Volume 3

AD1583/3
Boulton & Watt, Volume 3
Series
108 items (117 documents)
Manuscript
1788-1789

 

AD1583/3/1
Letter, Southern to
Wilson acknowledging receipt of Wilson's letter
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
4 Jan 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Southern 4 Jan[uar]y 1787 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chace Water, Truro, Cornwall

                                                                      ''Birmingham 4th Jan[uar]y 88
Mr Wilson
              Sir        Your letter of 31st Ult[im]o I received which I have transmitted to Mr Boulton, Mr Watt being still from home - and I have this moment received a note in which it is said ''Mr B will answer your letter'' so that I only have to acknowledge the receipt of yours. - For Messrs Boulton & Watt - I am, Sir
                                                                      Your most Obed[ien]t Serv[an]t
                                                                                    John Southern''

AD1583/3/2
Letter,
Pearson to Wilson acknowledging receipt of bills
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
12 Jan 1788

Endorsed:         James Pearson 12th Jan[uar]y 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chasewater, near Truro, Cornwall.

                                                                                    ''Soho near Birmingham

                                                                                       12 January 1788
Mr. Thomas Wilson
             Sir
                          This afternoon or tomorrow morning Mr. Boulton sets out for London. He hath directed me to advise you, that the two last remittance you made; vizt £600. - . - and £311. 11 [shillings]. 8 [pence] are at your credit in the Books of Messrs Boulton & Watt, for whom I am
                                                                 Sir
                                                                              Your very Obed[ien]t Servant
                                                                                           James Pearson''

AD1583/3/3
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding the copper trade
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
17 Jan 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Boulton Jan[uar]y 17 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chasewater, Truro, Cornwall.

                                                                              ''London 17th Jan[uar]y 1788
Dear Sir
             It was not in my power to conform to the request of the Lords of Council on the 8th, I was therefore obliged to write to them & send a Letter of Dr Witherings to w[hi]ch they returnd a polite answer & postpond the business untill the 15th when I attended in better health, clearer head, & better spirits, than I had enjoyd for some time before or since: for I am no much indisposed haveing caught Cold.
Although I have had 3 Hours conversation w[i]th these L[or]ds, I cannot even guess what will be ye ultimate result. They have taken ye opineon of some dealers in Copper, Merch[an]ts & and some Brazen ignorant Londoners who have told them that from the great improv[e]m[en]ts now makeing in the art of Smelting & from the great quantities of Copper that are now bringing from South America they are of opineon it will be as low or lower than 65. -
On the other hand Mr W[illia]ms thinks it a favourable opport[uni]ty to raise the price of Copper & though I think he is right yet there is a medium in all things w[hi]ch ought to be observd & I have some fears from the Parties runing into opposite extreams that the business of Coinage will not come to a speedy conclusion However I am very glad to find that their opineon accords w[i]th mine in the principal points, except that of fine Rolling & makeing a fine Coin & consequently more difficult to be counterfeited. I believe I shall have ye execution of it whether fine or coarse because I will do it cheaper. It is intended that no fees or emoluments shall be p[ai]d out of it to any of the Mint officers, They are desireous of buying the Copper & Workmanship as cheap as possible & putting a halfpenyworth into every ½ peny & therefore, say they, if copper should sink 20£ a Ton lower than the price we pay Then such a profit & temptation will remain as to induce the Counterfeiters to set to work again. Pray write me p[e]rreturn of post the opineon of the Cornish Gent[leme]n respecting 1st the price of Cake Copper & 2[n]d the price of Rolling or Sheet for ye Coinage. The danger is that if Cornwall & Mr W[illia]ms ask what they think too much, they will either put it off for the present or Coin only a small quantity - perhaps 500 Ton & that quantity they can buy from other hands. I have given them some very strong & well grounded reasons why they should Coin 3000 Ton but they say they will make a begining w[i]th 1500 Ton & as soon as that quantity is Coind they will have them put into circulation & the old ones suppressd & then they will go on coining more 'till the publick are satisfied.
I should have continued my last letter to you but was prevented by illness & an accumulation of letters & other business w[hi]ch overpowerd me & which was agrivated by Mr Watts abscence; (he is yet in Scotland) - I beg you will make some appology for me to the Gent[leme]n of United Mines for not answering their letter which I was prevented doing partly by illness, by Mr Watts abscence & by the unsettled state of the Cornish Mines & Adventurers - I think if you took upon you to allow them every 3[r]d month untill Mr Watt & I can talk together I hope they will be satisfyd but I must beg youl make my Compl[imen]ts & excuses to them.
I want a few very good workmen at Soho such as good Smiths & good Turners of heavy Iron work that is turnd by my Mill pray consult Mr Murdock & find me some steady men - There was a good Young Smith that forged all the Iron Work for Poldice little Engine - I forget his name. - If Dick Thomas would come to Soho & settle for Life I should be desireous of agreeing w[i]th him - don't let these enquiries sleep for I shall be put into a great hurry w[i]th this Coinage haveing a great & New apparatus to provide & very little time allowd to do it in - We also want a Smith & boiler maker at Albion Mill.
Some friends in France write to me for Wolfram & other fossells pray where are those Mr Lawson bought for me & w[hi]ch you charge in your Acc[oun]t nothing should be delayd 'till tomorrow that can possibly be done to day. Mr Lawson hath not returnd to me agreeable to my direction the Extra Lamps from Truro or wrote a line since my return.
The L[or]ds see & feel W[illiam]ss power in the Copper Trade & call it a Monopoly. - I have my doubts & fears about Cornwall & Anglesey going to Parliam[en]t it is difficult to say what turn it will take in the House.
I shall remain in Town till the Coinage is settled one way or another & will no & then send you a line. my best respects to Mrs Wilson & all yours, adieu

             I am     D[ea]r S[i]r      your faithfull & Obed[ien]t Serv[an]t
                                                                              M: Boulton
Mess[rs] Williams & Vivian are both in Town & Wilkinson will in a few days}''

 

AD1583/3/4
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding plans to drive the Chasewater Adit into North Downs
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
26 Jan 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Boulton Jan[uar]y 26 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall.

                                                                 ''London Jan[uar]y 26 – 1788
Dear Sir
             I rec[ei]vd yours of ye 18th & 20th.
Mr Wilkinson is now at my elbow & urges me to write to you that he has just heard you have given leave to the North Downs advent[ure]rs to drive the Chase water Additt into N[orth] Downs which being already overchargd with water will endanger the ruin of that Mine We have no objection to lighting our neighbours Candle when it doth not endanger the extinguishing of our own but in the present case it is the opineon of the Wise that the risk is too great to consent to it & I presume you will not do it without ye concurance of the principal interested parties.
Mr Wilkinson wishes to hear from you whilest he is here.
I rec[ei]vd a letter yesterday from Mr Watt announcing his & Familys arival at Birmingham.
My Ideas of ye price of Copper rises higher than yours. I could contract I think for 2000 Ton at a better price but I do not rise so high as Mr W[illia]ms.
             my best Compl[imen]ts to Mrs Wilson & remain
                                       D[ea]r S[i]r
                                                                 Yours most Sincerely
                                                                              M Boulton.

pray send to the Albion Mill a good Smith that is a very honest fellow & when I return home I will send you a larger order for such men''

 

 

AD1583/3/5
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding rumours spread in Cornwall, and Chacewater Adit
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
5 Feb 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt 5 Feb[ruar]y 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall.

                                                                              ''Birm[ingha]m Feb[ruar]y 5th 1788.
Mr Wilson /
             Dear Sir
                          I came home with Mrs Watt & family all well about a fortnight ago, of which I sh[oul]d have advised you sooner, but had nothing particular to say, & a good deal to do.
             I understand from Mr B[oulton]. that reports had been spread in Cornwall that he would not let me make abatements to the mines which I was disposed to do. The whole of which is a vile falsehood. Neither of us can think of making abatements merely to enable the Mines to ruin one another, which seems to be their plan.
             I have a letter from Messrs Fox complaining of some of C[hace] water adv[enture]rs opposing an agreement which was made between them about completing the addit to N[orth]:D[owns]. what is the truth of that affair. I cannot see how it can hurt C. water, & if N.D means to stop until it is brought up I think they should have some encouragement instead of obstacles.
             I shall be glad to hear from you, with any news you have & am with Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson Mr Murdoch & other friends

                                                    Dear Sir

                                                                 Your's sincerely

                                                                              James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/6
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding the Chacewater Adit
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
7 Feb 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Feb[ruar]y 7 1788.
Addressed to:   Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol.

                                                                              ''Birmingham February 7th 1788.
Mr Wilson /
             Dear Sir
                          I wrote to you the other day, mentioning that I had received a letter from Mr G. Fox concerning the driving C[hace].water addit forward to N[orth].D[owns]. At that time I had not considered the state of the general Addit nor all the inconveniences which might accrue to Cwater & the other mines from the introduction of so much more water. But by letter from Mr Boulton yesterday I am informed that the Captains who viewed the addit were of opinion that it would be dangerous for all the Mines to send more water down it. In this view unless the Addit were first sufficiently enlarged it appears to me that all the mines have a right to oppose it & chacewater in particular as being first in danger. I am not however prejudiced on any side & shall willingly hear what has offered on the other side. In the mean time I beg that I have said in my former letter may stand for nothing & I am sorry you have in any ways pledged yourself without consulting all concerned. I have nothing new since I wrote & remain       Dear Sir
                                                                                                    Your's sincerely
                                                                                                             James Watt
I beg my best Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson}''

 

 

AD1583/3/7
Letter, Watt to
Wilson requesting particulars of Mr Gullet's mine
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
11 Feb 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Feb[ruar]y 11 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol

                                                                              ''Birm[ingha]m Feb[ruar]y 11th 1788.
Mr Wilson /
             Dear Sir
                          I am favoured with yours of 6th covering 4 bills value £429. 3 [shillings]. 8 [pence] at your credit. I am much obliged to you for your information, but am not able to answer you to day being much indisposed with a cold.
             Shall be obliged to you to inform me what you can learn of the probable monthly profits & other particulars of Mr Gullets mine; for a friend who is some how concerned.
             Shall take care of Mr Morris affair, neglected through my absence.
             With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson
                                                    Dear Sir
                                                                 Your's Sincerely
                                                                              James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/8
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding compensations proposed for mines stopping production
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
12 Feb 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt 12 Feb[ruar]y 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol.

                                                                              ''Birm[ingha]m Feb[ruar]y 12th 1788.
Mr Wilson /
             Dear Sir
                          I wrote to you yesterday and immediately after received your letter of ye 9th. I am obliged to you for the General state of the Mines, which however will not come up to the flagrant accounts which have been given to ministry of 30 000 people employed & perhaps may be improper to be produced. I am not qualified to enter into the consideration of the affair of N[orth].D[owns]. addit at present, but you know my sentiments are favourable to such undertakings where the damage they may occasion to others can be guarded against. I do not however think the agreement properly drawn up & shall consider it with Mr Boulton when he comes home. If you had informed him of the matters in time he would not perhaps have had the same opinion which he has formed from an adverse state of the case.
             In relation to the tin in my own opinion Mr Foxs offer should be closed with, as far as B[oulton]&W[att] are concerned and I think I can answer for Dr Withering. There is not time to consult Mr B[oulton]. & indeed I am scarcely fit to write being still indisposed with the cold. In relation to selling the Tin Bills I can say nothing till I see Mr B.
If Mr B. is anyhow a partner with W[ilso?]n & W[illia]ms I know nothing about it & we never were at variance, but Mr W[illia]ms & Mr B. were very lately until it was made up by Mr Wn. The Devil of Lies is certainly very busy in Cornwall.
             I do not rightly understand the proposition for a compensation to the stopping mines, Do you mean that they are to have 10/ [shillings] off every ton of fine copper produced for every 1000 tons they used to produce & that N[orth]:D[owns] wants £1500 a year for stopping & Dolcoath in proportion or more, & do you mean that Mr Beauchamp is to consent to the stopping of any mines of his or to the paying of others - As Dolcoath is as much under a necessity of stopping as N:D I think they should receive no greater a compensation in proportion to their common produce, Pray did they ever apply the condenser to the Common Engine at Dolcoath & what did it do?
             I can say nothing about the abatements until I meet Mr B. but approve of your conduct in respect of United Mines, whose conduct has never deserved favour from us.
             Mr M[urdock?].s improvement is a great one if he substitutes nothing else as expensive or troublesome in place of what he takes away.
                                       I remain                D[ea]r Sir
                                                                              Your's Sincerely
                                                                                           James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/9
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding tin required by a man from abroad
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
13 Feb 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Feb[ruar]y 13 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol

                                    ''Mr Wilson.
                                                            Birm[ingha]m Feb[ruar]y 13th 1788.
Dear Sir
                        Since I wrote you yesterday a friend called upon me said a correspondent of his abroad; who deals largely in Tin wanted to be served on the best terms & wanted to know the price of Tin in blocks & in barrs delivered at Bristol or at london as shall be cheapest, or both, The opportunities you have of sending how often, & when they occur. You will please send me a note of this p[e]r return, and also he wants by way of trial a 3 Cwt [hundredweight] (say a bl[oc]k) of Tin in barrs to be sent to London, to be there before the 22[n]d inst[ant] if possible if not so to be there on or before the 22[n]d march. To be delivered to Mr Tho[ma]s Cockshut at Brewers quay on acc[oun]t of Russels & Smith. The tin must be charged at wholesale price in expectation of larger orders.
            My cold gets rather better & I remain
                        Dear Sir
                                    Your's Sincerely
                                                James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/10
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding various matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
18 Feb 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Boulton 18 Feb[ruar]y 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chase Water, Truro, Cornwall

                                                                        ''London 18 Feb[ruar]y 1788.
Dear Sir
           Your fav[o]rs of ye 10th & 13th are before me & I believe there is one more w[hi]ch is not answ[er]d. I should have wrote to you oftner but writing much is death to me & I have very much to write.
            It is true I had only heard one side of the question when I wrote to Mr Watt about the additt & even now I have my doubts about the Consequences of holeing N[orth]D[owns]: into C[hase]W[ate]r. I can only say that if a Jury of Candid sensible Capt[ai]ns give it their decided opineon that such a communciation cannot endanger the Mine I shall not say a word against it nor should I be in any degree tenacious if I did not consider my self as a trustee & guardian of the property of such of my friends as have from their good opineon of me taken shares in that undertakeing: moreover as I said before I wish to talk over the matter w[i]th Mr Watt.
            As to a bond of 1000£ I do not think it adequate to the importance of the risk & had rather that no sum was specifyd but that if any agreem[en]t is made that the parties shall covenant to put the Addit into a proper state so as to prevent all damages arising therefrom both to Chase water & the Consols, Poldice &c for I know not but it may be possible to terminate the working of those mines & consequently our annuities arising therefrom.
            You say you think the Law will give them a right to proceed upon driving I know not what Cornish Laws may allow but I am sure the Laws of the Realm will not suffer any set of advent[ure]rs to invade or inpire the property of another However as to that matter I shall prove my self the better Quaker in for if I am smote on the right Cheeck I shall turn the Left also. But it is unnecessary to dwell upon the subject as you say that Messrs J: & N: &c have given notice to take out their ores with intent to sell them in opposition to the C[ornish]:M[etal]:Co[mpany] Nothing could be more dishonourable or fatal to the interest of Cornwall. If those Gent[leme]n persevere I am determind (so far as my interest & power goes) to Stop the Mine for 'tis better to amputate one Limb than to suffer the whole body to perish. If the Cornish Gent[leme]n would keep their agreem[en]ts sacrid & restrain to moderate quantities their get of Ore the Copper Trade would soon get into a flowerishing state & the standard would rise in proportion as the dead stock toward Gov[ernmen]t will certainly take 1500 but they offer only 75 whereas if it had not been for Londoneers I think we might have got 80 & I dont despair of it yet.
I suspect the Coinage will fall to my Lot because I have offerd to do it cheaper than I can afford but the Tryal of Hastings deranges all publick business.
Your Cornish Smithwork is done cheap enough but your Smiths overvalue themselves, The com[mo]n wages in London for good Smiths is 1 guinea p[e]r Week.
I presume Mr Wyatt wrote to you upon the subject of Flower & Smiths - The price of Flower in London continues the same & will be put on board at ye foll[owin]g prices
            Firsts      37/6,
            2[n]d      34/6,
            3            31/6} When Capt[ai]n Hicks arives we will put on board 100 Sacks of each on Eq[uitab]l[e?] acc[oun]t.
If you have any worthy honest men that are very good Workmen who can forge, File, turn & fit work mathematicaly true send them to me upon the lowest terms you can agree for 3 years & if they deserve more they shall not complain of me.
I had rather have Blocks of Tin than Tin Bills in future.
The post man waits adieu.
            - My best resp[ec]ts to Mrs. Wilson
                        I am D[ea[r S[i]r
                                    Yours sinc[er]ely
                                                M Boulton''

 

 

AD1583/3/11
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding various matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
22 Feb 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt 22 Feb[ruar]y 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol

                                                ''Birm[ingha]m Feb[ruar]y 22[n]d 1788.
Mr Wilson
            Dear Sir
                        I have yours of 15th 16th & 18th. The only thing more wanted concerning the Tin is the credit, say the credit we give to the Messrs Foxes, & the credit they give to customers say merchants at Coinage price. If the Tin is not sent off need not be sent as I have advised my friend to get that small parcel at London.
            I am glad Mr Gullet is so well pleased but shall be obliged to you if you can learn what are likely to be the monthly profits at his mine in a reasonable way of working, what produce in Ores & their value for Lead Copper & Silver!
            I cannot send you observations on the accounts as my health still continues very bad.
            We have no employment here at present for the men you mention, but probably shall soon I know nothing of young Ms abilities, can he put a rotative Engine to gether well & is he to be depended upon, what wages has he, & is he under agreement for time, other wise I know the consequence.
            As Mr Morris has at last accepted of our terms his drawings go off to day & his castings immediately. One of the Men will probably be wanted there. as that engine should be extremely well done to tempt some body else.
            I expect Mr Boulton home soon now & shall with him discuss all your late letters & send you answers to such points as I could not decide upon.
            I remain with comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson, Dear Sir
                                    Your's sincerely
                                                James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/12
Letter,
Walker to Wilson regarding monies owed for guns by Captain Paul
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
4 Mar 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Walker 4 Mar[ch] 1788
Addressed to:   To Mr. Thomas Wilson, at Chasewater, near Truro, Cornwall. Post paid /-6d

                                                            ''Birmingham 4th March 1788 ~
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
            Dear Sir
                        I use the freedom of troubling you in behalf of my friends - Messrs Rob[er]t Wheeler & Son, Gunmakers at this place, who have a claim upon Cap[tai]n Paul of your neighbourhood, that they cannot get settled. When Cap[tai]n Paul was at Birmingham, He ordered Messrs Rob[er]t Wheeler & Son to send him a Gun, half Stocked, Brass Mounted, which They forwarded (as He instructed Them) by the Coach from hence Via Bristol &c directed to Him to be left in the Red Lion in Truro, Cornwall, this was done the 15th June 1784, and regular advice sent Cap[tai]n Paul p[e]r Post, a little while afterwards Cap[tai]n Paul answered Messrs R[ober]t Wheeler & Son that he had not rec[eive]d the Gun; & desired them to send him another, with Tutenague Mounting; on receipt of this L[ett]ré Messrs Wheeler & Son examined at the Coach Office & found the first Gun regularly forwarded, and were assured at the Coach Office that it must be delivered properly. However They concluded to send Cap[tai]n Paul a second Gun, which was done, in like manner as the former, on the 21st October 1784, And advised him thereof by the Post; but since that date Messrs Wheeler & Son could never hear one Syllable from Cap[tai]n Paul, not withstanding they have wrote to him a great many times on the subject.
            The sum that Cap[tai]n Paul owes to Messrs Rob[er]t Wheeler & Son is £5. 19 [shillings]. 6 [pence] as p[er] Particulars at foot hereof; And if not agreeable, I wish You to speak to Cap[tai]n Paul on the Subject, and learn whether or not He intends to pay Messrs Rob[er]t Wheeler & Son, or what his intentions are in this matter; as They are tired of waiting for their Money, and tired of writing Him without receiving any reply: Please to favour me with Your reply, and flattering myself You will excuse this trouble, I shall gladly retaliate in the manner of any power of
                                                Sir         Your very Obed[ien]t & h’[um]ble Serv[an]t
                                                                        Zac[cheu]s Walker.
                                                                        at Matt[he]w Boulton’s
                                                                        in Birmingham.

1784 /
June 15th: one Gun half Stocked, Brass Mounting            £2. 12. 6
                                                Packing case                  - . 12. -
October 21st, one Gun, d[itt]o Tutenague Mounting           £3. 3. -
                                                Packing Case                  - . 2. -
                                                             [total]               £5. 19. 6''

 

 

AD1583/3/13
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding coinage, and other matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
10 Mar 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Boulton Mar[ch] 10th 1789 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chase Water, near Truro, Cornwall, by Bristol

                                                            ''Soho March 10th 1788
Dear Sir
            I am indebted to you an acknowledgement of your fav[o]r of Feb[ruary] 8th.
I have again resumed my spirits & my operations respecting the Coinage & hope nothing now will interupt the Carrying it into Execution.
Mr Droz is to go next week to Model the K[in]g from the life & if there is any Coinage at all its not possible that any body can rival me in execution or in expedition.
M:Boulton & Metal Co[mpany] have lent the Anglesey & Cornish Co[mpanie]s 10,000£ & have got upwards of 200 Ton of Copper & Brass as a security & I have B[ough]t all Williams presses & all his Coining apparatus which is not worth to me more than so much old Iron but I thought it prudent to Clip his Wings & to disarm him.
            The object of this letter is to tell you that Boulton & Watt propose to divide the money they have in Matthews's hands about the begining of next Month & Mr Pierson hath just told me that you can remit us about 1500£ Now as we shall make another Dividend of a Year and as it would be conv[enien]t to me to make this as large a dividend as possible I wish you would take ye most effectual & expeditious means in your power to remit B[oulton]&W[att] as much of their Arrears as you can.
            As to W[hea]l Virgin we will not be fettord with any promises but you may continue so long as the mine is loosing to forgive them every third month provided they pay the arrears directly & likewise pay the other 2 Mo[nths] in the course of ever Q[uarte]r.
            I hear there is a great change for the better in Chase Water Mine but if you are not clearly of opineon that it can be worked without loss it seems the opineon of our friends that it should be abandond untill the price of Copper Ore & Tin, mend.
            I think you were to have sent me some drawings & directions respecting the Casting of Bar Tin but they are not yet come.
            When the Coinage is over I will come & pay my respects to Cornwall but I should now injure Cornwall if I were to desert the Coinage.
My love to Mrs. Wilson & best wishes attend all your Family.
                        I am with great regard
                                    Dear Sir
                                                Your faithfull friend
                                                            M: Boulton

When ever you think ye Dep[ut]y Gov[eno]r is in good plight, do give me hint; for I wish not to call untill he can answer''

 

 

AD1583/3/14
Letter,
Pearson to Wilson acknowledging receipt of bills
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
12 Mar 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Pearson 12 Mar[ch] 1788
Addressed to:   Mr. Thomas Wilson, Chasewater near Truro, Cornwall

                                                            ''Soho near Birmingham
                                                               12 March 1788
Mr. Thomas Wilson
            Sir
                        By desire of Mr. Watt have to acknowledge receipt of your favor of 8th instant, enclosing two Notes value together £160. - say one Hundred and Sixty Pounds, being for one half years Interest of Stock in Cornish Metal Co[mpany]. Mr. Watt would have wrote you himself but is not able. -
Beg you will do the needful with the small account at foot, and remain        Sir
                                                                                                            Your very Obed[ien]t Servants
                                                                                                            For Boulton & Watt
                                                                                                            James Pearson.

Wheal Virgin Adventurers D[ebto]r to Boulton & Watt
For Freight from Workington to Liverpool & Charges
at Liverpool of Piston rod in 1787}                                    £ - . 14 [shillings]. 4 [pence]''

 

 

AD1583/3/15
Letter,
Wyatt to Wilson regarding flour from Albion Mill sent to Cornwall
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
29 Mar 1788

Endorsed:            Sam[ue]l Wyatt Mar[ch] 29. 1788

''Mr Wilson /
            I received your favor, and am very glad that our inferior flours are so well liked in your neighboorhood. We have now great plenty of 2nds 3rds & fourths - which we can send you - and will mark them in the way you proposed, we shall be much obliged to you for your Intrest at Swansey -
            I think we should not exceed 24s[hillings] p[e]r Week for a very first rate Smith, and I should let him the making of a New Boiler, and I should wish to have one that could make one of Copper how many Hours p[e]r Day will he work for his 4s[hillings]? -
                                    I am for A[lbion] Mill C[ompany]
                                                Sir
                                                            your most hum[ble] Serv[an]t
                                                                        Sam Wyatt
Albion Mill -
Mar[ch] - 29th 1788''

 

 

AD1583/3/16
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding Doctor Withering's selling his tin bills
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
30 Mar 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Mar[ch] 30 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall

''Mr Wilson
                                                                                    Harpers hill March 30 1788
Dear Sir
            Doctor Withering received your letter of the 24, has ever since been out of town, he returned yesterday & intended to have wrote you to day, but is call'd out of town again, He sent me the following note & desired me to write to you.
''I would sell the tin in bills [this previous word being underlined twice] at present, & reserve a further determination to a future time, thus keeping clear of any proposition from Messrs Foxes. The Donneur to the Captains shall be thought of when I have realized the £500 (first cost) and its Intrest which Polgooth is indebted to me, except £190 which I have received; please to add, that I wish Mr Wilson would send me Separate accounts of Polgooth & Chacewater -''
            You will please to observe that the D[octo]rs meaning is to sell his tin for tin Bills at present but not to come to under any obligation to do so in future. If you cannot Dispose of it on these terms, you will please coin it with the rest. You will also cause my share of Tin to be Coined with Mr Boultons & Mr Wilkinsons. as I have no doubt we will be able to find a market if refused in Cornwall. Mr Boulton will write you a general answer to all your letters in a few days. I am glad to hear that William Murdock is so much better, & as soon as I hear from him if able will write to him concerning his Engine -
It gave me pleasure to hear that the new Engine at Wheal Maid performs so well. Tho I am much better I still am not able to write, having a pain in my breast & at present a blister upon it, I hope the fine weather which seems to be set in will soon reestablish me.
            Mrs Watt, who I at present employ, Joins in best wishes to you & Mrs Wilson, & we hope to hear that she has entirely recovered all her complaints, & that all the children are in good health, I remain             Dear Sir
                                                                                    Your Sincerely
                                                                                                James Watt''

[the handwriting is that of Ann Watt]

 

 

AD1583/3/17
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding cessation of production at North Downs mine etc
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
8 Apr 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Boulton April 8 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thom[a]s Wilson, Chase Water, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol

                                                                        ''Birm[in]g[ha]m 8 April 1788
Dear Sir
            I will first acknowledge the reception of your last letter of ye 5th In[stan]t with two Bills Value 693£. 4 [shillings]. 2 [pence] I am glad to hear that you are likely to be at peace & that N[orth]:D[owns]: hath concluded to stop w[hi]ch is what it ought to have done long ago as great sums have been expended in the County to destroy each other. We are sincerely sorry for the distresses of the Working Mines but time & patience will lessen the Met[a]l Co[mpany']s Debt & mend the Standard. We know of no particular cause at this In[stan]t for raising the price of Copper but I must own I can see no objection to ye raising of it in England, as there is not ye least probability of any quantity being imported, & who is there in England that can furnish 300 Ton at less than 80 none, no, not one, then why should it not be raisd to a price our Manufacturers can afford to pay.
            As to the Foreign Market that's quite another thing our price in those markets must be regulated by foreign Mines & sundry circumstances.
            Our ministers say they are so wedged in with various business that they cannot find time at present to consider or determine about ye coinage & therefore we must have patience for a couple of Months.
            In relation N[orth]:D[owns]: saveings. You will I have no doubt recollect what I said at the N:D: meeting & what hath been uniformly our opineons viz: That we ought not to encourage the continuence of a Mine that so ruinous to the County & disadvantageous to the adventurers & that we should reserve our giveings for the better purposes of setting that mine to work again at such times & under such circumstances as may appear to us more for the interest of the County. Therefore you may be assured we are not disposed to comply with their requisitions, Moreover you know we have never taken any thing for W[hea]l Chance Engine, & that 'though they deducted for Wh[eal] Hawke when stoped, yet nothing was ever P[ai]d for Wh[ea]l Chance w[hi]ch ought to have been, at least in that case.
            As to the several Men you mention to be nearly out of employ, I have answer that we think it our duty & our interest to find employment for such men as david Watson, who hath behaved well & in whom we can place sufficient confidence both in his discression as well as his integrity & When ever David & his Wife are disposed to come into this Country I think we can settle them to their satisfaction at Soho.
But as to Pierson We know not what use to make of a Man that is idle & Drunken, he would only bring disgrace upon us if we were to send him out to erect Engines & therefore I recommend that he get a place in London or Cornwall. In respect to James Murdock We are willing to agree with him for 5 years, if you think he is sober & industrious Man, provided we can agree upon terms & in that case we shall endeavour to make him as usefull to himself & us as possible.
            I think you made an Agreem[en]t with Knuckey & therefore beg youl send him with the first who come but if there is no Agreem[en]t executed it will be proper we send one for him to execute before he sets out - I wrote to you from London for a Smith that can also make Boilers for Albion Mill but the wages you mentiond w[oul]d not do. If you know of anyone that can be well recommended & who will come for 18s[hillings] p[e]r Week or if a very good hand say one Guinea p[e]r Week he may be sent to Mr Wyatt at Alb[io]n Mill.
            We acquiessed in the proposition of relinquishing every third Month at W[hea]l Virgin untill the times mended & we beg youl settle with that Mine upon that ground which we cannot alter.
I shall see Mr Wilkinson I expect on Thursday & will learn if he is the Culprit that hath reduced the price of Tin & let you know - The Smelters ought not to Smelt Tin for any man who sells under price & hope they will adhere to that resolution. -
            Its near 3 Weeks since I returnd from London have had my House full of Comp[an]y. Mr Watt hath been incapable of transacting any business but he is now getting better -, I am prepareing Buildings & tools for the Coinage, I will look over your letters & write again soon & in the intrem I remain with best wishes for you Mrs Wilson & Family            D[ea]r S[i]r          Yours most Sincerely
                                                                                                Matt[he]w Boulton.

[marginal] Pray tell us if our indulgence to poldice is not expired & the acc[oun]t now in such a State as to assert our Claim''

 

 

AD1583/3/18
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding the miner's uprising
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
17 Apr 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Ap[ril] 17. 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol

                                                                        ''Birm[ingha]m Ap[ri]l 17th 1788
Dear Sir
            I am just now fav[oure]d with y[ou]rs of 14th and am very much alarmed at this fresh rising of the Miners, who certainly are instigated by some enemy to the County & to you. I hope you will avoid going in their way again & to prevent surprizes that you will pack up your books & papers & send them to Truro, or at least have them in a Chest ready to put on a horses back. Indeed I wish you would remove yourself & family there until matters are quieted.
            I hope no improper concessions will be made to them & that some body of Authority will interpose in time, soldiers should be quartered at Truro & at Redruth.
            My Health Grows daily better but I cannot go much out yet, partly on acc[oun]t on the Coldness of the weather.

            Wishing you health & safety        I am with Comp[liment]s to Mrs Wilson
                                                                        Dear Sir
                                                                                    Yours sincerely
                                                                                                James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/19
Letter, Boulton & Watt to
Wilson regarding miner's riots, and the lucrativeness of lead mines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
18 Apr 1788

Endorsed:         Boulton & Watt April 18 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol

                                                            ''Birmingham 18 April 1788
Dear Sir
            Our Mr Watt acknowledged yesterday the rec[eip]t of your letter of the 14th In[stan]t the Contents of which gives us great concern & the writer of this enters most sensibly into all your & Mrs. Wilsons feelings on the late appearance of Riot.
We have not the least idea of the cause of the Tinners being violently prejudiced against you & in your next pray tell us the grounds of it. We are certain of one thing which is that they do not distinguish between those who are their real friends & those who are not.
As to our selves, if we could avert or mitigate the Miseries with which they are threatend We would do it with all hearts & Souls & we conceive the most effectual means is to extend & promote the consumption & Sales of Copper, to raise the price, & to lessen the dead Stock all which we are silently doing to the best of our power.
As the quantity of Copper & Tin lately raisd in Cornwall is much too great for all the markets to take off, it is proper the Miners & the Adventurers should turn their Eyes to Lead as the price of that Metal is almost double what it was some Years ago it being now from 21 to 23£ a Ton and We have no doubt from what we have heard that there are Lead Mines in several parts of Cornwall that will at this time pay much better than most of the Copper & Tin mines now working.
The Mine at Combmartin [Combe Martin, Devon] & some others in devonshire have always been talked of as rational undertakings and as a principal part of their Riches arises from the Silver extracted from ye Lead, there is no danger of overstocking the Country with that Commodity - pray learn all you can about the Mines at Penrose near Hellston [Helston] as well as those at Wade Bridge [Wadebridge]. Seting aside the Lead Mines in Cornwall & devonshire it is certain that all the Lea