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 5
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 writing the above I have seen Mr Edwards who says the Wey of
Coals at Tin Croft is 72 Bushel to the weigh & consequently 8¼ Wey
is = 594 Bush[el]s ÷ by 28 Days = 21¼ Bush[el]s p[e]r Day.
1440 Min[u]t[e]s x 7 Strok[e] = 10080 Strokes ÷ 21,2 Bush[els] =
475,4 Strokes p[e]r Bush[el].
I hear Mr Edwards hath been makeing a Visit to Mr
Williams - Q[ue]r[y] how is that.
In Horn[blow]ers Calculation he reckons the House s
[the alchemical symbol for water] pump but in our Monthly Acc[oun]ts
that is not reckond''
AD1583/5/19 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
warrants, and account of copper raised Item
1 folio
Manuscript
23 Mar 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton Mar[ch] 23 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Dear Sir
Mr Weston will write to you by this post with the
Warrents w[hi]ch we leave to your discression as perhaps you may
think it not necessary to serve all the Three.
We are desired to produce an acc[oun]t of all the Copper that hath
been raised by Means of our Engines & we therefore beg you
will bring or send such an acc[oun]t say for 1779 to 1792.
We beg youl not fail of being here on Wednesday evening & not forget
all necessary papers.
Y[ou]rs &c
MB:
London
23[r]d March 92''
AD1583/5/20 Letter, Boulton & Watt to Wilson regarding
Wilson, Murdock and Rogers' inspection of Tincroft engine Item
1 folio
Manuscript
12 Apr 1792
''London April 12 – 1792
Dear Sir
Yours of the 9th is before us by which we observe that
new tryals are going to be made by the Captains &c of Tin Croft & I
have no doubt but every exertion & by every means will be made to
make the Engine appear better than it realy is - I therefore desire
that you Murdock & Rogers will attend the tryals & not suffer your
selves to be amused or deceivd particularly in the 5 following
things.
Viz.
1stthe Diam[e]t[e]rs of the Pumps
w[hi]ch we desire W[illiam] Murdock would measure with his own hand
& own Rule
2[n]d To examine that they do not work with Slippery Buckets
but that they properly fit the working barrels
3[r]d Measure the length of the Stroke in the Pump
4th The Quantity of Coals burnt
5 The Number of Strokes made by a Counter
6 Examine that the Steam Valve which Communicates between
ye Boiler and large Cylinder is not open The Letters you mention shall be sent for.
What have you agreed w[i]th Mr Edwards.
Adieu when shall we see you.
Yours sincerely
Boulton & Watt''
[the handwriting
is that of Matthew Boulton]
AD1583/5/21 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
the copper trade, and Hornblower's engines Item
1 folio
Manuscript
29 May 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton 29 May 1792
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, at Mr Holebrooks at, Morriston
near, Swansey, S[outh]: Wales, by Gloscester
''Soho the 29 May – 1792
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
at Morriston near
Swansey
Dear Sir
I have just rec[ei]vd your fav[ou]r of ye
26th In[stan]t the first part of which gave me much pain, but am not
without hopes you will be perfectly recovered before you arive at
Truro: however you must lay your acc[oun]t for future visits of the
Gout & you should consult some phisician who understands the nature
of that disorder how you should live & how manage your self so as to
give the most easy Vent to that disorder & thereby preserve long
live which I heartily wish you for the sake of your family &
friends.
I have not yet examind into my acc[oun]t w[i]th Fenton &
Co[mpany] but suppose all is right 'tho I dont understand one
article viz. p[ai]d to Mr Swann and T: Wilson for 2½ Shares 1736[£].
19 [shillings]. 6 [pence] w[hi]ch Please to Explain in your next.
In regard to your proposition relative to ye 47 Ton of tough cake I
B[ough]t of you I can only say that in all my purchases of Copper I
acted as the Agent of Mr Monneron & that I always regularly advised
him of all my transactions of that kind. I am now going on currantly
with Coining but it will be some Months before I shall have worked
up the Copper I have & therefore you may take Your own time as to
the delivery. - As all the Copper I want, is intended for Rolling &
Coining, I can only use soft tough Cake, the dry Tyle Copper will
not be of any use to me You may therefore sell ye Tile to W[illia]ms
& if you can sell it the better by accompanying it with the Tough
Cake you may do it provided You can send me the 47 Ton of tough Cake
in the course of 3 Months but I presume Mr Monneron will not be
willing to totaly relinquish it however as I expect him at Soho in a
fortnight I shall then be better able to judge the matter.
I have never seen Mr Hurd since I saw him with you in London but I
hear he has removd or removing all the Copper from my Warehouse to
his own without so much as consulting me - he has got the Books &
all Letters Papers & acc[oun]ts at his own house. I have never
rec[ei]vd a 6d [pence] out of the business nor any part of my
Capital nor ever been able to bring him to any settlement. His
Conduct is strange & very dissatisfactory & I advise you to be
guarded in all you write to him.
I have got a quantity of Copper Slag w[hi]ch contains
much Copper. I have used all the Fluor I had as a flux & it answerd
but I have no more & therefore I think if you could send me 4 or 5
Ton of Ore (such as is very fusible) from Swansey I could flux down
the remainder of my Slag with it.
I have not heard one word from Cornwall since I saw you.
& I am not displeased that the Cornubians are totaly unacquainted
with all we say & do & I recommend it to you to learn all you can, &
say as little as you can: but if you fall into conversation with any
of the adventurers who may intend to erect the Trumpeters [Hornblowers]
Engines You may say that you have no doubt but B[oulton]&W[at]t will
defend & support their own Rights with firmness, Judgment &
discression. That all the World is convinced their Engine (Hornb[lowe]rs)
is an evasion of B&W & constructed on their principles and you may
add that You are perswaded that every Engine Hornb[lowe]rs erect
will prove the best advocate B&W can employ & will ultimately prove
that B&W are right & that Hornblowers are wrong.
You say you mean to set out on Wednesday but I hope you
mean Wednesday sevenight for if you mean tomorrow this letter will
not reach you in time although wrote the inst[an]t yours came to
hand.
Youl see by ye papers that we have had another Riot at
Birm[in]g[ha]m but all is now quiet.
Mr Watt and all of us are tolorable well & remain with every good
wish for your & Mrs. Wilsons health
Dear Sir
Yours Sincerely
M: Boulton''
AD1583/5/22 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
Wilson's gout Item
1 folio
Manuscript
12 Jun 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Watt June 4 1792
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m
June 4th 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We have yours from Bristol Covering 2 bills
£443. 12 [shillings]. 1 [penny] to y[ou]r credit.
Mr Boulton rec[ei]vd yours & wrote you last week, Mr Hurd I have not
seen, & am informed he is ill & keeping the house - I am sorry to
hear of your indisposition, but hope it will end in this fit of the
Gout, & restore you again to vigour, You say nothing of Mrs Wilson I
hope she is well & that you have found all your family in the same
situation - We have heard not one syllable from Cornwall since we
parted, & fear we shall have a long acc[oun]t of grievances from you
when you get home.
I join with Mr B[oulton]. in recommending patience to
you, and mild answers, accompanied with firmness in the main point -
Mrs W[att] joins in Comp[limen]ts to you & Mrs Wilson & I remain,
Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/5/23 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
Murdock's order for parts for Wheal Maid, Gwennap Item
1 folio
Manuscript
12 Jun 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Watt June 12 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m June 12th 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
On Friday last received a letter from Mr
Murdock ordering a new bottom nozle & Square Box for Wheal
Maid old 58 with valves &c as compleat, now we do not perfectly
understand the order, please say what square box is meant &
whether the nozle is to be as formerly, or in the new way with an
inverted valve, which species we are not now over fond of - Your
answer per soonest will oblige as the order seems in a hurry. We
shall answer your letter soon but cannot to day I remain &c
Your's
J Watt''
AD1583/5/24 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
water for Seal Hole engine Item
1 folio
Manuscript
20 Jun 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Watt 18 June 1792
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m June 18th 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We have yours of the 15th covering Bill
value £434. 18 [shillings]. 9 [pence] to your credit -
The case of seal hole seems desperate without they can
get other water, That water when hot will eat Copper nearly as fast
as Iron at least if it is vitriolic water, however it will be right
to try it. Lead would stand the water, but there is great danger of
its being melted by carelessness. On the whole I think we have
sufficient reason to get off Bargain, because we did not undertake
to make an Engine to work with vitriolic acid instead of water.
As I understand you about the nozle for Wheal Maid 58 it
is thus with all valves and every thing compleat [here gives a
diagram of the nozzle], If I am wrong write immediately - We
cannot answer the other parts of your letter to day but will in a
post or two.
Yours sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/5/25 Letter, Hodges to Wilson
regarding the sale of lamps Item
1 folio
Manuscript
17 Jun 1792-20 Jun 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Hodges 20 June 1792
Addressed to: Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
Mr. Tho[ma]s
Wilson
Sir
The Rev[eren]d Mr Tremayne of Cornwall in
our Books stands still indebted to us for £3. 13 [shillings]. - for
a Lamp sent him in Aug[us]t 1785. I beg to trouble you with a few
lines concerning it; when I last had the pleasure of seeing you here
I think you mention'd having received payment of Mr Tremayne but
that Mr Boulton intended to have made him a Present of the Lamp, I
think also some what was said about returning the Money to Mr
Tremayne - but not being certain what is done or intended to be
done about it I beg the favor your informing me how it is
settled, that this small long standing Account may be closed some
way - I trust your Candor will excuse this trouble and I remain very
respectfully
Sir
Your obliged & most h[um]ble
Serv[an]t
P[er] Matt[he]w Boulton
Jno [John] Hodges
Soho 17 Feb[ruar]y 1790
PS. Mr Wills of Truro has at length return'd all the Lamps unsold
and has sent a clear statement of all D[ebto]r[s] & C[redito]r[s]
and there appears a ballance in Mr Boulton's favor of £11. 19
[shillings]. 8 [pence] which Mr Wills promises to remit - This
concern with Mr Wills has been a losing affair to us the Lamps now
return'd being many & not one Saleable. I just name these
particulars you having formerly been so Obliging as to trouble your
self on ye mode of settling -
Soho ye 20 June
1792.
J Hodges''
AD1583/5/26 Letters, Watt to Wilson and
Boulton & Watt to Poldice adventurers Item
2 folios
Manuscript
28 Jun 1792
AD1583/5/26/1 Letter, Boulton & Watt to Wilson regarding
various mines Piece
1 folio
Manuscript
28 Jun 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Watt 28 June 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m
June 28th 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
Yours of the 23[r]d before us, in reply to
which & those of the 1st, 5th & ye 15th - In regard to your expences
in the London Journey, you only can judge what share of them ought
to be placed to our account, & to you we entirely refer that matter.
Inclosed you have our letter to Poldice which please deliver without
sealing deliver in the account of our savings from the date it
commenced, urge that we have sufficiently shown our liberality
towards them & that they ought now to make a return, As they will
insist upon an abatement, we impower you to accept of 2/3 if you can
settle it so for the time past & for so long as we shall
consider that the state of the Mine requires it, If this is not
accepted of & a refusal of payment made the necessary steps must be
taken to enforce it, in order to which you must by some means or
other, procure proper evidence of their refusal, but previous to
this you may write to us the result of your application.
Hallamanin Adventurers should be informed that the
removal of the air pump and application of a Syphon will not avail
them, while they act upon the piston with steam & condence in a
place seperate from the Cylinder itself.
If that Mine would agree to pay us our usual premium,
for the 60 inch upon Hallamanin & One of same size intended upon
Retallack, we would agree that whatever augmentation of power might
be required in either of these mines we should not charge any
encrease of premium, You may mention this as from yourself, but
assure them we shall never agree to their former proposal & that we
cannot permit any sham alteration (with an intent to evade) to
defraud us of our dues from the Engine.
We do not see what can be said to the united Mines at
present further than that the sum you mention £12000 is probably
much more than they will ever have to pay us for premiums & that if
they want more power you know we would not charge any additional
premium on that account, and moreover they had better consider well
whether the altering the Engines could free them from our claims
upon them.
Wheal Butson having never paid us any thing has not any
claim upon our generosity if there has been a mistake in erecting
the Engine upon a mine which would not pay it did not arise from us;
The premium should be paid up to the 1st May as you mention, after
which you may abate our premium to 2/3 till the Mine becomes
profitable or if you think that too much you may accept of 1/3 for a
limited time for a trial, but we ought not to give up the whole in
any case.
Please find out what they realy intend to do at United
Mines & query if you could not get a copy of their estimate how they
are to lay out this £12000 & see if we could not do the business
cheaper - We remain
D[ea]r
Sir
Your's sincerely
Boulton & Watt
Wheal Virgin
nozle is put in hand -''
[the handwriting
is that of James Watt]
AD1583/5/26/2 Letter, Boulton and Watt to The Adventurers in Poldice Mine Piece
1 folio
Manuscript
28 Jun 1792
Endorsed:
Messrs Boulton & Watt June 28 1792
Addressed to: The Adventurers in, Poldice Mine, Cornwall
''Birmingham 28th June 1792
The Adventurers in Poldice Mine
Gentlemen
The period for which we relinquished our
share of the saveings of Fuel ariseing from the Engines on Poldice
Mine, is long since expired. We have repeatedly desired Mr Wilson to
apply to you for our dues & he has done so, Yet we have never
received any. -
Propositions were made us by Mr Vivian through Mr Wilson, to which
we could not conform, & for our answer thereto, we refer you to our
letter to Mr Vivian of ye 16th of April 1791 which he had doubtless
shewn You.
As we cannot submit to haveing our premium witheld from
us or Modified without our consent, We have directed Mr Wilson to
give you in our Acc[oun]t up to the present date & request you will
liquidate the same.
We remain respectfully
Gentlemen
Your most Obed[ien]t
humbl[e] Serv[an]ts
Boulton
& Watt''
[the handwriting
is that of Matthew Boulton]
AD1583/5/27 Letter, Pearson to
Wilson regarding receipt of bills Item
1 folio
Manuscript
4 Jul 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Pearson 4 July 1792
Addressed to: Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho near Birmingham
4th July 1792
Mr. Thomas Wilson
Sir
Boulton & Watt desire me to acquaint you,
that they have rec[eive]d the Bills sent, amounting in all to Three
Hundred & eighty eight Pounds seventeen shill[in]gs & four pence;
and that they intend soon to write to you themselves. -
I am Sir
Your
very Ob[edient] Ser[van]t
For
Boulton & Watt
James
Pearson''
AD1583/5/28 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
Halamanning, Poldice and United Mines Item
1 folio
Manuscript
4 Jul 1792
Endorsed:
Mr. Watt July 4th 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m July 4th 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We have your's of the 30th Covering Bills
value £388. 17 [shillings]. 4d [pence] to your credit, We send you
another letter to Poldice written nearly in your own terms. We see
and feel the difficulty of your situation as well as our own, it is
certainly our resolution to prosecute such mines as we have
agreements with as do not pay or pretend to get off by altering
their Engines, & probably Hallamanin will be the first unless
Poldice makes interest for the preference; but we can try no action
before Nov[embe]r and it will not be proper to give them too long
warning by giving our legal summons too soon. As to Hallamanin, this
much Ought to be said to them that the altering the Engine
does not vacate the agreement, without they totaly lay aside all our
inventions, & that you desire they would accept of this as warning.
You may mention our last proposal nor not as you please - In respect
to the United Mines use your discretion, it is needless to
precipitate matters, but if spoke to, you know what to say for they
should not be left to retain the idea that altering the Engines
would let them off.
In respect to the publication you mention, we think of
writing something but it is very difficult to determine what should
be said, a little too much may do harm in such a crisis, whatever
therefore we publish must first be submitted to our lawyers, that we
may say nothing injurious to ourselves, At any rate I find myself
very unequal to the task my spirits having never risen to par since
our Spring campaign, and I have been in consequence of that & former
attacks upon my tranquillity almost entirely unfit for business, as
my letters to you must witness. I also fear that there is no making
those hear that are willfully deaf - however I shall try.
Mr Harris's letter is the civilest we have had from him
of a long time, I think therefore we must excuse them the small
Engine for these 4 months, but the terms in future must remain as
they have been in times past. Whatever we do we must not cut our own
throats by altering terms unless all the county will enter into some
lasting agreement with us.
I have not mentioned that in the affair of Poldice we
leave it to you to act for the best for our interest not agreeing to
any thing more against us than what you have mentioned.
You may easily suppose that without good reason we
should not sit quiet under the usage we have received from Cornwall,
nor shall we much longer, though we foresee much difficulty anxiety
& expence in a lawsuit & the issue very precarious - You do not
disappoint us by sending us no pleasant news from Cornwal, we have
long ceased to expect much of that sort from that county, &
certainly do not blame you for getting us ill will, but on the
contrary are sensible you have used your endeavours to avert it.
As to the Conquer or perish these are bold words, but
our business is to get all the money we can before we bring matters
to an issue, or rest our property on the opinion of 12 men who may
not chuse to understand it. however affairs seem to have come to
that point or nearly so as to leave us no choice - Mr B[oulton]. is
much indisposed with his usual complaint & under a course of
medicine.
I remain
Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James Watt
Mr B[oulton]:
certainly means to take the 47 Ton of Copper when ever it is most
convenient for you to deliver it. B[oulton]: has just rec[ei]vd a
letter from Mr Monneron who says he shall want all the Copper & that
he will be at Soho next week for certain''
[this postscript
being in Matthew Boulton's handwriting]
AD1583/5/29 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
alterations to engine at Halamanning mine, St Hilary Item
1 folio
Manuscript
10 Jul 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Watt July 10 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m July 10th 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
In answer to yours of the 6th respecting
Hallamanin, though we will do nothing in the way of concession to
prevent alterations being made on the Engine, as we believe, they
could not by that means get clear of our claims upon the Engine; Yet
as the Lords have agreed to an abatement till the adventurers are
repaid the Costs of Setting the Mine to work, and as we certainly
have never acted in an ungenerous manner to mines where we were
convinced there was any reason for making allowances, we shall agree
to their proposal of taking one half our usual premium on that
Engine until the Adv[enture]rs are repaid the whole expence of
costs, after which to be paid our full premium, but you will please
to observe that we consent to this only upon condition that the
agreement be drawn in the usual manner in other respects, which we
request you may adhere to & take care that the Clause respecting the
abatement be properly worded, We shall send you some blank
agreements which are shorter than the former ones and more explicit.
I have just seen Mr R. Fox & learnt that Mr Murdock is
here and gone over to my house.
for Mr Boulton & Self
Dear Sir
Your
Obed[ien]t h[um]ble serv[an]t
James Watt''
AD1583/5/30 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
agreements for the Cornish mines Item
1 folio
Manuscript
14 Jul 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Watt 14th July 1792
Addressed to: Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m July 14th 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
Y[ou]rs of 7th & 10th before us, we are at a
loss what to advise therefore shall write what occurs to us - We
consider Law as the last refuge but yet we shall not quietly suffer
infractions of our agreements or be dictated to in an imperious
Manner, & if the Mines Mr V[ivian]. mentions act as he seems
disposed to advise them we shall try it and they must abide the
consequences - We however do not understand his proposal, does he
mean that the ad[venture]rs are to pay us as they please from time
to time, or does he mean his proposal to be the basis of a new
agreement to be legally carried into execution? - We certainly
cannot desire the ad[venture]rs to carry on mines to their loss, but
that is their concern not ours; but we conceive that without some
profits some how or other they would not go on and we do not see why
we should be made the only sufferers, or the Bankers to supply
deficiences.
What opinion can We have of the honesty of men who know
that nothing but the fear of law has kept them from robbing us? or
who actualy do so, in defiance of that fear - We think of coming
down, but Mr B[oulton]. is at present under a Course of medicine for
the gravel, and myself not well, and we wish first to have the
sketch you promised of what you would have us write and we must go
by London & have another conversation with our lawyer, as to the
line of conduct we should pursue while in Cornwall. It appears now
that concessions will avail little, they could only serve to
procrastinate & make us lose the next term. We intend this day to
send your two last letters to Mr Weston to show him better than we
can write the State of affairs with you, we shall write you about
the Wheal Jewel goods on Monday or tuesday with any thing more which
occurs, at present I feel myself much exhausted -
Hopeing you will keep up your spirits and continue your
exertions, I remain
D[ea]r Sir
Yours
sincerely
James Watt''
If the lords of
Poldice had set the same example as they have done at Hallamanin
their claim had been rather stronger.
We should the last agreement with United Mines, we mean
that they did not execute as also all the information or materials
you can give in respect to Poldice or any others''
AD1583/5/31 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
alterations to engine at Wheal Butson Item
1 folio
Manuscript
17 Jul 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Watt July 17 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m July 17th 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
Yesterday Mess[rs] Whitmore & Simcox of the
Birmingham Metal Company waited upon us to know our resolutions in
respect to Hallamanin, we told them, what we had desired you to
agree to, provided they entered into a written agreement in the
usual form. They looked over Wheal Butson agreement and seemed
satisfied. They said that the alteration proposed was unknown to
them till lately & that they had put a stop to it until plan was
sent them, on receiving which they thought it fair to show it us for
our objections, they accordingly produced it. It is quite one of our
expansive Engines with the addition of a syphon, but has an air pump
seems of Bulls drawing with a very Curious dissertation annexed
shewing how it evades our patent. On the whole they seemed friendly
or pretended to be so. We hope that therefore that affair may be
concluded. We have not yet heard from Mr Weston since we sent him
your last letters. At present I can little to what we have formerly
said, being very much indisposed, with an asthma & the weakness
subsequent to a very bad headache which has lasted ever since
saturday Mr B[oulton]. is still under his course of medicine. which
he is to continue till the end of this week, & which makes him very
low so that you can see we can scarce make up a man between us - We
have looked out Poldice first agreement & shall look our letters
memorandums &c concerning the subsequent Engines and wish you to do
the same - Wishing you health & spirits
I remain Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/5/32 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
Wilson's publication, also various mines Item
1 folio
Manuscript
18 Jul 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Watt July 18 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m July 18th 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
Yours of the 14th rec[eive]d covering 2
bills value £230. - . - to your credit.
In regard to the publication, I think it will be right to publish
the savings which have been made by our Engines over the common ones
at the Mines you mention & from each of these drawing the inference
of what coals would have been consumed if the Comm[o]n Engine had
been of the same powers as to going deeper than ours were, after
which you may slightly touch upon the total amount that would have
been saved or was saved on all the mines you mention, but I
think the comparison should be fair and depths admitted as well as
gallons. You may then shew the comparative effects of our Engines &
Hornblowers from which you may draw the inference that 1/3 or more
of the fuel is saved by our Engines when compared with Tin croft in
similar circumstances, but I would offer no undertakings. The facts
are sufficient to any one who reasons & the offer to undertake would
imply some right in our opponents which we ought by no means to
allow to be implied, and in the whole of the paper you must confine
yourself to mere facts and the natural inferences from them, without
saying any thing either personal of the Horn[blow]ers or of their
rights which you profess at present not to discuss only to disabuse
the county as to matters of fact.
In respect to Hallamanin if they will not execute an
agreement the same as the others, we cannot come into their terms,
and may as well try the matter now as after establishing such a
precedent for if that Engine is to work both Hallamanin and
Rettallack it cannot work them long and then we shall be at 6s & 7s
again; however our former proposal may be repeated to them that what
farther power they may want to work these two mines we shall charge
no premium upon - If you can keep them off and on for a few days it
may be well as I am going to London to take some advice & we should
act accordingly & the same doctrine may be applied to poldice, a
positive answer to which should be declined, at any rate until you
have some better authority for the offer than Mr V[ivian]s talk.
If you do not get proper information from Tincroft as to the effects
and consumption you may state it so in your paper, but mention no
names rather excusing the Cap[tain]s as acting under direction of
the Adv[enture]rs and consequently in the way of their duty - You
say you wish we were as determined as you are, we are determined to
do whatever seems most for our advantage once we can see clearly
what that is; but it is truely said that law is a bottomless pit and
we would fain see some good firm ladder to get out before we venture
to go into it. The Justice of our cause we cannot entertain a doubt
of nor does any body, but the labour, the uncertainty, & the expence
of a suit are not light things. Yet those we shall encounter rather
than suffer the very gross injustice with which we are treated and
we request you to furnish us with such materials & information as
you can respecting Poldice and Hallamanin.
The post calls.
Your's
sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/5/33 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
requested abatement for North Downs mine, Redruth Item
1 folio
Manuscript
21 Jul 1792
Endorsed:
Mr. Watt July 21st 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m July 21st 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We have y[ou]rs (2) of the 14th and shall
send you what we can find of the articles you want - We have letter
from the Messrs Fox's of Falmouth saying that N[orth]. Downs is so
poor that they mean to Stop & asking us to make a further abatement
of 1/3 or to give up the whole of our premium until they make a
farther trial or the mine becomes better. We wish to know your
opinion on this head p[e]r soonest as we have delayed answering them
till we receive it - We agree to take out our ores upon the terms of
smelting you mention, but in regard to buying more wish to delay
answering at present, as probably we shall see you soon.
I remain in haste
D[ea]r Sir
Your's
J
Watt''
AD1583/5/34 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
agreement to reference proposed for Seal Hole Item
1 folio
Manuscript
23 Jul 1792
Endorsed:
Mr. Watt July 23[r]d 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m July 23[r]d 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
In the hurry of writing you on Saturday I
forgot to say that we agree to the reference proposed for Seal Hole
-
Having been hurried and unwell to day I have not got the
paper you desire ready for you, but shall attend to it tomorrow.
I remain
Your's
sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/5/35 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
engines at Poldice and Tincroft mines Item
1 folio
Manuscript
24 Jul 1792
Endorsed: Mr Watt July 24th 1792
''Birm[ingha]m July 24th 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We have yours of the 20th. It gives us much
pleasure to learn Mr Tremayne's real sentiments as I assure you it
gave me more pain to hear he was against us than most others in the
County, and I hope his example will influence the worthy part of the
County who have been misled by false & injurious reports which we
hope you have in your power to contradict.
We send you enclosed, or rather with this, an ancient
press copy of the trail upon Hawkesbury Engine, the original is in
Mr Garbets possession, who made the award, we send also an attested
Copy of the trail of Poldice old Engines. The newcastle
advertisements are copying, lest the originals should be lost in
carriage but I do not see how you can bring them in with propriety.
A very strong proof of the effects of our Engines in the last 4
months of Poldice double Engine you sent us = 2673096 lb [pounds] 1
foot high per bushel, which considering Stoppages cleansings &c is
more than 30 million on a days trial, if there is no mistake it is
better than any other - Take this also, suppose the H[ornblower]s
were to erect an Engine = in power to Wheal Maid = 63 x 20 lb an
inch, theirs being by their own acc[oun]t only 7½ lb on ye larger
cylinder, then 2, 63s = 15 lb remains 5 lb on a 63 = a 51¼ cylinder,
& 3 small cylinders say 2, 44½s and 1, 36½. The account stands thus
63 44½
63 44½
51¼ 36½
now will any man out of Bedlam take upon him to say that these 6
cylinders and their apparatus, can be made for the price of one of
our double 63s or that when made from the extent of cooling surface
there must not inevitably ensue a greater waste of Steam, If such a
man runs loose he should be sent to ye s[ai]d place, & if any other
man can be found who will swallow so gross an absurdity, I say it
must he will fall & qui vult decipi decipiatur [Let he who
wishes to be deceived, be deceived].
In respect to the proposal to Tin croft what we
understand to be proposed is this, That if the Cylinder is a good
one truely bored, we shall undertake, to throw away the lesser
Cylinder & to make the larger one alone work to the load of 10½ lb
on the inch as well as it now does under the load of 7½ lb which is
one third more than it now does & I think we are safe in saying that
it shall be done with the same coals, or fewer in proportion if it
goes faster, but this article you will consider well before you
propose it, In respect to the estimate of the alteration it must lye
with you & Mr M[urdock?]. & should also be well considered, but you
ought not to come to a conclusion on that head until you have seen
the Engine particularly, If you cannot settle the point with
penrose we shall try what we can do with the Gentlemen here - You
should certainly embrace every opportunity of securing Sir Francis
[Basset's] good opinion We have and did always speak of his
behaviour as a mine owner in a respectful manner, we should have
been unjust to have done other wise, and you know that on coming
from Birmingham our intention was to have applied to him as a patron
against the Hs bill & how mortified we were to find him on the other
side - I must say that the proposal of suing us for obtaining money
under false pretences is one of the most iniquitous, unjust and
unprincipled I have heard us & could never come from a man of honour
or honesty, wishing you to follow up the favourable sentiments, by
calm argument until you impress conviction, and to make good use of
the return of hope on your own mind which has proved in some degree
a cordial to us.
I remain Dear Sir
Your's
sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/5/36 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
Mr Smeaton's advertisement Item
1 folio
Manuscript
28 Jul 1792
Endorsed:
Mr. Watt July 28th 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m
July 28th 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I send you enclosed as under
No 1 Mr Smeatons Advertisement in the newcastle papers
No 2 An answer to the same by a friend at newcastle
No 3 Our reply on the same subject -
No 4 Mr Smeatons answer -
through the slowness & stupidity of the person employed
we have not had a compleat Copy made and none at all of the two
last, at any rate the originals must be carefully preserved.
We know not what use you mean to make of these papers,
but in our opinion they are totaly unfit for publication & would do
much more harm than good. S:s vanity outgoes his natural Candour &
his behaviour during our parliamentary Contest shewed that he was
not heartily with us.
I remain
Dear Sir
Yours
sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/5/37 Letter, Southern to Wilson regarding
procurement of a perpendicular steam pipe Item
1 folio
Manuscript
1 Aug 1792
''Soho - 1st Aug[us]t 1792
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
Sir
Finding that we cannot procure the
perpendicular steam pipe for the 58 inch cylinder that Mr Murdock
spoke to us about in due time I send you the information that you
may get it with you, which Mr M[urdock] said you could easily do.
I am
Sir
Your obed[ient] Servant
John Southern''
''We have yours
of 26th & 27th the former of which cannot now answer - We remember
nothing of the advertisement in Birmingham papers which you mention
but have sent to search for it -''
[the postscript
is written in the hand of James Watt]
AD1583/5/38 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
various engines Item
1 folio
Manuscript
4 Aug 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Aug[u]st 4th 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Bir[mingha]m Aug[us]t
4th 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I have been so much indisposed this week,
and perplexed with various matters that I have not been able to
write you except a few lines after writing which & too late to
answer it Mr B[oulton]. gave me yours of the 28th - Tincroft people
behave in so very odd a way that I know not whether we should make
them any further proposition. In respect to whether the Engine would
use any more coals or not, it will be necessary first to determine
what it does with the construction and if no better than hitherto
known we shall be able to speak more positively about it. At any
rate I think it may with propriety be let alone making them further
proposal until we come ourselves to the County or you come here as
you seemed to promise & we should be glad of & should go to London &
to Cornwall with you, if we can make our times suit. The performance
of Wheal Jewel seems to be good & to answer to a consumption of 9
bushels p[e]r day for 4 1/3 8 feet Strokes p[e]r minute of a 27 inch
Cylinder but I am at present quite unable to put figures together.
In respect to Wheal Crenver I see nothing we can in our
present circumstances propose but our usual terms, as Mr B. has been
constantly engaged all this week & is now at Birmingham I have no
opportunity of conferring with him.
A person says he has got an invention that is to cut
ours all to pieces, time will try, in the mean time say nothing of
it, till we know more about it.
I remain Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
J Watt
Mr Southern has
gone over the calculations of wheal Jewel & says it is only
10,100000 of pounds 1 foot high p[e]r bushel & your datum of
Tincroft only 5½ millions 1 foot high p[e]r bushel''
AD1583/5/39 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
R W Fox's request of estimate for engine Item
1 folio
Manuscript
7 Aug 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Aug[u]st 7th 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m Aug[us]t 7th 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
Mr R.W Fox having desired us to send him our
opinion of the power & premium for an Engine able to blow furnaces
to make 100 tons of Iron a week we sent him a letter on the subject
& mentioned £130 a year as the premium which without knowing well
what we meant to do for him he wrote us he thinks too much though no
more than we have for equal power where coals are cheaper and to
tell you the truth had it not been to serve them I know not if we
should have undertaken it at least I am sure it is not our interest,
while we have so many orders for large mill Engines which pay
better. We have answered his letter to day & probably you may see
our answer, but it is necessary you should know what we write about
N[orth].Downs about which he presses for an immediate answer ''We
should have written to you sooner about N. Downs, but as we intended
to have been in cornwall before now, we thought the matter would be
best discussed in conversation. We propose making that Journey in
the Course of this month; but if you think that even the whole of
our savings for a month are an object which ought to save or condemn
a mine of that consequence as N. Downs is and wish for a more
immediate answer, we refer you to Mr Wilson. On our own part permit
us to say that if the mine is so near a balance of standing or
falling it ought to be given up, though we by no means wish
to urge the adventurers to such a step''
Now if they apply to you, it should first be considered
whether any further abatement is necessary or proper, and if so we
empower you to abate to one half the original premium, for some fixt
time, not indeterminably, say for a three months trial, or 6 months
if you think it necessary. You will urge what arguments you are
possessed of against any abatement than they now have and say at the
ultimatum you can go no further until we are present. - We think it
very unkind in those to whom we have always been friendly to urge us
at this time to concessions so extremely injurious to us, & though
we are above repaying those things in kind yet we cannot forget
the applications that were made for Parliamentary interest against
us in a private manner.
Both Mr B[oulton]. & myself are some what better to day
than we were last week. We wish to hear of your motives that we may
regulate our own accordingly I remain
Dear Sir
Your's
sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/5/40 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
engines at Halamanning, Tincroft and Wheal Jewel mines Item
1 folio
Manuscript
8 Aug 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Aug[u]st 8th 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m Aug[us]t 8th 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We have yours of the 4th. You will take care
to make a clear bargain with Mr Richards before you put any
materials into his possession as to the rest he may depend upon
dispatch of every thing which depends upon us.
In respect to the comparison I think Wheal Jewel loaded
with a rotative motion flat rods &c is against us as it makes a poor
performance, and I doubt your facts about Tincroft will be disputed,
but of that you are best Judge, May they not urge from these falling
short that it is owing to the smallness of the Cylinder that theirs
does not come up to ours, therefore lay fast hold of buckets & rods.
In respect to Hallamanin I hardly know what to say as Mr
B[oulton]. is absent to day. It occurs to me that perhaps you may be
able to get over the matter by making some bargain to purchase the
Engine materials at some stipulated value or method of valuation
when they shall leave off. Or in place of their binding themselves
longer than the Engine is worked on the mine. If the old clause were
inserted that they should not sell without our consent, & in case we
refused that then we to take the materials at a stipulated mode of
valuation. Or if you can do neither of these then we must leave you
to do the best you can with them. I am overcome with a headache &
unfit to take resolutions but I shall write again to morrow perhaps.
Mr B. may see some of the Birm[ingha]m adv[enture]rs to day - I
remain
Dear Sir
Your's
sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/5/41 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
engines at Tincroft and Poldice, and other matters Item
1 folio
Manuscript
9 Aug 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton Aug[u]st 9th 1792
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol
''Soho Aug[us]t 9 – 1792
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
Dear Sir
In respect to Comparisons between one Engine
& another I think it unjust to our selves & to the cause of Truth to
consent to any mode of publick trial but such as is made between
Engines under similar circumstances & I am possitive & will venture
my whole fortune upon it, that if We were to erect an Engine upon
Tin croft mine with a Cylinder 27 In[che]s Diam[ete]r and a Stroke
of 8 feet Loaded to 8 lb [pounds] Single, or 16 lb Double p[e]r
*
inch working two lifts of pumps proportiond thereto. I say I am
confident & will bet the price of a Fire Engine upon it, that we
erect such an Engine that it shall make 800 Strokes with one
Bush[e]l of Coal, I will lay another thousand £ that it make 850
Strokes when working Single with one Bushel & another that it make
900 Strokes working Double with 2 Bushel of Coals
or to be short that a 27 In[ch] Cylinder working under a load 4590
lb shall raise 30 Millions of lb w[eigh]t one foot high p[e]r
Bush[e]l of Coals, & that a doubl[e] Engine under 16 lb shall raise
More than 30 Million & this is a fairer Comparison than
comparing against one of our Rotative Engines on a different Mine &
under sundry different circumstances.
Pray look at your last Acc[oun]t of Poldice double & youl see that
it raised near Twenty Eight Million of lb for 4 Months together
which is more than 32 Million upon a trial of 12 Hours or 24 Hours
working at ye rate of 14 Strokes p[e]r Min[u]t[e]. The Slow working,
the great number of Lifts, horozontal & angular Motions, bad boiler
& bad order of Engines with sundry other causes concur to produce
low effects. The more Observations I make upon our Engines the more
I am convinced of the absolute certainty of raising ½ a Million of
Cubic feet of Water one foot high with 1 Bush[e]l of Swansey or
Newcastle Coals.
I approve much of your proposition to Smelt B[oulton]&W[att]s
ores but as to contracts for Years at the present price of
Ores I dare not engage for a certain quant[it]y for a Certain term
as I think an alteration will take place so soon as the peace of
Europe is settled. -
Mr Monneron left Soho a few days ago & insists upon
haveing all the Copper Coind which I have bought of you & Mr Hurd &
others as p[e]r Acc[oun]t sent him some time ago - Mr Hurd hath not
deliv[ere]d so much by 100 Ton as I have bought of him & have his
invoice of. I shall be in want in a weeks time unless he finds some
for me but he complains heavily of Mr Hale not fullfilling his
contract, which certainly should be done. I must also beg you will
send me your 47 Ton of Copper at 94 & tell me when you must have ye
Bills - you rem[em]b[e]r ye terms. -
As I had some thoughts of haveing two Strings to my bow I expressd a
wish to be concernd in an Iron work at Swansey to Mr R: Fox but he
gave me to understand their door was shut.
He seems to think we have asked him too great a premium for blowing
3 furnices but I will venture to say he will not get it done so well
or so Cheap as the terms proposed: for he is a stranger to ye Value
& Merits of what we should have done for that work. There is a duty
to our selves as well as to our friends, & we are not inclined to be
deficient in either.
As I expect the pleasure of seeing you & Mr Edwards (to
whom present my best resp[ec]ts) here very soon I shall finish my
letter with kind Compl[iment]s to Mrs Wilson & subscribing my Self
Your faithfull
friend
Matt[he]w
Boulton
It is now 5
Weeks since I have been under the Control of Dr Withering who hath
given me Mercury twice a Week & other Phisick on ye intermediate
days in order to prepare me for a Cornish Journey: & yet after all,
if I ride one Mile on Horse back I am ill & make Bloody Water but
nevertheless I believe We shall return with you or at that time''
AD1583/5/42 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
terms for Halamanning adventurers Item
1 folio
Manuscript
9 Aug 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Aug[u]st 9th 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m Aug[us]t 9th 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I wrote you yesterday, concerning Hallamanin
to which have only to add to conclude with them in any way you can
only inserting a clause, that in case of any sale of the Engine
materials off the mine that we reserve all our rights over the same,
and that nothing herein contained shall render it lawful for any
person or persons whatsoever to erect use or work the same without
our consent first had & attained.
This we hope they cannot object to as it by no means
puts them under any obligations for others nor in a worse situation
than they would be without it, You will please however consider this
as the last proposal if you can do better do it, Mr B[oulton]. did
not see any of the B[irmingha]m adv[enture]rs.
I remain Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James
Watt''
AD1583/5/43 Copy of letter from Wilson to Vivian
regarding terms for use of Wheal Neptune engine Item
1 folio
Manuscript
23 Sep 1792
Endorsed: Copy of a Letter to Andrew Vivian Sep[tembe]r 23
1792
''Truro Sep[tembe]r 23 1792
Capt[ain] Andrew Vivian
Sir /
Various Engagements Since I saw
you last Tuesday has Prevented my writing you, on the subject of
Wh[ea]l Neptune Engine till now, which I am sorry for. We think your
Proposal then mentioned reasonable. -
I therefore now offer you the use of Wh[ea]l Neptune Engine on the
following Terms. -
first, That you shall take the Engine now at Wh[ea]l Neptune with
every thing there, the Property of Boulton Watt & Co[mpany] who will
also Put the Boyler now at Seal Hole Mine, into Proper repair; &
remove it at your Expence to the Mine, you Propose & there erect it
at the Expence of the Adv[enture]rs. -
2nd That the Engine, if used upon the Mine for more than 1 Year from
the Day of its being set to work; shall be Paid for by the
Adv[enture]rs immediately; in Bills at 30 Days Date, Viz Three
Hundred Pounds, with Interest thereon at 5 p[e]r C[en]t p[e]r Annum.
3[r]dly If the Adv[enture]rs shall not work the said Engine more
than 1 Year, & then give up working the same or give up sooner than
1 Year; the Adv[enture]rs shall then only Pay Boulton Watt & Co Five
Pounds p[e]r Mo[nth] for the time it is worked upon the Mine; for
Interest, Wear & Tear of Materials &c, & the Engine is to be left
standing on the Mine in the same state, is it now stands on Wh[ea]l
Neptune; & be the Property of Boulton Watt & Co to be removed &
disposed of at their Will & Pleasure. -
4thly besides the above payments for rent of the Engine The
Adv[enture]rs are to enter into a written agreement, to Pay a
Premium of Five Guineas p[e]r Mo[nth] for Liberty to use the said
Engine to Boulton & Watt; whilst it works under a less Loan than
3400 lbs [pounds] Weight; & after the Load exceeds 3400 lb, then the
Premium of Ten Guineas p[e]r Mo[nth] for so long as it continues to
be used on the said mine; or elsewhere.
5thly If at any time within the Year Boulton Watt & Co should have a
fair Indisputable Offer for the said Engine & Materials; the
Adv[enture]rs shall then Pay the said Three Hundred Pounds with
Interest thereon @ 5 p[e]r C[en]t for the time it has been used or
worked by them. or give up the Possession of the Engine, to Boulton
Watt & Co at Three Months from the Day on which Notice in writing
has been given to them of such offer being made.
If these Proposals Prove agreeable to you, Please to recite the
same, & signify your acquiescense thereto: I shall then order a
formal Agreement to be engrossed, & sent you for Execution. I am
Y[ou]r Very H[um]ble Ser[van]t
Tho[ma]s Wilson''
AD1583/5/44 Intended letter from Wilson to
printer regarding printing an answer to Hornblower Item
1 folio
Manuscript
25 Sep 1792
Endorsed: Intended Answer to H[ornblower]s Advertisement
Sep[tembe]r 25 1792
Mr Printer
Sir /
An Advertisement respecting Steam Engines
having appeared in your Paper of the 24th, which is more composed of
Abuse & false Insinuations than Argument, or fair Reasoning. -
I beg your insertion of this in your next. In the
Pamphlet wrote by me, to which the above advertisement is meant as
an Answer by Messrs Hornblower & Winwood, I endeavoured by candid &
fair Reasoning, as well as fact, to shew that to make a fair
comparison of different Engines, they ought to be under similar
Loads, rates of going, & Circumstances; & though I therein stated
many disadvantages Wh[ea]l Jewell was under yet that Engine was
superiour to Tin Croft when under similar Load &c as 10,102,269
exceeds 5,742,012.
I expected whenever an answer did appear they would have at least
endeavoured to have Proved, I had misstated the Performance of Tin
Croft in July 1791, & given to the Public their acc[oun]t of its
then Performance, instead of which they content themselves with
giving the Present Performance, of Tin Croft heavily Loaded & going
at twice the rate as Wh[eal] Jewell; thus endeavouring to impose
upon the Public, by an unfair Comparison.
I am astonished they do not see the Consequences to
themselves of this Defence; for if it is allowed to them to Produce
in evidence their Engine, in its most favourable state, against
Boulton & Watt in an unfavourable one; it will surely be allowed
B[oulton]&W[att] to bring against them, an Engine of theirs in the
most favourable state, without any allowance for Load, No of
Strokes, or other Circumstances & as they hold out Terms to the
County of being satisfied with receiving only, the am[oun]t of the
Coals it shall appear they consume less than Boulton & Watt, I
should suppose it will be but fair they should gaurantee those who
chuse to build Engines on their Plan, of the loss which it may
appear will arise from a greater Consumption of Coals, than would
have been by one of B&Ws Engines.
Without having recourse to Obsolete occurrences. There
is now an Engine working on Wh[ea]l Butson Mine, which I would as a
Friend to the Public recommend as a Standard, whereby to settle the
Quota of Messrs Hornblowers receipts or Payments. - This Engine on
the 17th did raise a Column of water, of 50 y[ards]. 2 f[ee]t of 9½
Inch Box = 9291 lbs [pounds] made 7560 Strokes of 8 feet long each,
with 17 Bushells of Coals, & Produced an effect of 33,001,632 lbs
raised 1 foot high, p[e]r Bushell. the Tryal was made in Presence of
Capt[ain] Buzza by desire of Sir C[hristopher] Hawkins, & is signed
by him. but as this fact may be disputed it woud be Proper those
interested should, repeat it in Presence of Persons in whom they can
confide, to which the Adv[enture]rs if applied to I have no doubt
will consent, & that soon lest it should also stop & become
Obsolete. Perhaps Mr H[ornblower] may with his usual Candour,
represent the above Engine, as unfair on acc[oun]t of its being
larger, to be brought into Comparison against Tin Croft; however no
such objection can be made to its being brought against other of
their Engines now building; in fact Mr H in this objection,
respecting size, strains at Gnats, whilst in other cases he makes no
difficulty Swallowing Camels. -
In answer to the charges of false Assertions & groundless
comparisons &cc brought against me; I answer, there is no one fact
in my Pamphlet given as such, but I can Prove is Perfectly true, &
therefore hold in Contempt every assertion in the contrary. I should
have been ashamed by imposing falsities as they have done, upon the
first men in the County. - In supposing that I delight in displaying my Literary Abilities,
I can assure Mr H I never undertook a more Irksome task, &
nothing could have tempted me to have obtruded myself on the Public,
but the necessity of vindicating Injured merit, suffering under his
vile assertions & Insinuations, & which from want of knowing the
Subject could not be undertaken by any other, I am
Yours &c
T W.
Truro Sep[tembe]r 25 1792''
AD1583/5/45 Letter, Watt to printer answering the advertisement placed by
Hornblower Item
1 folio
Manuscript
26 Sep 1792
Endorsed: Answer to Hornblower & Winwood Sep[tembe]r 26 1792
''Mr Printer /
Had I been less accustomed to the abuse unfair
statements & vain boastings of Messrs Hornblower & Winwood I should
have been surprised at their advertisement in your paper of the
24th, but I should not have thought their arguments merited an
answer if your paper did not come into the hands of Gentlemen who
may not have read the small pamphlets I published on comparison of
the performance of their Engines with those of Messrs Boulton &
Watt.
In that pamphlett I have stated, what will not be denied
by persons of experience in the effects of Steam Engines that in
order to make a fair comparison between two Engines, they must be
working nearly under the same loads per square inch, at the same
number of Strokes per minute with similar burthens of dry rods, &
the same number of buckets and clacks, And though Wheal Jewel Engine
wrought under the disadvantage of moving 108 fathoms of horizontal &
90 fathoms of perpendicular rods with 4 bushels, and that upon the
contrary Tin Croft has only 28 fathom perpendicular dry rods & in
July 1791 had only 2 buckets & Clacks not with standing these
disadvantages on comparing the effects of these two Engines when
similarly loaded with Colemns of Water in respect to theirs powers,
the effects of Wheal Jewel were nearly double the effects of Tin
croft with the same quantities of fuel; for in July 1791, when the
load of Tincroft was 1832 lb [pounds] or about one third of its full
load, & it was going at the rate of 4 strokes per minute it burnt
11.03 bushels of coals per day, and the effect was the raising only
5742012 pounds weight one foot high per bushel of coals, whereas
Wheal Jewel loaded also to about 1/3 of its power & making only 4,35
strokes per minute, consumed only 10,37 bushels of coals per 24
hours & the effect was the raising 10,521,321 pounds one foot high
per bushel.
Instead however of advertising the facts of the
performance of Tincroft in July 1791, which I conclude not to be in
their power Messrs H[ornblower]&W[inwood] have recourse to another
more convenient expedient, they endeavour to compare, the effects of
Wheal Jewel under all the disadvantages loaded & going at the rate
stated, against Tincroft when loaded to its full power, & going at
the rate of 7½ strokes (or as they say 8 strokes) per minute, when
the effects it can produce are the greater. That this is unfair
appears to me undeniable by men of experience & candour & by such
only can the matter be judged.
If a comparison is to be made with one of Messrs
B[oulton]&W[att]s Engines in as favourable circumstances as Tincroft
it can be done with that now working on Wheal Butson mine. On the
17th instant This Engine did work pumps 50 fathoms 2 feet deep & 9½
inch box = 9291 lb & made 7550 strokes of 8 feet long each in 12
hours with 17 bushels of coals, which effect is equal to the raising
33,001,632 pounds 1 foot high per bushel. This trial was attended by
Capt[ain] Buzza deputed for that purpose by Sir C[hristopher].
Hawkins & by the captains of the mine. If it is disputed let those
who may think themselves interested have it repeated, in presence of
persons in whom they can confide, giving proper warning to me that I
may cause some to attend on my part. I have no doubt but that the
Adventurers will consent if properly applied to, but their
application should be made soon lest the mine stop working & Messrs
H&W should class the Engine among those which are obsolete.
If these gentlement should object to this Engine as
being larger than Tincroft, their objection cannot be sustained if
it be assumed as a Standard of Comparison by which their vaunted
savings over Messrs B&Ws Engines may be ascertained in some much
larger ones Messrs H&W are now building, and I take upon me to
predict that if the adv[enture]rs in the mines where such Engines
are erecting have made a proper contract with them, instead of
receiving for their savings they will have to pay largely to the
mine for their short comings, as in justice they ought to do.
The charges of false assertions & groundless comparisons
they bring against me, rests only on their assertions and I leave it
to those who know them & know me, to judge which of us is most
worthy of credit''
[In James Watt's
handwriting, with occassional amendments and additions in the hand
of Matthew Boulton]
AD1583/5/46 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
Hornblower's reply to Wilson's pamphlet Item
1 folio
Manuscript
6 Oct 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton 6th Oct[obe]r 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Bath Saturday 6th Oct[obe]r 1792
Dear Sir
We arived here yesterday at Dinner perfectly well after
sundry delays upon the Road on acc[oun]t of Chaises - Mr Watt is
just gone to Bristol to take Coach for Birm[in]g[ha]m & I shall in a
few Minutes set out to London.
We sought Dr. Withering at all the Inns in consequence of a mistake
of Mrs. Pickwick & in the end were Mortifiyd that we had missed him
some how upon the Road - If you see him tell him our best wishes
attend him by Land & by Water & that we shall be happy to hear of
his save arival at Lisbon.
Pray give us some acc[oun]t of Swan pool & also let Tin Croft be
well watched both by Dick & Ned as well as Murdock.
The trumpeters [Hornblowers] have Publishd their answer
to your pamphlet twice in the Bristol paper & We are both of opineon
that you should instantly send your reply to Bristol to be publishd
or they will do us Mischief in that quarter. Youl see by the
inclosed advertisement that they are extending their Views to his
Majestys Colonys & Plantations abroad where our Patent also extends
- I cut it out of the Bath paper.
We both joyn in offering You & Mrs. Wilson our most
hearty thanks for all the Comforts & Consolations We rec[ei]vd in
Cornwall dureing our residence & be assurd We most sincerly wish
health & prosperity to You & all yours.
remaining ever (for B[oulton&]W[att]) Your
faithfull friend
M Boulton''
AD1583/5/47 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
the possibility of Scire Facias in respect to the Hornblowers Item
1 folio
Manuscript
8 Oct 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Oct[obe]r 8 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m
Oct[obe]r 8th 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I got home tolerably well yesterday morning
by the Bristol Mail & now have yours of the 4th Contents of which I
wrote to Mr B[oulton]. whom I left at Bath pretty well looking out
for a partner to London - The impudence of the H[ornblower]s is
astonishing, I know nothing we can do but bring our action or scire
facias if the subject permits.
I beg my best respects & thanks to Mrs Wilson for all
her civilities, & hope she has quite got the better of her cold. I
am very uneasy about Dr Withering who we did not meet on the road,
but have learnt that he left Bath very ill & was gone somewhere to
the seaside to try to reestablish himself enough for the voyage,
please write what you hear of him.
Yours
sincerely
J Watt''
AD1583/5/48 Letter, Gundry to Wilson regarding
engine for the Wherry Mine, Penzance Item
1 folio
Manuscript
11 Oct 1792
''Sir /
The Western Gentlemen Advent[ure]rs of the Wherry wishes
to make a Settlement respecting an Engine as soon as possible; that
no time may be lost in the erection of the same; they have therefore
purposed for a Meeting to be at the usual place, to determine on
this business - Next Tuesday the 16th instant there will be a bit of
Dinner provided the same time as the last -
& I am
Sir Y[ou]r mo[st] obed[ien]t Ser[van]t
Tho[ma]s Gundry J[unio]r.
Goldsithney the
11th October 1792
Mr. Wilson -''
AD1583/5/49 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
Murdock's sketch of Bull's engine Item
1 folio
Manuscript
11 Oct 1792
''Heathfield Oct[obe]r 11th 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I am at present confined by a fever of cold
which however is going off. We forgot to get from W[illiam]M[urdock].
the sketch of Bulls engine he made when last there. A hand sketch
with dimensions will be sufficient which please send as soon as
possible as we must make a model of it for the court, please to tell
him to notice whether there are any valves in the cover of the air
pump or in the piston of it.
With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson & family
I remain Dear Sir
Yours &c
J Watt
Mr Pearson wants
all acc[oun]ts to 30 Sep[tembe]r''
AD1583/5/50 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
engine at Godolphin mine, Breage Item
1 folio
Manuscript
14 Oct 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Watt 14 Oct[obe]r 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho Oct[obe]r 14th 1792
Mr Wilson
Dear Sir
I have yours of the 11th covering bills
£707. 12 [shillings] to y[ou]r credit. - The Bills to Mrs M. were
received - In respect to Crenver you have acted right - Mr B[oulton].
will not be home till the end of the week, therefore can only give
my own advice as to Godolphin vizt that you should inform the
adventurers, ''that whatever additions they make to the Engine,
on our principles, we shall charge them for, whoever makes them,
That Bulls Engine is entirely on our principles & that we are
now bringing an action against him which will be tried next term''
I am sorry to hear that you are fallen by but hope a
speedy recovery, & beg you will attend to keeping yourself warm. I
continue in very indifferent health - With best wishes to you Mrs
Wilson & family I remain
Y[ou]rs Sincerely
J Watt''
[the following
is added in Matthew Boulton's handwriting]
''wrote Capt[ain]
Isaac Broad to the above Purport Oct[obe]r 20 1792''
AD1583/5/51 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
the specifications of other peoples engines Item
1 large folio
Manuscript
15 Oct 1792
''London Oct[obe]r 15 1792
Dear Sir
I rec[ei]vd in due course your fav[ou]r of ye 5th & this
morn[in]g yours of ye 12th.
On the Sunday after I left Truro I dined with a friend at Winsor who
Complimented me with the best parlour which had not been opend of 2
Mo[nths] nor had a fire of 6 Mo[nths]. I often complaind of Cold but
a Lady thought it warm I complaind no more but in consequence
thereof I have had a most intolerable bad Cold with all its
concomitant Evils ever since but as I am now as loose before, as the
Prusians are behind, I have no doubt but it will soon run away.
I have examind both ye Patent offices & find no such
patent as you mention & have taken care that non shall come there
without my knowledge. I have seen the specifications of Joseph
Hatelys sublime folly, Techmackers Nonsensical new method of makeing,
Steam, Knipes (my old Correspondents) ignorance - Sadlers Rotative
Steam Engine inventend 2000 Years ago by Herone of Alexandria I can
prove & revived by Modern blockheads - Pitts pattent for droping
s
[the alchemical symbol for water] on hot Iron to make Steam - Frank
Thomson double Stroke Com[mo]n Engine with 2 cylinders & John
Wilkinson new Method of Rolling Iron by 2 Steam Engine all equaly
Valuable depend on't I shall keep a good look out after the Horned
Cattle & other Vermin - I am now busy in getting Models made to
plead for us & I think in 5 or 6 Weeks we shall call upon you to
come to Town & therefore take care of your health. - but Mum -
I hear Gullets mine is taken up by other adventurers & he is out.
Rasp is coming down to Cornwall in 2 or 3 Weeks I would not have him
thought to be a friend of B[oulton]&W[att] but I have reason to
think he is & you may give a prudential share of Confidence & help
him in any matter of Calculation - I am glad you have inserted your
answer in the Bristol Papers it was absolutely necessary -
I observe what you say about a Trial on W[hea]l Butson -
It is a matter of Moment & must be conducted with order & firmness
or may be injurious to our Cause.
W[hea]l Butson Engine is under favourable Circumstances but I can
assure you it is not so good an Engine as a 25 Double with the axis
of the beam below the Center of Gravity of it & a Beam with a High
king post with a large Cast Iron weight upon its top extreamity
would equalize the Expansive Power & enable us to carry it further.
Such an Engine would have little more than half the friction - would
loose less by the emination of heat from its surface would be less
taxed with friction upon the axis of the beam & the Cylinder being
oftener filld with Steam from ye top & Bottom there would be less
loss by condensation within & Expansive principle could be carried
further. However we must take it as it is although worse by near
ten p[e]r Cent that what we could erect - Takeing things as they are
much will depend on the tackticks of the Trial & therefore I shall
mention what occurs.
1st Clean the Boiler & flues 3 or 4 days before ye
trial
2[n]d See that the Valves in air pump & Cylinder are
Perfect 3[r]d Cover the Boiler top with Straw or Bags of
Bran or of Chaff for rememb[e]r Mr Watt calcul[a]t[e]d that a 36
lost 9 Bush[e]l of Day by the Evaporation of heat without working 1
Stroke
4th I have been calculating the effects of Friction in the
Cylinder & Condensor & though Harry Williams allows 8 Cwt
[hundredweight] to a 66 or to a piston 200 In[che]s Circumference
w[hi]ch is equal to 4 lb [pounds] down & 4 up p[e]r Inch Yet I only
allow 2½ down & 2½ up yet it comes to a Much Greater tax than you or
I ever thought of I therefore wish you had some of our Soho pomatum
to the Piston and to work it with that a few days before ye trial. I
therefore beg the Pistons my be in nice order & full of Grease or
Pomatum & neither too tight nor too loose
5th But above all take care that the Pistons or Bucketts
in the Pumps are not too tight but on the Contrary as easy as can be
allowd for by tight pistons you may double the Load and in a
trial a single pound is an object
6 - Begin with your Boiler as full of Water as it
will bear say 6 Inches above the Water Common height
7 Begin with a strong steam say 3 or 4 Inches but,
8 - take your stick out of the Gage to keep ye
Horn[blower]s in ignorance
9 leave off with the water low in ye Boiler,
10 & weak steam
11 Examine the heat of the Chymney & see if it will burn a
dry stick & at all events work with the damper as low as may be
necessary to keep up the Steam. Shut the top Valve so soon as not to
let the Engine give a Blow to the Beams withinside ye House except
when the Steam is Strong for I wish to shut ye Valve before the
piston has descended 2/3 & if the beam was constructed as I have
discribed [here is given a sketch diagram of the beam] the Steam
Valve might be shut when the beam was horozontal or ye piston half
way down
12 Pay the 3 Captains the 3 half Guineas & if we succeed to
your wishes give them 3 more besides a drink to all necessary
persons
13 Settle your rules & Laws in writing before you begin
otherwise your house & boiler house will be thronged & youl be Mobd
out of your Exp[erimen]t
No person to Stoke the Fire or put in Coals but our own men.
No person to be admitted into the House but such persons as are
appointed by W[hea]l Unity.
Let your Coals be fairly measured & put into the Boiler House
when the Exp[erimen]t begins & Knock any Man down that touches the
Coals or the fire duering ye whole trial.
I fear youl want more Friends besides, Murdock, Pierson, Mitchel,
Rogers as these must one remain in the Boiler House & 1 in the
Engine House & 1 to watch about ye Pit & out doors or some mischief
will be done to the pumps - Lock up the door at ye Stairs.
Q[ue]r[y] Launder, Knuckey or shall we send you some from Soho.
I fear the Boiler is not large enough to allow you to work faster &
therefore work as you did before in respect to No. of Strokes - The
fire man may throw on now & then some of the best Charks as they are
apart of ye Coal.
I am absolutely perswaded of your Zeal & therefore you must excuse
mine in mentioning all that occurs - I will waive Swan pool till my
next which shall be soon - remember me affectionately to Mrs. Wilson
& ye young men.
I am
D[ea]r S[i]r
Yours sincerely
Matt[he]w Boulton''
AD1583/5/52 Letter, Forman to Wilson regarding
dispatch of a box of pomatum Item
1 folio
Manuscript
17 Oct 1792
Endorsed: W[illia]m Forman Oct[obe]r 17 1792
Addressed to: Tho[ma]s Wilson Esq[ui]r[e], Truro, Cornwall
''Soho.
17th Octob[e]r 1792
Mr. Tho[ma]s Wilson
Sir
We have this day forwarded to you by the
Mail Coach a Box of Pomatum which you will please use according to
the following Directions.
When a piston is to be wholly packed with new packing to
every pound of Tallow add 6 oz [ounces] of the Pomatum: but when
only a little addition of New packing is made 3 oz of Pomatum is
enough to a pound of Tallow. Melt the Tallow in a Laddle and when
that is done add the Pomatum which being likewise melted the whole
must be kept stirring till used.
Mr. Watt will write to you himself tomorrow or next day.
I am
for Boulton & Watt
Sir
your
most obed[ien]t h[um]ble Serv[an]t
W[illia]m Forman
We have paid the
Carriage of the Box to Bristol''
AD1583/5/53 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
delay to trial of Wheal Butson engine Item
1 folio
Manuscript
19 Oct 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Oct[obe]r 19 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho Oct[obe]r 19th 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I have yours of 14th - The day before
yesterday I caused sent off p[e]r Coach some black pomatum for
greasing Wheal Butson piston against the trial as we have found very
good effects from it, in making pistons Steam light & freer from
friction, It should be applied in laying the piston 2 or 3 days
before the trial, and previous to the trial some of it should be
poured in, mixed with about twice as much tallow - Mr J. Martyn is
perfectly consistent but if he persists we may take a way of letting
him know that our consent is necessary to Bulls keeping his place -
The worse Jonathan behaves to J. V. the better for us I wish him
to appear in his true colours -
I am sorry the trial of Wheal Butson is likely to be
delayed so long, our cause will come on at Nisi prius about the
22[n]d & you may be wanted in London but of that I shall advise.
rejoicing in your recovery, with Comp[liment]s to Mrs
Wilson & family Your's sincerely
J Watt''
AD1583/5/54 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
trial of Wheal Butson engine Item
1 folio
Manuscript
23 Oct 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Oct[obe]r 23 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Heathfield Oct[obe]r 23[r]d 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
Yours of the 20th quite overpowered me for
an hour or more, but I have now summoned my spirits together to
answer it - I have sent to Weston to make more diligent enquiry
after this new patent - Mr B[oulton]. is expected home to morrow -
It will be right to have Wheal Butson tried as soon as possible,
Desire Mr M[urdock]. to take good care there be no roguery practised
& inviron the Engine with every body you can depend upon (which are
not too many I fear) get Mr Vivian to attend if possible & Scorier
John his honour is a little concerned - divide your troops so that
one part may rest while another is upon the watch - Seal hole I
refer as you must have the lawyers opinions first, but put down all
facts & arguments you can think off & we shall take the Opinion of
Counsel, but put down nothing which cannot be proved - I can say
nothing about the premium until I see Mr B[oulton]. but am convinced
that would be no bait to those who wish our ruin.
The Wherry affair is most provoking, but not in other
respects of much consequence except to the adv[enture]rs, & if the
Engine causes loss to the mine you will have your revenge, by
reproaching the adv[enture]rs who negotiated this wise affair. In
regard to the proposal of erecting an Engine to compare with it I am
against it, because we know not what new Jimbol they have got, or
how much more our Engine they may Steal, & because before it can be
erected our trial with Bull will probably be over If we lose that,
it will answer no end to confute Hornblower, & if we gain it we
shall probably bring the other over the Irons next term. The Wheal
Butson trial too if as good as the former may have some effect in
turning the tide. I am realy sorry for you that you should meet with
such mortifications in our cause but we cannot remedy them & the
best is to be patient & quiet at present, perhaps you may have it in
your power to piss upon them in your turn. By no means sell
out of a good mine but when opportunity offers stick to their ribs &
give them no advice -
E. Fox is very attentive to what he thinks his interest
but may be deceived & if he employs the Horn[blow]ers I pray that
they may make him just as good an Engine as they have done at
Tincroft, & we shall for the present submit in quiet.
The drawings for Neath Cylinder & condenser are done.
Shall we send them to the dale without farther orders & in whose
name (R.W. Fox & Co)? The general plan & other drawings would have
been done, but we have been obliged to be all hands at work upon
drawings for Counsel & for Models, which we hope to have ready by
the middle of next month.
I can give no answer to penrose till I see Mr Boulton.
Please to keep up your spirits let what may happen & do
not lower mine, by the addition of knowing that you lose heart, let
what will happen we can ruin Hornblower, he lives only while we
live.
I am glad you are better of your cold & with
Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson & family I remain
D[ea]r Sir
Your's sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/5/55 Letter, Hodges to Wilson
regarding bill for balance on account of lamps Item
1 folio
Manuscript
26 Oct 1792
Endorsed: Jno Hodges 26 Oct[obe]r 1792
Addressed to: Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Mr. Thomas
Wilson
Sir
By Mr Boulton's direction I take the liberty
of troubleing you with the inclosed Bill on Mr W[illia]m Wills of
Truro, the sum £11. 19 [shillings]. 6 [pence]. is ballance of his
Acco[unt] of Lamps which by his own statement in June last was due
and which Mr Wills said he would remit. This Lamp Business I can
assure you has been a very losing concern concern here, And as Mr
Wills has had great indulgence in Credit &c I hope he will not
hesitate to discharge the Bill on presentation. When you receive the
Same please note it in your Accounts with Messrs Boulton & Watt and
in due Course it will be transfer'd to the proper Accounts here. I
remain very respectfully
Sir
Your
Most Obed[ient] h[um]ble Servant
P[er] Matt[he]w Boulton
John Hodges
Soho the 26 Oct[obe]r 1792.''
AD1583/5/56 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
the trial of Wheal Butson engine Item
1 folio
Manuscript
27 Oct 1792
''Soho 27 Oct[obe]r 1792
Mr T: Wilson
Truro
We are fav[oure]d with yours of ye 23[r]d In[stan]t by
which we perceive that S[i]r C[hristopher]:H[awkins]: and Mr James
have consented to a trial being made, but are sorry to observe that
the former is not satisfyd with our haveing given up the whole of ye
saveing except what was charged at the out set. - We have done more
than any one of the adventurers, because We have given up all our
profits, & surely they cannot think or expect us to give money
out of our Pockets - which we should do by giveing more: for We
cannot erect more than 12 such Engines as W[hea]l Butson in one
year, & our general Expences of draughts men, Clarks, Postage,
traviling Expences &c &c amount to between one & two Thousand p[e]r
Annum (near 2000) The Coal Timber & Iron merch[an]ts have not given
up their profits & we think our time as Valuable & our services
greater than those of any other person.
The only fear we have about the trial is being surrounded by our
Enemy, & prejudiced men who may invisibly derange our Fire & do
other important mischiefs without being Perceived: therefore arange
your assistants properly night & day &
1. set one Guard at the fire door & ash hole from whence he
must not go even to piss without being relieved by another friend
2[n]d set one to watch the Engine & plug & prohibit any & all men
from touching the working Geer except its appointed director
3[r]d After takeing the Number of the Counter all come down,
lock the door, & permit no one to go up on any pretence
4 Let no person into the House except those who are
especialy appointed & the fewer the better as We fear confusion
5 Let some person constantly watch the Pit head to see that
nothing be thrown down
6 We wish a Bed could be obtained near the Mine for Murdock
as he must have Sleep otherwise he cannot do all that is necessary
7 Order one of your best cornish Pye makers to make a few
Dozens of Meat raisd Pyes of such a size as will be
sufficient for a com[mo]n Mans dinner for the Men must be greased as
well as the Machine [here gives small sketch of a pie]
8 Observe all our former directions
9 Please to say nothing about the pomatum
10 We pray G[o]d send you a good deliverance
We are not at all surprised that Hornblower doth not like the trial.
- Truth will & shall be brought to light to his shame. It is
unnecessary to erect Engine Side by Side for Exp[erimen]ts there is
no method more unerring than by comparing the effects of fuel
reduced to equal heights - under equal Loads & under an equal number
of pumps or lifts We dont mind a little Vis inertia & we have no
objection to the Guaranteeing all our Engines that are not less than
27 & working perpendicular pumps X [see below] 2 lifts to do 30
Million when in good order & we believe it poss[i]bl[e] to make
Poldice do 35.
Y[ou]rs sincerely
Boulton
& Watt
X with not
less than 3/4 of its power''
AD1583/5/57 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
the trial of Wheal Butson engine Item
1 folio
Manuscript
31 Oct 1792
''Soho Oct[obe]r 31 – 1792
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
Dear Sir
We rec[ei]vd in due Course your fav[ou]rs of Saturday &
of ye 27 In[stan]t & participate with you & our friends & fellow
Labourers a full share of ye vexation that must follow from the
effects of the late trial at W[hea]l B[utso]n -
Who measured the depth of the pumps? & how came we by
the first information of 50 1/3 f[atho]m & now 48 1/3 f[atho]m be
sure that is right & believe as little as possible that is told you
except from our friends.
You say it made 10061 Strokes in the first 12 Hours which is about
14 p[e]r Min[u]t[e] - If that is the fact you certainly worked
faster than ye Boiler could supply steam without forcing much of the
heat up the Chymney.- I think you should take off as much weight
as possible from the outward end of the beam & thereby lessen the
load & lessen the number of Strokes to about 10 or 10 ½ p[e]r
M[inu]t[e].
They proposed to drop 3 f[atho]m more when we were in Cornwall but
suppose that is not yet done as you make it only 48 1/3 f[atho]m - &
even at that depth the former Exp[erimen]t would have amounted to
31,688000 We therefore cannot conceive how this late deficiency
arises except from Bad Coals and surely you can find some good Coal
in Cornwall that being a matter in your own power & it must be done
& not to leave so unfavourable an impression upon the Minds of
Friends & Enemys as we can see it will be turnd to our disadvantage.
We are sorry to perceive that E:F[o]x is not much
disposed to adopt our Engine at Huish as that might have had its
uses because We think we could have made that Engine to have
produced as great effects as Poldice. It w[oul]d have been much
better than W[hea]l Butson as it w[oul]d have had less friction both
in Cylinders & beam & from its haveing a Case of Steam it w[oul]d
have worked more Expansivly besides some other improvem[en]ts - Pray
make sure of good Coals & make another Exp[erimen]t preventing as
much as possible the Escape of heat by good Cloathing & by going up
the Chimney & Work the Engine all the time with 2 Inches of Steam as
near as possible.
We are going on with our Models but not without
disapointments amongst Men.
If any thing further occurs we will write again tomorrow & in the
intrem remain
Dear Sir
Yours
sincerely
Boulton and Watt''
AD1583/5/58 Letter, Carne to Wilson regarding
Hornblower's engine at the Wheal Wherry, Penzance Item
1 folio
Manuscript
6 Nov 1792
Endorsed:
W[illia]m Carne 6 Nov[embe]r 1792
Addressed to: Mr. Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro
''Penzane 6 Nove[mbe]r 1792
Sir
In my Last I mentiond al the Resolutions for Mr
Hornblower Engine = it was also Resolved to Sink & drive out at Same
Time = as the Buseness went off Contrary to my Inclination I would
not sign the Resolution - since that Meeting. - Docter Moyle has
prevailed on some of the Adven[ture]rs to Stop the Shaft & Erect a
Stage way - this being sett aside we wish to Sett Hornblowers Engine
Aside Also - as we have Little to do & can Get Newlyn water at an
Easy Rent - a few of the Adventur[er]s met yesterday on the Spot &
seems unonimous for the Wales Engine = Have been told that Docter
Moyle has been on the Spot this Morning & set out the Engine house -
If you had a day to Spare I dont think it would be Mispent to Come
down = as the Dates will be Equal to my thing we shall want for some
Time = it will be a Considerable waste of Money to us to Erect a
fine [or fire?] Engine & pay £40 a Month to Work it - many of our
Adventur[er]s know not which to fix on. & Docter Moyle drives to
furiously to Introduce hornblowers Engine - I am fearful - the Dates
will be Sett Aside - say nothing of what I have writ ye. to any
person = I have no Doubt of our Getting a Majority to Sett
Hornblower aSide.
the present division Stands as Under -
Birmingham Co[mpany] - 3/32
Cap[tain] Gundry - 2
M[essrs] Foxs - 2
Mr Murdock - 2
Mr Wilson - 2
W[illia]m Carne - 2
Mr Land - 1
[Total] 14
& I think Mr Oxnam who has 4/32 and Mr Pascoe who has 1/32 will Easy
adopt it if you were to Come down to Explain Matters - I shall be
home on friday & shall be Glad for Company to dine.
I Remain
Y[our] H[um]bl[e] Ser[van]t
Will[ia]m Carne''
AD1583/5/59 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
the Messrs Fox's engine Item
1 folio
Manuscript
13 Nov 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Nov[embe]r 13 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m
Nov[embe]r 13 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We received your's with accounts, after
allowing for the odd day, the Engines prove very deficient. On
Saturday we sent off per Bristol coach directed for you a parcel of
Drawings of Materials &c for Messrs Fox's Engine, Ground plan and
drawing of the Engine house was sent to Mr Wood a few days before
and the drawings for cyl[inde]r &c are sent to the dale
[Coalbrookdale], We sent also draft of agreement which please get
settled with them and advise that we may get it engrossed here which
will save expence.
- We shall go to London this week, & shall write you any thing
from thence which occurs - The witnesses will be yourself. W Murdock
E Rogers R. Mitchel and the Capt[ain]. Who showed us the engine or
any body else who can prove that Bull erected it or gave orders
about it, You will please send us the name and place of abode of the
witness you fix upon, that we may Send a Subpœna for him, We have
got a model of our Engine nearly finished & are about one of Bulls
but fear we shall not be able to make the latter a working one, for
want of time.
We hope to hear from you to day the event of the trial,
& that at least it will be better than the last - I have nothing
more essential to add but remain
Dear Sir
Your's
sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/5/60 Letter, Boulton & Watt to Wilson regarding
improving productivity of Wheal Butson engine Item
1 sheet
Manuscript
15 Nov 1792
''Soho Nov[embe]r 15 – 1792
Dear Sir
Your fav[ou]r of the 10th covering a Bill for 90£ has
been delayd acknowledging for a day or two owing to extra
engagements.
We have been in expectation of letters from Weston for 3 Days past
but find our selves disapointed & as our working Models are not
quite ready We shall not set out to Town before Monday next. So soon
as We have seen our Council & settled the time of trial we will
write you & we expect it will be very soon but you may depend on its
being in London.
Although we are tolorably well satisfyd with W[hea]l Butson yet we
are perswaded that with good Coals & less management of the fire an
effect of 30 Million & upwards might have been produced. -
We are grievd at not haveing it in our power to send you a good man
for we are convinced the Engines want more help than Murdock can
give & for want of which we observe by the last Month they are in
bad order. It would be a desireable thing to have all the Boilers
tryed & their errors & defects corrected.
We are prevented from saying more that we remain.
Dear S[i]r Yours sincerly
Boulton & Watt''
[the handwriting
is that of Matthew Boulton]
AD1583/5/61 Letter, Vivian to Wilson
regarding Hornblower's engine at the Wheal Wherry, Penzance Item
1 small folio
Manuscript
16 Nov 1792
''Camborn 16 Nov[ember] 1792
Sir /
I saw Mr. Carne. Oxnam &c at Herland Acco[un]t who
s[ai]d it was agreed for Hornblower to build the Engine on the
Wherry that the Engine house was Sat & that the Water Coud not be
got as some of the land holders would not give liberty (I believe
Dr. Moyle & p[artne]r put them in that mind) - Mr. Jno [John]
Penrose & Cap[tai]n Teague proposed to take the Mine on Tribute for
a Term of Years - to give the Adv[enture]rs 5¼ doles to keep the
Engine Bridge &c in Repair & drive a level f[ro]m Shore - the
Adv[enture]rs to be at the Exp[en]s[e]of Build[in]g the Engine &
Bridge - their is to be a general Meet[in]g Soon of which you'l have
timely notice & hope youl Attend as we may Consult ab[ou]t the
West[er]n Set - shall go to Mr. Curtis tomorrow to Try for a Vue of
the Wherry set & am Sir
Y[ou]r Very H[um]bl[e] Serv[an]t
Cha[rle]s Vivian''
AD1583/5/62 Letter, Gundry to Wilson regarding
meeting of the Wheal Wherry adventurers Item
1 folio
Manuscript
17 Nov 1792
Endorsed:
Thomas Gundry Junior
Addressed to: Mr. Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro
''Goldsithney 17th Nov[embe]r 1792
Sir
There is another meeting of Wh[ea]l Wherry Adv[enture]rs
appointed to be held on Monday the 26th ins[tan]t Novem[be]r at the
Har Inn Mr. Dunkins Penzance on acco[un]t of some proposals being
made for Setting the Mine on Tribute: -
Should be glad of your Company at the time & place above mentioned -
& am Sir
Y[ou]r mo[st] obed[ient] Ser[van]t
Tho[ma]s Grundry J[u]n[io]r
P.S. There will
be a little Dinner provided about one oClock''
AD1583/5/63 Letter, Boulton & Watt to Wilson regarding
alteration to engine at Tincroft mine, Illogan Item
1 folio
Manuscript
17 Nov 1792
Endorsed:
Boulton & Watt 17 Nov[embe]r 1792
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol
''Soho 17 Nov[embe]r 1792
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
In our last we acknowledged the reception of the 90£
Bill you sent us.
The purport of the present is to inform you that our Council have
expressd a desire to have our cause tryd in Hillery term (viz:
February) say that they are generaly overwhelmed with business in
the first term after the long Vocation & our leading Council wishes
to have more time for his instruction than the present interval can
allow particularly as our Models are not quite finished - It is with
some reluctance that we have consented to the delay but it is better
to do so, than run any risk of the business not being well explaind
to the Jury - You must therefore look forward to the begining of
Feb[rua]ry.
In regard to the alteration of the Tin Croft Eng[i]n[e]
we wish you would state to us the particulars of what it is we are
to do for Tin Croft, & what benefits are to arise to us therefrom -
We are disposed to Oblige Mr Kevill on all occasions.
We remain with regard
Yours sincerely
Boulton & Watt''
[the handwriting
is that of Matthew Boulton]
AD1583/5/64 Letter, Boulton & Watt to Wilson regarding
engines at various mines Item
1 folio
Manuscript
21 Nov 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton 21 Nov[embe]r 1792
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, By Bristol
''Soho 21 Nov[embe]r 1792
Dear Sir
Your fav[ou]r of ye 16th covering a Bill for 433£.
1s[hilling]. 5d [pence] is receivd in due course & by the same post
we rec[ei]vd a letter from Messrs Fox's saying they had seen you 2
days ago & that you had not rec[ei]vd the drawings we sent from
hence on ye 10th We therefore beg you will enquire after them &
inform us p[e]r return if they are not yet come to hand.
The trial is now put off 'till Hillary term (Feb[ruar]y)
& it will be the latter end of Xmass before our leading Council can
receive the instructions which we are now prepard to give, therefore
you may rest tranquil untill we send you Sailing orders which will
not be in less than a Month from this time.
We are glad to see that W[hea]l Virgin is no longer to
be Bulld however it furnishes a reason for our sending W Murdock
some assistance as I think it is a point of honour that we & him &
all of us should put their Engines in better order than they are now
in. We had fixed upon a Man to go down to Cornwall but he with
another have absconed although articled for 3 Years & are gone to
Manchester however we shall take the necessary steps to bring him
back again & if we should be disapointed we will find out another &
send him.
We wish most heartily to have it in our power to prove that Bull is
supported by Subscription & We suppose Mr Harris is in that Secret.
The other Gent[lema]n you indicate I am sorry to see him take that
side. The Morn[in]g our M[atthew]:B[oulton]: calld at his House, &
not finding him at home, he left a Note, giving the history of his
Visit to Harris & the threats he (Harris) threw out to erect
one of Bulls Engines at W[hea]l Crenver. In ye s[ai]d note B:
intimated that however much B[oulton]&W[att] were inclined to be
generous to that mine yet such threats would produce an opposit
effect to what was intended. But at the same time B: intimated a
disposition to leave it to the Vice W[ar]d[e]n to settle.
Oh honour! Oh Gratitude! Oh Justice & Law! how are ye trampled upon
& banished from ye Lands end.
We presume youl see Rasp in a few days & wish you to be
civil to him: He is certainly disposed to serve us & therefore you
may answer his Questions & communicate to him any thing you wish to
have communicated to the West.
We approve of the scheme for altering Tin Croft & when a
single 27 is got to its depth we should like to erect a double 27 on
that mine.
We find more difficulty in erecting an Engine of 2 In[che]s
diam[ete]r than one of 2 Yards however we have at length got a 2
In[ch] Cylinder to regularly work a 6 In[ch] pump.
So soon as we have sent Murdock an assistant we wish him to alter
Bulls Virgin Engine but when it is done it must be well done, &
every imperfection of the Boiler, the Beam, the Cylinder & Condensor
put in perfect order & if possible a little more leaverage got in
the beam - Mr Watt is poorly, Mrs. Watt not returnd alls well at
Soho - With every good wish we remain
Dear Sir
Yours sincerely
Boulton and Watt''
[the handwriting
is that of Matthew Boulton]
AD1583/5/65 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
anonymously published criticism of Wheal Butson trial Item
1 item
Manuscript
23 Nov 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Nov[embe]r 23 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''I might
according to the rules of controversy excuse myself from answering
the anonymous writer in your paper of the [blank] Ins[tan]t, but as
he has thought proper to throw a reflection on the tryals made at
Wheal Butson Engine in the presence of several respectable persons,
whose abilities to judge of their fairness or unfairness cannot well
be called in question, nor can they be suspected of an improper
partiality to Messrs B[oulton]&W[att]. I take the opportunity of
publishing this Certificate of what they were witnesses to. (insert
the certificate here)
To the disint[ereste]d Corn[i]sh miner I shall only say,
that his arguments are founded on false grounds & that he does not
understand the subject he writes upon, or which is much worse wishes
to mislead others. I still maintain that what I have published in
respects to the merits of B&Ws engines when compared with Mr
Hornblowers erection at Tin croft are matters of fact, and that my
Calculations are fairly made & the deductions just.
His exaggerations of B&Ws profits are dictated either by
envy or Ignorance; & the only answer I shall give is that whatever
sums they may have received from the County they have justly
merited, and that they have been of more service to Cornwall & to
Mankind, than a million of such scribblers (as the disint[ereste]d
Miner) ever can be - Even granting all the pretended merit of
Tincroft engine, It is well known to the judicious miners of this
county, that it is only an alteration in point of form of B&Ws
Engines, that whatever perfections it may have are due to these
gentlemens inventions, and that the constructors of it had no more
right to use these principles than I should have to rob the
disint[ereste]d Miner of his great coat and to affirm it was my own,
because I had converted it into a coat & waistcoat; Such were the
Sentiments of the House of Commons last Spring when a prolongation
of the patent was sollicited & such they will probably be in case of
another application of the like kind.
If the disint[ereste]d Miner shall think I have treated
him too freely I must in form him he has brought it on himself by
concealing his name, and assuming the Character of a literary
assassin. If he chuses to wipe off this imputation let him avow
himself and I shall treat him with the degree of respect he may
merit.
Certificates of the 3 tryals of Wh[ea]l
Butson Engine - to be inserted at the end of the first paragraph.
Nov[embe]r 23[r]d 1792
Mr Wilson
Dear Sir
preceeding you have the only sort of answer,
an anonymous writer merits, when he gets a name some what more may
be said. I have no doubt but that it is a fabrication of the
Hornblowers or their agents. nothing can be more impudent, more
unjust, or illiberal than the whole of their conduct. We desire that
the alteration on Tincroft may be gone into with spirit, and shall
send you our sentiments upon the Contract &c in a few days, being
much hurried to day I must conclude & remain
Dear Sir
Yours &c
J Watt''
AD1583/5/66 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
anonymously published criticism of Wheal Butson trial Item
1 folio
Manuscript
23 Nov 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Nov[embe]r 23 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m
Nov[embe]r 23[r]d 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
To day I wrote you with a sketch of a short
answer to your new antagonist, I had not the paper by me when I
wrote it, but on looking over it since see some things that should
be set to rights, Mr B[oulton]. is therefore considering of a
complete answer, which you may promise your friend to have but let
him take the other to stay his stomach in the mean time, and get
ready the certificates of the tryals as soon as you can. In respect
to the Tin croft alteration take no steps without a written
agreement, whether on stamp or not, but if not send it immediately
to Mr Weston to be stampt - The conditions should be, that you
undertake for us, to alter the Engine for £100. & to supply all new
Materials which may be wanted - That all old Materials which we put
others in the place of to be our property Say the small Cyl[inde]r
Nozles perpendicular Steam pipe eduction pipe air pump condenser &c
- That a trial be made or an account of its present consumption load
&c be settled and signed - That after the alteration an account be
kept of Strokes loads & Coals and that we be paid the value of the
coals consumed less by our Engine in doing any given quantity of
work, than The Engine as it now works would require to do the same
work - That our agents shall have free access to the Engine & to the
counter at all times & a power of objecting to bad coals or an
allowance for their deficience with such other articles as may occur
to you. We suppose new nozles air pump & condenser will be
necessary, and if you shall think the Cylinder defective do not
hesitate at ordering a new one, and let every thing be complete.
Care must be taken that this matter be not made a precedent like
others, and thereby people have a premium for having used us ill.
Whoever wrote the paper you sent must have been devoid
of common sense, & of all principles of Justice or candour; but
replete with malevolence & envy we had need of much patience for we
have much to bear ''the spurns which patient merit of the unworthy
takes'' Yet I fear we have not yet got the half of them that await
us!
Mr Wood writes us that he has received the drawings of
the Engine house which he understands, but says ''I suppose there
will be no occasion for me to attend to that or any other part of
the Engine, as I understand a person is to come from you to
superintend all the work from the beginning to the completion of
it''
Now you know we objected from the beginning our inability to find a
man for that purpose, & you said that you thought you could get
Morris's man to attend & to put the Engine together & Bawden or
Darlesson to work it, all at present wanted is some one to see the
engine house built, & perhaps a clever mason might be the best - at
any rate please to correspond with Mr Wood on the subject. we have
sent to the Coach office to inquire after the drawings but have not
yet got an answer if you have not received them please set on foot
an enquiry from your end of the road.
With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson I remain
Dear Sir Yours
sincerely
James
Watt''
AD1583/5/67 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
Hornblower's advertisement Item
1 folio
Manuscript
27 Nov 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Nov[embe]r 27 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m
Nov[embe]r 27th 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir /
We have yours of the 23[r]d & observe the
Contents which I cannot now reply fully to.
We have sent the Horn[blowe]ers advertisement to Weston
to see whether or not it is not a libel against you & us, & if so we
shall bring an action against the printer & let him look to the
writer, this will be the most effectual of shutting the door against
more ribbaldry. In the mean time it would be improper to publish
what I sent you, but you may publish the Certificates of Wheal
Butson, drawing such Comparison as you please with Tincroft - & say.
In the beginning of the paper, that a Letter under the signature of
a disinterested Cornish Miner having appeared in the Sherborne
Mercury, containing many false assertions leveled against
B[oulton]&W[att] & yourself, you will take an opportunity at your
convenience to make a proper reply to the only parts of it the
publick have any concern with & in the mean time you now send the
Certificates of the three trials at Wheal Butson & expect that now
who are aquainted with the Gentlemen present at the trials will or
can object to their ability to judge of the subject, or to the
fairness of their report.
Being unwell to day I shall add no more but
remain Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James
Watt''
AD1583/5/68 Letter, Vivian to Wilson
regarding Moyle's report of Wheal Butson engine Item
1 small folio
Manuscript
27 Nov 1792
Endorsed:
Mr John Vivian 27 Nov[embe]r 1792. Moyles report of W[heal]
B[utson]
Addressed to: Mr. Wilson
''Sir
Mr. Moyle's Report of the Effect of Wh[eal] Butson
Engine on the Trial ye 10th Ins[tan]t is equal to raising 28,466,782
Pounds one Foot high with a Bushel of Coal. -
Y[ou]r
Mall[ea]b[le?] Ser[van]t
John Vivian
Truro
27 Nov[em]b[e]r
1792.''
AD1583/5/69 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
answers to the anonymous publication Item
1 folio
Manuscript
28 Nov 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton Nov[embe]r 28 1792
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, by Bristol
''Soho
Nov[embe]r 28th – 1792
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
Dear Sir
I first thought of answering the very
disinterested Cornish Miner Article by Article, but I found it
would make so long a paper that nobody would read it. - As to what
relates to our profits or those of the Mines, are local
circumstances that the publick have nothing to do with, but the
publick are certainly interested in any important improvements of
Engines such as 16 to 10 with = Steam, & the publick are interested
in distinguishing Lyes from Truth; & therefore to bring that
business to a short issue & to put an end to Newspaper wars,
I have sent you a sketch of a paper, that both interested &
disinterested Miners will understand, as well as Enemys & Friends.
The members of the House of Commons & all their Constituants will be
convinced & of one opineon.
There is a Moment in all Battles most favourable for Placing a Blow,
& the present is the most favourable perhaps that ever will happen,
for giving the Hornblowers a decided Blow - They say they
have Erected at Tin Croft a Wonderful Engine, the Ne Plus
Ultra of all Engineering I therefore think it proper to strike
before they have erected others which perhaps may be better, because
they are larger, & because they may correct some of their Errors &
copy us Closer than they have done: but as they have now an Engine
that is come to the extent of its power, & we have had a full proof
of its effects from a light load to the extent of its Powers; I
think this opportunity should not be lost in accepting of their
Challenge.
I have therefore sent you a sketch for your consideration & I have
sent a copy of it, for Mr. Westons consideration. I have chose to
propose a 27 In[ch] Cylind[e]r with an 8 feet Stroke in it & a 6
feet in the pump because the Cylinder in Tin Croft in which 4/5 of
the power is produced is 27 In[ch] Diam[ete]r & an 8 f[ee]t Stroke -
The area of 27 is = l to 572,555 [here is given a square symbol]
In[ches] x by 28 lbs [pounds] is = 16031 pounds weight for the Load
of a double 27 with ye Beam divided as 6 is to 8 & that is more than
3 times the present Load of Tin Croft, for I confine my offer to
Tin Croft under all its present Circumstances such an Engine may
be contrived so as to work Single or double & though it will have
more power than they want at present, yet as you say they have cut a
new Vein of Water & their mine being Rich I am perswaded they will
in a few Years want all the power of a Double 27 - But you say it
will be attended with a great expence. It will be full 900£ but not
1000£ & if we furnish that mine with a new Engine they ought to pay
for it on Condition we take the saveings for it after the rate of a
single 27. And if it was my affair solely I would be at the whole of
the Expence & thereby give them a Death Blow rather than live to be
tormented by their Lyes & those of their ignorant friends. -
As to the Wager I have no fears of loosing it, I am so confident of
our wining that if Mr Watt doth not choose to run the risk I will
take it upon my Self, provided we may not find out any other
inconveniences that may result from it. -
the proposition of giving 500£ to ye Hospital will give a little
turn to the reasoning of the Gentlemen & to the working miners also,
& it will be a lasting reccord of Hornblowers folly, for if they
accept, we will have writings drawn & the words of ye record agreed
to & all other minutia.
If we were to alter the present Engine at Tin Croft Mr Watt proposes
a new Cylinder & that being the Case we had better have it double
for it will sound well in a news paper that one of our Engines of =
Size with only one of the 2 Cylinders in their Engine will have 3
times the power or be = to 3 of their Engines - let me have your
opineon soon & in ye intrem I remain
Dear Sir
Yours most sincerely
M: Boulton
If a Wager was
offerd to Mr Watt that one of our Engines was not capable of raising
a Column of s
[the alchemical symbol for water] to 10lb [pounds] p[e]r Inch I
verily believe he woud have so many doubts that he durst not accept
of the bet; & therefore I will risk it if its thought proper - But I
believe the answer to their last paper should be in Your name. - You
might preface by saying that as I know Mr W[at]t (or
B[oulton]&W[att]) hold such sort of Engineers & Philosophers, as
have lately been scribbleing in your paper, in too great contempt to
enter into any discussions with them, not only on Acc[oun]t of their
Ignorance & impudence, but on Acc[oun]t of their paying no regard to
Truth. I therefore will reply to such parts of their publications as
are interisting to the publick & in spite of the Wit of my opponants
I still retain so good an opineon of my Self that I am perswaded I
understand the 4 first fules in Arethmatick As well as the Golden
Rule w[hi]ch the disinterested Miner seems unaquainted with.
(Perhaps Ignorance & Impudence may be omitted) but I
write from my feelings.
M:B:''
AD1583/5/70 Letter, Cunnacks to Wilson regarding
16 bushels of malt Item
1 folio
Manuscript
28 Nov 1792
Endorsed:
Messrs Cunnacks 28 Nov 1792
Addressed to: Mr. Thomas Wilson, Merchant, Truro
''Penzance 28 Nov[embe]r 1792
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
Sir
Although we were so
long together yesterday, we forgot to mention our having here at
Penzance sixteen Bushells of malt from Joseph Bristol of Helstone
the same person we had the 70 B[ushel]ls from that is now at Truro
and to be put to the Brewery. The case is thus, after he had
deliverd us the 70 B[ushel]ls and we had paid him a Ballance and
closd all acc[oun]ts between us, about two or three weeks after he
desird us to advance him some cash on the sixteen alluded to, as he
was in much want of cash to pay the setting, as he had been a great
dealer with us before, we did not hesitate to advance him sufficient
cash to pay the setting on our pressing to account with him for the
overplus. Since that time he has quitted the malting and as its out
of his way to sell malt he has requested us to sell it for him, it
came from the same pile as the 70 B[ushel]ls and of equal quality,
what we have to request is. the takeing this sixteen B[ushel]ls into
the Brewery which we can send next friday week by our cart and if it
wants screening let Roger get it done, and as well me asure it if
any less on the measure it shall be allowd, we shall charge nothing
for the carriage from here to Truro and it will be a means of paying
Bristol the surpluswhence which we would wish to do in expectation
of your answer we are,
Sir
Your most h[umb]l[e] S[ervan]ts
Rich[ar]d & Jno Cunnack''
AD1583/5/71 Letter, Carne to Wilson regarding
engine for Wheal Wherry, Penzance Item
1 sheet
Manuscript
29 Nov 1792
Endorsed:
W[illia]m Carne 29 Nov[embe]r 1792
Addressed to: Mr. Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro
''Penzance 29 Novem[ber] 1792
Dear Sir -
On Tuesday we Levelled the Ground which will give us a
35 feet Wheel - & Called on the Tenants &c who all Seemed Agreeable
to grant Leave on Reasonable Terms - since that Day the Docter has
taken some pains to pesuade the persons (whose Leave we shall want)
the Great Injury we shall do to the Land &c &c - which I think will
prevent farther Negociation this Way how the Docter can Answer for
this Conduct I Leave you to judge what now Can be done - to defeat
him: Could not Cap[tain] Cha[rle]s Vivian Come down on Monday Morn
to make the proposal you Mentioned ab[out] Putting in a Small fire
Engine: fix ye Terms at Law or possible for the Monthly Charge - &
not Let them know what Machine we Intend to Erect. only - as the
Docter has thrown such difficulties in the Way we Cannot do it under
£550 as at first & £so Much p[e]r Month I think the Water will not
be much & if you Can undertake for £25 p[e]r Month - I think will
prevent the docter from Carrying Hornblowers plan into Execution -
will thank you for a few Lines p[e]r Return of post as Reply &
Remain
y[ou]rs in haste
Will[ia]m Carne''
AD1583/5/72 Letter, Carne to Wilson regarding
engine needed for Wheal Fancy Item
1 sheet
Manuscript
30 Nov 1792
Endorsed:
W[illia]m Carne 30 Nov[embe]r 1792
Addressed to: Mr. Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro
''Dear Sir
I writ ye by yesterdays post Informing ye the Steps
Docter Moyle has taken but forgot Mention for ye Consideration
Whether it might not be well to make proposals in different Shapes
Viz -
to Allow 550 for Erections &[c] - p[e]r Month
or to Erect cost free &[c] - p[e]r Month
fer 4 Year Certain - I dont Expect we shall have a great deal of
waters - if £25 p[e]r Month will do with 550 Erections - say 35 or
40 & you bear the Expence this you will be the Best able to Judge.
I think it will be for y[ou]r Interest to Consider of Wh[ea]l Fancy
Mine Adjoining to herland we mush have an Engine there.
I remain Y[our] H[um]ble
Ser[vant]
Will[ia]m
Carne
we are now Out
near £9000 & must Expend probably £3000 more in another
Engine there should be an Allowance till the Cost was up which I
would recommend you to do
-
Friday 30 Novve[mber] 1792''
AD1583/5/73 Letter, Watt to Wilson enclosing
letter to Williams Item
2 folios
Manuscript
30 Nov 1792
AD1583/5/73/1 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
abatement for North Downs mine, Redruth Piece
1 folio
Manuscript
30 Nov 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Nov[embe]r 30 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, only double
''Birm[ingha]m Nov[embe]r 30th 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
You will see by the Inclosed to J.
W[illia]ms that we have had a request on the part of N[orth].Downs
to give up our premium for 6 months provided the Lords & Freemans
Co[mpany] should also be favourable the first by giving up their
dues & the other by giving a better price. We think the Mine has a
better claim than any because none have been more uniformly losing
but our giving up will be in this case without any prospect of
return, as we have no hopes of the mine ever doing well and we think
our consent will be in vain without Freemans Co[mpany] will give a
better price not only for that 6 months but in future
otherwise it is the lords and our giving away our money to put into
that Company's pockets, which we are under no obligation to do. The
questions we put to you are these, whether the state of the mine
compared with Poldice Wheal Virgin, & united Mines, will authorize
an extra abatement & how much, for 6 months provided all other dues
are modified in the same proportion? whether we should give up all
or only ½ of what we now receive? we think the latter. whether in
case of our making them an allowance you can devise any means of
preventing its being prejudicial to us in other respects?
The mines have certainly suffered by their making so
much use of preceedent, for it ties our hands from helping those who
merit it, lest we be obliged to do it to those who we do not think
deserve it.
Please to give this matter a serious consideration &
talk it over with J. W[illia]ms, to whom you may enforce the
propriety of our being the last to yield, if we do yield, that is
they should have the consent of the L[or]ds & Freemans first -
I add no more to day being obliged to attend to some
other business, but remain
Your's sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/5/73/2 Letter, Watt to Williams
regarding abatement for North Downs mine, Redruth Piece
1 folio
Manuscript
30 Nov 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Watt to Jno [John] Williams Nov[embe]r 30 1792
Addressed to: John Williams Esq[ui]r[e], Scorrier House
''Birm[ingha]m Nov[embe]r 30th 1792
Jno Williams Esq[ui]r[e]
Scorrier house /
Dear
Sir
We are favoured with your letter of the
22[n]d. We know so little of the state of N[orth]. Downs that we
know not whether we should be justifiable in relinquishing our dues
as desired for a time, without doing the same to others which may be
similarly situated which the present state of our income would not
permit, at any rate we cannot do it until the precedent is given by
the Lords & others concerned as it would be taking too much upon us.
As we certainly wish well to the Mine & to the principal
adv[enture]rs we write to Mr Wilson for information as to the state
of the mine compared with others who make similar claims, & are
disposed to be as favourable as circumstances will permit us to be.
We beg leave in the mean time to acknowledge our feeling
of the candid & modest manner in which you have been pleased to urge
the request of the adv[enture]rs very unlike the correspondence we
have had from some others, & which must have its due weight.
We beg that our Joint Comp[limen]ts may be presented to
Mrs Williams & family, & shall always be happy to hear of your
welfare & prosperity, remaining respectfully
Dear Sir Your faithful
serv[an]ts Boulton & Watt''
AD1583/5/74 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
answer to the anonymously published criticism Item
1 folio
Manuscript
3 Dec 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Dec[embe]r 3 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m Dec[embe]r 3[r]d 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I have your's of the 29th. I am rather sorry
that the answer was published since you could not get the
Certificates signed, as the rest was only meant as an Introduction
to them, a fuller answer is prepared, but it being Mr B[oulton].s
Job & he not at home, I wait to see if he makes any alteration or
addition. Mr Weston does not think it clear that the D[isintereste]d
Miners paper can be construed into a libel. I am glad you have
ousted the Villains at the Wherry, & wish you success with your
Water Engine. I expect Mr B home on Wednesday, & shall soon after
write more at large - I remain
D[ea]r Sir
Your's sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/5/75 Letter, Pearson and Watt
to Wilson regarding accounts, and North Downs mine Item
1 folio
Manuscript
6-7 Dec 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Watt 6 Dec[embe]r 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho near Birmingham
6 Dec[embe]r 1792
Mr. Thomas Wilson
Sir
Your favor to our Mr. Boulton of 2[n]d
ins[tan]t brought us Edw[ar]d & R W Fox on Smith Wright & Co[mpany]
value One Hundred & forty eight Pounds nine Shillings, which is
placed to your credit. -
We
are Sir
Your very Ob[edient] Ser[van]ts
For Boulton & Watt
James Pearson”
“Dec[embe]r
7th 1792
Mr Wilson
Dear Sir
The above should have been sent you
yesterday but I find Mr Boulton has neglected it - I think you have
acted right in respect to N[orth]D[owns]. & shall send another
letter to Mr Williams. We value the premiums at 6 y[ea]rs purchase,
during the next year, but we leave it to you to modify a little, in
this case, I remain D[ea]r Sir
Your's Sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/5/76 Letter, Carne to Wilson regarding
Wheal Wherry meeting Item
1 folio
Manuscript
7 Dec 1792
''Penzance. 7 Decem[ber] 1792
Dear Sir
Being out of Town the Greater part of this Week Since
Monday prevented my Writing ye the Result of the Meeting which I
Expect Cap[tain] Gundry has done - it often debating on the Subject
in which Most present (except Dr Moyle) Said it was necessary that
Hornblower should be bound as to the Sum & Time - its proposed to
Meet next Wednesday. if Mr Hornblower Can Attend. Mr Oxnam is now
fully Convinced of the Advantage of the Summers Work &c - & I have
no doubt but Wh[eal] Neptune Engine will be fixed. do think you
Ought to Attend - its Enough to press the Advantage of the Summers
Work. with the Saving on the Erection. (I presume) to Convince the
Greater part - its for the General Interest to proceed Immediately.
I went so far as to give the Adventurers present Notice that I Acted
for ¼ part who had not Signed & we would pay no More than £550. £25
p[e]r Month. whatever it might stand them above that Sum. it would
fall on the Other ¾ - having Supported ye Interest thus far. I must
beg Leave. to take the Other Side & say. respecting the Fancy on
Which a Large Engine (probably a 50 or 55 Inch Cylender) must
Immediately be built that we shall not Build it on Messrs Boltons &
Watts Construction to pay the Savings as you propose - I am fully
persuaded of the Sentiments of the Greater part of the Adventurers
that they will prefer a Hornblowers or Bulls Construction. to this -
& If we Bring in Hornblowers. you have no Reason. to Expect. More
than One Years Savings for the Other Engine - I should suppose. the
Adventurers would have no Objection On Condition of Erecting an
other Engine on ye plan. to Come into an Agreement to pay the £56.
p[e]r Month for the Whole of the Time the mine should work. if ye
patent Continue so Long or probably they may make it £60 p[e]r Month
which I think most for ye Advantage as the bid - You will think of
this and give me a Line - as it will be brought forward next Tuesday
to the Ad[venture]rs - & probably Settled - to proceed - Chacewater
Engine will be rather too Large - how far it may be to Our Advantage
to take it or get a New one. (if you should approve of the Terms) I
dont know -
I RemainY[ou]r H[um]ble
Serv[ant]
Will[ia]m
Carne
In Acting for ¼
in The Wherry -
it Included y[ou]r - 1/16
Mr Murdock - 1/16
Messrs Foxes - 1/16
and my sum - 1/16} who had not Signd the Resolution for
the Hornblower Engine''
AD1583/5/77 Letter, Gundry to Wilson regarding
meeting between Hornblower and Wheal Wherry adventurers Item
1 large sheet
Manuscript
7 Dec 1792
''Goldzithney 7th Decem[be]r 1792
Sir /
I have just this moment received a Letter from Mr.
Hornblower, that he will endeavour to be at the Wherry next
Wednesday the 12th instant as requested by some of the Adv[enturer]s
present last Monday about the answers expected from the several
Tenants where the Water wou'd pass thro' for the Water Engine; when
it appeared that Doctor Moyle had been with the Tenants & Miller &
persuaded them that they wou'd sustain great Injury thereby, which
have quite frustrated all thoughts about the Water Engine: it was
therefore thought expedient to appoint another meeting of the
Adv[enturer]s & to desire Mr Hornblowers attendance: which is fixed
to be next Wednesday, in Order to see if he wou'd be obliged to
erect his Engine for a certain Sum and also to get it ready to work
by a certain time &ca &ca - I wish you cou'd make it convenient to
attend that Day, so that we might finally fix the matter; as the
Adv[enture]rs most of them are determined; unless Mr Hornblower will
engage himself; to Accept your offer of Wh[eal] Neptune Engine -
& am Sir
Your
mo[st] obed[ien]t Ser[van]t
Tho[ma]s Gundry''
AD1583/5/78 Letter, Pearson and Watt
to Wilson regarding various matters Item
1 folio
Manuscript
13 Dec 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Watt 11 Dec[embe]r 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho near Birmingham
11 Decem[be]r 1792
Mr. Thomas Wilson
Sir
Your favor of 7th instant. brought us four
Bills amounting in all to Four Hundred & fifteen Pounds one Shilling
& seven pence. - We are Sir
Your
mo[st] ob[edient] Ser[van]ts
For
Boulton & Watt
James Pearson”
“Dear Sir
We observe the remaining contents of your letter, the
answer published can surely do no hurt. As I have been much plagued
with headaches, and Mr B[oulton] absent, we have not yet finished
the other advertisement, but shall do it soon. I am sorry to find
Wheal Jewel drops off & think it should undergo an examination. If
you will send Knuckey here we shall dispose of him where he will do
no harm & we shall send you a better man in his place. We have had a
most dreadful storm of wind sunday & yesterday.
I remain
Dear Sir
Your's
Sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/5/79 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
Mr Bennallack's book, and other matters Item
1 folio
Manuscript
15 Dec 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Watt Dec[embe]r 13 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Birm[ingha]m Dec[embe]r 13th 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir /
We have yours of the 8th. If the Tincroft
adv[enture]rs chuse to go on in their old way they must, but such
adv[enture]rs as are for having our Engine ought to protest against
them for damages, & tie them down to the consumption of Wheal
Butson.
Please say to Carne that we are obliged to him for his
attention but that we neither can nor will make any terms with
them that we do not make with others.
The advertisement we mean to send you will we hope have
some effect in respect to the Hornblowers engines that is if people
have any regard to their own advantage And as to Bulls Engines if
they are to be estimated by the samples given, I should think he
would not have many customers.
In Respect to Mr Bennallack we shall certainly each of
us subscribe for his book, but cannot take upon us to procure
subscriptions, the proper way would be to advertise in the london
papers, that when so many subscriptions are obtained the work will
begin to be printed. On the whole the Book has not much reputation &
unless Mr B[oulton]. can add much to it, I fear it will not sell. In
respect to our Engines he may publish what is already in Price, but
we would not chuse to publish any more particular description, nor
engage him in any controversy about the merits of our competitors.
Mr B[ennallack]. will easily see that explanations on that head
would only be putting arms into the hands of the German Miners.
However wherever it lies in our power to be of use to Mr
B[ennallack] we shall certainly do it.
I remain
Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James
Watt''
AD1583/5/80 Letter and enclosure regarding answer to anonymous publication Item
1 folio and 2 sheets
Manuscript
15 Dec 1792
AD1583/5/80/1 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
answer to anonymous publication Piece
1 folio
Manuscript
15 Dec 1792
''Soho
Decem[be]r 15 – 1792
Dear Sir
I drop you this line to tell you that Mr Weston highly
approves of the Paper I sent you a Copy of. and he has wrote to Mr
Watt saying that such a paper addressed to the ignorance & folly of
our opponants is better calculated for their understandings than any
other mode of Reasoning & that he is perswaded it cannot do any
Mischief.
This opineon coincideing with yours hath induced Mr
W[at]t to take my paper (with the inclosed addition) home to his
house & he has began to write the whole over again which I hope he
will have finished to send you by Mondays Post.
The idea that Horn[blowe]r & the Cornish Miner endeavour
to suggest is that the steam used in the first Cylinder produces an
equal effect that it doth in B[oulton]&W[att]s Engine viz: 10 lb
[pounds] p[e]r In[ch] & it is then so applyd to a second Cylinder as
to gain 6 pound more upon ye Inch whereas the real fact is that it
produces only 3 lb p[e]r In[ch] through a 6 f[oo]t Stroke in the 1st
Cylinder viz it begins at zero & ends at 5 lb p[e]r In[ch] & as 4/5
of the power is produced in the 2[n]d Cylinder there is no reason it
should not be reckond & in that Case youl see the whole power of
their Engine is not 5 lb p[e]r Inch.
I beg you will learn what the load of Tin Croft is & I
will leave the figures to be filld up by You - The more I reflect on
this business the more I am convinced of the necessity of publishing
such a paper in the Sherborn & in the Bristol & likewise in hand
bills in order that they may be sent p[e]r Post or distributed where
needfull.
You may depend upon hearing from Mr. Watt in 2 days &
therefore I apprise you that you may reflect thereon & prepare the
Veritable facts.
I am D[ea]r Sir
Yours sincerely
M: Boulton''
AD1583/5/80/2 Addition to Matthew
Boulton's answer to anonymous publication Piece
1 sheet and 1 half sheet
Manuscript
Dec 1792
''But in order
to prevent all mistakes in Compareing one of Boulton & Watt Engines
with Mr Hornblowers wonderfull Engine at Tin Croft I will now state
what I believe to be the size, the effects, & such other particulars
as I have seen & been informd by some of the Capt[ai]ns &
Adventurers of Tin Croft mine & if I have been led into any error I
am desireous of being corrected but I am perswaded there is non of
any consequence. The Engine at Tin Croft hath 2 Cylinders acting
together at one end of the beam. The small Cylinder is 21 In[che]s
Diam[e]t[e]r with a Stroke of 6 feet long and the large one is 27
In[che]s Diam[ete]r with a Stroke of 8 feet long & their Conjoined
power are applyd to work a 6 feet Stroke in pumps under the Load of
5318 pounds weight. The area of a Cylinder 27 In[ch] Diam[eter] is
equal to 572,½ Sq[uar]e In[che]s but as the Stroke in that Cylinder
is 8 f[ee]t long & that in ye pump only 6 feet
it will be = to 572,55
& 1/3 = to 190,85}
Area 762,40 in Sq[ua]r[e] In[ches] for a Cylinder with
equal beam working at a 6 f[oo]t Stroke in both Cylinder & pump.
to the above add 346,36 Sq[ua]r[e] In[ches] being ye area of a 21
In[ch] Cylinder.
Total area of both 1108,76 by which divide 5318 pounds is about 4
8/10 lb [pounds] p[e]r Square Inch.
Now what can be thought of ye Man who hath the effrontery to assert
in a Public News paper that Tin Croft Engine is loaded to 16 lb
p[e]r Sq[ua]r[e] Inch. Perhaps he will say that he only calculates
upon the small Cylinder but if he doth, it is equaly untrue because
the effect of the Steam upon the Piston in the Small Cylinder is
only = to about 3½ lb upon the Square Inch through the length of the
Stroke of 6 feet long allowing the Theory on which all the reasoning
is built to be.
These are only 2 Epithets that can be applyd to the man who
endeavours to mislead the publick by such mistatements & I leave it
to them to take their Choice.
Allow me to add one Caution to such of your readers as
may not be very conversant with Steam Engines & that is, I advise
them to pay no regard to the Load upon the Sq[ua]r[e] Inch but
simply enquire which Engine will raise the most water to the
greatest height with the least fuel for that is the true Criterion
to judge of Engines by - B[oulton]: W[att]: have erected Engines
that work under 32 times the number of Pounds w[eigh]t that there is
Sq[ua]r[e] In[che]s in the area of the piston or Cylinder but that
doth not prove the perfection of the Engine whereas if it is proved
that one of B&W Engines raise from 30 to 33 Million of lb Weight one
foot high with a Bushel of Coal & any other Engine doth not raise
more than 18 Million it is plain that B[oulton]&W[att]s is four
times better''
AD1583/5/81 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
request to double the engine at Herland mine, Gwinear Item
1 folio
Manuscript
16 Dec 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton Dec[embe]r 16 1792
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, by Bristol
''Soho Decem[be]r 16 1792
Dear Sir
I wrote to you by the last post & closeing my letter in
a hurry I forgot to mention one circumstance that lyes undigested in
my Mind because I perceive it neither accords with your or Mr Watts
opineon to which I in general pay more implicit obedience than to my
own. I am a loyal Subject, but I have an abhorrance to every species
of Tyranny or stretching of power beyond the limits of Justice &
moderation and if I had the English Army at my beck or on my side as
well as the English Legislative power I think I should not extort
one Shilling from the Cornish Mines more than what they ought &
could Pay but I do not mean to say that I would leave the quantum to
the honor, ye Candor, & the Justice of the Adventurers: because I
know they would run into an opposite extream & give us nothing. -
Your late application from the Herland Mine Adventurers is the
Object that is now uppermost in my Mind. I understand they want
their Engine converted into a double Engine as they want more Power
and I perceive my friend will not consent to make it into double
without a double premium.
When I consider that it is a Young Mine & that it now pays 660£ a
Year I am perswaded that it would be too oppressive & not for our
interest in the End to insist upon double price particularly as
decissions in Law Courts are always uncertain - It is our true
interest to prevent other Engineers from getting possession of a
Mine. The Herland Engine being made double would come to as much as
all the Engines at Poldice are now charged, viz: 2/3 of 2000£, which
it is evident that young mine could not afford to pay & w[oul]d be
too oppressive to insist upon.
I think our Conduct, particularly at this time, should
be concilliating & not irritating & therefore, I would either make a
general abatement of one third, as in ye Gwinnap Mines, or I would
in such Cases as Herland say, we will alter your Engine to one of
Double Power & you shall not Pay for that power untill you use it.
as for Example - you shall pay 660£ a Year untill the Load amounts
to 10 lb [pounds] p[e]r In[ch] or rather say
untill the Load exceeds 31172 lb & then it shall be 726£ p[e]r
Y[ea]r
& when it exceeds 11 lb = 34289 [lb] - 792[£] [per Year]
& when it exceeds 12 lb = 37406 [lb] - 858[£] [per Year]
& so on to the end of its power for by that time the Mine will be of
more or of no Consequence & I think that douceur should be held out
to the erectors of all Engines that are double & this will be
giveing them an advantage over others.
I know not what to say about Hallamaning because if I remember right
B[oulton]&W[att] did promise them to make it double when it come to
ye extent of its power without takeing more but I believe it was
understood to be whilest upon the Mine of Hallamaning & so far as
relates to Hallamaning I think B&W should keep their words.
As I know how much influence your opineon has upon Mr
Watts I thought it right to tell you so & beg you will not depart
from your own Calm Candid just opineon, to oblige any one for when
once your opineon accords with his interest he will not depart from
it, you may rest assured.
I thougt it right that you should see this feature of my
Mind & now I beg you will destroy this letter & not quote it to B&W.
I am with great regard
Dear Sir
Your faithfull friend
Matt[he]w Boulton
The plan of the
new Copper Co[mpany] I have often talked to you upon is again
revived & I have commissiond Mr. Hurd to subscribe for Soho 3000 & I
believe there is 100,000£ ready but dont mention it at present as my
name doth not appear - Mr Hurds Uncle is dead & as soon as he
returns from the funeral I will attend to your payments.
We have 2 Models at Work of 2 In[ch] Cylinders ye one is upside
down.
The Theoretical proportion of Power in the 2 Cylinder of Tin Croft
are as 3,4 in the Small 21 & in the large 27 14,4 -} or say as 1 is
to 4¼ nearly.
The Calculation you gave me a Copy of is some imperfectly copyed
that I wish for one more Correct as we have now made a
Cal[cula]t[io]n absolutely correct, w[hi]ch is above Horn[blow]ers
hand.
However that theory will be condensed when it comes into the open
air - Mr Giddy is right in his Calculation but is wrong in his
Philosophy for want of Experience.
I think it possible to make an Engine to raise 40 Mill[io]n 1 f[oo]t
high''
AD1583/5/82 Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding
letter to Mr Williams Item
1 folio
Manuscript
18 Dec 1792
Endorsed: Mr Watt Dec[embe]r 18 1792
Addressed to: Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, only double
''Birm[ingha]m Dec[embe]r 18th 1792
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir /
We send enclosed our letter to Mr Williams
some what late indeed for which you must make an excuse. The fact is
that my head has not been clear enough for some time to dictate any
thing which required attention, but is at present better, & I have
made considerable progress in the advertisement in answer to Mr
H[ornblower]s - I have nothing farther particular to say except that
we have got good models of my Engine and Bulls ready.
Pray is Raspe in Cornwall? with Comp[limen]ts to Mrs
Wilson & family I remain
Dear Sir
Yours Sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/5/83 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
answer to anonymous publication Item
1 folio
Manuscript
24 Dec 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton Dec[embe]r 24 1792
Addressed to: Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
''Soho Decem[be]r 24 – 1792
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
Dear Sir
I rec[ei]vd in due course yours of ye 18th -
when I last wrote to you I had not seen your letter respecting
Herland new Engine & I now find I had mistaken Mr Watt in his
representation of that matter.
I have been prevented from sending you the paper intended to be
published as it has been in the hands of Mr W[at]t for more than a
week & which he hath wrote over again. I herewith send you a Copy of
the greatest Part of it but there is 2 or 3 pages yet unfinished but
which you shall have in 2 days more.
I beg you will calmly & carefully read & study it over for if you
cant understand it few others will & yet I have no doubt but you
will perfectly understand it the 2[n]d time of reading - Its
intended to be published exactly of the size of your former Pamphlet
& then they may be bound together by those who may have both. I
think 1000 should be printed off & sent to every Lord, to every
adventurer & every Captain also to each of the Cornish Members & to
every other person in London interested in Cornish Mines but those
for London may be sent in one packet by the Coach either to Mrs.
Matthews or Mr. Weston requesting them to be put into the peny post
office & therefore they must each be put under a Cover w[i]th Mr
Wilsons Compl[imen]ts & directed to the several persons. I think
several should be sent to Bristol & to Swansey but you need not
mention the quantity distributed as that might be an impolitick
information to ye Enemy upon 2[n]d thought it may be better that you
got only hlf the number printed in Cornwall & I will get 500 more
printed here & distributed to the London Gent[leme]n & all others
out of Cornwall.
Our first calculations were made upon the Theory of the augmentation
of the Power in one Cylinder & the domination of it the other being
expressed by straight Diagonal lines but that mode of calculating
will give the power in the small Cylinder too little & in the large
Cylinder too much & as I should be hurt to be detected in an
Arithmetical error we have made our Calculations from the real
Theory (supposing Steam to be permenantly elastick like Air) which
is expressable by an Hyperbolick Curve, as Mr Giddy said, & that
will be a little different. You may depend upon our Calculations
being right & if you are asked how they were made - defy them to
contradict the truth of them & its not necessary to teach either
Mathematicks or Engineering to every Blockhead - In general the
calculations are carryed only to one place in decimals by way of
preserving simplicity.
We begin the paper by reciteing all, or rather part, of the Errors,
Lyes, Puffs & falsitys pub[lishe]d by H[orn]b[lowe]r & then shew
that he must be a R[o]g[ue] or F[oo]l or both is ye truth.
The assumed Load of Tin Croft is taken from one of your
late Letters as well as the Strokes & according to that fact as
stated by you it doth not raise 14 Million & therefore I think that
saying B[oulton]&W[att] Eng[ine] will do more is too tame & too
undecided I therefore say B&W will do 50 p[e]r Cent more which is in
fact saying B&Ws Engine will raise 21 Million p[e]r Bush[e]l which
is certainly a safe quantity to lay upon, for I am sure one of our
27 d[ou]bl[e] Eng[ines] will do more p[e]r Bush[e]l than W[hea]l
Butson although I w[oul]d not tye our selves up to that quantity.
I see it will be impossible to write all I intended by this post but
I will write by the next & by every one 'till I have s[ai]d all that
is necessary.
We shall send off 2 Men in the Morning to assist Murdock & I shall
send some by them.
I am prevented from writing more than that
I remain
D[ea]r S[i]r
Yours sincely
M: Boulton''
AD1583/5/84 Letter, Forman to Wilson
introducing Joseph Varley and John Shakespear Item
1 folio
Manuscript
25 Dec 1792
Endorsed:
W[illia]m Forman 25 Dec[embe]r 1792
Addressed to: Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, p[e]r favour of
John Shakespear
''Soho 25th Dec[embe]r 1792
Mr. Thomas Wilson
Sir
This will be delivered to you by Joseph
Varley & a young Man who accompanies him John Shakespear. who we
have sent to assist you in any thing you have got to do. Varley has
been frequently sent out to repair & put engines to rights and
erected two himself so that we hope you will find him a very useful
hand. Jno Shakespear has always worked in our yard at fitting
Throttle Pipes, Pump Buckets, Fly Wheels &cc and is a tolerably good
turner. He has never seen an Engine erected, but we have not a doubt
under such able tuition as yours & Mr. Murdocks that He will very
soon be serviceable to you. Yesterday Mr. Boulton wrote inclosing a
Sheet. in this you will receive two more, and there are still two to
send which shall be forwarded by tomorrows post or as soon after
that as possible -
I am
for Boulton & Watt
Sir
Your most h[um]ble Serv[an]t
W[illia]m Forman''
AD1583/5/85 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
alterations to answer to anonymous publication Item
1 folio
Manuscript
27 Dec 1792
''Soho Decemb[e]r 27th 1792
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
Dear Sir
Your fav[ou]r of ye 23[r]d to
B[oulton]&W[att] is rec[ei]vd by which I perceive that the new
augmented Load of Tin Croft has put all my former Calculations out
of joint & though the difference is not very great yet it almost put
it out of my power to say that one of our Engines the size of
T[in]:C[roft]: large one will work under Three times that
Load I have therefore given another turn & taken another ground for
my Calculation w[hi]ch is permenant. I have therefore set one of our
Clarks to Copy it but it can't be sent you before tomorrows Post.
However in order to shew you the line I have taken I send you a Copy
of the principal alteration I intend begining at the Words.
(Page 3 line 12th) The weight of the Column of Water. I cannot pretend to speak
possitivly to as I have never descended into that Mine or measured
the length of the Pumps my Self but as Mr Hornblow[e]r & his
Friends have uniformly declared that his Engine will work under the
Load of 16 lb [pounds] p[e]r Square Inch calculating upon the
primary or small Cylinder only I will admitt it for the sake of some
Data to ground my Calculations upon haveing no doubt but by a little
Juggleing it will work under a much greater Load for in proportion
to the Imperfections of the piston in the small Cylinder the
power will be greater in the large one insomuch that if the 2
packing of the piston is taken out, or a 1 hole made through it or
the piston totaly taken away (leaving the rod working to preserve
appearances) The Engine will then become similar in every respect to
B&Ws single Engines & its power increased so as to amount to 23 lb
for every Squ[a]r[e] Inch of the Area of the small Cylinder:
although in fact there will be no power at all produced in it under
those Circumstances.
But to proceed to my Calculations I say ye area &c.
At this place it will splice again to the Calculations I sent you &
this alteration Mr Watt says he likes better than as it before stood
as the Load was liable to dispute. - But now the Load is assumed
upon Hornb[lowe]rs own ground to be 5541 lb I have no difficulty in
saying that one of our 27 will work under 3 times that Load = 16623
lb which is = 10,8 lb p[e]r Sq[ua]r[e] In[ch] on our Single Engine &
when we take more care in perfectioning the Engine than usual there
will be no doubt of working under that Load & no Tax of Dry rods
particularly w[i]th my new Boilers.
Yesterday morn[in]g at 4 oClock two of our men set out
to Cornwall viz:
I feel much for them being drawn at the top of a Coach through such
a Volumn of Cold air as exists between you & me & beg youl advise us
in what state they arived. We sent by them a letter from me to you &
a packet containing a Copy of the intended paper but you may now lay
that aside & expect another by the next Post in lieu of it. -
Perhaps you may say that the Cornubians will not understand all the
Calculations perhaps not - so much the better - All that I am
sollicitous about, is, that there be no error in them & that no man
can say we are wrong not even your high Sherriff - Although Mr Watt
agrees to every thing I have wrote you & to guarantee you against
all Loss, yet it may be well for you to write us your observations
before the Paper is Printed & wait our observations thereon and yet
there is no time to be lost for I suppose Mr Watt & I shall go to
London next week in order to instruct our Council.
You say 'tis s[ai]d that a 63 may be erected 1000£
cheaper than one of our 63 but that is certainly a Bull for 'though
it saves a beam above there is an additional one below, & his
Cylinder is double the Area of ours, & the Expence of it will be
double neither can his Shaft be of any other use nor nothing so
Conven[ien]t for management as in ours however we will soon try to
manage him.
I wish you Mrs. Wilson & Family many happy & proserous returns of
this season
remaining ever your faithfull friend
Matt[he]w Boulton
when the Paper
is finaly adjusted I propose you shew it in your own writing to Jno
[John] Viv[ian] & Jno Ed[wards]''
AD1583/5/86 Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding
manuscript for Wilson's publication Item
1 folio
Manuscript
29 Dec 1792
Endorsed:
Mr Boulton 29 Dec[embe]r 1792
Addressed to: Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol
''Dear Sir
By the same Mail Coach that brings this Letter I have
sent your new Book in Manuscript, corrected both by W[at]t & Self.
It was too large a bulk to send as a letter, & therefore I have made
it up in a parcel & I write this to inform you that you may seek it
if not deliverd in Time w[i]th this letter.
I have been out all day col
