Great Wheal Fortune, Wheal Vor Mine and Trevarno House
Wheal Trewavas and Wheal Prosper
Wendron mines and sites
Marriott's Shaft, West Basset & Wheal Basset
Bickford's Fuseworks
Camborne town
Dolcoath Mine
East Pool & Agar (EPAL)
Great Flat Lode
King Edward Mine
Portreath Harbour
Redruth town
South Crofty Mine
Wheal Peevor
Carnon Valley
Clifford Amalgamated
Devoran
Gwennap Pit
Kennall Vale & Perran Foundry
St Day
Wheal Busy
Cliffscapes at Cligga Head
St Agnes
Trevaunance to Trevellas
Tywarnhayle Mine
Wheal Coates
Gonamena Valley & Caradon Hill
Phoenix United Mine
Wheal Jenkin & Marke Valley
Devon Great Consols
Morwellham Quay
Tavistock
UK comparison
International comparison
Non-ferrous mining sites
GIS Mapping
Volume 4
AD1583/4 Correspondence, volume 4 Series
123 items (124 documents)
Manuscript
2 Jan 1790-Dec 1791
AD1583/4/1 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
Richard Mitchell's scheme, and other matters Item
1 folio
Manuscript
2 Jan 1790
Endorsed: Mr Watt 2 Jan[uar]y 1790
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m Jan[uar]y 2[n]d 1790
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I have yours of ye 30th covering 2 bills £235. 2
[shillings]. 0d [pence] you call them only £235. 1. 4
I did not write to you in answer to Mr Tregellas price as I thought
my second letter would answer it, we not being disposed to sell
lower. We have now resolved to wait for March dividend before we
sell at all as we expect matters may look still better & interest of
money being now very low in London.
I have heard nothing from R[ichar]d Mitchel & do not
think much can be made of his scheme except expense as I understand
it. In respect to the new mines you mention we have heard nothing of
them. If Mr Hornblower must make an Engine they cannot be in better
hands than they are now with.
Mr Will[ia]ms has given us warning that he is to pay up
our money in the Metal warehouse. I suppose wants to make a better
bargain, but I will take out my money, I do not like the concern.
Wishing you & Mrs Wilson many happy new years I
remain Dear Sirs
Yours sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/4/2 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
Wheal Virgin and Consolidated Mines Item
1 folio
Manuscript
12 Jan 1790
Endorsed: Mr Watt Jan[uar]y 12 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m
Jan[uar]y 12th 1790
Mr Wilson
Dear Sir
We received yours with monthly accounts & bill on Mr
Wilkinson £40 add (the bill is at soho & I don't remember the sum) I
expected Mr B[oulton]. this morning to settle what to write on the
other heads of y[ou]r letter but he is not come & I can only say,
that we shall not consent to forego the balance resting to us from
Wh[ea]l Virgin last year after allowing the 3[r]d of our premium to
be deducted as to their present State I can say nothing. As an
Adventurer in Consol[idate]d mines I shall certainly object to any
allowance being made to Messers Hornblowers, if they have a right
let them try it; but perhaps it may be better to replace the Engine
as it was than litigate it, as B[oulton]&W[att] we should be very
foolish indeed to allow the validity of any such Claim. I am
therefore totaly against it.
If any body alters our engines without our consent they
are liable to an action on their bond, besides such actions as may
be brought for infringements but it is best to throw out no threats,
wait in silence. Mr B[oulton]. has your letter so I can answer no
more till I see it - Yours sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/4/3 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
alterations of the engine at the Elvan Item
1 folio
Manuscript
13 Jan 1790
''Birm[ingha]m Jan[uar]y 13th 1790
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I have wrote to you yesterday, since w[hi]ch have seen
Mr B[oulton]. who confirms all I have said.
In respect to the Engine at the Elvan, we certainly were very far
from advising the alterations as will appear from my letters to E.
Bull, but we learnt from you that the Adventurers were very earnest
to have it tried, we did not wish to oppose them, though our
opinions of the benefits to arise from it were very much consistent
with what has turned out to be the case. At the same time we could
not speak decidly against it as our experiments had not been
satisfactory though they showed that it would be attended with great
inconveniences & irregularities And in that letter I directly
protested against taking any consequences upon us, giving only a
simple consent to the alterations.
I cannot speak very positively but I think it
exceedingly probable that if the secondary cylinder were supplied
with them directly from the boiler & the top regulators properly
wrought, that the Consumption of Steam would not be greater than it
now is.
T'is unnecessary to repeat our determination to support
our rights in all cases, and you will do well to be on the watch if
any combination should be formed to support a Law Suit against us,
but you should be wary in not appearing to take information with
that view.
When any man erects an Engine equal to Wheal Maid
without infringing on our patent we may venture to give our vote for
paying him for it.
In relation to deduction of premium I do not see how we
can enter into any fresh terms until we are paid up the arrears of
former years, that done the adventurers might ask with some grace
but not otherwise, & this is our joint determination.
I have just rec[eive]d yours of the 11th but cannot
resolve upon any thing till I see Mr B[oulton]. only to continue to
get information, particularly as to who are the adventurers, & in
speaking to any of them, you may use such argument as occur, without
any kind of threat. I suppose we must let them go on till we can
prove the fact of an invasion of privilege.
I remain Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James
Watt''
AD1583/4/4 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
Tin Croft mine, and possible trial of small engine Item
1 folio
Manuscript
28 Jan 1790
Endorsed: Mr Watt Jan[uar]y 28 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall.
''Birm[ingha]m Jan[uar]y 28th 1790
Dear Sir,
Yours of the 18th should have been answered sooner but I
have been very much out of sorts in point of spirits - We think your
proposition of taking a part in Tin Croft a very proper one but it
must be in your own name. Without evidence we can do nothing - I
suppose it will not be necessary that the post be large.
Mr Stackhouse has wrote concerning a small Engine to try
some of his mines, we have referred him to you, to do it either upon
bargain to find Coals &c or to lend the Engine per month. We should
be glad to know what small engines you now have idle & their sizes.
In letting it per month we should have some premium, but we shall
make it moderate & shall be glad to have your opinion of what we
sh[oul]d have. We are all well, but Mrs W[att]. who has got a very
bad sprain in the Calf of her leg which seems as if it would confine
her some time.
I remain Dear Sir
Your's Sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/4/5 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
Wilson obtaining shares in Tin Croft and attending the meetings Item
1 folio
Manuscript
30 Jan 1790
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Jan[uar]y 30 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m
Jan[uar]y 30th 1790
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I have your's with Bill of £300 to y[ou]r Credit. I
have nothing to add respecting Tin Croft except that you should get
a Share of it if possible in your own name, & attend their meetings
- I must own I like their silence less than their braggings. As to
gratitude & Generosity I expect none, I look on them as no part of
the creed. Mr Wilkinson proposed for us to take a Share in the
Smelting, but it would be very imprudent in us to do so, & you will
please to inform every body that we have no sort of concern in it.
I remain Dear Sir
Yours
sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/4/6
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding engine for Mr Townsend, and debts owed by
adventurers Item
1 folio
Manuscript
8 Feb 1790
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Feb[ruar]y 8 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Feb[ruar]y 8th 1790
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I have yours of the 4th with Bills value
£590. 14 [shillings]. 11 [pence] & acc[oun]ts. I observe £104. 19
[shillings]. returning Chasewater tin, please say on how much tin &
whether sold or on hand, date &c - Chasewater profit £12. 9
[shillings]. on what? In ballances, Consols 3 months in 1788, 9
months wrote off, explain? - Please to give us your sentiments of
the value of debts due to us from ad[venture]rs & also of stock in
Mines for our government. explain Tingtang. I mean not the apparent
ballances but how you would value the several shares. I hope you
will succeed in purchasing 1/64 in Tin Croft. I am really sorry that
experiment was tried at Wheal Virgin. The mine seems to have no need
of Losses by machinery - Mr Townsend applied to us by letter, about
an Engine, & we calculated from what he wrote that an 8 horse engine
say double 16 would do for him, but as we calculated his coals to be
drawn in 12 hours, & the Engine lightly loaded, I suppose that you
have at Chacewater which is a 15 & = 7 horses might do for him, at
least will do taking a little longer time premium £35 a year, Mr
Morris is to pay £50 a year for his rotative. Your other engine
would be too large for Mr Townsend. The rotative work may go but it
would need new working gear, as we have improved that article
lately, for such engines. Mr Morris wanted to change the mode of
agreement & put it by the way of Coals to which we will not agree Mr
B[oulton]. was to have written to him but has not done it, I shall
remind him, however I suppose our silence has got you the money.
I remain Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James
Watt''
AD1583/4/7 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
Mr Townsend's requirement for a four horse engine Item
1 folio
Manuscript
11 Feb 1790
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Feb[ruar]y 11 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingham]
Feb[ruar]y 11th 1790
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We have letter from Mr Townsend who now
wants only a 4 horse engine as he means to take 24 hours to draw his
quantity of coals, but we have advised him to have a larger & have
referred him to you for the price of that at Chacewater which you
will please inform him of, say Engine materials & boyler - Gin
Materials & framing separately - His pit is 60 fathoms deep & rope 8
lb [pound] p[e]r fathom, so suppose the Gin will answer please send
us, number of turns p[e]r minute of the Gin when Engine makes 24
strokes & number of turns of spiral dia[mete]r of rim &c also
drawing of the whole Engine as it now stands for our government, say
section & ground plan.
The value of metal materials 8 horse engine and rotative motion new
£294. 16 [shillings]
Copper
boiler
[£]68
Wood framing
about [£]70
To which add cold water pump Gin & its wheel work masonry &c, this
for your Government,
4 horse Engine Metal & wood & boiler of Copper
£315
Please write to Mr Townsend under cover to the R[igh]t H[onoura]ble
the Marquis of Lansdown London, Your's
J Watt''
AD1583/4/8 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
buying out W....d, the Madstoke case, and other matters Item
1 folio
Manuscript
19 Feb 1790
Endorsed:
Mr Watt February 19 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m Feb[ruar]y 19th 1790
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
Yours of 13th & 14th. Mr Morris asks too
many questions but shall be wrote to. We think your proposal of
buying W---d out a good one but are at a loss for a proper person to
employ there are some reasons against him you mention. Can nothing
be done with those with you without our being seen in it, but be
cautious whom you employ, & keep us constantly advised of the
smallest matter that concerns it. We took Maddox's opinion on the
Radstoke case it was decisively in our favour, & he advised to bring
the action against the makers of the Engine, as well as users.
I know nothing of the expence of Saw Mills but should
expect it would exceed what you mention however the scheme may be a
good one, but I would not offer under 2/ [shillings] p[e]r 100 feet,
when you inform me more about it shall give my opinion more fully -
I shall answer the other parts of your letter as soon as I can.
Your's
J Watt''
AD1583/4/9 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
alterations to the engine at United Mines Item
1 folio
Manuscript
6 Mar 1790
''Birm[ingha]m
Mar[ch] 6th 1790
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I have yours of the 3[r]d covering bills
value £306. 9s[hillings] which shall be duely placed to your credit.
I fear the petitions for charity multiply faster, than the good will
which ought to ensue, I shall however mention Mrs Carkeet to Mr
B[oulton]. - In relation to the Barley, you say the money is to be
returned, but when, & who are the Managers, in short explain the
nature of the affair.
We have not understood till your present letter that
they were doing any thing yet at United Mines, please say what
advances they have made & what Engine it is they are altering, mean
while you may observe to them, that by our agreement with them we
ought to have been consulted, before they made any alteration on the
engine. As to Mr Daniel we shall write to him, but cannot write more
decidedly than we have done without we employ a Lawyer to do the
office for us which may the result if we are farther trampled upon &
our property withheld without our consent. Were we disposed to doubt
of any thing it would not be of the making them pay according to
Contract.
I remain Dear Sir
Yours sincerely
James
Watt''
AD1583/4/10 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
the purchase of a share in Tin Croft mine Item
1 folio
Manuscript
11 Mar 1790
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Mar[ch] 11 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Mar[ch] 11th 1790
Mr Wilson
D[ea]r Sir
I wish at present only to acknowledge the
receipt of y[ou]rs covering C M. Co[mpany']s bills £145 & 2 others
to y[ou]r credit £230. 9 [shillings]. 7 [pence]. - Perhaps some
thing above value might be given for a share in Tin Croft but we
must consider how far any thing of that kind would do in proof -
mean while, having headache
I remain Yours &c
James Watt''
AD1583/4/11 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
letter shown to Jethro Hornblower Item
1 folio
Manuscript
29 Mar 1970
Endorsed:
James Watt Mar[ch] 29 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Mr Wilson
London Mar[ch] 29th 1790
Dear Sir
Your 3 letters have been transmitted to me here, & am
glad to receive the news they contained. I suspect the letter you
showed to Jethro [Hornblower] had its effect, as they must see what
was alledged was true. I shall consult with Mr B[oulton]. when I
return about the other points of your letters, but cannot answer
them here - I am uncertain of my stay but until you hear from Me at
Birm[ingha]m please direct to B&W - being much indisposed with a
cold, I hope you will excuse my brevity & I remain
Dear Sir
Your's
sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/4/12 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
specifications for engines Item
1 folio
Manuscript
31 Mar 1790
''London Mar[ch] 31st 1790
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I wrote to you on Monday when I was much
indisposed by a slight fever of cold which is now much better and
last night I rec[eive]d yours of 27th which has vexed me much &
prevented me from sleeping well, are our plagues never to have an
end? When you suspect me to be in London direct for me always at No
6 Green Lettice Lane.
I find that a 15 inch cylinder 4 feet Stroke single will
raise 60 Gall[on]s p[e]r minute to 30 fathoms high with a 5 inch
pump & double that quantity to 30 fathoms if double engine & only 60
Gallons to 60 fathoms high though double & must go 21 Strokes p[e]r
minute to do that as to the coals & other articles you are the best
judge but please to add the house water lift which must give 220 to
250 Cubic inches p[e]r Stroke say 1 Gallon nearly & will require
about a 2½ inch forcer 4 feet Stroke or proportionaly.
If the fire is well managed & the engine is in good
order it will burn very few coals at the present load, a rotative
Engine here about 2/3[r]ds loaded going about 18 Strokes p[e]r
minute double 16, 4 feet Stroke burns about 9 bushes in 12 hours.
I am quite at a loss what to advise being to day neither
Strong in body or mind, but it appears to me that we should act
neither pettedly nor timidly, that you should offer to undertake it
on reasonable terms (which I refer entirely to yourself) & if they
refuse them & accept the other, let them do so, and we will try the
law come what will, I would have you throw out no threats, but to
say nothing that looks like giving up Sullen silence some times says
more than words.
As they seem to require 500 Guineas for the engine & you
can find that included in a monthly price, that will have its weight
with the sensible part of Adv[enture]rs, as will the expedition of
execution, but if you could saddle the Adv[enture]rs with the Engine
on their own cost it would be better still - Were such a thing to
stop further progress of these fools one w[oul]d sacrifice some
thing, but it cannot & will be made precedent of therefore do
nothing now you would not do in another case, but at same time come
as low as you can with propriety - W. is a fool & H. is another or
they never would run their heads into such a snare. Mr Kevil shall
be wrote to or you for him as soon as I get home - One of the best
possible cases would be somebody working one of our Engines without
leave, proof there w[oul]d be easy - You did right to get the paper
printed but please to let none go abroad untill you see or hear from
us.
I must finish having to write to Mr B[oulton]. & being ill at ease.
I remain
Dear Sir
Yours sincerely
James Watt
I mean to go
home the end of this week''
AD1583/4/13 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
premium on Tin Croft, and other matters Item
1 folio
Manuscript
6 Apr 1790
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Apr[i]l 6 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m Ap[ri]l 6th 1790
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
Yours of ye 30th received on my arrival on
Sunday - We are much pleased with the Statements you have sent but
think it will be best to delay publication or printing till you see
us, & not to give any copies, though you may shew it to those you
think have most candour & hear their sentiments or Objections. Mr
Boultons mind being at present in much agitation on account of a
difference with Droz. I have not been able to settle with him about
premium on Tin Croft 36 nor about Morris, but shall as soon as
possible send you both & leest we miss you write to Morristown -
Nothing else material occurs, except that I hear that a
good sale is likely to be made to the E[ast].I[ndia].Co[mpany] this
season, & that our Brim[ingha]m fools are going to make application
to Parliament to lower the duty on forreign Copper & ores, but their
application can do no harm to Cornwall, we know how to counteract
them -
I have just received yours of ye 3[r]d coverring bills
value £299. 0 [shillings]. 8 [pence] to your credit the accounts I
have not yet examined, but am glad to find you think you can
counteract the Trumpeters [Hornblowers] & remain Dear Sir
Yours sincerely
James Watt
I am in better
health and have recovered my spirits''
AD1583/4/14 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
engine at Wheal Treasury's removal to Tin Croft Item
1 folio
Manuscript
8 Apr 1790
Endorsed:
Mr Watt April 8th 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m Ap[ri]l 8th 1790
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
In relation to Wheal Treasury 36 to be
removed to Tin Croft suppose you were to say to Mr Kevill that he
must be very sensible of the dangers of precedent to our business, &
that therefore we cannot consent to the erection of the Engine on
the premium of a 20 inch, but as we reckion ourselves particularly
obliged to him on this as well as upon other occasions, we will
agree to make a deduction of 1/3 of our usual premium until the load
of the Engine surpasses that of a 20 inch cylinder, that is we will
take £12 per month till that period.
In respect to Mr Morris, at the calculation of 6 strokes per minute
through out the 24 hours our 3[r]d of savings would be 62 bushels
p[e]r day which at 4/[shillings]6d [pence] = £188. 11 [shillings] a
year, but we offered to take £150, he wanted to put it by the coals
he raised which is a method we can never agree to - We leave you to
make the best bargain you can with him, above £105 a year certain,
but realy think it will turn out more by a fair computation of his
coals & water we have had no correspondence with him since
Nov[embe]r 89 waiting till you should see him. - I intended to have
wrote to Mr D[anie]l to day but have been so monstrously interrupted
that that it is not in my power, shall if possible do it to
morrow I remain
Dear Sir
Yours
sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/4/15 Letter, Watt to Wilson enclosing
letter for Mr Daniel Item
1 sheet
Manuscript
10 Apr 1790
Endorsed: Mr Watt Ap[ri]l 10 1790
''Birm[ingha]m Ap[ri]l 10th 1790
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
Inclosed you have letter for Mr Daniel which
I could not send sooner but hope will come in time - Wishing you a
good Journey & success I remain
Dear Sir
Yours sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/4/16 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
reduction of premium at Tin Croft mine Item
1 folio
Manuscript
14 Apr 1790
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Ap[ri]l 14 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m Ap[ri]l 14th 1790
Mr Wilson
Dear Sir
I have y[ou]rs of ye 10th I wrote to you
on the 8th our sentiments concerning Tin Croft which pretty nearly
conformable to your own, that is to deduct 1/3 of the premium till
the depth of the mine surpassed the power of a 20inch, or if that
won't do you may agree to make that abatement till it passes the
power of a 25 inch Cylinder that is to half power.
I am glad to learn that you are like to worst the enemy in St Agnes
- Wishing you a good Journey and hoping to hear from you from
Swansea.
I remain Dear Sir
Your's Sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/4/17 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
Poldice, Wheal Virgin and Consolidated Mines Item
1 folio
Manuscript
17 May 1790
Endorsed:
Mr Watt 17 May 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m
May 17th 1790
Mrs Wilson /
Dear Sir
I have yours of the 13th.
Whatever we might have done for the Consols afterwards
we have always considered the arrears as a debt against the mine
which we could not give up, as being withheld not only without our
consent, but also against our repeated Claims, & had it not gone
very much against the grain with us to proceed to harsh measurers
with that mine, at least with Mr Daniel & some individuals of it we
had long ago claimed it at Law. In regard to future abatements I can
say nothing Mr Boulton not being at home, but I know his mind in
relation to the arrears. At this time when a combination is forming
to attack our property in the engine privilege it would neither be
natural nor prudent to give up any just Claims, our promises we will
observe, & I expect we shall always make the proper distinction
between our friends and our adversaries.
In relation to Poldice for the sake of Wheal Virgin we
shall certainly avoid such measures as might stop the mine, but if
they pay the lords the whole it will be very well if we be contented
with a part, and I think we shall not take any leading part in
forcing a settlement at present, but of this shall write more fully,
when Mr Boulton returns, mean while we shall not join the Lords in
their demand.
I remain with Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson
Dear Sir
Yours sincerely
James
Watt''
AD1583/4/18 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
Watt's journey to London Item
1 folio
Manuscript
19 May 1790
Endorsed:
Mr Watt May 19 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m
May 15th 1790
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I received yours from Bath and am obliged to
you for the information it contains, We are both going to London
next week on Wednesday & shall there take some advice on the subject
- at present it still appears to us that Radstock may be the proper
place to attack, though perhaps not immediately. We expect daily to
hear from you from Cornwall hopeing your safe arrival & good health
of self & family, Our time has been much taken up lately by some
forreigners which has prevented me from writing to you sooner.
Mrs W[att]. joins in Comp[limen]ts to you & Mrs Wilson &
I remain Dear Sir
Your's
sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/4/19 Letter, Pearson to
Wilson regarding accounts for Chasewater and Polgooth Item
1 folio
Manuscript
24 May 1790
Endorsed:
Mr Pearson 24 May 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Chasewater near Truro, Cornwall
''Soho near Birmingham
24
May 1790
Mr. Thomas Wilson
Sir
In the account you have transmitted, you
credit Cash for Coyning and Duties on Tin as follows, viz
Polgooth & Chasewater}
Exp[ense]s Coyn[in]g Tin 5 Q[uarte]rs £12. 16
[shillings]. 10 [pence]
Duties on 264. 0. 7 Tins sold [East] India Co[mpany] a[t]
4s[hillings] [£]52. 8. 3
Before the above can be entered it is needful to know how much
belong to Chasewater Account and how much to that of Polgooth, as
you know there is accounts for each of these Mines, and the two must
not be linked together. - Your answer will oblige Boulton & Watt for
whom I am Sir
Yours most obedient
Servant
James
Pearson''
AD1583/4/20 Letter, Pearson to
Wilson regarding Boulton and Watt's being in London, also accounts Item
1 folio
Manuscript
1 Jun 1790
Endorsed:
Mr Pearson June 1 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho near Birmingham
1st June
1790
Mr. Thomas Wilson
Sir
I have received your favor or 29th Ult[im]o enclosing
D[ra]ft on Glyn Mills & Mitton dated the 31st May at 30 days to
order of Boulton & Watt value Twelve Hundred Pounds, for which your
Account hath credit in the Books of said B&W. -
Mr. Hodges says the Box was sent a few Days after you was here from
The Spread Eagle in Spiceal Street, and hope you will have received
it before this reaches yours hands. -
B&W are both in London. Mr Boulton is not expected home sooner than
10 or 12 days, nor do I know when Mr. Watt is to return home. -
April Account is not meant to be entered till you send May account.
- I am for Bolton & Watt
Sir Your
most Ob[edien]t servant
James Pearson''
AD1583/4/21 Letter, Pearson to
Wilson regarding Boulton staying in London for another week Item
1 folio
Manuscript
5 Jun 1790
Endorsed:
Mr Pearson 5 June 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho near Birmingham
5th June 1790
Mr. Thomas Wilson
Sir
I have received your favor of 2[n]d instant annexing
Account for May, and enclosing a Bill value £160. - . - say One
Hundred and Sixty Pounds, which Bill is placed to your credit in the
books of Boulton & Watt.
B&W when in London should always be addressed for at W[illia]m
Matthews Esq[ui]r[e] Merch[an]t Green Lettice Lane, this I thought
you had known or I would have acquainted you therewith in my last.
- I suppose Mr. Watt may be expected at home immediately, but Mr.
Boulton may be in London at least one week more. - I am Sir
Your obedient humble Servant
James
Pearson''
AD1583/4/22 Letter, Pearson to
Wilson regarding receipt of bill, and Mr Watt's staying in London Item
1 folio
Manuscript
9 Jun 1790
Endorsed:
Mr Pearson 9 June 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho near Birmingham
9 June 1790
Mr. Thomas Wilson
Sir
Your favor to Messrs Boulton & Watt of 6th instant is
received, and the Bill sent therein is at your credit in the Books
of said Gentlemen viz W[illia]m Harris on Forster & Co[mpany] value
£150. - . - say One Hundred and Fifty Pounds. - Your Letter shall be
sent to B[oulton]&W[att] yet in London, as I understand Mr. Watt
does not leave London this week. - I am Sir
Your ob[edien]t hum[b]le Servant
James Pearson''
AD1583/4/23 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
possible end to Government coinage, and proposing Cornish one Item
1 folio
Manuscript
29 Jun 1790
Endorsed: Mr Watt 29 June 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m June 29th 1790
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I only write at present to inform you of my
return from London where I left Mr Boulton, engaged in a very
disagreeable business of his own. - It seems likely that there
will be no Government Coinage soon & therefore it may perhaps be
worth while to make a Cornish one & I understand Mr Vivian has had
some conversation with Mr B[oulton]. on the subject -
It being term time & the dissolution of Parliament
likely to happen & taking place, we could not hope for any attention
from any capital lawyers & therefore took no steps in the Horner's
affair, we have got some Engine orders & are going on very well if
they would let us alone.
I have not seen all you letters yet which came in our
absence, when I have looked them over shall write you - mean while
with best comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson in which Mrs W[att]. joins I
remain
Dear
Sir Your's sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/4/24 Letter, Pearson to
Wilson regarding receipt of bill Item
1 folio
Manuscript
7 July 1790
Endorsed: James Pearson 7 July 1790
Addressed to: Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho near Birmingham
7th July 1790
Mr. Thomas Wilson
Sir
Mr Watt desires me to inform you that your favor
(suppose of 3rd instant) is received enclosing a Bill value £133. 6
[shillings]. 8 [pence] say One Hundred and thirty three Pounds Six
Shillings and eight pence which is placed to your credit in the
Books of Boulton & Watt. -
Mr Watt says he will write you in a day or two himself.
I am Sir
Your most ob[edien]t Servant
James Pearson''
AD1583/4/25 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
the poor state of the tin and copper trade Item
1 folio
Manuscript
13 Jul 1790
Endorsed:
Mr Watt July 13 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m July 13th 1790
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
As I am much out now, looking after my new
Building, I have not been able to answer yours of 3[r]d sooner. I
hear the India business has come to a bad conclusion & as there
seems to be no chance of our selling our Tin at home Please send off
for Messers Achard at Rouen as formerly directed 30 bl[oc]ks of our
Tin, if cannot be sent direct from cornwall forward as before by
Swansea & advise us with Invoice when shipt for Swansea & cause your
friend here send us the bill of lading. I think the price of £150
for a 64 in[ch] too much, the mine cannot be worth ½ the money,
therefore hold off it w[oul]d look ill for you to buy above value.
Dr Withering desires explanation of the account sent in y[ou]rs
of May 29th - Oct[obe]r 30th you say you had 16 bl[oc]ks remaining
in hand & now you say 18 bl[oc]ks and you credit Chacewater by 6
bl[oc]ks sold I[ndi]a Co[mpany] query from what mine the Tin arises
& as you ballance Polgooth acc[oun]t in money whether he is not to
conclude that that tin is all sold or how?
I am sorry to hear that Consols go on so badly & also that some
of our respectable friends have withdrawn their ores from C[ornish]
M[etal] Co[mpany]. the end of these things is death to the trade &
the County, were no ores sold to ex Companies, Copper might have
been held higher, but as it is I fear a full stop must be made, as a
fall in the price of the metal must I think ensue as they only check
to such vaillainous proceedings, by which the innocent must suffer
with the guilty.
Please send us the earliest information of the
Transactions of C M Co Committee & also of the present state of mens
minds with you; for no doubt it is now publicly known that neither
Tin nor Copper will be sent to E[ast].I[ndia]s.
Mr B[oulton]. remains still in London & will not be home before
next week - at present every thing seems to go cross. I believe we
shall now abandon the Metal warehouse at B[irmingha]m not being able
to submit to some peoples humour & the trade not being very
desirable in itself, but say nothing of this to any body.
I remain with Comp[limen]ts to
Mrs Wilson
Dear Sir
Your's
sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/4/26 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding East India Co purchase of tin,
also the death of Wilson's son Item
1 folio
Manuscript
3 Aug 1790
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Aug[us]t 3[r]d 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m Aug[us]t 3[r]d 1790
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
On my return from London Yesterday Evening I
received yours of ye 27th, but being very much indisposed by the
Journey could not write - In respect to the Tin, I dare say you now
know that the E[ast].I[ndia].Co[mpany] have bought 1200 tons, I
believe at the old price. I apprehend among other motives they had
come very broad hints from a friend of ours in power, but this
betwixt ourselves. You will now know what affect this is like to
have upon the market, but sell if you can as we shall lose
more by keeping than any alteration which can take place without it
happens soon.
Please advise at what price best Swansea Coals can be
shipt for Nantes, or rather delivered there freight & all other
charges included & our correspondents would wish them even to take
the french duties upon them so as to deliver the coals at a neat
Sterling price - I wish success to Mr Williams scheme & am glad S.F.
is like to come into it. It appears to me that it is ''do this or
perish!
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your son, but the
longer I live in the world, the less I can rationally regret those
who leave it early, expecialy when bad health is like to be their
portion And any rate we must patiently bear these losses we cannot
prevent.
Mrs W[att]. joins in best wishes to you Mrs Wilson &
family & I remain
Dear Sir Yours
sincerely
James Watt
[marginal] I
went to London to assist Mr B[oulton]. in getting settled with that
cursed Droz who has turned out, one of the most litigious &
troublesome men I ever knew The arbitration is now closed after 6
weeks work''
AD1583/4/27 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding the Cornish Metal Company Item
1 folio
Manuscript
8 Aug 1790
Endorsed:
Mr. Watt Aug[us]t 8th 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m
Aug[us]t 8th 1790
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I have yours of 3[r]d yesterday covering
bills £428. 5 [shillings]. 10 [pence] to your credit.
I shall be glad the C[ornish] M[etal]. Co[mpany] weather
the storm but believe nothing but the sharp weapon will convince.
I hear Mr B[oulton]. is to attend the meeting at Bristol I do not
like these long dated I. Bills, that Co[mpany] will certainly blow
up sooner or later I hear their affairs are not so prosperous as
alledged. However at present I am willing to run the risk in order
to get out of the tin. I shall be glad to see W[illiam] M[urdock]
and to give him my best advice but he must call, as many things may
occur to be said to him - I expect Mr B[oulton]. home to night &
remain Dear Sir
Your's
sincerely
James Watt
Please advise
how Mrs Wilson & family are -''
AD1583/4/28 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
white metal smelted from copper and tin ores Item
1 folio
Manuscript
18 Aug 1790
Endorsed: Mr Boulton Aug[us]t 18 1790
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, by Bristol
''Soho Aug[us]t - 18 – 1790
Dear Sir
I hope this will find you safe returnd from your Bristol
Journey where I intended meeting you but, I find I want a little
quiet, & have too many engagements to allow it at present moreover I
could not make up my mind upon the most likely means to establish
the prosperity of Cornwall there are so many separate interests to
be taken into consideration. I should be glad to know your ideas, as
well as the general ideas of Cornwall of the best & most practicable
plan to accomplish perminant prosperity for ye County.
The present relates to my own private business in which
I beg your assistance.
I saw some years ago at Mr Edwardss Copper house a quant[it]y of
White metal which had been smelted from Ores containing Copper & Tin
(such as Chase water ores) & when Mr Edw[ar]ds was last here, I told
him that when he had any such metal to send it to me. He
accordingly sent me 5C [hundredweight] upon trial w[hi]ch he charged
56 - I find it answers my purpose & I have this day wrote to him to
beg he would send me the produce of all such ores as make it equaly
as white & good.
I also request that you will send me all such as you may make that
is White & good from such ores. But I think it necessary to acquaint
you with this transaction with Mr Edwards that you may not Clash
with him in buying such ores so as to injure my interest. I likewise
request of you not to let Mr Edw[ar]ds know that I have wrote to you
or orderd any such metal of you for it may be of service to me if
kept secret.
I therefore beg of you to direct Mr Hollbrook to make all the Copper
Ores which contain a sufficiency of Tin to make White Metal & send
it to me.
I do not order any particular quantity because that must depend upon
the quantity of such like ores which may fall into your hands.
Pray are all the Chase water halvings Sold the ores of that mine are
the most likely.
We have wrote for Murdock to return as soon as he can
agreeable to your request.
Remember me kindly to Mrs Wilson & believe ever
Yours
sincerely
M Boulton
My Son continues
ill in Saxony''
AD1583/4/29 Letter, Boulton to Wilson
introducing Count Komarzewski, also engine performances Item
1 folio
Manuscript
23 Aug 1790
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton 23 Aug[u]st 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho
near Birmingham 23 Aug[us]t 1790
Dear Sir
This letter will be deliverd to you by Count Komarzewski
a General in the Service of his Polish Majesty who is travilling
merely for his Pleasure & the gratificataion of his Curiosity.
I beg you will either accompany the General to some of
the principal Mines or give him a proper conductor. He particularly
wishes to see the great Engine at Wh[ea]l Maid & all other Cornish
objects worthy the attention of a traviler.
As I can assure you, of my own knowledge, that the
Generals own personal Merits & amiable Character entitle him to the
greatest respect I cannot help recommending him to the attention &
civilities of my Cornish friends & assure them & you that any favour
shewn the General I shall feel as confird upon my Self who am
Dear Sir
Your faithfull friend
& Obed[ien]t humbl[e]
Serv[an]t
Matt[he]w
Boulton
Great Engine
W[hea]l Maid
Cylinder 63 - will work the pump 18 In[ch] Diam[ete]r
133 Fathom Deep
Polgooth in 1783 did raise with every Bush[e]l of Coal from 26 to 29
Millions of pounds weight of Water 1 foot high with each Bush[e]l
Coal
W[hea]l Virgin Eastern Eng[i]n[e] did 1783 raise from 25 to 28½
Millions of pounds w[eigh]t of Water 1 ft high p[e]r Bush[e]l of
Coal
W[hea]l Maid in April last raise 26½ Million of lb [pound] 1 f[oo]t
high p[e]r Bushel
Poldice Eastern in 1783 as much & in 84 as much
Poldice new Eng[ine] in 1785 as much
Ale & Cakes in March 86 raisd 30 Millions 1 f[oo]t high p[e]r
Bush[el]
D[itt]o in July 1786 - 31,338,850 say 31 1/3 Million
Poldice new Engin[e] 1786 from 24 to 28 Million
Weal Hawke - 24 to 26 Million
Dolcoath - 22 - 23 & 24 Million
When ever the trumpeters [Hornblowers'] Engine will do more We will
take less or give all
But if these Engines were to make 12 or 14 Strokes p[e]r Min[u]t[e]
they would raise full 31,250,000 say 31¼ Million which is just = to
500000 [part here is missing, possibly reads Cubick] feet of Water
(or say ½ a Million) one foot high p[e]r bushel of Coal
1 Bush[e]l of Coal will raise 500000 [Cubic feet of
Water] or 31250000 [pounds weight] - 1 foot
or 50000 [Cubic
feet of Water] = 3125000 [pounds weight] - ten feet
5000 [Cubic
feet of Water] = 312500 [pounds weight] - 100 f[ee]t
500 [Cubic
feet of Water] = 31250 [pounds weight] - 1000 f[ee]t
This Effect will be produced by B&W Engine whither single or double
with good Coal & the Engine in good order
But the time is not yet come to open the eyes of Cornwall
Hornb[lower]s Engine is only good at one Load & depths of Mines
vary''
[with the
following instructions for Count Komarzewski written opposite the
address panel] “Go to Rivers at Kings Head in Truro”
AD1583/4/30 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
Mr Williams' scheme, and shipment of tin Item
1 folio
Manuscript
1 Sep 1790
Endorsed:
Mr. Watt Sep[tembe]r 1st 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birmingham September 1st 1790
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir /
I have yours of 27th covering 2 Bills value
£303. 6 [shillings]. 8 [pence] to acc[oun]t.
We shall be obliged to you to inform us what this new
scheme of Mr W[illia]ms is, which seems to please in Cornwall, for
we are ignorant of it but shall be glad to join in any thing which
appears to be for the general good.
Could you get any of our Tin shipt for Hamburgh or
Holland if so we shall probably send some thither, unless you can
make sales with you.
Mrs W[att]. has been at Cheltenham for a fortnight past
& I expect her home soon. I hear no news of W[illia]m Murdock since
he left us.
I remain with Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson
Dear Sir
Yours sincerely
James
Watt''
AD1583/4/31 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
engine at United Mines, Gwennap Item
1 folio
Manuscript
15 Sep 1790
Endorsed:
Mr. Watt Sep[tembe]r 15th 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho Sept[embe]r 15th 1790
Mr Wilson, Dear Sir
Yesterday rec[eive]d yours of the 11th inclosing 2 Bills
value £145. - . - I shall examine the affair of the Tables & put you
to right for I am persuaded you have been wrong hitherto - Poldice
little Engine seems much improved if that is not also an Error.
In relation to united Mines Mr B[oulton]. is not quite
of my opinion being for referring all to the decision of the Horners
affair; however we have agreed that you should immediately make
demand on the United Mines for the premium on Crane Engine.
Informing them at same time that in your opinion if they had asked
we should not probably have refused; but that we will not have our
property wrested from us without our consent, nor our Engines
altered by others contrary to agreement, And at same time it may be
proper to give Mr Harris warning that if he adds any cylinder to
their Engine we shall charge him for it, & bring our action if
refused but you will please to send this information in the most
Gentlemanlike manner & so as to give the least possible offence,
perhaps it might be as well to speak to some other respectable
adventurer first, perhaps Mr Thomas.
In regard to the Horners we can do nothing till they work the
Engine, nor at any rate now as it is out of term time but we
certainly mean to try our right with them.
Mr Wilkinson did mention the scheme you advise of but we
understood it as a thing not laid before the meeting nor to be spoke
of - Let me advise you to be extremely cautious in your dealings
with W. he is a perfect tyrant and not over tenacious of his word &
will screw damned hard when he has got any body in his vice.
I cannot say whether I am glad or not that more Engines
are going on, it can only tend to aggravate matters, but in any case
please to make firm agreements with them, we Shall give you blanks
when you come here - As to the County I despair of their ever doing
well or at least of their doing what is right, either towards us or
others - Do you continue to keep your neck out of the snare, with
Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson
Dear
Sir Yours sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/4/32 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding the Cornish Metal Company Item
1 folio
Manuscript
8 Oct 1790
Endorsed:
Mr. Watt Oct[obe]r 8 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, of Truro, Care of Messers Boldero
Adey & Co, Bankers, London
''Soho Oct[obe]r 8th
1790
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
Yours of 6th received, so far so well, but
if Mr Williams buys all the ores after the end of this month, what
quantity of Copper is he to sell annually for
C[ornish].M[etal].Co[mpany], who it is to be hoped are to have no
farther concern in these new ores?
And if C.M.Co are to buy the ores what security can we
have that matters will go on any better than they have done? If Mr
W[illia]ms cannot bring them to terms for the ores, it is clear that
C.M.Co should stop where they are & the best possible measures be
taken to wind up their affairs & pay their debts as quickly as
possible. But in any case peace should be preserved between the
Co[mpany] & Mr Williams.
I
remain Dear Sir
Yours sincerely
James
Watt''
AD1583/4/33 Letter, Pearson to
Wilson requesting accounts for the previous month Item
1 folio
Manuscript
15 Oct 1790
Endorsed: Mr Pearson 15 Oct[obe]r 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Mr William
Murdock D[ebtor] to Boulton & Watt
1790
Sep[tembe]r 27 To Cash paid him at Soho - £10. 10 [shillings]. -
Soho near Birmingham
15 October 1790
Mr. Thomas Wilson
Sir
As the annual settlement of our Books are about to take
place for 30th Ult[im]o we beg you will immediately send an Account
of the transactions of Last Month, without which the Books cannot be
settled. Hope you will lose no time in sending it.
We are
Sir
Your
most ob[edient] Servants
For Boulton & Watt
J: Pearson
The above
account against W Murdocks beg you will get settled with him. -''
AD1583/4/34 Letter, Boulton to Wilson enquiring
as to particulars of the recent meeting at Truro Item
1 folio
Manuscript
19 Oct 1790
Endorsed: Mr Boulton Oct[obe]r 19th 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[in]g[ha]m 19 Oct[obe]r 1790
Dear Sir
Least it may not occur to you that we are extreamly
Anxious to know as soon as possible all the particulars of the
meeting at Truro I take the liberty of requesting a line of
information from you by the return of the post & beg youl tell us
the general result of the meeting as well as what will be the
probable consequences, in your opinion,
with best respects to Mrs. Wilson I remain
Dear Sir
Yours sincerely
M:
Boulton
dont consult Mr
W[illia]ms what you shall write to me''
AD1583/4/35 Letter, Pearson to
Wilson regarding receipt of draft Item
1 folio
Manuscript
29 Oct 1790
Endorsed:
Mr. Pearson Oct[obe]r 29th 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho near Birmingham
29 October 1790
Mr. Thomas Wilson
Sir
Messrs Boulton & Watt desire me to advise their having
received your Draft of 25th ins[tan]t on Jno [John] Wilkinson
Esq[ui]r[e] value Two Hundred and ninety six Pounds two Shill[in]gs
and two pence, which is placed to your credit in the Books of said
Gentlemen. - I am
Sir
Your
very Ob[edien]t Servant
James
Pearson''
AD1583/4/36 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
the prospect of the independent miners joining with Mr Williams Item
1 folio
Manuscript
13 Nov 1790
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Nov[embe]r 13 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m
Nov[embe]r 13th 1790
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir /
We have yours of the 9th covering Bills
value £403. 15 [shillings]. 7 [pence] to your credit.
Mr Harris behaviour is consistent with his character &
like a fool & a knave - as to Tin Croft it is as expected & we must
prepare for the Contest.
The conduct of your independent Miners is inconsistant
with common sense & must end in their loss if the majority Join with
Mr W[illia]ms, he can and will sell ores to their customers cheaper
than their Ticketings till they are knockt up.
If seal hole adventurers agree to pay for the additional
depth the cold water is drawn, & not insist upon the Engines working
beyond its power, in load I see no harm in doing what they propose &
which seems necessary.
Mr B[oulton]. has been in London lately but is returned
& is in tolerable health as are my family, we all join in best
wishes to you & to Mrs Wilson & I remain
Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James
Watt''
AD1583/4/37 Letter, Watt and Boulton to Wilson regarding
various matters Item
1 folio
Manuscript
14 Dec 1790
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Dec[ember] 14 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol
''Birm[ingha]m Dec[embe]r 14th 1790
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We grow uneasy at not hearing from you, &
beg you will write and advise the cause. We have never heard from Mr
James but have not proceeded with Wheal Butson, until you advise his
having executed or ratified the agreement, we shall do so however as
soon as you desire us.
Mr J Williams has countermanded the order for N[orth].
Downs 42. I suspect our assured friends have been making interest
there for their own scheme. Mr B[oulton]. has been over there to
talk with them, but though the Engine is more undoubtedly ours than
the H[ornblower]s is yet he has been able to make no impression,
There are many reasons that will make a suit with them preferable to
one with the Horners & we must try it if we can prevail no other
way. Our friend W[illia]ms is a queer hand he has sent Mr B[oulton].
a model for a druid but no orders to proceed nor no answers to
letters. I have no news here but remain with Comp[limen]ts to Mrs
Wilson, Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James Watt''
''I wish you
would keep your Ears open & mouth Shut respecting Reynolds Engine.
as we wish to have it in our power to prove damages & for that
reason wish to know the real motive for Jno [John] Will[ia]ms
countermanding the 42 In[ch] Cylinder.
I fear T:W: Esq[ui]r[e] M:P: hath wormd out of you some grounds for
supposeing we have agreed w[i]th you for ♀ [the alchemical symbol
for copper] as he neither answer my letters about money nor Mr Hurds
about Copper. I intend to go to London on Fryday next where I shall
not stay more than 6 Days or 7 & wish to receive a line from you
there.
I hope you have recoverd the fateagues of your late Journey & remain
with regard
D[ea]r S[i]r
Yours
sincerely
M
Boulton''
AD1583/4/38 Letter, Pearson to
Wilson regarding receipt of monthly account and 2 bills Item
1 folio (with half sheet removed)
Manuscript
18 Dec 1790
Endorsed:
Ja[me]s Pearson 18 Dec[ember] 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho near Birmingham
18 Dec[embe]r 1790
Mr. Thomas Wilson
Sir
Your favor of 14th instant is received, handing Monthly
Account, and inclosing two Bills value together £787. 4 [shillings].
6 [pence] say seven Hundred and eighty seven Pounds four Shillings
and six pence; which Bills are placed to your credit. Please to
debit Wheal Virgin adv[enture]rs charges as under.
We
are Sir
Your
most Ob[edient] Ser[van]ts
For
Boulton & Watt
James
Pearson''
AD1583/4/39 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
Wheal Butson engine Item
1 folio
Manuscript
22 Dec 1790
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Dec[embe]r 22 1790
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho Dec[embe]r 22[n]d 1790
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
Yesterday we rec[eive]d yours of 17th
covering 2 bills value £200 to your credit.
Wheal Butson Engine is ordered, I was uncertain whether you had
intended it to be a double or single Engine but the Premium being
single we ordered it accordingly Say a single 36 8 feet Stroke with
the Condenser inside. You will please say if you want any drawings
from us & what - As it will be impossible to get the Piston rod from
the work where they are commonly made in time, we send you the
dimensions below, to get them made with you. Mr Roberts, who is
about to leave us, is now about, but as soon as he returns I shall
give the necessary orders for sending off the materials for Seal
hole which I believe are nearly finished, but are much too heavy to
send by land carriage.
If you do not hear from W----d I think you sh[oul]d not
Stir in the business except in a safe way.
Wheal Butson piston rod 11 feet 10 inches long 2¾ inches dia[mete]r
Cone 10¼ inches long 4¾ at base mortise 4½ long 5/8 inch wide 4
inches dis[tan]t from upper end Air pump rod 1½ inches dia[mete]r
Cone 6 inches long (same taper as the other say 1 in 5) mortise 3/8
inch wide 2½ inches long 2 inches from top - Mr B[oulton]. goes to
London this week.
I remain Dear
Sir Yours &c
James Watt''
[the following
is added opposite the address panel] “Knuckey shall be sent as soon
as possible”
AD1583/4/40 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
Boulton's dealings with Wilson's Company Item
1 folio
Manuscript
3 Jan 1792
Endorsed:
Mat[the]w Boulton 3rd Jan[uar]y 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho
3[r]d Jan[uar]y 1791 1792
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
Dear Sir
I have this mom[en]t rec[ei]vd y[ou]rs of ye
30th Decemb[e]r. You may rely upon the Contents of my last letter
to you, which I now confirm, so far as relates to my self. But in
order to simplify the business & that your Comp[an]y may not be
shuffled from one Comp[an]y or person to another, I will confine my
treaty & agreement with your Company to my self only - I did not
write to you again upon the subject because I learnt from the
fountain of Mystery & intelligence, that you were decided upon a
preferance & that it was in vain since which I have seen your letter
to Mr H[ur]d.
1 In what ever I may say to you upon the subject of a new
Contract I beg it may be understood that I do not mean to interfere
thereby with the old one.
2 When the present is dissolved I offer to enter into
treaty & Contract with your Co[mpany] for all the Copper your work
doth make or can at a fair price. The governing principle for fixing
of which from time to time must be mutualy considered & settled. It
must be such as neither party will loose by.
3 The terms of paym[en]t may be the same as those of your
Contract with B[oulton]&H[urd] or any other that may be more
agreeable to your Co[mpany].
I will try immediately to purchase Mr H[ur]d out of your Co[mpany] &
will offer him the original cost with 10 p[e]r C[en]t In[teres]t
upon his money from the time of paym[en]t to the day I buy & will
not stand on trifles.
If I can agree with both partys I have no doubt but harmony
will prevail in future.
I see by your letter that unanimity cannot be prevaild upon to dwell
amongst the Mines. But I must own I think Sir F[rancis].B[asset].
looks deeper than some of his Brother Miners & I approve of his
resolutions in preference to the disjointed Consolodated Miners as I
think I can predict what will happen in consequence of Stocking the
Ores.
Many Consumers & dealers in Copper both in this & in other Countries
feel themselves much disapointed by the late Monopoly & advanced
price of Copper, insomuch that they are thinking of & takeing
effectual means to render themselves more independent of -
- The stocking of ores will encrease such Grievances & consequently
increase such exertions to obtain ♀ [the alchemical symbol for
copper] by other means, such as neither Mr W or the stockers have,
or can have any idea of until too late. The present Smelting works
must some of them shut up, or do very little & consequently without
profit, & these Mischiefs will accumelate as well as the Ores, until
Michaelmass next, when a great Glut will be brought to the Market
that has provided for it self or the means of doing so soon after.
The Glut will be soon greater than the demand & the price of Course
will fall & perhaps fall like Stars never to rise again.
I not only know the means of disposing of 400 Ton p[e]r Year but of
twice that quantity provided I can purchase it at the price of the
day.
As to purchasing shares in the Birm[in]g[ha]m Co[mpany] I know not
the means as these Correctors of Monopolys are now possessed of the
Monopolising Spirit in as great a degree as their opponant,
otherwise they ought to have kept the Co[mpany] open for the
admittance of all the Manufacturers of Birm[in]g[ha]m But instead of
that they are turnd Stock jobbers.
You may depend upon seeing me & Mr Watt (God permitt) in Town on the
16 or perhaps the 14th In[stan]t when I hope to have the pleasure of
meeting You & Mr Townsend & beg you will till then, keep your self &
Co[mpany] unfetterd.
That you & yours may enjoy many happy & prosperous Years
is the most hearty & sincere wish of
Dear Sir
Your faithfull friend
Matt[he]w Boulton.
Pritcherd &
Barlow have just wrote to us that they have let fall one of the
Wheels belonging to W[hea]l Jewell Goods & broke it to pieces but
have not told us ye Number of it however we have wrote to them to
know that another may be sent''
AD1583/4/41 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
condenser for Wheal Butson, and other matters Item
1 folio
Manuscript
11 Jan 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Watt 11 Jan[uar]y 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho Jan[uar]y 11th 1791
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I have your's of the 6th covering Bill value
£123. 9s[hillings]. - to your credit.
We cannot go on with the condenser for Wheal Butson till we know the
length of the Beam & wish an answer to the other queries.
In regard to the Spanish Iron work I must beg that no
time may be lost, as too much has been lost already, & we are now
pressed to compleat the order. When you write please advise whether
there will be a chance of getting the Goods shipt for Liverpool when
finished, if not they must be sent to London. Mr Wilkinson is here,
I have no other news & being much indisposed must conclude.
I am &c
Your's
James Watt
Mr B[oulton]. is
still at London
Please advise if you know nearly when Mr Morris Engine
set to work''
AD1583/4/42 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
request for tough cake copper for rolling Item
1 folio
Manuscript
13 Jan 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton 13 Jan[uar]y 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall.
''London
13 Jan[uar]y 1791
Dear Sir
What I here write to you I must beg your silence upon,
as I wish Mr W[illia]ms to know as little as possible of my
proceedings he having shewn an unkind disposition towards me.
- 1st can you instantly furnish me with any tough Cake Copper proper
for Rolling & what quantity can you furnish me with between this
time & this day month, & what quantity by this day 2 Mo[nth] and at
what price. I want 100 Ton but I fear I must apply to one (W[illia]ms)
who will charge exhorbitantly for the Rolling - I want it about one
Eight of an Inch thick, of any breadths or length that may be most
convenient to the Manufacturer or Roller & I cant afford to allow
more than 8£ a Ton for Rolling by which I am perswaded the roller
may gain 4£ a Ton. I shall afterwards Cold Rolle it fine.
(Sub Rosa) It is to make Coin (100 Ton) for the East India Co[mpany]
which I must deliver by the ye 12 April in London & therefore no
time must be lost and I must Charge the Copper at the same price
which the East India Co[mpany]. contracted for in the last Sales of
Anglesey & Cornwall.
I propose to return home on Sunday next & beg you will write to me
there - perhaps Mr Edwards can also furnish a part ready Rolld.
I write in a hurry from E[ast]:I[ndia]:House & beg youl
consider for me how far W[illia]ms can obstruct my work & how to
prevent it.
Wishing you Mrs. Wilson & Family many happy Years I
remain
Dear Sir
Your faithfull friend
M:Boulton''
AD1583/4/43 Letter, Roberts to
Wilson regarding goods dispatched to Cornwall Item
1 folio
Manuscript
18 Jan 1791
Endorsed: Jno [John] Roberts 28 Jan[uar]y 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Chasewater, Near Truro, Cornwall
''Soho
Birmingham 18 Jan[uar]y 1791
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
Sir
We sent last Week to Pritchard & Barlow the
Goods as under which hope you will receive in good time & Sir
Your
most Obed[ien]t Serv[an]ts
for Boulton & Watt
Jno Roberts
A
l.2.3.4. 4 Boxes
1a 28 - 28 pieces Cast Iron
Long W[eigh]t 89 Cwt [hundredweight]. 3 q[uarte]rs
N3 Box.
contains 6 Wheels & some japanned Tin for W Murdock
N4 Belongs to John Knuckey
The other articles are for B[oulton].W[att] & Co[mpany]''
AD1583/4/44 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
man required for melting scrap copper Item
1 folio
Manuscript
19 Jan 1791
''Dear Sir
I shall leave London in a few Min[u]t[e]s the Chaise being at the
door.
The purport of this is to beg you will find for me & send me or lend
me a Man that is capable of Melting in my two Reverb[erato]ry
furnises all my Sissell or Scrap Copper as I shall want about 6 Ton
p[e]r Week to be run down -
Mr Williams refuses to Rolle for me at the price I have undertaken
at & 'tho he hath rec[ei]vd orders to deliver me Copper yet I fear
he will deliver me such as cannot be Rolld. pray send me some.
I wish the late agreem[en]ts with Cornwall were car[rie]d into
Execution I think I should be able to take all you have to spare for
Coin
in hast
Yours &c
M Boulton
19 Jan[uar]y 91''
AD1583/4/45 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
the necessity for haste in supplying parts for Spain Item
1 folio
Manuscript
24 Jan 1791
Endorsed: James Watt 28 Jan[uar]y 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m Jan[uar]y 24th 1791
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I am favoured with yours of the 21st
covering 2 bills value £427. 0 [shillings]. 2 [pence] with the
accounts which shall be examined.
We must beg that the making of Spanish goods may be
forwarded with all speed, as we are under Contract & I fear may fall
short in time, they must be at Liverpool or London in 3 months or
sooner. In making out the invoice let us have the weight of each
part separate.
We have been little fav[oure]d with your correspondence
lately, please write us once a week though only to say you are alive
- Mr B[oulton]. is returned from London but I have not had much of
his news yet - I am in haste -
Dear Sir, Your's Sincerely
James
Watt
Mr B[oulton].
will write you in a day or two but wishes to have a man to melt down
Copper''
AD1583/4/46 Letter, Southern to Wilson regarding
beam and steam pipe for Wheal Butson engine Item
1 folio
Manuscript
26 Jan 1791
''Birmingham 26 Jan[uar]y 1791
Mr Wilson
Sir
We shall be obliged if you will as soon as possible send
us account if the beam for Wheal Butson is intended to be for a
parallel Motion [here Wilson has added ''Yes'' in pencil] or Chairs
- Whether ever to be converted into a double engine [here Wilson has
added ''No'' in pencil], and in that case whether with a diagonal
rod from the inner end of the beam to work a pump, or like North
Downs to have a forcing rod at the outer end [here Wilson has added
''a single Engine same as Hallamanin'' in pencil]. The width of the
engine house not being in our possession we cannot ascertain the
length of the Steam Pipe; but shall order it same length as usual
for such engines, & any short pipe to adjust it to the required
position may be cast in Cornwall - For Messers Boulton & Watt I
am
Sir Your Obed[ien]t Servant
John Southern''
AD1583/4/47 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
the collection of evidence to be used against Tincroft mine Item
1 folio
Manuscript
9 Feb 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Feb[ruar]y 9th 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m
Feb[ruar]y 9th 1791
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I have yours of the 4th inclosing Bills
value £968. 18 [shillings]. 0 [pence] to your credit.
In respect to Tin Croft, though we shall go on slowly &
with due deliberation yet we shall certainly proceed against them in
such way as shall most effectualy operate against them. We depend
upon you & Mr Murdock to set about procuring proper & if possible
respectable evidence 1st that they use the power of steam & not the
pressure of the atmosphere to act upon the piston of the Engine,
2[n]d that they draw out the air by means of an air pump, 3[r]d that
they do not condense the steam in the steam vessel itself, where the
powers of steam are exerted to work the Engine, but in some place
separated from it, 4th that they use Grease to make the piston air
tight.
Until distinct and clear evidence can be procured on
these heads we can do nothing in the way of Law, you will therefore
lose no time in doing the needfull, so long as the profits of the
Engine business will pay the lawyers so long shall We defend our
cause. You may make the deduction of ¼ to Godolphin while the mine
continues poor. As to Harris He must stand over until we discuss
the others with certification however that he shall not be
forgotten.
in reply to y[ou]rs of the 5th square threads will do
for the big screws, but let the nuts fit them well.
In respect to Wheal Reeth adventurers you must act as
you judge proper only not lowering terms on account of the
Hornblowers.
Mr Kevills request shall be taken into Consideration but it is
rather a wrong time to apply when some in the county are labouring
to cut our throats.
If you have not got wheal Butson agreement executed
please do so, as no door should be left open which can be shut.
By your account Poldice Mine seems nearly to have
cleared itself, should not our premium recommence, as by the same
progression Jan[uar]y must have cleared the Mine.
I remain Dear Sir
Your's
sincerely
James Watt''
[includes sketch
of Engine details]
AD1583/4/48 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
meeting with Mr Williams at Bristol Item
1 folio
Manuscript
14 Feb 1791
Endorsed:
Mr. Boulton Feb[ruar]y 14th 1791
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, at Mr Holbrook's, Morris Town,
near Swansey, S. Wales
''Soho
14 Feb[ruary] 1791
Dear Sir
I never had so few leasure moments as of late or should
have wrote to you before. As you are about to meet W[illia]ms at
Bristol I must beg & even insist upon it, that you do not give him
the least Idea of our intended Connection, as it will at this
juncture give him an advantage over me which I wish to prevent. the
Story is too long to tell you in this letter, but take my word for
it that it would injure me, was he to know it at present & therefore
I again beg youl conceil it.
I have wrote Mr Townend the result of a Conversation with Mr Hurd a
Coppy of which I inclose you, but let his answer be what it may we
shall not receed from what we have already engaged to do although he
will see what we should prefer.
I thank you & Mr Holbrook for your attention in providing me with a
Refiner & should be glad to have him come in about a fortnight for
'till we get more Copper we can make but little Shruff for remelting''
[the above was
written in the hand of Matthew Boulton, and on the following page
was added]
''This Letter
ought to have been sent on the Day of it's date, but my Uncle has
been so much hurried & indisposed that he could not finish it & so
unwell to Day that he cannot write - he desires me to say Mr. Swain
is safe arrived & in good health & begs you will present his
Compliments to Mr. & Mrs. Holbrook. -
I am Sir
Your obliged h[um]ble S[ervan]t
A Mynd''
AD1583/4/49 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
shipment of parts for Wheal Butson engine, and other matters Item
1 sheet
Manuscript
21 Feb 1791
Endorsed: Mr Watt Feb[ruar]y 21st 1791
''Feb[ruar]y 21st 1791
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We think it would be improper to open any
conference with Mr Winwood about the surrender of the patent;
that must lie with him but the directions in the cover of this
you will please observe & may read to him so much of it as you judge
prudent, and advise in particularly of his answer. I understand the
drawing but should be glad of a more complete one & near to
dimensions.
Wheal Butson Cyl[inde]r & Condenser are shipt for
Cornwall, we have ordered the Bill of Lading to be made to our
order, you will please advise to whom we shall address that & the
invoice, & this as soon as possible, lest of accidents while
uninsured.
Mr Roberts has at last left us & as is usual in such
cases had left every thing in confusion as we have many orders in
hand & our new clerk is yet ignorant of the business could you
prevail on Rich[ar]d Thomas to come here for 2 or 3 months to assist
in putting our smiths under proper regulations, we shall willingly
pay his demand for the time he spends with us, please write to him
to this purport immediately & desire him to send us his
answer Yours &c J Watt''
AD1583/4/50 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
proposal for Richard Thomas to be employed at Soho Item
1 folio
Manuscript
22 Feb 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Feb[ruar]y 22[n]d 1791
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, of Truro, Bush Tavern, Bristol
''Feb[ruar]y
22[n]d 1791
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I wrote to you yesterday concerning what you
were to say to Mr Winwood, which was merely if they would peaceably
allow us to take evidence of the Construction of their Engine, or if
they would oblige us to have recourse to Law to enforce a discovery.
I mentioned our wish that Dick Thomas could come here
for 2 or 3 months to asist us to regulate our Smiths shop, for which
we should pay him handsomely. But if he comes we wish it to be soon,
As Mr Roberts has left all in much confusion, please write to him &
beg to know if he will come and his terms.
Mr Boulton said he would write to you to day, or yesterday but I
know not if he has done it. We are overpowered with orders for Mill
Engines & want hands to erect them if you could get in some clever
young men that have been bred about Engines, will come upon
reasonable wages & will agree for a term of 5 years.
please advise us - I remain Dear Sir
Yours sincerely
J Watt''
AD1583/4/51 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
the destruction of the Albion Mill by fire, and other matters Item
1 folio
Manuscript
c. 4 Mar 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, of Truro at the Bush
Tavern, Bristol
''Dear Sir
I learn from your letter to Mr Hurd that you propose to
leave Swansey tomorrow & will probably be in Bristol on Sunday I
therefore flatter my self this letter will there come to your hand.
Since my last we have had the misfortune to loose the Albion Mill
[Blackfriars, London] by Fire which you will no doubt have learnt
from ye publick papers. At present we are uninformd of the extent of
this Misfortune but as we have insured to a large amount & as our
Stock of Corn hath lately been much diminished we hope it will not
be so bad as might have been expected. However it is necessary for
us to be provided against the worst & therefore I am fearfull of
engageing so extensivly in the Copper trade as I fully intended.
I observe that you are going to meet Mr Williams in London whom you
say is ready to contract with you for all you can spare & that you
must give him a decided answer. I should be sorry to keep you in
suspence but if I must now speak decidedly I should say that you may
give Mr W[illia]ms one half of our Contract viz: 100 Tons a Year yet
if I may be allowd to express my Wish it would be for you to come
from Bristol to Birmingham in your road to London & by that time we
shall be better able to judge & be better informd about ye Albion
Mill.
A personal Conversation with Mr Watt Mr Hurd & my Self will be more
likely to settle a plan than many letters & I the more desireous of
your coming as we have rec[ei]vd a letter from Mr Townend with new
proposals which we wish to lay before you & in the intrem
I remain with great regard
D[ea]r S[i]r
Yours sincerely
M:
Boulton
Since writing
the above Mr Matthews advises us to come to London but what we shall
conclude upon I know not however I will write to you at the Bush
[Tavern, Bristol] by tomorrows post without fail''
AD1583/4/52 Letter, Boulton to Wilson
requesting that Wilson go to London via Soho Item
1 folio
Manuscript
5 Mar 1791
Endorsed:
Mr. Boulton Mar[ch] 5th 1791
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, of Truro, at the Bush Tavern,
Bristol
''Dear Sir
I wrote to you by yesterday's post to the Bush Tavern.
Nothing material hath occurd since & therefore I must say it is the
joint wish of Mr. Watt, Mr Hurd & my self that you would make Soho
in your Road to London as we shall be better able to settle by a
conversation than by writing letters. At present we cannot find out
that the Smelting works will pay more than ye interest of Money -
Convince us that tis probable they will pay what you & Mr Townend
mentions & you will thereby remove our difficulties Adieu
Yours
sincerely
M:B:
Soho March 5 - 1791''
AD1583/4/53 Letter, Watt and Boulton to Wilson regarding
the Albion Mill, and various other matters Item
1 folio
Manuscript
14 Mar 1791
Endorsed:
Messrs Boulton & Watt Mar[ch] 14th 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol
''Mar[ch] 14th 1791
Mr Wilson
Dear Sir
I have yours of the [blank] I did not write
you last week having had a fever of cold from which I am not yet
quite recovered. The behaviour of the Horners is very provoking,
but we can do nothing until you can procure us proper evidences,
which please to exert yourself in doing and what ever our hopes or
fears are of the result we shall undoubtedly try it. Consols &
Poldice should be spoke to firmly, do the latter think that the
lords & us are to bear all the loses & them to take the profits, no,
we shall do more for them we have done a great deal too much for the
gratitude of the county. You will see I have agreed to take 2 shares
in your Co[mpany] but am indifferent whether I have them or not and
were you not the manager I would have nothing to do with it having
taken a hearty disgust at all companies -
Yours &c
J Watt
Mr B[oulton].
has y[ou]r letter so I cannot be more particular''
[next page]
''Dear Sir
I have just rec[ei]vd a letter from Mr Townend in which
he expresses himself most kindly & friendly upon the subject of ye
Albion Mill. Every such sentiment is gratefull to our feelings at
this time.
Mr Townend says that your Bottoms have produced so much better than
was expected that the Shares cannot be asked for, or expected, at
less than 700£ each. I have by this post wrote him what hath passd
between you & us & referd him to our last letter of ye 8th In[stan]t
which I hope you have sent him a Copy of I also mentiond the
proposition you made us in writing in decem[be]r last to sell us
''4, 6, or 8 Shares at 650£ each & if not conv[enien]t for us to pay
immediately to pay 5 p[e]r C[en]t interest for 6 Mo[nths] from that
time when you intimated that we might take 3 or 4 Mo[nths] to make
our determination''. as we had now done that, & as we did expect the
first few months would produce us a better profit than the future
regular Trade, I do not see the reasons for the advance of 50£ a
share in the same light as Mr Townend doth & I have my fears that Mr
Hurd will not. However I will endeavour to see him tomorrow & learn
his opineon upon ye subject.
I think it probable that we shall loose nearly the whole
of our Capital in ye A[lbion] Mill yet as we shall never more be
millers we shall not want that Capital for ye Copper concern but
shall take the 10,000£ now employd with Mr W[illia]ms in Copper &
dissolve our Connection with him.
Depend upon it We shall proceed with Calmness & inflexible firmness,
in the protection of our Patent right against the Hornblowers &
every other assailant. I pledge to you my Word, my Honour, & every
thing I hold sacred that we will never flinch from persuing them, so
long as we have 1/ s[hilling] p[e]r Year coming in from Engines but
as I am engaged intensly for 1 Mo[nth] to come I cannot distract my
mind with too many things at once.
They have been publishing puffs in our Birm[in]g[ha]m
Newspaper both of themselves & the Adventurers in Tin Croft mine.
I will write again soon & in ye intrem remain
Dear Sir
Yours
sincerely
M Boulton''
AD1583/4/54 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
Hornblower's permission for Tincroft engine to be examined Item
1 folio
Manuscript
18 Mar 1791
''Soho
Birm[ingha]m Mar[ch] 18th 1791
Mr Wilson
Dear Sir
Yesterday I rec[eive]d letter from Mr
Jon[atha]n Hornblower granting permission to view the Engine at Tin
Croft, highly offended with you for applying to Mr Winwood in place
of him, he having 3/5 of patent & says y[ou]r proposal for
accommadation were marked with similar indignity to him, expresses a
flattering opinion of me & pain that I sh[oul]d think he injures me
concludes that they shall vindicate their cause to the utmost of
their power, wish to avoid a contest, merely because they shall be
obliged to develope matters which must set our patent aside.
We have advised him that we accept his offer liking
peace as much as himself, when it is consistent with our
determination of using our utmost endeavours to defend our rights.
That y[ou]r offers of accommadation were unauthorized by us, but
dictated by the same love of peace he expresses, that why you
applied to Mr W[inwood]. in preference to him you yourself must
explain That we decline entering into any controversy as to the
merits or right to the invention, that our intention is do ourselves
right not wrong others, & that we must act from our own convictions
That we had at the present deputed Mr Murdock & Mr Ed[war]d Rogers
to examine the Engine & that you w[oul]d apprise him of their time
of coming that afterwards we should send some gentlemen from London
for the same purpose.
You will please inform Mr M[urdock] and Mr R[ogers]. of
this that they may be prepared & Mr B[oulton]. will send them
instruction as I set off for London to night. I think I can see a
desire of some Conciliation through his letter but thinks himself
slighted, on your calling on him you will see how that is.
We have recovered the greatest part of the insurance at
the A[lbion] M[ill] & the rest is in train of being paid. The affair
however will be bad, though nothing like the News paper accounts,
As Mr Townend particularly objects to me as a partner in y[ou]r
Company I entirely drop the subject, & believe the other two will do
so also & abide by their bargain of the 200 tons.
We do not see the concern in the same light Mr T[ownend]. does. I
have your letters to Mr B[oulton] to answer as I have not time, but
remain
Dear Sir
Yours &c
James Watt''
AD1583/4/55 Letter, Pearson and
Boulton to Wilson regarding agreement between Wilson and Boulton &
Hurd Item
1 folio
Manuscript
21 Mar 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton Mar[ch] 21st 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho near Birmingham
21 March 1791
Mr. Thomas Wilson
Sir
We are favored with yours of 17th instant enclosing two
Bills value together One Hundred & fourty five Pounds for half a
years dividend of Stock in Cornwall Metal Co[mpany]
We are Sir
Your very
Ob[edien]t Serv[an]ts
For Boulton & Watt
James Pearson''
''Dear Sir
Your favour of ye 17th with its contents we acknowledge as above.
I yesterday receivd a letter from Mr Townend dated London ye 19th
In[stan]t saying he leaves Town on Tuesday morn[in]g But I cant
reply till I have seen Mr Hurd & the post hour is arived.
I wish we had enterd into treaty with only Mr Townend or You & not
with both as some confusion seems to arise therefrom.
As you layd the Foundation of our Agreements We will for the sake of
simplifying the business go back to your original proposals at your
last return from York.
1st Viz: for B[oulton]&H[ur]d to take annualy 200 Ton of
Copper for 3 Years saying that we might be accommodated with 5 or
ten thousand pounds if wanted.
2[n]d I will here Copy Your own written paper, left with us
''Mr Fenton & Townend will sell 4, 6, or 8 Shares to Mr Boulton at
650£ & for no less & if not convenient to pay immediately to pay 5
p[e]r Cent Interest for 6 Months from this time''
To the 1st proposal we agreed & signd as you said we must then
absolutely accept or reject before you went to London.
To the 2[n]d you said we might take our own time provide we gave our
final answer in 3 or 4 Months & haveing observd in your statements
that the Comp[an]y Acc[oun]ts had been made up in 1790 April 24 & in
1789 on May ye 31st We thought from this circumstance that our
Answer in March would be in good time. However I did answer for Mr
Hurd & my Self on Jan[uar]y 30 that We would take 4 Shares & thought
Mr Watt would take 2 more. but you know when Mr Watt hath his head
aches & is low Spirited he wants decision.
Afterwards he agreed to take 2 for himself & wrote you ye 8 March
which he did in answer to yours of the 7th from Bristol in which you
require an immediate reply. But we understand that he hath given the
2 Shares up & hath wrote you so before he went to London. We will
therefore return to your first proposal & our acceptance.
Our letter of the 8th In[stan]t was to confirm Mr Watts takeing the
2 Shares I ment[ion]d in my letter Jan[uar]y 30 & was not in
consequence of any increase of the Comp[an]ys Stock as well in some
degree appear both from Mr Hurds letters & my own that we were of
opineon Mr Watt w[oul]d take 2 shares.
Upon the whole we consider there are 2 Agreements subsisting that
are mutely binding.
Viz that which was signd by you & by us on 29th Nov[embe]r & that of
our Accepting of 4 Shares at 650 each in Jan[uar]y last all which we
now Confirm and there we rest our Treaty.
But if the Gent[leme]n of your Company have any thing else to
propose You may be assured that we are disposed to do every thing in
our power to promote the interest of the Concern & the harmony of
the Company.
We intend in a few posts to write to Mr Townend at York
& confirm the foregoing sentiments.
We rather wish to see you in your Road to than from London & give
you our opineon about any Contracts you may think of makeing there.
If you claim your share of the Navy & East India Contracts Q[ue]r[y]
what need you of any other besides our 200 Ton.
Pray return me the press Copy of my letter to Mr Townend which I
sent you.
I am for Mr Hurd & Self with great regard
Dear Sir
Yours most Sincerely
Matt[he]w
Boulton''
AD1583/4/56 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
possible arson at the Albion Mill, and other matters Item
1 folio
Manuscript
23 Mar 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Mar[ch] 23[r]d 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''London Mar[ch] 23[r]d 1791
Dear Sir
I have your's of the 20th, & can only say that your
comp[an]ys refusal is no manner of regret to me, who only agreed to
take a part at the instance of my friends, & would not now at any
price.
I know nothing of the letter you mention about the
Hornblowers, & probably shall not listen to any negociation except
proposals of submission.
I shall be here for all next week & shall be glad to see
you.
We have now the strangest reason to believe that A[lbion]
M[ill] was wilfully set on fire by some malicious persons, who these
were you may guess from the paragraphs that have been so
industriously repeated in all the papers.
Please bring all the information about Tin Croft that
you can, I remain
Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/4/57 Press copy of letter, Boulton & Watt to R A Daniell regarding
abatement Item
1 sheet
Manuscript
10 Apr 1791
Endorsed:
Boulton & Watt Ap[ri]l 10th 1791
''R A Daniell
Esq[ui]r[e]
Birmingham Ap[ri]l 10 1790
Dear Sir
We have repeatedly desired Mr Wilson to inform the
Adven[ture]rs in the Consolidated Mines that we could not treat
concerning any abatement of our savings for this Year untill we were
first paid the Balance due to us, in the time past. - Mr Wilson
informs us that he has acted according to our directions but that he
has neither obtained Payment of the ballance or any satisfactory
reason why it was not done, and also that the Adventurers seemed
disposed to continue taking the abatement we made as former years
notwithstanding in our express denial of the same.
We beg the favor of you Sir to lay this letter before the
adv[enture]rs at their next account, and to inform them, that we
have not consented to any abatement whatsoever for this Year, & that
we desire that Payment of the arrears may be ordered to be made to
us.
We are &c S[ir]
Y[ou]rs
B[oulton]&W[att]''
[the handwriting
is that of Matthew Boulton]
AD1583/4/58 Letter, Boulton & Watt to Daniell regarding abatement for
Consolidated Mines Item
1 folio
Manuscript
16 Apr 1791
Endorsed:
Messrs Boulton & Watt Ap[ri]l 16th 1791
''Birmingham
April 16 1791
R A Daniell Esq[ui]r[e]
Sir
Mr Wilson having
inform'd us that you Consider our temporary abatement, of 1/3 of the
premium on the Engines at the Consolidated Mines, as a perpetual
one, we think it necessary to clear up that matter.
We have lookt over all our letters to you & to the
adventurers in the Consolidated Mines, and find that we never made
you or them any promise of any abatement beyond the Year 1789 (which
we fulfilled) we have also endeavoured to recollect whether any
verbal promise was made to you by either of us, and upon the most
deliberate investigation we are both positive that no promise
was ever made beyond what is contained in our Letters.
We now add that we shall not in future agree to any
abatement for any specific time whatsoever, but whenever we are
satisfied, that the state of the mine requires it, and we are
properly previously applied to, the adventurers shall not find
us ungenerous, at the same time we must insist that our
premiums are regularly charged, as we cannot by any means that any
person or persons should take upon them to dispose of our property,
without our previous consent.
We remain respectfully
Sir
Your
most Obed[ien]t
humble Serv[an]ts
Boulton & Watt''
[the handwriting
is that of Thomas Wilson]
AD1583/4/59 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
engine required for Hewas mine Item
1 folio
Manuscript
26 Apr 1791
Endorsed: Ja[me]s Watt Ap[ri]l 26 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birmingham Ap[ri]l 26th 1791
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We are favoured with yours of the 20th &
hope this will find you and your fellow travellers safe at home.
Though Radstoke falls much short of some of our engines yet
considering their coals it seems too good, You do not mention
whether they use steam in both cylinders or not.
Messrs Fox & Co[mpany] have written us again offering
Share in Hewas Mine & say they will want a 48 inch Cyl[inde]r but
want to know if they can get a 54 second hand whether we will agree
to take the premium for the 48 only until they surpass its power.
We have answered that where so much stress was laid upon precedent
we did not think it safe to do it but desired they might have some
conversation with you. We know nothing of the depth of the mine nor
what Engine may be realy wanted & wish for information & your
advice. Mr B[oulton]. is not in to day & I have nothing new, but
remain with Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson and Miss Plomer
Dear Sir
Your's
sincerely
James Watt''
[the following
has been added adjacent to the address panel]
“A good pitman &
engine man will be wanted for Thames head, please enquire after
them. 26 inch pump 70 feet”
AD1583/4/60 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
examination of Tincroft engine, and other matters Item
1 folio
Manuscript
2 May 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Watt May 6 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m May 2[n]d 1791
a very cold rainy day
Mr Wilson
Dear Sir
We have yours of 28 covering bills value
£1970. 11 [shillings]. 6 [pence] to your credit - If Tincroft agents
refuse to permit examination of the Engine, application should be
formally made to them at their account and an answer obtained in
writing.
If Mr B[oulton]. wrote as Mr D[aniell?]. says he could
only mean while the mine was losing considerably a mine which
has gained 4000 in 2 y[ea]rs cannot be said to be in distress,
nor will a few months loss authorize any such construction, besides
It must also be restricted to end of the distress at this time, say
till it became again a gaining Mine; to enter into any such
agreement as you mention would subject us to eternal altercations,
besides if we were to bear half loss we should in Equity have ½
profits besides our premium. We cannot permit any interested person
whatsoever to dictate to us what we should do with the H[ornblower]s;
we shall pursue what appears to us to be most for our interest, and
they might in all probability find that a defeat of the patent would
not invalidate their agreements, without a total demolition &
destruction of the Engines. At least we are not disposed to give
them up while we have a semblance of a right or claim left. And the
more ungenerously we are treated the firmer we shall keep our
ground.
I remain with
comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson
Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James Watt''
[the following
has been added opposite the address panel] “There is some mistake in
Poldice little Engine acc[oun]t”
AD1583/4/61 Letter, Watt and Boulton to Wilson regarding
various engines Item
1 folio
Manuscript
4 May 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Watt & Mr Boulton May 4 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m May 4th 1791
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
Yours of 30th received covering bill value
£338. 5 [shillings]. 2 [pence] to account - By a letter received
from Mr E. Fox he seems displeased that we should charge the
additional Engine at Polgooth (1 month) & that we should hesitate
about admitting their proposal of the 54 paying only as a 48. We
wish to retain the good will of all our friends, but we must attend
to what we conceive to be our own interest, particularly at present
when a great part say the greatest part of the County have shewn
themselves so very inimical, and therefore we must at least act with
caution & with less Generosity than might be inclined to in other
circumstances.
In respect to the T.C. people they will serve our cause
by their delays & refusals, however let not slacken your apparent
diligence in pursuing the investigation.
Have you spoke to any of the Lawyers. I think Mr Rashleigh should
have a retaining 5 guineas lest he be taken up by the other side - I
remain Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James
Watt''
''Turn over
[next page]
We cannot
caution you enough against placeing Confidence in Cornish Lawyers;
yet it is better that we bestow 5 Guineas a man on Rash, George &
Ed[war]d as retaining fees, than to have them against us,
particularly as we shall have occasion to appoint Commissioners in
Cornwall in the Course of our proceedings.
Suppose Mr A Daniel to make use of such Engines as at Tin Croft, I
mean equal to that standard in respects to the effects of each
Bushel of Coal in raising a given number of pounds w[eigh]t of water
or Gallons to one foot high, I say if all the s
[the alchemical symbol for water] at W[hea]l Virgin was raisd at
that Expence Mr D[aniel] would find it better to return to the
present Engines & pay us our full premium.
I am sorry to see Mr E: Fox is not pleasd with our last letter, &
wish you would get him into Tune again.
He may easily concieve that we are a little Sore at present by the
attack now makeing upon us by some Cornish Gent[leme]n as well as
the Engineers & we are fearfull of the effects of bad presedents -
Let us first know all the Matters of Fact relative to ye 48 or the
54 In[ch] Cylinder & then we shall be better qualifyd to answer them
& shall see our road Clearer. Messrs F[o]xs have never found us
Letigeous, unreasonable, ungenerous, or unjust.
We have done them & the County some services & they know it &
therefore are entitled to that good will which they profess towards
all men.
I believe Mr Watt & Self shall go to London next week upon special
Business. but you shall know when we depart.
Adieu
Yours sincerely
M:B:
The price you
have offerd to contract with Mr Will[ia]ms is lower than that agreed
for w[i]th B[oulton]&H[urd] by ab[ou]t 4s[hillings] p[e]r Ton & Mr
Hurd made a mistake in calculating the Interest to be p[ai]d your
Co[mpany] for any time we may take by reckoning the In[teres]t upon
80 instead of 75 but this is a trifle''
AD1583/4/62 Letter and copy of letter, Boulton & Hurd to
Wilson and
Boulton & Hurd to Townend Item
1 folio and 1 sheet
Manuscript
13 May 1791
AD1583/4/62/1 Letter, Boulton & Hurd to Wilson regarding
agreements made with Wilson's Company Piece
1 folio
Manuscript
13 May 1791
Endorsed: Mr Boulton 13 May 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, by Bristol
''Soho
13 May 1791
Mr T Wilson
Truro
Dear Sir
I have been so
harrassed with Comp[an]y at my House & other numerous engagements
from home that I could not write Mr Townend before this Day - which
I inclose you the Copy of.
Although I have taken no notice in this s[ai]d letter of the
indulgence you originaly mentiond to us yet I must say that Mr Hurd
& my Self feel a little unpleasant from what you say in your last
We certainly should not have taken the 4 Shares had we not relyd
upon some indulgence from your Company in point pf Credit (paying
interest for the time) I own I thought it wrong of Mr Hurds talking
to you & you writing about allowances for 6, 9, 12 & 15 Mo[nths]
when we never had an intention or wish to a greater extension of
Cred[i]t than you offerd Mr Williams.
We told you & we told Mr Townend that Mr Hurd & I should
Bonifide employ Ten Thousand pounds in the Copper trade but since so
many Copper sellers have lately arisen in Birm[in]g[ha]m & near 200
Manufacturers are supplyd by the New Mineing Comp[an]y We find our
selves under the necessity of keeping our regular Customers by a
further indulgence in Cred[i]t & it is the only means of keeping or
extending our Sales. But from what you say now we feel our selves in
a disagreeable prediciment as we shall have paid your Comp[an]y our
whole ten Thousand in the course of the first 5 months.
4 Shares
- 2700[£]
5 Mo[nths] at 1500£ p[e]r Mo[nth]
1500[£] [Total] 10200£
The Copper will be one Mo[nth] in Coming & will be 3 or 4 Mo[nths]
in Selling Cred[i]t 6 Mo[nths] & a Bill at 2 Mo[nths] & thus it will
be 12 Mo[nths] from the time we pay you untill we are refunded in
Cash.
Q[ue]r[y] will your Comp[an]y allow us the same time as you proposed
to Mr Williams viz 6 Mo[nths] & a Bill at 2 Mo[nths] (paying
interest) or do you mean totaly to retract the origenal offer made
to us & which was one of our inducements to enter into the concern.
We beg your answer p[e]r return of post & remain
D[ea]r Sir
Your obed[ien]t
humbl[e] Serv[an]ts
Boulton
& Hurd.
B[oulton]&H[urd]
set out to London tomorrow & Mr Watt on Tuesday please to direct to
us at No 6 Green Lettice Lane''
AD1583/4/62/2 Copy of letter, Boulton to Townend regarding settlement made with
Wilson's Company Piece
1 sheet
Manuscript
13 May 1791
''Soho the 13 May 1791
G: Townend Esq[ui]r[e]
York
Dear
Sir
When Mr Wilson was last here I promised to
write to you in a few days, but I was prevented by some unavoidable
excursions on our Engine business, & afterwards I was interupted a
whole week by some Visitors in my house from London & a crowd of
other engagements: otherwise I should have informd you sooner that
Mr Hurd & my self made a final settleing with Mr Wilson whom we were
desireous of convincing that we had acceeded to his propositions
within the time allowd us, & that the only delay arose solely from &
related only to, the 2 Shares intended for Mr Watt. That being done
we preferd agreeing for 4 Shares at 675£ each rather than commence
our connection inharmoniously: And these our Resolutions we
requested Mr Wilson to communicate to you whilest he was here.
It is therefore our intention to remit you a Bill on
Demand upon our Banker in London for the sum of 2700£ with interest
for the same from Christmas to the 1st of June the day it will be
paid.
I am for Mr Hurd & Self
D[ea]r S[i]r Your most Obed[ien]t humbl[e]
Serv[an]t
Matt[he]w Boulton''
AD1583/4/63 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
trial of engine, and goods for Spain Item
1 folio
Manuscript
16 May 1791
Endorsed: Mr Watt May 16 1791
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho May 16th 1791
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
Yours of the 8th rec[eive]d in course.
A trial of an Engine for a few hours ought not be compared with one
by the month, otherwise I think it is not fair to compare a smaller
engine with a larger; but what are they doing if they have not made
a better Engine than ours according to their proposals - You see as
they come armed with evidences it will be necessary for your party
to be cautious what they say &c.
The Spanish Iron work is now wanted, the remaining Goods
are to be Shipt at Chester, but as I think there is little chance of
your things getting there by the time the best way will be to send
them to London immediately Bill of Lading to Messers Fermin de
Tastet & Co[mpany] Merch[an]ts London. Mr B[oulton]. is at London &
I set out tomorrow - Yours in haste
J Watt
Write to London
about the Sp[anis]h goods -
[marginal]
advise us with the bill of Lading, weights of each piece and Invoice
of the whole''
AD1583/4/64 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
denial of permission to examine Hornblower's engine Item
1 folio
Manuscript
17 May 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Watt 17 May 1791
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m May 17th 1791
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I wrote you yesterday to which refer after
which rec[eive]d letter from Mr Hornblower, saying that by your
misapprehension of his meaning & not applying to the Adventurers for
leave to inspect the Engine they had not permitted it, and that in
consequence of a report spread by some of our people (agents) that
with the authority of the Lord Chancellor the engine was to be taken
to pieces for examination, Several people had assembled at the mine
which might perhaps have provoked the Adv[enture]rs to refuse an
examination which he finds is their determination, and that though
it was not pleasing to hear the above report he wishes on his part
to do every thing candid - You will please exculpate yourself to him
& tell him no such report was spread with our knowledge or consent &
that we very much disapprove of the same.
Were we to have made him answerable for all the reports
that have been spread to our prejudice by people on his side of the
question it would make a long account, but that charge we do not now
make.
Please inform Mr Thomas of Truro that I have received
his letter which shall be communicated to Mr Boulton who is now in
London & that till then I cannot send any answer.
I mean to go for London to night or tomorrow &
remain Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/4/65 Letter, Boulton & Watt to Wilson regarding
engine at Tincroft, and various other matters Item
1 folio
Manuscript
30 May 1791
Endorsed:
Boulton & Watt May 30 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''wrote May 30
rece[ive]d June 1 1791'' [this previous line being written by Thomas
Wilson]
''Dear Sir
We are now both together & have read over your letters
of the 14th, 20th, 25th In[stan]t.
As Mr Richards says he cannot give you leave to inspect the Engine
at Tin Croft we beg you will write a letter to the Comp[an]y of
Adventurers of that mine requesting their permission and inform us
of the answer.
As to Poldice we must wait the time you mention under the
satisfaction of haveing been more generous to them than they seem
disposed to be towards us.
If W[hea]l Butson agreements are not executed please to get them
executed & sent to us.
With respect to ye Engine for Stamping it shall be considerd and
calculated so soon as we get home, but we believe you have got some
memorandums & Calculations that we made upon that head some years
ago.
As to the Spanish order you must send the Sum of the weights to Mr
de Tastet in London but the Invoice of the price & particulars send
to us. N:B: each pieces must be markd with White Lead & oyl BWS &
Numberd C No1_C No2 & so on The goods should all be blacked with
Linseed oyl & burnt Lamp black & when dry must carefully be wrapt up
in Hay Ropes to prevent damage - Your Invoice to be sent to us, must
contain the names & weights of the pieces corresponding to the
several Marks.
Make the Bill of Lading deliverable to our order & send it to us
& then you need not write de Tastet at all''
[the handwriting
of the above is that of Matthew Boulton, the following is in the
hand of James Watt]
''In respect to
N[orth]. Downs Mr B[oulton]. does not recollect the promise,
therefore we must search our letter books & in the mean time shall
be obliged to you to learn what you recollect of it & what their
expectations are.
Mr Rey[nol]ds letter about his encroachment contributes to fix our
opinions of him, as a man who covets that which is his neighbours -
In respect to the Hornblowers we are taking all the steps in our
power for we are determined to go on though it be leisurely.
But we want some kind of drawing & description of the Engine which
can be sworn to, and if the adventurers do not grant an inspection
evidence must be taken of that and drawings & description of such
particulars as are known & evident made out & sworn to before a
master in chancery, but we shall send more full directions for that
purpose soon. J[ames]W[att] proposes going home on friday & we
remain
Dear Sir
Your's
sincerely
Boulton & Watt
best Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson''
AD1583/4/66 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
premium withheld by United Mines, also various engines Item
1 folio
Manuscript
9 Jun 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Watt June 9 1791
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m June 9th 1791
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I have yours of the 2[n]d. The united Mines
have not wrote that I know of, please therefore at their next
acc[oun]t to ask a written answer giving the reasons why they
withhold our premium, and if that is not complied with the money
must be formaly demanded by a lawyer, who must take down their
answers in writing before witnesses - I have not been able since I
came home to look over Mr B[oulton']s letters about what he said to
N[orth]. Downs but as soon as I can do that shall write them.
Gregory returns you many thanks in which we all Join for
the poney, which we had no intention of promising you to make him a
present of, & it would please me better if you would still accept of
payment for it. I shall write to Mr Holbrook to send it by the
waggon as I see no other method at present of fetching it. - Mr
B[oulton] & Mr Hurd are both at London still.
Poldice double, Wheal Maid, & Ale & Cakes now seem much
better than usual & most of the rest worse is there no mistakes this
last month - With comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson I remain D[ea]r Sir
Yours sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/4/67 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
the mines should deal with Wilson direct Item
1 folio
Manuscript
27 Jun 1791-29 Jun 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Watt June 27 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m June 27th 1791
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
Yours of the 11th & 15th both before us.
In regard to the united Mines, there is a difference between
delaying an answer, when a present is asked, and when a reason is
demanded, why a contract is not fulfilled; besides as they have
always you, our agent to apply to there seems little occasion for
our writing at all & indeed such uses are made of our letters that
in future we shall write very few to any of the Mines but instruct
you & refer them to you, We have never yet received Mr Beauchamps
letter - In respect to Poldice, we do not chuse to say any thing at
present about an abatement, The mine has not lost any money yet
since it was white washed, & is as we apprehend far from being in
distress. It ought also to be remembered that what we alone
have given up to that mine, was sufficient to have built the Engine
& that it is reasonable now, that we should have some return for our
trouble & for our forbearance. It seems very curious that any
person's making an encroachment on us should make others imagine
that they are thereby absolved from their contracts, they may & will
we hope find the contrary the case - In the mean time we are very
sorry for your situation but cannot help it. If they offer in
payment any thing less than our full demand please to take it & give
them a receipt on account.
As the Consols have charged last month we have nothing
to say to them at present unless there are some other arrears -
shall be glad to hear how seal hole Engine goes on, strokes, coals
&c.
The Spanish Goods are much wanted, I hope they have been
carefully done to dimensions - Wheal Butson goods are at last gone
off for Bristol - Please wait Mr Richards return instead of calling
a meeting of the other adventurers, & as soon as you can, send us
such information as you have collected, We have employed 5 lawyers
of one sort & another, but it will take time & trouble to instruct
them, that once done we shall attack those that trespass against us
one by one until we get through them or they conquer us.
I am much obliged to you for your care about the poney
but had heard nothing from Mr Holbrook lately - With Comp[limen]ts
to Mrs Wilson I remain
Dear Sir
Your's
sincerely
James Watt
June 29th this
letter being omitted sending off, I have opened it to acknowledge
the receipt of yours of 25th Covering 3 Bills value £554. 0
[shillings]. 1 [pence] to your credit.
I shall immediately set about the calculations for the Stamps though
I am very little capable of that or other exertion from stupefying
headaches I have every day.
I wish you may
be able to sell one of C[hace]. water engines it would be a good
thing.
The poney is come to Bristol''
AD1583/4/68 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
United Mines, Poldice and Tincroft Item
1 folio
Manuscript
7 Jul 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Watt July 7 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m July 7th 1791
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We have your's of ye 3rd covering bill value
£61. 5 [shillings]. 7 [pence] to account, I have not yet examined
the invoice - We have not heard from united Mines, but as we do not
chuse instantly to declare war, you had better go without Mr
Edwards to their account & repeat your demand for the money due,
giving in the account & desiring them to take notice, that you now
formaly demand payment in our name, & then immediately with draw
having first written down their answer & read it to them. If they do
not do something effectual by next account, then you may send
Mr Edwards. Nothing can be more insidious than the Conduct at
Poldice, however we shall not fall into the trap, please look after
any unfair charges they may bring in, Mr Thomas letter lies on the
table to be answered first quiet day - Do you mean Tincroft 9
bushels in 24 hours or in 12. In taking account of R[adstoke?]s
Engine they should be aware that they may be deceived & that it is
no more clear of us than the other - Stamps may be applied to the
Engine in various ways, but it is necessary to remark that every
separate Shaft or axis must have its own fly other wise it will
break the Connecting pieces as we have experienced in fulling mills,
once the disposition is settled we shall consider the proper
velocity of the Shafts that is to say whether they should have one
two or 3 wipers to each head; But we should in the mean time have
answer whether they will erect one two or 3 Engines.
The Poney came safe but very lean and much tired, he has
swelled his belly well since we got him he is beautifully shaped &
very gentle, we are much obliged to you for the present.
With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson I remain
Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/4/69 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
the riot in Birmingham Item
1 folio
Manuscript
20 Jul 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Watt July 20th 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m July
20th 1791
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We have had an effective Mob here none of
your shilly shally Cornish Mobs, You will see by the papers some of
the execution they have done, We have luckily escaped, though we
have no doubt we were objects of their fury, On sunday we packed up
some of our Cloaths & valuables expecting a visit on Monday, but
some Military arrived on Sunday night which prevented them. At Soho
we were armed, our men promised to stand by us & would have given
them a warm reception but we could scarcely have defended our
houses. We are worn out with anxiety & fatigue therefore shall not
answer any of your letters, indeed I cannot think upon business,
till matters subside, the mischief done is very great, above
£100000 Some of the rioters are taken & many more known, but the
infernal instigators are still behind the screen.
It seems originaly to have been a plot to exterminate all
dissenters, but soon became one to demolish every house where
plunder was to be had.
The soveraignty of the people was established for
3 days & 3 nights without constraint but I assure you we did not
like their Majesties Government.
We beg to be remembered to Mrs Wilson & remain
Dear Sir
Yours sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/4/70 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
man needed for Thames head, also riots and other matters Item
1 folio
Manuscript
27 Jul 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Watt July 27 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m July 27th 1791
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
You would see by my last that we were safe
though we had a narrow escape, I doubt much whether the Doctor has
had enough of the rights of men to serve for a warning, at least his
bretheren are as hot upon it as ever, & were the soldiers taken away
now we should have another mob, there was some of these miscreants
set about pulling down a chapel on Monday night last at Wednesbury,
two of whom are taken & in prison.
I am glad you have sold the Engine to the Manor; but do
not understand how you can furnish new material at 30 p[e]r Cent
discount, unless Wilkinson serves you cheaper than he does us. We
have written to Bersham with the dimensions of the apertures for the
nozles. We have got the drawings made first for Poldice No.3 in
which the beam is divided as you desire; which will either come with
This by coach. The only thing it seems material to alter from these
drawings is the beam for which if drawing is wanted we shall send
it, & as you have chains think it may be made with arches though
stayed in the new manner - It will be absolutely necessary to have a
deed from the Manor, as the cylinder is altered to a 64 otherwise,
the Chacewater deed, if there was one might have been assigned.
We have at length received a letter from Captain G.
Simmons, asking an abatement instead of answering ours, we shall
write him tomorrow but it will only be to desire him to apply to you
to whom we shall write at same time.
I mentioned to you before, that a good position would be wanted at
Thames head, to set the pumps in a pit, proposed to be 60 or 70 feet
deep, at present 38 feet & to attend during the sinking the pit, the
pumps are 26 inches in ye working barrel, & we hope the pit will be
very watery as it is to supply a canal, if you can hear of a proper
person please advise James Black Esq[ui]r[e] No38 Mincing lane
London of his terms & when he will be at liberty I think it will be
2 or 3 months before he is wanted as the Engine is not yet put
together, however say nothing of that to Mr Black.
I remain
D[ea]r Sir
Your's sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/4/71 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
abatements, and losses incurred by the mines Item
1 folio
Manuscript
28 Jul 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Watt July 28 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho July 28th 1791
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We send you enclosed our answer to United Mines, which
cannot be pleasing, but we cannot betray our own interest by putting
up with such arbitrary proceedings whatever may have been the state
of the mine.
We certainly never in any case became in any way
responsible for the mines being profitable nor do the payments due
to us at all depend upon the profits of the mine, for had there been
the old Engines upon it they certainly would have consumed the coals
profit or not. The only way in which we can be considered as being
interested, is in the continuance of the mine, and therefore we
ought to be satisfied that the losses are such as must determine the
adventurers to stop the mine, before we make abatements. Our
feelings for the adventurers, & our wish to obtain their good will
have in many cases made us make abatements in circumstances not so
very pressing, but we can never be brought to that by bad usage, &
besides experience has shewn us that it is in vain to hope for the
good will of some people from any concessions. It ought not to be
forgot that in a former case a concession was extorted by false
pretences at a time when the state of the Mine did not authorize it.
In the present case we will act as you shall advise us, or rather we
shall authorize you to do so, for we will not write to any mine
after the unfair uses which have been made of our letters nor should
you write to them, though you should speak from a written memorandum
in your book. In any event please to watch over your words & your
temper.
Last night we sent off p[e]r Coach drawings for the
manor with a letter from me which I wish safe to hand.
In respect to the Spanish Iron work, had it come nearer
to the weights calculated we should have been better able to have
made you an allowance on the price, but at same time if you ought to
have 6d [pence] p[e]r pound we shall allow it, as we wish you to
gain by it.
The post is going therefore must refer farther answers
till to morrow & remain
Your's &c
J Watt''
AD1583/4/72 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
premiums and abatements for various mines Item
1 folio
Manuscript
30 Jul 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Watt July 30 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m July 30th 1791
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We are favoured with yours of ye 26th covering bill
value £331. 13 [shillings]. 1 [penny] to your credit, we wrote you
on Thursday covering letter to G. Simmons in answer to the request
of united mines, but forgot to desire you among other things to put
them in mind that we had passed over in silence their additional
Cylinder to one of the Engines, though we could not help considering
their taking that step without our consent, as a disrespectful
manner of treating us, & what neither law nor Equity could justify
there in, & which we shall avail ourselves of in case of a contest.
- In respect to Tin Croft adv[enture]rs if they do not write to you
please to take no notice of it to them, when we have got the opinion
of counsel we shall know better how to deal with them. In respect to
the over costs at Poldice I need give no directions, it is evident
it cannot be called the running costs of the mine.
In respect of N[orth]. Downs Mr B[oulton]. can recollect no other
positive promise made them, than that if they Stopt, till there was
sales for the Copper produced, we should give them up the forking of
each Engine, now we will do more we shall give up the premium till
all the Engines now at work are in fork, provided that they make no
unnecessary delays in that business.
In relation to the 20 Fathoms taken off the agreement
will point out what is to be deducted on that account I shall
examine it but have not time this post, as to other abatements we
can say nothing at present.
In respect to Wheal Jewel you must be best judge whether
we should accept of ye £5. 10 [shillings] single & £10 double or
take £8. 8 [shillings] on the average as it must depend on the time
it is likely to be worked single, therefore do as you please & make
the best bargain you can. However take care that the taking the £8.
8 [shillings] may not be construed into a precedent for others, &
have the bargain upon Stamps, otherwise we may be ousted.
We approve of your sale of the Tin & remain
Dear Sir
Your's
Sincerely
James Watt.
I mean to look
over N[orth]. Downs agreement this afternoon & I shall probably
write for tomorrows post therefore need say nothing on te subject
till then''
AD1583/4/73 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
request to John Wilkinson for a cylinder for Chacewater Item
1 folio
Manuscript
11 Aug 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Aug[us]t 11 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall.
''Birm[ingha]m Aug[us]t 11th 1791
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
In answer to yours of ye 7th, we think that our writing
to Mr Wilkinson will produce no good, as he is acting very oddly in
respect to us.
We think you should write him to the following purport
''I repeat that the Cylinder now wanted is not for Poldice but for
Chacewater Adv[enture]rs who will pay for the same when due - They
have nothing to do with Poldice as you know but I shall upon your
account take care that the old cylinder be sent you by conveyance -
As the Cylinder now ordered is immediately wanted & we are under
Contract for it I beg you will immediately put it in hand; but if
that is not agreeable to you as the Cylinder must be had, I
request you will forward the enclosed to the Coalbrook Dale
Comp[an]y hoping however you will execute it yourself I shall also
be obliged to you to advise in course how you dispose of the order
that we may not be disapointed.''
You will then send inclosed an order to the Coalbrook
dale Company for the goods wanted & refer them to us for
particulars. You may say to Mr W[ilkinson]. that nothing but
necessity would have made you take this step which you are sensible
may have bad effects, & will be disagreeable to us as well as
yourself. - (post pay your letter to him).
You will please attend at United Mines acc[oun]t and
hear what they have to say - I thought no good would come of the
setting N[orth]. Downs to work, and matters will be made still worse
by the Letting on Hallamanin for which Sir Christopher is making up
a Comp[an]y in which we have agreed to take a small share.
I remain in haste Dear Sir
Your's Sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/4/74 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
advertisement concerning examination of the engine at Tin Croft Item
1 folio
Manuscript
13 Aug 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Aug[u]st 13 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m Aug[us]t 13th 1791
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
The advertisement you sent is a very Contemptible one
and it is uncertain whether any notice ought to be taken of it or
not. You will please to procure several Copies of the Newspaper
entire, because the Advertisement contains an acknowlegement that we
have actualy been refused an examination, no matter by whom.
If any answer is printed we think, at present, it
would be to the following purport - Seeing it stated by an
advertisement in your paper of the [blank] that the reports of
B[oulton]&W[att]s agents being refused By Messrs Hornblower &
Winwood an examination of the Engine at Tin Croft, were false, and
having been accused at public meetings as the propogator of such
reports, I think it necessary in my own vindication to state, that
these Gentlemen did indeed consent that B&Ws agents should examine
the Engine but on their arrival there at the appointed time, were
refused a particular examination of the contested parts by the
Capt[ain]s on the mine & that after repeated applications to the
adv[enture]rs to the same purpose no consent on their part has yet
been obtained, Consequently I think myself fully justifiable in
saying now that B[oulton]&W[att]s agents have actually been
hindered from making a particular examination of Tin Croft Engine,
at whose instigation this has been done I do not take upon me to say
whatever I may think.
In respect to the remainder of the advertisement I shall
only say, that I apprehend the boasted proofs of priorities of
inventions will not prove so easy, as is held out. The merits of the
engine I leave to the public to decide upon & the decision of the
rights to a jury.
This you will please to consider upon & let us have your
opinion - The advertisement you send we shall lay before our Council
to see if any good use can be made of it. It must to every thinking
man appear a weak meanly evasive paper & the refusal of an
examination is a very good thing, as it sets their cause in a bad
light - Keep your ears open & learn all you can.
Your's Sincerely
J Watt''
AD1583/4/75 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
Wilkinson's agreeing to make the cylinder for Chacewater Item
1 folio
Manuscript
20 Aug 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Aug[u]st 20 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m Aug[us]t 20th 1791
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We have yours of the 17th with accounts & covering Bill
£179. 10 [shillings] to your credit.
Yesterday rec[eive]d letter from Mr Wilkinson in which he sends
account of the new Cyl[inde]r furnished Poldice in 1787 value £150.
- . - & adds ''On receipt of your favour dated ye 10th I determined
to make the Cylinder as ordered by Mr Wilson but the shipping
of it depends upon a remittance for the above cylinder, or a return
& delivery at Chester of the Cylinder replaced by the above - Our
friend Wilson has often been reminded of the above now 4 years old,
he was sponsor for the agreement & it is time to be performed'' On
second thoughts I thought it best to write him, that you had wrote
to me & that I had advised you to write him once more & if He then
refused to use your discretion as to ordering it from somebody else
to which the above was answer, now I think you should write him that
it may not be in your power to return the Cylinder before the other
is wanted, but that you pledge yourself, that it shall be done per
first opportunity, and in the meantime you should let Poldice mine
know that if the old cylinder is not immediately returned, that Mr
Wilkinson will make them pay for the one they have in use, In short
I cannot help, considering them as highly blameable for their
neglect.
In respect to our claim on poldice you know our mind, we
can by no means come into the agreement proposed.
The behaviour of the consols has been such, that they
deserve no mercy, nor would we even to save the mine grant them any,
without some other consideration relative to our own interest, &
that we cannot Judge of here, we must therefore be ruled in great
measure by your advice.
In respect to Mr Thomas and N[orth]. Downs you must
manage as well as you can & if you think farther allowances
necessary please to make them not going too far.
Mr Edwards was so kind as to send us Mr Thomas the Horners
advert[isemen]t for which please return him our sincere thanks -
We think that any answer to that advertisement may with
propriety be delayed without you find yourself called upon by people
of respectability & those may be best answered by word of mouth.
I intended to have wrote more but have been most
miserably interrupted & have lost my ideas - I am exceedingly sorry
to hear of your bad health, do you take proper care of yourself &
are you moderate in eating & drinking.
With best comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson
Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James
Watt''
AD1583/4/76 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
request for permission to examine Tincroft engine, etc Item
1 folio
Manuscript
8 Sep 1791
''Birm[ingha]m
Sep[tembe]r 8th 1791
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
Yours of the 4th received covering 2 Bills value £145. -
to Credit C[ornish].M[etal].Co[mpany], also yours of 17,18.-& 24th
Aug[u]st. In regard to united mines we must persist also until they
make a proper acknowlegement of their ill manners to us, you will
therefore please attend their account expostulate with them & repeat
your demand, if they make a proper apology and you can assure us the
mine is realy in distress we may be tempted to make them some
concession put them in mind that they obtained an Abatement on
unfair representation once before which we cannot forget, though we
may forgive, if they refuse rudely tell them that though very
unwilling we must assert our right, & that you now inform them that
you must make the demand in a more formal way & hope thus they will
be prepared with an answer. In respect to Bull he must for the
present take his swing, ten to one but he makes a very bad affair of
it by dint of improvements & I mistake if his employers will have
any mercy -
We shall attend to the Wheel work for Wheal Jewel
engine. In respect to men they are not to be had for love nor money.
We have 10 engines to erect this year & only 2 or 3 men to erect
them, Ja[me]s Law has been disabled these 3 months by a broken leg,
Others are turned out wasters and others gone off trade is so brisk
in every branch that we cannot get even Common Smiths, nor
carpenters. Mr B[oulton]. has got some very large orders for Copper
coin & ready money paid down he will want much tough Cake - By your
account of Wheal Crenver they have not much to plead upon their
being short of the extent of their power - I hope you will be able
to manage matters with Mr Donithorne.
We had a meeting with one of our council here he advises
if possible to avoid going to law but if we do, that we should
repeat our desire to Tincroft ad[venture]rs for an inspection of
their Engine and urge that we certainly should not ask any thing
that could materialy inconvenience them that the inspection could be
made upon a Saturday & concluded in a few hours. In case such a
thing should be asked and granted in order to avoid unnecessary
trouble & expense, we should at once send our friends from London to
view it with you & Mr Murdock, and the time should be kept as
private as possible, that you may not again have a mob. I however do
not yet impower you to make the demand as I cannot find an
Opportunity of consulting Mr B[oulton]. his thoughts & time being
almost wholy directed to this coining business.
If a refusal should be given when the demand is made, or at any rate
it would be well to learn whether the Hornblowers had any hand in
it, for the adv[enture]rs could be called as witnesses against them.
If you obtain any other information concerning that Engine please
transmit it as we are now instructing Council to obtain their formal
opinion on the propriety & method of proceeding.
We have so much business now & intermixed with vexatious
circumstances, thus I cannot write you so often as I wish or should
do & my very existence is a burthen to me.
With best Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson I
remain
Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James
Watt''
AD1583/4/77 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
an order from a foreign state for coin, and need for copper Item
1 folio
Manuscript
8 Sep 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton Sep[tembe]r 8 1791
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol
''Soho Sep[tember] 8 – 1791
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
Dear Sir
This letter I write to you in Confidence that you will
not use it to my disadvantage but on the contrary to my advantage.
Know then that I have a large order for a foreign state for
Coin & am in want of one hundred Ton of Copper or say 25 Ton every
fortnight but if this was known to some of your neighbours it would
soon be known to those who would endeavour to counteract me or lay
every difficulty in my way of getting Copper.
I have some reason to complain of a certain little man who
ought to have sent regular orders & remittances to you & not to have
let that Copper have gone into Will[ia]mss hands which ought to have
come into ours & now I come to apply for ♀ [the alchemical symbol
for copper] to my own Warehouse I am told there is only 5 Tons of
Tough Cake & that is already promised to one of my opponants who is
coining for Macclesfield Co[mpany].
I have this day wrote Mr Edwards for some as I know all he can, or
you can, furnish, will not be enough; & you two are the only persons
I can look to - Send me word what you can furnish me with, every
fortnight for 2 Months & I will send you the Money for it all, or
any part, by the return of the Post; as I have 15 Thousand pounds
lying in Matthews's hands for that purpose.
I shall leave the price to you but hope youl be able to let me have
it at the price you serve Williams minus the interest of the Money
for the difference of Cred[i]t and as He & my little partner are
always pimping to see where all the Copper goes to, which comes up
our navigation I think it would be proper to adress it to Mr Keir at
his Works at Tipton near Bilston in Staffordshire who uses a good
deal of Copper & who may serve to Cloak the transaction from pimping
Eyes - pray let me know if there hath been any Copper lately sent by
you to B[oulton]&H[urd] of the Rolling kind.
You had better convert the best Copper into tough Cake rather
than into Shot for Brass making & I think you might make more tough
Cake by remelting Common tyle & throughing out the Sulphur by Iron &
the Iron by lead & lastly well fire it & well pole it.
Pray advise & assist me all in your power in this want of
Copper & youl oblige your
faithfull freind
M: Boulton
dont delay one
Post instructing Holbrook what to do & me what I am to depend on''
AD1583/4/78 Letter, Boulton & Watt to Wilson regarding
payments from United Mines, and of need for rolling cake Item
1 folio
Manuscript
12 Sep 1791
Endorsed:
Boulton & Watt Sep[tembe]r 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho 12 Sep[tember] 1791
Dear Sir
Yours of the 8th is rec[ei]vd. We beg you will attend
the next acc[oun]t at the United Mines, & take Mr Edw[ar]ds - say
little else than that you wait upon them to receive the Money they
wish to pay B[oulton]&W[att] & when rec[ei]vd & pocketed, give them
a rec[eip]t for the Sum on Acc[oun]t which they may accept or refuse
but don't refund. - If they say they will not pay any untill you
have signd a rec[eip]t in full. you may then call in Mr Edw[ar]ds
evidence to prove that you offer as our Agent to receive the money
or any part of it which they owe to us but do not give a re[ceip]t
in full.
The inclosed is wrote in answ[e]r to one rec[ei]vd this day
from G Simmons who says, in his of ye 30 Aug[us]t ''The
adv[enture]rs have orderd me to pay you the Money that chargd only &
lying in my hands since Jan[uar]y last. Circumstances prevents them
from offering more; nor can they assign any other reasons than those
already given
Y[ou]rs G:S:''
Any elaps of time will not weaken our right or Claim Youl
please to attend to what Mr W[at]t said in his last & if you cannot
get any Money from them then say you must leave it to them & us to
settle & depend on it we will do them & our Selves Justice, We are
w[i]th regard
Your's sincerely
Boulton
& Watt
Mr Boulton begs
Mr Wilson would advise him how he can get one or two Hundred Ton of
tough Rolling Cake as he cant go on with his Coinage for want. The
10 Ton sent by Mr Edwards as all rolld so thin as to be of no use in
B[oulton].s present orders.
B[oulton]: is willing to pay money down in case he can get ye ♀
[the alchemical symbol for copper] & he fears if he applys to
W[illia]ms he will increase his difficulties pray send me all you
can''
[the handwriting
is that of Matthew Boulton]
AD1583/4/79 Letter, Watt and Boulton to Wilson regarding
cylinder for Cooks Kitchen, and supplies of copper Item
1 folio
Manuscript
19 Sep 1791
''Birm[ingha]m Sep[tembe]r 19th 1791
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We have yours of 15th & shall immediately write to
Bersham, about the dimensions of new Cylinder &c for Cooks Kitchen -
Query will the same dimensions of boiler steam pipe do that was at
Wheal Treasury or do you want any alterations. We propose the
condenser out of doors as was there and with 2 pumps only we shall
enlarge the air pump a little? - Are you to make the piston rod or
are we to get it for you? Are we to get any thing done for the Beam
or is it all to be done with you, Please be explicit in all you want
us to do - We note the other contents of your letter but cannot
reply this post.
Your's sincerely
James
Watt''
[next page]
''Dear Sir
I have this morn[in]g rec[ei]vd & answerd a letter from
Mr Townend in which he offers to deliver to B[oulton]&H[ur]d 60 Ton
at 5£ more than our Contract viz 80£ to which I have answ[er]d that
I am willing to take 60 Ton at 80 & pay down all the Money allowing
you 2 Mo[nths] to deliver it in. But as Mr Hurd is no ways
interested in my Manufacture I cannot receive any part of the 60 Ton
of copper on B[oulton]&H[ur]d acc[oun]t as Hurd w[oul]d naturally
expect a profit on it, & it would probably get me into a dispute
with him w[hi]ch I wish to avoid - As B[oulton]&H[urd] had no tough
Cake to sell in ye beginning of the Summer I lent them 20 Ton which
I now want but they have non to pay with - I can't see Hurd of some
days as his Father dyed yesterday & he is ill in consequence of his
close attention.
I beg it to be understood that I will draw a distinct Line between
Soho & Birm[in]g[ha]m Warehouse & buy my * [see below]
Matt[he]w Boulton wants to buy Copper for himself but will not buy
any for B & Hurd & if I cannot buy it one way I know how to buy it
by another, with ready Money - It doth not appear to me that you are
selling your Copper for more to W[illia]ms than to us (B & Hd) when
Cred[i]t & Int[eres]t is Calculated. however as I offer 5£ a Ton
more than I think it may be got & I hope from the Yorkshire Co[mpany].
I am in hast D[ea]r Sir
Yours sincerely
M
Boulton
* Copper where I
please without any regard to B[oulton] & H[ur]d''
AD1583/4/80 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
problems with the Boulton & Hurd partnership Item
1 folio
Manuscript
21 Sep 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton Sep[tembe]r 21 1791
Addressed to: Mr T. Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, By Bristol
''Dear Sir
I have this mom[en]t rec[ei]vd yours of ye 18th
In[stan]t & observe with Surprise that Mr Hurd hath orderd the
Copper, prep[ar]d by you to be deliverd by Mr Williams when Mr H[urd]
knows I am in great want. I believe I before told you that I lent
B[oulton]&H[urd] 20 Ton of Copper the begining of the summer & now
when I send for it back I am told that there is but 5 Ton in ye
Warehouse & that is promised to Westwood (my opponant).
I perhaps expressd my Self improper in my letter to Mr Townend &
intend writing to him again to shew him the Sourse of the Warmth of
my feelings & the allusions of my expressions least he should not
distinguish between my & Mr H[ur]d - He hath been playing a Sly game
& I wish to get Copper independant of him or W[illia]ms - I saw
W[illia]ms on Monday in his road to Anglesey & not knowing how to
get ♀ [the alchemical symbol for copper] I agreed to take of him 50
Ton & he accordingly orderd Dagley who was present to send it to me
but it mortifyd me much to be obliged to pay him 82 which is a piece
of management between him & Hurd.
I can't speak to H[ur]d at present as his Father lyes dead in the
House. I should be happy to be independant of both & wish you would
supply me with 60 Ton or any other quantity I will take it by 20 Ton
p[e]r Mo[nth] & pay you down now 60 Ton x 80£ = 4800 pound or double
the Money if youl deliver me double the Copper so that I could steer
Clear of B[oulton]&H[ur]d.
My principal motive for Contracting with you was to secure to my
Self 70 or 100 Ton a Year for my Manuf[actor]y but Mr H[urd]. hath
been to sharp for me & has been selling Copper to Will[iam]s - Time
now will not allow me to investigate this business however dont part
w[i]th ye Copper to W[illia]ms but let me have it.
Adieu
Y[ou]rs sinc[ere]ly
M
Boulton
Soho
Sep[tember] 21 - 1791''
AD1583/4/81 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
Hurd's order for Holbrook to send copper to Williams Item
1 folio
Manuscript
22 Sep 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton 22 Sep[tembe]r 1791
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol
''Dear Sir
I wrote to you yesterday, after which I went to Mr Hurd
for an explaination of the orders he sent to Holbrook to deliver the
40 Ton of Cake to W[illia]ms which orders he had sent without my
knowledge or consent otherwise I should have put a stop to it.
I have not seen Mr Williams this Year untill Monday last, nor
had any correspondence with him But Mr H[ur]d hath had many private
Conferances & in order to prevent his (W[illiam]s) opening another
Warehouse at Birm[in]g[ha]m he hath enterd into an agreem[en]t with
him to furnish him with all ye Copper B[oulton]&H[urd] can spare at
a certain price proportiond to the Cred[i]t given.
I do not remember what ye price is as Mr H[ur]d keeps all Letters &
agreem[en]ts at his own house as he takes ye trouble of Conducting
that business & I suppose would be very angry at my divulging
Secrets:
However in all conversations with H[ur]d upon ye Copper trade it was
always understood that 70 Tons of tough Cake was to be reservd for
my own use & it was not kind in him to order Holbrook to deliver so
much to Mr W[illia]ms without consulting me. - particularly as I
find he hath orderd the Cakes to be cast of such a thickness as will
not answer for my Rolls. The size I want them must be 15 by 10 or
10½ Inches & about one Inch thick or say from 45 to 50 lb a Cake & I
beg you will order as much as you can Spare for Boulton & Hurd to be
made of that size & sent as soon as possible to Birmingham & I will
settle with him about possession. As I perceive you cannot furnish
any but what must be on acc[oun]t of B & Hurd & that too at an
advanced price I will not add to the intricacy of ye Case between
you & Mr H[ur]d in promoting any deviation from the Contract
particularly as I think you & him do not see this business in the
same point of View - The funeral of his Father will take place
tomorrow & I suppose he will return to business next week I will
then endeavour to dispell the Mist & ye Mystery of his proceedings.
In the Main time I must submitt to my disapointment & mitigate it by
every means I can devise I have 20 Thous[an]d £ ready to purchase
Copper & would pay it tomorrow for 250 Ton but for all I purchase at
a higher price than 80 I shall do it with a spareing hand as I think
the elaps of a little time will be favourable to my Views.
As I now see more Clearly what can or cannot be done in the
purchasing of ♀ [the alchemical symbol for copper] I will write a
line to Mr Townend upon the subject, not receeding from any thing I
have offerd,
I expect Mr Edwards here tomorrow perhaps he may assist me a little
& but little I expect.
All are well here & I remain
Dear Sir
Yours sincerely
Matt[he]w Boulton
Soho 22 Sep[tember]
1791
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson''
AD1583/4/82 Letter, Boulton to Wilson requesting detailed advice on the
purchase and smelting of copper Item
1 folio and 1 sheet
Manuscript
24 Sep 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton 24 Sep[tembe]r 1791
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol
''Mr Tho[ma]s
Wilson
Soho 24th Sep[tembe]r 1791
Dear Sir
I have just seen your letter to Mr Watt in w[hi]ch you
mention a Meeting about ye end of this or beginning of ye next Month
at Bristol I will certainly meet you there on any day you will
appoint but I am fearfull I shall not be able to prevail on Mr Watt
to accompany me. however I will use my best interest to prevail on
him.
I wish to have a personal Conversation with you about Copper as
I feel my self awkwardly circumstanced in that branch. The order I
have undertaken is a very considerable one provided I can purchase
Copper at 80 with money to be paid down now & the Copper may be
deliverd in 3 or 4 Months & some even at a greater distance of time.
The fact is fixt the terms upon a supposition that I could buy with
money p[ai]d down at 80 for when I consider that We sell Williams's
♀ [the alchemical symbol for copper] at 84 & that we have a
Commission of 2£ a Ton & that he pays also Car[ria]g[e] expenses &
100£ a Year for Warehous rent & that he keeps a dead Stock & is paid
at the end of every 3 Mo[nths] in a Bill at 2 Mo[nths] I say when
those are compared with those I offer I ought certainly to buy it at
80 and if I cannot buy it at that I shall use only half the quantity
intended & adopt another plan less favourable to the ♀ Trade of this
Country. I certainly think my self not kindly used by my ♀ partner
whom I have permitted to act as he pleases in Sales, Orders,
Contracts &c as I had not the least doubt of his securing for my
seperate use 70 Ton a Year according to my origenal agreement.
If I take Copper from you at 80 & that is deemed part of B[oulton]&H[urd]s
Contract he (H) will say that the Contract he hath made affords to
B&H a profit of 4£ a Ton & that I must add that sum to the price I
give you in order to indemnify B&H. Necessity hath obliged me to
take 50 Ton of W[illia]ms at 82 but if he would have sold me 150 or
200 Ton more at 80 for money now p[ai]d down I would have taken it.
I wish you would consent to let B[oulton]&H[ur]d have as much tough
Cake in the next 3 Mo[nths] or 4 as you can spare on Acc[oun]t of
their Contract of 200 Ton & you may keep back from them next Year as
much as will ballance the Acc[oun]t. Suppose I was to buy ores in
Cornwall could you not Smelt them for me?
do turn your thoughts around & see if you cannot assist me in
Contriving some means of laying out a larger sum than I have ever
mentiond to you in Copper at 80 (hard Cash) If I can buy at 80 I can
take a large quantity but if I cannot I shall not use one Quarter.
In my last letter to Mr Townend I mentiond that S[i]r
C[hristopher] Hawkins was going to set Hallemaning to work upon a
Plan equaly as favourable for Adventurers out of the County, as for
those in the County, & that all Cornish raskaly Customs would be
abolished in the working of That Mine & that Mr Watt & self intended
to take some shares But in a letter I rec[ei]vd this day Mr Townend
declines being a Miner. And in ye same letter he says he leaves to
you the decission upon my offers which he seems inclinable to accept
& to accomodate me provided it could be done without breach of
Contract.
I have an offer of more than 2000 Ton of Copper at a very low
price but it must & may be refind so as to pay very well but however
I had rather buy English ♀
Since writing the foregoing I have receivd your fav[o]r of ye 21st
In[stan]t for which I am very much obliged to you. I approve of your
sending the 20 Ton to Pritchard & Barlow of which please to advise
me alone & I will settle the business w[i]th H[ur]d as soon as he is
Vissible & write you ye result. The more ♀ you can get me the
better: as my wants are larger than I intimated & the more you get
the more you will oblige me. Tell me by ye return what sum I shall
send you & I will send it directly - I have since been considering
about the Rolling of your thick Cakes & I believe I can Rolle them
although I had rather have them of the size I mentiond in my letter
of ye 22[n]d In[stan]t.
Your good advice in your last shall be my guide in every
particular & I will tell you ye result.
I had just wrote a letter to W[illia]ms & offerd to take 150 Ton
more on certain terms but I think shall not send it to the post as
it may have the effect of bidding against my self I will therefore
suspend it till I see you at Bristol or till I hear from him I have
offerd to take of him & to allow him 3 or 4 Month to deliver it but
I had rather give you 80 for all you can furnish.
50 Ton at the price he asked 82
50 Ton at - 81
50 Ton at - 80
150 & to remit Him 12150 pounds}
with
kind respects to Mrs Wilson
I remain
D[ea]r Sir
Yours sinc[e]rly
Matt[he]w Boulton
By mistake I
began to write on a ¼ sheet''
AD1583/4/83 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
Cooks Kitchen Engine, Bristol meeting and letter from Bull Item
1 folio
Manuscript
26 Sep 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Sep[tembe]r 26 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m
Sep[tembe]r 26th 1791
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
In ans[we]r to y[ou]rs of 21st, we have
sent Gilpin full directions for Cooks Kitchen Engine, Boiler Steam
pipe same as Wheal treasury, that is for a Budge boiler.
Mr B[oulton]. proposes to attend the meeting at Bristol
but I fear he can make nothing of Vn. please give us timely
information when the meeting is to be & what you can learn of the
disposition of parties.
We have a long letter from Bull wanting us to permit him
to erect our engines to fulfil his contracts, but not to be subject
to you or Mr M[urdock]. We have not answered it yet but you know our
mind, please let this remain in your own breast!
These last two weeks I have not been so much perplexed
with business & my spurits are better in consequence Misfortunes are
always more dreadful to me in prospect than in retrospect, and
perplexity more so than Loss.
With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson I remain Dear Sir
Your's
sincerely
James Watt
an alteration
should be made in the wording of some parts of ye agreements which
we shall communicate -''
AD1583/4/84 Letter, Boulton & Hurd to Wilson regarding
deliveries of copper to them, and to Williams Item
1 folio
Manuscript
29 Sep 1791
Endorsed:
Boulton & Hurd 29 Sep[tembe]r 1791
Addressed to: Mr. T. Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, By Bristol
''Sir,
It appears by an Extract from your letter
of the 11th Ins[tan]t shewn us by Mr. Boulton that you think you
have a right to keep back 60 Tons of Copper out of the quantity you
have agreed to deliver to us for want of orders:
We therefore beg to have this point clear'd up and to
shew you our Ideas of this matter. -
We understood that your make was about 30 Tons p[e]r
Mo[nth] Twenty of which was to be sent to us (for 10 Mo[nths] in the
year) and the remainder to J[ohn]:W[illiams]: & this was clearly the
Letter, and Spirit of our agreement:- Now as Mr W. was greatly in
want of Copper & we were not at that time; We, for that reason
acquiessed in your delivering the whole to Mr W. for the 2nd, 3rd &
4th Month, not dreaming of forfeiting our right to any part of the
200 Tons; as your agreement with J:W: was only for the extra part
beyond the 200 Tons contracted for with us:- we therefore expect you
to deliver to us the whole 200 Ton per Annum either by 30 or more
tons p[er] Mo[nth] as suits best with your conveniency.-
As the Copper Co[mpany]. have benefited by the
deliveries at 5£ a Ton above our price; We hope you will not think
of takeing any advantages of a circumstance that has turned so much
to the advantage of your Co[mpany] -
If Mr W. hath had an extra quantity for the last 3
Mo[nths] he will certainly have no claim upon you of some months to
come; & as Mr Holbrooks last letter expresses a wish to have the
next 20 Ton also deliver'd to Mr W:- which by complying with from a
desire to oblige all partys surely you cannot think it just or
generous to refuse delivering any part of the quantity contracted
for upon that ground.- However before we consent for any more to be
deliver'd to Mr. Williams, in preference to us, we must have this
matter understood by both partys, & remain
Sir
Your obed[ien]t Serv[an]ts
M: Boulton
J: Hurd''
[the handwriting
of the letter is that of Mr Hurd, with the exception of Matthew
Boulton's signature]
AD1583/4/85 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
Wilson's contract with Boulton & Hurd Item
1 folio
Manuscript
29 Sep 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton Sep[tembe]r 30 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
“Soho
29th Sep[tembe]r 1791
Dear Sir
I rec[ei]vd yours of the 24th Once for all I beg you
will draw a distinct line between the conduct of B[oulton]&H[urd] &
that of M[atthew]:B[oulton]: as I fear there will be a
misunderstanding between you & the 1st party but I trust none will
ever happen between the latter.
I have not had it in my power to talk to Mr Hurd before last
night. when I communicated to him an Extract from your letter of ye
11th In which you say as follows
''According to our agreem[en]t w[i]th B&H they were to take a
Certain quant[it]y once a fortnight which has not been done for want
of orders & therefore we have a right to keep back 60 Ton & as we
have sold that quantity at 5£ a Ton more we have (as it happens) no
reason to complain & the less to B&H as its no fault of ours''
Upon reading ye above on a scrap of paper Mr H[urd] grew warm & said
he did not expect that he had to do with Sharpers & he immediately
dictated a letter which you will receive p[e]r next post. My
principal motive for entering into the Contract with you was to
render my self, in some degree, independant in regard to a supply of
Copper for my own private use; & as your Contr[ac]t only extends to
140 Ton of Cake I proposed to reserve half of it for my self. Some
time in June last Mr Hurd told me that he could make a sure Contract
w[i]th W[illia]ms for the sale of Copper to him & at the same time
reserve the Copper warehouse (for ye Sales of W[illia]ms Copper on
Commission) to our selves & thereby take off an opposition to our
sales. to this I give him my Consent on Condition he reservd for my
use 70 Ton which he said he could do either out of your Contract or
another. I was therefore satisfyd to leave it to him so that I got
my 70 Ton a Year. H[urd] hath accordingly enterd into a Contract
with W[illia]ms & I believe in his own name only, to furnish him
with 200 Ton a Y[ea]r for 2 Y[ea]rs trusting to another source for
giveing me my 70 Ton: But it now appears that between the 2 Stools
my brick is like to come to the ground & in that case I shall lay
violent hands on my Share of our Contract with you, as Mr H[urd]
hath I believe only signd for himself his own name only: But I hope
we shall be able to settle without war & yet I have my fears - I
claimed the 20 Ton you advised of but H[ur]d told me he had given
W[illia]ms an Invoice of it. However I wish I had it here I w[oul]d
then leave you & H[ur]d to squabble who should pocket the 5£ a Ton.
You say that the only use you wish to receive the money for, is that
you may divide 1800£ a little sooner & as you may not be disapointed
I send you herewith a Bill for 2000£ on W[illia]m Matthews at 21
Days after date & so soon as you have settled your dispute with B&H
(which I shall be neuter in) & can advise me that you will furnish
me with Copper to a greater amount I will send you a Bill for it I
am convinced of your good intentions to serve me & beg youl not
suffer any dispute w[i]th B&H to deminish those desires.
I am D[ea]r Sir
Yours sincerely
M: Boulton
I will write to
Holbrook
I can roll 2 In[ch] Cake but had rather have it 1In[ch] thick''
AD1583/4/86 Letter, Hurd to Wilson regarding
delivery of copper to Boulton & Hurd Item
1 folio
Manuscript
1 Oct 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Hurd Oct[obe]r 1 1791
Addressed to: Tho[ma]s Wilson Esq[ui]r[e], Truro, Cornwall
''Birmingham Oct[obe]r 1st 1791
Dear Sir.
Inclos'd you have a Bill for £1557. 2
[shillings]. 4 [pence] agreeable to your request in your favor of
the 12th ult[im]o.
I really cannot suppose you in earnest respecting the 60
Tons, therefore shall say but little on the subject - We were
serving the Company & obliging Mr. Williams to let you deliver to
him & surely we ought not to suffer for it - We now expect you will
deliver all you can to us for the next three months & none to Mr.
Williams - I am pretty certain he will not make the least objection;
indeed we have a right to claim it - If Holbrook wants orders or
directions any time I wish you would desire him to write to me.
I should have reply'd in due course to your favor of the
12th ult[im]o but a severe illness of my father's which ended with
the loss of him, prevented my attending to business for the last
month.
That you & yours may enjoy health, happiness & long life, is my
sincere wish, & hoping that we may go on in peace, quietness, &
without any misunderstanding, I
remain, Very sincerely Yours
J: Hurd
P:S - I have
just receiv'd your favor of the 28th ins[tan]t. I hope Holbrook has
not sent the Copper in to Bristol, but if he has I will give the
necessary orders - I expected an account from him before this of his
having in readiness 20 Tons more & wonder at receiving no advice
from him concerning it. -''
AD1583/4/87 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
supplies of copper Item
1 folio
Manuscript
1 Oct 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton Oct[obe]r 1 1791
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, by Bristol
''Soho Oct[obe]r 1[s]t 1791
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
Dear Sir
I have rec[eiv]d yours of t[h]e ye 28th
Sep[tembe]r. I have also rece[i]vd a letter from Holbrook advising
me of 20 Ton sent to Pritchard & Barlow to whom I have wrote to
forward it to Soho - I have also wrote Holbrook & desired him to
continue sending me untill he hath sent 100 Ton. I find Mr
W[illia]ms & Mr Hurd have agreed to advance the price of all Copper
4£ a Ton but Mr. H[urd] did not inform me untill this day when the
advance took place otherwise I should have layd in a Stock for my
Manufactures. B[oulton] & H[urd]: have an agreem[en]t w[i]th Mr
Edw[ard]s but H[urd]: want to make me pay the advance price for all
I have of it. I mentiond to you in a late letter that I had offerd
to pay down Cash to W[illia]ms viz 12,150£ in case he would agree to
deliver me 150 Ton of Copper in 3 Mo[nths]. I also ment[ion]d that I
had a mind to erace that offer from my letter, but upon further
reflection I sent it to him at Greenfield but I have not yet been
honord with any answer though due. I had a conversation with Mr
H[ur]d yesterday from which I plainly see that if I allow him to
take his own way I shall not have one ounce of Copper without paying
through the Nose for it. I therefore concluded my Conversation with
him by saying that I should & did Claim one half of the Contract
made with you viz: 100 Ton of it & this is the only Copper I have
any legal right to Claim & without it I shall not be able to Coin a
Ton. If Mr W[illia]ms will accept my offer it may relax my
intentions otherwise I must & will Claim of Fenton & Co one half of
ye Cont[rac]t to be deliv[er]d to me.
B[oulton] & H[ur]ds Clark hath wrote the letter I mentiond to you &
they have both signd it: but I beg youl adress your answer to Mr
Hurd as he is the person that hath or should have given the orders &
made the paym[en]ts. - However you may continue sending me the
Copper & as to the 5£ a Ton profit, may be settled after, whether
you & or B&H should have it. You say tis an advantage to ye Smelting
Co to smelt more ores: I therefore cannot conceive why you should
refuse to buy & Smelt ores for me. I enterd into ye concern in order
to render my self independant in Copper but now I find I am non the
nearer.
The man that hath more than 30,000£ lying dead in order to buy
Copper with it, & cannot buy a Ton. I will leave you to guess at his
feelings & Sentiments.
I cannot settle with Hurd for ye 40 Ton as he says W[illia]ms
hath already got an invoice of it. but I doubt it. As B&H have signd
their names seperately to the letter sent you by this post it serves
to furnish you with an excuse for not delivering Copper but to their
order signed by both their names & if they dont furnish you with
such orders then I conceive you are at liberty to send it me. I
should be glad for you to forward as much as possible before ye 12
Nov[embe]r.
Pray could you buy for me old Sheathing or other old Clean Copper at
Plymouth or Falmouth. I w[oul]d give 8¼d [pence] (or perhaps 8½d
[pence]) lb [pound] & any Quantity you can buy you may draw for on
Mr Matthews at a short date.
I have expended a large sum in my Mint I have now an
oppertunity of mitigating the evil but am Cut off from it by subtile
Monopolisers.
I rely on your assistance & remain
D[ea]r S[i]r
Yours sincerely
M:
Boulton
give me as early
notice of ye Bristol meeting as you can''
AD1583/4/88 Letter, Boulton to Wilson demanding his moiety of Boulton &
Hurd's contract with Wilson Item
1 sheet
Manuscript
5 Oct 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton 5 Oct[obe]r 1791
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol
''Dear Sir
Boulton & Hurd have not yet paid M[atthew]:B[oulton]:
the 20 Ton of Copper they borrowd the begining of ye Summer, Mr
Dagley says he hath been much disapointed by a Vessel being neaped
otherwise he should have sent me 30 Ton of Copper for ye acc[oun]t
of C[ornish]:M[eta]l:Co[mpany].
I have not one Cake of Copper in stock to work on I can work up &
want 20 Ton a week if I had it, & for want of it, I fear my orders
may be transferd to France particularly as Mr W[illiam]s hath so
suddenly & so enormously raisd the price to 87 for cash p[ai]d three
months before hand but which I can't nor wont accept. I have wrote
to Hurd & told him that as I have not enterd into any Cont[rac]t
w[i]th W[illia]ms nor hath he (in the name of B&H) I demand my
moiety of our Contract with you, as well as that I have signd (& not
Mr Hurd) with Mr Edw[ar]ds. To this I beg you will add what you can
& you may settle the dispute w[i]th B[oulton]&H[ur]d afterwards who
shall have ye profit arising from ye advance of price.
By this means & what I expect extra from Mr Edw[ar]ds I hope I
shall be supplyd & if you know of any other means pray point it out
& youl oblige
D[ea]r S[i]r
Yours sincerely
M Boulton
5 Oct[obe]r 1791''
AD1583/4/89 Letter, Boulton & Watt to Wilson regarding
the disaffection of the North Downs adventurers Item
1 sheet
Manuscript
5 Oct 1791
Endorsed:
Boulton & Watt Oct[ober] 5 1791
''Soho
Oct[obe]r 5 – 1791
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
D[ea]r Sir
Inclosed is our answer to Edward Bulls Letter which we
before mentiond to you & which we must beg of you to deliver to him
by some certain means.
We are rather surprised that the adventurers of N[orth]: Downs
should be dissatisfyd, as you have given them up much more than our
Mr Boulton promised, which extended no further than the forking of
the Mine or putting it into the same state it was when last Knacked.
- It is now got into regular work again, ore raisd, & nothing paid,
although the standard price of ores is uncommonly high, even so much
so, that we fear it will not be lasting.
You have already certainly exceeded your Commission in giveing
up so much; which we must beg of you not to do in time coming, as it
would be a disagreeable thing to us to put a Negative upon any
promises or engagements you may make on our Acc[oun]t - As you have
promised to give up the savings to the end of Sep[tembe]r we must
abide by it, but we beg of you to obtain our consent in future.
Wishing the Mines may prove as good as the Stand[ar]d
We remain
Dear Sir
Yours sincerely
Boulton
& Watt''
[the handwriting
is that of Matthew Boulton]
AD1583/4/90 Letter, Boulton and Boulton & Watt to Wilson regarding
£2,000 retaining fee, also Wheal Butson Item
1 folio
Manuscript
8 Oct 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton Oct[obe]r 8 1791
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, by Bristol
''Soho Oct[obe]r 8 – 1791
Dear Sir
Your fav[o]r of ye 3[r]d is before me; by which I see
you have given 2000£ of my Money to B[oulton &]:H[urd]: who have
nothing to do with it. I must therefore beg you will restore it to
its right owner, by placeing it to the Cred[i]t of Matt[he]w
Boulton.
I understood that you would have about 60 Ton of Copper to dispose
of in consequence of B&H having forfeited their Claim upon you for
that quantum I therefore remitted to you that 2000£ as a retaining
fee for the preferance of that 60 Ton & I beg you will order Mr
Holbrook to continue sending to me alone untill I have
rec[ei]vd the said 60 Ton - As to the dispute between you and
B[oulton]&H[ur]d may be settled at leasure & difference of the 5£ a
Ton be paid to either you or them according to the termination of ye
dispute which I shall leave to you & Mr H[ur]d as I am interested on
both sides I will remain Neuter & don't quote anything I say to you
in your argum[en]ts w[i]th H[ur]d.
I know not what you have wrote to him as I have been from home 3
Days - But it appears to me that you should plainly write to
B[oulton &]:H[ur]d & assert your right & their forfeiture to which
you may add that as they have individualy signd both their Names &
as you wish to prevent mistakes in future you must insist upon their
sending you regular orders also signd by both partys – Adieu
Yours sincerely
M
Boulton''
[next page]
''Soho
Oct[obe]r 8 – 1791
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
D[ea]r Sir
This day we have executed & sent off W[hea]l Butson
agreem[en]t by ye Mail Coach. We have yours of the 3[r]d In[stan]t &
4th Covering a Bill for Two Hundred & fifty pounds 2s[hillings]/4d
[pence] w[hi]ch is placed to your Cred[i]t.
You certainly did right in refuseing to sign the receipt you
mention but we beg you will endeavour to receive the money & give a
Receipt simply for the transaction viz: on Acc[oun]t of
B[oulton]&W[att] leaving it to us to dispute & assert our legal
rights.
We have lately heard that there is such an increasing demand for
Tin for the Levant Trade that it is likely to advance in price &
therefore We wish you to delay selling our Tin for a few days or a
Week & we will write again upon that head.
Mr Watt hath a little fever.
Adieu Y[ou]rs
sincerely
Boulton & Watt''
[the handwriting
is that of Matthew Boulton]
AD1583/4/91 Letter, Boulton & Watt to Wilson regarding
differences with Edward Bull, and Wheal Butson agreement Item
1 folio
Manuscript
10 Oct 1791
Endorsed: Ja[me]s Watt Oct[obe]r 10 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m Oct[obe]r 10th 1791
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We have yours of the 6th covering bills £983.
6s[hillings]. 8d [pence] to y[ou]r credit, do you mean that it is 10
p[e]r cent of the Capital or 10 p[e]r cent on it.
We wrote you on Saturday, & sent off Wheal Butson agreement per mail
coach, there were several small words awanting which we inserted, &
will please compare the other copy carefully with it and correct it
also - we are glad you have got the money from U[nite]d Mines
without compromising our right - In respect to Bull the less we have
to do with him the better if he applies to you on our terms & brings
respectable persons as principals you will fix the premium with him
& take his order for the size of the Engine but we will not be
directed how to make it.
Had we agreed to have let him made one of our Engines in
such manner as he pleased, he would have made a bad thing & we
should have had our share of the disgrace as it now stands, his
inventions must depend upon their own merit, & unless he becomes
more knowing than he has been hither to, their merit will decide in
our favour. Whatever differences he may have had with you he is not
to decide whom we shall employ as our agents, He said nothing
against you except that you would hinder him if you could, and
nothing of Mr Murdock except that he had as much to do as he could
do, threatened us with the Horners & his own brilliant inventions -
We remain
Dear Sir
Yours sincerely
Boulton
& Watt''
[the handwriting
is that of James Watt]
AD1583/4/92 Letter, Boulton & Hurd to Wilson regarding
urgent delivery of tough cake copper Item
1 folio
Manuscript
13 Oct 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton 13 Oct[obe]r 1791
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol
''Mr Tho[ma]s
Wilson
Birmingham 13 Oct[obe]r 1791
Sir
In order to prevent all delays in the delivery of the
quantity of Copper which you have contracted to deliver to us
(B[oulton]&H[urd]) we hereby desire you will send as expeditiously
as possible, as much tough Cake as you can make.
In regard to Mr Williams the quantity of Copper already furnished
to him, by you, in the course of the last 4 Mo[nths] leaves him no
right to claim any further deliverys for the next 4 Months & more,
therefore send all you can: and 'tho we may differ in opineon with
you respecting our present Claim yet those differences of opineon We
hope may be settled deliberately, peaceably, & consistant with that
harmony which we ever hope to preserve with your respectable house.
We again repeat our desire that nothing may prevent you from sending
to us all the tough Cake you can and remain Sir
Your Obed[ien]t
humbl[e] Serv[an]ts
Boulton
& Hurd''
[the handwriting
is that of Matthew Boulton]
AD1583/4/93 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
Wilson's dealings with the Boulton & Hurd Company Item
1 folio
Manuscript
14 Oct 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton Oct[obe]r 24 1791
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol
''Mr Tho[ma]s
Wilson
Soho Oct[obe]r 14 – 1791
D[ea]r Sir
I recommend that all disputes between your Co[mpany] &
B[oulton]&H[ur]d relative to the delivery of Copper be suspended
untill we can have an interview with Mr Towenend or you or 'till we
can agree upon some mode of adjusting it such as by arbitration.
There are some circumstances I am now acquainted with w[hi]ch I did
not know before & which are essential to the peace & good order of
our Mutual concerns & particularly between my Self & B&H.
I therefore recommend that the 60 Tons of Copper in question be
sent & placed to the Debit of B&H & the Money I have remitted to you
be placed to their Cred[i]t & thus every thing will be brought again
into its proper Channel which is the first Step necessary for us all
to get right again.
As my time is much taken up I must request you will pay
attention to the signature of B&H whether signd by Mr Hurd or my
Self & also that all letters upon their business may not be adressd
to either me or Mr H[ur]d but to the firm of Boulton & Hurd & youl
Oblige
Your Obed[ien]t
Serv[an]t
Matt[he]w Boulton''
AD1583/4/94 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
Boulton & Hurd's dealings with Mr Williams Item
1 folio
Manuscript
16 Oct 1791
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton 16 Oct[obe]r 1791
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol
''Soho ye 16 Oct[obe]r 1791
Dear Sir
No man can be more anxious than I am to preserve peace
& harmony with all my connections than I am, & therefore I am
willing to abide by the advice you give, & the purport of the 2
letters which I wrote at Mr Hurds request & under his Eye the 13th &
14th In[stan]t.
Mr H[urd] hath obtaind an advantage over me & I must submitt or
perhaps I shall have no Copper, but however this business may
terminate I shall remain master of my own thoughts & opineons.
Mr W[illia]ms hath refused me the 50 Ton he promised because I will
not confirm an agreem[en]t made in the name of J[ohn]:H[urd]: & so
far as relates to him I suppose will be conformd to. My sole reason
for going into the Contracts & Smelting was to secure an
independance in Copper & I should have had no objection to have
recontracted reserving to my self as much as I wanted for my
Manufacture but Mr W[illia]ms says no - assign to me 200 Ton at 80 &
I will sell it you again at 87. He is a great Man at getting men
into his Claws & then has no mersy - When you refused to deliver ye
60 Ton Mr H[urd] said he must get W[illia]ms to say a word to you I
know not if he has.
Mr W[illia]ms has in the present Case car[ry]d his powers too far &
even beyond his own interest or his Countries as I could have
exported ♀ [the alchemical symbol for copper] goods to ye am[oun]t
of 500 Ton & now I fear it will not be 100.
Pray tell me what you think of Hallemaning shall I take 1/32 or 1/16
or 1/8 for ourselves or any.
I shall loose the post if I say all I wish to say
Adieu
Y[ou]rs sincerely
M[atthew]:B[oulton]''
AD1583/4/95 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
E.W. Fox offering to purchase their share of Polgooth mine Item
1 folio
Manuscript
18 Oct 1791
''Birm[ingha]m Oct[obe]r 18th 1791
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
Circumstances which have kept us in
constant perplexity have prevented us from consulting together about
Bulls offer, & it must at present stand as it does, that is you must
retain the letter till you hear from us - To day received letter
from E.W. Fox saying that as they had heard from various quarters
that We complained of the management of Polgooth they were willing
to purchase our share at £800 we had no thoughts of selling, but if
you think this an advantageous offer for us you may accept of
it they offer to take it from the end of Last month we to receive
our share of Tin &c to that time.
What may have been reported to them I know not, for my
own part I do not remember saying any thing about the management;
but Mr B[oulton] has spoke of it though not in any way which should
having given that kind of offence they seem to have taken, they
insisted upon an answer p[e]r return of post which we could not give
not knowing the facts, & cannot even write to them to day as Mr
B[oulton]. is engaged on more material business and I am unwell &
have more to do than I can do, we shall probably write them to
morrow but shall refer them to you.
I remain &c
James
Watt''
AD1583/4/96 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
Fox offer on Polgooth, and the Boulton & Hurd agreement Item
1 folio
Manuscript
19 Oct 1791
''Birm[ingha]m Oct[obe]r 19th 1791
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I have yours of the 15th yesterday evening
am obliged to you for your attention to my health which is now in
its usual so so way, & would be better had I less to do - The copy
of Mr Miller opinion in the Kenwyn case is making out for you, Mr
B[oulton]. is gone out to day so can say nothing farther in respect
to Messrs Fox's offer especialy as he has carried away their letter,
I mentioned yesterday that, we had no intention to sell, nor will we
unless you judge the £800 to be an advantageous offer, as whatever
may be our notions in respect to the management of the mine we
certainly do not think that the Messrs F[oxes]. would take any
advantages than such as are reckoned fair in the way of trade. As I
cannot write them to day you will therefore please to let them know
that we have received their letter which we shall answer in other
points but have left what regards the sale of the share to you.
I would take no further notice of the United Mines at present,
we have enough on our hands.
I did not see the letter concerning N[orth]. Downs, but
it was wrote in consequence of your desire that we should send a
reprimand for being too generous which you seem to have forgot,
therefore you are still at liberty to do what seems proper to you in
that affair.
In respect to Poldice if the other mines which it drains will
contribute we shall also make concessions.
In respect to the manor please to get it settled otherwise please
to write to stop the Cyl[inde]r rather than make too serious a
dispute you may divide the inch with them, but it must be called no
more in the agreement than they pay for, but do not give it up
easily as it may have had consequences.
I was much surprized by the letter from the Messrs Foxes
as I have always entertained a very good opinion of them & have
regarded them as friends & should be sorry to do otherwise, however
if for any reason they want us out of Polgooth I have no objection
on fair terms, but there is a difference between those who want to
sell & those who do not.
Mr B[oulton]. & Mr H[urd]. have come to an agreement
between themselves, but join in complaining of you, but as they have
or will write to you themselves, I can say nothing more than the
recommending amicable measures to all parties, at any event Mr
B[oulton] will be the principal sufferer & was or is on the point of
giving up his contract which indeed I seriously advised him to do,
it seeming to promise nothing so much as the being a source of
vexation to him.
With comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson I remain
Dear Sir
Y[ou]rs Sincerely
James
Watt''
AD1583/4/97 Letter, Boulton & Hurd to Wilson regarding
