said that these Mines would not have been
set to work in case Mr Watts improvement had not been made, As the
Level had been begun some years previous to Mr Watts invention being
known in Cornwall, but it is certain from the event, that if it had
been set to work with the old Engines; the Mines must have very soon
been stopt & the Adv[enture]rs suffered much Loss by the attempt. In
1787 these Mines employed
Married Men -
215, Unmarried - 168, Women & children - 170} 553
The expence of
Working was - £25242. 0. 11
Am[oun]t of Copper Ores - £24014. 0. 3
[Total] £1,168. 0. 8
Tresavean &
Tretharup were 2 Mines which had been waiting for some time the
bringing in a Level the same as the preceding Mines; An Engine of
B&Ws construction was set to work on these Mines in August 1780 &
continued till the 1st of January 1787. when it stopt to wait the
bringing in another still deeper Level. An Old Engine from 31st
July 1768 to Aug[u]st 1st 1770 2 years consumed 1078 Weys. 1
q[uarter]. 4 lb [pound] being 539. 0. 0 per A[nnu]m.
Boulton & Watts consumed from July 31st 1780 to the 1st of August
1781 only 120. 1. 14, a saving of 419. 2. 12
The Mine
employed in 1787,
Married men - 97, Unmarried - 59, Women & children - 152} total -
308.
The expences
were - £606. 19. 3
Produce - £464. 7. 8
Loss - £142. 11. 7
Chasewater Mine
beforementioned continued to work till 1789. The Adv[enture]rs had
expended on this Mine upwards of £23,000 to the year 80, which Sum
was nearly recovered by the help rece[ive]d from B&Watts
improvement, & it is evident without they must have given up under a
very heavy Loss. There was employed in 1787 on this Mine
Married men -
218, Unmarried - 112, Women & children - 279} 609
The expence of
Working - £23,067. 9. 9
Produce in Copper - £5,723. 6. 10,
Tin - £14,835.
16. 6} £20,559. 3 4
Loss £2,508. 6.
5.
Hallamaning &
Rettallack were new Mines wrought from July 1779 to Jan[uar]y 1786
by one of B&Ws Engines.
Wh[ea]l Union an
old Mine was encouraged to be set to work by this improvement in
Dec[embe]r 1779 but proving unprofitable stopt in Aug[us]t 1780.
Ting Tang an Old
Mine begun working by one of B&Ws Engines in Dec[embe]r 1779 & stopt
in Jan[uar]y 1782 proving also unprofitable.
It is evident
these Mines not being able to support the expence of B&Ws Engines
could much less have born the expence of the old Engines.
Wh[ea]l Chance
in Camborn set to work one of Boulton & Watt's Engines in the 1780s
in the place of 2 of the old sort. Those 2 Engines consumed from the
3[r]d of Oct[obe]r 1777 to Oct[obe]r 3[r]d 1778 - £1093. 0. 10, B&Ws
from Sep[tembe]r 30th 1780 to Oct[obe]r 1st 1781 - £439. 0. 0, saved
- £654. 0. 0
This Mine continued to work till June 1783, then stopt from poverty
Wheal Crenver a
Mine newly discovered was set to work by one of B&Ws Engines in 1782
& is still continued. This Mine has been very productive but could
not have subsisted under the expence of the old Engines.
In 1787 there was employed in this Mine
Married Men -
97, Unmarried - 52, Women & children - 193} total – 342
The expence was
- £10,423. 0. 0,
produce am[oun]t[e]d to - £9,078. 1. 2,
Loss £1,344.
18. 10
North Downs
Mines were set to work in 1786 by 5 of Boulton & Watts Engines,
these Mines are still continued at Work; but have been so
unsuccessful that the Adv[enture]rs are now out, from 70 to £80,000
it is of course evident they could not have been wrought by the old
Engines. These Mines employed in 1787
Married Men -
479, Unmarried - 287, Women & Children - 312} 1078.
The expences
were - £36,142. 17. 0
Am[oun]t of produce - £29,064. 15.
3
[subtotal] £
7,078. 1. 9
Tin -
£1,732. 10. 0
Loss
£5,345. 11. 9
Dolcoath Mine
had been at work for some years, when in Aug[us]t 1791 an Engine of
B&Ws construction was set to work in the place of one of the common
kind. This Mine was then the deepest in the County. It is to be
remarked that from this period there was but one Engine of the old
construction continued, which did so till this Mine stopt in
Aug[u]st 1788. The A strongest Proof of the utility of Mr Watts
Invention is that in less than 2 years from the setting to Work of
Chasewater Engine in 1788 which shew'd their Superiority, there were
only the above 2 left of the old construction working in the County.
This Mine employed in 1787
Married Men -
265, Unmarried - 95, Women & Children - 235} 595
The expence was
- £19,128. 11. 8
the produce - £15,095.
17. 10
Loss £4,032.
13. 10.
Stray Park &
Wh[ea]l Gons had been wrought by means of Water Engines till
Nov[embe]r 1784 when an Engine of B&Ws construction was built there,
& the Mine has continued working to this time, it has been a losing
Mine for several years past, & had it not been for Mr Watts
improvement must have stopt long since. the Men employed
in 1787 were
Married Men -
112, Unmarried - 52, Women & Children - 205} 369
The expence was
- £10,814. 16. 1
The produce - £13,654. 6.
0
Profit
£2,839. 9. 11
Boulton & Watt
also built an Engine on Polgooth Mine in March 1784. This Mine had
formerly been worked by an Engine of the old Construction with the
assistance of one or more powerfull Water Engines, but so much was
the quantity of Water, that the Mine could not be wrought more than
6 Months in the year, and it was looked upon by those who best knew
the Mine as impossible to keep the Water constantly out; till the
above Engine of B&Ws was built which has ever since kept the Mine in
regular Working, & by which the Adv[enture]rs have gained
considerably. This being a Tin Mine only no Acc[oun]t was taken of
the Number of people employed but they may be estimated at 400 souls
at the least.
Godolphin
another Tin Mine has been wrought by one of B&Ws Engines from July
1787 to Dec[embe]r 1794 this Mine had been formerly work'd by an
Engine of the old construction which consumed 162 Bushells Coals in
24 Hours. the Engine afterwards erected by B&W only consumed 66
Bushells in 24 Hours when the Mine was ¼th deeper than when drained
by the old Engine. It is beyond all doubt a fact that neither of
these 2 Mines would have been attempted to be set to work had it not
been for Mr Watts improvement of Steam Engines.
It appears from
the before stated acc[oun]ts that the Number of Souls employed in
the Mines working in by B&W Engines, are as follows:
Total employed in Copper Mines by the acc[oun]t taken 1787} 7196
employed in remaining Mines 1285.
[the handwriting
is that of Thomas Wilson, watermark 1794]
AD1583/11/69 Account and History of Boulton and Watts Engines in
Cornwall Item
2 large folios
Manuscript
c1794
Acc[oun]t of Boulton & Watts Engines built in Cornwall.
Chacewater
Engine - 30 Inches Diam[ete]r, set to work in Sep[tembe]r 1777 on
Cregbrows Adit & Stopped the 1st of June 1778; removed to Scorrier &
set to Work in Oct[obe]r following & continued till Sep[tembe]r
1782. was removed to Wh[ea]l Virgin St Hillary & set to Work there
in Dec[embe]r the same Year; & continued till July 1785. It was
rebuilt at Crane Mine in Camborn & went to work in April 1786 &
stopt Working there June 30 1787. It remained Idle till the latter
end of 1791 when it was put up in the same House with the Engine 48
at Poldory as an auxilary where it remains, but is or will be very
soon thrown out. -
N.B. the above Engine paid no premium whilst in possession of Fenton
& Co, at Cregbrows & Scorrier.
Ting Tang - This
engine set to work Dec[embe]r 7th 1779 & continued to work there
till the 2nd of Jan[uar]y 1782. It was set to work by Fenton & Co on
Scorrier Mine in Sep[tembe]r that year & was continued to work there
till the 1st of Aug[u]st 1784, it went to work at Wh[ea]l Fat in May
1785 & stopt on the 2nd Nov[embe]r 1786; It was set to work on
Halebeagle in Oct[obe]r 1787 & stopt working the 2nd June 1788. When
North Down Mine suspended working to bring in the deep Adit, when
this was completed this Engine was replaced by the engine before at
Wh[ea]l Rose & the Cy[linde]rs which are all that remains of it are
now laying Idle on the Mine.
Wh[ea]l Union -
This Engine went to Work the 13th Dec[embe]r 1779 & stopt the 31st
Aug[u]st 1780. It was removed to Kestal Adit & set to work the 1st
of July 1781 & stopt the 2nd June 1784. It was then sold to North
Downs Adv[enturers] & set to work on Wh[ea]l Hawk in May 1786 was
stopt May 31 1788 was removed to Wh[ea]l Rose on the same Mine & set
to work there in Nov[embe]r 1792 where it is still working.
Chasewater
Engine - 63 Inches went to work the 1st of August 1778 & continued
working by Fenton & Co to Aug[u]st 1784 & afterwards by the Present
Adv[enture]rs till the latter end of 85 when it was worn out the
Cy[linde]rs & every part sold seperately, & entirely destroyed as an
Engine. -
Hallamanin
Engine - 40 Inches was set to work the 21 July 1779 & continued to
work there till the 15 Jan[uar]y 1786. it was set to work in
Aug[u]st 1787 on Rettallack Mine & Stopt in Dec[embe]r the same
year, was set to work on Wh[ea]l Treasury July 1 1790. & remained
there working till the end of Dec[embe]r 1793; it is now on that
Mine Idle, but in tolerable condition an Engine 60 In[ches] was set
to work here in 1787. still working.
Wh[ea]l Chance
Engine - in Camborn; set to work in April 1780 & stopt the 2nd of
June 1783. it was then sold to Polgooth & was set to work there the
1st of March 1784, where it still continued working.
Poldice - 63
Inch No. 1 was built on that Mine & set to work in March 1780 stopt
the 6th July same Year remained Idle till that Mine again set to
work in October 1782, & still remains working on that Mine, under
the title of Poldice Eastern Engine.
Poldice No.2 -
63 I[nch] was set to work in October 1782 & also remain[s] Working,
under the name of Western Engine.
Poldice No.3 -
was set to work in June 1785 & continued till April 30th 1787 at
which time the 2 Engines one 24 & the other 58 Double were set to
work & still continue. No.3 was then sold to Chasewater & begun to
work in July that Year it stopt in April 1789, the Cylinder was
resold to Poldice & put in to No.2, that Cy[linde]r was thrown out &
returned to Mr Wilkinson, the other Materials were sold to Herland,
& make part of the Engine now at work on that Mine.
Ale & Cakes - &
Poldory Engines - the first 58 & 2nd 48 inch Diameter were set to
work on the 1st of July 1780, & are still working in their original
situations on the United Mines. In December 1784 a 3rd Engine was
built on the same Mines, which is still at Work under the name of
Poldory new Engine, & in June 1787 a 4th 45 Inches Double which also
remains working on the said Mines.
Tresevean Engine
- set to work in August 1780 & continued till the 31st of January
1787. It has remained Idle on that Mine till this Summer, & is now
building on Wh[ea]l Peever part of North Down Mine.
Wh[ea]l Treasury
Engine - 36 Inch Cy[linde]r set to work the 6th of November 1780 &
stopt the 1st of March 1783. it was removed to Wh[ea]l Gons & set to
work there on November 9th 1784 & stopt there in October 1788. In
June 1789 it was set to work on Wh[ea]l Crenver Mine in the same
House with one of 60 inches & I suppose was thrown out of Use when
Bulls of 63 went to work in May 1793 where it still continues,
cylinder & condenser only remaining.
Dolcoath Engine
63 Inches set to work August 9th 1781 & stopt April 30 1788. It was
removed to & set to work at Wh[eal] Gons the 1st of May 1789 where
it continued still working.
Pool Engine 60
Inches set to work the 1st of April 1782 & continued to 2nd of April
1784 when it stopt. It was removed to Chasewater Mine & set to work
there in May 1785 & continued to work till the 31st March 1789. has
been lately sold to United Mines, where it is built in place of the
48 at Poldory & of the 30 inch from Crane formerly Chasew[ate]r Adit,
& which 2 Engines, say Cy[linde]r & Condenser lay out of Use.
Consolidated
Mines Engines - say 1st Wh[ea]l Virgin Elvan 58 Inches Diam[ete]r.
Wh[ea]l Virgin East 56 Inches, Wh[ea]l Maid Eastern 58 Inches.
Wh[ea]l Maid Western 50 & West Wh[ea]l Virgin 52 Inches Diam[ete]r
were set to work in October 1782, & continued till the 1st of April
1788 at which time Wh[ea]l Maid double 63 went to work & the 2
Engines before working on that Mine were stopt, The Western one 50
inch was in the spring of 1790 put in the same House by Bull, with
the Elvan Engine on Wh[ea]l Virgin, but in the spring of this Year
was given up, & the Elvan Engine is now at work in its former state;
the Materials of the 50 are sold & the Cy[linde]r only remains.
Early in 1793 the 58 on Wh[ea]l Maid was again set to Work to draw
part of the Water delivered to it by the Double Engine; but was
again stopt in September that Year; it remains for sale in good
Condition having been thoroug[hly] repaired when set to work in
1793. The East Engine on Wh[ea]l Virgin was also stopt in late
January 1774 & is also to be sold but not in such good order as
Wh[ea]l Maid 58. Wh[ea]l Maid Double 63, Wh[ea]l Virgin Elvan, &
West Wh[ea]l Virgin still continue to be wrought, the latter only
occasionally, as an assistant to Wh[ea]l Maid. In the Year 1786
there was also built 100 Fathoms underground a 20 Inch double
Cy[linde]r which wrought some time; & was purchased by Wh[ea]l
Jewell Adv[enturer]s & set to work there, with a rotative motion
ab[ou]t Mid summer 1792 where it still continues.
Wh[ea]l Crenver
Engine - 48 Inch Cy[linde]r was set to work there the 19th of
February 1782 & continued till the beginning of January 1786. this
Engine was removed to Godolphin Mine & set to work the 1st of July
1787 where it still is Working. An Engine of 60 Inches was built &
set to work on Wh[ea]l Crenver in February 1787 where it is still
Continued.
Trevaskus Engine
- 45 Inch Cy[linde]r was set to work on the 9th of August 1782 &
stopt working in November 1784, & was removed to Wh[ea]l Rose,
part of North
Downs & set to work there the 1st of March 1786, it was removed to
Halebeagle & set to work there in November 1792, where it is now at
work.
Polgooth - Those
Adv[enture]rs besides the Engine before noticed set a brought of
Wh[ea]l Chance in Camborn, erected a 58 Inch Cy[linde]r which begun
to work in February 1786 this continued to work steady till April
1787, & since that has been only used occasionally, when the Mine is
very much oppressed with water, the Engine is now in good order on
the Mine.
North Downs
Engines - There was build, the Engine formerly Wh[ea]l Union, One
from Trevascus & a 3rd first from Ting Tang, before mentioned;
besides those 1 of 45 double was built on Briggan & one of 42 Double
on Wh[ea]l Messa these were set to work, in February & March 1786,
the 45 remains still at work on Briggan, but the latter has lately
been removed from Wh[ea]l Messa, to Lemons Shaft where it still
continues.
Wh[ea]l Maid
Whim Engine - an 18 Inch rotative was set to work in May 1784 &
continued to work will September 1793. it has lately been sold to
Foxes & the Neath Abbey Co. intended for a Coal work both to draw
Water & Coal, but it now likely not to be built by them.
Crane Engine - a
double 14¾ was set to work on that Mine, the 20th November 1784 &
stopt there in September 1785. It went to work in Heby 1787 on
Chasewater Mine, made Rotative to draw Ores & stopt in March 1789.
It was sold to Wh[ea]l Carpenter Adv[enture]rs & set to work on the
Mine in August 1793 where it still continues to work.
Wh[ea]l Towan
Engine - an 18 Inch Double, was set to work there underground in May
1785, & was stopt in January 1787. It was sold to Mr Morris in 1788
& made rotative for drawing Coals, where it still is working.
Wh[ea]l Mount
Engine - 20 Inch Double was set to work the in February 1786 & stopt
January 17th in September 1787. It was sold to Mr Gullet in June
1788 & set to work in that Year on Beerferris Mine in Devonshire, &
continued working there till the end of 1791 when it was burnt by
accident & remains there in that state.
Wh[ea]l Wreeth
Engine - 20 Inch Double was set to work the 8th March 1786 &
continued till the end of December 1790. it was rebuilt on Wh[ea]l
Neptune & went to work there the in July 1791 & stopt the 30th
November the same Year. In 1793 it was let to & rebuilt at the
expence of Wh[ea]l Clowance Adv[enture]rs where it is now at Work,
but remains the property of Boulton & Watt & Co.
Prince George
Engine - 20 Inch double was set to work the 1st of February 1786 &
stopt the 30th of October the same Year. This Engine was removed to
Seal Hole & sold to the Adv[enture]rs. went to work the 1st of June
1791 & continues there to this time.
Wh[ea]l Butson
Engine - 36 Inch Cy[linde]r was set to work there in October 1791 &
continued till the Spring of 1793. It was purchased by the Bog
Adv[enture]rs near Marazion was set to work the 14th of June 1794
where it is now Working.
Herland Engine -
64 Inch Single, is composed of a new Cy[linde]r & the remains of an
Engine from Chasewater, formerly Poldice No 3, it was set to work in
June 1792 & still continues there.
Hewas Engine -
45 Inch Double went to work the in July 1794, & is now at Work -
Cardrew Engine -
20 Inch Double rotative was bought at Nottingham after being burnt
there by accident, & set to work in June 1794, where it still
continues.
[there follows
table of engines built in Cornwall, with size and working status,
also table of premiums received and arrears]
AD1583/11/70 Sums received by Boulton and Watt Item
1 large folio
Manuscript
late 18th century
Sums actually
rece'[ive]d by Boulton & Watt, for premiums of their Engines, in
Cornwall.
[gives table of
amounts received for the years 1780 to 1791, totalling £76, 158, 9
shillings and 10 pence]
AD1583/11/71 Table of amounts received from Cornish Mines by Boulton & Watt Item
1 sheet
Manuscript
late 18th century
[tables showing
amounts received between August 1785 and August 1790, for
Consolidated Mines, United Mines, Poldice, Tresavean & Tretharup,
Hallamaning & Retallack, Crenver & Oatfield, Chasewater, Dolcoath,
Stray Park & Wheal Gons and North Downs]
AD1583/11/72 Table of amounts of copper ore raised by mines using Boulton &
Watt engines Item
1 large folio
Manuscript
c1794
The following is
the acc[oun]t of the Copper Ores risen for 5 Years from Aug[u]st
1785 to Sep[tembe]r 1790 with their Am[oun]t by the Mines worked by
Engines of Boulton & Watts Construction, & which it is almost
certain would not have been working but for that Invention.
[gives table
showing amount of Copper Ore raised, in tons, hundredweight and
quarters, and income produced by the same, for Consolidated Mines,
United Mines, Poldice, Tresavean & Tretharup, Hallamaning &
Retallack, Crenver & Oatfield, Chasewater, Dolcoath, Stray Park &
Wheal Gons and North Downs]
[watermark 1794]
AD1583/11/73 Letter, Extracts from Wilson's and
others letters to Boulton & Watt Item
1 large sheet
Manuscript
30 Jan 1794
Endorsed:
Extracts from my own & other Letters to B[oulton] & W[att]
taken Jan[uar]y 30 1794.
July 13 1786,
Wrote Mr Watt that Mr Harris had agreed to pay the savings of
Wh[ea]l Crenver Engines on their own Terms say 49[£]. 17
[shillings]. 0 [pence] p[e]r Mo[nth], he saying there was no
Alternative.
April 4th 1789
Wrote B&W that Mr Kevill had the Thursday before proposed paying 55£
p[e]r Mo[nth] for Wh[ea]l Gons Engine, instead of paying by
Calculation as had before been done at Dolcoath by the same Engine,
& solicited 1 Mo[nth] to be given up for forking.
Oct[obe]r 21
1790 wrote B&W that Mr Kevill who had agreed to lend upon certain
Conditions Wh[ea]l Gons Engine formerly Wh[ea]l Treasure, to Wh[ea]l
Crenver, had informed me if they did not agree to pay the usual
Premium to B&W he would insist on taking the Engine back.
Nov[embe]r 9th
1790 wrote them Mr Richards agreed very readily to pay 18£ per
Mo[nth] for Wh[ea]l Treasure Engine.
Feb[ruar]y 10th
1792 wrote Mr Watt, that I had that Day seen Mr Thomas who said he
fully understood the savings of the small Engine at Wh[ea]l Crenver
was to take place from the 1st of Jan[uar]y Preceding.
Oct[obe]r 11th
1792 to Mr Watt, Copy of a Letter wrote Capt[ain] Broad of Godolphin
to demand payment of full premium 30 G[uinea]s p[e]r Mo[nth] from
30th June preceding.
May 19th 1793 It
appears by this Letter that Bulls Engine on Wh[ea]l Treasure was
then at Work. -
R A Daniells
Letter Oct[obe]r 28 1786 agrees to the rough Dr[a]ft of the
Agreem[en]t for the United Mines Adv[enture]rs.
Nov[embe]r 21
1786 I write B&W that the United Mines Adv[enture]rs had Agreed for
their Deed to be engrossed & executed in the names of Messrs
Beauchamp Reed, & Daniell.
Feb[ruar]y 3
1787 I speak of a Letter rece[ive]d from J Michell who says the
United Mines Adv[enture]rs will execute one part of the Agreement as
soon as the other is returnd executed By B&W to exchange.
March 7 1787 I
say that that the United Mines Adv[enture]rs refuse to execute their
Deed till the Engine goes to work.
Feb[ruar]y 8
1792 Mr Edwards & me made a formal demand of Mr Beauchamp of the
arrears due from United Mines, & sent a Copy to be laid before the
Adv[enture]rs at their next acc[oun]t.
Mar[ch] 14 1786
Mr Harris writes to know what the Monthly premium on Godolphin
engine will be.
AD1583/11/74 Letter regarding comparison between Hornblower's and Watt's
engines Item
1 large folio
Manuscript
late 18th century
Dear Sir,
As the subject of H[ornblower]'s Engine at present
occupies the attention of this County; I offer you a few facts &
thoughts in writing, to enable you to form a completer view of it,
than can be collected from conversation. - It is well known that the
improvement in Fire Engines made by Mr Watt, were effected upon 3
principles, first by using Steam instead of the atmosphere, thereby
keeping the Steam Vessell or Cylinder of an uniform Heat &
preventing that Condensation of Steam, which took place by using the
power of the atmosphere, in old Engines. -
2nd by Condensing in a Vessell seperate from the Cy[linde]r, instead
of the Cy[linde]r itself, in like manner the venting Waste of Steam,
& 3[r]dly by using an Air pump to extract the Air, thereby making a
better Vacuum, by which alone a greater effect is produced in
Cy[linde]rs of the same Dimensions. -
Mr Hornblowers uses the first of these without Variation, the 2nd
Effect is produced by condensing in a seperate Vessell, with this
difference that instead of the Condensing Water, meeting the Steam
in its passage from the Cy[linde]r to the Air pump, they throw the
Water in a pipe through the Cy[linde]r into the Eduction, or sinking
pipe, in the same direction as the steam flues from the Cy[linde]r
thereby producing the same effect, preventing the Cy[linde]r from
being cooled by the admission of Cold Water into it. - to make a
Vacuum they Use a pump, which tho[ugh] of a different form from Mr
Watts, either by drawing or forcing out the Air, does answer the
purpose, & therefore if it is so contrived as to make a Vacuum must
be deemed to all intents & purposes an Air pump; as to their right
to use these fundamental principles of Mr Watts I will not attempt
to discuss. the 2 first it is clear are exactly the same, the latter
themselves will not pretend to say is better than Mr Watts,
experience will prove whether it is so good. -
It appears then that in these, they have made no improvement, they
are either exact Copys, or close imitations, all the superiority
which they boast of, must therefore arise from using 2 Cy[linde]rs
instead of one, this is a subject which requires serious
discussion. It is a fact that long before Hornblowers patent, Mr
Watt had not only thought that some benefit might be made of this,
but actually made Experiments at Soho, to try it, & was surprised to
find that no good whatever was obtained, this he attributed to the
exposure of a large surface to the Condensation of the Atmosphere.
Again it is a clear & undeniable fact, that double Engines produce a
much greater effect than single ones, whilst it is equally as
notorious that the principles used are exactly the same, in both the
Steam is expanded, & used upon the pistons of both, the same mode of
Condensation & the same Air pump, used in both; from whence then
does it happen, the double excels; no plausible reason, can be given
but this, that a 63 Double exposes no more surface to the action of
the Air, than a 63 single. It therefore appears from the above, that
the less surface of Steam Vessells are exposed to the Air; the
greater the effect with the same Quantity of Coals, & this is
directly against Hornblowers scheme. -
but more to the point It is a truth that at Radstoke Engine near
Bath, it is true for 3 or 4 Years last past, they have has used only
One Cy[linde]r, In this time I have been there as often, & have been
as you may be sure particularly attentive to this point, the Answers
uniformly given by different persons at different times were; that
they cou'd work to a greater effect with one than both, that they
were ready to aver it, at any time & place when ever called upon; &
that many tryals had been made before they determined to throw aside
the use of both, I do not of my own Judgement pretend to say, that
it will be so, nor can I given any reason why it should, except the
foregoing; but only mean to say it is a fact that they use of did
when I was there only one Cy[linde]r & that the answers to my
Queries were as stated. -
There is a method of ascertaining the truth of this, let Hornblowers
under the Inspection of proper persons, work Tin Croft a given time,
say a Week, with 2 Cy[linde]rs, let them then turn over the Engine,
for another Week, to be wrought only with one Cy[linde]r, the event
would settle this point, to the satisfaction of the public. I make
not this proposal for Boulton & Watt, but as an Individual concerned
to know the truth. -
It has been asserted at a public Acc[oun]t by one of the Hornblowers,
that they will do double the work with the same Quantity of Coals;
the best Engine Boulton & Watt ever did or ever will make. -
let us examine their present performance, with one of B[oulton] &
W[att]s Engines, & Tin Croft, to prove how near their Actions,
correspond with their Assertions.
Wh[ea]l Maid has made strokes & consumed as
under:
[table showing
strokes made and coals consumed for the months August 1790 to
January 1791]
= p[e]r Day to
9490,7 Strokes & 195 Bushells Coals, divide the Strokes by the Coals
& the Quotient is the Strokes made per Bushell = 48,67 strokes. she
delivers each stroke 92,94 Gall[on]s, Viz 7 feet on an 18 Inch Box,
Mult[iply] the Gall[on]s by the Strokes p[e]r Bushell, & the sum is
the Gall[on]s delivered or raised by each Bushell = to 4523,3898,
Mult[iply] the Gall[on]s by the Height raised 107 Fathoms or 642
feet & divide that Sum by 100, & the Qoutient is the No of Gall[on]s
raised 100 feet high with one Bushell of Coal Viz 29040,162516
Gall[on]s. -
This is a fair Statement on broad Ground, the average of 7 Months,
part of which time the Engine had a very bad Boyler, & therefore
under great disadvantage. Tin Croft makes by the last Acc[oun]ts 3
Strokes per Minute or 4320 in 24 Hours, & burns 10 Bushells of
Coals, she therefore makes 432 Strokes with each Bushell, she
delivers 15,676 Gall[on]s per Stroke, the sum of these is 6772,032
delivered with each Bushell, which multiplied by 36 the feet raised,
& divided by 100 produces = to 2437,93152 Gall[on]s raised 100 feet
high with each Bushell of Coal, the Comparitive performance of each
is then as 1 is to 11,91 or thereabouts. I leave this to your own
observations, only remarking that they ought at least to come a
trifle nearer equality before they boast of excelling. -
As yet they can be ranked only a Theorists, it is practice must be
the Test, Deeds instead of Words must be produced to convince an
impartial public. I am sorry to add that I have reason to believe,
this Business will turn out of real disadvantage to the County, Mr
Watt knows the benefit he has done this Country, he knows also that
excepting a very few Individuals, he has nothing to expect from it
but his Just legal rights, it would not therefore be surprising if
in future, he abided firmly & fully by these, as he is sensible he
has nothing else to stand by him. I offer this as only my own
opinion, not having any authority from him to make any observations
whatever.
I am Sir
Y[ou]rs &c.
AD1583/11/75 Memorandum concerning balance due to P Symons Item
1 sheet
Manuscript
late 18th century
''Enquire of P
Symons why he did not demand the Balance of his Father, (now said to
be due to him as Ex[e]c[uto]r to Rob[er]t Leane) in his acc[oun]t
out in 1790.''
[Here gives
tables of mathematical calculations]
AD1583/11/76 Estimate of value of Chasewater Mine materials Item
2 small folios
Manuscript
27 Sep 1790
[Gives table of
engines, parts, accessories, leavings, ore and tin stuff, with
estimate of value amounting to £1924, also gives table of materials,
ores, leavings and tin stuff for Chacewater, Mundick, Blackwater,
Lobbs, Twelveheads and Bisso stamps, amounting to £237 8 shillings]
AD1583/11/77 Copy of proposal delivered to Seal Hole Adventurers Item
1 large folio
Manuscript
8 Oct 1792
In Jan[uar]y
1791 Mathew Moyle & E Rogers set to Mr Jno [John] Williams of
Scorrier all the Halvam, not then set, upon Chasewater Mine, to
Dress for Raff, paying the Adv[enture]rs 9s[hillings] in 20 clear
but a Clause was inserted, to prevent fraud, that in case the
Adv[enture]rs were not satisfied with the price at which Mr Williams
sold, they should have the Liberty of taking any & each parcell,
upon giving Mr W his part of 6d a Ton more.
Soon after T Wilson for Fenton & Co, purchased of Mr Williams, all
the Raff which might be produced from this Agreement, at the
Standard of 74 with certain stipulated returning Charges, Variable
with the Produce, 29s has been the lowest & 1[£]. 11 [shillings]. 6
[pence] the highest yet given.
Soon after the Contracting Co[mpanie]s raised the price of Ores in
February last, Mr Moyle mentioned to J W that unless he would
consent to raise the price of Raff in proportion the adv[enture]rs
would be injured, to which that T Wilson agreed as reasonable, & the
price was advanced to 82.
The price of 82 with the above returning Charges TW can prove is
rather above than below the price that has since been given for
these kind of Ores, & therefore the Adv[enture]rs have suffere[d] no
loss from his agreement with Mr W.
But Mr Moyle contends that the adv[enture]rs for the time that is
past, are not only entitled to their 9s in 20, of the high price,
but also to the remaining part of the difference, which amounts on
an average to about 3s per Ton. but which T Wilson contends the
adv[enture]rs have no right to, but on the contrary that it is in
virtue of his agreement with Mr W[illia]ms the right of Fenton & Co.
Mr Morris having clearly no claim having sold all to F[enton] & Co.
a[t] 74 & TW says the Adv[enture]rs having been paid as high a price
for their part as the Market would afford has nor can have no
further claim. - it is to be observed Mr Moyle gives up all
pretensions to such claim in future but only for what is past, if
there is no right for the future, it follows there is none for the
past, but what Mr Moyle may urge on the acc[oun]ts being settled,
which cannot preclude error, especially as TW made a demand before
these acc[oun]ts were settled, & which were also done by Mr. Moyle.
AD1583/11/78 Letter, Harris to Wilson
regarding Agreement for Seal Hole Fire Engine Item
1 folio
Manuscript
2 Nov 1791
Endorsed: Jno [John] Harris Nov[embe]r 2 1791
Addressed to: Mr. Wilson, Truro
''Beer - [£]18. 11 [shillings]
Bill - [£]5. 6 [shillings]. 8 [pence]
Balance - [£]13. 4 [shillings]. 4 [pence]
Sir
By my Servant I have sent you
the Agreement for the Seal Hole Fire Engine according to your desire
of yesterday. I am sorry, that I was not at home, when you called. I
sho[ul]d have called on you this day, but am hindered by some
Business of Mr. James's, which must be ready by tomorrow dinner Time
-
I am
Sir
Your
Obedient Honourable Servant
John Harris
Mingoose House 2[n]d Nov[embe]r 1791''
[here gives
account for drawing up the aforementioned agreement]
AD1583/11/79 Statement of facts regarding dispute between the Wherry Mine
Adventurers and Wilson & Murdoch Item
1 folio
Manuscript
late 18th century
State of the
Matter in Dispute betwixt The Adv[enture]rs in the Wherry Mine, &
Wilson & Murdoch. -
In the Months of
Aug[us]t and Sep[tembe]r 1792 Meet[in]gs of the Adv[enture]rs were
held to consider of the best Methods of Working the above Mine; & it
was agreed to build a Steam Engine; T Wilson at one of these
Meetings offered to build & set to work on of Boulton & Watts
construction for 550£. It afterwards became a matter of dispute
whether to accept this offer or to build one of some other
Construction, Mr Moyle a particular Friend of Hornblowers,
recommended theirs; & at a meeting held the 16th of Oct[obe]r 1792,
the Majority of the Adv[enture]rs agreed to build their Engine,
Provided (& not otherways ) they would undertake to build it at the
same expence as T Wilson had before offered. An agreement was drawn
up & entered upon the Resolution Book & signed by Jonathan
Hornblower, for himself & Winwood, a copy of which is herewith. The
Engine was immediately proceeded upon, & T W did not attend any
Meetings respecting the Mine till Oct[obe]r 4th or 5th 1793, when
upon observing several changes upon the Acc[oun]t Book on pay[men]t
of Engine against which he protested, as it appeared to him the
Adv[enture]rs ought to pay Hornblower Money on Acc[oun]t (the Engine
not being finished) & that Hornblower should pay all Bills &
expences whatsoever relating to the Engine. This was overuled by
the rest of the Adv[enture]rs as H still persisted that the expence
would not exceed 550£, & as there was not nearly that Sum charged,
they could at any time in future regulate that Point; all the
Adv[enturer]s excepting Moyle then considering it a good agreement,
He however pretended then it was meant as no other than an Estimate;
T W at the above meeting refused to examine the Bills, to sign the
Acc[oun]ts or do anything which should oblige him to pay the Costs
then charged, & on the Cost being demanded he kept so much in his
hands, as he judged the his share of the surplus might amount to,
but as this cou'd not then be ascertained the purser was ordered to
Produce at the next Acc[oun]t the 11th of Jan[uar]y, the real
expence which proved to be near 250£ more than was agreed for; T W
at this acc[oun]t only had an acc[oun]t as before & refused signing
the acc[oun]ts at this Meeting, the Majority of the Adv[enture]rs
were inclined to pay their parts of the surplus expence, to prevent
disputes & thinking it an hardship to make H answerable; The last
Meeting was held in April when the Business was further discussed; &
as the Adv[enture]rs thought the agreement was not good, Hornblowers
Brother Jethro was called on to say whether he would indemnify the
Adv[enture]rs in case of its being carried before the Vice warden;
to which he would not answer; as there was a Bill for Goods due to
Jonathan, it was agreed to refuse payment until he would give an
answer, & it is expected he will attend next Teusday, when this
business is likely to be determined. In case Jona[than] should
determine to dispute it, T W wishes advice how to act, under all
circumstances, the Principal thing as it appears to him is the
agreement itself. 2ndly whether he had done any act to set aside the
agreement. & 3[r]dly with respect to evidence, Pasco[e] threw out
that Adv[enture]r which the Agents are can not be used as such. The
Tin arisen has been sold in Black Tin & Tin stuff & the purser has a
considerable Balance in his hands, above the Cost now due, &
therefore has the Power of making T W plaintiff instead of Defendant
in the cause.
AD1583/11/80 Terms & Conditions proposed by Fenton & Co to purchase and Smelt
Copper Ores for G Fox & Sons Item
1 large folio
Manuscript
13 Jul 1793
Terms &
Conditions Fenton & Co proposes, to purchase & Smelt Copper Ores for
Messrs G Fox & Sons & their Friends.
The agreement to
be for Ores risen from their parts of mines, The Mines & parts to be
inserted which shall be delivered, under the restrictions of not
exceeding 300 Tons p[e]r Month; now in Working & to be wrought not
exceeding 300 Tons of Ores per Month; & to be for 8 Months certain,
from the Day it is concluded, & determinable by either party giving
3 Months Notice in Writing.
The returning Charges to be Two Guineas p[e]r Ton of Ore in time of
War, & Forty Shillings from the Day, Hostilities shall cease.
The Ores to be sampled in the usual manner by the agents of each
party, & to be assayed by their respective Assaymasters; the Assays
to be examined & Weigh'd, by the Agent of Fenton & Co & by one
person appointed by GCF[ox]&Sons, & one Eigth part of an Unit to be
the least weight to be used; when if there is no greater difference
than ¼ p[e]r Cent, the average of the 2 produces, shall be the
produce, by which the Copper in each parcell shall be ascertained;
but if the produces should be differ more than ¼ p[e]r cent, then
the same samples shall be retried; and if they should still differ
as above; a 3[r]d Sample taken by their Samplers, at the time with
the first, & sealed by them; & which sample so Sealed shall have
been delivered to an indifferent person, to be named by both Parties
shall be resorted to & the average produce of that 3[r]d Sample
shall in that Case be the produce by which the Copper in each
parcell shall be finally fixed and determined.
The Copper contained in the Ores fixed as before, F[enton] & Co
engages to deliver fine & Merchantable on board at Swansea on or
before that Day 4 Months, from the Day on which the Ores shall be
weigh'd & delivered to them & of the following sorts, Viz Two Thirds
in good Tough Cake & Bowls, of best shot, & the remaining One third,
in Japan, common Battery or Brass Copper, fit for the East India Co
or of Common Shot or potmetal at the obtion of G C Fox & Sons &c, &
to have the usual allowance of 4 lb [pound] p[e]r Ton Draft.
One person to be appointed by them to transact all the business of
the Parties concerned with them as if for one person only, not only
in fixing the produces, & ascertaining the Quantity of Copper, but
also in paying & receiving & in short transacting the whole
business; to make it one Acc[oun]t to prevent trouble & confusion
betwixt the Parties.
That Fenton & Co shall pay all the expences of Carriage from the
Mines, Quayage, Insurance of Ores, F[ir]st to Wales, & all other
expences of Smelting & refining the Copper, & shall at their Expence
deliver on board to the order to G C F[ox] & Sons &c the fine
Copper, all which Expences are included under the term Returning
Charges as before fixed.
Messrs G C F[ox] & Son to name a person at Swansea to weigh the
Copper, before delivery on board with the Agent of F[enton] & Co. &
whose weighing shall be final as to Quantity, betwix the parties
that G C Fox & Sons shall give timely orders to F[enton] & Cos Agent
at Swansea, for making the sorts & quantity of fine Copper & that
when Ten Tons are ready at any one time, F[enton] & Co shall call
upon the Agent of G C Fox & Sons, to weigh the same, & if no vessell
is ready to receive it, the Day it is weigh'd shall be deemed the
Day of delivery, the same as if it had actually been put on board.
That Fenton & Co shall be paid 3£ p[e]r Ton for making Japan & 2£
p[e]r Ton for making Shott Copper & also 20s[hillings] p[e]r Ton for
Package of each sort, over & above the returning Charges before
mentioned.
That in case of Loss at Sea either by Capture or otherways, F[enton]
& Co shall only be accountable & pay for, the fair Value of the Ores
so lost, at the time, & not be obliged to deliver the Quantity of
fine Copper deliver contained therein.
That Fenton & Co. will engage to pay for a certain Proportion of the
Ores, at a Standard hereafter to be agreed upon, by Bills at One
Month Thirty Days One Month from after the Day the Price is fixed,
not exceeding in amount the Sum of 1200£ in each & every Calendar
Month; but G C Fox & Sons &c shall be at Liberty to accept a less
Sum, only whatever they fix upon shall be named before the
conclusion of this agreement; the Copper contained in the Ores so
paid for, to be delivered to them, as before stated both with
respect to time, & sorts &c, & to be Paid for by them, at the end of
Six Months from the the deliveries of each Parcel as aforesaid, by
good Bills on London, at 2 Months after date, at the Standard it was
bought at, with the addition of 8 p[e]r C[en]t on the Standard added
thereto.
NB There must be
provisions in the agreement for the usual allowance on the weight of
Ores and also that the proportions of Bowls shall not be more than
1/5th nor of best shott more than 1/3 of 2/3[r]ds of the whole.
AD1583/11/81 Account for Consolidated Mines Adventurers with Boulton & Watt Item
1 sheet
Manuscript
Feb 1797
Consol[idate]d
Mines Adv[enture]rs D[ebto]r to Boulton & Watt.
[Gives table of
accounts for 31st August 1793 to 28th February 1797]
Copy of this
sent February 28 1797
AD1583/11/82 List of Boulton & Watt engines in Cornwall Item
Manuscript
c1795
''A List of
Boulton & Watts Engines in Cornwall, numbered the same as in a
former List.
1,
Chasewater 30 in[ch] stopt at Poldory in Dec[embe]r 1794, sold to
Wh[ea]l Susan Adv[enture]rs to be built on that Mine near Godolphin
-
2, Ting Tang 52 inches at Wh[ea]l Rose, Cy[linde]rs
Piston &c remaining, T: W is commission'd by Mr Williams to say will
be sold cheap -
3, Kestal Adit 63 remains working on Wh[ea]l Rose -
4, Chacewater 63 entirely annihilated -
5, Hallamanin 40 this Engine stopt at Wh[ea]l Treasury in
Dec[embe]r 1793 but was removed to another situation on the same
mine, & set to work in July 1795, where it continues work[in]g -
6, Wh[ea]l Chance 63 stopt at Polgooth in Oct[obe]r 1796,
& one of 66 ordered for Poldice, now work[in]g in its place -
7, Poldice 63 No1 stopt in August 1795, sold to Wh[ea]l
Treasure, and went to work on Bulls plan about the 18th of April
last -
8, Poldice 63 No2 sold to Penandrea, set to work
Oct[obe]r 1797 -
9, d[itt]o 63 No3 Cy[linde]r destroyed, a 64 new is
working at Herland with part of the Materials of the Old one -
10, d[itt]o double 24 sold to Wh[ea]l Gorland, set to work
March 1796 & still at work there -
11, d[itt]o d[itt]o 58 working on acc[oun]t of Wh[ea]l
Unity since Jan[uar]y 1797 -
12, Ale & Cakes 58 working but about to be replaced by one
of 64 inches -
13, Poldory 48 stopt in Dec[embe]r 1794, replac'd for one
of 60 inches formerly Pool, afterwards Chacewater, old 48 Cy[linde]r
worn out -
14, d[itt]o 45 working at Cupboard from its first erection
-
15, d[itt]o 45 double working at Ale & Cakes d[itt]o -
16, Tresavean 28 rebuilt & set to work on Wh[ea]l Peever
Mine X'mas 1794, where it continues to work -
17, Wh[ea]l Treasure 36 in[ch] working at Wh[ea]l Crenver,
with 1 of 60 in the same house -
18, Dolcoath 63 continues working at Wh[ea]l Gons -
19, Pool 60 working since Dec[embe]r 1794 at Poldory -
20, Consol[idate]d Mines Elvan 58 stopt in Sept[embe]r 1797
-
21, d[itt]o East 56 now fitting up to be removed to West
Wh[ea]l Virgin -
22, Wh[ea]l Maid East 58 removed to Wh[ea]l Virgin east in
the place of the above 56, went to work in Sept[embe]r 1797 -
23, Wh[ea]l Maid west 50, idle in the same house with the
elvan -
24, West Wh[ea]l Virgin 52 working but to be replaced by
the [blank] 56 as above -
25, Wh[ea]l Maid double 63 working -
26, Wh[ea]l Virgin 20 double working at Wh[ea]l Jewel -
27, Wh[ea]l Crenver 48 stopt at Godolphin Dec[embe]r 1794 &
was set to work on Herland Mine in June 1795 where it still
continues -
28, Wh[ea]l Crenver 60 working in the same house with 36 W
T -
29, Trevaskus 45 stopt at Halebeagle Dec[embe]r 1796
removed to new Briggan & set to work there Dec[embe]r 1797 -
30, Polgooth 58 cocks head, used occasionally -
31, North Downs 45 double Briggan working -
32, d[itt]o 42 d[itt]o Lemons shaft d[itt]o -
33, Wh[ea]l Maid 18 rotative sold to [blank] & resold by
them to Herland set to work by them in May 1797 to draw ores -''
34, Crane double 14 3/4 stopt at Wh[ea]l Carpenter in
Dec[embe]r 1796, since sold to the United Mines & set to work in
April last -
35, Wh[ea]l Towan 18 double sold to Mr Morris at Swansea -
36, Wh[ea]l Mount 20 d[itt]o working at Beerferris since
August 1797 for Crawshaw -
37, Wh[ea]l Reeth 20 d[itt]o stopt at Wh[ea]l Jewel west in
Jan[uar]y last and sold to Mr Jno [John] Williams now lying idle on
Wh[ea]l Jewel Mine in Gwenap -
38, Prince George 20 d[itt]o working at Sealhole -
39, Hallamanin 60 sold to Wh[ea]l Ramoth & set there to
work in Dec[embe]r 1796 stopt in Jan[uar]y 1798 sold to Herland
Adv[enture]rs where it is now building -
40, Wh[ea]l Butson 36 stopt at the Bog in May 1796, sold to
Wh[ea]l Fortune and set to work in Nov[embe]r 1796 where it
continues working -
41, Herland 64 mention'd before, in the place of Poldice
No3 -
42, Hewas 45 double stopt in Jan[uar]y 1798, rebuilt at
Treskeare and set to work the 21st Ap[ri]l last -
43, Cardrew [blank] double stopt in March 1796, &
remains on the mine idle -
The only Engines which are idle are at the consolidated Mines,
Cardrew is intended to draw ore at North Downs, & the small engine
from Wh[ea]l Jewel bought by J: W[illia]ms is intended for the same
purpose at Wh[ea]l Jewel in Gwenap, or North Downs -''
[watermark 1795]
AD1583/11/83 List of Poldice Adventurers to end of February 1795 Item
1 sheet
Manuscript
late 18th century
''Poldice
Adventurers to end February 1795
Fra[nci]s Rodd
Esq[ui]r[e] & family - 5/30 & 3/120
Sir W[illia]m Lemon Bar[one]t - 2/30
R. A Daniell Esq[ui]r[e] -
5/30
Ex[ecu]tors of Rev[eren]d Tho[ma]s Vivian - 2/30
John Vivian Esq[ui]r[e] -
1/45 & 1/60
The Rev[eren]d R[ichar]d Vivian - 1/45
The Rev[eren]d Rob[ert] Walker - 1/45
Messrs Geo[rge] C Fox & Sons - 3/120
Messrs Fox Phillips & Fox - 5/30,
1/120 & 1/180
Ja[me]s Willyams Esq[ui]r[e] - 1/30
Messrs Boulton & Watt - 1/60
& 1/180
John Wilkinson Esq[ui]r[e] -
1/120 & 1/180
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson -
1/120
Mr Rich[ar]d Phillips -
1/120
Mr Collan Bawden -
1/60
Mr John Bawden -
1/30
Messrs Jenkins Willyams & Co - 3/60
Mr Jno [John] Martyn -
3/120
Cap[tai]n W[illia]m Davey -
1/120''
AD1583/11/84 List of Adventurers in Poldice Mine at April 1795 Item
1 large sheet
Manuscript
late 18th century
Adventurers in Poldice Mine April 1795
Francis Rodd
Esq[ui]r[e] Mrs Wallis & the Rev[eren]d H J Hawkins Tremayne
- 5/30 & 3/120
Sir William Lemon Bar[one]t
-
2/29
R. A. Daniell Esq[ui]r[e]
5/29
Ex[ec]utors of the Rev[eren]d Thomas Vivian
- 2/29
John Vivian Esq[ui]r[e]
2/87 & 1/58
The Rev[eren]d Rich[ar]d Vivian -
2/87
The Rev[eren]d Robert Walker
-
2/87
Messrs Geo[rge] C Fox & Sons
-
3/116
Messrs Fox Phillips & Fox
-
5/29 - 1/116. 1/174 & 23/3480
James Willyams Esq[ui]r[e]
-
1/29
Messrs Boulton & Watt
-
2/87
John Wilkinson Esq[ui]r[e]
-
1/116 & 1/174
Mr Thomas Wilson
-
1/116
Mr Rich[ar]d Phillips
- &
