Volume 6
AD1583/6
Boulton & Watt, Volume Six
Series
72 items (75 documents)
Manuscript
4 Jan 1793-27 Dec 1793
Letters
AD1583/6/1
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
republication of Thomas Wilson's pamphlet
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
4 Jan 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt Jan[uar]y 4 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall'', ''only
double''
''Birm[ingha]m Jan[uar]y 4th 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
Your letter of the 1st came this even[in]g
to hand. I agree with Mr B[oulton]. in thinking that your pamphlett
should not be republished at present, The paper sent you contains an
abstract of the principal arguments with some fresh ones, & should
be published, on the same size page as the former, as soon as
possible, being short it will have more chance of being read than if
tacked to or moulded into the other. I have in some parts of it said
as much to the H[ornblower]s as run & as much of your motives as I
think need be said; for calling names is of no use, being an easy
weapon for any blockhead to wield. I hope you will approve of what I
have made you say, but leave you at liberty to omit any thing you
please, but wish nothing to be added as to our merits. You will
please examine the Calculations carefully & correct whatever may be
amiss Only observing that the calculations of the combined power of
the two Cylinders & their power singly are right, on the footing
stated. The thing I think principaly objectible is where it says
''that at the cheapest period of its working it shall exceed
their Engine 50 p[e]r Cent'' now they may say that their Engine at
the cheapest period of its working did exceed its present
performance 50 p[e]r cent, I would therefore say that, at the load
of 3 times the 16lb [pound] p[e]r inch of the small Cylinder it
should do more than theirs now does, & that at the Cheapest &c. If
any one asks what you mean by the cheapest you may tell them at 16lb
[pound] per inch of its own Cylinder. This I write at home, & shall
consult Mr B[oulton]. tomorrow and add what occurs.
I wish you to go on in the reform of your pamphlett
according to your own ideas, & if there is occasion for it I shall
revise & alter it, for a use you may conceive, but I shall very much
abridge it, otherwise Gentlemen would not read it. At present it
would be improper to republish it.
In respect to Mr Fox we have no terms to offer further
than we gave him in Cornwall, vizt £28 while single & 56 when
double, his present offer is an insult upon our common sense, £25
p[e]r month for any sized Engine they please to erect. We
write him per tommorrows post.
Mr Boulton thinks he can write a more persuasive letter
to E. Fox & we have agreed to send them both to you & that you may
deliver which ever you approve of, I send mine at present & if you
do not receive Mr B[oulton]s by next post you will please forward
mine. F[ox]s letter was a most impertinent one.
Mr B[oulton]. makes no objection to the alteration on
the other page, so you will do as you please but publish
immediately.
Wishing you & yours the Comp[limen]ts of the
season health & happiness I remain
Dear Sir
Your's
sincerely
James Watt
Please collect
all the Sherborne mercurys that have the Horners advertisements in
them I mean the entire papers, we shall want them to show the pains
that have been taken to prejudice the county against us''
AD1583/6/2
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding
intended letter to E Fox
Item
1 sheet
Manuscript
6 Jan 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Boulton Jan[uar]y 6 1793''
''Soho Jan[uar]y 6 1793
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
Dear Sir
Mr Watt wrote to you yesterday with an
intended letter to Mr E. Fox in answer to one dated 1st In[stan]t In
w[hi]ch he says he is desired by the Adv[enture]rs to offer us 25£
p[e]r Month premium for Any such size as they may fix on & to
be p[ai]d from the time ye mine is in Fork & require an answer p[e]r
return of post & that in case we refuse they are determind to erect
another Engine as they see no reason for our demanding a larger
premium from them than we have agreed to from others.
As I thought Mr Watts letter too laconick, & left no
opening for any further endeavours to agree, I have wrote another
which I inclose & leave it to your Judgment to send which you
please.
I intended makeing some offers varied in form from those we made at
Truro but upon 2[n]d thought I judged it impolitick to send them any
in writing & think it best that you try what can be done by
conversation.
I once thought of writing - We are willing to Erect you
an Eng[i]n[e] that shall have power to raise a Column of Water whose
weight is 40 Thous[an]d pounds & that we will accept of 25£ a Year
untill the load exceeds 20000 lb [pounds] & then to be paid 37£.
10s[hillings]. 0d [pence] p[e]r Month & when it exceeds 30000 lb
then to be paid 50£ a Month - (a 43 In[ch] Cyl[in]d[e]r ÷ as 8 to 6
will do it) w[hi]ch will work a 12 In[ch] pump to the depth of near
136 fath[om] or a 14 In[ch] pump to 100 f[atho]m.
Or suppose one was to offer to furnish all the Metal Materials ready
fitted for Erection & one was to ask them a round sum for the Engine
& premium say 3000£ & one half to be p[ai]d in 3 Mo[nths] after set
to work & the other half to be p[ai]d in a Bond leaving 5 p[e]r Cent
w[hi]ch w[oul]d be 75 p[e]r Year instead of 600 w[hi]ch latter 1500
I consider in lieu of premium for now our term grows shorter it will
be better to take Slump sums instead of Annuities - out of w[hi]ch
you must be p[ai]d poundage.
I wish your letter was pub[lish]d p[e]r se & beg you will not delay
it as I think it will tend to shorten our disputes & open the Eyes
of Candid men & send us a proof sheet p[e]r post.
I have got a most painfull Lombago but hope to be able to go w[i]th
Mr Watt in less than a week to Town however continue to direct here
at present.
Adieu
Y[ou]rs sincerely
M Boulton
I w[oul]d not
boggle about a limitted Forking''
AD1583/6/3
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding
Thomas Wilson's pamphlet
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
8 Jan 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Boulton Jan[uar]y 8 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, by Bristol''
''Soho Jan[uar]y 8 – 1793
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
Dear Sir
I rec[ei]vd a letter from you 2 days ago but
its not before me.
I send this to tell you that Mr Watt & self set out tomorrow
morn[in]g to London where I beg you will send us a proof sheet if
not sent before this reach you. - As that paper may fall into the
hands of persons who have not read any of your or our papers I think
there should be one line in it intimating that every miner in
Cornwall doth know & must allow that Tin Croft [Tincroft mine,
Illogan] is an infringement upon B&W patent and is certainly
constructed upon their principles although by the variation it is 50
p[e]r C[en]t worse.
Mr Fox in speaking of our working cheaper for others I suppose
alluded to Hallamaning [Halamanning mine, St Hilary] - You should
tell him he is mistaken for Hal[lamanin]g agrees to pay us 600£ a
Year for a Cylinder limited to 60 In[ches] whereas Fox offers only
300 for an unlimited Cylinder neither have B&W signed any
agreem[en]t to increase the power for nothing.
Adieu
Y[ou]rs sincerely
M: Boulton''
AD1583/6/4
Letter, Forman to
Wilson regarding
parts for engines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
9 Jan 1793
Endorsed:
''W[illia]m Forman 9 Jan[uar]y 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Soho 9th Jan[uar]y 1793
Mr. Thomas Wilson
Sir
I am desired by Messrs Boulton & Watt, who
set off for London this morning, to desire you to let me know as
soon as you can at What price you could undertake to get up Working
Gear, Parallel Motions, and other Engine Work, in your plan. if the
prices are such as meet their approbation, they can give you a
considerable quantity to do. The Drawings will be sent to you and
they would have you not only to forge but file & fit them as far as
you could. The small Brasses for the parallel Motions you could
easily get cast & fitted & the larger Gudgeons which are to be
fitted into Plummer Blocks you could turn to the dimensions given &
we could furnish the Brasses for them & fit them here. However at
the same time that you give us the prices fitted you might also give
us the prices only forged. as we may find some little difficulty in
having them fitted up at such a Distance in case of any alteration
taking place. Mr Watt objects to having them done at the Perren
Works. but would have no objection to their being done at Redruth or
any other place that you think they would be well done at. I do not
expect that Messrs Boulton & Watt will return from London in less
than 10 Days or a fortnight, and as it is very material that I
should be informed of what I now write about as soon as possible, I
hope you will be so good as write us soon as you can.
I am
Sir
Your most obed[ien]t h[um]ble Serv[an]t
W[illia]m Forman''
AD1583/6/5
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
gathering of information to be used in Court
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
12 Jan 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt Jan[uar]y 12 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
London Jan[uar]y 12 1793
Dear Sir
We came here yesterday. Mr Westons desires that you
would collect all the information you can of the pains that have
been taken to prejudice the County against us. 1st by the
advertisements in the Sherborne [Mercury] and other papers 2[n]d by
the parts spread to our discredit 3[r]d by Combinations said to be
formed to support H[ornblowe]r & Bull. These must be such as can be
proved by affidavits, that such advertisements were circulated about
the County in the news papers or other wise, & that reports were
circulated that we obtained more money from the County than we had a
right to, that our Patent was a grievance & should be contested that
our Opponents should be supported & that a malicious disposition was
testified against us without cause - But the principal thing will be
to prove, that Bull has said that he would be supported against us,
& if possible to prove that he actualy is so. If you can get any
body to say that they heard him say so, Particularly that Crenver
[mine, Crowan] had guaranteed him against us, or any others had done
so it will be in point, & where positive evidence cannot be
obtained, circumstantial must be taken, & affidavit made to it. I
think R. Mitchel told us that he had been offered a guarantee if he
would erect one of our Engines - Once you have got a clue you must
get Mr Edwards to make out the affidavits & send them to us or Mr
Weston as soon as possible, & as you can get them. Your own may be
made out & taken immediately with E Rogers W[illia]m Murdocks, but
please to observe all possible secrecy. The use of these affidavits
is to establish the Trial in Middlesex, by showing that improper
means have been used to prejudice mens minds against us in Cornwall.
I remain
Dear Sir
Yours Sincerely
James
Watt''
AD1583/6/6
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
Thomas Wilson's pamphlet
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
14 Jan 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt Jan[uar]y 14 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''London Jan[uar]y 14th 1793
Dear Sir
We have your letter of the 9th covering Bill value £409.
7 [shillings] We agree to all your alterations except the paragraph
in praise of ourselves which we request may not be published, It can
do no good and may do harm, therefore we desire you to omit it
totally - Instead of saying the first propogators of this
wonderful &c say ''the first users in this county of this
pretended improvement'' and you may say ''The failure of the late
trial at Tin Croft to work with one of the two Cylinders only
proves, the operators ignorance of the Steam Engine in general, &
that B&Ws assertion of the Construction in so far as it deviated
from their Engines being a deterioration instead of an
improvement''
We wrote you the other day for affidavits of the
prejudices of the County against us, to which we beg a speedy
answer, & I remain
Dear
Sir Your's sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/6/7
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
return of Thomas Wilson's corrected proof for pamphlet
Item
1 sheet
Manuscript
15 Jan 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt Jan[uar]y 15 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall'', ''double
only''
''London Jan[uar]y 15 1793
Dear Sir
We wrote you last night as to your proposed additions &
now send the proof corrected for some typographical errors,
principaly pointing which obscure the sense. I hope it will come in
time before any are printed off. I have not marked all the faulty
types that being the printers business but there is much to complain
of on that head.
I
remain Your's &c
J W''
AD1583/6/8
Letter, Boulton & Watt to
Wilson regarding
Thomas Wilson's pamphlet etc
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
18 Jan 1793
Endorsed:
''Messrs Boulton & Watt Jan[uar]y 18th 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall'', ''only
double''
''London 18 Jan[uar]y 1793
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
Dear Sir
Yours of 12th In[stan]t w[i]th ye proof
sheet We rec[ei]vd in due course which sheet is corrected & herewith
returnd - The butter and flum[me]ry we have thrown out of the Dish.
As you & other friends will not be wanted 'till the
middle of Feb[ruar]y we think you had better seize the present
opertunity of going to Wales where we will write you if any thing
Material occur.
We presume Mr Foreman can do without the assistance of
any of ye Cornish Smiths but We wish you to send him all the prises
of Engine Smiths Work both the Master Smiths selling price & the
Journeymans working price as we are going to make some regulations
amongst our Journeymen. Before you set out for Wales pray send one
or two Copys of your printed letter to each of the principal
Adventurers and to such Capt[ai]ns & Engineers as you may think can
understand it - And if you will send us some we will deliver them (p[e]r
peny post) to S[i]r Francis to S[i]r Christopher to Rashley [Rashleigh]
& such others as you think are in Town & this should be done before
you go to wales & when you do go pray take a Cargoe of them to
Bristol, to Swansey & send some to the Birm[in]g[ha]m Mineing
Co[mpany] at Birm[in]g[ha]m. But pray don't forget to obtain & send
to us the affidavits which Mr Watt wrote to you about.
Sanctifyd david has wrote to us that he is now Engaged with another
Gent[lema]n in the Engine Line but with whom we have not yet been
able to learn - oh Honor & Gratitude where are ye fled.
The new Metal Co[mpany] are now formd with a Capital of
100,000£ - M[atthew]: B[oulton]: is a member, or his Son, which ever
may suit best.
Wishing you & yours Health we remain
D[ea]r S[i]r
Yours sincerely
Boulton
& Watt''
[the handwriting
is that of Matthew Boulton]
AD1583/6/9
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding
Thomas Wilson's pamphlet etc
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
23 Jan 1793
Endorsed:
''Mat[the]w Boulton Esq[uire] Jan[uar]y 23 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''London Jan[uar]y 23
1793
Dear Sir
Your fav[ou]rs of ye 19th & 20th are before us we beg
you send us a doz[e]n of the pamphets by the first Coach directed to
us at Birm[in]g[ha]m as we shall leave Town in 2 Days.
For want of an opportunity of consulting Mr Watt I cannot speak
possitivly about Mr Fox's proposal but if any absolute objection
arise we will inform you or otherwise the Materials shall be put in
hand directly.
We think you may take some of your letters to Bristol & Wales &
distribute them & send us a few.
I hope youl finaly settle Selehole & never more fall into such a
hole.
Alass poor Lewis is no more.
adieu
Yours sincerely
M.
I approve''
AD1583/6/10
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
Wheal Virgin and Hewas mines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
24 Jan 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt Jan[uar]y 24th 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''London Jan[uar]y 24th 1793
Dear Sir
We have yours of the 21st - you should keep the letter
to Pearson it may be of use.
I think he will be the proper man to be stationed at Wheal Virgin &c
if you can get him the office, & I think his wages should be raised.
In order to repay H[orblowe]r and Bull if they have any good hands
they should be bribed away & sent to us, if they will engage for
time say 5 years, but this had best not be done at present, lest it
be an argument against us while at law.
Though entirely against my opinion & Convictions I have
consented to the Hewas [St Ewe] proposal, but please to observe that
until the argument is executed & sent us I shall do nothing in
ordering the Engine, you will please inform them of this in the
gentlest manner you can & give for reason the treatment we have
received in other cases, The agreement must be the same as we have
used to make with other Engines, and absolute, for I will sign no
agreement lying as to make such abatement to them as some cursed
necessity may force us to do to others X [see below] - I look
upon what is consented to in point of premium as a thing which may
prove highly detrimental to us in future & such as if we suceed in
our Suit shall not avail any body as precedent.
At present I am crushed with difficulties &
sollicitations until I can resist no longer!
I remain Dear Sir
Your's
sincerely
James Watt
you have never
advised whether the agreement for the Welsh Engine was approved of,
that ought to have been done before now, they will serve us some
dirty trick.
X
unless they will agree to be raised to the same premium we may
obtain from all mines''
AD1583/6/11
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding
Wheal Jewel, Herland and Wheal Virgin mines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
c1793
Endorsed: ''Mat[the]w Boulton Esq[uire]''
''B&W wish to
have W[hea]l Jewel [Gwennap] tryd without drawing Water in order see
what the friction & Visinertia of the Engine - the Flat Rods & the
friction of the pumps amount to in Coals - Take off the Clack Doors.
-
Cover the
Boilers
Herland [Gwinear]
- burns too much Coals - raise the Chymney 6 feet - bore a Hole of ½
Inch diam[ete]r into the Chymney above the take up 3 or 6 feet & try
if it burns a dry Stick & in that case its plain too much fire goes
up the Chymney - The Working Geer is Noisey Boiler wants Covering -
Stop the Steam leaks about the Top Valve - see that a free Currant
of Air go to the Grate which may be directed by doors according to
the point the wind is in.
W[hea]l Virgin
Engines must absolutely be put in better order Even if we pay a
workman to do it.
[in pencil] B&W
will endeavour to send a good Workman''
[back page
features a sketch diagram of section through engine part, and some
arithmetical workings]
AD1583/6/12
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
engine for Hewas mine, St Ewe, and other matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
31 Jan 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt Jan[uar]y 31 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Mr Holbrookes, Morris Town,
Swansea, S. Wales''
''Birm[ingha]m Jan[uar]y 31st 1793
Mr Wilson
Swansea}
Dear
Sir
we have yours of the 27th advising its
covering 3 Bills for £800, now it contained as follows
Miners
Bank -
£500. - . -
C[ornish]
M[etal]. Co[mpany - [£]150 . - .
-
D[itt]o
-
[£]50 . - . -
[Total]
£700 . - . -
we have wrote to
Mr Weston what you said about the venue, but believe there are other
ways of making that matter sq[ua]r[e], otherwise there is no Justice
in Engl[an]d.
Hewas Engine will not be begun untill the agreement is
settled, & if they do not do it soon the best way is to tell them
the truth, we cannot in common prudence expose ourselves to any more
such treatment as we have met with disoblige whom we will, and for
my part I would rather they had not the Engine on the terms. I think
you will not be wanted in London till the end of the month if then,
wishing you a pleasant Journey & safe return I remain
D[ea]r Sir
Yours
sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/6/13
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
pending legal action against Hornblower and Bull
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
9 Feb 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr. Watt Feb[ruar]y 9th 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, at Mr Ja[me]s Holbrooks, Morris
Town, Swansea, S. Wales''
''Birm[ingha]m
Feb[ruar]y 9th 1793
Mr Wilson /
Swansea /
Dear Sir
We have yours from Newport, you may be
assured that Hornblowers advertisement was in the Bristol papers,
for we ourselves read it in one of them at Pipers Inn - The affair
of the venue would be decided yesterday, we know not the result yet
but expect it will be retained in Middlesex. Mr Weston however says
that it is now certain that the cause cannot come on this term, but
will the next that is in May. The reason is that from the shortness
of the term Bull has not had the legal days of notice, so that it
depends upon him its being tryed & no doubts he will avail himself
of all possible delays. We wish however to see you here without any
urgent cause carries you elsewhere, lest this miss you we write also
to you at the Bush tavern.
With Comp[limen]ts to Mr Holbrook I remain
D[ea]r Sir Your's
sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/6/14
Letter, Boulton & Watt to
Wilson regarding
engine for Hewas mine, St Ewe
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
15 Mar 1793
Endorsed:
''Messrs Boulton & Watt, Mar[ch] 15th 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Soho March 15th – 1793
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
Dear Sir
We rec[ei]vd in due course your fav[ou]rs of
the 7th, 8th & 11th In[stan]t - From your last it appears that we
are agreed in all points with the adventurers in Hewas except what
relates to the disposal of the Engine when the time comes that they
have no further use for it. We have never shewn a disposition to be
letigious in any instance, nor to throw difficulties in the way of
our Friends selling their Engines to the best advantage & all that
we want to secure is our own right in it for though a person may
sell his Land he cannot sell the parsons Tythe: However, to close
this business We agree to take the Engine at a fair valuation when
ever they cease to use it, and have a direct offer for it, to which
we refuse our consent. - N:B: let it be understood that what we mean
by takeing the Engine is to take all such parts of the Engine as
remain in a servicable state & not the Pumps or Pump Rods.
We yesterday sent our Carpenter to examine a large fall
of Timber in this neighbourhood but he could not find one Tree that
will answer for the Beam of the blowing Engine however we will
continue our enquiries & doubt not but we shall find one.
We will endeavour to see Mr Simcox & settle w[i]th him
in a few days.
We beg you will not fail to present our most respectfull compliments
of Condolence to Mr Daniel & Family.
We also desire our Compl[imen]ts to Mr Martin & acquaint him we have
this day packed up his Candlesticks which will go to Pritchard
& Barlow p[e]r Wagon w[i]th orders to forward them to Truro as you
or Mr Martin may direct & we beg his acceptance thereof.
We beg you will provide one or two of the Exeter papers, in w[hi]ch
the advertisment you mentiond is published, as we may make a use of
it upon the Trial, & if you can find out the Author so much the
better.
Poor Scale died yesterday.
With kind resp[ec]ts to Mrs Wilson
We remain
Dear Sir
Yours sincerely
Boulton & Watt
Whitmore & Co
have offerd to buy or build Smelting Works & to undertake all
Charges from the Cornish Mine to the delivery of the Copper on board
a Ship at Swansey for 33 s[hillings] or 34 s[hillings] p[e]r Ton
Smelting Charges.
M[atthew] B[oulton]: hath related to Mr Hurd your paragraph
respecting the sending of the Extracts from his & Mr Edwards'
Letters''
[the handwriting
is that of Matthew Boulton]
AD1583/6/15
Letter, Boulton & Watt to
Wilson regarding
Joseph Hately
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
27 Mar 1793
Endorsed:
''Messrs Boulton & Watt Mar[ch] 27th 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Birm[ingha]m Mar[ch] 27th 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir /
The letter handed us by yours of 23[r]d
ought to have been signed Joseph Hately. Who is in urgent want of
£500 - You may if you please, to show your disinterestedness &
affection for the county, lay it before the first publick meeting,
and let them if they please appoint a committee of correspondence,
you taking care not to be one; but in that case you answer the
letter by saying you have laid the matter before the County, having
no desire of engaging in any thing of that kind yourself, nor of
having any more to do with it. At any rate please not to take the
least notice who is the author, leave him & them to work one
another, he is a match for them & I think has no invention that can
do us any harm.
If you do not approve of the above, you may answer the
letter by saying that it would not suit you to enter into any
undertaking of that kind, but that if he pleases to apply to Mr
Jonathan Hornblower of Penryn or Mr Edward Bull of [blank] who are
Schemers in Engines & seem in lack of some better invention than
they now profess, perhaps they might deal with him, or Winwood of
Bristol as proper a Cully as he could find.
We are extremely sorry that W. M. [William Murdock] is
so tormented but he must keep a good heart & hope for a day of
retribution; We can safely answer to God, that we never had any
profits whatever on Wilkinsons goods but much trouble, vexation, &
loss: therefore if he will not be at pains to procure customers for
himself we shall order the Goods from the Dale [Dale Company,
Coalbrookdale, Shropshire] for such as please to employ us & desire
them to be got there. His behaviour to us is worse than that of
Hornblower or Bull.
Your indisposition gives us much concern we hope you
will have proper advice and take care of yourself. The riding out
will probably be of service to you, but I think the Bath waters
would be of more, they might force out the Gout which plagues you -
wishing you health & with comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson
We remain Dear Sir Your
affect[iona]t[e]ly
Boulton & Watt
The present
Commercial failures are very alarming & seem to spread, this
confounded Banking has been the principal cause. We have had no
great losses hitherto, only one small one''
[the handwriting
is that of James Watt]
AD1583/6/16
Letter, Boulton & Watt to
Wilson regarding
Bull's charges for casting etc
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
5 Apr 1793
Endorsed:
''Messrs Boulton & Watt Ap[ri]l 5th 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Birm[ingha]m Ap[ri]l 5th 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We are very uneasy at not hearing from you,
especialy as you were in bad health when you wrote last & beg you
would cause William write us how you are if you cannot write
yourself which I hope is not the case. We have nothing particular to
advise, have not yet got a tree for Neath beam but are in search of
one.
We wish as soon as you can an answer to Mr Southerns
letter about, the prices Bull has been charged for castings - We
hear the Dale Co[mpany] weigh after boring but that there is no
other difference in price - We had a dreadfull Storm of snow from
Sunday night 10 oclock to 7 oclock on tuesday night, which as has
continued thaw has mostly gone off - Hopeing to hear good news of
you & praying for your health, we remain with Compl[imen]ts to Mrs
Wilson and family, Yours
Sincerely
Boulton & Watt
If you find
yourself still in that languid un[com]fortable way you should try
the Bath waters''
AD1583/6/17
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson proposing
purchase of Wilson's works at Swansea
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
10 Apr 1793
Endorsed:
''Mat[the]w Boulton Esq[uire] Ap[ri]l 10th 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''London
York Hotel Bridge Street 10th April 1793
Dear Sir
I arivd here yesterday with Mr Villers, in
order to settle some agreement for Copper or for Smelting.
We have seen Mr Morris this morning, who says he has
agreed to set his Works to the Brass wire Comp[an]y & is now
Building a new sett upon a smaller scale for his own use. - He seems
unwilling to Smelt for the hire at any price, & is so doubtfull and
undecided about the Copper-trade that we give up all thoughts of
attempting to make any agreem[en]t with him. -
We are obliged to be at Birm[in]g[ha]m on Tuesday night
next and as the Committee days of the 2 Charterd Co[mpanie]s are on
Tuesdays & Wednesdays We shall not have an opportunity of meeting
them.
Before we left Birm[in]g[ha]m Whitmore (who it appears is worth
15,000£) deliverd in his proposals to build Works at his own expence
& smelt our ores (including Car[ria]g[e] fr[eigh]t Insurance &c) at
34 s[hillings] p[e]r Ton & to agree for 7, 14, or 21 Years. These
are tempting offers: Yet nevertheless I must own that I had rather
establish our Comp[an]y upon Your foundation, both for your sake &
our own. -
T[urn].O[ver].
Suppose then We
were to purchase Your works at Swansey, & keep the same Managers,
Refiners, & Workmen. - Suppose you were to have ten Shares in our
Comp[an]y. -
Suppose you were to undertake to do the same business for our
Co[mpany] as you now do for the Yorkshire Co[mpany] - Or in lieu of
that plan. Suppose We were to buy the Ores & you were to Smelt them
at 4 s[hillings] p[e]r Ton more than Whitmores price. -
I shall prevent any decided steps from being taken or
any Letter or proposals being made to Mr Townend untill I know what
your sentiments are, or what will be most agreeable to your self, &
then we will in writing make specifick propositions to Mr Townend
similar to ye afores[ai]d. -
After all if none of ye above plans are agreeable to you
& your Co[mpany] The new Birm[in]g[ha]m Comp[an]y must proceed to
erect works either by themselves or Whitmore. - But if your have any
idea of going out of the business, I think this is the most
favourable oppertunity that is likely to occur -
Please to observe that I write from my self only except my traviling
Companion know & perfectly agrees with me in sentim[en]ts.
Let me hear from you as soon as possible for 'till I do we shall not
meet our Comp[an]y or make our report.
I also wish to know something of your health.
I remain D[ea]r Sir
Yours sincerely
M Boulton
Youl be aware
that we must call a Meeting in a few days after our return''
AD1583/6/18
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
engine house for Hewas mine, St Ewe
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
11 Apr 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt Ap[ri]l 11 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Ap[ri]l 11th 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I am glad to hear that you are in the land of the
living, Take care of yourself use moderate exercise, & do not live
too low.
Our trial will come on sometime between the 13th & 20th
May - Your presence will be wanted, as well as the other witnesses -
Mr Weston expects Bull will make another attempt to
change the venue, can you procure proof that he said, that if the
cause were tried in Cornwall he should win but not if in
Westminster, or any similar expressions, The exeter paragraph too
must not be forgot.
The house for Hewas may be built same as United Mines [Gwennap]
45, as it will be like it 8 feet Stroke inside & 6 outside,
Wilkinson has one of this size now nearly ready, all castings except
Cyl[inde]r & Air pump may be done at Perran [Perranzabuloe] -
Wishing you better health, Yours
Sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/6/19
Letter, Southern and Watt to
Wilson regarding
engine parts for Hewas mine, St Ewe
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
16 Apr 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt 16 Ap[ri]l 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Soho 16th
April 1793
Dear Sir
The goods ordered at Bersham [Denbighshire, Wales] for
Huyas Mine [Hewas] are The Cylinder, its bottoms top & piston - and
the air pump, its bott[om]s top & bucket. The former are cast and
considerably forward. The nozzles will be done here, and all the
rest we suppose you will get done in Cornwall. We shall copy United
mines engine, house &cc - except the air pump (which is to be
larger) and a small alteration in the nozzles will likewise be made;
but we will shortly send you draw[in]gs of the engine, which will
exhibit the difference so far as relates to your part of the work.
The piston has a hole a little different from united mines viz. the
diam[ete]r of the hole at the top 4 1/8 inches, & widening
down[war]ds to gage 1 in 5.
I hope this will find you better than your last letter
brought account of, and remain
D[ea]r Sir
Your
obed[ien]t Servant
John Southern
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson''
''16th April 1793
Mr Wilson
Dear Sir, I have y[ou]rs of 12th, Mr B[oulton]. is at
London and expected home on to morrow - We have entered the 20 inch
order, but would wish to know if you would chuse 4 or 5 feet Stroke,
we think thelatter will burn least coals in proportion to work - I
think you may sell our Copper at the £110 or more if you can get it.
What we want for own use is not much, & the state should be common
tile with as much tough cake as possible. At present you may send us
from 10 to 15 Cwt [hundredweight] all tough cake, say 6 Cwt in cakes
1¼ inches thick & 18 inches square, of the very best quality for
forging valves out of, & 4 Cwt in cakes of the same size & ¾ thick
for rolling into sheets for pipes. All the rest may be sold as at
present trade is very dull here & the members of the Brass Company
are selling their proportions of Brass 30 p[e]r Cent under Cost to
get cash. I have heard nothing of the new Co[mpany] being split, &
do not believe it.
We are glad to hear of the fair behaviour of our
Hallamanin neighbours & think it is in consequence of a conversation
we had with Mr Simcock, please send us the draught of the agreement
or the agreement itself if ingrossed, if not only the draught & we
shall endeavour to settle with them on the Hewas terms - I think the
present dead trade & rain of credit must affect the price of copper,
therefore sell if you can! Please return our thanks to Mr Jno [John]
Williams for his recommendation - It gives me much pleasure to hear
of your recovery which I hope will be progressive Mr B[oulton]
Jun[io]r is now almost well but has had a narrow escape, with
Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson Yours sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/6/20
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
the length of the stroke at Cardrew Downs mine, Redruth
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
24 Apr 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt 24 Ap[ri]l 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Birm[ingham] Ap[ri]l 24th 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We have two of yours unanswered, we have
sent one to Mr Weston to show him how you are treated, & to use it
as argument, in a hearing which was to be yesterday about changing
the venue the result of which we shall know to day. We wait your
answer as to the length of Stroke of Cardrew downs say whether 4 or
5 feet we advise the latter.
Affairs all over the country bear the most gloomy aspect
in respect to Credit, no payments to be had from any body, &
consequently more and more Stoppages at the same time villains
handing about Petitions to be signed by Blackguards for a reform of
Parliament that is to give each of them a vote, and to perform as
notably as they have done in France. We have heard nothing of
Penrose, we go for London about the 1st May, let us hear from you
frequently & how cornish credit stands, we rejoice in your recovery
& remain
Yours Sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/6/21
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding
various matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
28 Apr 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Boulton Ap[ri]l 28 1793''
Addressed to: “Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Soho April 28 – 1793
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
Dear Sir
Yours of ye 23[r]d is rec[ei]vd in due
course. In regard to the Copper at Swansey We wish you to sell it
there if possible as there is no want of Copper at Birm[in]g[ha]m
there being no orders, or money to execute them with & consequently
no consumption of Copper - I have now between 20 & 30 Ton of new
french money which I am orderd to sell for melting but cannot find
buyers that have either money or Cred[i]t & what the ultimate event
may be no one can foresee, but all are alarmed, particularly as
sedition shews her face & is handing about a petition to
Parliam[en]t for a Reform of it which is signd by a great number of
Workmen but not one man of respectable Character. -
We have thought it proper to publish this day w[i]th our
News paper an antidote to the poison which I herewith send you a
Copy of.
Messrs Roe & Co[mpany] have wrote to me two days ago wanting Copper
but I referd them to you as I had given them a negative answer a
Month ago. If you could sell it at Swansey at 108 or even 106
or 105 I think you should. There is no regular price at
Birm[in]g[ha]m as some of the necessitous Members of ye Copper
Co[mpany] are selling at 100 & others are giving 110 or more for the
sake of hooking in bad debts or doubtfull ones. If I should find an
opportunity of Contracting for the quantity you mention between this
& Michaelmas I will not neglect it.
We are much pleased with Mr Beauchamp Conduct in our fav[ou]r and
our other friends also, & shall give them a favourable answer when
they write to us, similar to the footing you put it upon. If Mr Reed
& Mr Richards have a mind to do their friend Hornblower a fav[ou]r
We advise them to contract with him to erect an Engine upon ye
United Mines equal in power to W[hea]l Maid [Gwennap] and
at the same price which W[hea]l Maid Engine cost exclusive of
all pumps & pitwork. If the 2 Gent[leme]n aforesaid will make that
motion I advise you to second it but as it is a matter of great
moment to the Mine there must be some great penalties for non
performance of Bargin & Hornb[lowe]r must also agree to pay for all
the Coal it burns more than W[hea]l Maid under similar Loads - Such
a Contract would be as good as a Verdict against them.
The day Mr Villers & I left London we receivd the
Ultimatum of the Mines Royal Co[mpany] which we layd before the
Birm[in]g[ha]m Committee & at the same time Mr Villers read your
ostensible Letter to me when the Committee agreed to accept of terms
proposed by the Mines Roy[a]l Co[mpany] & orderd Mr Villers to write
accordingly - The new Birm[in]g[ha]m Co[mpany] are to pay for the
ores in Cornwall for the Smelting at Shiping of ye ♀ [the alchemical
symbol for copper] at Neath & upon such terms as will leave the
Birm[in]g[ha]m Co[mpany] 8 p[e]r C[en]t for their Money (without
risk) as the M[ines] R[oyal] Co[mpany] pay insurance Car[ria]g[e]
fr[eigh]t & every other expence & the Copper will thus be layd down
on the Birm[in]g[ha]m Wharf at the stand[ar]d price it was bought
at in Cornwall & the B[irmingham] Co[mpany] will receive 8 p[e]r
C[en]t - The difference between your terms at 40 & those of the
M[ines] R[oya]l are very trifling but Birm[in]g[ha]m men will take
the heavyest end of the Beam although turnd by a feather. The M[ines]
R[oya]l offer to smelt any Quantity from 300 to 700 Ton p[e]r Year &
say they can do it in less time than any other House & consequently
there will be less interest of Money They also pay the insurance.
Mr Whitmore still persists in his proposal & offers to produce two
partners in his undertaking who are men of fortune sufficient to
guarantee the Contract: However the Co[mpany] have agreed w[i]th ye
M[ines] R[oya]l for 1 Year & in that time the B[irmingham] Co[mpany]
will be better able to judge.
You say you wrote Mr H[ur]d sometime since your terms
but he never shewd me your letter or communicated its contents. He
will never act with any one upon terms of reciprocity & therefore
there is little probability of acting with him.
I shall rem[i]t to Mr Townend on ye 3[r]d May a Bill at
30 days for the Ball[an]c[e] of my Copper acc[oun]t but I don't
understand the £14. 1s[hilling]. 10d [pence] for freight you
mention.
Mr Weston writes that the Venue is to be argued on
Tuesday morn[in]g next & fears it may cause the trial to be put off
for another term which is vexatious.
You shall hear again from B&W in a day or two - in ye
intrim I remain
Dear
Sir Yours sincerely
Matt[he]w Boulton''
AD1583/6/22
Letter, Watt to Wilson regarding engine at Cardrew Downs mine,
Redruth, etc
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
2 May 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt May 2 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Birm[ingha]m May 2[n]d 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I write at present to inform you that there
is now no chance of our cause coming on this term, as the Contest
about the venue is not yet decided, and in my opinion is only been
made to put off the trial, otherwise they would have met us fairly
before an impartial Jury. We have received the 2 Copies of
Hallamanin & the deed of united Mines - We have ordered Cardrew
Downs Engine 5 feet Stroke as it will be better & will cost them no
more except a little upon the materials which will be amply repaid
by a superior effect both in going & in saving fuel -
We have heard nothing of Mr Penrose. The distresses in
credit continue to encrease & whether the relief proposed in
Parl[iamen]t will reach the root of the evil seems dubious, we get
no payments of any consequence - with Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson
Dear Sir
Your's Sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/6/23
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding
prices for copper
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
5 May 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Boulton May 5 1793''
Addressed to: 'Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Soho May 5 – 1793
Dear Sir
I have yours of ye 1st In[stan]t - However vexatious it
may be I could not do otherwise than I did.
It was not 'till the last even[in]g that we receivd the Ultimatum of
the M[ines]: R[oyal]: Co[mpany]. & that under a promise that their
proposition was conceild at present even from the Committee except
saying in general that our Copper shall be layd down at
Birm[in]g[ha]m at the Cornish Standard surely you can calculate that
if the Stand[ar]d is 100 & the produce 10 P[er] C[ent] the ore will
be 7£. 10 s[hillings] x by 10 Ton = 75£ for 1 Ton of Copper + the
interest at 8 p[e]r C[en]t for 4 Mo[nths] + the Smelting Charges 20£
+ Car[ria]g[e] to Birm[in]g[ha]m will bring Copper at that produce
to 98 at Birm[in]g[ha]m.
As the M[ines]: R[oyal]: Co[mpany]: offerd to smelt any quantity
from 5 to 7 Hund[re]d Ton, to pay the insurance, to do it in less
time than you could do, and as the Birm[in]g[ha]m Co[mpany] had
fixed their Minds upon 5 or 6 Hund[re]d Ton they preferd giving it
all to that Co[mpany] - However don't be vexd no agreem[en]t is yet
signd & the present distressd state of our Trade & finances will for
the present put a stop to all proceedings so that I doubt not but a
part may be obtaind for you.
I could not take upon me to make any lower offer for you than 40/
s[hillings] as I understood Mr Townend had determind. - I know not
what you wrote Mr H[ur]d & you may as well wonder why he should be
short & me talle as to wonder at what you do - so it is & nature has
decreed what no man can alter. It is a difficult task to do justice
& please all parties when so many are concernd. -
I shall write Mr Townend tomorrow with a Bill.
Mr Watt & I are makeing an Elegable purchase of Land which with the
times will drain us.
We go to Town in a fortnight ab[ou]t Albion Mill [Blackfriars,
London].
Adieu Yours sincerely
M
Boulton
Mr. Thomas
Wilson
Soho near Birmingham
4 May 1793
Sir
We have rec[eive]d two Bills amounting
together to Four Hundred and thrty seven Pounds three Shillings &
seven pence, which will be placed to your credit. The writer of this
cannot take notice of the Letter in which these Bills may have come,
as he knows nothing thereof - we are
Sir
Your
mo[st] ob[edient] Ser[van]ts
For
Boulton & Watt
Samuel
Pearson.''
AD1583/6/24
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
venue for legal case, and the price of copper
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
13 May 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt May 13 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Birm[ingha]m May 13th 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
The venue is fixed for Middlesex, and the
Judges have unanimously given it as their opinions that such a cause
ought to be tried no where else as the principal evidences must be
professional men who could not be sent to Cornwall or Devonshire.
From this we entertain some hopes of a favourable hearing and
believe it will cut off some of Bulls sanguine hopes if he
entertained any, and he must already have incurred a heavy expence.
I observe that in your account you debit us with money
paid to Varley and Shakespear, but do not say how that is credited
by their work which please do we shall also be glad to have copy of
Mr Edwards Jun[io]rs acc[oun]t.
- Your opinions coincide with yours in point of the fall
of price of copper, Mr Boulton has been going about trying to sell
some, but cannot find any of those he is willing to trust that will
buy. Very little copper is either sold or used here at present, &
very little work is going on, so that our apprehensions from the men
out of employ are very great. There will be many Stoppages of
payment this week in Birmingham, of people too who are realy rich,
but cannot command their money, Two have put an end to their lives!
In such circumstances perhaps copper is the best
security we can have, however if you can sell to sure people please
do it. We make you master in point of price, along with your own.
Mr B[oulton]. says there is to be a meeting of the new
Copper company to morrow night after which he will write you but
cannot do it sooner. They will not buy any ores for some time, as at
present they could not pay the calls upon them, and I think that if
you will offer a little cheaper than the Mines Royal you may still
come in for a share of the Contract. Mr Hurd was in london at the
time Mr B[oulton]. was there & is not yet returned and we know
nothing of him. The present distresses are dreadful & must reach
Cornwall, therefore get in all payments you can.
With best wishes to you Mrs Wilson & family
I remain Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James
Watt''
AD1583/6/25
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
cylinders for United Mines, Gwennap, etc
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
23 May 1793
Endorsed: ''Ja[me]s Watt May 23, 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Birm[ingha]m May 23[r]d 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I have your's of the 19th covering draft on
Mr Wilkinson value £264. 5 [shillings]. - to your credit.
I can say nothing about Copper, but from every enquiry believe none
can be sold here at present, times may come round, but Stagnation is
now very great. It will be in vain to send the tin at present for
the same reason, it had better lye with you till we see you or hear
of some demand.
In respect to Bulls saying the Engine is not his
property that matters not, he made it and was the aggressor but it
will be necessary to have clear proof of that circumstance & we
shall mention the other to Mr Weston.
We have rec[eive]d orders from U[nited] mines for 2
Cylinders one to be a complete Engine, Mr B[oulton]. is to write to
Mr Daniel this post, agreeing to make no charge for the additional
power, putting him in mind that the old agreement was never executed
on their part though our part is retained by them, & referring him
to you for our claims upon the mine. I remain
Dear Sir
Your's
sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/6/26
Letter, Watt and Boulton to
Wilson regarding
receipt of tin, and the Birmingham Company
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
30 May 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt May 30 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, via Bristol''
''Birm[ingha]m May 30th 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We have yours of ye 25th covering 2 Bills
value £386. 13 [shillings]. 4 [pence] to account, We had wrote you
not to send the Tin, as none can be sold here at present however
since done we must make the best of it, you will please either send
us bill of Lading or direct Barlow to insure on your & our account.
We have nothing new Stagnation of trade as bad as ever, and almost
all the workmen set idle, for these two weeks being fair time.
I remain
Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James
Watt
We think of
setting out for London the beginning of the next week''
''Dear Sir
However vexatious it may be to you & the Yorkshire
Co[mpany] to miss the Contract with the Birm[in]g[ha]m Co[mpany] It
was impossible for me to act otherwise than I have done without
acting a double or dishonorable part. You enterd into treaty
personaly with the Birm[in]g[ha]m Com[mit]tee your self previous to
which they had opend a treaty with the Mines Royal Co[mpany] & in
Consequence thereof they requested Mr Villers & Self to wait upon
them in order to receive their proposals which We accordingly did &
layd them at our return before the Birm[in]g[ha]m Committee with the
latest propositions from you. If you or Mr Trusnom [?] had accepted
of ye 38 offerd or had given me any discressionary or Confidential
powers I should not have used th[em?] indiscretely. - In your last
Calculations you [have?] falln into some errors but as nothing can
be done at present that business must Sleep there being neither
orders, Money or Cred[i]t at Birm[in]g[ha]m & I fear many houses
must fall.
I hope we shall meet soon & in ye intrem remain
Dear Sir
Yours sincerely
Matt[he]w Boulton
I cant sell my
Copper although I want mony
May 29''
AD1583/6/27
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding
financial matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
2 Jun 1793
Endorsed:
''Mat[the]w Boulton 2 June 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, by Bristol''
''Soho June 2[n]d – 1793
Dear Sir
I have so bad a Cold & so sore a throat that I cannot
speak to be understood & am thereby confind to the House. - Mr Watt
has just sent me a letter adressd to You which he desires I would
inform you he means as an Ostensible letter & begs you to consider &
use it as such.
In regard to the 170£ - I think you should not divide it
in the proportion you mention without the concurance of both partys
& I must say I never agreed with Mr Hurd to divide as 7/10 is to
3/10 - The fact is, Wilkinson, Watt Hurd & Boulton agreed to advance
to Williams 2500£ each but when we came to pay I told Mr Hurd if he
w[oul]d advance 1000£ more than his share & me 1000£ less it would
be convenient to me at that time & in one Y[ea]r I would pay it
back & in the intrem he might take ye Share of profits proportiond
to his advance - at the end of one Y[ea]r Wilkinson desired to
withdraw his 2500 & Mr Hurd agreed to advance 1500£ & I 1000£ I
accordingly took 1000£ from Engine Co[mpany] in Matthews hands &
ordered Mr Z[accheus] Walker to draw for it in fav[ou]r of Mr Hurd
in such Bills as might be agreeable to Mr H[urd] and this I
acquainted Mr H[ur]d with a few days before I went to London where I
was detaind some Months - Some time after Mr H[urd] s[ai]d he had
taken only 750£ & as he owd me money for Brass I presumd he had set
that debt off by takeing only 750£ - However I have since learnt
from Mr H[ur]d that he took 750£ only in order to apportion our
shares as 7 to 3 instead of 5 to 8 or as 4000£ to 2500£ is it ought
to be I know no right Mr H[ur]d had to divide our shares in that
proportion of 7 to 3 nor did I ever consent to it. - My acc[oun]t
with him remains in a very disagreeable state as he has taken from
our Counting House all Books Letters & other documents & hath never
shewn me any statement of that concern from the beginning to this
day - I therefore cannot help saying I am dissatisfyd & shall remain
so, so long as our acc[oun]t remain unsettled with him.
Mr Watt & I intended setting out as this day to London
but we have each enterd into Treaty w[i]th Mr Birch for the purchase
of the fee simple of our respective premises as well as for a large
portion of the Com[mo]n Land contigious thereto all the way on the
South side of our Turnpike Road from Hockley Brook to the distance
of ½ a Mile beyond Soho & though the Land is in an uninclosed &
uncultivated State, yet they have the conscience to ask 500£ an Acre
for many acres of it. - Mr Birch has left the decision of this
business to a Mr Bishton whom we have expected at Soho every day for
a Week past but we now learn he will not be here before Wednesday
next, & whether we shall stay 'till that time we have not yet
determind. However we will write to you so soon as we are set out -
I think Varley may be usefull whilest Murdock is in London &
therefore should be kept.
Pray desire Murdock to measure the Diam[e]t[e]rs & lengths of
Cylinders of the Castings you mention.
As I suppose Capt[ai]n Dick means to bear Witness against us I think
we should contrive to Cross cut him a little, & shew the early
buding of his prejudice against us & his ignorance in Engines.
No Copper wanted by the Birm[in]g[ha]m Manufacturers, there being no
trade or Money except some lately obtaind from the Commissions of
Excheq[ue]r Bills. The new Copper Co[mpany] is gone to Sleep &
whether it will ever wake I know not.
I wish you would order Ten Tons of our Copper to be sent us as soon
as possible in the form of high refind dry featherd Shot for Brass
makeing. If we had it now we have a Chap offerd for it.
With best respects to Mrs. Wilson I remain
Dear Sir
Yours sincerely
Matt[he]w Boulton''
AD1583/6/28
Letter, Boulton & Watt to
Wilson regarding
terms for adventurers of United Mines, Gwennap
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
2 Jun 1793
Endorsed:
''Messrs Boulton & Watt 2 June 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Birm[ingha]m June 2[n]d 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir /
We wrote to you in our last letter, that the
terms to be proposed to the United Mines adv[enture]rs were the same
that we had formerly discussed with you Vizt: That we consented to
the erection, of an additional Engine & the encreasing the Cylinder
of another, without any demand of encrease of premium, provided they
pay up the arrears due to us which have been Stated to them say
£550. - . - remaining due from 1791, and from the end of that year
to pay us 2/3 of the agreed premium or £88. 17s[hillings]. 9d
[pence] per month, until the mine be sufficiently profitable to pay
us our full dues, and also that we require the agreement which has
lain so long unexecuted on their part to be completed. Which terms
we understand from your letters you had proposed to them the last
time you attended that Account and we now confirm. Any delay that
happens in the execution of the Engine shall not be our fault, but
we cannot give out the orders until our terms are complied with,
though that no unnecessary delay may take place, we are proceeding
with the necessary drawings.
As the Deed last drawn for that Mine, is in the names of
Thomas Daniel, Tho[ma]s Read & Joseph Beauchamp Esq[ui]r[e]s & the
former is dead, if the Adventurers have not the counterpart we sent
to them for execution, ready completed the best way will be to draw
a fresh one & we shall send off the part we have by to morrows Coach
directed to you. We think the best way will be to make a copy of the
Deed upon a large Sheet of Stampt paper, and subjoin an attestation
of its being so, with an acknowlegement by two of the Adventurers
that the original having been mislaid, and Mr Daniel one of the
parties since dead, They bind & oblige themselves and the other
adventurers to hold this copy equaly valid in Law & Equity as the
original.
We beg you may not forget to make our acknowlegements to
Mr Beauchamp for his very handsome behaviour at the meeting, of
which we shall always retain due sense - We are very sorry to hear
of Mr Daniels illness, but hope his Journey will be of service to
his health, and would hope to see him here but that we go to London
this week about our action against E. Bull, which we hope will not
terminate to his satisfaction.
We have nothing else to say at present but that we wish
you to get this affair settled as soon as you can, as we shall
probably soon have occasion to call you to London.
With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson we remain
Dear Sir
Your obed[ien]t h[um]ble
serv[an]ts
Boulton
& Watt''
[the handwriting
is that of James Watt]
AD1583/6/29
Letter, Boulton & Watt to
Wilson regarding
agreement for United Mines, Gwennap
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
3 Jun 1793
Endorsed:
''Messrs Boulton & Watt June 3rd 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, double only''
''Birm[ingha]m June 3[r]d 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We wrote you yesterday concerning the United
Mines and to night send the agreement by coach if we do not dispatch
it by post. We still think the mode we proposed of an attested Copy
the shortest & best way of terminating the business. We have
received a letter from G.C.fox & sons reflecting on us for delay in
the Neath business, in which we cannot think ourselves any way to
blame inclosed we send our answer, and beg you would take the
opportunity of insisting upon the agreement being compleated; People
should first do their own duty before they reproach others for
failures!
We set out to morrow if possible & remain
Dear Sir
Your's
sincerely
Boulton & Watt
The agreement
sent per Coach''
AD1583/6/30
Letter,
Pearson to
Wilson regarding receipt of Bill
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
6 Jun 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Pearson June 6 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Soho 6 June 1793
Mr. Thomas Wilson
Sir
Your favor of 31st Ult[im]o addressed to our
Mr. Watt, brought a Bill of One Hundred & Seventy three Pounds two
Shillings; which we will place to your credit; and are
Sir
Your very Ob[edien]t Ser[van]ts
For Boulton & Watt
James Pearson
Mr Watt is gone
to London and Mr Boulton is just setting out''
[This postscript
being in the handwriting of Matthew Boulton]
AD1583/6/31
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
the case against Edward Bull
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
8 Jun 1793
Endorsed: ''James Watt Esq[ui]r[e] 8 June 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''London June
8th 1793
Dear Sir
I have yours of the 6th Mr B[oulton]. is not yet come to
town but expected to night.
Yesterday Mr Weston was to send you letter for Mr Edwards with
subpœnas for the witnesses named and some blank ones for witnesses
to prove undoubtedly Bulls having made the Engine at Balcoath [mine,
Wendron], that is to say directed the erection, which please fill up
with the names of the proper persons.
The trial will come on sometime after the 20th 19th shall
write you from time to time & inform you when you will be wanted, to
save trouble it will be best to agree with the witnesses for so much
a day for their expences, but it must be such as cannot be deemed a
bribe -
We have stopt all proceedings except drawings for the united mines
until we have their ratification. Bull might have saved himself the
expence of his model, as we have made one for him. I swore no such
thing as you mention, but swore from Bulls letter that he told us
that the County wanted to have us brought to trial and that it would
be no expence to him but the principal matter was that proper
evidence, say scientific people could neither be carried to Cornwall
nor devonshire in which the Court fully agreed & confirmed. I am at
present labouring among these said scientific people.
With Comp[limen]ts to friends I remain
D[ea]r Sir
Yours sincerely
James
Watt''
AD1583/6/32
Letter,
Westons to
Wilson regarding subpœna for Captain Harris at Balcoath mine,
Wendron
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
10 Jun 1793
Endorsed:
''A & R Weston 10 June 1793''
Addressed to: ''Tho[ma]s Wilson Esq[ui]r[e], Truro, Cornwall''
''Thomas Wilson
Esq[ui]re
D[ea]r Sir
Inclosed we send you a S[ub]p[œn]a duces
tecum which you will be pleased to put into the hands of Mr. Edwards
or his Clerk to be served on Harris, the Captain of Balcouth Mine:-
We think his name is Walter Harris. We want him to prove that Bull
was the Person who made the Engine. We have already intimated
that the Smith may be a good Witness to prove Bull the Maker
of the Engine, & he can also we suppose speak to the Similarity of
Bull's Engine to Boulton & Watt's.
We understand that the general point Vizt: the
similarity of Bull's Engine to Boulton & Watt's - or rather the
Identity and intire Sameness of the principle of the
two Engines, is to be proved by W[illia]m Murdoch, Edward Rogers,
and Richard Mitchell, all of whom have inspected Bull's Engine at
Balcouth. It will be proper for you to confer with the witnesses,
and for that they are clear in their Recollection; and
Murdoch
should write what he has to say concerning the points he is
to prove. We shall be glad to have a Copy of what he writes, as soon
as convenient, in order that it may be shewn to our Counsel. We
desire also to have a written account of what the other
witnesses can say. We presume that every one of the witnesses can &
will prove the distressed State of the mining Interest previous to
the Introduction of Boulton & Watt's Engines, and the Revival of it,
by Means of the great Savings made by those Engines. This cannot be
denied with a good Grace by those who have so much exaggerated
Boulton & Watt's Profits; those Profits being only a computed Third
of the whole savings.
We are not able to ascertain more nearly than we have
already done, the Time of the Trial - that is in the week commencing
the 24th & ending 29th instant - Monday to Saturday, both inclusive.
- A Tender of Expences must be made, in money, to such of the
witnesses as are not in B & W's service. -
We are D[ea]r Sir Y[ou]rs truly
A J & G Weston.
Fenchurch Street
10 June 1793.''
AD1583/6/33
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding
the case against Bull, and other matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
12 Jun 1793
Endorsed:
''Mat[the]w Boulton 12 June 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''London June 12th – 1793
Dear Sir
We rec[ei]vd in due course your fav[o]rs of ye 6th, 7th,
and 8th In[stan]t which we should have acknowledged before but
waited untill we could give you some information respecting the fate
of Mr Bulls application to the Judges to put off the trial till
Michaelmass term or rather say 'till the depth of Winter but as we
are now in tolorable health, & have many important Witness's in Town
We have opposed Bulls application and succeeded - The Judges saw
through ye finess & scouted it observing to Bulls Council that he
came there under false Coulers to ask for one thing & meant another.
They therefore resisted the application without hearing all the
arguments We had to offer perhaps he may renew his application under
some other form, but we are certain it will be ineffectual You may
therefore now conclude that the Trial will come on the 23[r]d or
24th of the present Month. and consequently both 1 You, 2 Murdock, 3
Rogers, 4 Mitchell must be here on the 19th or perhaps a day or two
sooner but you shall hear again from us or from Weston on the
subject -
I wish you would look into your Acc[oun]ts & see what Money you
remitted us on Acc[oun]t of Engines for the Years 1790 - 1791 - 1792
& 1793 as Bull states in his oath that we are in the receipt of
8000£ a Year & though this is foreign to the Subject yet its proper
to know ye amount.
We see no reasons why the Chasewater Cylinder will not do & shall
stop all proceedings in the Castings untill things are settled at ye
United Mines which We hope will be soon.
Mr Edwards was in Court with us this morning & heard all that passd
on Bulls application & as he proposes to quit Town tomorrow I refer
you to him.
I am sorry to see Ores fall so much & assure you I cannot sell any
Copper at Birm[in]g[ha]m at any Price I have 37 Ton in Coin &c which
must be sold.
I have not calld on Smith, having been wholly taken up amongst the
Lawyers, but will see Mr Adey & Smith this afternoon or tomorrow
morn[in]g & drive a Sale on ye best terms I can.
You ought not to sell any of our share of Ores at the present low
price but send them all to Swansey.
We have heard of an Oak Tree that will do for Messrs Fox's Engine &
have sent a person to Examine it moreover Mr Iddins says he has
several & has promisd to write Messrs Fox's.
If the Copper I have at Soho was in Cake instead of Coin I could
sell it, but as it is I can only sell very small quantities -
Q[ue]r[y] which is best for me to send my Copper to Swansey to be
Melted or for you to send me a Man to Smelt it at Soho.
as I write in a Coffe Room I do not recollect if I have anything
more to say but remain
D[ea]r Sir
Yours
sincerely
M: Boulton
Lawson is here &
has got ye Modells to work''
AD1583/6/34
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
Bull's application for delay of the trial
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
14 Jun 1793
Endorsed: ''James Watt Esq[ui]r[e] 14 June 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''London June 14th 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
To morrow Bull means to make another
application for a delay of trial, which if we cannot prevent we
shall endeavour to obtain an Injunction against his making or
finishing Engines in the interim, or security for the damages we may
sustain. We have some doubts that the trial may be delayed,
therefore if the witnesses are not yet set out, please delay them
till you receive our next letter say by to morrow nights post, when
we hope to be able to write you decisively, we have lost three days
this week already, by these attempts & our consequent attendance on
the Court & on Counsel, We have been able to hear of no Customer for
Copper yet much has been imported from Spain & the levant.
Your's sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/6/35
Letter, Boulton & Watt to
Wilson regarding
Wilson's going to London for the trial
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
15 Jun 1793
Endorsed:
''Messrs Boulton & Watt 15th June 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson of Truro, at Mr Lands, The
London Inn, Exeter''
''London 15th June 1793
Dear Sir
We rec[ei]vd yours of ye 12th.
Are sorry to say that we yet remain in Suspence & shall do 'till
Tuesday however as you are so far advanced it is in vain to receed.
Youl therefore please to come forward.
We have just taken a dineing Room at the White Hart in Abchurch Lane
where you & us dined so well upon Turtle & they have provided 5 Beds
in & out of the House for our Cornish Friends & more may be had.
Wishing you & all our Cornish friends Health & a
Pleasant Journey We remain with great regard
Dear Sir
Yours sincerely
Boulton & Watt''
[the handwriting
is that of Matthew Boulton]
AD1583/6/36
Letter, Boulton to Wilson regarding the Rose Copper Company
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
24 Jul 1793
Endorsed:
''Mat[the]w Boulton Esq[ui]r[e] 24 July 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, by Bristol''
''Dear Sir
Mr Watt hath wrote you sundrys which I confirm. I cannot
give you any distinct information respecting the orders of ye Rose ♀
[copper] Co[mpany] untill after their general meeting which will be
in a few days. I see it may be of use to you in your buyings but you
must not mention any information you may receive from me either to
Chistoe or any other person.
My opineon is that they will not give Xtoe [Christoe] any buying
orders at present, & what is now done, was done without my knowledge
or Consent, nor have I seen Villers since my return from London.
I had a line yesterd[a]y from Holbrook who has consented for his Son
to come for 10 Days for w[hi]ch I am obliged to him & you.
Dr Hershall & Ladies are now at Soho & hinder me much - wishing you
a speedy recovery.
I remain D[ea]r
S[i]r
Yours sincerely
M: Boulton
Soho
July 24 - 1793''
AD1583/6/37
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
Newcomen's engine, and various other matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
24 Jul 1793
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt Esq[ui]r[e] 24 July 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Birm[ingha]m July 24th 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We have 3 of your's unanswered we have by
us, a one foot Cylinder one foot Stroke which was made for
exp[erimen]ts & was used a short time by Mr B[oulton]. in his
coining business, but was too small he paid £100 for it (it cost
more) & if you please we shall put it in perfect repair to you for
the same money we have no other & never make any smaller than 3
horses power & those we are sick of.
You did very right at Sherborne, & if the Editor does
not furnish you with the name of the author you should write to him.
The proceedings in Cornwall are no other than we had reason to
expect. Grylls being in a passion looks well, he feels himself in
the wrong box. Mr Edw[ar]ds observation in respect to Newcomens,
will not hold, it will never be forgot, because it stands on record
in so many books in all languages, and at any rate there is no
danger of its being forgot during the time of my patent. Moreover my
invention depends upon it being an improvement thereon. His
observation concerning the monopolies is right & shall be used in
argument. My Engine is either a manufacture or it is nothing - We
did not consult Weston on Seal hole he was so hurried during our
stay that we could scarcely speak with him. The best way will be to
write out the case, with copy of the agreement & send him, you need
not perplex it with the first draft only mention the point wherein
it differed, the Chief defence must rest on the badness of the water
& it seems to me that the remedy will be a bill in Chancery against
them for deception in that point, fileing the bill will probably
bring them to their senses, if they have any -
Mr B[oulton]. has been so occupied that I do not believe
he has wrote to Mr W[illia]ms about his own copper I shall remind
him - he is not in but what I have learnt of the new Comp[an]ys
purchase of ores is as follows - Some time ago Mr Villars wrote to
Mr B[oulton]. that if he consented, he would write to Christo to buy
at 80 to which he agreed on the expectation he could get none at the
price, He has however gone beyond it, & I expect a rompus with the
Comp[an]y who are in general in no condition to pay. I wish Mr
B[oulton] had nothing to do with that Comp[an]y. I fear they will
not be more prudent than the old one. please to thank R. Mitchel for
his letter & tell him we must all have patience with his country
mens ill nature & folly, till we can act decidedly & at any rate
time will show who has been their best friends & who have made the
best Engines.
We have had cold weather & rain & it is now become warm
again which will do good.
With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson I remain
Yours
sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/6/38
Letter,
Pearson to
Wilson regarding accounts
Item
1 large sheet
Manuscript
30 Jul 1793
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Pearson 30 July 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson from Truro, at St. Clements
Coffee House, Strand, London.''
''Soho near Birmingham
30 July 1793
Mr. Thomas Wilson
Sir
Mr. Boulton desires me to acquaint you that
he hath received your Letter to him of 26th instant, enclosing a
D[ra]ft for Three Hundred & Sixty four Pounds ten Shillings. -
Having this opportunity, beg to hand you the annexed account Boulton
& Watt against R N Fox & Co[mpany] amounting to £106. 17
[shillings]. 7 [pence] and am
Sir Your mo[st] Ob[edient] Ser[van]t
James Pearson.''
AD1583/6/39
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
the continued assembly of engines by Edward Bull
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
7 Aug 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt Aug[u]st 7 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson of Truro, St Clements
Coffeehouse, London''
''Birm[ingha]m Aug[us]t 7th 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We have yours of 1st from Yeovil yesterday.
We shall be glad that you can sell all our copper to the E[ast]
I[ndia]. Co[mpany] on the same terms you sell your own, & Mr Boulton
begs you will sell for him 20 tons of tough Cake and the 10 tons
which is in London - We observe what you have said to Mr Thomas
which we approve of, & also of what passed with the printer which we
hope will have a good effect in making him more careful in future.
We are very much pleased that you have concluded with
seal hole on any terms, They won't have much reason to crow over
their bargain. Please be sure to stamp the agreement.
Please to wait upon Mr Weston & give him a memorandum of
what is going on in the west, and you may add on the authority of R.
Mitchels letter to us of the 2[n]d, that Bull had orders for 2
Engines soon after his return to Cornwall, that he has now three
putting together, that they report the patent will be broke - that
Lawyers & Counsels are set about it against next term - furthermore,
he adds, he has been told that it is thought he ought to order the
Dale Comp[an]y to make the Cyl[inde]r Nozles &c for Poldory [mine,
Gwennap] old Engine, as B & W & Co[mpany] will not sell Chacewater
Engine. We shall write to Mr Beauchamp on this subject, & thanking
him for his former good offices. I did write to you, on the 24th
which you do not mention having rec[eive]d. We are going on putting
up the one foot Cyl[inde]r I mentioned to you in that letter (price
£100) but we want your particular directions about the pumps, which
will be an extra charge - Mr B[oulton]. is tolerably well but much
hurried, as to myself, though I have no particular complaint, I am
not well & very inept for business - I remain D[ea]r Sir
Yours sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/6/40
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
adventurers of United Mines, Gwennap
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
9 Aug 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt Aug[u]st 9 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro''
''Birm[ingha]m Aug[us]t 9th 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I wrote you the other day in answer to yours
of the 1st, and same day wrote to Mr Beauchamp ''that we were
informed that some of the ad[venture]rs in U[nite]d Mines
notwith[standin]g our very fair proposal, were for setting us at
defiance by erecting an Engine of our construction without our
consent, & that we begged the favour of him to represent to them,
that we had not demanded so much as we could recover at Law & that
if they persist in treating us as they have done, we must have
recourse to such means of redress as are in our power, which we
should do with reluctance & should in any case hope for his
excusing us'' What effect this may have we cannot tell however if
they force us to it we shall do as we have said. We have purchased &
sent off the Engine from Mansfield for Cardrew downs [mine, Redruth].
I have nothing further to add but remain
Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James
Watt
I have informed
R. Mitchel that we had wrote to Mr Beauchamp & s[ai]d to him that
you also had informed us''
AD1583/6/41
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
the sale of copper to Mr Williams
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
13 Aug 1793
Endorsed: ''Mr Watt Aug[u]st 13 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Birm[ingha]m Aug[us]t 13th 1793
Mr Wilson /
I trusted to Mr Boultons writing you yesterday but he
was prevented, We agree that you sell our Copper to Mr Williams on
the same terms you have sold your own, or if he refuses that you
take the next eligible offer, and that you inform him that upon
delivery you will require his Bills for 70 at 6 months in part. I
foresee we shall want money & must provide against it. The one foot
Cylinder is going on - It is necessary that we know the height the
water is to be raised as there is some wheel works which must be
adapted to it - Mr B[oulton]. says he will write to Mr Williams
about the Copper he has in London as he does not chuse to return it
to H. lest he Should get nothing in lieu of it. You will please do
the needful in respect to the Copper p[e]r soonest & deliver as
quickly as you can.
With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson
I remain
Dear Sir
Your's
sincerely
James Watt
Coun[sello]r
Smith has again wrote to us for a 72 inch Cyl[inde]r Engine for his
Colliery is not that too large, & is it safe to deal with him?}''
AD1583/6/42
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding Wilson's reputation with the miners
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
19 Aug 1793
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt 19 Aug[u]st 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Birm[ingha]m Aug[us]t 19th 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We have yours of 15th and are sorry that you
should have been pointed out as obnoxious to these rascaly fools the
miners, which we conceive has been done on purpose by some of your &
our enemies, as we conceive it next to impossible that you could
have had any thing to do with it. We agree with you that giving way
is not the method to deal with them, If words cannot bring them to
reason we hope that the Gentlemen concerned will pursue other
methods.
We observe what you say about the copper & hope it will
prove a sale without any of the usual Chicanery.
We have nothing particular to advise you of, but remain
with Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson
Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/6/43
Letter, Boulton & Watt to
Wilson regarding
payment to John Heath
Item
1 small folio
Manuscript
22 Aug 1793
Endorsed:
''Messrs Boulton & Watt Aug[ust] 22 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro in Cornwall''
''Mr Thomas
Wilson
of Truro in Cornwall}
F[o]r
At Sight, Please to pay to Mr John Heath or his order Forty Pounds
for Value Receivd & place it to the Acc[oun]t of
Your
Obed[ien]t Serv[an]ts
Boulton & Watt
Soho Aug[us]t 22 - 1793''
AD1583/6/44
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
progress with small engine
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
26 Aug 1793
Endorsed:
''James Watt 26 Aug[u]st 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Birm[ingha]m Aug[us]t 26th 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We have yours of 21st, and hope the miners
will hear reason; for if their hopes rest on a rise of price I doubt
they will not be gratified. We are going on with the little Engine,
but as it is so short in the Stroke & works very quick the motion
must be made slower by means of a pinion turning a wheel on a crank
axis, we have a new Wheel 7 feet dia[mete]r which will answer & with
the pinion will come to about 15 guineas exclusive of the crank &
axis - now if you don't think this too dear we shall send it, other
wise we shall send drawing for the Wheel to be made with you of wood
or other wise, your answer to Mr Southern will oblige.
Mr Boulton is to day gone into Derbyshire for a
fortnight, & in a day or two I must set out for London with some
friends & shall be absent about a week or 10 days, any
Correspondence about Materials may in the mean time be directed to
Mr Southern or Mr Forman.
With Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson & family I
remain
Dear Sir
Yours
Sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/6/45
Letter and Agreement
Item
2 large folios
Manuscript
1790-1793
AD1583/6/45/1
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
Varley's Agreement, copper and Halamanning mine, St Hilary
Piece
1 large folio
Manuscript
27 Aug 1793
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt Esq[ui]r[e] Aug[u]st 27 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Birm[ingha]m
Aug[us]t 27th 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I wrote to you yesterday since which have
yours of the 23[r]d - We can expect no better terms than you get for
yourself in respect to the Copper, though I have My doubts as to a
good price, as I fear Copper will fall not withstanding the Miners
being their own buyers - Whatever bills you send may be addressed to
Mr Pearson during my absence - I do not recollect what passed in
respect to Consolidated Mines [Gwennap] premium, but believe nothing
positive - I have not time now to search the books & the affair must
wait till I return & can consult with Mr B[oulton].
In respect to Hallamanin we cannot agree to their
proposition as they state it, & do not chuse to take harsh measures
until the Great question is decided when possibly we May have them
in our power, mean while please persist in claiming the premium.
We send you inclosed Varleys agreement, If he will not
stay otherwise, You will please take him before a Magistrate to be
dealt with according to law, We cannot suffer our servants to
dictate to us where and how we shall employ them. Had he behaved
better in places we send him to hereabout, perhaps he would not have
been sent to Cornwall, but he was grown a prodigious Coxcomb from
having been an industrious obliging man. We have at present no use
for him here.
As Mr B[oulton]. is absent for a fortnight I can give no
answer about his copper, but have given copy of Mr Greenfells letter
to Mr Brown his agent in those matters, who may probably write to
you or Mr Greenfell - I go to London to morrow, & remain with
Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson
Dear Sir
Yours sincerely
James
Watt''
AD1583/6/45/2
Articles of Agreement,
Joseph Varley
and Boulton & Watt
Piece
1 large folio
Manuscript
4 Aug 1790
Endorsed: ''Joseph Varley for 5 Years 4 Aug[us]t 1790''
''Articles of
Agreement. Indented, made, concluded & agreed upon the Fourth day of
August, In the thirtieth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord
George the third and in the Year of our Lord, One thousand Seven
hundred & Ninety - Between Joseph Varley of Handsworth in the County
of Stafford, Smith & Engineer of the one part. And Matthew Boulton &
James Watt of Soho, in the County of Stafford, Engineers, of the
other part - Whereas the said Joseph Varley in consideration of the
Covenant hereinafter mentioned (and on the part of the said Matthew
Boulton and James Watt to be performed in pursuance thereof) is
willing to serve the said Matthew Boulton & James Watt as a Workman
or Journeyman for the space of five Years from the date hereof. Now
these presents witness, that the said Joseph Varley for himself for
the Considerations aforesaid & hereinafter mentioned doth hereby
covenant & agree that for & during the said term of Five Years to be
computed from the date hereof - He the said Joseph Varley shall
continue with & faithfully serve according to the best of his
Ability Skill & judgement, the said Matthew Boulton & James Watt,
their Executors, or Administrators in their business of constructing
Steam Engines & other Machines & in any such other Service relating
to the Trade & Business of the said Matthew Boulton & James Watt &
at such place or places as they the said Matthew Boulton & James
Watt their Executors or Administrators shall from time to time order
& direct - And shall obey all their lawful Commands & that in &
concerning all such his Work & Labor, he shall & will be true &
faithful, and shall & will endeavor in all things as much as he
lawfully may or can for the benefit & profit of them the said
Matthew Boulton & James Watt. And that he shall not at any time or
times during the said term either in an unreasonable manner or at
unusual times, neglect or absent himself from any such work & Labor,
nor lend embezzle or willfully spoil, or otherwise dispose of any
Tools. Utensils, Implements, Goods or Chattels of them the said
Matthew Boulton & James Watt, their Executors, or Administrators,
without their & each of their Licence & Consent - And also that the
said Joseph Varley shall not, nor will directly or indirectly to any
Person or Persons whatsoever, divulge, discover, or disclose any
Secret, Art or Mystery whatsoever relative to the Business of them
the said Matthew Boulton & James Watt at any time or times during
the said Term - And the said Matthew Boulton & James Watt, for
themselves, their Heirs Executors & Adm[inistrato]rs jointly &
seperately do hereby covenant, promise & Agree to & with the said
Joseph Varley, that they the said Matthew Boulton & James Watt shall
duly & regularly pay or cause to be paid to the said Joseph Varley
the sum of thirteen Shillings for each Week during the first Year,
Fourteen Shillings for each Week during the Second & third Year &
Fifteen Shillings for each Week during the fourth & fifth or last
Year of the said term of Five Years - Provided always, that if the
said Joseph Varley shall at any time or times hereafter from
Sickness or other reasonable Causes, be absent from the Service of
the said Matt[he]w Boulton & James Watt, It shall & may be lawful
for his said Masters to deduct & withhold from the said weekly
payments such Sums of Money as the time he shall so be absent shall
amount to, at the rates herein stipulated to be paid to him when at
Work - And that if the said Joseph Varley shall willfully &
unlawfully absent himself from the service of his said Masters,
without their Consent first had & obtained, he shall not only
forfeit his Wages for the time he shall so absent himself but shall
after the expiration of the said term of five Years, serve them two
Days for each day he shall have absented himself unlawfully & for
such Service as he shall perform in recompence for the time he shall
so absent himself, he shall be paid according to the rate of his
Wages at the time he so absented himself - Provided also, that when
the said Matthew Boulton & James Watt shall have occasion at any
time during the said term of Five Years to send the said Joseph
Varley from home, to erect Engines or on any other Business, that
they the said Matthew Boulton & James Watt shall pay or Cause to be
paid to the said Joseph Varley Threepence for each & every Mile from
the place from whence he sets out to such place as they shall
appoint him to go for Travelling Expences - And for the true
performance of all & every the covenants & Agreements hereinbefore
mentioned, each of the said Parties bind themselves firmly to each
other by these Presents In Witness Whereof the said parties have set
their Hands & Seals.
Signed, Sealed & Delivered
(being first duly stamped) in
presence of
J[oh]n Roberts
Matthew Boulton
James Watt
Joseph
Varley''
AD1583/6/46
Letter, Watt and
Pearson to
Wilson regarding accounts and dispatch of engine
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
11 Sep 1793
Endorsed:
''James Watt Sep[tembe]r 11 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Soho near Birmingham
Sep[tembe]r 11 1793
Mr. Thomas Wilson
Sir
Your favor, to Ja[me]s Pearson, of 7th
instant brought accounts for the last 3 Mo[nth]s and two Bills
amounting together to Seven Hundred & thirteen Pounds eight
Shillings & sixpence half penny. - The Engine for Messrs Fenton &
Co[mpany] is in hand & will be finished as soon as possible. Mr
Southern hath seen your Letter and will act agreeable to your
directions. - The Engine for Cardrew Adv[enture]rs was put on board
at Nottingham 2nd Ult[im]o to go p[e]r Canal, with orders to be
delivered to James Barlow at Bristol, & he had directions to forward
same to you as soon as he rec[eive]d them. We have wrote to Barlow
respecting same. -
We request Accounts to the end of the present month, as soon after
the month expires, as you conveniently can; as the end of
Sep[tembe]r is the annual time of settling our Books. - We remain
Sir Your most Obed[ien]t Ser[van]ts
For
Boulton & Watt
James Pearson''
''Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir /
Mr B[oulton] & myself both returned on
Monday last, we have no news of consequence. Mr Smiths Agent Mr
Martin has been here & we find a 63 inch single Engine will suit him
We deired him to apply to you expecting you had one at Chacewater,
if not sold to united Mines.
In your acc[oun]t you charge £40 to John Heath by B & Ws
order, I cannot at present recollect for what it was, please
explain,
Mrs W[att]. setts out beginning of next week for
Devonshire with Jessy, I believe they will Stop at Teignmouth.
Jessys recovery has been very slow, but is now able to walk about
the house & we are in hopes the disease is conquered - I remain
D[ea]r
Sir
Your's Sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/6/47
Letter, Southern to
Wilson regarding
engine for Mr Smith
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
19 Sep 1793
Endorsed:
''Messrs Boulton & Watt p[e]r Jno [John] Southern 19 Sep[tembe]r
1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Soho 19th Sept[embe]r 1793
Mr Wilson
Dear Sir
Messrs B&W have received your letter, and
desire to know, the particulars of the Engine you speak of for Mr
Smith - Viz. the diam[ete]r Cyl[inder] - length stroke - what stroke
out end, & what condition the parts are in - what will serve again -
How long since the Engine worked - How long did it work - With as
much information about it as possible.
I
am D[ea]r Sir
Your
humble Serv[an]t
John Southern''
AD1583/6/48
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding
desire for copper cake
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
21 Sep 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Boulton Sep[tembe]r 21 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol''
''Dear Sir
I have had so many interuptions & engagements of late
that it has not been in power to correspond w[i]th You & now I have
only a few Min[u]t[e]s but will write you again in 2 or 3 days.
The purport of the present is to desire you will send Ten Ton of
tough Cake on B&W acc[oun]t to London adressed to Bourdieu Chollett
& Bourdieu Merch[an]ts & I believe the safest way to send it from
Swansey is to convey it to the Stroud Navigation as I hear that
Goods are sent by it from Bristol at 40/ s[hillings] p[e]r Ton which
is less than the present insurance. I presume Mr Holebrook can
inform himself of the Particulars & beg youl give him your orders
unless you have any now lying in London that could be deliverd & I
will acc[oun]t for f[reigh]t &c pray let me hear from you & youl
oblige,
Dear Sir
Yours sincerely
M: Boulton
Soho
Sep[tember] 21 - 1793
Soho 21 – 1793
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
Dear Sir
as you are furnished with our full powers to
Vote & act for us & on our behalf at the General meetings of the
Cornish Metal Co[mpany] and as we have receivd a Notice signd by Mr
Tho[ma]s Rouse that a meeting will be held at Truro on the 26
In[stan]t desireing our attendance to Consider what further
dividend can be made of the Comp[an]ys Capital.
When we reflect upon our agreed for profits being
already reduced from 8 p[e]r Cent to 5 without our consent & now
receiving a summons to attend a meeting to consider whether any more
of our Capital shall be refunded to us, We think it time to declare
that we will not agree to any Resolution that may be made at the
proposed Meeting that tends to curtail the payment of the Capital in
full & if any such proposition is made We do desire you as our proxy
to Vote against it & in case it should be Carried by a Majority We
further desire you will in our name protest against it.
We are
Sir Your Obed[ien]t humble Serv[an]ts
Boulton & Watt''
AD1583/6/49
Letter, Forman to
Wilson regarding
accounts for Cardrew Downs Adventurers
Item
1 sheet
Manuscript
27 Sep 1793
Endorsed:
''W[illia]m Forman 27 Sep[tembe]r 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Soho 27th Sept[embe]r 1793
Mr. Tho[ma]s Wilson
Sir
On the other side of this sheet [not
present] we send you an acc[oun]t of the Goods for the Cardrew Downs
Adventurers. they were sent from here yesterday directed to the care
of Mr. James Barlow Bristol, who we have desired to forward them as
soon as possible to Mr Jno [John] Williams Scorier. Some time ago
Mr. Watt ordered a quantity of hammered Copper from you which we
have long expected to hear of. We are in the utmost want of it and
you would very singularly oblige us, by sending it soon.
We are
Sir
Your
most obed[ien]t Serv[an]ts
For Boulton & Watt
W[illia]m Forman''
AD1583/6/50
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
Bull's and Hornblower's engines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
2 Oct 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt 2 Oct[obe]r 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Birm[ingha]m Oct[obe]r 2[n]d 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We have yours of the 26th Sep[tembe]r
covering C[ornish]. M[etal]. Co[mpany]s Bills value £400. - . - to
account we observe Your state of their accounts, We do not know the
nature of Mr E[dwards?]s claims, but it seems to be a very large sum
which is retained for that purpose, and we think the Miners ought at
least to have made good, the principal & 5 p[e]r cent. Nor can we
approve Mr Es conduct in not submitting the matter to reference he
seems too fond of Law & must injure himself by it in the end.
If N[orth]. Downs [mine, Redruth] is thought proper to
be Stopt you may give our consent, if you think the step right. We
have no doubt but Bulls Engines must displease in the end, & as to
H[ornblower]s they can be no better than his former productions once
prejudice subsides, when you learn particulars please to send them.
Our hearing will come on sometime in the course of next month &
shall wish your presence in town, but know not yet if any other will
be necessary. Mrs W[att]. & Jessy are not yet set out for
Devonshire, the latter continues to mend - I remain
Dear Sir
Yours Sincerely
James
Watt''
''Mr Boulton
begs Mr Wilson would not send the Ten Ton of Copper which he ordered
to London as Mr H[urd?] now denys haveing bought the Copper of me at
10£ a Ton advance''
[this last
sentence being written in the hand of Matthew Boulton]
AD1583/6/51
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
detailed specifications required for new patents
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
4 Oct 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt Oct[obe]r 4 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Birm[ingha]m Oct[obe]r 4th 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I forgot in my last to say, that we wish you
to write to Mr Martine Mr Smiths agent offering the Engine you
mention, say offering to purchase it for him. It is wanted to work 2
pumps 7 f[e]et Stroke 12 & 14 abreast to 50 fath[o]ms these are
nearly = an 18½ 7 feet Stroke which, out of Cornwall I should fear
would load the Engine rather too much as they would not keep it in
the same good order & two buckets have more friction than one,
however by reducing the Stroke in pumps or new working barrel the 58
might be made to do, the question principaly would be, what
condition the Cylinder & Air pump are in, which should be inspected.
Mr De Luc has wrote a very able paper on our cause Mr
Southern another & we should be glad of your thoughts on the Judges
doubts - He said first that a patent could be of no avail without a
true specification - The act 21 Ja[mes] 1st is to protect all new
manufactures (w[hi]ch he allows comprehends all new Mechanic
Inst[rumen]ts) but whether the words comprehend all new applications
of principles before thought of but not reduced to practice, and the
instruments which are to be the subjects of these principles not
actualy organized and certifyed in an organized state appears to him
a very doubtfall question -
The doubt is whether the instrument to be protected must
not be distinctly organized & distinctly described with its
organization. - You are by law bound to describe the Engine or
whatever it is but if there be no specification or organization who
shall say whether he has got the instrument that he is to have - The
pattentee may make some in one form & some in another if they all
produce the same effect it may be said to be the same instrument,
but at the end of the patt[en]t term what is the instrument that is
to be made, is it to be such an instrument as shall produce the
effect but in any form he pleases - I shall go as far as possible
with you reserving the next question as to the necessity of an
organized machine whether any specification short of that will do. -
These are the Judges doubts any thing which occurs to
you which can serve to clear them up please put in writing.
I remain Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/6/52
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
Richard Mitchel's suspected tuberculosis
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
10 Oct 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt Oct[obe]r 10 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Birm[ingha]m Oct[obe]r 10th 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We have none of yours since our last. You
mentioned lately your fears that Rich[ar]d Mitchel was going into a
consumption, It has just now occurred to us, that if not already too
far gone, removal to a better Climate might be of service to him, We
have some business say, an engine to erect at Cadiz, where the
winter is extremely mild, not materialy colder than our Summers, If
this would suit him, we should not only pay his expences but make it
worth his while, as a piece of business. We shall be obliged to you
to propose it to him as soon as you can, but caution him to silence,
as the voyage ought to appear to be wholy upon account of his
health; which indeed first made us think of it & is the principal
motive, at the same time that his going would render us material
service, We beg your speedy answer as we must send somebody Ja[me]s
Murdoch behaving very ill in drawing money, & have also heard
accounts of his behaviour in this country which are unpleasing.
Cardrew downs drawings will be sent off per coach to
night directed for you.
I remain
Your's sincerely
James Watt.
[marginal]
Doctor Withering will be in Cornwall soon, You should have his
advice on Rich[ar]ds case & pay him for it on our account -
Mr Boulton
desires me to say that instead of sending the 10 tons of Copper to
London send it here immediately as he has sold all he had''
AD1583/6/53
Letter, Southern to
Wilson regarding
specifications for 58 inch engine
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
12 Oct 1793
Endorsed: ''Jno [John] Southern Oct[obe]r 12 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Soho 12th Octo[be]r 1793
Mr Wilson
Dear Sir
Mr. Watt received your favour of 7th and
desires me to say that he apprehends you to have made some mistake
in your calculations relating the 58 Inch engine, and to send you
ours, which, in round numbers you will find nearly right. This is
thought necessary that no mistake be put in practice.
An 18, 4 barrel 50 fathoms = 34800lbs [pounds], which diminished as
9: 7,30 &c = 28500lbs = upon a 58 inch cylinder to 10¾lbs upon the
inch.
It is not, in fact, intended to work one pump of
18,4, but Two pumps which are nearly equal to that, viz a 12 & a 14.
They have at present a 12, and you might, if you write to Mr Martin,
state what sized additional pump you think the engine would work
that depth. The load at 9½ is about 25100lbs incr[easing]: as 7,38
&c to 9 = 30600 = 17¼ pump or a little more than 2 twelves - and
would deliver a 12 strokes, reckoning full strokes, ab[ou]t 1080
wine gallons.
I remain
Dear Sir
Your
very humble Serv[an]t
John Southern''
AD1583/6/54
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
various matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
23 Oct 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt Oct[obe]r 23 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Birm[ingha]m Oct[obe]r 23rd 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
Yours of the 11th 13 & 18 remain unanswered
from our being much harrassed by one vexatious circumstance and
another, and my being not over well. You say Wheel Carpenter [Wheal
Carpenter, Gwinear?] works better than those with rotative Motions,
I should be glad to know its construction. I think it will be right
to keep the H[ornblower?]s to their contract at the Wherry [mine,
Penzance], they should pay for their meddling. We are sorry that the
consols [Consolidated Mines] water molests poldice [mine, Gwennap]
but can give no better advice than is followed. In respect to our
premium upon N[orth]. Downs we leave it entirely to your prudence to
do the best you can for our interest, as you can judge of it better
than we can here. We cannot lament much for the B[irmingha]m
Co[mpanie]s losses they are all of their own seeking, and from us at
least they merit no pity. Without R. Mitchels health had required it
we could not ask him to go to Spain though we are in much want of
some one there James Murdochs conduct has been execrably bad, he has
drawn money every way he could, & refuses to work unless they pay
him seven Dollars a day, we are obliged to recal him, & shall be
brought into damages by his proceedings, this we wish to be imparted
to his Brother, we have a letter from him of the 23[r]d Sept[embe]r
in which he makes many complaints of dearness of living & of the
people there but from circumstances that happened previous to his
leaving England, we must believe the fault lies only in himself.
We have had no application for abatements except through
yourself. Wheal Virgin affairs had best stand over till we see you,
we ought at least to be saved from costs - I remain D[ea]r Sir
Yours sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/6/55
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding
the engagement of Miss Mynd to Mr Holbrook
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
29 Oct 1793
Endorsed: ''Mr Boulton Oct[obe]r 29 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Soho Oct[obe]r 29 1793
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
I
have this inst[an]t rec[ei]vd a letter from Holbrook advising of 10
Ton of Copper being sent to Bristol for ye Acc[oun]t of B&W: which
is well but wish it could have been sent to Newnham or Gloscester.
Mr Watt & Self propose to set out to London on Saturday
morn[in]g next & beg you will hold your self in readiness to come to
us so soon as we write you from London.
The principal purport of the present is to tell you that
my niece Miss Mynd gave me a letter last night from her self to me,
& I receivd another this morn[in]g from young Holbrook upon the same
subject. I now understand that some preliminaries were settled
between the partys when Holbrook was here. I realy am at a loss what
to say or how to act in this matter. - Their Heriditary Fortunes are
equal, but I must beg the fav[ou]r of you to give me all the
information you can by the return of Post as to his private
Character & temper, I fear he is Surley - Be assurd no Soul shall
ever know what you write me & therefore I beg youl write without the
least reserve. She has no right to expect an advantageous Match but
she has Merit & I should be sorry to see her unhappy.
Adieu I am D[ea]r Sir Yours sincerely
M Boulton''
AD1583/6/56
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
accounts and other matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
1 Nov 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt Nov[embe]r 1 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''.
''Birm[ingha]m Nov[embe]r 1st 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We have yours of the 28th covering Bills
value £2246. 8s [shillings]. 2d [pence], with accounts which are in
Mr Pearsons hands, who will correspond with you if wants
explanation. We know not yet whether you will be wanted in London
but shall write from thence & in the mean time plan to have it in
contemplation. We think of setting out on Sunday or Monday, without
we receive counter orders -
We learn that the Neath castings are still lying at
Bristol & rusting badly. You will please not to let this information
appear to come from us. You need say nothing more to Mitchel about
going to Spain as we have agreed with another person.
I remain
D[ea]r Sir
Yours
sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/6/57
Letter, Watt and Boulton to
Wilson regarding
copper and other matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
15 Nov 1793
Endorsed:
''Boulton & Watt Nov[embe]r 23 1795 [1793]''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''London Nov[embe]r 15th 1793
Dear Sir
Here we have been for a week & nothing material done in
the Law way, they have contrived to make matters more & more
intricate, by Law points, we have however had some consultations &
are to have another on Sunday when we hope to know more about the
matter, mean while nothing new ag[ains]t us has appeared & we must
have hopes. We believe there will be no need nor use for your coming
to London, as no evidence seems available - We hear Bull is here
walking about with his usual intelligent countenance -
We have received letters from Mr Daniel & from Mr Jno
[John] Williams asking abatements for Consols & N[orth]. Downs
mines, we should have ans[were]d these letters, but in the present
circumstances of our attention being so much & so necessarily
occupied in repelling this attack upon our property by an
association of interested & envious persons, and our own very
indifferent health we find it impossible for us to consider the
subjects with the attention requisite, untill our attendance on the
Court for this term is over, we therefore beg the favour of you to
inform the Gentlemen of our reasons of delay in the Civilest manner
and in the mean time to give us your sentiments on what we ought
to do -
We have both got colds & the weather here is not
favourable for their cure, however we must make the most of it, &
not distract ourselves more than we are equal to.
Mr B[oulton]. Joins in best wishes to you & Mrs Wilson &
I remain
Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James Watt”
“Dear Sir,
About a fortnight before I came to London Mr Hurd informd me that
there was a very large quantity of Copper lying at Stourport being a
part of Mr Edwards' Contract with B[oulton]&H[urd] & that Mr Edwards
had wrote for a remittance I answerd him that I would not advance
money for ♀ [copper] without it was in my own possession, that I was
willing to take my share & pay Mr Edwards *
when my french Coinage was stoped whilest I was last at Truro - Mr
Hurd had 126 Ton of Copper of mine in his hands which I dare say you
can prove that I could have sold it at that time for more than 100£
p[e]r Ton as it was inconvenient for him H[ur]d to Deliver the
Copper (keeping in his Hands both Money & ♀) I agreed with him in
Decem[be]r last that he should take 63 Ton of it at 98 & I would
take the other half which I was offerd 102 for by the Macclesfield
Co[mpany] & a part I did sell & deliver to Bowser for that price.
but now Copper is falln H[ur]d refuses to pay 98 but & flyes from
the Bargan saying he can prove that I countermanded all the Rolld
Copper when I was at your house & in consequence thereof Mr Edwards
did not send it.
The fact is Mr Edwards had it not to send, as you know but on the
contrary wanted to buy - I'll write you more on this head soon -
Q[ue]r[y] whether you could buy Ores for me at the Ticketings (me
finding money) & you smelt them for me on the terms of the Mines
Royal for Rose ♀ Co[mpany] - I had rather do it through your hands
than Christos - I believe I shall want 50 Ton ♀. The 10 Ton is not
yet arivd - I thank you for certain information, the Party arived a
few Hours before my departure & I left him at Soho.
Xto [Christoe]
is orderd to buy at 80 but I w[oul]d go to 82 or 83 pray answer me
on this head p[e]r return of post and youl oblige
Yours
sincerely
M:B:
[marginal] *
& that if this ♀ which had been sent in March last but conceild from
me had then been deliverd to me I should have converted it into
Money long ago however I now offer to take both my own part & his at
Mr Edwards's price to which I can get no answer''
AD1583/6/58
Letter, Southern to
Wilson regarding
spindles and cones for engines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
20 Nov 1793
Endorsed:
''Jno [John] Southern 20 No[vembe]r 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Soho -
20 Nov[embe]r 1793
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
Dear Sir
Let me trouble you to ask Mr Murdock, and
favour me with an answer to the following question:
Does Mr Murdock prefer the Spindles of the sectors to be
kept in by a kind of stuffing box and gland as was done for
Trevaskus [Trevaskis mine, Gwinear], or for the conical part of the
Spindle to be just at the outside of the Knobb.
[here are given
two diagrams showing the different methods above mentioned]
and likewise
what taper he thinks best for the cone. This has no relation to any
Cornish Engine, but is information that I want about an engine we
are going to erect, which we wish to have done well, and Mr Murdock
objected to the small taper the cones of the Spindles have had that
we have lately sent into Cornwall.
I am D[ea]r Sir
Your obliged Serv[an]t
John Southern''
AD1583/6/59
Letter and copy of letter from
Matthew Boulton
Item
2 pieces (3 folios)
Manuscript
19 Nov 1793-20
Nov 1793
AD1583/6/59/1
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding
the price of copper, and of problems with Mr Hurd
Piece
2 folios
Manuscript
20 Nov 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Boulton Nov[embe]r 23 1793''
Addressed to:
“Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''London Nov[embe]r 20 – 1793
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
Dear Sir
I rec[ei]vd yours of ye 15th & 17th
In[stan]t. My head is too full of Business care & anxiety to allow
me to enter upon the subject of the first - I can only assure you
that neither of the parties look at Cornwall for my information nor
shall they or any body ever know - I am sure you speak the language
of Truth & Candor & that your opineons exactly coincide with my own.
I have shewn Mr Watt what you say ab[ou]t Messrs Daniel & I Williams
& he will write to you on that head. -
After all our exertions We cannot get forward with our Verdict & I
now fear it will be put off 'till next term which will be very
inconvenient to me as I am extreamly busy at Soho in Matters that
depend on Self only.
I think it will be in vain for you to write to Mr.
Townend about my late question as I want to do what he & you wish to
do viz: to buy Cheap. - As to the difference between 40/ s[hillings]
or 43/ s[hillings] is no object to me nor ever 44 but the difference
between buying Copper at 82 or 84 & buying it at 95 is an object -
all the Copper bought by our Rose Copper Co[mpany] is layd down at
Birmingham at something less than the Stand[ar]d price it was bought
at, & it appears by the last Ticketing paper that some ores sold as
low as 78£ Stand[ar]d. however I can afford to give 84 to have it
soon however I am not so very anxious about that as I am about
another matter which prevents me from Sleeping of night & sours my
food in my Stomach of Days as well as all the pleasures of Life. And
upon that subject I now ask your friendly Confidence & assistance. I
mean the present unsettled & unpleasant situation I am in with Hurd
& w[i]th Mr Edwards. As to all the partnership concern with H[ur]d I
have agreed to leave it to referance & I understand he is writing
out a new sett of Books being unwilling I should see the Old ones -
But as to the Copper I bought of him by order of Messrs Bourdieu
Chollett & Co[mpany] for the french Coinage I am not willing to
refer it, as it stands on plain simple Ground as youl see by the
inclosed Copy of a letter I wrote him yesterday in answer to one
from him. The Copper I bought of Hurd was not rolld Copper as
youl see by the Copys of the 2 Invoices however if he had deliverd
it to me Rolld any time between Feb[ruary] & Aug[us]t in 1792 I
should have taken it being then in Want. Hurd now wants to shiffle
off his agreement with me to take Bourdieus Copper (which he had not
deliverd at Mich[aelma]s 1792) at 98£ a Ton & which I could then
have sold at 105 if it had been in my possession but now Copper is
fallen he wants to saddle me with Copper at a price that is
unreasonable.
I understand Mr Edwards sent to him in March last, &
some in June, a large quantity of Rolld Copper which he sent as part
of his Contract with B[oulton]&H[urd] and he charges ye ♀ [copper]
it 8£ a Ton more than the price agreed upon (viz 80) If the Rolld
Copper had been deliverd before I came last to Cornwall I could have
taken it for Bourdieus but now their Coinage is at an end & the
price of Copper falln it alters the Case.
I have now an opportunity of mitigating the
inconveniences that will result to Mr Hurd & to Mr Edwards from so
large a quantity of Copper lying dead at Stourport but dare not say
to either party that I have such an opportunity because if I do I
know they will take advantage of it & I can do without any of it.
The Charges Mr
Hurd brings against me, which he grounds upon Mr Edwards's report to
him, I declare my self innocent of
1st
That the Contract made w[i]th Mr Edwards, was at 80 & now Mr
E[dwards] charges 88 he says as p[e]r agreement, I declare I never
made any such agreem[en]t with Mr E[dwards] nor ever talked to him
about price but in the presence of Mr Hurd - who now says if Mr
Edwards must have 8£ a Ton more than ye Contract that I shall
pay it.
2nd That I shall take 90 Ton of Rolld Copper which
I never orderd of Hurd, & even if I had, surely Copper that is
bought in Nov[embe]r 1791 & promised to be deliverd in April 92
ought to have been deliverd before Michaelmass, or that I had then a
right to countermand it, particularly as I knew & you know that Mr
Edwards had not prepard any, or could at that time, neither could Mr
Hurd furnish any if I had been in ever so much want.
I foresee that I shall be involved in a Chancery suit with Hurd for
I positivly will not be tricked by him let the Consequence be what
it may & I also foresee that Mr Edwards will be involvd in a similar
suit with B[oulton]&H[ur]d & you must know how painfull it would be
to me to be a party in any suit against Mr Edwards I should feel it
like going to War with my own Family or Relations & yet what can I
do if both partys are obstinate. I therefore beg you would do the
part of a Christian & merit the Blessings reservd for the Peace
Maker by takeing your horse the day after you receive this & make Mr
Edwards a Visit & try whether you can settle any plan to prevent
Lawsuits & close his disputes with B&Hd - As Mr Edwards did not
deliver the Copper by monthly portions agreeable to his Contract &
which if He had done I should have been a gainer by working it up
but as he delayd doing it on acc[oun]t of the great rise of price in
that article I think now the price is falln to the same
standard it was at when he contracted w[i]th B&H I think he should
not insist upon the rise of 8£ particularly as no distinct
agreem[en]t exists about it.
Another matter Mr H[ur]d lays to my Charge, & grounds
his unreasonable conduct to me upon, is that Mr Edwards tells him I
countermanded all B&Hd orders to E[dwards] when I was in Cornwall -
That is not the fact for I never orderd or Countermanded any Copper
on the part of B[oulton]&H[ur]d - It is true I shewd Mr E[dwards]
the Countermand I rece[i]vd from Bourdieu & from Monoron & perhaps
might say that I (M:B) should not want more for Coinage but I always
carefully avoided acting for B&Hd. If Mr Edw[ar]ds insists upon ye
8£ a Ton advance I have nothing to say - but if he chooses to take
the Copper now lying at Stourport out of the Hands of B&H (it being
a House I choose to have as little to do with as possible) & will by
his written Order deliver it to Me I will halve the difference.
[next folio] & give him 4£ a Ton more than the Contract w[hi]ch was
at 80 say now 84 & 6£ = 90 for the thick Rolling - but this is an
offer I will not make on the part of B&H nor must it ever be made
use of as an Argument relative to them & therefore keep it in
reserve till you have tryd to settle it otherwise.
I cannot bear suspence & therefore Mr E[dwards] must come to the
point at once or I have done.
Pray let me hear as soon as possible from you & youl oblige
D[ea]r S[i]r
Yours most sincerely
M:
Boulton
I have rec[ei]vd
a letter from Mr Edwards enquiring the price of Copper which I will
answer this night. [see AD1583/6/60]''
AD1583/6/59/2
Copy of letter from
Matthew Boulton
to John Hurd regarding copper purchase
Piece
1 folio
Manuscript
19 Nov 1793
''Copy Letter (to John Hurd Esq
Birm[ingha]m)
London 19th Nov[ember] 1793
Dear Sir
I have to acknowledge your favor of the 12th Inst[an]t
by which I am sorry to learn that you are indisposed & wo[ul]d not
now trouble you in business did I not feel myself prick'd on every
side by the non settling of the Copper Account with Messrs Bourdieu
Chollett & Co[mpany] - It therefore becomes absolutely necessary
(however disagreeable it may be to my feelings) to be very explicit
& decided -
I must own I am much astonished at your statement
relative to 90 Ton of Roll'd Copper in which I am persuaded you will
find yourself much mistaken - the Facts are as follows
1st
I bought Oct[obe]r 24th 1791 of B[oulton]&H[ur]d 150 Tons of tough
Cake Copper at £86 p[e]r Ton £12,900. - . -
2nd I bought of you (J H[ur]d) Nov[embe]r 26 1791
150 Ton more at £90 p[e]r
Ton [£]13,500. - . -
and upon the
last Invoice a Memorandum was made at the time that the said Copper
sho[ul]d be delivered in Feb[ruar]y March & April following -
1791 Sept[ember]
29th I made a remittance to Fenton & Co[mpany]
which they passed to
your Credit in their Books} [£]2,000. -
Nov[ember] 12 I paid
you
[£]10,320. -
Dec[embe]r 24 I paid
you
[£]9,000. -
[Total]
[£]21,320. -
and all the
aforesaid sum was paid you before you had delivered to me even 50
Ton however in the course of the Month of Feb[ruar]y 1792 you
compleated the first 150 Ton & 23 Ton 12 Cwt [hundredweight]. -
towards the 2nd Invoice & that was all I could obtain from you
during the remainder of that year & from the want of which I lost
the Coinage of a considerable quantity - At Michaelmass following
Messrs Bourdieus & Co[mpany] informed me that from the Commotions in
France they were under the necessity of putting a stop to all future
Coinage & desired me to sell all the Copper I had bought of you for
the best price the times would allow.
It is a fact that Mr Edwards had not then prepared any
Copper for either you or me, but on the contrary he wanted rather to
buy than to sell as he was in difficulty to fulfil his Contract with
the East India Company as you then declined to deliver me the
remainder of my Contract viz. 126 T[ons]. 7 C [hundredweight]. 3
Q[arters]. 5 lb [pounds]. I at length agreed with you that you
sho[ul]d keep one half of it , and allow a profit of £10 a Ton upon
it, which I then advised Messrs Bourdieu Chollett & Co[mpany] of &
they agreed - I repeatedly applied to you for the remainder 63 Ton &
upwards & in Jan[uar]y Feb[ruar]y & March you delivered to me part
of it viz. 36 Ton. 7 Cwt [hundredweight]. - the remaining 27 Ton I
sold to a Copper Comp[an]y at 102 but I never co[ul]d obtain it
which with other circumstances has produced considerable loss to
somebody - As to any Orders you might give to Mr Edwards for Copper
for me (viz. 90 Ton) was your Act and not mine -
the Fact is it was neither delivered or prepared within 12 Mo[nth]s
after the date of your Invoice, and now to talk of me taking 90 Ton
of Roll'd Copper 2 years after my purchase & one after the
Countermand of my Orders for which it was purchased and almost one
year since I resold it to you it is contrary to all Rules Customs &
Principles of Trade and save Words & time pray pardon the harshness
of my expression if I positively say I will not take the 90 Ton or
any part of it on the Acco[un]t of the 300 Ton which I purchased of
you for Messrs Bourdieu Chollett & Co[mpany] & a part of which I
resold to you - As to any Contract made between Messrs Trevenin
Michell & Edwards on the one part & B & Hd on the other I must &
will bear my share of it be it attended with Profit or Loss & I do
hereby offer & even require of you to deliver to me by your written
Order my share of the Copper that you say Mr Edwards has sent to
Stourport or Bristol & I will pay him for the same & by way of
helping you out of a difficulty I repeat to you the offer I made to
you in my last but will not remain in suspence & therefore if you do
not accept it after one Day's reflection I withdraw it & you are to
consider as null & void as much as if it had never been made - I
know not where Mr Edwards is I don't believe he is in London & can
only say I don't expect him nor do I know if he is expected -
I did not intend to have wrote you so long a L[ett]re &
rather than make double Postages I will send it with a Box of Goods
- Wishing you a speedy restoration of Health I remain Dear Sir Yours
sincerely signed Matt[he]w Boulton.
Copy of Invoices of the two
Parcels of Copper
1st
Matt[he]w Boulton Esq[uire]
Bo[ugh]t of Boulton & Hurd
150 Tons tough Cake Copper @
£86 £12,900. -
the above to be delivered as
soon as possible
Birmingham Oct[obe]r 24th 1791
2nd
Matt[he]w Boulton Esq[uire]
Bo[ugh]t of J Hurd
150 Tons Cake Copper @
£90 £13500. -
Nov[embe]r 26 1791
to be delivered in Feb[ruar]y March & April''
AD1583/6/60
Letter and copy of letter from
Matthew Boulton
Item
5 sheets
Manuscript
20 Nov 1793
AD1583/6/60/1
Boulton to
Wilson enclosing
copy of letter to Edwards regarding the copper trade
Piece
1 sheet
Manuscript
20 Nov 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Boulton 20 Nov 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''I have sent
you a Copy of what I have wrote to Mr Edwards in order that you may
the better see how to act.
If Hurd will relinquish all the Rolld Copper he hath which he cant
dispose of & even the Cake & if Mr Edwards will split the 8£ in
dispute I will for the sake of peace take it provided I have no
Dispute with Hurd about the delivery & I think Mr Edwards will be
well off on those terms & without Hurd will agree I think he will
not be so well off''.
AD1583/6/60/2
Copy of letter from Boulton to
Edwards
regarding the copper trade
Piece
4 sheets
Manuscript
20 Nov 1793
''London
20 Nov[embe]r 1793
Dear Sir
I was fav[oure]d with a letter from you a few days ago
but as I write this in another mans Country house I cant refer to ye
date but I remember its purport which is chiefly to know the state
of ye ♀ [copper] Trade, its present selling price & its probable
rise or fall.
I do not pretend to be a Conjurer or Prophet & therefore
shall only speak of matters of Fact. In the first place I know
little of the matter haveing neither conversed with Miner, Smelter,
Copper Merchant, or Brezier, since I came to Town, my mind being
engaged all day by Lawyers & other unprofitable Connections & by
night I feel my self stung by a little Cuning insect when ever I
turn my mind towards paradice (or Birm[in]g[ha]m).
The price of Copper at Birm[in]g[ha]m varies from 78 to 100 acording
to the necessities of the Buyer or Seller - Many of the numerous
members of the Birm[in]g[ha]m Copper Co[mpany] so soon as they
receive their dividends in Copper are obliged to sell it for what
they can get (80) and as Money was never known so scarce at
Birm[in]g[ha]m you may be assured they get a very low price for it
unless the buyer happens to be a Creditor of the Seller [next sheet]
& then it sells at 100£ - The Rose Copper Co[mpany] have lately
bought ores at 78 & 80 & I can assure you that at what ever Standard
they buy at they can lay it down in Cake Copper upon the
Birm[in]g[ha]m Wharf at something less than ye Standard it was
bought at - first deducting the interest of their Money (at 8 p[e]r
Cent p[e]r Annum) paid for Ores from the time of paym[en]t to the
time it is deliv[er]d in Birm[in]g[ha]m & yet the little
Manufacturers pay 100£ a Ton for what they consume - Hence if I
wanted to buy Copper you see what it could be obtaind for - So soon
as I fixd a leasure day I will go amongst the Brezers, & Copper
dealers & if I can learn any thing upon the subject worth 6d [pence]
I will communicate it to you but I can now assure you that the
National Convention hath lockd up all the Money owing from france
that the Trade of France was full ¼ of all the rest with
Birm[in]g[ha]m. That Catherine of Russia hath done as bad that the
Exchange w[i]th all other Countries is unfavourable to remitters &
in consequence thereof & ye War the Town & trade of Birm[in]g[ha]m
is in a more distressd situation than ever I knew it & there is by
far a less consumption of Copper than I ever knew. one Brass house
has extinguished its flames & 2 others do very very little but
nevertheless I have no doubt but I shall see good days return again
provided one can but have patience & fast till they arive.
The present greatest evil I feel in this World is the
unsettled state of my acc[oun]ts with Mr Hurd w[hi]ch prove a daily
Torment to me & I fear unless some speedy means are taken to prevent
it that we shall all be involved in Lawsuits & I assure you I had
rather turn my right cheeck also than go to Law, but that will not
do because the case is trepartite. Mr Hurd says he shall make me pay
8£ a Ton extra upon your ♀ because you charge it in consequence of
some private agreem[en]t which I am a Stranger to & talks of
saddleing me with 90 Ton of Rolld Copper I never bought of him or
of B[oulton]&H[urd] nor agreed for. The Copper I bought of him was
all tough Cake & was paid for near 2 Years ago & was all to be
deliverd to me in April 1792 but was not deliverd by more than 126
Tons at Mich[aelma]s 1792 I then communicated to you in Cornwall 2
letters I had receivd from Bourdieu & Co[mpany] & also from Monneron
to put a Stop to all my Coinage & though I might say I wanted no
more Copper yet I carefully avoided either ordering or
Counterordering anything relative to B[oulton] & Hurd as I know he
is always upon the Catch. In some of my former letters I desired you
would always draw a distinct line between M[atthew]:B[oulton]: &
B[oulton]&H[urd] & I now renew that advice & beg it may be
understood to be a breach of honour [next sheet] for either you or I
to avail our selves or to mix any thing we may say to each other
with the affairs of B[oulton] & H[urd] but if we can contrive to
avert a storm I see gathering & to preserve that peace & friendship
which is a comfort to me, so far as it relates to your self, I shall
be happy.
I have requested Mr Wilson to call upon you & to try if any plan can
be hit upon to preserve the aforesaid blessing & thereby preserve
the happiness of
Dear Sir
Your
faithfull friend
Matt[he]w Boulton
Mr Watt & I are
doing all we can to extricate our selves from the Clutches of the
Law but fear it will be impossible before the next term at least we
are told as by our Lawyers''
AD1583/6/61
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
copper, bought in lieu of premiums, from mines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
27 Nov 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt 27 Nov[embe]r 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''London
Nov[embe]r 27th 1793
Dear Sir
In order to answer your question in respect to the
Legality of, retaining for copper bought on our account, from Mines
owing us for premiums Mr Weston desires to know the state of the
particular ag[reemen]t we have with these Mines, Now at present I do
not recollect what Engine is at Wheal Treasury [mine, Crowan] nor
who was the Contracting party with us, You will there please to send
us every circumstance you can, & it will not be amiss for the
refreshment of our memories if you were to send us a list of the
present Engines at work, where they came from & the parties
originaly bound for the premium.
In respect to our putting off the decision it is false,
It was their business not ours to have brought it on, & I know not
that they have stirred a step in it, except their Attorneys Grylls &
Wallis calling on Weston, complaining of the Expence of coming &
staying here, & as it were asking him how they were to proceed he
told them we were drawing a case to be argued & desired them to do
the same on their part, since then we have heard nothing of them, &
it was only this day that we have had copy of our own case, which we
must examine before it goes any farther but we have desired Mr
W[eston]. to agree with their agents to put the case down to be
argued early in the next term. It is too much the interest of the
Lawyers to keep the matter open, to hope for any speedy decision; &
if either party dislikes the opinion of the Court, then an
application must be made for a Special Verdict, that, must be argued
& then if chosen carried to the house of Peers. So that there seems
work enough & several Journies to London. We set out for home to
morrow.
Your's sincerely
J Watt''
AD1583/6/62
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding
dispute with Hurd, and other matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
1 Dec 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Boulton 1st Dec[embe]r 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, by Bristol''
''Dear Sir
Mr Watt & Self returnd here on Fryday last but had the
Misfortune to be overturnd about 3 Miles from Birm[in]g[ha]m into a
deep holloway by which we got bruised foreheads & other slighter
bruises but fortunately no broken bones & in other respects
tolerable well.
I rec[ei]vd your last letter last night which being down at ye
Manufact[or]y & being in a very great hurry I cannot distinctly
reply to.
The Coinage I have undertaken must be deliverd on ye 1st of
Feb[ruar]y & consequently your obliging offer will be of no use - I
have therefore orderd Xtoe [Christoe] to buy some Ores for me which
when deliv'[er]d to the Mines Royal they will deliver me ♀ [copper]
for it For I must have tough Cake immediately. -
This is a favourable opportunity for Hurd to compromise matters with
me - I have made him propositions but he will give me no answers to
my proposals nor make any himself & I fear we shall go into Chancery
at last - If he had deliverd to me the 126 Ton of ♀ he owd me a
Y[ea]r ago I could have sold it for 105 to 102 but I positively sold
him half of it at 98 which he now denys and as this was bought 2
Y[ea]rs ago it certainly ought to have been either Repurchased or
deliverd one Year ago & more I therefore must sue him for damages
for non delivery as he denys the purchase - but he says he can prove
that I countermanded all Copper orderd & Contracted for with Mr
Edwards - I am sure Mr E[dwards] will not give any such Evidence.
Your last letter affords me pleasure as it refutes one of H[ur]ds
assertions & states the thing properly & in such way as I think just
but I think Mr E[dwards] should not charge more than 6£ a ton for
Rolling that thick Sheet. It will fall heavy on me to pay 8£ when I
can Rolle it for 2£.
I hope you have rec[eiv]d Mr Watts letter. Your Bulls & Bears are
Lyers if they say we put off the Trial. We have done all in our
power to bring it on but they have done little although it is their
business & not ours.
I will w[ri]t[e] you again in 2 days & remain
D[ea]r S[i]r Yours
sincerely
M Boulton
Soho Decemb[e]r
1st 1793''
AD1583/6/63
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
Edward Bull's advertisement
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
4 Dec 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt Dec[embe]r 4 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Birm[ingha]m Dec[embe]r 4th 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
In answer to y[ou]rs of the 29th - Bulls
advertisement is a piece of consummate impudence which must operate
to his disadvantage - We have thrown no obstacle in the way of a
decision, which we earnestly wish for, but it is neither in his
power nor ours to push on the Court nor even our respective lawyers.
If any thing could have been done it was his business to have done
it as he now lies under the Verdict of being a manifest pirate, and
our Specification was held sufficient by the Jury, as We hope it
will by the Court - We have sent Copy of your letter to Mr Weston &
desired to know if it would be proper to put in any answer to it &
what - But whether we do or not those who erect his Engines do it at
their peril and may have occasion to repent it, as to those who
refuse payment we shall take measures to compel them in a way they
wont like. We will not be prejudged nor suffer them to take the law
in their hands - We were overturned coming home but have not
suffered much injury, though we are both still rather indisposed in
consequence.
Yours &c
B&W''
AD1583/6/64
Letter,
Pearson to
Wilson regarding debit of tin of North Downs mine, Redruth
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
5 Dec 1793
Endorsed:
''James Pearson Dec[embe]r 5 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Soho near Birmingham
5 Dec[embe]r 1793
Mr Thomas Wilson
Sir
In looking over our Books, we find at the
debit of North Downs Mine, from 30 Sep[tembe]r 1792 to 30
Sep[tembe]r 1793; the following Tin, which you took credit for in
Cash accounts; vizt:
[here gives
account of tin weighing 76 hundredweight and 10 pounds amounting to
£305, 8 shillings and 1 penny]
being at a loss
to understand the meaning of said Mine being debited with Tin, we
beg the favor of an explanation. - At same time beg you will say
what Mine or Mines the 10 Blocks Tin 30C [hundredweight]. 2
[Quarters]. 23 [pounds] belongs to that was sent shipped in May last
on board the William & Jane Jno [John] Cundy Master, consigned to J
Barlow of Bristol. - An immediate answer will oblige
Sir
Your mo[st] ob[edient] Ser[van]ts
For
Boulton & Watt
James Pearson''
AD1583/6/65
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
abatements for North Downs and Consolidated Mines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
7 Dec 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt Dec[embe]r 7 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Birm[ingha]m Dec[embe]r 7th 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We have settled an advertisement with Mr
Weston which we have desired him to send you for publication, in the
Sherborne [Mercury].
We have not been able to settle what abatement should be
made at Consols, It appears to us as follows that part of the
Engines being Stopt, the remaining ones (say their powers) should be
computed at their proportion to the whole power & premium originaly
agreed for, from which deducting 1/3 will be the money they come to
according to our last concession, & whether we should go any farther
or not we must leave to you; but we will not come lower than half of
the original premium on the remaining powers (say proportioned to
these powers) for instance, Say the original powers were 5 & the
premium 2500, then say the remaining powers were 1 D[ou]bl[e]
W[heal] Maid = 2 one single D[itt]o = 1 one W[est] Wh[ea]l Virgin =
I in all = 4 = 2000, ½ = £1000 - You will please observe that
though, an erected without any additional charge, one Engine = to 2
Yet when they come to stop 2 Engines in place of it we must reckon
it at what it realy is & not as one Engine. You will please
make up your mind on the subject & put in writing what you mean to
propose previous to the meeting.
In respect to N[orth]. Downs the same doctrine will serve - In other
times we might have been more generous, but in our present
circumstance encroached upon at every hand and subjected to enormous
expences by this lawsuit, we are obliged to attend to ourselves &
were it not that the adv[enture]rs in question have behaved
otherwise than the generality we Should have made no concession at
all.
There is one thing to be attended to, that we ought to
make no concession that will bring us into Debt by our Shares in
these mines.
The post waits, I remain
D[ea]r Sir
Your's sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/6/66
Letter, Watt and Boulton to
Wilson regarding
various mines, and copper
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
9 Dec 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt Dec[embe]r 9 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, by Bristol''
''Birm[ingha]m Dec[embe]r 9th 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We have yours of the 6th, in writing you on
Saturday concerning Wheal Virgin we neglected to say that as Wheal
Unity [Gwennap?] &c are to concur in the expence of these Engines, &
as we are under no obligations but on the Contrary to these Mines,
on whatever is settled to be their proportion of the expence we
shall make no abatement from the full premium we have a right to
Claim.
In respect to the by gone premium not charged on
Consols, Mr D. begs a release of the whole premium which we cannot
agree to, but if you think it right you may reduce it to a half
instead of a third or other wise if you cannot get more to our costs
on the Mine during the time - You now know our sentiments and we
shall abide by what you do in confidence You will do the best for
us.
In respect to N[orth]. Downs, Much will depend upon the
number of Engines to be kept going, and the State of the Mine
whether adviseable to be continued on any terms, If few Engines why
should they not be the full premium, as that infers the losing part
to be given up, therefore whatever is done in any of the mines ought
to be limited as usual until the mine is profitable - You will be
sure to talk much of the Great Expences we have been put to by the
Combination to support Bull & that we cannot be supposed to give
away all our premiums & be unable to defend ourselves.
In regard to the refractory members we shall as soon as
possible take every legal step to compel payment, for that matter
has nothing to do with the Issue of the Lawsuit as was determined in
Arkwrights case.
I remain Dear Sir
Yours &c
James Watt''
[next page]
''Decemb[e]r 9 – 93
Dear Sir
I have rec[ei]vd in Course your fav[ou]r of the 6th
In[stan]t in w[hi]ch you mention Mr Edwards haveing wrote to me but
I presume it is to B[oulton] & H[urd] as I have not rec[ei]vd, seen,
or heard of any letter from Mr Edwards - I fancy little Isau will
find himself in an unpleasant situation as I have closed my direct
Correspondence w[i]th him & have transferd my interest to my Lawyer
I wish Mr Edwards would send me a Copy of what his Co[mpany] have
wrote & what they may hereafter write otherwise I think I shall not
know.
The Copper Xtoe [Christoe] b[ough]t was for me - If I had ye 15½
Tons you mention here I would accept it but fear it will not arive
in time for my use However you may order it to be sent to Newnham or
Bristol & if too late for my present wants I can otherwise employ it
& you may send the 5 Ton for Wilkinson w[hi]ch I will take if he
refuses - I am now Coining for him.
I will thank you to apply to Mr Edwards for a litteral Copy of the
agreem[en]t which he wrote & I signd as I have not access to that in
Hurds possession.
With every good wish I remain
D[ea]r S[i]r
Yours
sincerely
M: Boulton''
AD1583/6/67
Letter, Boulton & Watt to
Wilson regarding
Neath Ironwork
Item
1 folio and 1 sheet
Manuscript
11 Dec 1793-18 Dec 1793
Endorsed:
''Boulton & Watt 11 Dec[embe]r 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr Tho[ma]s
Wilson
D[ea]r Sir
In regard to the Neath Iron work We should know more
particulars before we answer your Question. - such as 1 the Names of
the Partners, & their Shares, 2 The Total Capital proposed, - 3 the
plan of operation with any other particulars you may think necessary
to enable us to judge of the propriety of entering into such a
Concern. We will then give you an explicit answer; but in the mean
time beg you will not mention any of these Q[ue]r[ie]s to the
Gentlemen concernd.
Q[ue]r[y] what will your Iron Stone cost deliverd on the Furnice
Bank - Q[ue]r[y] if you can obtain the right sort of Coal for
makeing Iron, such as is calld Clob Coal, for without that youl not
make good Bar Iron - Q[ue]r[y] what will it cost layd down on ye
Furnice Bank - In expectation of your reply we remain
D[ea]r S[i]r
Your
Obed[ien]t humb[l]e Serv[an]ts
Boulton & Watt
Soho Decemb[e]r 11 - 93
[next page]
Mr H[ur]d hath
at length agreed to refer, but has now changd his ground again,
saying that I agreed with him when he sold me the 300 Ton of Copper
to wave my share of B[oulton] & H[ur]d Contract with Mr Edwards - I
know of no such agreement nor do I remember any such proposition
ever being made - If I had so agreed why has he come so often to me
within these 3 Mo[nths] to consult about our going to Law w[i]th Mr
Edwards & to tell me how much money must be paid if we accept the
Copper sent.
did you ever hear me say I had resignd the Contract to Hurd or know
anything like it. He will give me no answer to any proposal &
therefore wish you w[oul]d send the 15½ Ton of Copper to B&W
instantly or I shall stop Coining''
[the handwriting
of all of the above is that of Matthew Boulton]
[the following
Letter Press copy is pasted to the above folio]
''Soho Decem[be]r 18 1793
To Messrs Michell Trevenen & Edwards of the Hayle Copper House
Cornwall
d[itto?] To Messrs Boulton & Hurd of Birm[in]g[ha]m
Gentlemen
As I understand there is a considerable
quantity of Copper lying dead at Stourport, which must ultimately be
attended with considerable loss to some body; I therefore take the
liberty of suggesting the following proposal, which I conceive is
for the interest of all parties, promiseing however that this
proposal whether accepted or not, shall not in any degree
whatsoever, prejudice either party in the differences that exist
between them.
I am willing to take 30 Ton of the Copper now lying at
Stourport at Mr Hurds last Invoice price to me viz: 90£ an Ton &
that I will engage to pay for it in a Bill at 2 Mo[nths] as soon as
the differences between the Gent[leme]n (to whom this letter is
adressd) are determind with Lawfull Interest for the same from the
time of the delivery of it. - and as the thick plate is not Saleable
in this Market, I will, if more agreeable to you, take the whole or
any part of the 30 Ton in that Copper upon condition that the Hayle
Co[mpany] charge me no more for Rolling than they formerly did viz
£6 p[e]r Ton.
But unless I have an immediate & Explicit Answer I must & do
withdraw this proposal - I am Gent[leme]n Your most obed[ien]t
Serv[an]t
Matt[he]w Boulton''
AD1583/6/68
Letter, Boulton & Watt to
Wilson regarding
answer to Bull's advertisement
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
12 Dec 1793
Endorsed:
''Messrs Boulton & Watt Dec[embe]r 12 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, Via Bristol''
''Dear Sir
It is the opineon of Mr Weston that Bulls advertisment
ought to be answerd & he concurs with us thinking the annexed a
proper one. We beg you will send it to be published both in the
Sherbourn & Exeter Papers as soon as possible & youl oblige
Your faithfull &
Obed[ien]t Serv[an]ts
Boulton
and Watt
Soho 12 Decemb[e]r 1793''
[the handwriting
in the above is that of Matthew Boulton]
[next page]
''To
the Adventurers in the Mines of Cornwall
An Advertisement having appeared in the
Exeter Gazette, signed Edward Bull, and dated - Breage, Nov[embe]r
28th 1793, which tends to mislead the public, we think it proper to
State, that the verdict of the Jury is in our favour, which it is Mr
Bull's business to sollicit the court to reverse, if they shall
judge it proper; and that, not wishing for any Delay, we attended in
London from the third to the last day of Michaelmas term earnestly
using our endeavours to bring the suit to a conclusion.
We beg leave further to add, that the Question reserved,
for the opinion of the Court, is a mere technical Question of Law,
not at all founded in any supposed merits in Mr Bulls case; for the
court & the Jury joined in opinion that Mr Watts Specification was
sufficient to enable a Mechanic to practise the invention in
question; & that the Defendant Bull's Engine was a manifest
piracy thereof.
After this fair Statement of the Facts we hope no set of
adventurers will expose themselves to Lawsuits by giving credit to
the misrepresentations of our opponents -
Matt[he]w Boulton
Soho Birmingham
Dec[embe]r 1793}''
[the handwriting
in the above is that of James Watt, with the exception of the
signature which is that of Matthew Boulton]
AD1583/6/69
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
United Mines, Gwennap
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
24 Dec 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Ja[m]es Watt Dec[embe]r 24th 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Soho Dec[embe]r 24th 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We can give no other answer to your's concerning
U[nite]d Mines except that we shall not give up any thing the law
will support us in but we cannot say we are quite clear to go to law
at present, we have greatly too much upon us, in the law way,
The case of the recusants is before counsel & as they advise so
shall We act, our case is realy perplexing beset on all hands by
Scoundrel upon Scoundrel, we must however do our best & hold out as
long as we can. The Law of this Country is expensive dilatory &
frequently affords no redress - You will please go on doing what you
can in the mean time to obtain payments, or to have positive
refusals, in which case you need not spare a few modest threats - We
observe the other contents of your letter but I am in no spirits to
write more.
In respect to the Iron works we shall answer in our next
- Yours sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/6/70
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
agreement for engine at Wheal Treasury, Crowan
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
25 Dec 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Ja[me]s Watt Dec[embe]r 25th Dec[embe]r 25th 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Birm[ingha]m
Dec[embe]r 25th 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
Mr Weston writes as follows - ''I find great
need of the agreement by which the adventurers at Wheal
Treasury agreed to pay a monthly sum for the Engine which was
removed from Hallamanin to that mine. Please to favour me with this
Agreement if you have it or can procure it''
I do not remember how you settled with them and shall be
obliged to you for information for soonest - If there was no written
agreement please to recollect all the particulars you can & consider
how it is to be proved. If you will inform me of the date, I
shall examine your letters to see if they will furnish any proofs.
Your letter about the Iron works is now under
consideration - I remain
Yours sincerely
James
Watt
The
Comp[limen]ts of the season attend you & yours''
AD1583/6/71
Letter and letter press copy of letter
Item
1 folio and 1 sheet
Manuscript
26 Dec 1793-27 Dec 1793
AD1583/6/71/1
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding
various matters
Piece
1 folio
Manuscript
27 Dec 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Math[e]w Boulton Dec[embe]r 27th 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, by Bristol''
''Soho
Decemb[e]r 27 1793
Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson
Dear Sir
I rec[ei]vd you letter upon ye Subject of Iron works &
as I am desireous of going hand in hand with Mr Watt particularly in
what ever relates to Engines & Iron Foundrys I communicated the
first letter to him & layd the last before him but he observd that
his Mind was engaged at that Mom[en]t & sayd let it stand till
tomorrow.
We have yesterday & this day sought for the letter but cannot find
it nor conceive what is become of it unless our fire maker has made
use of it; however I will have another very minute search for it.
Mr W[att] hath said nothing decided but seems disinclined to have
any connection w[i]th 2 pees, or conceit & ignor[an]ce. The Foxes
are certainly very desireable Partners & w[oul]d be more so if any
of them resided in Wales I will wait a day or two for Mr Watts
answer before I finaly make up my mind on the subject.
In consequence of the death of Scale & several old &
confidential servants I find I have a greater load of business upon
my Mind than ever I had, to which I have added a very large
Manufactury of Soho Spring Latchets, in which I am employing 40 or
50 People & as many at this time in my new Farm. I flatterd my self
with assistance from my Son but he minds Books more than business &
I have unavoidably the Office of Sherriff coming upon me. But the
greatest of all my present Plagues arises from one of the least &
lowest of Mortals & from disap[pointmen]t in my pre[sen]t Coinage
for want of Copper. After makeing various proposals to H[urd] to let
me have 30 Ton of ye ♀ [copper] now lying at Stourport without
effect. I wrote duplicates of the inclosed to him & to Mr Edwards
from the 1st I have rec[ei]vd no answer & from ye 2[n]d a Negative
one & I am now at a dead Stand in my Coinage for want of ♀. I have
sent one of my Clarks to Swansey & to Neith to see all ship'd they
can spare & to drive it before him all the way to Soho.
When I rec[ei]vd the order from ye E[ast]: I[ndia]: Co[mpany] they
asked me whether I chose to find the Copper or to receive it from
them & as I had no doubt but Hurd would rejoice to be relievd from
the thick Sheet now at Stourport I chose to find the Copper my self
but as I am so much disapointed. I wrote to the Company yesterday to
beg they would furnish me with 25 Ton or order your House to do it
as a part of the Contract with them, I have no doubt but they will
speak to Mr Adey on the subject & I presume it will be exactly the
same thing to Fenton & Co[mpany] - I am very much obliged to Mr
Holbrook for his great exertions in Shiping 9 Tons & upw[ar]ds for
me so soon & I hope he will be allowd to ship more than ye 16½ Tons
provided the E[ast]:I[ndia]:Co[mpany] desire it.
The Mines Royal have orderd Mr Place to deliver me 6 Tons & I have
some hopes they will order more to be deliverd. -
I B[ough]t by Xtoe [Christoe] ye 5th & 12th In[stan]t 180 Ton of ore
which I have orderd to be deliverd to the Mines R[oya]l (agent) who
agree to smelt it as for the Rose ♀ Co[mpany] - Since which Xtoe has
very much exceeded my orders & bought for me above 400 Tons however
I am perswaded he meant well & all would be well if I could get it
Smelted soon.
Allow me to ask a question of Fenton & Co[mpany].
1st Q[ue]r[y] if I buy ore & pay for it in Cornwall & deliver it to
you, or I have confidence enough in you to buy it for me, & will
trust to your telling me the assay produce & the Stand[ar]d b[ough]t
at - I say Q[ue]r[y] will your Co[mpany] Smelt it for me upon the
same terms you do for Fox's (which is 3/s[hillings] more than the
Rose Co[mpany] pay) provided I pay you ready Money for the Smelting.
2[n]d Q[ue]r[y] will your Co[mpany] deliver me ♀ when I have
deliverd to you ores, equal in quantity, provided I pay you for the
Smelting 43/s[hillings] & for 4 Mo[nths] In[teres]t 3£ w[hi]ch is =
to 9 p[e]r Cent p[e]r Annum for money.
in w[hi]ch case I w[oul]d continue to buy, by you, & smelt with you
instead of the Mines Royal pray consider & write me your thoughts
for if you w[oul]d accept of ready Money for smelting + 4 Mo[nths]
In[teres]t at 9 p[e]r C[en]t p[e]r An[nu]m I w[oul]d deliver the 400
Ton now bought to you.
If the E[ast] I[ndia] Co[mpany] had contacted with me in Aug[us]t as
they did with you I should have had no difficulty in the Execution
of their order but as the case now stands it will be impossible to
compleat it without they or you instantly supply me with Copper.
It appears by the produces agreed upon between the 2 assayors that
Xtoe bought at 82, 83, & 84 say 84 & smelt[e]d by M[ines] R[oya]l at
2£ p[e]r Ton 8 Ton at 8£ = 64 + 4 Mo[nths] In[terest] 1£. 14
s[hillings]. 0 + 16£ smelting = 81£. 14 s[hillings]. 0d [pence]
deliv[er]d on B[oar]d at Neith but if by Fenton & In[teres]t 9 p[e]r
C[en]t 1[£]. 18 [shillings]. 6 [pence] + 17£. 4 [shillings]
Smelt[in]g = 82[£]. 2 [shillings]. 6 [pence] d[elivr]d at Swansey
and in proportion as the produce is less the price of ♀ will be
less.
Many of ye members of ye Birm[in]g[ha]m Mineing Co[mpany] being poor
they are necessiated to sell their Copper at 10 p[e]r Cent less than
its Value & much has been sold last week before I was aware of it. -
I wish you & Mrs Wilson & all your Olive Branches many happy &
prosperous returns of this Season remaining ever
Dear Sir Your faithfull friend
M: Boulton
Or
Q[ue]r[y] if I sell your Co[mpany] the 400 Ton of Ore will
they deliver me 20 Ton of Copper directly upon the within ment[ion]d
terms & the remainder at leasure''
AD1583/6/71/2
Letter Press copy of letter from Spedding to Villers concerning
Mines Royal Company
Piece
1 sheet
Printed material
26 Dec 1793
''(Copy)
London December 26th 1793
Sir
The Committee of the Mines Royal Copper Company direct
me to state to you, that the accustomed allowance of seven pounds
weight has ever been made upon every barrow containing three hundred
of unstamped ore not being Fluken & Twenty Eight pounds weight upon
every such barrow or Stamped or Fluken Ore - this usual allowance
was referred to when they agreed to smelt your Ore's - taking them
at the Mines as usually weighed to purchasers - It seems the
allowance of more than seven pounds upon a barrow of ore of all
sorts is now denied to the purchasers of Wh[ea]l Unity Ores, for
which reason Mr Vivian the Company's Agent cautioned Mr Christoe
previous to the last sale against offering for the Fluken Ores
without making this deduction for the deficiency in Weight - Mr
Vivian & other agents are of Opinion there is at least seven pounds
of water contained in every hundred of Ore in the three last parcels
of Wh[ea]l Unity Ore sold the 19th Ins[tan]t which makes the
allowance of Twenty one pounds upon Ore of this sort over the common
allowance of seven pounds upon all Ore absolutely necessary to make
up the deficiency - I hope its unnecessary to tell you, that without
such an allowance, the Company could not afford to smelt the Ore on
the terms mentioned - Therefore the Committee trust you will direct
Mr Christoe to make this allowance to Mr Vivian - upon his taking to
the Ores - I am for the Mines Royal Copper Company
Sir Your most
Obed[ien]t Serv[an]t
G Spedding - Secretary
PS a parcel of
Tile Copper (say about 15 Tons) is ready at Neath whenever you may
please direct a Vessel to take it
William Villers Esq[ui]r[e]}''
AD1583/6/72
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
Wheal Gons mine, Camborne
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
27 Dec 1793
Endorsed:
''Mr Ja[me]s Watt Dec[embe]r 27th 1793''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Birm[ingha]m Dec[embe]r 27th 1793
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I have y[ou]rs of 24th copy of which I have
sent to quicken Mr Westons motions. Mean while please say when &
with whom the Agreement was made for a monthly sum at Wheal Gons in
lieu of savings & whether you have any writing, Letter or other
agreement, or if recorded in their books. We have yet had no answer
as to the opinion of counsel & probably shall not till we have your
answers, to these queries.
Please say also who are the adventurers in Wheal Gons we
have ventured to say that they are mostly the same who were at
Dolcoath [mine, Camborne]. If so this is a clearer case than W[hea]l
Treasure.
I remain
D[ea]r Sir
Yours sincerely
James Watt''
|
