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 Lead Mines now working in England & Scotland are desireous of putting into their Mines all the Miners they can get & consequently most of your young Men may find employment in them if they are disposed to be active - There is also a want of miners in Shropshire & Staffordshire Collieries - It appears to us that it would be much better to provide for the Miners in either of the ways aforesaid than to open new tin or Copper mines & thereby endanger the total ruin of the County by overloading the Markets.
            Mr Murdock is arrived safe & well & we remain
                        Dear Sir                        Your Obed[ien]t Serv[an]ts
                                                            Boulton & Watt''

[the handwriting is that of Matthew Boulton, with the exception of the last sentence and signature, which is in the hand of James Watt]

 

 

AD1583/3/20
Letter,
Wyatt to Wilson regarding prices for Albion Mill flour
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
28 Apr 1788

Endorsed:          Sam Wyatt April 28. 1788
Addressed to:   Mr. Wilson, Truro.

Mr. Wilson
            Sir /
                         I have but just time to say that our prices here are firsts holds 37s[hillings] 2nds 34s 3rds 31s & 4th 28s p[e]r Sack - I wish to send you a quantity of the 2nds 3rds & 4ths if you can dispose of them - Your answ[e]r will oblige
                                                S[i]r
                                                            your very hum[ble] Serv[an]t
                                                                        Sam Wyatt
Albion Mill Apr[il] 28th
            1788 -''

 

 

AD1583/3/21
Letter,
Pearson to Wilson regarding receipt of bills
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
30 Apr 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Pearson April. 30. 1788
Addressed to:   Mr. Thomas Wilson, Chasewater near Truro, Cornwall

                                                                        ''Soho near Birmingham
                                                                           30th April 1788
Mr. Thomas Wilson
            Sir
                        We have received your favor of 25th instant enclosing sundry Bills amounting in all to your credit £1000. 14 [shillings]. 11 [pence]
In settling lately with Robert Muir he allowed in Account the £2. 4 [shillings]. - due to Mrs. Worrall which is placed to your credit. Please to pay her said £2. 4. -
Have not yet had any settlement with John Holt. -             We are              Sir
                                                                                                Your most Ob[edien]t Servants
                                                                                                            For Boulton & Watt
                                                                                                                        James Pearson

PS B[oulton]&W[att] say they will write you themselves next post. -''

 

 

AD1583/3/22
Letters, Boulton to
Wilson regrding various matters
Item
2 folios
Manuscript
4 May 1788

 

AD1583/3/22/1
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding various debtors, and other matters
Piece
1 folio
Manuscript
4 May 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Boulton May. 4. 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, of Chase Water near Truro in, Cornwall, via Bristol

Dear Sir
            I have wrote you inclosed some account of the Misfortunes of some of my Friends & the great inconveniences I am likely to experience my Self all which I confirm. - And now let me ask your advice & opineon respecting a Gent[lema]n who would think I used him ill if he knew that I communicated a certain transaction to any Man living, & therefore I must beg of you, both for his sake & mine to be totaly Silent respecting it.
I believe I did intimate to you when I last saw you that I had lent the D[e]p[u]ty Gov[eno]r 500£ which he offerd, when he asked for it, to secure by a Mortgage on Freehold property, but when I paid the Money for him in London he sent me his note of hand payable on demand saying as he should not want it more than 12 Months he wished to avoid the expence of writings & hoped that w[oul]d be satisfactory to me - It is now about 13 Months since I lent him the Money and as I am now in great want of it I am desireous he should repay it but I must own I have my doubts & fears about him, & beg you will favour me with your Confidential opineon of his ability & your advice how I should act & depend upon my honour & prudence.
            If you think it not improper you may speak of these Manchester & London Convulsions & tell him you find it will inconvenience me more than Fordyces Stoping did & you may even shew him the inclosed letter to you, & observe his remarks.
            I have wrote to him by this post & told him that I wish him to provide me a Bill for it in the course of 2 Months as My Necessities will require all the aid of my friends. -
If he had agreeable to his first proposal given me a Mortgage I could have lodged that with a freind for the Money - but a note of hand hath no solidity in it nor can I make any use of it.
            My present alarms have induced me to write to Mr Fenton to day (he being in arrears) & others.
I think you have one of the little Engines remaining Pray tell me the size & the lowest price of it (at Bristol) without pumps or boiler for I don't think ye boiler w[oul]d pay Car[ria]g[e] & I will endeavour to find a Chap for it provided any saveing could be made to a purchaser.
            There was a large piece of Tin ore at Poldice that was to have been sent to me, Lawson says it was sent but Murdock says not. I wish you would enquire after it & send it.
            The Irish mountain of Copper that you perhaps may have seen mentiond lately in the News papers hath brought forth - a Mouse: but I hear there is a new & great discovery of Copper in Sweden however I have some reason to hope that it is a rumour only void of truth & raised only by some disapointed Copper dealers.
            If I should in ye end be disapointed in the Coinage it will be a great Loss to me as Droz hath had already 500£ of me & I have encounterd with new buildings & new apparatus that will cost me near 3000£ more.
            Adieu
                        I am ever Yours sincerely
                                                Matthew Boulton
Soho 4 May 88''

 

 

AD1583/3/22/2
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding writ sued on him by the Romelli Company, and other matters
Piece
1 folio
Manuscript
4 May 1788

Endorsed:          M Boulton May. 5 1788

                                                            ''Soho May 4th – 1788
Dear Sir
            Your letter of ye 25th covering 3 Bills was acknowledged by Pierson & I have waited some days to find an interval of health & spirits in Mr Watt in order to consult & resolve upon what we think is best to be done in respect to the Continuation of Chasewater Mine; but no such opportunity hath yet occur'd & it must be delayed a few days longer for I dont think it would be right to finaly determine in a low spirited mood - From the little talk I had with Mr Watt he seemd to be more inclined to stop than to go on, & said he thought if we did go on for the benefit of the Country & to the evident loss of our selves, that we ought to pay to Dr Withering, Mr Hurd, Mr Hunt & Mr Richards what ever loss may arise from such going on - As North downs seems to be so unwilling to stop I will vote for their going on & Stoping Chase Water provided the Committee would be half as kind to us as they offer to North Downs & I am sure it would be advantageous to the Tin mines particularly as Huish [Hewas?] is going to be worked. -
As to our making (to Chasewater) the allowance you mention (out of our Saveings) I presume we shall make no difficulty about it, provided the Merchants also give up a part of their profits but I fear all will not be sufficient to prevent Loss. I am not insensible to the distresses & inconveniences that will arise to many poor people who are dependant on that Mine & would go great lengths to mitigate their distress but I have not the devine power of feeding a great multitude with five Barley loaves & a few Fishes besides you may readily guess what all the out adventurers will say when it is proposed to continue ye Mine at a certain Loss: however you shall hear again from us on this subject. -
            The principal purport of this Letter is to intimate to you that we are not without our Miseries, distresses, & alarms in this neighbourhood; but I dare not mention particulars at this moment more than to say that the very greatest manufacturers of Manchester have ----- that in consequence thereof some Bankers in that neighbourhood are ----- & in consequence of such stopages some great Houses in London are in a very wretched condition, & I fear many failures will follow amongst the middle Class of Manufacturers & traders an instance of which happend this morning at Birm[in]g[ha]m.
The Commercial world now seems to be in as great aggitation as it was in the year 1772 & I fear the effects will be more Violent. I dont at present perceive that I am likely to loose any great Sum but I shall be very greatly inconvenienced without I can raise 6 or 7 Thousand pounds in the Cource of one & two Months & even a part of it in a fortnight. There are a number of Collateral circumstances which aggravate the inconveniences that will fall upon me at this time - Mr Watt hath lately remitted All his money to Scotland, & I have lately purchased a considerable quantity of Copper at the request of Mr Williams, in order to Clip the wings of a certain person & prevent any offers being made to Govern[men]t at a low price & thereby injure the Coinage Contract. Besides which I have more than 45 Tons of Copper by me 20 of which was bought of the Cornish M[eta]l. Co[mpany]. & 20 of the dukes at 70 & not an ounce of either yet used - In short I shall be in a very few Weeks in great want of Money & it is now impossible to borrow in London or this neighbourhood as all confidence is fled, I must therefore apply to every person I have Claim upon & collect all I can, for all will be too little. I must therefore urge you to remit us all in your power. I have been looking over our Books to see where I can ask for any, but cannot see how we stand with the individual Mines in Cornwall. It appears from your statement that you have upwards of 700£ of B[oulton]&W[att] money in your hands & though it would give me great pain to urge or inconvenience you yet necessity knows no bounds & I must beg youl do all you can for me.
A few days ago I was servd with a Copy of a writ (for the first time in my Life) at the Suit of a long list of Counts, Marquises, Chevaliers &c: commonly known by the name of the Romelli Comp[an]y for a breach of Contract made between the Cornish Metal Co[mpany] on ye one part & Mr ----- the Nephew of La Camus on the other. As I presume some other Gent[leme]n in Cornwall have been servd with similar processes, I beg you will acquaint the Committee & request the fav[o]r of them to direct their Attorney to throw it into the Common Mass & defend it. I advise them to be particularly cautious how they put it in any ones power to furnish the pimps of our adversaries with any list of the Names of the Members of the Co[mpany] & I think it w[oul]d not be amiss to make a few transfers.
            The Continuence of Chase water will in some degree depend on the Activity, Skill & Attention of the Captains, & I hope Neddy Rogers will do all in his power to make discoveries & conduct the Mine with as much economy & as little Loss as possible.
            Wishing you & Mrs. Wilson Health & Spirits & that you may live to see more prosperous & happier times in Cornwall.
            I remain
                        Dear Sir
                                    Yours most sincerely
                                                Matt[he]w Boulton''

 

 

AD1583/3/23
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding the gloomy commercial horizon
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
18 May 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Boulton May 18 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chase Water,Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol.

''Mr T: Wilson
                                                                        Soho 18 May 1788
Dear Sir
            I thank you for your fav[o]r of the 7th In[stan]t. I am sorry to say the Commercial horizon looks darker & darker every day what I feard in London will certainly come to pass & what I did not expect at Birm[in]g[ha]m is come to pass - a considerable House in Birm[in]g[ha]m is stoped & I at the request of the Partners & their Cred[ito]rs have taken out a Commission of Bank[rupt]cy but I fear the effects will not reach 5/s[hillings] in the pound however that will depend on a Cred[ito]r in London who hath illegally possessed himself of effects to the amount of many Thousands which will make work for the Lawyers. At the same time these things deprive one of money they bring on many demands that would otherwise have layn dormant for a time I therefore feel myself under the necessity of requesting you loose no opportunity of Collecting what money you can & remitting all you can that I may be guarded against the worst.
            I propose to set out to London on Wednesday morning & to get there on Thursday evening for I am too much of an invalid to travil all night I think it high time for Governm[en]t to make their minds about the Copper Coinage. I think so in particular as I am expending a great deal of money in preparations & may in the end be disapointed.
            I hope you & Neddy will keep a watchfull eye upon Chase water that we may not fall into great errors with our Eyes shut & thereby loose our Money & our reputation with our friends.
            Please to write to me at Mr Matthews's untill I direct otherwise.
My whole time for a fortnight past hath been taken up with calling & attending meetings of ye Cred[ito]rs of L:G & Co[mpany] which is unpleasant & unprofitable.
            I hope this will find you & Mrs. Wilson in the full enjoyment of peace & health under your own tranquil roof & the Miners turnd their hands to other employ & reconciled to their fate.
            Wishing you a long continuance of every blessing
                        I remain
                                    Dear Sir
                                                Yours most sincerely
                                                            Matt[he]w Boulton

pray be cautious what you say to V: or about him least you get me into a scrape thereby - I rec[ei]vd a letter from him dated ye 7th In[stan]t in which he says ''every exertion of mine shall be used to furnish me with the 500£ & hopes to succeed''

 

 

AD1583/3/24
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding North Downs, Chacewater and Wheal Maid mines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
21 May 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt 21 May 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol

                                                                        ''Birm[ingha]m May 21st 1788
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                        Yours of 17th Covering 2 Bills value £690. - . - came safe to hand. I am sorry to find so many hindrances to the stopping of N[orth]. Downs, which is much to be wished for - am glad to hear favourable accounts of Chacewater which I by no means wish to stop unless Losing. Mr Wilkinson will be here this week & I will talk to him about it. I dare say he has no other motives than the fear of Loss. It is a pity it will be so long before they get into Wheal Maid but I hope the ores will come to a better market - J. Murdock came here on Saturday & is set to work at 14/ [shillings] the 1st year & 1/ [shilling] p[e]r week advance in each year after for 5 years - with 2/ [shillings] a week extra if sent to London. Mr B[oulton]. goes to London on Saturday, his son is arrived in good health, & setts out soon for Germany.
            Mrs W[att]. joins in Comp[limen]ts to you & Mrs Wilson & I remain
            Dear Sir

                                                            Yours Sincerely
                                                                        James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/25
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding high prices for metals given at the ticketing
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
8 Jun 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt June 8 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall

                                                                        ''Birm[ingha]m June 8th 1788
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                         Yesterday I rec[eive]d yours of the 4th covering 3 Bills value £612. 19sh[illings]. 1d [penny] which shall be placed to your credit. I am  exceedingly sorry to hear of this ex ticketing & it was lucky as you say that N[orth].D[owns]. was previously Stopt. I think you should have some other opinions to back Mr Mansfields, as for my own part I entirely agree with him. Can the people in Cornwall be weak enough to see that these enormous prices given at the ticketing cannot be given by any body that expects to gain by the purchase, or that the moment the trade was laid open the Metal Co[mpany] & Angelsea must & would sell at such prices as would effectually knock up the mines or put it out of the power of any but Malicious Madmen to buy the ores.
            I shall attend to what you say about Knuckey with whom you should have wrote however.
            If you mean by what Morris was to pay for the Engine the price of the materials, that I always understood rested with yourself & I hope you will settle it when in wales, In regard to premium the Engine was to be charged at the same price as others of the power in places were coals are cheap, that is £5 for each horses power and it is of the power of 11 horses as we reckon (or rather more than 12 in reality) consequently will come to £55 a year. Mr B[oulton]. wanted to beg of the £5 to which I have not yet consented having suffered so much from needless abatements being made precedents of.       David Watson & his wife arrived yesterday - On Tuesday morning I set out to meet Mr B[oulton]. on some business in Cambridgeshire & shall be away about 10 days, I mention this for your Government in coming here.
            With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson          I remain
                                                                                    Dear Sir
                                                                                                Your's sincerely
                                                                                                            James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/26
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding Dr Withering's unwillingness to sell his share in Polgooth
Item
1 sheet
Manuscript
25 Jun 1788

                                                                                    ''Birm[ingha]m June 25th 1788
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir,
            I send inclosed our letter to Mr Daniel which please read & deliver & try to procure payment of the ballance due us. Doctor Withering will not sell his share in Polgooth, but will willingly sell out of the Copper Company if you can find a purchaser.
            With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson            I remain               Dear Sir
                                                                                                            Your's sincerely
                                                                                                                        James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/27
Letter,
Pearson to Wilson regarding account for freight
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
10 Jul 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Ja[me]s Pearson July 10 1788
Addressed to:   Mr. Thomas Wilson

''Wheal Virgin Adven[ture]rs                        To Boulton & Watt
For Freight from S[tour]Port to Bristol of Goods in June & September 1787}            £3. - . 10 [pence]

                                                                                                Soho 10th July 1788
Mr. Thomas Wilson
            Sir
                        Please to do the needful with the small Account as above. - John Holt with much difficulty allowed his Account to be debit with the 7/-[shillings]6 [pence] you advised being due by him to Mrs. Worrall, have place same to your credit, please therefore to pay her said 7/-6 which will oblige      Sir        Your most Ob[edient] Servants
                                                                        For Boulton & Watt
                                                                        James Pearson''

 

 

AD1583/3/28
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding blocks of tin sold to France
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
18 Jul 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt 21 July 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol

                                                            Birm[ingha]m July 18th 1788
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                        Hopeing your safe arrival &c I send you a Copy of sales of 16 Blocks Tin in France in Mar[ch] 1788
52.1.19 in Falmouth & Rouen
lb [pound] 5118 Vicounty weight at £117. 10s[hillings] p[e]r 100 p[e]r 5/6 months Credit            £6013. 13 [shillings]
Freight from Falmouth                                                                                                          £70. 1s[hilling]. 6d [pence]
Charges in Havre le Grace [Le Havre, France]                                                                      [£]17. 2. -
freight from Havre to Rouen                                                                                                [£]13. 18. 3
Unloading                                                                                                                                   5 [shillings]. 8 [pence]
Entry duty on lb 5425 weight of mure at 75/ [shillings] p[e]r 100lb                                          [£]203. 19. -
Octroy duty on ds [pennies?] at 15/9 p[e]r 100lb                                                                  [£]41. 3. -
Porterage & weighing                                                                                                         [£]13. 10. -
Viconty duty on lb 5118 at 4s/6d                                                                                         [£]11. 10. -
Warehouse at 40s[hillings]                                                                                                 [£]16. - . -
Brokerage at 1[shilling]/4[pence] p[e]r Cent & postages                                                        [£]22. 10. -
Discount 3 p[e]r Cent for Cash                                                                                            [£]180. 8. -
Commission & delcredere 4 p[e]r C[en]t                                                                               [£]240. 10. 9
                                                                                                             [subtotal]              [£]836. 0. 6
                                                                                                             [total]                    £5177. 12. 6
at 29¼  = £210. 6s[hillings]. 0d [pence] Sterling for Cwt [hundredweight] 52. 1 [quarter]. 19 [pounds] or above 80/ [shillings] p[e]r Cwt, a good market if we could sell as well now. The insurance should however be added. In my opinion we should risk the sales there, as there seems little chance at home, no mention should be made of our intentions & our Correspondents particularly request that Messrs Fox & Daubuz may remain Ignorant of the transaction which may be done by making the Bills of Lading to our orders          Mr B[oulton]. is absent but will be home to morrow night when hope to write you positively to Ship the Tin. They write in their last that Joseph Banfield will Join in freighting a vessel if need be, Query if we should send our whole quantity or only risque part.
            With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson & friends            I remain
                        Dear Sir
                                    Your's sincerely
                                                James Watt

Tin by last advice from 115 to 116lb livres''

 

 

AD1583/3/29
Letter, Jones to
Wilson regarding shipments of copper
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
26 Jul 1788

Endorsed:         Mr W[illia]m Jones 26 July 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chase Water, Truro, Cornwall

                                                                        ''Swansea 26th July 1788
Dear Sir /
                        I have this day rec[eive]d a Letter from London saying that you have omitted to Credit 10 Tons. 1 C [hundredweight]. 1 Q[uarte]r. 13 lb [pound] of Copper delivered to you in Bristol - If so the Quantity now Shipped the 20th by the Catherine, John James is so much more than your due, and you'll write to London concerning the same, as I have not the materials here to know the right thereof - I have Shipped as you requested the 34 Ton. 5 Cwt [hundredweight]. 0 Q[uarte]rs. 27 lb [pound] which you make to be the Balance by the Acco[un]t left with me; be this as it may it will be set right in London and we are the right side of the Acco[un]t so much (or just right by your Acco[un]t) - In either Case you'll be pleased to remit the Smelting Charges to Balance that Acco[un]t, now fully delivered the Copper - and as the business ends here & the Company's Books close now, I will thank you to remit Bills to Snow Hill for the same of the Date they should be paid at, I mean to become due at the time they should, one two or more Months, date. this will fully settle the Acco[un]ts while I am in Town, where I mean to be in Ten days - Capt[ai]n James only waits for a fair Wind - your Copper on board &c all well                                    I am       D[ea]r Sir
                                                               your most obed[ien]t Serv[an]t
                                                                                    W Jones''

 

 

AD1583/3/30
Letter, Boulton & Watt to
Wilson regarding riots at the weighings, and other matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
24 Jul 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt July 24 1788
Addressed to:   Mr. Wilson, Truro, Cornwall

                                                            ''Birm[ingha]m July 24 1788
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                        We have y[ou]rs of the 20th and impower you to declare that we will not abide any longer by the association in regard to the price of Tin as it appears to us to be a mere farce & of no use, as even while it subsisted it was broke through by so many to the loss of those who adhered to it. We have wrote this day to our correspondent in Rouen to sell for us any quantity of Tin form 50 to 100 blocks at a price we set, & to advise as soon as possible (on this head please to observe the utmost secrecy) we will wait his answer before we ship the tin, unless an opportunity offers of shipping 50 bl[oc]ks which we will send upon chance. The rest to lye till further orders, We shall ask Dr W[ithering]. tomorrow & write you whether he will sell out of Polgooth. We understand the offer to be £900 for 1/16 the seller reserving all tin & tin stuff now got & at gross, if otherwise advise,
            These riots at the weighings should be withstood by superior force & let the rioters take the consequence we suppose the Magistrates may order the military on that service, but if after all the ores should be taken away from the C[ornish].M[etal].Co[mpany] an action at law should immediately be brought by them against the mine that permits it.
We approve in general of what you propose in regard to Hallamanin but cannot read the share you proposed us to take (because you had put the wafer on it as you often do) however lett it be as little as possible so as answer the purpose as we cannot think of loading ourselves with dead mines.
            Your merchants are wrong in what they say respecting Holland, as they are great manufacturers of pewter there and cannot do it without much English Tin, the Malacca alone will not answer them.
            Please to say to the Tin associaters that so long as they unanimous we should stand by them but if others break out we must follow them.
            We shall write again soon, meanwhile remain
                                    Your Obed[ien]t Serv[an]ts
                                                Boulton & Watt

In regard to Cons[olidate]d Mines we must adhere to what we told you, to wit, the third month to be deducted & the rest paid & desire you will give in the account accordingly if not already done, shall write in a few days concerning our Goods''

[the handwriting is that of James Watt]

 

 

AD1583/3/31
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding blocks of tin to be sent to Birmingham
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
29 Jul 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt July 29 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol

                                                                        ''Birm[ingha]m July 29th 1788
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir /
                        We rec[eive]d yours covering 3 bills value £422. 16s[hillings]. 9d [pence] - which are at your credit we wrote you lately what we had done in respect to sending tin to Rouen vizt 50 bl[oc]ks certain, or more if they could sell it & I think we should wait their answer before we send off in the mean time, we think you may send 30 bl[oc]ks here p[e]r soonest, If we were certain of not sending more than 50 bl[oc]ks to R[oue]n we should order 40 bl[oc]ks here & the rest to London to be shipt for some forreign market Dr Withering sells his Tin with ours & runs part risque Mr Hunt desires his 9 blocks may be sent here & will write to Mr Riccard, Mr Hurd is not at home, It will be too late to write about Coals & wait answer as it takes 14 days to receive one.
            I hope you will have a favourable issue at Poldice, & as you have the Judges opinions in your favour I hope you will by no means give it up, otherwise all we have been doing is of no avail.
                        I remain            D[ea]r Sir
                                                            Your's Sincerely

                                                                        James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/32
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding possible cessation of production at Chacewater mine
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
30 Jul 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt July 30 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol

                                                                                    ''Birming[ha]m July 30th 1788
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                        I have your's of 27th, I approve of your letter to A M. Am sorry your sales turned out so unprofitable.
            In relation to the consignment of the tin, we must certainly sell at the market price what we send on specultaion but we wrote to see if they could sell a greater quantity at the price mentioned, otherwise we send only 50 bl[oc]ks, which you will please dispatch immediately, by such conveyance as you can. Our friends are Messrs Achard, freres & Comp[a]nie but if sent from Cornwall, still think it would be best to make the bill of Lading deliverable to our order, that it may not be known to whom we consign if this cannot be done make it to their order. If any vessel goes straight to Rouen it will save something but if not must be sent to Havre - I wrote yesterday to send 30 bl[oc]ks here & the remainder of our & Dr W[ithering]s tin must be sent to london for exportation to some other forreign market, but this I cannot order at present Mr B[oulton]. not being with me.
            I suppose we must stop Chacewater at end of next quarter without some thing very promising appears in the mine, as there will be no struggling with a poor mine & a stagnated sale of Tin. please say in your next at what price Tin is like to rule, for our government. I believe we need scarcely ask Mr Wilkinsons consent to the Stopping the Mine, that being already obtained however I wish you would advise him, what at present occurs to us. I long to know the result of your Thursdays meeting & hope they will bring an action of damages against J.B. - We shall agree to the 1/8 in Hallamanin provided you can get a majority of it, otherwise not as I would not be concerned in working the mine.
                        I remain
                                    Dear Sir
                                                Your's sincerely
                                                            James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/33
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding blocks of tin dispatched, and those in reserve
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
31 Jul 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt July 31 1788
Addressed to:   Mr. Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, near Truro, Cornwall

''Mr Wilson
                                                                        Birm[ingha]m July 31st 1788
Dear Sir
            As I think there is no chance of the Messrs Achard having sold so much tin at the price sent them I write them to day that we send 50 bl[oc]ks positively & have otherwise disposed of the rest, you will therefore take the proper measures for shipping them by Swansea or direct as you can.
            I think we may venture 10 bl[oc]ks to Glasgow which if can be sent to liverpool will be most advantageous & if not cannot should not send them at all. At liverpool Consign to Thomas Becket with advice to us.
Our whole tin & Dr W[ithering]s is by your account 132 bl[oc]ks, of which 50 to Rouen 30 here & 10 to Glasgow remains 42 which may be sent to London p[e]r soonest & if no opportunity to Liverpool send 40 here - At London consign to Mr Matthews to whom we will give directions where to ship it, no time sh[oul]d be lost in sending that off otherwise we shall lose the opportunities of exporting it, this season.
            Please advise at what price you think we should sell here as we are quite at a loss.
                                    I remain
                                                Dear Sir
                                                            Your's sincerely
                                                                        James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/34
Letter, Ann Watt to Wilson regarding valuation of goods to be sold to Wilson
Item
1 large sheet
Manuscript
7 Aug 1788

Endorsed:         Mrs Watt 7 Aug[u]st 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall

''A Valuation of Household Goods, Furniture &c
Taken this 7th of July 1786 of Messrs Boulton and Watt's who has agreed to sell the same to Thomas Wilson - as follows -

[here is given a list of goods in the Western Parlour, the East Chamber, the Middle Chamber, the West Chamber, the Eastern Parlour, the Kitchen, the Back Kitchen, the Kitchen Chamber]

                                                                        Birmingham Aug[u]st 7 1788

            Your favour inclosing the monthly accounts I received as Mr Watt had set out The day before on a Journey. I sent them to Mr Boulton I am extremely concerned to hear such dismal accounts of Cornwall but as matters are so bad let us hope they will mend Mr W[att] markt with a cross such things as he thought shoud be sent home Mr B[oulton]s new bedsteads and the feather bed that belongs to it he wishes to be sent 2 of the Best of the other featherbed with their bolsters & Pillows the rugs & old blankets will do for packing all the Linen and whatever els are in the drawers are to come home with the 3 manchester counterpanes if the best chest of drawers could be carefully packed so as not to be destroyed it woud be a good a way to send the linen in them I had a chest of drawers sent from holland in that way every thing came safe the blue & white check curtains that belongs to the four posted Deal Bed please to send home and what ever else is X in The List they had Come by sea I should think all the Blankets are also to be sent - inclosed I have sent you a copy of the goods taken when I was in Cornwall in 82 what things Mr B has added to it I dont know being in great haste I must only offer my Best Comp[limen]ts & Wishes to you & Mrs W[ilson] Mr & Mrs Murdock I am to set out to Meet Mr Watt at Buxton [Derbyshire] in a few hours I forgot Mr B says he does not know the keys that belongs to the drawer you therefore will cause them to be picked and get new Keys made for them if you direct for Mr Watt at Buxton he will receive it we will be there a fortnight or 3 weeks
                                                            I am   Dear Sir   Sincerely
                                                                                                Yours
                                                                                                            A Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/35
Letter,
Roberts to Wilson regarding payments to be made from ''Old Knuckey'' to his wife
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
8 Aug 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Roberts 8 Aug[u]st 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chasewater, near Truro, Cornwall

                                                            ''Soho. Birmingham 8 Aug[us]t 1788

Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson

            Sir

                        Old Knuckey is at Work here at present, he requests you will pay Nine Shillings p[e]r Week to his Wife. which I will stop from him whilst he works for Messrs Boulton & Watt. I am Sir very respectfully
                                                                        Your Obed[ient] h[um]ble Serv[an]t

                                                                                    Jno [John] Roberts''

 

 

AD1583/3/36
Letter, Boulton & Watt to
Wilson regarding tin and coal for Messrs Achard &c, Rouen, France
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
19 Aug 1788

Endorsed:         Boulton & Watt 19 Aug[u]st 1788

''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Chacewater
            Sir
We are favoured with your Letter of the 14th Instant, inclosing Bill of Lading of 53 Blocks of Tin, shipp'd for our Account & Risk on the Margaret, C Hicks for Swansea to Mr. Will[ia]m Jones; which We have duly noted and given Mr. Jones our directions, for the expediting this Tin to Rouen.
                        We observe your Intentions of shipping of the remaining 70 from C[hace]:water - 40 to Bristol, & 30 to London which we shall be glad to learn soon, you have effected.
            Messrs Achard Brothers & Co[mpany] of Rouen, having transmitted us Proforma Account of Sale in Roüen of a Cargo of Coal we send you annexed a Transcript thereof as also of the remarks which they make on the Subject - for your Speculation & Government in Case you think proper to undertake any thing in the matter.            And we are
                                                                        Sir
                                                                                                Your most Obed[ien]t h[um]ble Serv[an]ts
                                                                                                            Boulton & Watt

Soho - Birmingh[a]m
   19th Aug[ust]: 1788

[here is given a ''Proforma Account of Sale and N[et]t P[roduc]t in Rouen of a Cargo of Coal'']

   The Ship must be filled entirely with Coal, because the Entry Duty is paid on the Gage of the Ship and the Custom house has no regard to the remainder of the Cargo. thus a ship of 100 Tons will pay £900 - -
   but you can order the Tin to be separate from the Coal & thus Coal will pay only the room it keeps in the Ship -
   The charges being extremely high on Coal, the Nett Produce is always extreamly trifling, & does not deserve your Attention, unless you should have Coalmines of your own, & peculiar reasons, in order to encrease your Consumption, but in this Case it is absolutely necessary, of loading a full Ship, without any other kind of Goods. Our proforma Account is not extreamly exact, because We have never sold any english Coal, but a little Trial being of no Consequence, will furnish to you once more every necessary detail: the Sale of it is very troublesome''

 

 

AD1583/3/37
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson enclosing letter to R A Daniel
Item
2 folios
Manuscript
21 Aug 1788

 

AD1583/3/37/1
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding letter to R A Daniel, and other matters
Piece
1 folio
Manuscript
21 Aug 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Boulton 21 Aug[u]st 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chasewater, near Truro, Cornwall

                                                                        ''Soho Aug[us]t 21 – 1788
Dear Sir
            I have y[ou]rs of 2[n]d - 3[r]d & 16 In[stan]t but am too much indisposed & too much fateagued w[i]th Company & business to enter into many particulars.
I have lately wrote very fully to Mr Pitt & I was just going to seal it when your picture of the Cornish distresses arived & as it accorded with what I had said in my letter I inclosed & sent it, but have not heard one tittle in answer or anything more respecting the Coinage. If it's, after all, to be done in the Tower you may depend on it they will not coin 300 Ton between ye present & the year 1790 whereas I would engage to do them 1200 Ton before the end of next year if I was now possessed of the order and in order to have it in my power to make such an Offer I have put my self to the expence of between 2 & 3 Thous[an]d pounds in the erection of Buildings, 3 Fire Engines, & 14 presses for the purpose besides a heavy expence that will fall upon me in consequence of bringing over Mon[sieu]r Droz & after all I now begin to fear I shall be left in the lurch.
            I have herewith wrote to Mr Daniel (a press Copy of w[hi]ch] I send you for your governm[en]t) Mr. Watt & my Self are resolved to abide by the first proposal for this Year & not make any aditional abatement but if we grant them any other indulgence let it be in allowing them a little time for paying the Money if you think it necessary.
            I have not heard from either of the Mr Morriss such persons ought only to be agreed with in Slump sums without going into particulars. I will write to them as soon as its in my power but I am quite broke down in health & Spirits haveing too much business upon my mind & not having it in my power to go to Buxton or any where else for health or relaxation.
I expect Mr Watt home next week hopeing he will be mended by Buxton.
Pray when may we expect to receive some of our Tin here. I could have sold some had it been here, but I fear others will now be at Market before us.
I now perceive the Cornish Gent[leme]n will sell the whole of their Tin for less money than they might have sold a part of it for, had they acted wisely & unaminously & are in a fair way of ruining the county by their own oppositions.
I hope Mr Rashley [Rashleigh] will remove every Law Case from the County Court to that of Kings bench.
Pray what have you done about ye 1/8 of Hallamaning.
We leave the standing or falling of Chase water [Chacewater mine] to you in a great degree but endeavour to guard us against great losses.
            Every good wish attends you Mrs. Wilson & Family   remaining ever
                        D[ea]r S[i]r
                                    Yours sincerely
                                                Matt[he]w Boulton''

 

 

AD1583/3/37/2
Letter press copy of letter, Boulton to
Daniel regarding abatement for Consolidated Mines
Piece
2 large sheets
Manuscript
21 Aug 1788

 

 

AD1583/3/38
Letter,
Roberts to Wilson regarding payments to be made to Stephen Knuckey's wife
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
23 Aug 1788

Endorsed:          Jno [John] Roberts 23 Aug[u]st 1788
Addressed to:    Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chasewater, near Truro, Cornwall

                                                            ''Soho. Birmingham 23 Aug[us]t 1788.
            Mr Wilson.
                        Sir
                                    I intended to express by my last Letter to you that you were to pay Stephen Knuckey's wife 9/ [shillings] p[e]r Week. to commence the Week I wrote, I have stop'd him for three Weeks to day - he is a slow hand - & I am Sir
                                                                        Your Obed[ien]t h[um]ble Serv[an]t

                                                                                    Jno Roberts
When he leaves Soho, I shall
inform you - I do not
think he will stay long''

 

 

AD1583/3/39
Letters,
Roberts to Wilson and copies of letters regarding abatement for Consolidated Mines
Item
5 folios
Manuscript
Aug-Sep 1788

 

AD1583/3/39/1
Letter,
Roberts to Wilson enclosing copies of letters regarding requested abatement for Consols
Piece
1 folio
Manuscript
1 Sep 1788

Endorsed:         Jno [John] Roberst Sep[tembe]r 1 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chasewater, near Truro, Cornwall

                                                            ''Soho, Birmingham 1st Sept[embe]r 1788
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
            Sir
                        Mr Boulton being particularly engaged, desires me to inform you, that he sends herewith a Copy of Mr R. A. Daniels last Letter to him. With Mr B[oulton]'s Answer thereto, & Extracts from different Letters relating to the same Subject to which he refers you, as well as to the Originals in your possession. I am also desired to say that after due & deliberate consideration Messrs Boulton & Watt cannot agree upon any other terms than those fixed in the last Letter to Mr R. A. Daniel & they beg you will make their determination known to the Adv[enture]rs & settle it agreable thereto, in a friendly a Manner as possible - I am Sir
                                                                        Your most Obed[ien]t h[um]ble Serv[an]t

                                                                                    Jno Roberts''

 

 

AD1583/3/39/2
Copy of
Daniels to Boulton regarding abatement for Consolidated Mines, Gwennap
Piece
1 folio
Manuscript
26 Aug 1788

Endorsed:          Letters & Copies to & from R. A Daniell, on Wh[ea]l Virgin Abatement in Aug[u]st & Sep[tembe]r 1788

            Copy of Mr R. A. Daniel's Letter to Mr Boulton
Dear Sir
                        I am duly favored by your Letter of 21st Aug[us]t by which I am extremely sorry to observe the Unwillingness you evince to grant the request respecting our Abatements at the Consolidated Mines, which I confess I have thought so reasonable.
            Had my Opinion been otherwise I assure you I would not have given you one moment of trouble on the occasion & I flatter myself you will excuse the liberty I take in again addressing you.
            As to the giving up of the whole of your savings to the Poldice Adv[enture]rs I never can look on I as a donation to the Consols; At the time it was done, I will venture to assert that it was not esteemed such nor ever look'd upon in that light by us, & untill I received your Letter of the 21st Ins[tan]t I never conceived it possible that it could have been a condition on your giving up the Poldice Savings, that the Wheal Virgin Adventurers should not apply to you for any Abatement, At least I think from delicacy the Wh[ea]l Virgin Adv[enture]rs should have been consulted on the Occasion, & they should have understood such to have been the Case at the time. - they would not have relyed so much on the expectation of your favor as they now have done -
            At the time the Consolidated Mines were sate to work, Copper Mining was at a very low Ebb in Cornwall, with a spirit at that time unknown here, The Adv[enture]rs engaged to lay out nearly £35000 in the undertaking - Your Engines were at that time new in this County & the Success which for a while attended the concern was an inducement to other Mines being sate to Work, & consequently more fire Engines employed, till from an increasing quantity of Copper Ores being brought to Market the Standard was affected & has consequently reduced this County to its present unhappy situation.
            Under the present Circumstances of a very low Standard & a poor Mine it is impossible for the Adventurers in the Consolidated Mines to lay out considerable Sums in seeking new discoveries, & without such Measures are pursued you are well acquainted with the Event. - The Merchants a considerable time since came forward & readily agreed to a reduction of 5 p[e]r C[en]t on all Goods supplied by them - An Application to you Sir, we thought most likely in the present situation of things to be attended with the desired Effect, & when you consider the Sums of Money lately expended by us, the enormous debt still due from us to Mr Wilkinson & the Coalbrookdale Co[mpany] taking in the same view the present state of the Mines. & when I assure you upon my Honor, I never one Moment thought that you meant to claim the Money now uncharged, I flatter myself you will no longer refuse to grant the favor desired -
            I admit the new Engine now built at Wheal Maid to be the most powerful perhaps in the World, but you will please consider the Expences attending the building of it were at least £10000 & had we foreseen the Misfortunes that have attended the Copper Trade it never would have been undertaken - The loss sustained by building so large a Boiler for the Engine with the consequent Charges you most recollect was very considerable & we understood your premiums for the 2 first Months were given up as a Compensation on that Acc[oun]t - I beg my best respects to Mr Watt.
                                                I am       Dear Sir
                                                                        Your Obliged &
                                                                        Obed[ien]t h[um]ble Serv[an]t
                                                            Signed - R. A. Daniel
Truro 26th Aug[us]t 1788''

 

 

AD1583/3/39/3
Letter press copy of extract from letter, Boulton to
Daniel
Piece
1 folio
Manuscript
2 Sep 1788

[Extract from Boulton to R A Daniel of regarding savings given up to the Poldice Adventurers]

 

 

AD1583/3/39/4
Letter press copy of extracts from correspondence
Piece
1 folio
Manuscript
c1786

[Extracts from: Boulton & Watt? to Wilson of July 25th 1786 concerning Wheal Virgin, Poldice and Consolidated Mines, with large fragments of text illegible; Wilson to R A Daniel of August 2nd 1786; Wilson to Boulton & Watt? of 9th August 1786. Letters regarding abatement for Consolidated Mines and water at Wheal Virgin]

 

 

AD1583/3/39/5
Letter press copy of extracts from correspondence
Piece
1 folio
Manuscript
c1786

[Extracts from: Wilson to Boulton & Watt? of July 13th 1786?, with large fragments of text illegible; Boulton & Watt to Wilson of July 22nd 1786; Wilson? to John Vivian of 1st August 1786?; Boulton & Watt to Wilson of 1st August 1786?, with large fragments of text illegible. Letters regarding concession made to Poldice in order to save Wheal Virgin from Poldice water]

 

 

AD1583/3/39/6
Letter press copy of extract from letter, Boulton to
Daniel
Piece
1 folio
Manuscript
c1788

[Extract from Matthew Boulton to R A Daniel? regarding the latter's request for an abatement for Consolidated Mines]

 

 

AD1583/3/40
Letter,
Roberts to Wilson regarding ''Old Knuckey'' leaving Boulton & Watt
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
6 Sep 1788

Endorsed:         Jno [John] Roberts Sep[tembe]r 6 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chasewater, near Truro, Cornwall

                                                ''Soho. Birmingham 6 Sept[embe]r 1788
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
                        Sir
                                    Old Knuckey is to leave Messrs Boulton & Watt this day Week - & as he may want a few shillings to Carry him on - I do not intend to Stop Any Money next Week - therefore you will please pay his Wife no more after this Day - Saturday 6th Sept[embe]r - I am Sir
                                    Your Most Obed[ien]t Serv[an]t
                                                Jno Roberts''

 

 

AD1583/3/41
Letter,
Hodges and Lawson to Wilson regarding goods ordered by Mr Wilson
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
9-10 Sep 1788

Endorsed:         Jno [John] Hodges 9 Sep[tembe]r 1788
Addressed to:   Mr. Thomas Wilson, Chace Water, near Truro, Cornwall

''Mr. Tho[ma]s Wilson
            Sir
                        I have at length forwarded the Goods p[e]r Waggon which you was pleased to make choice of when here. I am sorry they have been so long in getting ready but assure you the delay could not be avoided and that thro' the trouble and difficulty of getting the Box mounted &c - this and ye Bracelet I am fearful will exceed your expectations in charge but it is no more than what I have paid the workman and he reckons the Box (in particular) a bad Job in regard to his charging so low. However as things are well mounted hope you will be satisfied therewith -
                                                I am very Respectfully
                                                            Your obed[ient] h[um]ble Servant
                                                                        P[er] M Boulton.
                                                                                    John Hodges.
Soho 9 Sept[ember] 1788

PS. Mr Lawson will inform about the Tea Pot sent by his order''

[here gives table of goods bought of Matthew Boulton by Thomas Wilson]

                                                                                    ''Soho 10th Sept[embe]r 1788
Dear Sir
            At last the things are sent off for in fact I had begun to despair of ever getting them done, I find Mr Hodges has charged you with the snuffers & pan which are for Miss Bevan, as I order'd them them at the same time as I did your Sugar Bason, which I hope, will please, I was at Birming[ha]m when they were sent otherways I should have sent two or three trifling things among which was a Knife for Mrs Plummer, but I hope I shall find an opportunity of sending them sometime soo, Miss Bevan will I hope excuse m not sending her things sooner - as I dare say both you & her thought I had forgot my old friends - but I shall write to her in a few days to excuse myself - Miss B[evan] will please to settle with you for the things, which you can either plase to my account or settle as your own with Mr Boulton - no further news ab[ou]t the Coinage but still going on as usual) with best Comp[limen]ts to all friends & Love to my second Mother & all the Family - I remain -       Dear Sir
                                                                        yours Sincerely
                                                                                    James Lawson''

 

 

AD1583/3/42
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding Poldice abatement, and other matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
17 Sep 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Sep[tembe]r 17 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol

                                                            ''Birmingham September 17th 1788
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                        We are favoured with your several letters covering the monthly acc[oun]t & invoices of Tin, we have also rec[eive]d from Mr Jones, Bills of Lading for the tin shipped for Rouen. We find by the invoices that we have 224 Cwt [hundredweight]. 1 [quarter]. 8 lb [pound] of Tin, besides the 53 bl[oc]ks sent to Rouen, which you say came wholly from Polgooth, so thus the rest must be from  Chacewater, yet in your account for that mine you charge only 218 Cwt. 1. 4 lb. The best way of clearing up this will be to send a general acc[oun]t of Tin D[ebto]r & C[redito]r specifying the mines from which it was received & where sent - I hear of Tin from Polgooth for Dr Withering, how was it disposed of? In future Dr W[ithering]s tin is to go with ours in one acc[oun]t only distinguishing Dr Ws share & advising him as usual how much we receive on his account. We find that at some price we could sell all our tin at Birmingham but could not do so without Clashing with our friends Foxes interest, and our own as our respective agents might attempt to under sell each other, we wish therefore to place confidence in the Messrs F[oxe]s & to fix the price between us rather than leave it to agents, but as they Mess[rs] F[oxes] are not on this Spot it might be proper for them to give their Agents directions to sell with us for the best the market can yield, Opposition cannot fail to be injurious to both parties. We wish to know the annual amount of the Goods or Materials put into C[hace]water by the merchants on which it was proposed they sh[oul]d allow 5 p[e]r Cent.
            We shall send you power of Attorney in a few days.
You shall have no doubt heard of the India sales, we hear 1700 tons price 74/ [shillings] for cake. Query why copper was offerd lower to E[ast]I[ndia].Co[mpany]. than to Government, We have no doubts but Mr W[illia]ms had good reasons for refusing the B[oulton &] W[att] Co[mpany']s offer as we can see very bad consequences which would have ensued.
We have rec[eive]d another letter from Mr A Daniel still denying that he ever heard that Poldice abatement was on acc[oun]t of wheal Virgin & repeating other arguments, & that you never delivered either to him or his Father any such message that he remembers This we must insist upon your clearing up at the account, and informing them that we will not make any other abatement than what we have done, as we now see plainly that such abatement must be desired so earnestly for some other purpose than the ostensible one, and because we think we have already gone too far, considering that we never should have consented to the abatement on Poldice except on the acc[oun]t of the Consols, indeed it must be plain to every one Who thinks we have common sense that we could have no other motive, You will therefore please make a peremptory demand of the arrears with the abatement of every third month now past in terms of your conversation with Mr. A. Daniel. The demurs and arguments Which have passed on this affair, & the turning our well intended concession to Poldice to our disadvantage have had the effect of makeing us resolve never in future to grant abatements to any mine whatever may be the consequence, lest you should not have kept Copies of your letters we shall send your letter wherein you say that you had informed Messrs Daniels.
            I have had my health better since my return from Buxton than I had in the preceding part of the Summer though not much to bragg of, for which I give no credit to Buxton water, but to air exercise & good weather.
            With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson & other friends in w[hi]ch Mr Boulton and Mrs W[att] joins            I remain
                                                                        Dear Sir
                                                                                    Yours sincerely
                                                                                                James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/43
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding the giving up of savings and dues
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
20 Sep 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Sep[tembe]r 20 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol

                                                                        ''Birm[ingha]m Sep[tembe]r 20th 1788
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                            I have yours of the 17th by what accident you have not rec[eive]d advice of the Bills £545. 9 [shillings]. 1 [penny] coming safe to hand, I cannot tell, either Mr Pearson or Mr B[oulton] having written to you, I shall examine into it lest a letter has miscarried; I think you are well quit of the Grumblers. In relation to our giving up 1/3 savings I shall consult with Mr B. about it, but think nothing can be done until you have settled finally with Mr Daniel. I also doubt much if L[or]d Falmouth will give up the whole dues, or the bounders theirs these things sh[oul]d be established first; but at any rate while the losses are so small I think there is little claim for abatement, and I dont know that we have granted any but where the losses were much greater. I have barely time to overtake the Post & remain in haste    Dear Sir
                                                            Your's sincerely
                                                                        James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/44
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding engine at Wheal Elvan, and other matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
25 Sep 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Sep[tembe]r 25 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall

                                                                        ''Birm[ingha]m Sep[tembe]r 25th 1788
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                          I have y[ou]rs of the 20th & 22[n]d, I advised you in my last that the bills amissing were duely received but by some mistake between Mr Bolton & Mr Pearson, you were not advised though Mr B[oulton] told me you were. - We can say nor do nothing in regard to Chacewater abatement not even consider of the propriety untill Consols affair is settled.
            In respect to the house we give you full power to do as you see best. The Tin business we shall talk over with Mr Wilkinson & advise, you ask us to advance for you & put the Wafer upon the sum or part.
            I write in haste to overtake the post, I am going to Manchester for a few days & probably you may not hear from me again. before my return.
            In regard to Wheal Elvan, I cannot well decide for want of knowing circumstances, but unless they have smaller working barrels by then, it appears that it would be best to alter the leverage, otherwise not. However I would implicitly do what W[illiam]M[urdock] advises as he is on the spot & perfectly capable of deciding.
                                                                        Yours Sincerely
                                                                                                James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/45
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson and copy of Boulton to Daniel, abatement for Consols
Item
3 folios and 1 sheet
Manuscript
1 Oct 1788

 

AD1583/3/45/1
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding abatement requested by Daniel, and other matters
Piece
1 large sheet
Manuscript
1 Oct 1788

                                                                      ''Soho near Birmingham
                                                                        1st October 1788
Mr. Thomas Wilson
            Sir
                        We have received your favor of 26 Ult[im]o enclosing two Bills value together £155. - . - being for half a years dividend due from the Cornish Metal Company at the 1st Ult[im]o at 7¾ p[e]r Cent.
In Monthly Account for August you enter £104. 12 [shillings]. 8 [pence] the 4 August w[hi]ch you call Savings from Wheal Gons Adv[enture]rs to the end June, but which is only up to the end of May. -
[this part from hereon being written in a more hurried hand and presumably at a later point]
            I am sorry to tell you I am much indisposed & that Dr Withering is certain their are more concretions formd in my left Kidney however I must grin & abide it.
I know not what to say to Mr Wilkinsons plan of establishing a smelting House for Tin I suspect it is not very profitable & I must own I wish to live in peace & harmony with all my friends & Connections in Cornwall which I fear such a plan would be distructive of: however I should like to see calculations & all the necessary data to form an opinion upon.
            The indulgence to Messrs G C Fox & sons we agree to with pleasure. I beg youl lay the whole that hath passed between us & Mr Daniel before the adventurers with the origenal letters & for the sake of distinctness draw red ink lines under those sentances we have quoted - I am of Mr Vivians opineon respecting Lord Falm[out]hs abatement in loosing quarters only & I think something should be done by us but as Mr Watt is now at Manchester I shall wave the subject till he returns.
I conceive Poldice Shares are evidently not worth more than the property upon the surface, valued at a low rate, as I know not where purchasers can be found for the Engines.
Q[ue]r[y] will the Earl Family, if they give up their Shares, also give up their dues to such adventurers as would run the risk of Carrying on the Mine for the good of the Country. If they will I think it should be carried on until experience shews it cannot go on without Loss.
I am glad to hear that you are to have Mr Phillips's place as I always shall to hear of every good that befalls you.
            I herewith send you a Copy of Mr Daniels last letter & a Copy of my answer wrote this day in order that you may know of every circumstance & sentiment that hath passed.
I also send you a Copy of Capt[ai]n G. Simmons letter & beg youl give us your opineon by return of post whether they have been lately, & at present, continualy loosing in those Mines.
We wish to hear of all the News & sentiments circulated in Cornwall as often as conv[enien]t to you.
            I beg youl pack up my Telescope with a set of large Mahogany 3 legs that belongd to the Circumferator & likewise send me my Book of drawings with the additional ones of North Downs - You may either send them to London or direct to Birm[in]g[ha]m by the most expeditous Wagon.
I believe Mr Watt wrote you to agree w[i]th Capt[ai]n Malcome about the House.
I know I have something more to write to you but I cant recollect my self at this time.
My best respects to Your better half & believe me
I am
            Dear Sir
                        Yours most sincerely
                                                Matt[he]w Boulton

I hear nothing about ye Coinage from the Ministers I have therefore some inclination to strike Ten Thousand halfpence, Gild the Surface to prevent Tarnishing & put each into a round lined Box & sell them for one Shilling each with a printed note by which the Country will become more Clamorous for such a Coinage & if the Ministers should never employ me it will be a record of what was offerd them''

 

 

AD1583/3/45/2
Copy of letter,
Daniel to Boulton regarding abatement requested for Consolidated Mines
Piece
1 folio
Manuscript
12 Sep 1788

''Copy of Letter from R A. Daniel Esq[ui]r[e] to Mr. B[oulton] -

                                                                                    Truro 12 Sept[embe]r 1788
            Matthew Boulton Esq[ui]r[e]
                                    Dear Sir
                                                It gives me extreme pain again to address you on the old subject of a trifling Abatement to the Consolidated Mines which your Letter of the 2nd Ins[tan]t obliges me to -
                        The Extracts from Letters which you have inclosed, I never before saw or heard of except that to me which I believe was subsequent to the stopping of Poldice & you may be assured that neither my Father or myself have the least recollection of having ever received such Message from Mr Wilson as the one quoted in his Letter to you bearing date 9th Aug[us]t 1786 - And I again declare that such Conditions as you speak of respecting Poldice Mine are altogether new to me. I cannot therefore conceive those quotations to be in the least assisting to your Arguments against the abatement required -
                        To draw off your Attention from Matters of much greater Moment I am sure must be extremely irksome to you. I feel that it is so & therefore I am sorry for it, but considering the slightness of the requisition which is now made to you & knowing your general Character so well as I flatter myself I do, I cease to doubt the possibility of your refusing it - But the Idea thrown out by your last Letter surprises me exceedingly that the setting the Consolidated Mines to work has reduced the County to its present unhappy Situation -
                        This is an Argument that I cannot admit for it is a fact generally understood that there Mines were set to Work at a time when the County required it - The Standard given for Ores years afterwards justifies my Assertion -
                        I cannot conclude without again repeating that from my Conversation both with yourself & Mr Wilson, I was fully satisfied in my own Mind that you were contented with what was done respecting the payment of the Premium at the Consols - had it not been so it should not have been as it now is - Your Acquiescence will afford singular pleasure -
                        Permit me once more to urge to you how very small the Pitition which is now made amounts to & that your Acquiescence will afford sigular Pleasure & to assure you that if you accede to the request it Will be heartily acknowledged by
                                                                        Dear Sir
                                                                                    Your Most Obliged & Obed[ient] Serv[an]t
                                                                           Signed    R A. Daniel''

 

 

AD1583/3/45/3
Letter press copy, Boulton to
Daniel regarding abatement for Consolidated Mines
Piece
1 folio and 1 sheet
Manuscript
1 Oct 1788

[Matthew Boulton to R A Daniel of 1st Oct 1788 regarding the latter's request for an abatement for Consolidated Mines]

 

 

AD1583/3/46
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding abatement for Consolidated Mines, and other matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
9 Oct 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Oct[obe]r 9 1788
Addressed to:    Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol

                                                                        ''Bir[mingha]m Oct[obe]r 9th 1788
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                        We have yours of the 3[r]d & 4th with the accounts. In regard to the tin smelting, it w[oul]d be wrong in us to attempt it, as we must thereby disoblige our best friends and for my own part I find I have cares enough without engaging in new ones, Mr Wilkinson seems quite off it now he finds he cannot have some man of weight in Cornwall to back him, however if spoke of you may make a merit of our declining it. - I have this day wrote an answer to Mr D[aniel']s last letter to Mr B[oulton]. in which I have entered into no arguments but simply said we will go no farther than the giving up every 3[r]d month for the year 1788 to the Consols.
We have not yet received the C[ornish]M[etal]Co[mpany] accounts from Mr Vivian - J.W seems to have made a bad affair of this Wheal Peever. I shall speak to Dr Withering as you desire, Morris has wrote & shall be wrote to, We cannot think of taking any more in Poldice without more appear to support it, say Wh[eal] V[irgin] adv[enture]rs in general.
            We shall write to U[nited] Mines some what as you advise. I know nothing about the Wh[eal] Crenver affair shall consult Mr B. - Mr B will do nothing in coining until he has had a final answer from Ministry, we shall write again soon        meanwhile          I remain
                                                                                    Dear Sir
                                                                                                Your's sincerely
                                                                                                            James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/47
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding various mines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
13 Oct 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Oct[obe]r 13 1788
Addressed to:    Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol

                                                                        ''Birm[ingha]m Oc[tobe]r 13th 1788
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                        We have received the acc[oun]ts of C[ornish]M[etal] C[ompany] & are glad to see that affairs are mending, which we hope will continue, though we see little prospect yet of being able to raise the price of ores & without which we fear the mines must mostly perish. In respect to Hallamanin neither Mr Wilkinson nor Mr Williams will take more than a small share & it would be folly in us under these circumstances to Engage in it. These Gentlemens objection lies as to management & the furnishing materials which they urge ought to be from those who will serve cheapest & Mr V[ivian]s Co[mpany] will not engage in it without they supply the materials.
            I could not write you in time you about Mr Harris as Mr B[oulton] was absent when I wrote last & I have been much indisposed by headaches. Mr B[oulton]. says that he is sure that he made no other promise than the General one, that such mines as would stop till the stock of the Company was within due bounds & the produce of Cornwall brought under the 3000 tons, should not pay for the forking, Now Crenver adv[enture]rs have paid no regard to either of these, but very soon after the Comp[anie]s & the miners, have paid a large sum to N[orth]. Downs & Dolcoath for stopping have set their mine agoing again, & not content with the mischief which the encrease of produce occasions, sell their ores or great part of them to the ex comp[an]ys & thereby undo as far as is in their power, all that we & other friends to the County have been doing for its benefit, such things we cannot countenance nor favour without betraying those mines who act fairly & also hurting our own interest therefore we must insist on being paid our full dues, both for the time of forking & working & in general any mines, who sell any part of their ores to the ex Companies need hope for no favour from us. This may also serve for an answer to the united mines to whom however we shall write. I expect the issue of the Law suits will settle N[orth]. Downs schemes of selling to Ex Co[mpanie]s & in regard to the Addit I think they should be looked after.
I understand Tin has been offered to purch[ase]rs here at 72/ [shillings] delivered at Bristol & there is every reason to expect that next coinage it will be sold at 60 in Cornwall, they had better have brought it to that at once.
            Mr B[oulton]. is rather better of his complaint, & Mr Wilkinson will continue in this neighbourhood for a week.
            With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson            I remain
                                                            Dear Sir
                                                                        Yours Sincerely
                                                                                    James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/48
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding boiler at Wheal Crenver
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
31 Oct 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt 31 Oct[obe]r 1788.
Addressed to:    Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol.

                                                                        ''Birm[ingha]m Octo[be]r 31st 1788.
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                        We have your's of the 26th, and must say that the Letter of Wheal Crenver adv[enture]rs is a curious one as you term it, As to the affair of the Boiler we are entirely ignorant of every Circumstance concerning it, but there is no doubt, that if our plans & directions had been implicitly followed it would have answered as well as others, but if the adv[enture]rs or their Captains take upon them to make alterations, or to persuade our people, or even ourselves, to do so they must abide by the consequences. At any rate we never took upon us to guarantee the performance either of the boiler or Engine. And at any rate their long aquiescence cuts off all remedy from us even if we had been bound before. We certainly shall not submit to any deduction on that acc[oun]t nor on any other while they continue to act so as to distress the rest of the mines. It will be proper however that you endeavour by fair arguments to set the matter to rights, & recall their memory that they have had abatements when the state of the mine did not Authorize it. I cannot give you an answer about the tin this post as we have just rec[eive]d the last & have not sold a single bl[oc]k yet, nor do we know what to sell at, but must sell in single Bl[oc]ks as the factors will not fix any price, therefore we will have nothing to do with them, shall write you on this subject on Sunday or Monday - Trade in this town is exceedingly dull, never was more so. Tin will certainly fall below 60/ [shillings] unless something is done to prevent it - and nothing will do except a Tin comp[an]y & keeping back the over plus quantity - You may send 10 bl[oc]ks to Liverpool to be forwarded to Glasgow, if any vessel occur for Liverpool with you.
            I am exceedingly sorry to hear of your illness but hope it will do you good in the end.
            With comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson,           I remain
                                                            D[ea]r Sir
                                                                        Your's sincerely
                                                                                    James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/49
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding prices for tin
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
2 Nov 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Nov[embe]r 2 1788.
Addressed to:   Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol.

                                                                        ''Birm[ingha]m Nov[embe]r 2[n]d 1788
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                        We have tried the market with our tin here & find the retail price is 76/ [shillings] with 6 mo[nth]s Credit from which deduct 5 p[e]r Cent for ye Credit & 5 per Cent for Merch[an]ts profits leaves about 70/ & 7/[shillings]3d [pence] or say 7/6 expence of bringing tin here leaves 62/6 in Cornwall or rather about 61/ ready money allowing for loss of time in coming. We have offered our tin here at 71/ to a merch[an]t & if he does not accept shall sell at that price or lower in retail for sell we will over their backs.
            As to the tin with you we have not been able to think of any destination yet, Sales are small here & London much over stockt, but if you can sell at 63/ with you or even at 60/ on short credit please do it as the last will be a better sale than we can make as in all probability it would be at 55/ before it could come here were there sale, Mr Wilkinson would have sold his here at 58/ if we had not dissuaded him & after all it may be the best way to bring matters to a crisis, to lower the price very much & cure your Cornish blocks of seeking this market.
            I shall write again to morrow or next day.
                                                                        Your's sincerely
                                                                                    J. Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/50
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding abatement for Chacewater mine, and other matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
7 Nov 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Boulton Nov[embe]r 7 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chase Water, Truro, Cornwall, by Bristol

                                                                        ''Birmingham Nov[embe]r 7 – 1788
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
of Chasewater.
            Dear Sir
                        In regard to the affair of Mr Harris's Boiler we are totaly at a loss to conceive how or upon what ground we have any thing to do with it. We should therefore be glad to have the matter further explaind as we gave no new directions to try any new projects nor do we know of any variation from the constructions in cur[ren]t use in Cornwall.
            In respect to W[hea]l Unity we cannot consent for any Engine on our Construction being erected there or any where else, without paying us our usual premium & its needless to say more on this subject.
            I perceive Mr Daubuz hath fallen into a mistake about L[or]d Hawksbury, the fact is I have no orders at present to go to London or to begin the Coinage although I hourly expect it.
            We understood from your former letters that it was proposed for Lord Falmouth & all the Bounders to give up all their Dues in Chase water Mines for one year, & likewise the Merch[an]ts to deduct 5 p[e]r Cent from their accustomed prises and upon these terms we will consent to allow or abate one third of our premium for the like term of one Year. But it will be unnecessary that you mention this to the adventurers untill you have obtaind the consent of all the other parties.
Please to remember that it is a settled point between us & dr Withering that our tin always goes together & may be considered as ours.
From our delecacy to our Friends in Cornwall as well as of this place we have lost 4s or 5/s[hillings] p[e]r C [hundredweight] by not selling it to our first offerers; & what to do with that in Cornwall we know not. You may at all events send one half of it here p[e]r first Conveyance & if you can find a vessel going to Liverpool you may send ten Blocks there to be forwarded to Glasgow.
If there is any Vessell going from Cornwall to Holland please to advise us, as we have thoughts of sending the remainder to Amsterdam or Roterdam, & if non is expected to go soon it may be sent to London to Matthews.
But if you can sell the whole or any part in Cornwall at the prises mentiond in our last pray do.
            With every good wish for your self Mrs Wilson & Family I remain for B[oulton]&W[att]
                                    Dear Sir
                                                Yours sincerely
                                                            M. Boulton''

 

 

AD1583/3/51
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding Watt's proposal for the establishment of a tin cartel
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
8 Nov 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Nov[embe]r 8 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol

                                                                        ''Birm[ingha]m Nov[embe]r 8th 1788

Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                        Since Mr B[oulton]. wrote you yesterday I have rec[eive]d letter from Mr Matthews advising that tin cannot be sold in London & desiring us not to send any more there. If therefore you cannot ship the half of our Tin to Holland as desired let that half lie with you till further orders, & forward whatever is to come to Birmingham as fast as you can - without method is taken to remedy this evil it is folly to work poor tin mines such as chacewater & Poldice, for it seems the Tin must lie as useless lumber when got - My prop[ositio]n to Mr Daubuz was to establish a Tin Comp[an]y consisting of all the principal dealers & even the small ones, down to those who have 20 bl[oc]ks annually. No man to put in money only Tin, as much or as little as he has, but all he has; to enter into bond for that purpose, Price of Tin to be fixed by a committee, Every member to sell what he can, more or Less than his own tin & to have 1/ [shilling] p[e]r Cwt [hundredweight] Commission, Accounts of sales to be settled every coinage & every member to draw his proportions of the sales according to what he put in, suppose 1000 blocks put in & 800 sold then the man who put in 100 w[oul]d receive the price of 80 & if he personally sold more w[oul]d receive his Commission upon it. The over plus which could not be sold would remain at the joint credit of the whole & not be forced into the market to the prejudice of this whole at present. This differs from the Metal Comp[an]y in this that here no man puts in money, only Tin, that he cannot be bound for the debts of the Comp[an]y because it can have none except the mere expense of a few clerks & a counting house, that there cannot be the same ruinsome competition that subsisted with Anglesea & the Ex Companies In short nothing is wanting except a little concord in Cornwall. You may mention this if you please the mention can do no harm. In the present case attempting the keep up the price is needless we shall take the best price we can get, but we will sell our tin.
            I am so tired and disheartened with the out of the way behaviour of our cornish Engine customers, that I am more than half resolved to sell my part of the Engine concern in that County & if the man I have in my eye will purchase the frogs will have occasion to lament their abuse of King Loey [Louis]. Those whom no concessions will satisfy may perhaps be made satisfied without any & be thankful if matters are made no worse.
            With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson,      I remain   Dear Sir
                                                            Your's sincerely
                                                                        James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/52
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding Mr Fox's offer for purchasing tin
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
12 Nov 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Nov[embe]r 12 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol

                                                                        ''Birm[ingha]m Nov[embe]r 12 1788
Mr Wilson
            Dear Sir
                        Yours of the 7th rec[eive]d only yest[erda]y. In answer to Mr Fox's offer if he will give 60/ [shillings] and bill at 3 months on receipt of the tin, we will accept his offer; other wise we will take our chance, & and you will please immediately to forward one half of our & Dr W[ithering']s tin here as soon as you can, please sell the house at the price you mention.
                        I remain    Dear Sir
                                                Your's sincerely
                                                            James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/53
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding abatement for Chacewater mine, and other matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
14 Nov 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Nov[embe]r 14 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol

                                                                        ''Birm[ingha]m Nov[embe]r 14th 1788
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                        We have yours of the 10th & in relation to the tin we refer you to our last. Mr F[ox']s declining to make an offer & asking one from us is like the rest of the merch[an]ts Way of screwing. If they have made such offers as you have thought proper to accept, good & well, otherwise send us the half of the tin immediately & we hope soon to hear of some more favourable market, for the rest.
            As to Chacewater, we by no means intended by any thing in ours of the 7th to cause the mine to stop though what you urge is certainly true in respect to our friends & the sale of Tin. We understood from your former letters that it was proposed that the lords & Bounders should give up all their dues & the Merch[an]ts 5 p[e]r Cent on condition we gave up 1/3 of our premium, to which proposition we consent for 1 year whether the mine is better or worse.
If we have not understood your proposition please explain it & if we agree to what is proposed let the fault lie on those who refuse & not upon us. As to the continuance of the working the mine it must after all depend on the state of it & the prospect of profits.
                                    I remain       Dear Sir
                                                               Your's sincerely
                                                                        James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/54
Letter, Boulton & Watt to
Wilson regarding high fuel usage of Poldice and Wheal Virgin engines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
17 Nov 1788

Endorsed:         Boulton & Watt Nov[embe]r 17 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol

                                                                        ''Birm[in]g[ha]m 17 Nov[ember] – 1788
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
D[ea]r Sir
            We have to acknowledge the recept[io]n of your two letters of ye 12th & 14th In[stan]t. In regard to Mr Fox's offer of 58/ [shillings] with 9 Mo[nths] Cred[i]t for our Xmas & Lady day Tin we must beg leave to decline the acceptance of it: & in regard to the Tin we now have in Cornwall we can only refer you to our last letter in which we offer it at 60 w[i]th 3 Mo[nths] & this we were induced to by way of preventing Clashing, because we know how to sell it to more advantage. as to allowing 2 or 3 Mo[nths] more in the paym[en]t it is probable we should have conformd to it had their offer not extended to a longer term. - You say Messrs Foxes are in possession of the market. That argument will only serve for the Latitude of penzance & that neighbourhood but doth not at all apply to us, because we are resident & have a mercantile interest in this Market, & have direct connections with old established Correspondents in every other Market in Europe. Haveing premised thus much we leave the disposal of the Tin now in Cornwall to your self but will not make bargens for future Quarters at lower prises: In case you cannot dispose of it pray send it to us as before directed.
            We observe by the last monthly acc[oun]t as well by former Months that the Engines at W[hea]l Virgin & Poldice are burning more than they ought to burn (except the new D[ou]bl[e] Engine at W[hea]l Maid which in all the late acc[oun]ts appears to be 5 times better than the old Engines or Standard Table) We therefore beg you will tell us who hath the Care of the Engines at Poldice & W[hea]l Virgin.

The Elvan & East W[hea]l Virgin have burnt last Mo[nth] 21½ Wey too much = 46£

Poldice East            500
West                      1000
little                        284} 1780 Bush[e]l or 28 Wey 60/106

Hence you see the advent[ure]rs are gapeing at Gnats & swallowing of Camels.
The not charging our dues at W[hea]l Virgin astonishes us & will, as you observe, not tend to heal disputes but we will wave the subject in this letter as from what you say we shall expect to see Mr Daniel soon.
B[oulton]&W[att] are certainly not so well calculated to assert their rights to the utmost farthing in Cornwall as two other W[ilkinson?]s & if they should ever stand in our shoes it will make a difference.
            The Kings illness hath prevented (for the present) the Privy Council from bringing the Coinage to a Cricis but nevertheless it must be done soon however unless S[i]r W[illiam] Lemon or somebody urges the argument of Cornwall haveing 2/3 this Year & only ½ the next of ye Contract: it will not take place before the next as this is almost at an end.
With best wishes for your health & Mrs Wilsons
            We remain
                        Dear Sir
                                    Yours sincerely
                                                Boulton and Watt''

[the handwriting is that of Matthew Boulton]

 

 

AD1583/3/55
Letter, Watt to
Wilson acknowledging receipt of draft
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
19 Nov 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Nov[embe]r 19 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol

                                                                                    ''Birm[ingha]m Nov[embe]r 19th 1788
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                        Yesterday received yours covering Draft for £100. - . - The other parts of your letter are ans[were]d by ours of the 17th. At present I have nothing more to add but remain with best wishes to Mrs Wilson & family
                                                                                                Dear Sir

                                                                                                            Your's sincerely

                                                                                                                        James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/56
Letter, Watt to
Wilson accepting Mr Fox's offer for purchasing tin
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
25 Nov 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Nov[embe]r 25 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol

                                                                        ''Birm[ingha]m Nov[embe]r 25th 1788
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                        We have just received your long letter of the 22[n]d. In relation to the Tin we advised you in ours of the 17th, that we would accept Mr F[ox']s offer for this q[uarte]r but did not chuse to enter into Engagements for future ones because, we had reason to think tin would sell better. One reason is that the Dutch I[ndia]. Tin sold this y[ea]r is not a great quantity & has fetched a tolerable price. However as we by no means like the trouble, of pushing markets abroad, nor adding to the confusion by interferences we will accept Mr F[ox']s offer for the Tin now with you & for the Christmas quarter, and if they will not have it otherwise you may add the Lady day Quarter; but we would rather not come under any engagements at that distance of time. I shall write more fully in my next not having time by this post. I must also refer the subject of W[illiam].M[urdock]. which gives me much concern, all I can say just now is to request he w[oul]d bear as well as he can till we can think on what is proper to be done.
                        I remain            Dear Sir
                                                            Yours sincerely
                                                                        James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/57
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding William Murdock's situation, and other matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
26 Nov 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Nov[embe]r 26 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol

                                                                                    ''Birm[ingha]m Nov[embe]r 26th 1788
Mr Wilson
            Dear Sir
                        I wrote to you yesterday to accept Mr F[ox']s offer for the present tin, and for the Christmas quarters tin, but that unless they would not accept it on other terms to reserve the Lady tin As we hope it will rise in price, a little. Our reason for wishing to come under no ties, is that we think there is the same kind of monopolizing spirit in the tin trade that reigned among the, now, ex Copper Companies, and that this late operation is a sample of it & very probably was not a matter of necessity, at least surely not to the extent it has been carried. Nothing but some similar scheme to what I proposed can prevent such foolish doings & I cannot see how it could hurt any man in his trade, on the Contrary it would throw the whole commissions into the hands of a few members of the Comp[an]y Were I young & active I see how a good stroke would be struck now £20,000 well laid out would make a scarcity of Tin & one might have their own price However as I am I shall meddle with no speculations. We expected to have seen Mr D[aniel?]. here before now & to have convinced him of the propriety of our claim on the mine being satisfied but as that has not happened you will remember to renew it by a copy of their account with us at next account day & if not then charged please advise that we may settle what measures are to be pursued.
            Every step ought to be taken that you can to keep Mr Murdock in place at Wheal Virgin & Poldice, and he should be advised to bear with their folly & villainy as much as possible Bull should also be informed that it was by our desire he was employed at Wheel Virgin & that by the agreement we can displace him whenever we find it necessary. We could certainly employ Mr M[urdock]. elsewhere to our advantage but no where else so much to his own. And though we should certainly employ him as our agent to look after the Engines, yet it is better that he be also paid by the mines as that is all gain, and even in the case of his being our agent their opposition to him would not be the Less but perhaps more.
We shall consider on the subject & advise any thing else which occurs & hope some way may be found of making up matters.
                                                I remain     Dear Sir
                                                            Your's sincerely
                                                                        James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/58
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding the King's illness with respect to coinage
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
3 Dec 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Dec[embe]r 3 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol

                                                                                    ''Birm[ingha]m Dec[embe]r 3[r]d 1788
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                        I rec[eive]d yours covering bill value £133. 6 [shillings]. 8 [pence].
I have not seen Mr Boulton since but shall see him to day and write you to morrow if any thing occurs - I fear from the weather we have had and are likely to have you are not much better waterslead since. I fear the K[ing]s illness & the change of M----y [Monarchy] which is feared will overset the Coinage; but copper seems to be more in request from other quarters, there confounded old stocks seem to be worn out - with comp[limen]ts to all friends
                                                                        Your's sincerely
                                                                                    James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/59
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding Wheal Virgin abatement, and sale of tin to the Messrs Fox
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
4 Dec 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Dec[embe]r 4 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol

                                                                        ''Birm[ingha]m Dec[embe]r 4th 1788
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                        I saw Mr B[oulton]. last night & he wrote the following on the end of your letter ''You & Mr Daniels have talked so much about what months should be charged & what not, that it seems a labyrinth. We therefore think it proper to observe that we shall not depart from our former resolutions of debiting the Adventurers of Wheal Virgin £2500 for one years savings as p[e]r agreement & Crediting them for our present, or abatement of £833. 6s[hillings]. 8d [pence] together with the money they have paid this year, and the ballance in our favour being charged will settle the account for 1788. And the following year must begin a new score on a different footing[''?].
            I agree with you that the tin is best sold for the 3 q[uarte]rs if it should rise it is reasonable that the Messrs F[ox']s should have some advantage to state against the late fall of price & in that time we may be better informed about the business.
            Wishing Mrs Wilson & family health and happiness
                                    I remain
                                                Dear Sir
                                                            Your's sincerely
                                                                        James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/60
Letter,
Pearson to Wilson regarding account of balance for September
Item
1 large folio
Manuscript
5 Dec 1788

Endorsed:         James Pearson 5 Dec[embe]r 1788
Addressed to:   Mr. Thomas Wilson, Chasewater near Truro, Cornwall

                                                                                    ''Soho near Birmingham
                                                                                        5th Decem[be]r 1788
Mr. Thomas Wilson
            Sir
                        When you sent account for Septem[be]r an account of balances was transmitted, some of which do not agree, but what ought not to dissagree is your own Account; you call the bala[nce] £418. 10 [shillings]. 5½ pence at 30 Sep[tembe]r which seems to us ought to be £421. 1. 8½ as p[e]r annexed statement which if right beg you will make your Account to agree therewith, but if wrong please tell us where. -
In Sep[tembe]r Account you enter Chasewater Mine C[redito]r for the Tin which you yourself hath credit for in the annexed account, but which have not entered into the Books seeing it to be a mistake.
We remain                                                          Sir
                                                                                    Your most Obed[ien]t Servants
                                                                                                For Boulton & Watt
                                                                                                            James Pearson''

[Gives table showing Thomas Wilson in account with Boulton & Watt for November 1787 to September 1788, covering a total sum of £8888. 18. 6½]

 

 

AD1583/3/61
Letter, Watt to
Wilson acknowledging bill from Messrs Fox, and Wheal Virgin abatement
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
7 Dec 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Dec[embe]r 7 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol

                                                                        ''Birm[ingha]m Dec[embe]r 1788
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                        I rec[eive]d yours inclosing Messrs Fox's Bill £700 & odd pounds but Mr B[oulton]. not having returnd the letter cannot speak exactly - nor answer the rest of your letter till I see him, We always bounded our abatement to Wheal Virgin to 1 year & I think they do not deserve any prolongation, Shall Converse with Mr B & write you
                        Mean while    I remain    Your's &c
                                                                        James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/62
Letter,
Pearson to Wilson acknowledging receipt of bills
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
11 Dec 1788

Endorsed:          James Pearson 11 Dec[embe]r 1788
Addressed to:   Mr. Thomas Wilson, Chasewater, near Truro, Cornwall

                                                                                    Soho near Birmingham
                                                                                      11th Dec[embe]r 1788
Mr. Thomas Wilson
            Sir
                        Your favor of 5th instant is received, enclosing Bills to the amount of £247. 9 [shillings]. - Say Two Hundred and forty seven Pounds and nine Shillings, which shall be placed to your credit; And remain
                                                                                                Sir
                                                                                                            Your very Ob[edien]t Servants
                                                                                                            For Boulton & Watt
                                                                                                            James Pearson''

 

 

AD1583/3/63
Letter,
Pearson to Wilson regarding discrepancies within Wilson's monthly account
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
12 Dec 1788

Endorsed:         James Pearson 12 Dec[embe]r 1787
Addressed to:   Mr. Thomas Wilson, Chasewater near Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol

                                                                        ''Soho near Birmingham 12 Dec[embe]r 1787
Mr. Thomas Wilson
            Sir
                        I rec[eive]d your favor of 7th Ult[im]o. The balance of your Acco[un]t with B[oulton]&W[att] you call £975. 10 [shillings]. 9¾ [pence] at 7 Ult[im]o but by their Books it is £983. 19. 3 and which last mentioned sum is the exact & real balance, not one farthing more or less, if so be your Monthly Accounts be right; but should you or Clerk have made any mistakes in writing out the debit & credit of your Cash transactions into the Monthly Accounts it is not in my power to find out such mistakes. The Accounts sent are always wrote into the Books without the least alteration. Have sent a state of the Account from 25th Jan[uar]y at which time you call'd the bal[an]ce £664. 8. 4¾ but B&W make it at that date £664. 15. 10½ and their Books are agreeable to your Monthly Accounts, not one farthing different. Hope from the Statement here sent you will make your Account to agree therewith, or be able to point out the difference. R[ober]t Moor & Jno [John] Holt hath both been out erecting Engines for some time, as they are both much in debt to B&W there is no prospect of any thing being done for Mrs Worral. Holt hath not yet done any thing to lessen the debt he owed B&W when he left Cornwall. His debt is now larger by Cash he hath drawn on Account since &c &c And how it may stand when he hath been setled with for work & expences since he went out time only can declare. - As under is a small account against Consol[idated] Mines Adven[ture]rs with which please to do the needful. -            I am

                                                                                                Sir
                                                                                                            Your very Obed[ien]t Servant
                                                                                                            James Pearson

Consolidated Mines Adventurers                        To Boulton & Watt
To Freight to Stourport of Goods 1 June & 13 Aug[us]t 1787            £3. 1. 5
                                                            Enterd''

[Gives table of Thomas Wilson in account with Boulton & Watt from January to November 1787]

 

 

AD1583/3/64
Letter,
Pearson to Wilson regarding discrepancies within Wilson's account for September
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
20 Dec 1788

Endorsed:         James Pearson 20 Dec[embe]r 1788
Addressed to:   Mr. Thomas Wilson, Chasewater near Truro, Cornwall

                                                                                    ''Soho near Birmingham
                                                                                        20 Dec[embe]r 1788
Mr. Thomas Wilson
            Sir
                        I rec[eive]d your favor of 13 ins[tan]t respecting your acco[un]t. you now call the bala[nce] £418. 9 [shillings]. 5½ [pence] at 30 Sep[tembe]r last, but I call it as before £421. 1. 8½ difference £2. 12. 3 which arises from your Com[missio]n on Wheal Crenver Savings. In Sep[tembe]r Acco[un]t you charge Com[missio]n on £203. 2. 4 but in your Letter of 13 ins[tan]t you charge Com[missio]n on £307. 10. - They have indeed paid £307. 10. -   £104. 7. 8 of which seems to have been for Goods & Charges, the remainder £203. 2. 4 only for Savings, upon which last sum you only charged Com[missio]n in Sep[tembe]r Account. If it be as I suppose request you will correct the Commission on said Savings, w[hi]ch will make the balance £421. 1. 8½ at 30 Sep[tembe]r as p[e]r account sent you the 5th ins[tan]t but if all the £307. 10. - was for Savings, and that W[hea]l Crenver Adv[enture]rs still owe the Goods & Charges beg you to say so that your account here may be corrected accordingly. - George Taylor is from home, when he returns will let him see the account and what you say respecting him. -
For Boulton & Watt,         I remain
                                                                                                Sir
                                                                                    Your most Obed[ien]t Servant
                                                                                         James Pearson''

 

 

AD1583/3/65
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding Wheal Virgin dispute, Chacewater abatement, etc
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
26 Dec 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Dec[embe]r 26 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol

                                                                        ''Birm[ingha]m Dec[embe]r 26 1788
Mr Wilson
            Dear Sir
                        We are favoured with yours of the 13th & 22nd - My being much indisposed with a cold has prevented me from writing, I am now some what better but have got my old asthma back again.
            I have not seen Mr B[oulton]. since your last but think we shall grant an abatement of 1/3 to C[hace].water, but perhaps it may be as well that you do it for us in some way we shall think upon. In relation to W[heal]. Virgin the matter must be followed up as we cannot be fobbed off by the talk of a dispute for which there is no grounds nor is it reasonable that we should pay more of the loss than all the adventurers put together. You were right in what you averred in my name concerning Murdock. The questions about Poldice new Engine I shall answer once I learn W[illiam]M[urdock]s proposal.
Every means should be used to push the lawsuit against the sellers to the ex companies. Mr Hunt showed me a correspondence he had with Mr Richards, who seems very angry his tin was not sold, though he had given no orders, but the whole seemed to arise from misunderstand the subject Mr Hunt was to put it to rights & to give you orders to sell        I remain                     D[ea]r Sir
                                                                                                Your's sincerely
                                                                                                            James Watt

w[oul]d write more but am so weary with my disease that I cannot''

 

 

AD1583/3/66
Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding the Cornish Metal Company's ore at grass
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
31 Dec 1788

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Dec[embe]r 31 1788
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol

                                                                        ''Birm[ingha]m Dec[embe]r 31st 1788
Mr Wilson
            Dear Sir
                        I received yours of 27th with Bill value £298. 16 [shillings]. at your Credit. I sent the letter out to Mr B[oulton]. who I fear has done nothing with Morris yet, and if my advice had been followed nothing w[oul]d ever have been done with him, his indetermination gave me a bad opinion of him. I suppose he will now try immediately to settle the matter. I am almost sorry when I hear of the discovery of ore in mines which are not working. I am afraid of that mass of ore which lies on the C[ornish].M[etal].Co[mpany']s hands, I hope care is taken to keep it from the weather & from thieves that article seems to be the rotten part of the Constitution at present. I have no news here except very bad frost and to day a considerable fall of snow, very dull trade & small sales of copper & tin. This frost makes well for the Albion Mill, both Engines are now going & grinding near 2000 Quarters per week, we sold much flour to the french who are in Great want & could have sold any quantity but would not disappoint our customers in London.
            If I hear any thing from Mr B. before I close shall add it on the other side     I remain wishing you & your family many happy new years,            D[ea]r Sir
                                                            Your's sincerely
                                                                        James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/67
Letter,
Roberts to Wilson regarding payment of Jack Knuckey's club money at Redruth
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
4 Jan 1789

Endorsed:         Jno [John] Roberts Jan[uar]y 4 1789
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, near Truro, Cornwall

                                                            ''Soho - Birmingham 4 Jan[uar]y 1789
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
                        Sir
                           Jack Knuckey begs me to request you will pay to a Person who will call upon you, 10/[shillings]6 [pence] - for his Club Money at Redruth - I will stop it of him in Messrs Boulton & Watts Books - I am Sir
                                                                                                Your Most Obed[ien]t Serv[an]t
                                                                                                            Jno Roberts''

 

 

AD1583/3/68
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding abatement for United Mines, and several other matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
27 Jan 1789

Endorsed:         Mr Boulton Jan[uar]y 27 1789
Addressed to:    Mr Thomas Wilson, Chasewater near, Truro, Cornwall

                                                                        ''London Jan[uar]y 27 – 1789
Dear Sir
            I thank you for your very acceptable letter of ye 17th In[stan]t which I rec[ei]vd at this place. I often wish to write to you but the fact is I have more letters to write & less able to work hard than ever I was in my Life.
            I rec[ei]vd lately a very friendly letter from Lord Hawksbury in which he says
''I am much concernd to think that among the many Evils that will necessarely arise from the derangement of our beloved Sovereigns health it is likely that you will be exposed to your share of Loss & inconvenience in consequence of your Zeal for the publick Service &c &c &c''
            In consequence of his Lordship's Advice I am come to Town & have seen him very often but all is hurry scurry & Confusion & I now fear that I shall not receive any fav[o]r or recompence for all my pains to perfect ye Coinage in which I have expended & incurred Debts & Contracts that I must answer to the amount of 5000£. However I must have patience untill the present commotions of the State are a little settled. The only chance I stand is that nobody can do it so well or so Cheap, or in so little time, but ye danger is that ye new Ministers may not think of doing it at all.
I beg your pardon & Mr Morris for not settleing the Acc[oun]t of the Engine before now but I have many other things of Consequence lying in ye same unsettled state. However as soon as I return home I am determind to clear away all the things that lye heavy on my conscience for my Mind & Body are now Thawd but hath been severely froze up for many Weeks past.
I rejoyce in every good that befalls you, & sincerely congratulate you upon the prosperous state of your Lead Mine, & only regret that you have not a larger share of her.
Lawson hath a Copy of that part of your Letter which relates to him.
My Son is in a very Cold part of upper Saxony & I fear hath sufferd from the severity of ye Winter but was well when I last heard of him, & I have great hopes he will become an agreeable & an Honest Man. I am anxious to see him Settled & to take ye Regency of Soho out of my hands.
I have never sent G: Simmons an Answer respecting an abatement at the United Mines but I did intend saying that whilest we were abateing one third at W[hea]l Virgin we could not afford to do the same at other Mines but as our abatement at W[hea]l Virgin is now expired & discontinued We are willing to give them (the united Mines) encouragement to go on & that so long as the Mine continues in a loosing State (say not exceeding 1 Y[ea]r) we are willing to allow them one third. i:e: for every 2 Months they pay us we will abate them the 3[r]d Mo[nth]. I mentioned this to Mr Watt & obtaind his Consent but I must leave the management of it to your discression. For 'tis only meant to encourage them to go on & consequently for our own interest.
If the Gov[ernmen]t had taken 1500 Ton for ye Coinage as they proposed last Year it would have set Cornwall & the Metal Co[mpany] firm upon their Legs & Copper would have been above 80.
I believe the Birm[in]g[ha]m Sales of Copper will fall to my Lot haveing partly agreed with Williams for that purpose & to advance him 2/3 of the Value of the Stock as often as he may require it - I have long heard of Polgooth being Rich but I find the last is a loosing Q[uarte]r. - As I shall be a Copper Seller so I believe I shall open a general Metal Warehouse & consequently a Seller of Tin - do send me a Sketch of the furnice, Moulds, Ladles &c for makeing Bar tin which I shall be obliged to make but do not mention it to any body.
My Love to Mrs Wilson wishing you & all that are dear to you health & every other good - Y[ou]rs sincely
                                                                                                            M:Boulton''

 

 

AD1583/3/69
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding tin sales and production
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
2 Feb 1789

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Feb[ruar]y 2 1789
Addressed to:   Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chace Water, Truro, Cornwall -

                                                                        ''Birm[ingha]m Feb[ruar]y 2[n]d 1789
Mr Wilson
            Dear Sir
                        Having been out 3 days latter end of Last week I rec[eive]d both yours together, say of the 26th & 27th & have written to Pritchard & Barlow in consequence. I write now that you are to dispose of Messrs Hunts & Richards Tin as well as you can both now & in future & it is to be brought into account with our last Sale to Messrs Foxs that is we must stand to the top by difference of price. Mr Hunt as well as me thinks the Mine must be stoppt unless some other Considerable ones stop. It is in vain to raise tin now!
I shall write more fully once Mr B[oulton]. returns which I expect will be on Wednesday or Thursday.
            I am rather better in my health but much tormented with the asthma.
                                                                                    Yours &c
                                                                                                James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/70
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding form of abatements made to the mines, and other matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
12 Feb 1789

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Feb[ruar]y 12 1789
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol

                                                                        ''Birm[ingha]m Feb[ruar]y 12th 1789
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                        I have your's of the 26th & 7th. Capt[ain] Morcum repeated Mr D[aniel]s arguments as to W[heal]. Virgin & which I have comm[unicate]d to Mr B[oulton]. but as long as the arrears remain unpaid we cannot think on the subject. It appears to us that we have paid a proportion of the loss of last year much greater than we had any title to do. In future whenever we make abatements to any body they must be arbitrary & only from month to month no abatement to be made for the future but for the past month & that not until it is charged. It behoves us now to consider well how far any abatements are prudent that is to say how far they may contribute to our profits by prolonging the working of a mine, Neither our fortunes nor our present Incomes will permit us to give with so liberal a hand as we have done. And therefore we shall expect from you very particular Information in every Case where abatements may be asked -
Polgooths not producing this last quarter, would be of no consequence provided we were sure the tin were reserved for a better market, but we fear that is by no means the Case, as I see nothing but greater and greater downfalls unless new consumptions arise or mines stop getting. As a last effort I wish you would talk over my plan again with some of the leading men & let them state their objections.
In respect to C[hace].water we will have not had a meeting yet but I can predict the result will be the stopping the mine, Price of Tin in Holland only 67/ [shillings] neat of freight & dutch charges, this for your own government, I have no doubt will fall at least 2/ [shillings] in consequence of the late coinage. We have never rec[eive]d the papers from L[or]d F[almouth]. you may sign for us to commence with the others. We received the beds & chest of Drawers &c Safe I have never seen nor heard of the other things, nor do I know what they were nor when sent. - Anglesey mine has more ore at Grass than will last out the present Agreement, so there is not the smallest hope from any quarter except standing firm to the agreement with W[illia]ms & prosecuting the Rebels - You say Cornwall sinks under the weight of her enemies, Who are they? I know of none out of the county.
            I am sorry to observe by last months account that the Engines in General are so very bad, what are the causes. More might be saved by attention to keeping the Engines in order than can be possibly scrubbed off B[oulton]&W[att]. but so be they get it off us they care not how they spend it otherwise! - I am very glad that Messrs F[ox's]. have taken to Messrs Hunts & Richards Tin, as though I wish to obige them I do not like to lose by it.
            I have not yet looked into the small Engine accounts, but when I do if perceive any thing wants explanations shall write.
            My Asthma is much better since the late violent Storms & I am much better on the whole though I have a good deal of Headaches, Mr B[oulton] came home last week & is well.
            With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson            I remain
                                                Dear Sir
                                                            Your's sincerely
                                                                        James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/71
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding the tin market
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
13 Feb 1789

Endorsed:         Mr Watt 13 Feb[ruar]y 1789
Addressed to:   Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol

                                                                                    ''Birm[ingha]m Feb[ruar]y 13th 1789
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
            After I wrote to you yesterday I received yours of the 9th & approve much of the publishing something on the subject; but think your Statement proves that the increase of Coinage is chiefly nay almost wholly owing to the 3 great Mines & Godolphin w[hi]ch you do not bring in though produces 12 or £1500 per month as I understood Captain Travethick [Trevithick?] And the present great fall owing to the great importation by the Dutch Company in 1787, which could not immediately take effect. In short I think the whole sh[oul]d be new modelled & shall be obliged to you for some more facts, for or against let us have them. The great thing necessary to be known is the quantities of tin in foreign markets & at home for there is much in London & here at Liverpool &c I think it will end in the Condemnation of poor Chacewater, but if we could get the rest to pay us for stopping it w[oul]d be well & I w[oul]d in that case stop without gutting. If a comp[an]y were established it might be best to stop back ¼ at the smelting houses in black Tin.
                                                            Your's &c
                                                                        J Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/72
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding the stopping of Chacewater mine
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
2 Mar 1789

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Mar[ch] 2 1789
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall

                                                                                    ''Birm[ingha]m Mar[ch] 2[n]d 1789
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                        I have not written you of a long having been both much indisposed & hurried.
The only thing which lies much on my mind to write you is about C[hace].water. I have not only the Consent but the absolute desire of every body here (except Mr Hunt whom I have not seen but whose mind I know) to stop it as soon as you can the sooner the better, and without you hear to the contrary before the meeting we desire you to vote for us all accordingly. Mr B[oulton] & self think it would be both wrong & unprofitable to ravage the mine & put it out of course, and as now appears to us the Engines &c should be left in good order for a time in hopes of better days, though that hope is small; but fancy we must see you here before any final resolution is taken on that head. in regard to stopping we are determinate.
Mr B[oulton]. is not here at present, but shall desire him to write more fully, for I cannot my head does not serve me as I wish.
                        With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson            I remain
                                    Dear Sir
                                                Your's sincerely
                                                            James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/73
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding the stopping of Chacewater mine
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
7 Mar 1789

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Mar[ch] 7 1789
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol

                                                                                                ''Birm[ingha]m March 7th 1789.

Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                        Yesterday received your's covering 4 bills £340. 12 [shillings]. - In relation to Chacewater without the discoveries turn out very great indeed I am clear for stopping. Tin is worth nothing copper continues to be stockt & in consequence must suffer a fall without a miracle. Mr Wilkinson will soon be here when we shall write you the general sentiments as to going on, in the mean time if you should not hear before the meeting the mine may go on for a week & a fresh meeting be called or the meeting be adjourned from week to week, Then heavy charges on the adv[enture]rs & no sales of the produce must discourage every body. even ourselves independant of our anxiety for our friends, are not willing to go on with the share we have, if the mine turns out promising try to get another set of Adventurers at least for some of the shares.
            With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson,   I remain in haste
               Dear Sir          Your's &c
                                                James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/74
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding the tin market
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
11 Mar 1789

Endorsed:         Mr Watt Mar[ch] 11 1789
Addressed to:   Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol

                                                                                    ''Birm[ingha]m Mar[ch] 11th 1789
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                        I have your's of 7th covering C[ornish] M[etal] Co[mpany']s Drafts value £145. - . - You may depend upon it we are clear for stoping C[hace].water, so let it be done, would we had stopt 3 Mo[nth]s ago. - Please sell Mr Hunts & Richards tin as you can, as the loss falls upon us, I hope I shall be wise enough never to have any concern in selling shares in mines to any body here we get both Loss & reflection. As to Messrs F[oxe?]s they are like to abide by their bargain if tin had risen as was expected they would have given us no share of gain.
            As you observe the state of tin mines is very vexatious but is no more than I have long foreseen, if Copper were produced as usual the C M C must go to ruin &, if not the mines, however we must endure what we can't cure - My health is much better for these few days past & I thank you for your kind attention.
With best Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson
                                    Dear Sir
                                                Yours sincerely
                                                            James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/75
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding the precarious state of the tin and copper markets
Item
1 large folio
Manuscript
23 Mar 1789

Endorsed:         Mr Boulton 23 Mar[ch] 1789
Addressed to:   Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chasewater, Truro, Cornwall, by Bristol

                                                                        ''Soho 23 March 1789
Dear Sir
            Just as I was sitting down to answer your fav[ou]r of ye 14th In[stan]t, I rec[ei]vd yours also of ye 19th - I was from home a few days when ye 1st arivd & since Mr Watt went to London on Saturday last I have not had one minute to my self.
Mr Matthews hath quarrelld with our Albion Mill partners insomuch that Mr W[at]t was obliged to go to Town & the consequences of that difference will be attended with inconveniences to our selves however I will now wave entering into particulars which I will reserve untill both you & I are in better spirits. In respect to the subject of your first letter I can only answer in general terms that we are friendly disposed to grant you every indulgence & do every thing in our power to serve you but I cannot even offer you my advice without knowing the particulars & present state of your case however it seems to me self evident that Cornish affairs are in a very precarious situation & that 'tis absolutely necessary that both you & us should be upon our guard & prepare against the worst that can happen.
I presume you will be obliged very soon to come to Swansey, & then I beg you will have as clear a state of Chase water mine as circumstances will admitt of, & I also beg that you will then come to Birmingham & talk over many things that may be imprudent for you or me to committ to paper, & as I hope that will be soon & that all causes for your late alarms will subside I will say no more on that head in this letter.
            In respect to the other Subject I think you have acted perfectly right but I think we should act perfectly wrong if we were to continue to work the mine with our Eyes open. It would be highly dishonest & dishonorable to our Friends who have been induced to take shares in that mine from their favourable opineons of our Moral Characters but who already begin to complain & one refuses acceptance to your dr[af]t in our favour. I am therefore thinking & Querying if we were to make the following proposition that it might remove the odium of stoping the Mine both from you & from us.
            We are realy & sincerely concernd for the situation of the Working Miners & it is with great pain & reluctance to our selves that we are obliged to consent to stop the Mine but what can we say to our friends whom we have drawn into the Concern & who are now become disagreeably Clamerous. I do not believe that Mr Watt would withold his consent to give up the whole of our Engine profits for the next Quarter or say 3 Mo[nths] upon the Express condition that the rest of the Adventurers would guarantee us & our friends from loss in the regular & fair working of the Mine; but to give up all our profits, to give money out of our pocket, & what is still worse, to give away the Money of our Friends, who have confided in our judgement & our honour is a thing we cannot be expected to do by any reasonable persons. But N:B: we will not consent to this upon any other conditions than that of the Gent[leme]n in Cornwall takeing all our Share of Loss upon themselves, & if they think the mine not worth continuing upon those terms I am sure it is a decided Proof that we should abandon it.
            My real opineon is that the Mine cannot be continued without loss to all the Adventurers, even if the Merch[an]ts give up all their profits & we ours. For when I consider that we have 250 Ton of Copper in my Warehouse & that I cannot sell a single Ton after applying to all the Consumers in Birm[in]g[ha]m they being served with 300 Ton & more p[e]r Y[ea]r from the Duke of devensh[ire]s mine which is esteemd better Copper.
            When I consider how great a stock of Copper Cornwall & Anglesey have on hand, & when I calculate the immense quantity of Ore upon the Banks in Anglesey, Lancishire Wales & Cornwall & that the Manufactures of this Country which consumed the greatest quantity of Copper have much faild. I say when I consider these things I am satisfyd that it must be attended with loss to the Advent[ure]rs to work C[hace]W[ate]r Mine & much injury to the rest of the Mines in the County to continue to encrease the produce of Copper & Tin & is giving away to foreigners the natural riches of this Country.
            I would have you mention such part of the foregoing as you may think proper & see what effect it will have amongst the Miners for I wish to remove all odium from You in particular & beg you will write to me as often as you have any thing to say. I continue my great Expences in preparing for the Coinage although I hear nothing more about it.
            With every good wish I remain
                        Dear Sir
                                    Yours most sincerely
                                                M Boulton''

 

 

AD1583/3/76
Letter,
Pearson to Wilson regarding abatement for Consolidated Mines adventurers
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
25 Mar 1789

Endorsed:         Mr Pearson 25 March 1789
Addressed to:   Mr. Thomas Wilson, Chasewater

                                                                                                ''Soho near Birmingham
                                                                                                    25 March 1789
Mr. Thomas Wilson
            Sir
                        I am desired by Mr. Boulton to acquaint you that Boulton & Watt agree to abate Consolidated Mines Adventurers £833. 6 [shillings]. 8 [pence] out of their annuity of £2500. - . - for the year 1788, and they promise to continue to abate 1/3 untill the Mine shall become more profitable than at present. -                I am     Sir
                                                                                    Your Most Obed[ien]t Servant
                                                                                        James Pearson''

 

 

AD1583/3/77
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding Chacewater mine, the tin market, and other matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
14 Apr 1789

Endorsed:         Mr Boulton April 14 1789
Addressed to:   Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chase Water, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol

                                                                                    ''Soho April 14 – 1789
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
            Dear Sir
                        Your fav[ou]rs of ye 30 March & 9th In[stant] I rec[ei]vd & rejoice much that the alarms of your Neighbourhood have subsided sincerely hopeing for the sake of all parties they will never be revived.
Pray what was ye price the E[ast] Ind[ia] Co[mpany] bought ye Tin at?
An agent of Mr Wilkinson hath sold Tin here at 64/ [shillings] a shamefull price, & I presume he will endeavour to Convince Cornwall of its folly in selling so low, by selling lower. I am told Mr Welch & Slartins house sell a Block at 64/[shillings]6 [pence] for Fox's. I yesterday wrote a long & decided Letter to L[or]d Hawksbury in which I have fairly represented the true situation of Cornwall & I have no doubt but I shall receive an explicit answer in a few days.
The Dukes mine is as good as usual.
It is well that Chasewater is stoped as our friends were becoming Clamerous particularly Rickards.
I think there is little probability of my wanting ye Stones for casting Bar tin untill ye Tin trade is better however I should on some future occasion want to Cast Bar tin.
I have rec[ei]vd a letter from Mr A: Daniel dated ye 1st In[stan]t in which he submits to us the following proposition viz: That the paym[en]ts to us shall always be made Monthly at the rate of 1200£ a Year.
I have not yet had an opportunity of consulting Mr Watt upon the subject & till then I can't answer.
I am sorry to find Mr Harris so backward in paym[en]t as to allowing the Months forking we will not object to but as to any bungling in setting the boiler is was not done after our drawings or directions & we possitivly will have nothing to do with it or submitt to any abatement whatever on that Acc[oun]t.
I hope it will not be inconvenient either to Mr Daubus [Daubuz] or to Messrs Foxs to pay us for the Tin when due which I believe is on ye 25th In[stan]t which will be extreamly conven[ien]t to me to receive for I have layed out in preparing for ye Coinage above - 5000[£], also in building & rebuilding 2 New Mills - 3000[£], also in building my warehous - 2000[£], I have lockd up in Albion M[il]l B[oulton] 6 & W[att]3 M[onths?] - 6000[£], & I have lately had some considerable Losses.
I therefore request your exertion for some relief.
I hope to see you in May at Birm[in]g[ha]m or Soho & remain with every good wish to Mrs. Wilson, Your family & yourself
                                    Dear Sir
                                                Your sincere fr[ien]d & Serv[an]t
                                                            M Boulton''

 

 

AD1583/3/78
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding matters at various Cornish mines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
19 Apr 1789

Endorsed:         Mr Watt April 19 1789
Addressed to:   Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol

                                                                        ''Birm[ingha]m Ap[ri]l 19th 1789
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                        We have y[ou]rs of ye 4th & 14th. We must have you to manage Harris as well as you can, perhaps it will be better to give up the forking than litigate but I know not Mr B[oulton].s mind on that subject.
            As to Hallamanin take what you can get in the mean time - In respect to Mr Kevil we agree to give up the 1st Mo[nth] for forking at Wheal Gons & to accept of the £55 p[e]r Mo[nth] as he has always behaved honourably but he should not mention it. As to the Clacks I can say nothing but that I wish them success, we had one of them at Soho long ago, I forget circumstances but it did not please though I think it was tight enough.
            In respect to the Alteration proposed at Elvan. In a trial we made at Soho it did not answer our expectations, though no doubt it will do some thing but as the Trumpeters [Hornblowers] have claimed it we will have nothing to do with it, but shall not hinder the adv[enture]rs.
I cannot think it can be done for £100 or any thing like it, nor would I try it in my own case though the T[rumpete]rs made no claim, if power is necessary I would put the Cyl[inde]r you mention with its beam & apparatus by the side of the other & give it a steam pipe to the boiler to make sure work & it is probable that by lessening the load to ye present Engine, both Engines if in good order might use less steam than ye one now does, but a new boiler might do more good than any other alteration. You will please to observe that we by no means acknowledge any right in the T[rumpete]rs to hinder the ad[venture]rs nor give up our claim to the invention much preceeding our knowledge of them, for nothing       As to Mr Daniel I do not see that we can or ought on any principle to agree to give up more than we have done if the mine cannot go on without that it would probably stop at any rate & we should have given a bad precedent without any benefit, however we shall write to Mr D[anie]l at any rate I believe we are not yet paid up our former balance.
            I advise the selling the Cyl[inde]r of Chacewater engine to Poldice, because if we can find a purchaser for the Materials they would like a new Cylinder, & if the nozzles are much worn or damaged sell them with it. I have spoke with Messrs Hurd & Hunt & they agree to go on above the addit for 3 months as a trial And We & Doctor W[ithering]. agree to the same, but wish for an estimate of the monthly costs & probable produce and also of the establishment you mean to keep up in dressing & returning halvans &c, & I think it may be right to take a valuation of the Materials &c now on the mine. Mr Hunt wants an acc[oun]t of his tin now with you sold & unsold & the same for Mr Rickards seperately. In respect to the selling M[essr]s Fox's Tin we should be glad to do it provided Competition in this market can be done away otherwise it is not worth while, as the demand is small & the factors sell Tin as payment for Goods & thereby have a double profit, which we cannot have if a general & sole warehouse were established at B[irmingha]m & at Bristol we should agree to keep that here or to send our Tin to it If anybody else were thought more proper.
We shall write Mr Fox very soon on the subject. Mrs W[att]. desires to know whether ever the cask of brandy was sent off which you or W[illiam] M[urdock]. mentioned to be bought for us as it has never come to hand.
                        With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson,         I remain
                                                Dear Sir
                                                                        Your's sincerely
                                                                                    James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/79
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding William Murdock's invention
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
5 May 1789

Endorsed:         Mr Watt May 5 1789
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol

                                                                                    ''Birm[ingha]m May 5th 1789
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                        We have your's of 30th. I am very sorry that W[illiam]. M[urdock]. is likely to lose the benefit of his invention now it is proved to be useful, but I fear nothing can be done for his security for the following reasons. 1st because I doubt the validity of a patent where the invention consisted only in applying different materials from those usualy used. 2nd A patent costs about £100, a Caveat will answer little good end & may oblige him to an expensive Journey to London to Contest the matter before the Attorney General if any body else applies 3rd Because his having used it publickly himself, will operate against the patent. The Words of the oath are ''that the same is of my invention and not known or used by others to the best of my knowlege & belief''. 4th Rich[ar]d Scantlebury's Claim 5th we had once a clack of that kind made of wood in our great pump at Soho, but that is forgotten & should never operate against him as far as we can prevent it. Rich[ar]d Scantleburys patent does not seem to me to be valid for some of the above reasons and can only serve to terrify people with a lawsuit which perhaps if he knew the nature of it he would fear as much himself. I shall write to London to enquire. The only way for Mr Murdock seems to be to endeavour to get some thing worth while from the adv[enture]rs.
            I approve very much of what you have got done in respect to the Horn[blow]ers. I shall see Mr B[oulton]. this evening and talk with him on it & write you fully. As you observe a Lawsuit is to be avoided. And though it cannot always be so yet it should be put off as long as we can the damage in case of Loss will be less, & circumstances may occur that may render it not of much moment. Please take care permit be sent with the Brandy under a piece of Tin nailed to the cask or box & let the box be firm.
            Mr Murdock may be assured we shall be of every service to him we can on this or any other occasion but I see nothing which can be done in here for his advantage.
            Mrs Watt has been very ill lately but is much recovered & I hope will soon be well She joins me in comp[limen]ts to you & Mrs Wilson & I remain
                                                                        Dear Sir
                                                                                    Your's sincerely
                                                                                                James Watt

Mr Wilkinson is expected here soon, I fear all is not right in money matters with the C[ornish] M[etal]. Co[mpany] I hear there is to be a meeting of ye Gr & Wms & some more in London''

 

 

AD1583/3/80
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding robbery at Soho, and other matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
25 May 1789

Endorsed:         Mr Boulton May 25th 1789
Addressed to:   Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, at Mr Holbrooks, Morriston near, Swansea, S. Wales

                                                                        “Soho     25 May 89
Dear Sir
            Enclosed I send you a press Copy of my letter to Mr Morris which will Explain it self - I have never rec[ei]vd any answer to it or remittance on Acc[oun]t. I therefore must beg the fav[ou]r of you not only to receive the ballance due for that part of ye Engine you sent from Cornwall but also for the amount of B[oulton]&W[att's] bill for the Rotative parts sent from hence w[hi]ch I cannot exactly tell you ye am[oun]t of as I am at this mom[en]t pressd for time but believe it is near 200£ I think you should finaly settle both acc[oun]ts & if inconven[ien]t to Mr M[orris]. to pay at a short date please to take a Bill at a long date.
            I have just discov[er]d a Capital Robbery at Soho which takes up all my time & attention & therefore must cut short this letter by wishing you a good journey & assuring you I shall be happy to see you at Soho on ye 3[r]d June as you propose - The Bills 404£. 11s[hillings]. 7d [pence] came safe & are at your Cred[i]t.
            I am        Dear S[i]r
                                    Yours sincerely
                                                M: Boulton

[marginal] Bring back my Copy''

 

 

AD1583/3/81
Letter,
Roberts to Wilson regarding invoice of goods
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
26 May 1789

Endorsed:         Mr Roberts May 26th 1789
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, near Truro, Cornwall

                                                            ''Soho. Birmingham 26 May 1789
Mr Thomas Wilson
                                                            Bought of James Watt & Comp[an]y
Jan[uar]y 22nd - 1 Ream Patent Copying Paper -                                    £1. 1 [shilling]. -
                        1 Oz [ounce] Ink Powders -                                             - . 6 . -
ordered by Mr Lawson & delivered to him -                                              £1. 7. -
May 14              2 Ream Patent Copy Paper -                                      [£]2. 2. -
                        Box, pack[in]g & Carr[ia]ge paid to Pritchard
                        & Barlow - Bristol -                                                         - . 2 [shillings]. -
                                                                                     [total]            £3. 11 [shillings]. -

Sir
            As above you receive Invoice of Goods delivered as therein mentioned - the last 2 Ream were ordered by Mr Watt & I believe are for C[ornish]. M[etal]. Co[mpany].
            I am Sir
                                                            Your most Obed[ient] h[um]ble Serv[an]t
                                                                        Jno [John] Roberts

26 May 1789''

 

 

AD1583/3/82
Letter,
Hodges to Wilson regarding accounts between Mr Boulton and Mr Wills
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
3 Jun 1789

Endorsed:         Mr Hodges 3 June 1789
Addressed to:   Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, of Chace Water, near Truro

                                                                                    ''Soho 3[r]d June 1789
Mr Wilson
            Sir
                        Inclosed is Mr Boulton's Account with Mr Wills, and also Mr Will's Account with Mr Boulton - On this latter you will observe several remarks which require an explanation - particularly the £2: 5 [shillings]: 3 [pence] paid to Mr Rivers for Carriage p[e]r Coach - and the 15/[shillings]1 [pence] Carriage p[e]r waggon - Mr Wills shou'd explain what these Boxes contain'd or to whom deliver'd, and then Mr Boulton I presume will be able to know whom the Carriage belongs - NB. Mr Wills mentions Lamps on hand - should he still have any not likely to sell, must beg to know the sorts, & if a considerable abatement will induce him to take them shall consent to it - or otherwise must have them back - The £5: 7: 3 which he credits Mr Boulton for, for oil don't know how that arises -
            It appears that Mr Wills charges in his Acc[oun]t with Mr Boulton the Oil he consum'd in
trials on Lamps as also the Carriage of ye Lamps and the Postage of Letters it is thought that if he has 10 p[e]r C[en]t or at most 15 p[e]r C[en]t for his profit or Commission on the prices he has sold the Lamps at, it will be reasonable or sufficient - Mr Wills will therefore point out the prices he has sold them at - perhaps some may be sold higher & some at lower prices than Charged - Please note we gave him permission to sell some say such as were on hand at ye reduced prices, same as sent him ye 25 Nov[ember] 1786. -
            You will much oblige Mr Boulton by bringing this Acc[oun]t to an issue soon as possible & also in informing him what success you have with Mr Kingdon of Exeter -
                                                I am
                                                            Sir
                                                                        Your most obed[ient] Serv[an]t
                                                                        for Mr Boulton
                                                                        Jno [John] Hodges''

 

 

AD1583/3/83
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding engine required for Haverfordwest by Mr Powell
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
11 Jun 1789

Endorsed:         Mr Watt June 11 1789
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol

                                                                                    ''Birm[ingha]m June 11th 1789
Mr Wilson /
            Dear Sir
                        J. H. Powell Esq[ui]r[e] who is 2/3 proprietor of one of the Smokeless Coal pits near Haverford West wants an Engine to draw his water & coals, water about 150 barrels p[e]r hour at most, if of 40 Gall[on]s each, the depth being only 20 fathoms an 18 inch double will suffice to draw the water in 12 hours & waits the remainder of the time, please write him to Farley house near Winchester, what will be the value of the materials of the 18 or 20 you have on hand & what will be wanted to compleat the engine, I propose to add a rotative motion to it which I have called £100 additional, & a Gin from £100 to £150, there needs no spiral for that small depth, a ballance chain will do, I suppose no pumps will be wanted -
            He wants W[illiam] M[urdock]. to go over to inspect the place which please speak to him about, Mr Powell seems a worthy Gentleman and says he will chearfully pay all expences, I have given him your direction, & desired him to write you if he wishes Mr M[urdock]. to go over, The Engine must be fixed so as to be easily moveable as they must shift it frequently.
            I have said it will burn (the 18 inch) from 112 to 120lb [pound weight] of coals p[e]r hour according to their coals & order of the Engine have said nothing ab[ou]t premium yet as I do not know the price of their coals but believe they are high.
            I hope you got well home & remain with best Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson             Dear Sir
                                                                                                            Your's sincerely
                                                                                                                        James Watt''

 

 

AD1583/3/84
Letter,
Walker to Wilson regarding dispatch of cutlery, and of gun for Reverend Jenkins
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
23 Jun 1789

Endorsed:         Mr Walker 23[r]d June 1789
Addressed to:   Mr. Thomas Wilson, Chasewater, near Truro, Cornwall

''Chasewater
Mr. Thomas Wilson
                                                                                                Birmingham 23[r]d June 1789
Dear Sir
            I hope you reached home in good health, and found Mrs. Wilson and Your Family enjoying the like blessing. -
Agreeable to Your request I have forwarded a Box directed to You, by the Bristol Waggon (Ashmore's) containing the Knives and forks for Your goodself and those for Mr. Jenkins, which I wish you may receive safe and to Your liking - Messrs Boulton & Watt will reckon with You for their cost as well as the Gun for the Rev[eren]d Mr Jenkins, the whole being as under viz:

[here gives account for cutlery and the Reverend Jenkins' gun, totalling £10 and 7 shillings]

At present Mr. Boulton is in London, Mr Watt, at home well -
            I am on every occasion
                                                Dear Sir
                                                                        Your very Obed[ien]t h[um]'ble Serv[an]t
                                                                                    Zac[cheu]s: Walker''

 

 

AD1583/3/85
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding Mr Boulton's conversation with the King
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
29 Jun 1789

Endorsed:         Boulton 29 June 1789
Addressed to:   Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Chase Water, near Truro, Cornwall

                                                                        ''London June 29 1789
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
            Dear Sir
                        I have been in this City about 9 Days & in my road up I had a conversation w[i]th the K[in]g who seems perfectly recoverd & talkd of matters that he recollected I had said 7 years ago - I had his permission to send him some of my halfpence which I did next morn[in]g & accompanyd them with the history & perfections of them.
Since I came to Town I have deliverd specimens to most of the Ministers who all express approbation.
What I am now going to say you must keep to your self or it will soon come round again to Mr Williams for he has more pimps than one at Truro.
His Language now is I have not Copper for them being under Contract for 3100 Ton to the E[ast]:I[ndia]:Co[mpany] & 1000 Ton for foreign orders w[hi]ch puts it out of my power to supply them (Gov[ernmen]t) with an ounce before Lady day & the price must be very different to that before asked & offerd.
This I fear will put by the Coinage altogether & therefore I should be glad to know your opineon what quantity you think might be contracted for p[e]r Month over & above the present Contracts, 100 Ton p[e]r Month to begin 3 Mo[nths] hence would answer for the Coinage. I fear Mr W[illiam]s will stretch his power too far & bring on other mischiefs.
Pray tell me what quantity there is in Ore in Cornwall & how far it is possible to Contract w[i]th Gov[ernmen]t, for quantity & time.
I believe Tin will rise for your Gov[ernmen]t.
be silent & answer me respecting the Copper p[e]r return.
my best respects to Mrs Wilson
            D[ea]r S[i]r
                                    Yours sincerely
                                                M: Boulton

I will send you some halfpence p[e]r Coach''

 

 

AD1583/3/86
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding savings on engines, and copper supplies
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
8 Jul 1789

Endorsed:         Mr Watt July 8 1789
Addressed to:   Mr Thomas Wilson, Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol

                                                                                    ''Birm[ingha]m July 8th 1789
Mr Wilson
            Dear Sir
                        Yesterday received your's of the 4th covering Bills value £414. 18s[hillings]. 8d [pence], Mr Wilkinson has accepted the draft on him - I approve much of the method you took to shew the savings on ye Engines, but think as you do that they may have had coals from other places, And besides had they had common Engines that would have gone to this depth the Consumption would have been much encreased.
            Mr B[oulton]. is still in London to the end of this week, has agreed with Mr W. for Copper for the Coinage when it takes place, but Ministers will do nothing in it before November & I much doubt if will then. Mr W. will supply no small orders for copper now as he says he is under contract for 4000 tons, which will take every exertion, It is said Tin will rise. Mr Wilkinson has bought 100 bl[oc]ks in London at 63/[shillings] 6 [pence] on speculation.
            Mrs W[att]. joins me in Comp[limen]ts & we are glad to hear that Mrs Wilson is better - I remain
                                                                                                Dear Sir