AD1583/5 Correspondence, Volume 5 Series
87 items (90 documents)
Manuscript
7 Feb 1792-30 Dec 1792
AD1583/5/1 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
the copper trade Item
1 folio
Manuscript
7 Feb 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton Feb[ruar]y 7 1792
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol
''Soho Feb[ruar]y 7 – 1792
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
Dear Sir
Your letter of the 20th Jan[uar]y came to
Birm[in]g[ha]m in due course & was sent from there to me in London
but as I did not receive it untill 2 Days before my departure I
could not answer particularly as I was much engaged in Thief takeing
Some of my Casks of money haveing been broke into at the Carriers
in, but the Thief is now in Goal. -
R: Leigh has certainly behaved very improporly he hath
not acted either like a man of business or honour. As to the other
Gent[lema]n he hath acted like himself & if he returns back from the
road to dishonour it is because he sees his interest in another
direction & I am possitivly Confident he will not keep any agreement
or any faith with Your or any other Co[mpany]. I therefore do most
sincerely advise our Co[mpany] to take their share of the Scramble &
sell their Copper as well as buy their ores to the best advantage.
At the same time preserve their independance and not be the
journeymen or tools to any Monopoliseing Tyrant.
I have this morn[in]g rec[ei]vd yours of ye 3[r]d
In[stan]t which I have shewn Mr Watt & he hath answ[er]d for
B[oulton]&W[att].
As I shall come to a settlement w[i]th H[ur]d in the
course of a fortnight I will then endeavour to purchase his share
but if he thought I was desireous of buying it I know he w[oul]d not
part with it upon fair terms and if he was out I should propose to
advance ten or 12 Thousand Pounds into the Copper trade with Fenton
& Co[mpany] & take all they can produce provided they would indulge
me with some Cred[i]t in case the aforementiond sum was not
sufficient as I have the means of disposeing of 100 Ton p[e]r
Q[uarte]r independant of H[ur]d or any new Birm[in]g[ha]m Comp[an]y.
Hurd told me yesterday that he knew of persons enough to furnish a
Capital & to form a new Copper Co[mpany] so soon as any certain
means could be found, to as certainly supply them w[i]th any
quantity of Copper.
Hence there is no doubt but our Co[mpany] may find a sure sale for
all their Copper & untill these things can be aranged you may send
me all the Copper you can spare & I will pay you ready money for all
that is over & above the Claims of B[oulton]&H[urd] But please to
take notice that M[atthew]:B[oulto]n: will not interfere or Clash in
the agreem[en]ts you have made with B[oulton]&H[ur]d as he wishes to
avoid all disputes with H[ur]d.
I saw a Copy of the Resolutions enterd into at a Meeting
of Miners held at Truro since you was in London in which they say
hold more than 1/3 of the Copper mines in Cornwall (or ¼ I am not
sure w[hi]ch) they are determind to preserve their Liberty & take
all their ores as heretofore to publick Ticketings.
Pray what proportion do the Miners whom you say met on
the 2[n]d In[stan]t & agreed to accept of the London proposals bear
to the whole in point of Interest. -
When you have substracted the Miners who met at Redruth I mean the
desenters & S[i]r F[rancis]:B[asset]: & Co[mpany] - The
Birm[in]g[ha]m Comp[an]y & Daniels I fear the remainder will be a
small proportion.
Mr Vivian hath Countermanded all the Copper Coin that he
had orderd for Cornwall & of which I sent him a Ton some time ago &
now waited for his determination respecting the inscription on the
Edge. - At the same time he offers to give me a preferance in the 50
Ton of Copper sent to me 30 of which was rec[ei]vd by Mr Hurd who I
suppose will account with me for it.
Mr Vivian offers it to me at 94£ a Ton.
It is a fact that I have bought about 200 Ton at at 86 & 150 at 90 &
I even bought 12 Ton last week at 90 I therefore think if I pay him
ready Cash he should accept of 90£ or if he will accept of a Bill at
6 Mo[nths] Date I will give him 94 - pray wait upon him & make the
best bargin you can for me & let him send me an Invoice of it p[e]r
Post & I will send him a Bill at 7 Days sight or at 6 Mo[nths] date.
But I beg of you to note that I must have the Copper
at all events.
I have offerd Mr Vivian to send him a Bill for the whole.
50 Ton at 94 payable 6 Mo[nths] after this date
or at 92 - 3 Mo[nths]
or at 90 - 7 days sight - pray do the best you can & youl
oblige
Your faithfull fr[ien]d
M Boulton
or 10d [pence]
p[e]r lb [pound]''
AD1583/5/2 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
agreements for Poldice and Halamanning mines Item
1 folio
Manuscript
7 Feb 1792
Endorsed: Mr Watt Feb[ruar]y 7 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, Himself only
''Birm[ingha]m Feb[ruar]y 7th 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
On examination we can find no agreement for
Poldice except for the first Engine & as far as I remember there was
none made and further than what might be done by letter which will
take time to examine - neither have we any agreement for Hallamanin
except that for the 1st Engine, if any was made you have it, I know
however we have letters from them, which if the mine were carried on
by the same company would be binding - You will please to recollect
what you can on these heads & advise us - In any event we shall not
relax in our demands from Hall[amani]n if they alter it to the
Horn[blow]ers way it may cost them much more in the event than what
we ask. Please not to say any thing of our having no agreement & act
as if we had - But in respect to Poldice as the mine is really
losing if you can bring them to the same footing as the Consols it
will be right to agree to it Hall[amani]n has no claim, as it has
made no losses yet - Matters look gloomy but we must not hang
ourselves to gratify either the Miners or the Horners.
I write in haste but remain
Y[ou]rs Sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/5/3 Letter, Watt and Boulton to Wilson regarding
various mines, and the copper trade Item
1 folio
Manuscript
11 Feb 1792
Endorsed:
Messrs Boulton & Watt Feb[ruar]y 11 1792
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol
''Birm[ingham] Feb[ruar]y 11th 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We have y[ou]rs of ye 7th Covering Bills
value £944. 16 [shillings]. 9 [pence] to your credit.
In regard to Hallamanin, we wrote you that we could not
find any agreement, therefore you will please to keep on General
grounds & leave matters to ferment. The alteration of the Engine
w[oul]d probably cost them more money & time than the value of the
Premium - N[orth]:Downs you will settle as well as you can, & in
respect to Poldice take what you can get & stick to the point unless
you can bring them to agree to pay upon the 1/3 abatement which I
believe the Mine needs - If they set about altering the Engines to
the Horn[blow]ers plan all is over with the Mine, & you will please
throw up our share if you cannot dispose of it - Baldue is a proper
subject for them.
The Iron furnace business shall be considered and an
answer sent, but at present from our absence we are overloaded with
letters to answer, Mr B[oulton]. I believe has wrote you - I remain
D[ea]r Sir
Your's
sincerely
James Watt''
[next page]
''Dear Sir
The late rise of ♀ [the alchemical symbol for copper]
hath left some of our Birm[in]g[ha]m Manufactures without profit
particularly the White Metal Butt[o]n makers & in consequence
thereof some of the Masters have attempted to again reduce the
already starving prises of their Journeymen who have turnd out &
formd into partys refusing to work at such reduced wages. Their
Masters (who are of the Mineing Co[mpany]) tell them they cant
afford to give the usual Prises on Acc[oun]t of the great advance of
Copper which they must thank Mr Boulton for & I accordingly expect a
Riotous Visit from them & it will be well if all remains peacable at
Birm[in]g[ha]m. But I must own I have no fears about the workmen who
in general consider me as a good Master - Yet I know not how far the
Envy of a certain set of Birm[in]g[ha]m Miners may carry them.
At all Events I think it right to write my own history
so far as it relates to the Copper Trade & Shew that I have not
contributed to the rise of Copper but have been instrumental in
preserving it from ruin.
As soon as I have wrote the Paper I will send it to you
for your opineon & Correction as I think it a justice I owe to my
own Safety & Character to counteract the Poison, which some Members
of the Mineing Co[mpany] have endeavourd to spread although I have
no connection what ever with them.
I dont mean to print it, but to let my friends read & understand the
true state of the Case.
Adieu
Y[ou]rs sincerely
M: Boulton
I yesterday
rec[ei]vd an Invoice of 20 Ton of Copper at 86''
AD1583/5/4 Letter, Pearson to
Wilson regarding accounts for Wheal Jewel adventurers Item
1 folio
Manuscript
13 Feb 1792
Endorsed: Ja[me]s Pearson 13 Feb[ruar]y 1792
Addressed to: Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho 13 Feb[ruar]y 1792
Mr. Thomas Wilson
Sir
Your favor of 8th ins[tan]t received
enclosing a Bill value One Hundred Pounds, to your credit. At foot
have sent a small account against Wheal Jewil Adv[enture]rs which
suppose hath not been sent before. - We are
Sir
Your very Ob[edient] Ser[van]ts
For Boulton & Watt
James
Pearson.
Wheal Jewil
Adv[enture]rs D[ebto]rs To Boulton & Watt
1791
Sep[tembe]r 26. To 1 pair rotative Wheels 4Cwt [hundredweight]. 0
[quarters]. 13 [pound] a[t] 18/- [shillings] £3. 14 [shillings].1
[pence]
'' '' Rings and
Rivets
36 [pound] a[t] 6d [pence] - . 18. -
'' '' Drilling & fitting on the
rings
- . 15. 0
'' '' Carriage of Patterns to & from Foundry
& of the Goods to Birm[ingha]m - .
3. 6
[Total]
£5. 10. 7''
AD1583/5/5 Letter, Forman to Wilson regarding
dispatch of engine parts Item
1 folio
Manuscript
14 Feb 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Forman 14 Feb[ruar]y 1792
Addressed to: Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho. 14 Febr[uar]y 1792
Mr. Tho[ma]s Wilson
We have this day sent to Wall & Co[mpany]s
Wharf to be forwarded to you, through the channel of Messrs
Pritchard & Barlow Wharfingers at Bristol marked W.J.
No. 24 Fly Wheel Arms in two pieces
25 6 Segments for D[itt]o
2 a Box Containing
'' Connecting Strap, False Pieces & Cutters
'' Turned Pin for D[itt]o
'' 4 Screwed Pins Nuts & Washers for D[itt]o
'' 2 Brasses. Saddle Plate & 2 Glands. } Carriage
W[eigh]t 27 Cwt [hundredweight]. 0 [quarters]. 29 lb [pound]
The reason why the above things were not sent before, we had a
Letter from Pritchard & Barlow informing us that they had the
Misfortune to brake a Wheel at their Wharf, we wrote twice to them
as we did not know whether it was the Sun Wheel, the Planet, or Arms
for the Spur Wheel. but they had returned the Wheel & could neither
give us description nor the Number of it. it never came to hand and
until your Letter of Saturday we were at a Loss to know which one we
were to supply the place of. We now understand it is the Spur Wheel
Arms & we have ordered a Set to be cast. & shall forward them
without Loss of time if we had them from the Foundry. We meant to
have sent the Whole together. We are Sir your h[um]ble Serv[an]ts –
for
Boulton & Watt W
Forman''
AD1583/5/6 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
the copper trade, and of possible riots Item
1 folio
Manuscript
15 Feb 1792
''Soho 15 Feb[ruary] – 1792
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
Dear Sir
In reply to your fav[ou]r of ye 10th In[stan]t I do
think it would be prudent to Copy the Example of a certain great Man
& to attend to his interest in all cases where it is sure to promote
your own, but at all events make sure of your own & ye Yorksh[i]r[e]
Co[mpany]s as it is my interest you should do so.
You say suppose ye present Birm[in]g[ha]m Co[mpany] should be
brought to coalesce with ye other Co[mpanie]s it would tend to
prevent bringing in the new proposed Co[mpany] for a 15th but even
in that case why should not our new Co[mpany] with you for your 14th
Share as it w[oul]d answer the purpose of you Co[mpany] to contract
for a certain Sale of all the Copper you make & if no Coalition
should take place but the ores br[ough]t to Tickitings why should
you not bid & be ye agent of such new Comp[an]y. In the one case you
might furnish 300 Ton of Copper p[e]r Y[ea]r & the other 600 Ton.
There is no doubt but Morris & W[illia]ms will thrust
their Noses into our Market but our Co[mpany] must take that into
consideration & guard against it by their own Consumptions or by
their previously Contracting with other Consumers: However the
Co[mpany] must contract with you & divide the inconveniences amongst
them selves -
Mr Hurd promised to come to Soho today to settle about
calling a meeting of the new Gentlemen together but he has sent a
not to excuse himself saying he is very much indisposed with a Cold
& fever. I therefore beg you will not come here upon any uncertainty
& so soon as we have had a Meeting I will write you the result.
I am glad to find you intend to deliver to B[oulton]&H[urd] the
quantity agreed for.
The 47 Ton I think you ought to sell at 94 rather than 80/-
[shillings] You may depend on my Silence.
I know what W[illia]ms w[oul]d do in a simelar case, & beg Youl Copy
him - I will take it at 94 w[i]th 6 Mo[nths] Cred[i]t but I think
you should pay Car[ria]g[e] to Soho. I have not time to examine, but
I think Vivian paid the Car[ria]g[e] or part of it moreover I have
had the loan of it for some Months & for 20 Ton of it 9 Mo[nths]
which hath been a Conveniency.
I remember you took a Copy of the transactions of the 2
Copper meetings in London. I will thank you to send me a Copy by the
return of the post. I also wish you w[oul]d particularly tell me
your Opineon. If the Birmingham Comp[any] had proposed to keep their
own ores, & to have accepted of 1/14 part of all the other Corn[is]h
ores, whether you think they would not have been admitted to a
fourteenth Share & a general Coalition have taken place.
It is my opineon peace would have prevaild over
opposition.
From the misrepresentations that have been made by the Delegates,
this Town is misguided & I expect every hour Riots of a Serious
nature.
Workmen are paradeing the Streets, with Cockaids in
their Hats & assembled by Beat of Drum Headed by Ignorance & Envy
with their Eyes turnd towards Soho.
I follow no business but what I have have been the Father of, & have
done much more for the Birm[in]g[ha]m Manufactures than any other
individual.
I have declined the paltry trade of White metal Buttons, which is
the article that is so much affected by the rise of Metals, & that
in which Rioters are employd.
I mix with no Clubs, attend no publick meetings, am of no Party, nor
a zealot in Religion: neither do I hold any conversation with any
Birm[in]g[ha]m persons & therefore I know no Grounds but what may be
suggested by Wicked & Enveyous hearts for supposing me to be the
cause of the late rise of ♀ [the alchemical symbol for copper].
However I am well guarded by Justice, by Law, by Men, & arms. -
Pray write me p[e]r return & youl oblige
Dear Sir
Yours sincerely
Matt[he]w
Boulton''
AD1583/5/7 Letter, Pearson to
Wilson regarding accounts Item
1 folio
Manuscript
17 Feb 1792
Endorsed: Ja[me]s Pearson 17 Feb[ruar]y 1792
Addressed to: Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall. -
''Soho
near Birmingham
17 Feb[ruar]y 1792
Mr. Thomas Wilson
Sir
Boulton & Watt have desired me to write you for an
Account of what Savings is to be placed to the debit of the
different Adven[ture]rs for last Month; as you have omitted taking
any notice thereof in the Acco[un]t you last sent. -
I am Sir
Your very Ob[edient] Ser[van]t
James Pearson''
AD1583/5/8 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
the formation of a new company Item
1 folio
Manuscript
21 Feb 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton 21 Feb[ruar]y 1792
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, by Bristol
''Soho 21 - Feb[ruar]y
1792
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
Dear Sir
I have just rec[ei]vd your fav[ou]r of the
17th In[stan]t & refer you to my last of the 15th In[stan]t
respecting the 50 Ton of Copper which I am willing to take at 94 but
if I pay all the Car[ria]g[e] I shall not buy it on so good terms as
the C[ornish] M[eta]l Co[mpany]. I therefore hope youl be favourable
to me on that point.
Mr Hurd is yet confind to his room, his Complaint seems
to be upon his lungs but has promised to Attend a Meeting so soon as
this severe Frost takes its departure. Mr Hurd seems to think a new
Co[mpany] should not consist of 2 Hund[re]d persons as that forms an
illegal compact: but that it should consist of 5 good men as the Law
allows that number & no more to form a partnership & which I have
not the least doubt but we can accomplish to our own & your
satisfaction. -
or I could take the whole my self, provided I could have it at the
same price which W[illiam]s sells at or at the same price which it
may be bought at in the Wholesale way or by any other rule so that I
am not deprived of selling at Prime Cost what I have bought but if I
should buy at 90 & W[illia]m sell to my Neighbours at 86 I should
thereby loose Money & reputation. I only want to be insured against
his tricks.
I think your threat to Jno [John] Williams was rather too harsh &
may perhaps plunge us into a Quarrell with Mr Fox's which I should
be sorry for - As to Mr Harris he is fair game & much delecacy is
not necessary with him but I think you should not have told him that
Mr Thomas advised you to send for a writ for him.
I have sent for Stamp paper proper for a Power of Attorney which
shall be sent you by tomorrows post & doubt not but your Mercy will
be equal to your Power.
I have not sent Mr Hunt your letter
I think I shall return it to you as soon as I have time to write my
remarks.
I cant w[ri]t[e] more than that I remain
D[ea]r S[i]r
Y[ou]rs
sincerely
M: Boulton''
AD1583/5/9 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
the debatable originality of Hornblower's engine Item
1 folio
Manuscript
21 Feb 1791
Endorsed:
Mr. Watt Feb[ruar]y 21st 1791
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, of Truro, at the Bush Tavern,
Bristol, to lie till called for
''Birm[ingha]m Feb[ruar]y 21st
1791
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We have yours of 17th covering Bill value
£1426. 19s[hillings]. 4d [pence] for Tin, to your credit.
In respect to Mr Hornblowers Engine we shall take the
necessary measures, but shall not hurry ourselves or precipitate
matters.
If they mean to keep the construction of the Engine
secret on the hopes to prevent our being able to prove the
infringement they deceive themselves for if we do not obtain proof
in an easier manner we shall make application to the L[or]d
Chancellor to enforce a discovery of their manner of working which
we are informed by Counsel will be the easier obtained, on account
of their pretending to work under a patent, & consequently ought to
have no secrets, & the patent itself will prove great part of what
we desire. It seems to us to be in vain to apply to Mr Hornblower,
but as you are to be at Bristol, it will be right to apply to Mr
Winwood informing him that we conceive the Engine to be an
encroachment upon us, & that we are determined to try the matter
with them, and that in order to save expence to both parties we wish
to know, whether they will permit persons appointed by us to inspect
and examine the construction & working of the Engine; or whether we
must take the legal steps to procure such examination. In my opinion
it will be their interest to face the matter at once as attempts at
concealment can only involve them as well as us in expence, & cost
what it will we shall certainly endeavour to right ourselves, as
long as our money lasts which expensive as Law is, will we expect
work out the term of our exclusive privilege.
We shall be obliged to you to write us from Bristol, how
long your stay in Wales is like to be & to whom we shall direct in
your absence.
I remain
Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James
Watt''
AD1583/5/10 Letter, Watt to Wilson enclosing
Power of Attorney for Wilson Item
1 folio
Manuscript
22 Feb 1792
Mr Wilson /
I have only time to enclose you the Power of Attorney -
to prevent idle sollicitations we have added a clause inhibiting you
from making statements or compositions without our express consent -
I hope it will answer the purpose in respect to Harris, though I
think you should not with much circumspection be so rough with
others - I remain
D[ea]r Sir
Yours sincerely
James Watt
There is a
meeting of Birm[ingha]m Manufacturers to day to consider how to
remove the monopoly of Copper. Mr B[oulton]. was not invited, they
want Parl[iamen]t to stop his Coinage''
AD1583/5/11 Letter, Forman and Lawson to Wilson
regarding proof of Lawson's formerly being in the militia Item
1 folio
Manuscript
22 Feb 1792
Endorsed:
W[illia]m Forman 22 Feb[ruar]y 1792
Addressed to: Mr. Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho 22[n]d Febr[uar]y 1792
Mr. Tho[ma]s Wilson
Truro -
Sir
On the 20th Ins[tan]t we sent to
Wall & Co[mpanie]s Wharf to be forwarded to you at Wheel Jewel Mine
One Set Tooth Wheel Arms to supply the place of those which were
broke at Bristol. You are debited for both sets. You will please
therefore deduct the Amount as you are charged allowing 5/
[shillings] p[e]r Cwt [hundredweight] for the old Iron returned.
when you settle with Pritchard & Barlow -
We are
Sir
Your most obed[ien]t
h[um]ble Serv[ant]s
for
Boulton & Watt
W[illia]m Forman''
[next page]
''D[ea]r Sir
Seeing Mr Forman writting I take the opportunity, which I have
intended for a long time past, of inquiring how all your family does
as for a long time past I have had very little intercourse with
Cornwall which I suppose is now in a very fourshing situation & I
hope renders you more comfortable than at the time I left you - I
shall be obliged to you if when you are at St Austle you would get
for Me from C Rashleigh Esq[ui]r[e] a Certificate of my serving
being drawn for the Malitia, It was in Jan[uar]y 1788 as I find I
was put down this Year for StaffordSh[ire] & had I been drawn it
might have given Me some trouble. I continue as usual busy in the
Coining - I remain with best Comp[limen]ts to Mrs W[ilson] &
all the family &c D[ea]r Sir
Yours
Sincerely
J Lawson''
AD1583/5/12 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
plans to lower the price of copper Item
1 folio
Manuscript
26 Feb 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton 26 Feb[ruar]y 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, by Bristol
''Soho 26 Feb[ruary] 1792
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
Dear Sir
I have not had one Moment to my Self last week or I
should sooner have acknowledged yours of the 19th -
I think Mr T: letter to Mr W: a very handsome & sensible letter & If
W: refuses to close upon that proposition You are certainly at
liberty to act as you may think most for the Comp[an]y - I calld
upon Mr Hurd yesterday who is better but not yet out of his room. I
did not shew him either of the letters aforementiond but told him in
general terms the proposition you had made to W[illia]ms & he seemd
to think that so soon as we know W[illiam]s answer it will then be
necessary We should enter into treaty with you & give you ours for
at present we can't make any specifick Proposition to our friends. I
suppose our plan must be to buy ores & yet that will place you in a
delecate situation.
If you should want money I will either pay you a short Bill or one
at 6 Mo[nths] acceptable in London which ever I find most convenient
at the Moment for the Exchange with France may vary so much that
what is best to be done this week may not be so next week or next
Month.
Our Mineing Co[mpany] are dashing forward. A Meeting was
calld last Wednesday of the Merch[an]ts & Manufacturers by a
circular letter without a name to it but none was sent to me & I
never go amongst them. Youl see by the inclosed that they are
takeing measures to reduce the price of Copper & though they cry out
against Monopolys yet they like to make cent p[e]r Cent of their
Money as youl see -
What ever advantages they may flatter the Cornish Miners
with in Cornwall, they hold a different Language here & say that 63
is a proper Standard for the ores & they have no doubt but they
shall reduce it in a few Years to that price. They are now furious
in a Plan for applying to Parliam[en]t to prohibit the Exportation
of Copper & to allow the impotation duty free when above a Certain
price, & 75 seems to be their Ideas & though I do not think they
will succeed yet I am sure it is proper for the Cornish Gent[leme]n
to be upon their Guard & prepare themselves for Couteraction.
One mode they mean to adopt to reduce the price of Copper (but that
is a secret which I only communicate to you & for your own
Goverm[en]t) They haveing now a large Stock of ores even as much as
will last them 6 Mo[nths] they mean to direct their agent not to
offer at the next Ticketings more than 80 or at most 84 & this they
think will tend to lower the Stand[ar]d. pray be attentive to the
Stand[ar]d they offer at each Tickiting.
With every good wish I remain
D[ea]r Sir Yours sincerely
Matt[he]w Boulton''
AD1583/5/13 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
the sale of copper Item
1 folio
Manuscript
28 Feb 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton Feb[ruar]y 28 1792
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol
''Soho Feb[ruary] 28 – 1792
Mr T: Wilson
D[ea]r S[i]r
I wrote to you the 26th since w[hi]ch I rec[ei]vd yours
of ye 23[r]d with the Copy of a letter as cautious & as artfull as
Mr T: was liberal. It is in vain to make any Specifick Propositions
untill you have settled with him but if you & Mr T[?]d think your
selves bound in honour to confirm any new agreem[en]t with
W[illia]ms upon the old Foundation I hope youl not exclude me from a
similar Claim upon an older foundation & I am perswaded that it is
for Mr W[illia]ms Interest that I should not be totaly shut out of
all supplys.
I have no objection to your makeing such bargins with him as you may
think for the interest of Fenton & Co[mpany] provided you reserve
two Hund[re]d Ton a Year for me - And if W[illia]ms rejects in toto
your propositions I have not the least objection to undertake to
remove the difficulties which your Co[mpany] hath found in the Sale
of all their Copper.
I could make it convenient to meet you in London on any day after
the 10th or 11th March but it would be very inconvenient & almost
impossible with my engagements to meet you sooner & I can't see that
a few days later is a matter of Moment to Mr W[illia]ms & therefore
beg you will so settle it but I think it w[oul]d be better that he
did not know of my coming.
You talk of Mr E: selling ♀ [the alchemical symbol for copper] at
100£ I have no doubt of it but he is also selling for less than 90 &
I have now 20 Ton lying at Hull that cost me 86 there & will cost
only 87£. 5s[hillings]. 0d [pence] here all which I bought since I
came from London.
If Cornwall will admitt B[oulton]:H[urd]: & new
Comp[an]y to share in the division of the Ores contracted for at 84
Stand[ar]d (whither it be 1/13 or 1/14 or 1/15) We will acceed to
the plan, otherwise there can be no objection to our buying ores at
Tickitings.
Allow me the longest day you can to meet in Town & youl oblige
D[ea]r S[i]r
Yours sincerely
M: Boulton''
AD1583/5/14 Letter, Pearson to
Wilson regarding receipt of bills Item
1 folio
Manuscript
7 Mar 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Pearson 7 March 1792
Addressed to: Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho 7 March 1792
Mr. Thomas Wilson
Sir
Boulton & Watt desire me to advise their
having received Bills to the amount of Five Hundred & ninety six
Pounds fourteen Shillings and ten pence, which is placed to your
credit in their Books. Suppose the Bills came in a Letter from you,
but can take no notice thereof, not having seen it. - For
Boulton & Watt, I am
Sir
Your very Ob[edien]t Ser[van]t
James Pearson''
AD1583/5/15 Letter, Pearson to
Wilson regarding accounts for various mines Item
1 large sheet
Manuscript
17 Mar 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Pearson 17 March 1792
Addressed to: Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho 17 March 1792
Mr. Thomas Wilson
Sir
Have annexed an acco[un]t ag[ains]t W[hea]l
Jewel Adv[enture]rs for Goods in Nov[embe]r £102. 19 [shillings]. 6
[pence] with which please do the needful. -
In last Monthly Account you take credit for Comm[issio]n on £1083.
6. 8 United Mines, which should only be upon £1050. You take credit
for Comm[issio]n on £396. 13. 11 Crenver, should only be upon £396.
4. 11 if you find these two sums as stated, you will please give us
credit for the diff[eren]ce and advise. Have not entered the
diff[eren]ce till we have your answer. - In the Statement sent, you
ranked yourself amongst the Creditors £1708. 5. 5 whereas you should
have placed yourself amongst the Debtors for that sum, it being a
balance due by you to us. - We have £5. 10. 7 standing ag[ains]t
W[heal] Jewel Adv[enture]rs for Goods 26 Sep[tembe]r which is not in
the Statement, nor do you take any notice of £3. 3. - owing by
Retallack Adv[enture]rs. There is a balance against W[heal] Treasure
£2. 2. - which you take no notice of, suppose it Goods 25 June 1790.
- Since writing the above have discovered a balance mentioned in the
Statement ag[ains]t Retallack Adv[enturers] £69. 15. - be pleased to
say what it is for, & if the £3. 3. - above mentioned be apart
thereof. - The balances mentioned ag[ains]t Sundry Adv[enture]rs in
Statement, we observe, is yet owing, exclusive of the Savings to go
ag[ains]t them since the end of the Year. -
Please remember John Knuckey now owes us £10. 19. 9 as p[e]r
Acc[oun]t delivered you the 12th instant. - We are
Sir
Your very Ob[edient] Ser[van]ts
For Boulton & Watt
James Pearson''
AD1583/5/16 Letter, Boulton to Thomas Wilson
regarding inspection of Tincroft engine, Illogan Item
1 folio
Manuscript
20 Mar 1792
Endorsed:
Mr. Boulton Mar[ch] 20 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Dear Sir
I attended S[i]r G: Shuckbough this morn[in]g to the
House of Commons where we met S[i]r W[illia]m Lemon & to whom he
shewd a note from S[i]r F[rancis]:B[asset]: he had just rec[ei]vd
appointing Monday next for our Case to be heard in ye house - S[i]r
W[illia]m answerd that it was impossible as Monday was appointed for
Mr Pitt to bring forth ye State of ye Nation Debt & Tuesday was a
balloting day & no house expected - We therefore remain in suspense
& I write this to you to beg you will desire W[illia]m Murdock &
Neddy Rogers to inspect Tin Croft Engine let the expence be what it
may & likewise to do the same at Radstock & see if 2 Piston are
moveing or one or if 2 Cylinders are working with Effect - You must
bring one or both of them to Town & do every other thing you may
think necessary but I will write to you again tommorow & every night
untill you receive Sailing Orders - We cannot get a Speakers Warrant
before the Day after tommorrow for bringing up the Capt[ai]n of Tin
Croft & Simon Vivian we have forgot the Capt[ai]ns Name however I
will apply to J Ed[ward]s.
don't spare a few Guineas in bribing Men to be honest.
What ever papers you have to produce pray bring the originals & not
Copys.
With kindest respects to Mrs. Wilson wishing you
health to sustain the fateagues of your Journey
I remain
D[ea]r S[i]r Sincerly Yours
M: Boulton''
AD1583/5/17 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
witnesses for the Hornblower case Item
1 sheet
Manuscript
21 Mar 1792
''London ye 21 March 1799
Dear Sir
We rec[ei]vd yours from Salisbury.
I wrote to you last night since which our Agents have mutualy agreed
to have ye Bill read a Second time on Fryday the 30th In[stan]t viz:
fryday sevenight & a motion is made this day in the house to that
purport. You will therefore have sufficient time to procure proper
information & Witnesses. - I presume the Horn[blow]ers will send for
some Witnesses & therefore you should endeavour to learn who they
are & not to summons the same persons.
I will procure the Speakers Warrants tomorrow for those you have
named & if any other occur let us know.
I will write to you every post whither We have anything or nothing
to say.
In the intrem I remain with every good Wish
Yours
sincerely
M:B:''
AD1583/5/18 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
specifications for Tincroft engine, Illogan Item
1 folio
Manuscript
22 Mar 1792
''London March 22 – 1792
Dear Sir
Atlhough I have nothing particular to say yet I shall
continue to write to You every post in conformity to my promise.
We have just rece[i]vd a line from W[illiam]:Murdock with an
Acc[oun]t of the effects of Tin Croft Engine which differs a little
from yours. He says it makes 8 Strokes p[e]r Min[u]t[e] whereas you
say 7 & I suppose it may make 8 whilest working but if the Counter
is examind once a Month, as ours is, it will not be found to be more
than 7 p[e]r Min[u]t[e] if so much.
He says the length of the Stroke as taken by Simon Vivian is only 5
f[ee]t 1 In[ch].
Says the Engine man thinks the working Barrel is wore near ¼ of an
Inch that the top pump is 22 fath[o]ms of an 8 In[ch] Box & the
Bottom pump is - 5 f[atho]m D[itt]o. 1 f[atho]m of an 8 In[ch] Box
w[eigh]t 130,9 lb [pound] x 27 = 3534,3 lb x 5,1 f[ee]t = 18025 lb x
by the Strokes p[e]r Bush[el] - in w[hi]ch he differs from you as he
says they Burnt in Feb[ruar]y 8 Wey 18 Bush[els] - and in March 18
Bush[e]l p[e]r day. The Steam Gage stands from 4 to 5 In[ches] high
& No Valve is Shut betwixt the Boiler & the little Cylinder.
He says the Exhaustion Pump draws both Air & Water Diam[ete]r of
little Cylinder 21 In[ches] & ye long 27.
the Water Pump or Air Pump 9 In[che]s Diam[ete]r - the Stroke 3
f[ee]t 4 In[ches] long & adds that Matt[he]w Moyle is set off for
London.
Pray enquire & get clear proof of the length of the Stroke & of
every other thing.
We shall send you Warrents for Sim[o]n & for Joseph & Teague but you
should be perfectly silent upon that head untill those Warrents are
servd otherwise they will get out of the Way - Any Man that is
fearfull of loosing his place You may assure him We will provide him
with another but perhaps you may not think it necessary to bring
them all 3.
By the Data you gave me of burn[in]g 8¼ Wey last Month = 20½
Bush[e]l[s] p[e]r day each Bush[e]l made 491,7 Strokes - 491,7.
But at 18 Bush[e]l[s] p[e]r Day (as Murdock says) - 640.
Pray tell me if there is 72 or 64 Bush[e]l[s] in the Tin Croft Way.
What proportion do the Consolodated Mines bear in their Total depth
to what they were in 1778 & likewise Poldice.
Look into the Star that was published 2 or 3 days ago & youl find a
good paper upon Copper by one of the Birm[in]g[ha]m Metal Co[mpany].
Pray keep all your plans & intentions secret from every body &
remember that its all Cornwall ver[su]s B[oulton]&W[att].
If you have not got the large Stone in London which you took out of
the Selehole Boiler get another that we may prove a Bad boiler.
Be carefull in Bringing every paper that can be of use - You have
got my little white Book with the Calculations of the Monthly &
Yearly consumptions of Cornish Engines - Mr Weston gave it you at
the Tavern, be Carefull of it - for I now want it much.
Poor Matthews is much worse.
Remember us kindly to Mrs. Wilson & believe us
ever Yours sincerely
M B[oulton] for B[oulton]&W[att]
Please not to
forget to Bring Hornblowers Advertisments with you.
He says that he has always been desireous of haveing it inspected by
us or our Agents & never refused it. I therefore wish you would
attempt again to see it with Murdock.
We have just receivd the Speakers warrents but they must be Copyd &
We shall send them by tomorrows post to you.
Since writ
