Volume 8
AD1583/8
Correspondence, volume 8
Series
90 items (91 documents)
Volume
2 Jan 1795-22 Dec 1795
AD1583/8/1
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding non-payment of arrears
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
2 Jan 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r 2 Jan[uar]y 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr Tho[ma]s
Wilson
Soho, 2 January 1795
Dear Sir
In acknowledging receipt of your favour of the 27th
Ult[im]o, I have very little to say in answer. It is the firm
determination of both my father and Mr. Boulton not to recede an
atom from the terms proposed in their letter of the 16th Ult[im]o
which were the same they from the beginning meant to propose and if
it has been otherwise understood, it must have been my fault, and I
own that my letter of 23rd November might easily be understood in
that sense, although my intention was merely to say that if they
paid up the Arrears then due & engaged verbally to pay for the
remainder of the term, we would erect the Engine. This I thought I
had afterwards explained in my letter of the 29th Nov[embe]r, but am
sorry I was not more explicit, however I do not conceive the
misunderstanding has done any harm, as it at least makes our friends
believe that we have made the concession to please them, and as to
our enemies, it is of very little importance whether they consider
it as an acquiescence extorted by fear or not. I am sure they will
in any case do their worst to injure us and they can do no more. My
Journey to London has been hitherto deferred on Acc[oun]t of the
Holidays and I now hope my father will go himself. However no doubt
can remain that we shall proceed with all possible vigour against
Daniell and if this inveteracy should occasion the stoppage of
Poldice [mine, Gwennap] I hope the Gent[leme]n concerned will take
care to do him justice in the County.
Mr. Pearson is now closing his books for last year and
desires I will mention to you that a large ballance is due from Mr.
Williams for Copper.
Sincerely wishing you a happy new year and many returns
of it, I remain
Dear Sir
Your very obedient Servant
James Watt Jun[io]r.
P.S. You have not answered my query about Steam Engines in my last
letter.''
AD1583/8/2
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding Poldice Adventurers
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
5 Jan 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r 5 Jan[uar]y 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr Wilson
Soho, 5 January 1795
Dear Sir
My letter of the 2nd Instant contained per advance the
answer of Boulton & Watt to your favour of the same date. I believe
nothing will induce them to recede from their proposals and most
certainly the hostile steps which the Adv[enture]rs are now taking,
will only confirm them in their determination. They are however very
glad to find that what they have proposed has given satisfaction to
their friends, who they hope will now be reasonable enough not to
attribute to them any of the evils which will probably result from
the malice and ignorance of their opponents. - They beg W[illia]m
Murdock will not hake any part in the erection of the new engine;
they should be left entirely to themselves and I am much mistaken if
they have not, ere long, reason to repent their scandalous behaviour
towards us. -
We shall write a letter to Poldice Adv[enture]rs w[hic]h will be
sent through your hands in a few days, in the mean time if anything
should occur, please direct to me at Mrs Matthews, London, where I
go tomorrow.
Yours most sincerely
James Watt Jun[io]r''
AD1583/8/3
Letter,
Pearson to
Wilson regarding queries concerning account
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
10 Jan 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Pearson 10 Jan[uar]y 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr Thomas
Wilson
Soho near Birmingham 10 January 1795
Sir
Your favor dated (by mistake) Jan[uar]y 6. 1794 addressed to Mr
James Watt Jun[io]r brought us two Bills amounting together to Two
Hundred and forty Pounds, being 6 p[er] cent on Cornish Metal
Companys Capital. Please refer to our Letter of 19 Ult[im]o and
answer us respecting the £8. 8 [shillings]. - Varley had here on
acco[un]t 24 Dec[embe]r 1792. Did you receive this £8. 8.- of Varley
in Cornwall, and where have you accounted for it?- We are
Sir
Your most ob[edient] Ser[van]ts
For Boulton & Watt
James Pearson.''
[Includes table
of accounts]
AD1583/8/4
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson, and copy
of letter to Poldice Adventurers
Item
2 pieces
Manuscript
13 Jan 1795
AD1583/8/4/1
Letter, Boulton to
Wilson regarding
letter to the Poldice Adventurers
Piece
1 folio
Manuscript
13 Jan 1795
Endorsed:
''Mat[the]w Boulton 13 Jan[uar]y 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall (by Bristol)''
''Mr Thomas
Wilson
Soho, Jan[uar]y 13 1795
Dear Sir
We rece[iv]d yours of the 10th this
morn[in]g previous to which Mr Watt & Self had wrote the inclosed,
which we beg you will lay before the Adventurers of Poldice Mine &
though it may arive too late for the meeting you mention, you may
shew it, or copys of it, to such of them as you may think proper to
do. We are the more anxious that the Advent[ure]rs should see it
before they receive notice of our movements in Chancery. - Let the
opineon of the Judges in Bulls case be what it may. We are persuaded
it will not affect the Poldice Case.
We have too good an opineon of W[illiam]. M[urdoc]k. to
think him capable to joining our Enemies. He, as well as all
mankind, will ultimately find that Honesty is the best policy.
I have waited months for a leasure hour to write to you
on Sundrys, but I have not yet found one, however my good Wishes
always attend you & every branch of your Family & sincerely hope you
& all of you will see many happy & prosperous returns of this
Season.
I am, Dear Sir, Your faithfull friend & Serv[an]t
Matthew Boulton
Mr Watt Jun[io]r is in London & you may write to him & Weston on Law
points.''
AD1583/8/4/2
Copy of letter from Boulton & Watt to the Poldice Adventurers
Piece
1 folio
Manuscript
13 Jan 1795
Endorsed:
''Copy of Messrs B&Ws Letter to the Poldice Adv[enture]rs 13
Jan[uar]y 1795''
''To the
Adventurers in Poldice Mine
Soho
Jan[ua]ry 13th 1795
Gentlemen
Your Application to us through Mr Wilson to
erect one of our double Engines with a Cylinder of 66 In[che]s
diam[e]ter upon Poldice Mine was transmitted to us; & we have from
time to time enabled Mr Wilson to inform you of our sentiments.
We are fully convinced that the Erection of a double
Engine, instead of two Single ones, would be productive of very
great Savings to the Mine both in the first Cost, & in the
Annual Expenses. and haveing heretofore manifested our
liberality towards the Mine by Sacrifices to the Amount of £11000
between the year 1786 & 1792 & by the farther relinquishment of one
third of our premium ever since, we are desireous of still affording
you another proof of our friendly disposition, by giving our consent
to your Erecting & using the proposed double Engine, & by assisting
in the Erection thereof, without requiring any increased premium on
that Account; provided that you shew your adherence to the agreement
by paying up the arrears claimed by Mr Wilson on our behalf. This
consent on our part & payment on yours in no way to effect the
existing agreement.
If this candid offer be rejected we shall be fully
warranted in protesting that the evil consequences which may in any
Manner follow, cannot justly be attributed to us, who have the
honour to remain respectfully
Gentlemen
Your Most Obed[ien]t humble Serv[an]ts
Boulton & Watt.''
(Copy)
[endorsed on
page 1 of folio ''Truro 15th January 1795, At a meeting of Poldice
Adventurers held...'']
AD1583/8/5
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding Consols & Poldice law suits
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
16 Jan 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r 16 Jan[uar]y 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr Wilson
London 16 January 1795
Dear Sir
I have received your favour of the 9th
Inst[an]t but have only time to write you a few words in answer. Our
Argument upon the Special Case will certainly come on about the
beginning of term, say the 4th or 5th of Feb[ruar]y and as the time
till then is so very short, we shall be so engaged in preparing for
it, that Consols & Poldice must stand over for the present. I shall
like to hear from you what impression our letter to Poldice has
made: I am sure they can never get over it. -
As to our success in Common Pleas, it is what I would
not undertake to ensure, but what I nevertheless do not cease to
hope. At any rate, you will do well to hold out beforehand that you
suppose our losing it there, will be of very little consequence, as
we then go to the opinion of the 12 Judges, which we have reason to
apprehend will be more favourable and in case of failure there to
the house of Lords; and if in the mean time, we gain our suits
against Consols & Poldice they will be obliged to pay up.
I remain, Dear Sir
Yours in haste
Watt Jun[io]r.''
AD1583/8/6
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
Poldice law suits
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
20 Jan 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt 20th Jan[uar]y 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr Wilson
Birm[ingha]m Jan[uar]y 20th 1795
Dear Sir
we have yours with copy of Poldice
resolutions, which are much such as might be expected only they have
rather overleaped common sense by Employing Bull, as they can hardly
be ignorant enough not to know, that the opinion of the
C[ommon].P[leas]. cannot be decisive unless the parties choose to
submit to it, & that Bulls hands will continue to be tied up.
However I think you had better not mention this at present. Let them
have their swing.
We shall apply to Chancery to stay the V[ice].W[arden]s.
[of the Stannaries] proceedings if ag[ain]st us, but in the mean
time the state of the case should be urged to him, which I should
suppose would do. Mr. Edwards must inform you whether you can
withold your own & J. W[?]s. costs I doubt you cannot.
In respect to Mr Murdock we are very much pleased with
this fresh proof of his attachment, but in my opinion, for our
interest, he should not withdraw himself from the mine as yet, they
may come about & we do not wish to distress them unnecessarily, he
will also have the better opportunity of shewing his superiority
over Bull, who I expect will one day be driven out of cornwall with
more disgrace than we have been.
Term begins on Friday & our argument will probably soon
come on, the result we do not pretend to foretell, but all our
lawyers are unanimous that no refunding can be obtained in
any case. - I remain, D[ea]r Sir
Yours Sincerely
J. Watt''
AD1583/8/7
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
availability of funds
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
21 Jan 1795
Endorsed:
''Boulton & Watt 29 21 Jan[uar]y 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall, by Bristol''
''Mr Wilson
Birm[ingha]m Jan[uar]y 21st 1795
Dear Sir
In ans[we]r to yours of the 17th, We shall
consider as to going on in Poldice, at present it appears that the
best way will be to throw up the share, reserving the value of
Materials ores &c & this we think you should immediately do in
respect to your own share if you cannot sell it - In respect to the
credit you want of £700- it could scarcely have happened at a more
inconvenient time, our Exchequer as you may suppose is not very
full, and we have some very serious payments to make. One is the
winding up the A. Mill bottoms which will require a great sum. The
Costs of this lawsuit &c & in case the opinion of the court should
be unfav[oura]ble we may have others, perhaps still more heavy as
every one wishes to throw water on drowned men - We are however
willing to assist you what you we can, but you must send us
such a title to the Copper you have with Mr W[illia]ms due in May as
shall enable us to raise money upon it if necessary. Upon sending
us this order to receive payment for your copper, you may draw upon
Mr W[illia]ms on our acc[oun]t for the £700. or if you cannot
do that you may draw on us pay[a]ble at Mrs Matthews's at 2 mo[nth]s,
which we shall be in London to accept.
If the Vice Warden is applied to for an order to make us
pay up arrears of costs, you must oppose it, as even in case of the
opinion of C.P. being ag[ains]t us no sentence can pass, as we shall
turn it into a special verdict for the opinion of the remaining 8
Judges & shall apply to Chancery in the mean time for an Injunction
ag[ains]t the mine, We wonder that you & your neighbours should
take it into your heads that the opinion of C[ommon].P[leas]. can
set aside our patent, that is out of their power.
We shall certainly be in London on Monday - I remain
Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James
Watt.''
''M[atthew].B[oulton].
hath taken out between 7 & 8 Thousand to pay for Land besides what
Mr Watt hath taken for the same purpose which reduces Mrs Matthews
to a Barran Wom[a]n.
I beg Mr Murdock would not vex himself & say little at present All
will turn out for the best.
M[atthew].B[oulton].''
AD1583/8/8
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding Cause in Common Pleas
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
29 Jan 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r 29 Jan[uar]y 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. Wilson
London 29
Jan[uar]y 1795
Dear Sir
We are favoured with yours of the 25th Inst[an]t and
have informed Mrs. Matthews of your intended D[ra]ft which will be
duly honoured. Neither the opinion of Mr. Vivian, nor of any other
man shall have any influence on our future proceedings, which shall
be, as formerly, always guided by equity, but as to the gratitude &
the friendship of the County of Cornwall, we are by this time
sufficiently acquainted with them, to know what we have to trust to.
We hope that we shall never be under the necessity of solliciting
them. -
Our Cause in Common Pleas is put off on account of the
business in the House of Commons, until Saturday. - We have much
novel and sound argument to advance, and if we lose it in this
Court, I have no doubt of the ultimate decision being in our favour.
-
I remain Dear Sir
Yours very sincerely
Ja[me]s Watt
Jun[io]r. -''
AD1583/8/9
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding Common Pleas and King's Bench
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
31 Jan 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r 31 Jan[uar]y 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. Wilson
London 31 January 1795
Dear Sir
Serj[ean]t Adair argued our Case this morning in Common
Pleas, but it being late when he had finished, the Court deferred
the hearing of the reply until Tuesday, when Serj[ean]t Williams is
to argue on behalf of Bull. - The Court appeared at first to be
prepossessed against us, but without indulging too flattering hopes,
I may safely say, that upon the whole we have gained ground, as the
judges appear to have given up the objection of the
misrecital in the Act of Parliament; so that having removed that
stumbling block, we shall proceed with more confidence in our next
argument upon the Organization in reply to Bull's Counsel.
I cannot pretend to predict what will be the termination
of this affair, but I do not think the enemies hopes at all
increased by what has passed; at all events, I have not the shadow
of a doubt that we shall succeed in the Kings Bench, which is the
next court we go to, provided we lose it in this, either through the
obstinacy or ignorance of the Judges. - You will not therefore
suffer yourself to be disheartened by any panic fears arising from
the enemies exagerations, nor suffer them for a moment to conceive
that we shall tamely put up with an inequitable decision, until we
have tried every resource which the Laws of our Country open to us.
-
We are all in good health & spirits, neither too much
elated with hope, nor depressed by anxiety, but prepared to meet
every event with stoical indifference. -
I remain
Dear Sir
Yours very sincerely
Ja[me]s
Watt Jun[io]r.''
AD1583/8/10
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
Argument of the Special Case
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
3 Feb 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r 3rd Feb[ruar]y 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. Wilson
London 3 Feb[ruar]y 1795
Dear Sir
We are favoured with your esteemed of the 31st Ult[im]o
covering two Bills of £1507.12 [shillings].11 [pence] & £80, the
latter on Account of Mr. Boulton. -
The Argument on the Special Case was terminated this
day, but the judges refrained from giving judgement, intimating that
they would take some time to consider of it; they stated very
strongly the merits of the Invention & the great obligations of the
public to the Patentees, and said that they were particularly
anxious that it should be understood, that so far from wishing to
raise objections, their desire was to uphold the patent and that
they would not pass sentence against it but with the greatest
reluctance, and expressed their hopes that they should do no such
thing; especially considering, what must be allowed, the very
extensive mischief that would be done by annulling so great a number
of patents, as must fall with this.- You will see from this that
the general question is left in as much uncertainty as it was before
and not in less obscurity, one thing however is certain that the
injunction against Mr. Bulls piratical proceedings still continues
and will continue for at least twelve months longer, whatever the
fate of the patent may ultimately be, about which however we have
very little anxiety and no fear.- It may be some consolation to you
to know that all the Lawyers whom we have consulted, and among
others the celebrated Mr. Erskine, are decisive in their opinions
and treat the objections with very little respect. In short whatever
is the decision of this Court, we shall go with a light heart into
the next, that is the Kings Bench. -
We are very glad to find our belief confirmed that
Poldice Adv[enture]rs are not all of one stamp, and we hope we shall
always have sense & gratitude enough to distinguish between our
friends & enemies but as it is necessary that we reply to their
resolutions by sending them ours, we intend to write to them in a
few days to inform them that without the Arrears are paid up, we
shall immediately file a bill against them in Chancery. - We shall
not trouble you to deliver the said letter, but shall send it
directly to the purser of the Mine, by the post. -
We hope this will serve to raise your drooping spirits
and that you will not suffer yourself to be disheartened where there
is no occasion. Our hopes are fervent and there is no reason yet
given to the enemy to exult; at any rate we shall lead them a dance,
the end of which they do not and they cannot [this next word being
missing].
Please to mention on what day you delivered our letter
of the 13th January to Poldice Adve[nturer]s.-
We think it prudent that Mr. Erskines name should not be
mentioned at present, and we only tell you his opinion for your
government, We think it of very great consequence to ourselves and
therefore shall not for the moment communicate it to the enemy. -
I remain with wishes for your better health
Yours very sincerely
James Watt Jun[io]r.''
AD1583/8/11
Letter, Boulton & Watt to Poldice Adventurers regarding dispute
Item
1 folio (part removed)
Manuscript
4 Feb 1795
Endorsed: ''Boulton & Watt 4 Feb[ruar]y 1795''
Addressed to: ''[Mr Thomas W]ilson, [Tru]ro, [Corn]wall''
''London
4th February 1795
To the Adventurers in Poldice Mine
Gentlemen
We refer to our Letter of the 13th Ult[im]o
in which we made you, what we thought, a fair and conciliating
proposal, to which we still adhere. Mr Wilson in due course sent us
your resolutions of the 15th which we must consider as hostile &
unmerited & which might well have excused our not making any
epistolary reply; however as you have stated that there was a
majority of the Adv[enture]rs willing to comply with what we askd,
we shall not be so unjust as to reprobate the whole nor pursue
measures of the same nature as those you have adopted, without
making one other effort to convince you of what we conceive to be
your interest under the existing circumstances we think that a want
of determination or any concealment of our Sentiments wo[ul]d be the
most unfriendly Conduct we co[ul]d pursue & co[ul]d not fail in the
end to be detrimental to all parties. Sensible as we are of our
obligations to many amongst you and wishing well as we do to the
Concern we cannot deliberately think of adopting any measures which
may eventually tend to injure it & to throw the industrious poor out
of Bread at least till every means of persuasion have proved
fruitless & a determination to withhold our just rights prevails.
The Sum Mr Wilson demanded on our account is a Sum due
to us by Agreement and we do not see how that demand co[ul]d lay you
under the necessity you mention - We think you ought not that
of all Men you ought not to have employed one, who by the verdict of
a Jury & the voice of a Court of Justice has been declared a
Pirate of our Invention, & who now lies under the injunction of
the Lord Chancellor not to proceed in his Violation, but this is
your affair, though you must excuse us if we exert ourselves to
prevent him. -
We remonstrate also against the injustice of your
refusing to deliver to us our proportion of Ores which however we
can easily remedy by relinquishing our share in the Mine. reserving
to ourselves our rights over the Materials.
Without insisting again upon our Merits or the Sums we have
relinquished in your favor we must observe that if you sho[ul]d
unhappily persist in your resolutions of setting both Law & Justice
at defiance by your Conduct towards us, we cannot be so wanting in
Justice to ourselves, as to forbear any longer laying our injuries
before the Court of Chancery from whom we hope for Substantial
Justice, one part of which will probably be the Stopping the
existing Engines from Working & the erection of any new ones on our
principles, but as this must involve the innocent with the
Offenders, we intreat you to avert the evil by a contrary Conduct to
what your resolutions point out. -
After this candid avowal of our sentiments
intentions we shall feel ourselves perfectly free from all
responsibility as to the consequences, which must in justice be laid
to the Account of those who instigated your late resolutions. -
We beg the favor of your immediate Answer, as without
that is speedy & favourable we cannot delay our proceedings.
We remain respectfully
Gentlemen
Your obed[ien]t
h[um]ble Servants
No 6 Green
Lettice Lane, Cannon Street.''
AD1583/8/12
Letter, Boulton & Watt to
E & R W Fox
regarding Polgooth Mine
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
22 Feb 1795
Endorsed:
''Copy of a Letter from Messrs Boulton & Watt to Messrs E & R W Fox
Wadebridge 22 Feb[ruar]y 1795''
''Messrs E & R W
Fox
Wadebridge
London 22nd Feb[ruar]y 1795
Gentlemen
We are sorry that our absence from home and a Variety of
business has prevented our replying sooner to your esteemed favour
of the 28th Ult[im]o mentioning the present state of Polgooth Mine
[St Austell] and requesting the relinquishment of part of our
Premium. We have always considered ourselves as under great
obligations to you for your equitable and Friendly behavour at a
period when the conduct of others has been so very different from
what we had a right to expect, and that alone would certainly have
been a sufficient motive to induce us to put you upon the same
footing with other Mines in a losing state: we are sorry therefore
that you should have thought it necessary to strengthen your claim
by adverting either to the suit now pending in Common Pleas, or to
the nature of our engagement with you. - In regard to the former, we
trust to the justice of our Country and after the Verdict of a jury
given compleatly in our favour we cannot doubt that we shall
ultimately prevail over all the quibbles which have been suggested
against us and we scarcely need add that our perseverance may
surpass even the ingratitude of certain Gentlemen in your County. -
As to what relates to our engagement with you - We believe it
equivalent to the most formal one, and we know you will not forget
that if it was not more so, it was entirely owing to the confidence
we had in your honour and the respect we entertained fore your
characters, which rendered us less anxious about a more regular
Agreement.
From what we have already experienced, we are well
assured that we shall not be sufferers by this confidence, nor shall
you by your Friendship towards us. We have this day directed Mr
Wilson to rate you in future at ⅔ only of the present sum, until
such times as your Mine shall again become productive. We hope these
terms will give entire satisfaction to yourselves and the rest of
the Ad[ventur]ers and that you will believe us at all times ready to
give you proofs of the sincere regard & Esteem with which we are
Gentlemen
Your ob[edien]t & obliged
h[um]ble Serv[an]ts
Boulton & Watt.''
AD1583/8/13
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
Poldice and Polgooth mines
Item
1 sheet (cut in half)
Manuscript
1795
Addressed to:
''Mr ThomasWi[lson], Trur[o], Cornw[all]''
''Wilson /
Dear Sir
Annexed you have copy of our letter sent
this day per post directed to the Purser of Poldice Mine, to which I
shall only add that the Bill in chancery is drawn & that we shall by
no means lose the sittings to have it filed. We have rec[eive]d a
letter from E. Fox wanting us to abate Polgooth to 30 Guineas p[e]r
month on account of poverty, what is the fact? I have nothing to
add to yesterdays report of the trial except that in all probability
Bulls friends will say the direct contrary how the event will prove
in this court we neither know nor much care, as we hope for less law
elsewhere.
I remain Dear Sir
Yours Sincerely
James Watt.''
AD1583/8/14
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding relinquishment of Poldice shares
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
23 Feb 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r 23 Feb[ruar]y 1795'', also ''enclos[e]s copy
of letter to E&RWFox Wadebridge''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall.''
''Mr Wilson
London 23 Feb[ruar]y 1795
Dear Sir
The inclosed letter will explain itself and when you
have take a Copy of it for your future Government, you will please
to seal and forward it. -
We have been successively favoured with yours of the
10th, 13th & 20th Inst[an]t, to which we have not replyed sooner on
account of our having nothing materially new to inform you of. All
law matters must remain in their present state until next Term. - We
have all been much indisposed by the badness of the weather and
shall return home, as soon as the state of Mr B[oulton’s] & my
father's health will admit of the fatigues of a Journey. -
We wish you - to give immediate notice at Poldice of our
relinquishing our Shares in the Mine, but you may continue in your
own name for our account, at least for a Month longer, or untill we
come to a different determination.
The Bill upon Williams has been paid. We called upon him
but did not meet with either him or Grenfell. We shall make use of
his permission to draw for £1000 at 8 months from 10th December, or
payable 10th August 1795 in case we find ourselves in want. -
I remain
for Boulton & Watt
yours very sincerely
J Watt Jun[io]r.''
AD1583/8/15
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding Wilkinson's at Bersham in Wales
Item
1 sheet
Manuscript
10 Mar 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r 10 March 1795''
''Mr. Wilson
Truro
Soho 10th March 1795
Dear Sir
We have been returned here for these some days past and
are all tolerably recovered from the effects of the Air of London. -
We should have written you sooner in reply to your
favour of 28th Ult[im]o, but had nothing material to communicate. -
Jno. [John] Wilkinson & his Brother being at Loggerheads
and in Chancery, have in their wisdom stopped the Works at Bersham
[ironworks near Wrexham, Denbighshire, Wales], wh[ich]. is likely to
prove a greater inconvenience to us than Mr. Bulls lawsuit, as we
cannot get on with any business. - John has written us some letters
lately which indicate a disposition to draw us into the scrape, for
which reason it is necessary that we should be upon our guard and as
the Credit Side of his Account stands rather too much in his favour
at present, we request that you will not send us any more D[ra]fts
upon him, as it has always been our custom to remit them to him upon
Account. - You are not to conceive from the above, that we are at
open variance, but we do not know how soon we may be, as to give us
a proof of his friendly disposition, he has put his papers into the
hands of Bull's Lawyers. We have written to desire a meeting with
him, which we suppose will take place in a few days. -
We have received an Answer from Messrs. Fox's of the 6th
Inst[an]t, saying they were in hopes we should have thought 30
Guineas sufficient, however, that they have directed their Agent at
the Mine to charge £36.13.4 for the two last Months. -
The Bill against Poldice is prepared, but cannot be
proceeded in untill next term. The Action ag[ain]st Consols must
also lie over until then.
I remain Dear Sir
Your sincere friend
Ja[me]s
Watt Jun[io]r.''
AD1583/8/16
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding Mr Bull's engines at Poldice Mine
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
17 Mar 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r 17 March 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr Wilson,
Truro
Soho 17
March 1795
Dear Sir
We are favoured with yours of the 7th & 12th Ins[tan]t
with an Account of Bulls proceedings, and of the meeting of Poldice
Adventurers.
It is not in our power to prevent Bull from erecting
Engines, as the Injunction only goes to stop their working. But as
it is highly probable that our cause will not be brought to a
decision until long after the Engine is finished, (I mean supposing
we lose it in the Common Pleas) & the injunction will continue the
whole of that time; the Adv[enture]rs may find their
situation not very pleasant to have been at the expence of erecting
an Engine, which they cannot after all work without our consent, -
and Mr. Bull may roar for mercy when he finds himself committed to
the Kings Bench prison for a Contempt of the Chancellor's Orders.-
I am not sure whether the Engine being erected, so as to
be fit for working, will not alone be a sufficient breach of the
Injunction to bring the above Penalty upon the agressor.
If Poldice Adv[enture]rs should determine upon refusing
our resignation, you will please to take Mr. Edwards with you &
enter a regular Protest against their refusal upon the Books of the
Mine, stating the sums due to us from the Mine and the proportion of
materials which belong to us, as sufficient set offs against the
Costs claimed by them. - You may consult with Mr. Edwards whether
this cannot be done beforehand, and then let them do what they
please, with this protest staring them in the face. -
Carne's offers amount to nothing; for if we gain our
cause, he must pay and if we lose it, he says he will not;
we should therefore be only showing a contemptible weakness by
acceding to his request. We shall in this and every similar case,
accept of none but unconditional payment. I hope that by and
by we shall teach these lawless invaders to make us proposals a
little more agreable to the dictates of common sense. - Upon what
principle of logic do they presume that we would enter into an
Agreement where all the profit is on their side and all the risk
upon ours! -
Their Counsel in London Mr. Short, having spoken to
Weston about compromising matters, we have authorized Weston to
write him a letter to know with whom we shall treat, upon what
terms, what for, and how we are to be secured in the enjoym[en]t of
our rights, or as to the fulfillment of any terms that might be
agreed upon. As they can give no satisfactory answer to these
queries the whole negociation will end in nothing.
You need not mention the above to any person or say that
you know any thing of this matter, unless it be talked of in the
County in which case we will send you a Copy of Weston's letter for
your Government. -
I remain very sincerely
Yours
Ja[me]s Watt
Jun[io]r.''
AD1583/8/17
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding the worsening relationship with Wilkinson
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
24 Mar 1795
Endorsed: ''Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r 24 March 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. Wilson
Soho 24th March 1795
Dear Sir
We wrote to you on the 17th Inst[an]t and are favoured
with yours of the same date. -
You will recollect what we said to you in a former
letter, about the quarrel which has taken place between Jno. [John]
Wilkinson & his brother and the ticklish ground upon which we stood
with the former, which is rather worse now that it was then,
although we are not yet come to an open rupture. But you will say we
are not far from it, when we tell You, he has given us Notice ''that
he means to join our enemies''. - However, although we are
determined to make no concessions to pacify a resentment founded
merely upon caprice we are resolved also to take no steps which may
appear to give him cause to say we have commenced hostilities. He
has already accused us (without any grounds) of having endeavoured
to seduce his men from his service, and if we were, after having
repelled that accusation, to advertize for founders, he would be
sure to say that we had done it on purpose to entrap his men. As
neither our inclination nor our interest lead us to irritate him
more than what he is already, we must beg you will excuse us from
having any thing to do with the Adv[ertizemen]ts in question. - Your
better way will be to apply to Jno. [John] Wilkinson directly,
stating that as you understand the works at Bersham to be at an end,
he may perhaps have some founders to spare whom he can recommend to
you. -
We will again make enquiries about a Brewer, and let you
know the result as soon as possible. -
The price of Tin, about which you enquired in a former
letter, is very various in Birmingham, but the most current price is
from 94 to 95. - Mr. Boulton is requested by the Rose Copper
Co[mpany]. to learn from you, or some other Tin Smelter
1st. Whether it will be agreeable to send Tin to them to sell upon a
Commission of 5 per %. -
2nd. What more you would allow for the Company to guarantee the
Debts, and you will please to remember that the Co[mpany]. consists
of 200 opulent persons.
3rd. Or what you would allow provided the Company permit you to draw
for ⅔ of the Value upon its arrival at Bristol. -
Please to send your Answer to these queries separate from B&W's
business, that it may be laid before the Rose Copper Co[mpany].- at
their first meeting. -
Mr. Short, Bull's Counsel, has told Weston that the
Cornish people mean to propose very liberal & honourable terms to
B&W - But they have very little hope indeed of any good coming from
that quarter. - I remain
Dear Sir
Your
very ob[edien]t Serv[an]t
For Boulton & Watt
Ja[me]s
Watt Jun[io]r''
AD1583/8/18
Letter,
Weston to Wilson
including copy of letter to Charles Short
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
30 Mar 1795
Endorsed:
''A. Weston 30 March 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Merchant, Truro, Cornwall''
''D[ea]r Sir
On the other side you have a copy of my Letter to Mr.
Short, which of course you will only make a private &
confidential use of.
I send this by the Desire of our friends at Birmingham,
to enable you to correct the misrepresentations which have got
abroad: which however, must be done with caution.
I am, Dear Sir, Yours sincerely,
A Weston,
Fenchurch Street
30 March 1795.
Mr Thomas Wilson
Merchant - Truro.
[next page]
(Copy)
Charles Short,
Esq[ui]r[e].
Sir,
I have frequently considered the Suggestion
you threw some time ago, but have always met with Difficulties in my
mind, as to the Manner of carrying it into Execution.
I beg leave to state the following Questions for your
consideration. With whom are we to treat, and for what;
whether for the relinquishment of the present Action, or something
more extensive? How are we to be satisfied as to the Performance of
the terms that may be agreed upon? What compensation is to be
made for the arrears, & for the advantages of the time to
come, both of which, whilst the Matter is sub Judice, we
must consider as of great Value, having the most respectable
opinions that we shall establish our Rights: - though we may be
willing to sacrifice something for peace & certainty -
if those objects can be secured. But how are we to be assured that a
compromise with A, may not the more expose us to attacks from B &
the rest of the Alphabet?
These and many other Considerations require to be
attended to: - and all that I can answer for, on the part of my
Friends, is that they will be governed by reason, so far as it can
be made evident to them. This Letter is intended to remain in your
Hands, and not to be parted with or copied, but any other Use may be
made of it, which you shall conceive may best promote the amicable
Arrangement you have in View.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your
most obed[ien]t,
& most h[um]ble Serv[an]t,
Ambrose Weston
Fenchurch Street
11 March 1795.''
AD1583/8/19
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson, cessation of negotiations with the Cornish Adventurers
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
11 Apr 1795
Endorsed: ''Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r 11 Ap[ri]l 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr Wilson,
Truro.
Soho 11th April 1795
Dear Sir
Mr. Short has transmitted to Mr. Weston the resolutions
of the Cornish meeting which are more absurd and ridiculous than
even you supposed, and which of course have obliged us to put a
total stop to the negociation, more particularly as we find it is
not Mr. Bull and not the Cornish Adventurers, with whom we are
to treat. -
Mr. Weston says he did not send you the Copy of his
letter to Mr. Short, because he had made it a condition with that
Gentleman, that no Copy should be given out. You will therefore
please to be upon the watch to discover in how far that condition
has been observed.
From recent circumstances we have had no reason to
presage worse of our cause than when in London. As soon as we
conceive ourselves at Liberty we will send you a Copy of Mr. Shorts
letter and of Mr. Bulls proposals, of which in the mean time you
need take no farther notice, than to say that we have totally
rejected them. - Nothing farther occurring
I remain respectfully
Dear Sir
Your ob[edien]t Serv[an]t
Ja[me]s Watt
Jun[io]r.''
AD1583/8/20
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding the conduct of John Wilkinson
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
16 Apr 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Holbrook 16 Ap[ri]l 1795'' ''Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r
16 Ap[ri]l 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. Wilson
Soho 16th April 1795
Dear Sir
We are favoured with Yours of the 13th Inst[an]t and
thank you for the communication of Mr. Wilkinson's Sentiments, which
are conformable to his present conduct to all his former friends. He
has adopted for Maxim in his dispute with his brother, that ''all
those who are not for him are against him'' and as we are far from
being convinced that his brother is actually in the wrong, we never
shall degrade ourselves so far as to take part against him to please
any man's humours. However as we are determined to leave
J[ohn].W[ilkinson]., without an excuse for his conduct towards us,
when you answer his letter we wish you to say, that your reason for
remitting now differently from the usual manner, arose from your not
having any Money of B[oulton]&W[att']s in your hands as the Mines
had ceased paying premium until the suit with Bull was decided. -
And you may add, that it gave you pain to learn that any difference
existed between him & B&W. as you were certain they had always
entertained a strong friendship for him and on many occasions to
your knowledge had sacrificed their interest, rather than do any
thing which he could construe into neglect. -
We shall probably all of us go up to town again, that we
may be prepared to meet the enemy fairly. -
The post being just upon the Start I have not time to
add more, being very sincerely
Dear Sir
Your
obed[ien]t Serv[an]t
Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r.''
AD1583/8/21
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
castings and engine for Poldice Mine
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
22 Apr 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt Ap[ri]l 22 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr Wilson
Birm[ingha]m Ap[ri]l 22[n]d 1795
Dear Sir
Yours of 18th came to hand today. The order for Poldice
shall be duely attended to; but there are two points for you to
settle first. You desire us to order the castings from Bersham
in the name of the Perran foundery Co[mpany]. - We believe Bersham
is in no situation to supply orders, & if it were, we can
have no connection with it at present; for whatever pretended
transfer may have taken place, we believe J[ohn] W[ilkinson] is
still the owner, & his conduct has lately been such as forbids our
dealing with him in any shape that can be avoided. Besides his
B[rothe]r., who is part owner, has the matter now before chancery,
who must decide how far J[ohn] W[ilkinson] could transfer his
property without the consent of the other, & possibly were the goods
finished, an injunction might come to prevent their delivery, we
chuse by no means to get into any scrawls we can keep out of - At
present we send our orders for cylinders to the dale Company
[ironworks at Coalbrookdale, Shropshire], but if Messrs Fox &
Co[mpany] chuse to get them done anywhere else, we shall start no
objection the present being meant only as a caution & an excuse for
our personal interference. If these gent[leme]n chuse to give out
the orders themselves we shall send the drawings, otherwise shall
transmit them where they direct us.
The second matter respects the construction of the
Engine, in which we shall comply with their wishes to the best of
our power, (but beg it may be understood, that we cannot become in
any degree answerable for its success either in good performance or
in saving costs, in saying this we do not mean to condemn or
disapprove of the plan, but merely to remove all notions of our
responsibility on an untried subject, which I for one do not find my
head clear enough, to judge of with the accuracy so important an
alteration merits.) The principal thing which strikes me now is the
length of the connecting rod which being a pushing rod I fear may be
subject to bend or to quiver, & which it may be difficult to steady.
At the present moment we wish no alterations had been proposed;
because it is impossible that embarrassed as we are with Lawsuits,
open & hidden enemies, we can think upon mechanical subjects so as
to do justice to them, or gain ourselves any credit. Had we been
less molested by our friends in Cornwall it is probable we
might have made many improvements that would have been of great
benefit to the mines, but all incentive has long been cut off & it
is probable that the ability in some of us being now crushed for
life, they must rely upon those they have set up against us, for the
improvements they are to expect in future.
We set out for London the end of this or the beginning
of next week without much either of hope or fear, we wish the
sentence of C[ommon].P[leas]. may be favourable, but if not, we are
prepared to remove the cause to another tribunal - As to
J[ohn].W[ilkinson]. we doubt not he will do us all the hurt he can,
but we make ourselves easy because we have given him no reason for
it, and believe his powers are insufficient to save himself
from the lash of the law in his present contest. You will please to
get something to the purport of the words enclosed on other side
inserted in the books of the mine that in all events we may be held
blameless.
I remain with comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson
Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James
Watt.''
AD1583/8/22
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding premiums due
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
25 Apr 1795
Endorsed:
''J Watt Jun[io]r 25 April 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr Wilson
Soho 25 April 1795
Dear Sir
My father is preparing to set out for town and wishes
you would send us immediately a statement of all the Premiums due
to the end of this month from our own Engines & from those erected
by Bull, for our future regulation in case any other terms of
accommodation should be proposed. -
Nothing farther occurring at present
I remain
Dear Sir
Sincerely yours
J Watt
Junior.
P.S. Please
mention upon what terms the new Bersham Co[mpany]. have proposed to
supply Cylinders, Pipes &c. - We have been informed that the Dale
Co[mpany]. mean to sell at the same prices, whatever they are. -''
AD1583/8/23
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
drawings for castings for North Downs
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
8 May 1795
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt May 8 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr Wilson
London May 8th 1795
Dear Sir
I have yours of 28 & 29th Ap[ri]l, but having nothing
particular to say did not answer them. I however wrote to Soho, to
forward the drawings for N[orth]. Downs castings as quickly as they
could (between ourselves, I doubt Homfrays works [Pennydarren
Ironworks near Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan, Wales] cannot execute them
well, but the risk is off our shoulders) The Redruth proposals were
undoubtedly insulting & what they could not be so absurd as to
expect would be complied with, even if the Judgement of
C[ommon].P[leas]. was against us, which is a thing they cannot
depend upon - we ourselves continue quite in the dark even as to the
day of Judgement but have taken all the precautions we can in case
of the worst - If you could be here before the 15th it would be well
as we shall stay in town as short a time as possible after the
decision - Your account makes a great appearance but we shall need
also, an account of the modified premiums, say of those we had
agreed to accept if they had paid us honestly - Mr Boulton came to
town on tuesday & is at Chippendales [Matthew Boulton's London agent
Mr R Chippendall], Mrs W[att] & myself are at Green lettice lane - I
do not at present recollect any thing else to inform you of, but
remain with comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson
Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/8/24
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
postponement of legal decision
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
13 May 1795
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt May 13 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr Wilson
London
May 13th 1795
Dear Sir
Yours of 10th rec[eive]d. I shall be very
sorry if you do not come to town as proposed, though we have nothing
particular to say - our decision in C[ommon].P[leas]. was to have
been today but was put off on account of Justice Bullers illness, &
is to come on upon Saturday if he can attend - Some say his illness
is political to give time for a compromise, which I think there is
little chance of taking place; Perhaps they thought we durst not
abide Judgement & finding themselves deceived wish for time, but the
whole of this is surmise - the illness may be real, as he is in very
bad health, & he may know nothing of their transactions. We have
taken the necessary steps to leave the road open to a special
verdict in case either party are disatisfied.
We received Mr E. Fox's letter, but in the present
circumstances, can by no means give an answer before our minds are
somehow at rest. It would seem that they chuse term time for their
demands, & as you observe that our application following so close
upon another is not very decent.
We certainly have no connection with the profit or loss
of the mine & our own trade is in as lossing a state as theirs can
be, when we were in course of receiving from many mines, we might
yield to the necessities of some, without material injury that is
not now the case, and I think we cannot by any deed of our own give
away the little which remains. If it is witheld without our consent
we have the remedy of Law which we have against the other recusants,
but against our own act we have no remedy. I think therefore we
shall not consent & at any rate shall not answer their letter till
we get home.
The only motive that can weigh with us is that these
Gentlemen & their friends have behaved more honorably & I hope in
the event more prudently than others, in more prosperous
circumstances that would have its due weight but I think could never
extend to the total relinquishment for any given time, because our
patent now draws near a natural termination - I have not seen Mr
Boulton since I rec[eive]d their letter & probably shall not today,
as I am confined with a cold & in lodges at Chippendalls, but I
believe his sent[imen]ts do not differ from mine on this head.
We have learnt nothing of the sentiments of the Court
since I wrote & are therefore as much in the dark as ever - I
remain
Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/8/25
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
the favourable opinions of the Justices
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
16 May 1795
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt May 16 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr Wilson
London May 16th 1795
Dear Sir
We have half gained the cause, the 2[n]d
Chief & Mr Justice Rooke were completely for us & Mr Justice Buller
said that our invention was highly meritorious & that we should not
be disturbed in the possession of what we had got, as the publick
had got value for it, but he gave his opinion against us, as did Mr
Justice Heath though on very weak grounds. We shall move the court
on Monday for a special verdict or to put the cause into some other
decidable shape - Bulls counsel looked very sour, I did not see
himself & query if he was in court - we mean if Chancery will hear
our prayer to be with Daniel very soon - The Chief Justice made a
most elaborate argument in our favour & solved all his own doubts,
J[usti]c[e] Rooke's argument was clear & concise - J[ustice]. Buller
made a good argument though full of misconceptions, much of it was
for us. In short we find ourselves in a more pleasant situation that
we have been for some time & hope for some help from chancery.
The drawings for N[orth]. Downs are going on & shall be
sent to Messrs Foxes - The nozles we shall execute ourselves, & any
other part they desire.
I have nothing farther to add but remain
Dear Sir
Yours sincerely
James Watt''
AD1583/8/26
Copy of letter to
Mr George Fox
regarding proposed Injunction against Mr Bull
Item
1 sheet
Manuscript
3 Jun 1795
Endorsed:
''Copy of Letter to Mr Geo[rge] Fox June 3 1795''
''Copy of a
Letter to Geo[rge] Fox
D[ea]r Sir
Boulton & Watt desires me to advise you that having
consulted their Lawyers, they are desired advised that they
must immediately file a Bill to obtain an injunction against Bull
proceeding in his erecting the Engine at Poldice, or they are told
the Chancellor will, if delayed, accuse them of default in not
proceeding sooner. -
They desire me to add that filing the Bill will be of no
consequence, in case the Adv[enture]rs come to a resolution to do
them Justice, by agreeing to the Terms pointed out when you was
here; & have not the least wish to injure the Mine, provided they
meet with common Justice. I apprehend Mr Weston has wrote the
Adv[enture]rs the Adv[enture]rs to nearly to the same purport but
B&W thought it due to you & your Friends for me to communicate their
intentions their intentions to you with the reasons which has
induced them to alter their plan when you was here. We have received
information since, which was doubtfull whether it could be had when
you was here, that enables & indeed compels them to proceed directly
to obtain the Injunctions & not to wait to prove the Engine being on
their principles, till it was completed. -''
AD1583/8/27
Letter,
Weston to Wilson
regarding Injunction against use of engine at Ding Dong Mine
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
11 Jun 1795
Endorsed:
''WJ & G Weston June 11th 1795''
Addressed to: ''Thomas Wilson Esq[uir]e, Truro, Cornwall''
''Sir
I have received your Son's Letter for which I thank him
and you - and in return I shall give you a piece of information that
will please you: I mean this, that the Lord Chancellor has this day
granted an Injunction against using the Engine at Ding Dong Mine [Gulval
and Madron]. Mr. Trevethic Jun[io]r [Richard Trevithick] could not
be included as he had not been made a party to the Suit, but if you
will send me his Christian name, I will take care to prevent
his future intermeddling: and further if you can send me an
affidavit that Trevethic is Bull's Partner or his known agent, I
will apply to the Court to grant an Attachment against Bull
for his contempt. And it will be still better if the facts will
warrant an affidavit that Bull personally acted in the Completion of
this Engine since the injunction was granted against him. However it
will be sufficient if we can make it appear that Trevethic is Bull's
Partner, or known agent.
I request you will apply to Mr. Edwards to prepare such
affidavits as the circumstances will warrant. Mr. Murdock can
probably make the necessary Affidavit. Let all the facts be put into
it that you can collect - except Carne's Letter to you which we
reserve for another purpose.
In order to enable Mr. Edwards the better to prepare the
Affidavits, I shall send by the Coach this Evening, one of the
Briefs in the Cases against Oxnan & the other Adventurers in this
Mine. Please to let the Brief be returned when you send the
affidavit. Take care to let Trevethic's Transactions be stated fully
in the Affidavit & if any doubt occurs we are hear from you.
Please to desire Mr. Edwards to send me Affidavits of
the Service of the Spec[ification]s [?] which were sent to him the
23[r]d Ult[im]o.
I am D[ea]r Sir
Yours
sincerely
A Weston.
Fenchurch Street
11 June 1795.
Mr Wilson -
Truro -''
AD1583/8/28
Letter,
Westons to
Wilson regarding Poldice and Ding Dong Adventurers
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
15 Jun 1795
Endorsed:
''A. J. & G Weston June 15 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Merchant, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr T Wilson
Dear Sir,
Mr.
Watt has received a Letter today from Fox Philips & Fox mentioning
that Poldice Adventurers have had a Meeting & that their
Determination concerning the Engine about to be erected by Bull, is
not favourable, nor such as they F. P & F. approve: for particulars
they refer to you. Therefore Mr. Watt requests you will inform us as
soon as you can what has passed. We also want a compleat List of the
Adventurers in that mine, a bill being now preparing to stop their
proceedings, and the sooner this List can be procured the better.
We also desire to have a compleat List of the
Adventurers in Ding Dong Mine. Mr. Edwards can give you some
information. He tells us that some of the persons whom you supposed
to be Adventurers are not so, & never were. Please to apply to Mr.
Edwards.
We are D[ea]r Sir your most obed[ien]t
serv[ant]s
A J&G Weston.
Fenchurch Street
15 June 1795.''
AD1583/8/29
Letter,
Weston to Wilson
regarding various queries
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
22 Jun 1795
Endorsed:
''W J & G Weston June 22[n]d 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s. Wilson, Merchant, Truro, Cornwall''
Mr. Tho[ma]s
Wilson, Truro
Dear Sir
I have received your favours of the 16th. & 17th.
instant, neither of which appeared to require any immediate reply
and I was much taken up with the business of the scire facias. I
hope we shall be able to avert that new blow aimed at us. I hope you
will be able to discover how far Richard Trevithick has been
concerned in erecting the Engines at Ding Dong & Poldice, & also how
far he is connected with Bull.
Bull's Party are grievously disappointed that they did
not get the Scire facias, without our knowing anything about it - in
like manner as the Scire facias was formerly obtained ag[ains]t
Arkwright's Patent. Our unexpected opposition has alarmed them. -
The Injunction against Ding Dong was sent off to Mr.
Edwards on Saturday. We shall send him a similar injunction against
Police in the courts of a little time.
I wish you would collect together upon paper
every circumstance that tends to shew a general combination
of the Miner Adventurers to overthrow Mr. Watt's Patent.
I wish also to have as accurate an account as can now be
procured, of what was the actual state of the Mining Concerns in
Cornwall at the time Mr. Watt's Invention was introduced into the
County. The two following Queries may help you in making the
inquiries - 1. What Mines had actually stopped working? - 2. What
other Mines must have stopped working if Mr. Watt had not discovered
his method of saving Fuel? - 3. What mines have been opened &
worked which could not have been so without Mr. Watt's method? -
What are the probable Savings and Benefits to the County occasioned
by these means - stating them under the heads (1.) of Money saved or
gained - (2.) Of Men employed & maintained.
This inquiry will undoubtedly be attended with Trouble,
and cannot be suddenly compleated. Richard Mitchell can give you
some help. I wish it to be pursued, - as it may be of great use to
us hereafter. But you may proceed at your Leisure.
I am D[ea]r Sir
Your
most obed[ien]t s[ervan]ts
A Weston.
Fenchurch Street
22 June 1795''
AD1583/8/30
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
Mr Bull's 'Scire Facias' application
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
24 Jun 1795
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt June 24 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Birm[ingha]m June 24th 1795
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
We have yours of 21. The scire facias is not
yet obtained & probably will not as their conduct has set the Judges
ag[ains]t them. Besides the Att[orne]y must give Bail to £2000 or
3000 £ before it will be granted. I suppose you have now got the
injunction ag[ains]t Dingdong & hope it is served. They need not
apply to us to take it off, without paying in present & in future.
We have absolutely refused Herland [mine, Gwinear] on acc[oun]t of
their bad conduct first & last, nor need Bulls
supporters think of applying to our generosity, such pity as
they bestowed on us are return to them. I am just going out, so can
say no more at present, but remain with Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson
Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James
Watt''
AD1583/8/31
Letter,
Weston to Wilson
regarding various legal matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
25 Jun 1795
Endorsed:
''A J & G Westons June 25 1795''
Addressed to: ''Tho[ma]s Wilson Esq[uir]e, Merchant, Truro,
Cornwall''
''Dear Sir
I
understand from Mr. Watt that you are likely to find me some
Evidence of Bull & Trevethic's Dolinquency in regard to their
disobedience of the Injunction. - Let this be expedited with as much
dispatch as is consistent with accuracy. -
Please to desire Mr. Edwards to put the facts into two
separate affidavits - (Duplicates) - & let one of them be
intitled Boulton & An[othe]r v Oxnam & others - & let the
other be intitled Boulton & An[othe]r v Bull. - We shall want
the Affidavit in each Cause. -
Though I have said duplicates, I do not mean to
confuse Mr. Edwards, as to the form of the affidavit; he will please
to state the facts in such form as he thinks proper.
I shall send you by the Coach this Ev[enin]g a Copy of
Bull's answer in the Cause Boulton v Bull. - I told you I
think in my last that we should have an Injunction ag[ains]t Poldice
[mine, Gwennap] soon. - We have accordingly obtained that
Injunction this Day - that is the order for it, & as
soon as the writ is sealed it shall be sent to Mr. Edwards to be
served on Mr. Daniell & Mr. John Martin. Mr Tremayne was made a
party pro forma but shall not distress him by serving him
with the Injunction. We have stated in the bill that he was ready &
willing to do us Justice, but preven[te]d by the other Adv[enture]rs.
I am,
D[ea]r Sir,
Y[ou]rs sincerely,
A Weston.
Fenchurch Street,
25 June 1795.
Mr Thomas
Wilson,
Merch[an]t,
Truro -''
AD1583/8/32
Letter, Carne to
Wilson regarding
dispute with Ding Dong Mine
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
26 Jun 1795
Endorsed:
''W[illia]m Carne 26 June 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro''
''Penzance 26 June 1795
Dear Sir
In the Dispute between Ding Dong Adv[enture]rs & Bolton
& Watt - its not an Object worth Contending a Cort - for my Own Part
I have no Objection to pay the Savings According to the duty the
Engine is doing. Many More of the Adventu[re]rs is of my Opinion -
at Present our Engine Shaft is on high Grounds at 3 strokes a Minute
keeps the Waters - while we work under half the powers of the Engine
of Course you will not Expect but half the Savings when Exceed that
to be paid the whole. - Will thank you for y[ou]r Opinions on the
Business in reply. -
I remain Yours
Since[rel]y
Will[ia]m Carne
P.S. will you be
at the Ticketting next Thursday at Redruth -
Mr Tho[ma]s
Wilson Truro -''
AD1583/8/33
Letter,
Weston to Wilson
regarding Affidavits
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
26 Jun 1795
Endorsed:
''A. Weston June 26 [17]95''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Merchant, Truro, Cornwall.''
''Dear Sir,
We
have rece[ive]d your favour of the 23[r]d instant inclosing Simon
Vivian's affidavit - which certainly will not fully answer our
purpose, and therefore I think it probable we shall not use
it. Nothing but a positive affidavit will be sufficient to procure
an Attachment* against Bull.
I am, D[ear]. Sir,
Y[ou]r most obed.[ien]t serv.[an]t,
Ambrose
Weston.
Fenchurch Street,
26 June 1795.
* The
Affidavits may be useful for other purposes - therefore procure
all the information you can: and let the parties speak to
common Report if they cannot state the matters more accurately.
Let the Affidavits be separate i.e. put Matters of Fact in
one affid[avi]t & matters of Hearsay in another - so that we may use
one or both at discretion.
Mr. Thomas
Wilson,
Merchant, Truro.''
AD1583/8/34
Copy of letter from
Wilson to Carne
regarding Ding Dong Mine
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
27 Jun 1795
Endorsed:
''Copy of Letter to W[illia]m Carne June 27 1795''
''Truro June 7th 1795
Dear Sir
I have just rec[eive]d your favor of the 26th, Having
been informed by Mr Rogers & Murdock who were in your Neighbourhood
the 24th & saw Mr Bolitho; that there was some reason to expect an
application from Ding Dong Adv[enture]rs, to settle the Disputes now
at Issue, betwixt them & Boulton & Watt; I wrote the aforesaid
Gentlemen to know on what Terms I might make an Agreement, an answer
to which I expect on Monday Night. However I am fully of opinion
that no Terms will be accepted short of executing an Agreement to
pay the full premium of £10-17-3 Monthly, for so long as the Engine
may work, or till B&Ws patent expires, with all Costs that may have
been incurred, on Acc[oun]t of that Mine. I am astonished that you
should either for that Mine or any other expect to make such terms
as you now offer; after what has passed. I am at present laid fast
by the Gout, & from appearances shall not be able to get out very
soon. I think you may take it for granted that what I have mentioned
are the only terms which will be accepted to by B&W; you will
therefore consider whether, it will be more your Interest to accede
to them, Stop the Mine, or run the risk of incurring the Chancellors
displeasure by continuing to work on.
At the same time I am authorized in declaring that Boulton & Watt,
have not the least wish to Injure any Mine, but merely to defend
their just rights, by using such means as the Laws of their Country
will afford them. I am
Your very H[um]ble Ser[van]t
Tho[ma]s Wilson
If I find B&W will abate of the terms I have mentioned, you shall
hear from me, if you do not; you may take it for granted no less
terms will be accepted.''
AD1583/8/35
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
various legal matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
28 Jun 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt June 28th 1795.''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Heathfield
June 28th 1795
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
I have your late letters and am very glad
you have succeded so well in the aff[idavi]t may a proof of the
contempt will set Bull aside as prosecutor in the Scire facias
Should the writ at all pass as we hope it will not, & a proof of
perjury will knock his evidence up in any future proceedings in
Chancery - Could proof be obtained of his being supported in the
lawsuit by others, perjury w[oul]d appear.
Was your son present at the Poldice meeting and can he
make affidavit to what passed there if so let it be done, You know
the Injunction is obtained ag[ains]t Poldice & R.A.D[aniel]l put at
the head of the list of transgressors, if convicted that will
prevent his becoming prosecutor in the S[cire].F[acias].
We have written to Weston for advice in the Dingdong
affair. I fear we cannot Compromise it, but I suppose the
adv[enturer]s may plead ignorance, offer to pay us & inform who were
the transgressors & so get off themselves from their share of the
Contempt This however is only my own opinion of the matter I am glad
to hear Murdock & Rogers continue so zealous of hope in the end we
shall be able to gratify them with a triumph, I should have wrote
W.[illia]m myself but have had so much to do ever since I returned,
that I have not been able to overtake it. I have just finished a
reply to Bulls answer to the Bill against him which I think will
confirm the injunction instead of dissolving it.
I understand you have had a copy of Bulls answer sent
you & I hope your toe will permit you to give some help towards the
reply. Point out perjury if you can, It is an undigested mass of
repetitions of decided matter.
Wishing you quickly relieved from your present
affliction & that it may be for your good.
I remain with Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Wilson & family
Dear Sir
Your's sincerely
James Watt.''
AD1583/8/36
Letter, Boulton & Watt to
Wilson regarding
Herland, Wheal Treasury and Wheal Ann
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
29 Jun 1795
Endorsed:
''Boulton & Watt June 29th 1795.''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. Wilson
Truro
Soho 29th June 1795
Dear Sir
We are favoured with yours of the 25th & 26th Inst[an]t
the latter covering a Bill for £713.-.6 which is at your credit.
The Aff[idavi]ts of S. Vivian, W. Murdock & E. Rogers
are very satisfactory, but we think it would be a great addition if
you can procure the Affidavit of Godfrey to the facts he mentions.
We do not mean at present to publish the speeches of the
Judges, for the very reason you mention, that of the other party
intending so to do. We are persuaded they will misrepresent matters
and we shall reserve to ourselves the power of commenting upon their
blunders. -
The application from Herland was made through Mess[rs]
Fox Phillips & Fox desiring we would give up all the past until the
mine had paid up its costs and then they would enter into an
Agreement to pay some proportion in future. Our Answer of the 19th
June was as follows.
''It will always give us pain to refuse any request of yours, but we
find ourselves obliged to do so in the case of Herland. These
Gent[leme]n have first & last done every thing in
their power to injure us and therefore we can enter into no terms of
accomodation with them until they have done us Justice in respect to
the past. - In general those who in defiance, have erected Bull's
Engines and supported him in his aggressions must be denied when
they apply to our generosity.''
You will hence perceive that these Gent[leme]n are going
on without our consent and without having proposed any terms to
which they could think we would agree. Whatever becomes of the
Premium of Bull's Engine, we certainly can recover at Law the
Premium upon the other. In the present circumstances and their
preceding conduct you will see that we cannot give our consent to
any fresh erection, without an Agreement for the future & payment
for the past.
In respect to Wh[ea]l Treasury & Wh[ea]l Ann we abstain
from the latter on Account of the Messrs. Foxes, and we think upon
the whole, considering the advantages we have now gained, it is best
to concentrate our attack upon one or two points and chiefly against
those who have been in contempt, not forgetting the Def.[endan]t
Edward Bull. If we succeed in procuring him a berth in the Fleet,
the rest will follow with less difficulty.
Godfreys oath would be very important if he can be
induced to give it by fair means, but we suppose you are aware that
no reward must be given or promised. -
The obtaining the Scire facias is not so easy a matter
as they hold out. They must first convince the Attorney General &
the Chancellor of the legality of the measure which will be no easy
task, as we shall argue the point with both and also in the Kings
Bench before we suffer it to proceed to trial, saying nothing of a
variety of other stumbling blocks which we shall lay in their way.
Therefore be of good cheer and pay no attention to their ridiculous
bravados & assertions which must in the end turn against them.
We
remain
Yours sincerely
Boulton & Watt
P.S. We inclose
a letter to W[illiam]. Murdock, which bein[g os?]tensible, we
forbear touching upon any ot[her sub?]jects, trusting that you will
inform him of w[hat is?] going on.'' [part of the post script
removed by the envelope being originally opened]
AD1583/8/37
Letter,
Weston to Wilson
regarding engines at Balcoath and Ding Dong
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
29 Jun 1795
Endorsed:
''A Weston June 29th 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Tho[ma]s Wilson, Merchant, Truro''
''Tho[ma]s
Wilson Esq[uire]
Truro
Dear Sir
It is material & necessary that we should have some
Affidavits of indifferent Persons to confirm Mr. Watt's affidavit
that Bull's Engines at Balcoath [mine, Wendron] &c &c - are
constructed upon the same principle as Mr. Watt's.
Mr. Murdock and Mr. R[ichar]d Mitchell & Mr. Rogers can
I believe depose very fully to this point. Let their Dispositions be
separate; and also let them make one joint Affidavit - in
order that we may make use of such of them as shall be
judged proper.
Let each of these Witnesses state distinctly what they
severally know & have observed, in some Measure in their own words,
which will give the Affidavits the greater weight, as not appearing
to be dictated to them by anyone.
I understand the Adventurers in Ding Dong are humbled by
the Injunction, and I expect to hear from you upon that subject. I
also understand that Mr. Murdock & Mr. Rogers have procured some
information concerning Trevethic's connection with Bull. You said in
one of your Letters lately that Trevethic had got the Engine to
work, saying he was not subject to or under the Injunction, or
to that Effect -: if this can be sworn to, let it be done.
The above was
written yesterday -: I have today rece[ive]d yours of the 26th
instant, inclosing the affid[avit]s of Mr. Rogers & Mr. Murdock,
concerning which I will write to you tomorrow.
I am D[ear] Sir,
Y[ou]rs truly,
A.
Weston.
Fenchurch Street,
29 June 1795.
I think the
affidavit prepared by Mr Edwards is very material: but for an
attachment, we must have
Godfrey's
Affidavit, if he will make it, as no hearsay Evidence will answer
the purpose. - Simon Vivian's is not sufficient.
I think it would be useful to detach Godfrey from
Bull's source as he can probably disclose much of the
Practices of the Adversaries -: I mean if this can be done
Without Bribery, or any unfair means.
I think Godfrey must see that Bull is not likely to
employ him much longer: and it is time he should look for an
honester Employment, than pirating Patents, which may get
him into a scrape, in the End.
A W.
Report the Ding
Dong People to me; but hear what they have to say, &
report it with your observations.''
AD1583/8/38
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding Ding Dong Adventurers
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
30 Jun 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r June 30 [17]95''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr Wilson
Soho 30th June 1795
Dear Sir
Your sons letter of Wednesday Night is received, but we
have not time to reply at length, nor indeed can we speak positively
as to the conduct to be adopted with Ding dong Adve[nturer]s until
we hear from Mr. Weston to whom we have sent a Copy of your sons
letter and desired him to inform you what to do. In the mean time
our opinion is that you should say you have no powers to suspend the
serving of the Injunction, but let it take place, as we shall
be in a better state for treating afterwards. We have no particular
resentment against the Adv[enturer]s in this Mine and no objection
to the terms you mention, payment of full Costs to be taxed as
between Att[orne]y & Client & the Payment of a Monthly Premium, but
we do not know in how far an acquiescence of that kind may affect
our proceedings against Bull and therefore must take no steps
without Mr. Weston's advice. -
We shall wait with impatience for your letter of
tomorrow and in the mean time remain
Dear Sir
Your obed[ien]t Serv[an]ts
for B&W
J Watt Junior.
P.S. The
Chanc[ello]r has granted with Injunction against Poldice!!! -''
AD1583/8/39
Letter,
Weston to Wilson
regarding Affidavits
Item
2 attached folios
Manuscript
30 Jun 1795
Endorsed:
''A Weston June 30th [17]95''
''Mr. Thomas
Wilson, Truro, Cornwall
D[ea]r Sir,
There are two points to be principally attended to, and
that immediately.
1. To prove that Bull has personally
acted, in disobedience of the Injunction.
2. To prove that he has done so, by his
servants Agents or partners.
If we can prove either of these points, we shall have an
Injunction Attachment against him, - provided the proof is
strong & clear. If we fail in both these points, to
the extent of procuring an Attachment; yet, the proof may be,
perhaps, still sufficiently decisive, to continue the
Injunctions.
Tomorrow Sen night - Wednesday the 8th of July, is the
day on which our Success, or failure, in these points, must
be determined: - And this will depend upon the Affidavits we can
make in the mean time. -
I have prepared an affidavit for Mr Watt, on some
points, - and I hope to have Affidavits from your neighbours &c, on
others. -
I think the Affidavit of Simon Vivian will not be
sufficient to prove the Connection between Bull & Trevithick with
sufficient certainty to intitle us to an Attachment against
Bull; because his Affidavit is argumentative &
conjectural, namely ''that from the Circumstances now in
before stated the Deponent apprehends & verily believes
that the said R[ichar]d Trevithick was an agent or Partner of
or in some other manner connected with the said Edward Bull
as an Engineer, and in constructing Steam Engines.''
Mr. Murdock & Mr. Roger's Affidavits is more pointed,
but not sufficiently so - in words; though I think their
meaning is so. I have therefore re-worded their affidavit
& have added some things that I think they can of course swear to,
such as their being conversant in Steam Engines &c: - I
could have put these matters more strongly from what Mr. Murdock
deposed on the Trial in the Common Pleas, and from the Instructions
Mr. Rogers gave me as to his evidence before the Trial.
But I do not like to suggest matters for
Affidavits & therefore have confined the affidavit within the
strictest limits.
(See the inclosed
Paper [AD1583/40].)
If approved, this affidavit, may be resworn & sent to
me, as soon as possible.
It appears to me probable that Bull's interference
at Poldice Mine can be more distinctly & clearly proved than
at Ding Dong.
He seems to have been quite off his guard at the latter
Mine, - encouraged probably by the increasing hopes they have
recently entertained - that is before the dicision of the Judges
appeared. -
Simon Vivian in
his affidavit alludes strongly to ''a Steam Engine then & now
erecting - by the said Edward Bull
at Police Mine.''
If Vivian has seen this Poldice Engine - &
can describe it as materially & substantially the
same as those of Mr. Watt's construction according to the
Letters Patent [See Murdock & Rogers's Affid.t] [sic] and that Bull
is the acting Engineer either personally, or by evident
Agents & employment of others, as his servants, partners
or agents, - In that Case upon a strong Affidavit of the
Facts (not from Hearsay) we shall certainly have an
Attachment against Bull - and then I think we may laugh at
his Scire facias.
At all events let us have such Affidavits
as the Circumstances will warrant -: if they will not at
present procure an attachment they may continue the
injunction, which is the second object.
Qu[ery]. Can
Godfrey
know that he has acted as Servant to Bull personally
either at Ding Dong Engine or Poldice Engine, since the injunction.
- If so, you may assure yourself of the Injunction, continuing, &
probably the Attachments being issued - but this depends on the
strength & clearness of his deposition.
I think I know you so well, that it is quite needless to
caution you against letting an ignorant Man, such as Godfrey,
swear too roundly. Keep him within bounds, but at the same time take
Care that the Depositions come up to the real Facts, and that they
are positive where the Circumstances will admit of it.
The Poldice Injunction shall be sent tomorrow
or Thursday.
I hope this will produce a good Effect, at Poldice
- when they see the writ.
Mein: No Agreement is to be made with the Ding Dong Adventurers
without my knowledge. - Hear their Proposals & refer them to me.
I am Sincerely D[ear] Sir,
Y[ou]rs truly,
A Weston.
Fenchurch Street
30 June 1795.''
AD1583/8/40
Draft of amended Chancery Affidavit of
Rogers and
Murdock
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
30 Jun 1795
Endorsed:
''A Weston June 30th [17]95''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Merchant, Truro, Cornwall''
''In Chancery
Between
Matthew Boulton & James Watt, Complainants
and
Edward
Bull, Defendant –
Edward Rogers of the Parish of Feock in the county of Cornwall Miner
and William Murdock of the Parish of Redruth in the said County
Engineer severally make Oath and say That on Wednesday the twenty
fourth day of June instant they went together to Ding Dong Mine in
the Parish of Gulval in the County of Cornwall on which said Mine a
Steam Fire Engine hath been lately erected and viewed the said
Engine And That these Deponents then and there saw the said Engine
at work, and that they were then informed by Andrew Stevens an
Adventurer in the said Mine and also the Manager thereof that after
the Injunction was granted in this cause Richard Trevithick the
Younger of the Parish of Camborne in the said County Engineer
compleated and finished the said Engine The same having been
begun and in Part constructed by the said Defendant Edward Bull
before the said Injunction was granted 'As these Dep[onen]ts
understood from the said Edw[ar]d Step' And the said
Andrew Stevens further informed these Deponents that soon after the
Opinions of the Judges of his Majesty's Court of Common Pleas at
Westminster were given in the cause there depending between the
Complainants and the Defendant in this cause the said Richard
Trevithick the Younger came to the said Mine and set the said Engine
to work which these Deponents severally believe to be true And these
Deponents further say that they were then and there also informed by
the said Andrew Stevens that he always understood that the
said Richard Trevithick and Edward Bull to be Partners meaning as
these Deponents understood and verily believe that they were and
for a long time had been Partners as Engineers and in erecting
and constructing Steam or Fire Engines
And both these deponents verily believe that the said Edward Bull
and Richard Trevithick the Younger were and are such Partners and
that the said Edward Bull was privy and assenting to the finishing
of the said Engine at Ding Dong Mine by the said Richard Trevithick
the Younger and was as these Deponents also believe concerned
therein with the said Richard Trevithick the Younger as a Partner in
Trade And these Deponents further say that the said Steam Fire
Engine at Ding Dong Mine is constructed according to the Plan and
Principles described in the Specification of the Plaintiff James
Watt's Invention and doth not substantially or materially differ
therefrom and is also constructed upon the same Plan and Principles
as the Engine on Balcoath Mine was constructed as to which a Verdict
was obtained by the said Complainants in this cause against the said
Edward Bull before the Lord Chief Justice of the said Court of
Common Pleas in the Year one thousand and seven hundred and ninety
three in the said Cause depending in the said Court of Common Pleas
as aforesaid And both these Deponents say that they severally are
and for many Years have been conversant in and acquainted with the
Construction of Steam Fire Engines.''
AD1583/8/41
Letter,
Weston to Messrs
Edwards regarding Injunction against Poldice Mine
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
1 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
''A. Weston July 1st [17]95''
Addressed to: ''Messrs Edwards, Attornies, Truro, Cornwall''
''Gentlemen
By
the Coach of this Day we shall send you an inj[uncti]on against
Poldice mine, as to the Engine which the adv[enture]rs are erecting
there - which we request you will serve on Mr. Daniell & Mr. John
Martin and favour us with an affidavit of Services.
We are Gentlemen,
Your most obed[ien]t Se[rvant]s
A J & G Weston.
Fenchurch Street
1 July 1795.''
AD1583/8/42
Letter,
Weston to Wilson
regarding Affidavits
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
1 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
''A Weston July 1st [17]95''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Merchant, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr Tho[ma]s
Wilson,
Truro, Cornwall.
Dear Sir,
I have rec[eiv]ed y[ou]rs of the 28th Ult[imo]:- with
the affidavits of Vivian, Rogers & Murdock (Duplicates the Cause
ag[ains]t Oxnam). - We shall not want any more affidavits in
that Cause except as below.
I wrote you fully yesterday to which I refer. I expect
to send the injunction ag[ains]t Poldice this day.
I think Bolitho's declaration very material, and should
be glad to have an affid[avi]t of the Facts, that is, of Bolitho's
declaring so, & that the Deponent believes the same to be true. -
The Affidavit to be intitled in the Cause ''Boulton and Watt v
Bull''. And let me have a Duplicate in the Cause Boulton v Oxnam.
I am anxious to know what Godfrey will swear. We shall
not have an Attachment without a positive Affidavit. However
I will certainly take the Chance of moving it upon such Affid[avi]ts
as the Case admits of. - The Court is strongly with us, & I
think will be more so, when Bull's Answer in the Cause is
considered. - It is evidently untrue.
I am D[ea]r Sir,
Y[ou]rs truly,
A
Weston.
Fenchurch Street,
1. July 1795.
[marginal] If
anything occurs which you or Mr. Edwards think material, let it be
stated in an Affidavit without waiting to inquire whether it should
be done. Time presses.''
AD1583/8/43
Letter,
Weston to Wilson
regarding Rogers and Murdock's Affidavit
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
1 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
''A Weston July 1st 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Merchant, Truro, Cornwall.''
''Thomas Wilson,
Esq[uire].
Dear Sir,
In addition to what I said in my Letter of yesterday's
Date, & my other Letter of this date, I have only to say that if Mr.
Rogers & Mr. Murdock do not believe that Bull was privy
& assenting to the setting of the Ding Dong Engine to work,
by Trevithick, they will of course decline to swear to it, as well
as to any other part of the affidavit which they do not approve.
What I sent yesterday was only to direct as to Matter of Form.
- The Substance must be their own, & such as they can
honestly & truly swear to. -
I am D[ea]r Sir, y[ou]rs truly,
A Weston.
Fenchurch Street,
1. July 1795.''
AD1583/8/44
Letter,
Weston to Wilson
regarding Affidavits
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
2 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
“A Weston July 2nd 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Merchant, Truro, Cornwall.''
''Mr Thomas
Wilson,
Merchant, Truro.
Dear Sir,
I wrote you two Letters yesterday - I have nearly
exhausted the subject of giving Directions about the measures to be
pursued to procure an attachment against Bull. - However, I think it
not amiss to add that it may without difficulty (I conceive) be
proved that Bull undertook to execute & has acted in the Execution
of the Double Engine for Poldice, or at least that the order
was given by the Adventurers that Bull should be desired to erect it
(that appears on their books) and that Trevithick, at least,
has acted towards the Execution of it. - Upon looking again at
Vivian's affidavit, I see that he mentions that both Bull &
Trevithick were busily employed about the Drawings of Poldice Engine
- that he has seen them so employed - he does not say what that
engine is. Mr. Watt shewed me when in Town a Copy which Murdock
procured of the Drawings of the Poldice Engine & said that these
Drawings appeared to be copied (with Variations) from some Engine of
Mr. Watt's Construction. Let these Facts be put into an affidavit -
in the Cause Boulton v Bull.
I am your's sincerely,
A
Weston. } Please to turn over
P.S. We have
till Friday sennight (instead of the day I ment[ione]d
before) to shew cause ag[ains]t dissolving the Injunction.
[next page]
D[ea]r Sir,
I observe in
your Letter of the 28th Ult[im]o you state Bolitho's words thus
''Bolitho said that the Adventurers had nothing to do with it -
only Bull-; for that his Agent had got the Engine to work
without their knowledge & consent''. This, as I said before is what
should be sworn to -. And it will more surely procure the
Attachment to show that Trevethick was Bull's Agent rather
than his Partner. -
If he was his Partner the Chancellor may perhaps
consider that Trevithick acted of his own authority,
without orders from Bull & the acts of one Partner will not
subject another to Punishment but the acts of an Agent will,
because the Acts of the agent are the Acts of the principal.
As soon as I
have got all the Affidavits in Boulton & Bull, - I shall point out
what affidavits we shall want in Boulton & Oxnam. -
Please to desire Mr. Edwards to cause Copies to be made
of the Poldice Injunction to be served on the Manager of that mine,
and on the principal Adventurers besides Daniell & Martin who have
actively opposed B&W in order that they may not plead Ignorance & I
request you would name these persons to me in order that they may be
included in a further Injunction to be obtained, if necessary.
The Injunction ag[ains]t Ding Dong was put to All
Between the 20th of June -; & it appears from Mr Rogers & Mr
Murdock's Affidavit that they saw the Engine at work 4 days after
the 24th - Qu[estion] whether the Injunction had been served in the
meantime [Let that?] be inquired into - and whether it cont[inued?].
I observe the Injunction was not se[rved on?] Bull & the
adventurers in Ding Dong 'till the 27th ult[im]o: Qu[estion]: Have
they left off working the Engine, & when did they cease. If they
continue it now, we shall have an attachment against Bolitho & the
rest of them, upon a proper affidavit of the Facts. But I suppose
they can not be so absurd as to continue the Engine's working.
You must make no Terms with them. Let them come before
the Chancellor & settle the matter with him, whose authority they
have contemned.
I am D[ea]r Sir Y[ou]rs,
A Weston.
Fenchurch street
2nd July 1795''
AD1583/8/45
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
Herland Mine, Gwinear
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
2 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt July 2nd 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Birm[ingha]m July 2[n]d 1795
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
Yours of 29th at hand, we shall make the
best use we can of the affidavits you have sent us, at any rate the
bill will oblige the adv[enture]rs and Bull to declare who finished
the engine & set it to work. You do not say whether the injunction
has been served - We do not differ materialy from you in respect to
Herland & had they made a more rational proposal we might have done
so too.
I fancy you have forgot their infamous behaviour at the
first erection of the Engine which was downright swindling & also
their applying to Bull in contempt, whether they have subscribed to
support him or not I do not recollect; but if they have it is the
same thing as having gone to law with us in their proper persons if
not worse.~
Were we too easy after such behaviour, it would
be made precedent as to our disadvantage with others. Nevertheless
we are disposed on acc[oun]t of our friends to admit of your
mediation; but it must be something better than you mention that we
will accept of. We think however that proposals should come from
them, You may however say that if they have any thing to propose
that you can set your face to, you will mediate.
For my own part I declare that were none of our friends
concerned, the stoppage of the mine would need make me relent, even
at the risque of the loss of the whole money due us, Examples of
severity must be made levity & generosity have been tried much too
long. Yet I doubt when it comes to the bit, you will plead even for
those mines you reprobate, some of the parties in which deserve
hanging. We have no answer from Weston yet about Ding dong that
affair must therefore stand as it does till we do here, being as Mr
Carne justly states an affair of little consequence as to the money
matter.
Hopeing you are getting quit of your gout.
I remain Dear Sir,
Your's sincerely,
James Watt
I write only my
own sentiments but expect Mr B[oulton] will agree to them.''
AD1583/8/46
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding Injunctions against Poldice Adventurers
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
2 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt Jun[ior] July 2nd 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. Wilson,
Truro. -
Soho 2nd July 1795. -
Dear Sir
We are favoured with yours of the 27th Ins[tan]t. and
approve much of your Answer to Carne, which coincides with our
Sentiments as expressed in our two last. We have as yet no Answer to
our letter to Weston, therefore can say no more about Dingdong but
to recommend to you to adhere to our former directions. -
With respect to Poldice, you are right to select Messrs
Daniell and Martyn, but do not omit to include the Agent of the Mine
whosoever he be, and any other of the Adv'[enture]rs who have been
particularly active in supporting Bull. - But be sure you serve
Daniell, Martyn & the Agent first and without Delay. -
We hope these Injunctions will chase away your Gout, if
they do not we will apply to the Chancellor for a special one for
that purpose.
Yours
sincerely
J Watt Jun[io]r -''
AD1583/8/47
Letter,
Weston to Wilson
regarding further Affidavit of William Murdock
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
3 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
''A J & G Weston July 3[r]d 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Merchant, Truro, Cornwall''
''Dear Sir,
I
have rec[eive]d your favour of the 30th Ult[imo], & I request that
if Mr. Murdock makes any affid[avi]t about Bull's ignorance of
Mechanics before he came into Mr. Watt's Service, that it may be a
separate affidavit. I do not think that Point is very
material at present. - I think it is plain enough that he was
ignorant. - He admits he began with them as a Fire Stoker - the
Chancellor therefore will not think it likely that he was a great
Engineer at the time.
I think your Affidavit may be useful as to what
Mr. Daniell & Mr. George Fox told you concerning monies having been
charged to defray the Law Expences.
I am sorry the Gout confines you. -
I am D[ea]r Sir,
Y[ou]rs sincerely,
A
Weston.
Fenchurch
Street,
3 July 1795''
AD1583/8/48
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding purported perjury in Bull's Answer
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
3 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt Jun[io]r July 3 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. Wilson
Truro.
Soho July 3rd 1795
Dear Sir,
We are favoured with yours of the 30th Ult[im]o and
refer to ours of yesterday and the preceding day. No doubt there are
many Counts of Perjury in Bull's Answer, some of which we hope to
substantiate. Your oath as to the points you mention will certainly
be of use, although not positive in respect to proving the facts. If
you could get any of the Adv[enture]rs to swear to the entry in the
books, or any other person who had seen it, or if you or your Son
could procure a sight of it at one or more mine we conceive such
oath would go to the full conviction of this scoundrel. - I remember
your mentioning the above circumstances in conversation, but have no
recollection of any letter to that purpose; however I shall look
your correspondence over. I wonder that this circumstance and that
of your not having Copy of your son's letter does not suggest the
utility and the necessity of employing a Copying Machine. -
On the other side is a Copy of your Son's letter. I have
put into Italics the part which should be comprehended in his
Aff[idavi]t [see underlined section below]. - You will be pleased to
tell W[illiam]. Murdock that Mr. Weston will send him down the form
of an affidavit for him to swear to, respecting the drawings of the
new Engine upon Poldice.
In your letter of the 7th March [17]95, you say that you
found the Purser of Poldice writing to inform the Adventurers that
Bull had ordered the Castings at Coalbrookedale. Can you insert a
Copy of that letter in your Aff[idavi]t. Can you also swear, or can
you get any body else to swear that Bull was seen setting out the
Engine house or otherwise active about the Engine? -
We are somewhat pressed for time & have only to add that we beg you
will keep up your spirits as things are now drawing near to a
crisis, which you must accelerate.
Yours
most sincerely
James Watt Jun[io]r
[next page]
Copy
Truro 12 June 1795
Gent[leme]n
My father not being at home, I beg leave to inform you
that yesterday a Meeting of the Poldice Adv'[enture]rs was held in
this town, where I attended for my father, and where it was
resolved, that your names shall still be inverted in the Books
and that you shall be looked on as Adv[enture]rs, until you pay up
your Cost, this I thought proper to acquaint you of. Mr. Tremayne
said; you had been irritated enough already, & he was of the
opinion, that you should be admitted to give up your shares on the
Conditions proposed by my father, but was over ruled by the others.
Mr Weston's letter to the Adv'[enture]rs was read and I think
frightened some of them very much, who wanted Bull & his friends to
indemnify them against your proceedings; the latter laughed at them
and said the Chancellor would not grant an Injunction against the
Mine and that Mr. Weston's letter should be looked upon as a threat
which would never be put into execution. P.S. Mr. Daniell was not
present,
Mr. Tremayne
sent for him several times, but he would not be seen.}
I remain
&c
W. W.''
AD1583/8/49
Letter,
Weston to Wilson
regarding evidence given by Mr Godfrey
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
4 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
''A Weston July 4 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Merchant, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. Thomas
Wilson - Truro.
Dear Sir,
You
say Godfrey cannot be easily detached, but you fear it would not
answer much purpose, as he can only speak of what he has heard
Trevithick say, even own if he was willing. If this would do,
you say you would again send E. Rogers to him. I cannot judge
whether it would do or not, without knowing what he would
declare as said by
Trevithick.
The declarations of Bull's agent - if Trevithick is such,
might be very material, if the substance is material. I think
the court would expect Bull to answer the allegation. -
I am, D[ear] Sir,
Y[ou]rs truly,
A Weston.
Fenchurch Street,
4 July 1795.''
AD1583/8/50
Letter,
Weston to Wilson
regarding Mr Mitchell's position with United Mines, Gwennap
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
5 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
''A Weston July 5 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Tho[ma]s Wilson, Merchant, Truro, Cornwall''
''D[ear] Sir,
I
omitted in the inclosed to say that I particularly wish not to get
Michell into any scrape with the Adv[enture]rs in United
Mines, his Employers. If he should make any Affid[avi]t let it be
seperate from the Mens, in order that we may make use of it, or not,
as shall appear best.
Y[ou]rs,
A Weston,
5 July 1795''
AD1583/8/51
Letter,
Weston to Wilson
regarding various Affidavits
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
6 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
''A J & G Weston July 6 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Merchant, Truro, Cornwall''
Mr. Tho[ma]s
Wilson.
D[ea]r Sir,
I
have rec'[eiv]ed the Affidavits - which I approve. I think I shall
not have occasion to let Mr. Mitchell appear - and I hope not
Vivian. Lander's Affid[avi]t is very material.
I wish only to have one other Affid[avi]t. Viz. One from
Mr. Murdock concerning the Drawings of the Poldice Engine, to prove
that they are copied (in his belief) from one Mr. Watt's
Engines, - erected upon the Plan of his Invention described in his
Specification. - Note; Mr. Watt has several Specifications - the
Affidavits should refer to the Specification contained in the Act of
Parliament, or to the Specification mentioned in the pleadings in
this Cause.
I am D[ea]r Sir
Y[ou]rs,
A
Weston.
Fenchurch Street,
6 June July 1795.-''
AD1583/8/52
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding plans of engine at Poldice Mine, Gwennap
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
8 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt Jun[io]r July 8 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
Mr. Wilson
Truro
Soho 8th July 1795
Dear Sir
Your two favours of the 5th Ins[tan]t are before me, but
my father being much indisposed with a headach, I shall only reply
cursorily to the material points, referring you for farther
intelligence to our letter of tomorrow.
It does appear essential that Murdocks drawings should
be produced in Chancery. I think it will be sufficient if he makes
an Aff[idavi]t in the style of Landon's, relating what passed when
he called at the Mine to see Bulls drawings & the proof that he has
that these drawings were by Bull. He may then add ''that these
drawings were upon the Plan or Principles of the Complainant J[ames]
W[att]'s Invention mentioned in the Pleadings in this cause (or in
the said J[ames] W[att]'s specification ) with other Inventions and
Improvements of the said J[ames] W[att]'s added thereto to make the
said Engine work double. - And that he did then and there make an
accurate copy of the said Drawings and of the writing upon the said
drawing, which Copy he delivered to you and which to the best of his
knowledge and belief was an exact imitation and transcript of the
said drawing and writing thereon. - This latter part we can use or
not, as Weston may judge proper.
I have been from home for these two days which prevents
my speaking positively about the letters you wish to be referred to,
but I will dedicate this afternoon entirely to their perusal &
tomorrow, you shall know the result. -
Your Sons Aff[idavi]t is very important and must by no
means be neglected. -
With respect to Herland, my father was far from wishing
to blame you for interfering in their behalf, as he will always be
glad to hear whatever can be said in mitigation of the conduct of
the recusant Adv'[enture]rs, but at the same time he cannot help
conforming his proceedings against that mine to their behaviour
towards us, of which as yet they have given no symptoms of
Amendment. Murdock's & your Sons Aff[idavi]ts may be sent to Weston
immediately yours may wait, until you have ours of tomorrow. -
I remain Dear Sir
Most sincerely yours
J
Watt Junior. -
P.S. Mr.
Southern & myself have seen the materials of Bulls Engine at
Coalbrookedale and can swear to their similarity to the Drawing and
to their being parts of an Engine which is upon our Principles.-''
AD1583/8/53
Letter,
Weston to Wilson
regarding William Murdock's evidence
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
8 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
''Mr Weston July 8 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Merch[an]t, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. Thomas
Wilson,
Truro.
D[ea]r Sir,
I
have rec[eive]d yours of the fifth, and shall expect to receive
Murdocks affid[avi]t as to the Drawings of Poldice Engine, and
your's as to the Resolutions of the adventurers to employ Bull to
erect the Engine. - I hope you understand the import of all my
letters upon the subject of the Affidavits to be that great Caution
was to be used that the witnesses should say nothing that was not
strictly true, according to their knowledge or belief. I do not want
Murdock to swear to Bull's ignorance when he came into B&W's Service
(though he did swear to the effect that he was ignorant, at that
time; I mean to allude to Mr. Murdock's Evidence upon the Trial in
C[ommon]. Pleas) neither do I want to prosecute Bull for Perjury,
nor should I willingly let B&W - institute any such
prosecution against him. I can however show clearly out of his
own Affidavits & Proceedings that the story told by him about
his Engine is not true: and this I hope will be made appear
to the Lord Chancellor, without any affidavit but his own & his
Letter to Messrs B&W, which two instruments are not to be
reconciled.
I think the injunction ag[ains]t Poldice will
answer the purpose very well - and if you find them proceeding to
compleat the Engine, send me an affidavit, or at least notice
of the Fact.
I am
D[ea]r Sir,
Y[ou]r most obed[ien]t serv[an]t,
A Weston.
Fenchurch Street,
8 July 1795.
I think the Case
of the Libel alluded to by Mr. Edwards - which I take to be
Barclay
v Robertson, is not similar to that of Trevithick's acting as a
Partner for himself & Bull. However, there appears to be pretty
good Evidence in the affid[avi]ts that Bull has acted personally.
- But, as an Attachment is a strong measure, the Chancellor may
possibly let him escape. The Question whether the Scire facias
is to issue will come before the Chancellor.''
AD1583/8/54
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding Affidavits concerning engines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
9 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt Jun[io]r July 9 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. Wilson
Truro
Soho 9th July 1795
Dear Sir
I refer you to mine of yesterday and have since then
received yours of the 6th Inst[an]t with copies of your, your Son's
and W[illiam]. Murdock's Aff[idavi]ts in the Cause of Poldice. The
two first are compleat, the latter may perhaps be mended from the
hints I gave you yesterday. The aff[idavi]t does not prove the
drawings to be by Bull, neither does Landons amount positively to
that. Can William swear that the drawings, or the writing upon the
drawings was either by Bull or Trevithick? If not can he swear that
he verily believes they were by one or the other of them? - After
reciting that the said drawings were upon the principles described
in the Specification of the said J[ames]. W[att]. in the
pleadings in this cause mentioned and also upon the plan &
principles of a certain other Steam Engine erected by the said
Defendant Edward Bull on Balcoath Mine as to which said last
mentioned Engine a Verdict was obtained against the said Edward Bull
before the Lord C[hief]. J[ustice]. of the C[ommon]. P[leas]. at
Westminster he may add with sundry other improvements and
Inventions of the said J[ames].W[att]. added thereto to make the
said engine work double. - And this deponent further saith that
he did then and there make Accurate copies of the said drawings and
of the written dimensions and other writing thereon, which copies he
delivered into the hands of Thomas Wilson of Truro agent to this
Complainant to be by him conveyed to the said J[ames].W[att]. the
complainant in this cause. -
If the Aff[idavi]t can be improved in these points, it
will be very material, if not in all, he must make the best of it he
can. I have written to Weston that he would send another. -
I have looked over your Correspondence for Daniell &
Fox's Assertions, but find nothing of it. I do not believe you ever
wrote an Account of it, but I will remember your mentioning it to
me. I think upon my return from abroad in January or Feb[ruar]y
1794. I am certain you confirmed this when last in town, say in May
[17]95.
In your letter of the 14th Sep[tembe]r 1793, you say ''
I hear very little of the enemy, only that Bull's Expence has been
paid, amounting to £500, but by whom is a secret''. -
In the latter end of April 1794 you offered to take the Oath that
Daniell had said that part of Bulls Expences was charged upon the
books of the United Mines; but you did not say when he had so told
you, nor is any mention made of Mr. Fox. - You will find some
letters from my father & Mr. Weston to you upon that subject in the
begining of May 1794. - If this does not refresh your memory, I am
afraid we must abandon our hopes from that quarter, but I still
repeat, that if such information can be obtained from the
Adv[enture]rs, Pursers or others upon any of the Recusant Mines
(and it certainly can be no secret) it will be of the last
importance, as it will convict the scoundrel Bull of direct
Perjury. My father is still indifferent and I am Dear Sir
Yours most sincerely
J Watt Jun[io]r. -''
AD1583/8/55
Letter,
Weston to Wilson
regarding receipt of the Affidavits
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
9 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
''A J & E Weston July 9th 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Tho[ma]s Wilson, Merchant, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. Tho[ma]s
Wilson
D[ea]r Sir,
I
have rec[eiv]ed yours of the 6th instant - with Mr. Murdock's
affidavit concerning the Drawings of the Poldice Engine, your own
concerning the Poldice Resolutions to employ Bull, and your Son's in
Relation to what passed at the Meeting of the Adventurers when
our Letter was read. The two first I shall use, the last I shall
keep by me - not thinking it absolutely necessary, and being
unwilling to make you & your Family more unpopular than you
are already.
- I know your situation is uncomfortable, & that you have many
Enemies. For a similar Reason I shall not use Mitchell's Affidavit.
- Simon Vivian's - I shall employ.
I am, Sir, y[ou]r
most obed[ien]t Serv[an]t,
Ambrose
Weston.
Fenchurch Street,
9 July 1795.''
AD1583/8/56
Letter,
Weston to Wilson
regarding adjournment of the case
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
10 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
''A Weston July 10th [17]95''
Addressed to: ''Tho[ma]s Wilson Esq[uire], Merchant, Truro,
Cornwall''
''Mr. Tho[ma]s
Wilson.
Dear Sir,
The motion for the Injunction's being dissolved which
was to have come on this Day was impeded by our Affid[avi]ts filed
with a View to the Commitment of Bull, and on that account, the
motion was adjuorned to Monday Sen night, on w[hi]ch Day our Motion
for the Commitment will be ripe for hearing, - if Mr. Edwards in the
meantime succeeds in serving Bull personally with our Notice. - We
think he cannot fail in that point, but if he should, we shall still
hope the Motion may be made, as it seemed to be understood today
that both the motions are to come on together, - and at all Events,
we shall be able, I think to postpone their Motion for the
Dissolution of the Injunction, - especially if it appears at all
probable that Bull keeps out of the Way to avoid receiving the
notice of which we should have an affidavit if the Case is so.
I am
D[ea]r Sir yours sincerely,
A Weston.
10 July 1795.''
AD1583/8/57
Letter, Carne to
Wilson regarding
stopping the engine at Ding Dong Mine
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
10 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
''Will[ia]m Carne July 10 [17]95''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro''
''Penzance 10 July 1795.
Dear Sirs,
I informed Martin Wilson at the Ticketting that we had
Stoped Ding Dong Engine we had some Conversation Respecting Herland
- the Situation of the Mine - I Presume you are not fully
Acquainted with. We have Already Collected £11820 Cost. The Book is
now £2145 in Dept to me. we have not paid our Cost for the Last 6
M[ont]hs. I must now build another Engine. (which I suppose will
Cost £2500.) as Cannot work another Winter - the Lords have Reduced
the Dish from 1/18 to 1/36 at Least for 2 Years: or untill the
Adventurers Realise [?] £1500 from the Abatement. now weigh all
these Matters & Consider under these Circumstances what its in our
Power to do - W[ith?] this - Many of our [?] Adventurers (I think)
will have no Objections to come forward with - probably you will be
to the Wherry Acc[oun]t on Wednesday. Let nothing Transpire of what
I say to you on the subject. -
I Remain Yours Sinc[ere]ly,
Will[ia]m Carne''
AD1583/8/58
Letter,
Weston to Wilson
regarding Bull's connection with the Cornish Adventurers
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
13 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
''Messrs Weston July 13 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Tho[ma]s Wilson, Merch[an]t, Truro,
Cornwall.''
''Tho[ma]s
Wilson Esq[ui]re.
D[ea]r Sir,
Y[ou]r Letter of the 10th instant, & it's inclosures &c - are duly
rece[ive]d. I conceive it will appear upon a careful investigation,
that you have left little or nothing further to add, except what you
promise - namely an account of Bull's Connection with the Cornish
Adventurers. I am glad Bull has been served with the notice.
I am D[ea]r Sir Y[ou]rs Sincerely,
A Weston.
13 July 1795''.
AD1583/8/59
Letter, Southern to
Wilson regarding
North Downs drawings for Mr Murdock
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
15 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
''Mr Southern July 15 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr Tho[ma]s
Wilson
Soho 15 July 1795
Dear Sir
By this day's coach we send directed to your
care a parcel for Mr [William] Murdock, which you will please to
send to him - They are North Downs Drawings.
I am Dear Sir
Your obed[ien]t Servant
John Southern.''
AD1583/8/60
Letter,
Weston to Wilson
regarding serving of the Injunction against Poldice
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
17 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
''A Weston 17 July 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, Merch[an]t, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. Thomas
Wilson,
Merchant, Truro, Cornwall.
Dear Sir,
I
received yesterday your favour of the 13th instant with the Reasons
for supposing that Bull is supported with money by the Cornish
Mines. -
I observe the Poldice Injunction was served the 13th : I
hope to receive in a few Days the writ & an affid[avit] from Mr.
Edwards.
I am, D[ea]r Sir,
Y[ou]rs
sincerely,
A Weston.
Fenchurch
Street,
17 July 1795.''
AD1583/8/61
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding Wilson's journey and the Case against Bull
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
19 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r July 19 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall.''
''Mr. Wilson
Truro
Soho 19th July 1795
Dear Sir
We are favoured with your esteemed of the 12th 13th &
15th Inst[an]t, with your and Mr Mitchels History of the
Introduction and Progress of our Engines in Cornwall, and are much
obliged to you both for the trouble you have taken. We believe you
may now begin your Journey with a clear conscience, as we do not
know that you can be wanted for any thing farther; we shall
therefore expect to have the pleasure of seeing you here with your
Son, as soon as you can make it convenient. - We have no news from
Mr. Weston; we still hope to get Bull committed, unless he escapes
by perjury. But if he is not committed, we expect he will at least
be obliged to give security for his future conduct.
Weston in his last letter says, he thinks it not
improbable that Bull's Counsel if they find themselves hard pressed,
will on Monday desire further time to answer our Affidavits. In that
case it is possible he may want your further assistance, please
therefore to let your Son open any letters from him which may come
in your absence, and if he can, execute the Contents, let him do it;
if not, you will of course furnish him with a direction where to
forward the letters to. -
Wishing you a pleasant Journey
I remain
Dear Sir
Yours most sincerely
Ja[me]s
Watt Jun[io]r.''
AD1583/8/62
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
Simon Vivian's position
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
20 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt July 20 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Birm[ingha]m
July 20th 1795
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir /
May confusion on their Banners wait! - we
have yours of the 16th from the acc[oun]t of this tryal there must
have been some Juggling in the former - I think with you that our
friends sh[oul]d attend no more trials of pirated Engines - We shall
find employment for Simon Vivian not to his loss - He should
immediately make affidavit of the threats used ag[ains]t him (in the
Cause Boulton v. Bull in Chancery) & send it Mr Weston - I have got
copy of their affidavits which are filled with most impudent &
malicious falsehoods - Old Trevethick maintains his malice to the
last - The past goes I have no time to lose
Yours
James Watt
P.S. I wrote to
you yesterday. You see that both Bull & Trevithick give you all the
lies, but particularly to Simon Vivian. Tell him however not to mind
their damned impertinence. They have forsworn themselves out & out
and I hope before long, we shall give a good account of the rascals.
I hope Vivian will exert himself to get more information about the
Partnership between Bull & Trevithick. They are both done for if we
can prove that point. S. Vivian at all events shall be properly
provided for, but he may be of use in Cornwall yet. I have no time
to say more. -''
AD1583/8/63
Letter,
Weston to Wilson
regarding the Case against Bull
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
20 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
''A J & G Weston 20 July 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro''
''Mr. Tho[ma]s
Wilson,
Truro,
D[ea]r Sir,
The
motion of Bull's Counsel to dissolve the Injunction came on this
morning, and was peremptorily refused: so that the
Injunction continues.
The Motion for Bull's Commitment stands over to the 29th
instant, by consent. We are to strengthen our case, if we can, in
the meantime. Our affidavits are thought by our Counsel not
sufficiently positive. I am afraid there is no Reason to hope that
we shall procure any more information. -
However, that your inquiries may be properly directed, I shall send
you by this Coach this Ev[enin]g - one of our Briefs in which
Bull's &
Trevithick's
affidavits are stated.
I am Sir Your most
obed[ien]t Ser[van]t,
A
Weston.
Fenchurch Street,
20 July 1795''.
AD1583/8/64
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
Simon Vivian's position
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
21 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r 21 July 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. Wilson
Truro
Soho 21st July 1795
Dear Sir
We have your favour of the 18th which is answered by
ours of yesterday. -
We feel ourselves under greater obligations to all our
friends than it is in our power to express, for the zeal, ability
and friendship as well as firmness, with which they have supported
our cause, and though we are prevented from shewing our gratitude in
any other way, there is no law can prevent us from saying that none
of those who have stood our friends shall be losers for maintaining
with intrepidity what they knew to be the truth, and we desire you
will not suffer any of our allies to have a doubt upon this
subject. -
As to our good friend S. Vivian, let him insert in the
Affidavit he is to make out, the threats of the different Captains
&c without naming them and let him say that he fears that in
consequence of these threats it is become unsafe for him to remain
in the county. This will pave the way for his leaving it, otherwise
they will say that we had bribed him to what he had sworn. I think
he may, (if he has fortitude enough), still render us essential
services, in the County; and it is now his interest as much as ours
to procure additional proofs of the partnership between Bull and
Trevithick. It is better he should actually be turned out of employ
by the Captains &c., than that he should leave them voluntarily. But
in this we do not mean to prescribe any rule to him; if he cannot
without fear of his life, remain in the County, let him come here
with his wife & family in God's name. He shall at least be as well
off as in Cornwall and may eat his bread in chearfulness and
security - If S. Vivian has been threatened by Trevethick or Bull I
think he should insert that in his affidavit, naming them, & the
words they said adding on to that effect, and saying that the
Captains of such & such mines, naming the mines, have threatened to
deprive him of his employment. What has passed yesterday we know not
yet but expect that they would beg more time, & that the decision
may be put off until the 29th - If S. V[ivia]n is certain that it
was Trevethick not Bull, who delivered him the drawings he mentioned
I think it may be repeated, otherwise he should explain it or enable
us to do so. The other party should know that they had better not
begin on the perjury account lest their own hands should not be
found clean.
My health is again tolerable, but I am not very alert, I
hope you feel stout.
If there were any witnesses present when S. V.
rec[eive]d the drawings their affidavits should be taken if
favourable & sent up immediately. I think at any rate they cannot
convict him of perjury because a mans memory may deceive him as to a
particular transaction, of that kind, especially when B[ull] &
T[revithick] were both giving him orders.
I remain Yours &c
J Watt''
AD1583/8/65
Letter, Watt to
Wilson regarding
the evidence of Simon Vivian
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
23 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
Ja[me]s Watt July 23 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Soho July 23rd 1795
Mr Wilson /
Dear Sir
Mr Weston has informed you that the
injunction ag[ains]t Bull has been rendered permanent but that the
motion on the Commitment is put off till ye 29th & that he wants
some amendments to the affidavits. It has occurred to me that if by
any transaction after the injunction & more especially since the
setting Dingdong to work a connection could be proved between
Trevethick & Bull it would go far to prove the contempt.
Trevethick's, Bulls & the Capt[ain]s threats ag[ains]t Simon Vivian
seem also material.
Can Lander swear that the drawings, copied by Murdock at
Poldice were those Bull directed him to follow, or that He (B[ull])
said they were the drawings of the Engine.
Bull & Trevethick do not deny the main facts that
S[imon]. V[ivian]. states, vizt. that T[revithick]. came often there
as B[ull]s agent or servant & that he saw T[revithick]. making
drawings of Poldice Engine & Crenver [mine, Crowan] Boiler.
S[imon].V[ivian]. may be mistaken in the drawings mentioned being
for Wheal Anne, yet drawings for some similar goods may have been
delivered to him by T[revithick]. - In any such case I apprehend the
law would hold that S[imon]. V[ivian]. might be mistaken & it is
certainly far from wilful & Corrupt perjury - I remain
D[ea]r Sir
Yours sincerely
James Watt
P.S. We think
that Murdock and all our friends should by no means avoid Bull &
Trevithicks Company. They dare do them no personal injury,
and as to their insults, threats and abuse, they may become
the subject of future Affidavits. If any thing has occurred, or does
occur so as to be useful upon the 29th let Weston have it in a legal
form. -
Are the treats & ill-language that has been used to
yourself, Murdock, Rogers, Mitchell and our other friends such, as
if made matter for one or more affidavits, would go to prove the
existence of the combination against us? -
Do they amount to putting your person's in danger and are means
employed to render you obnoxious to the County for having told the
truth? If so give it to them in Chancery; that at least will stop
their mouths in future.''
AD1583/8/66
Letter,
Weston to Wilson
regarding various legal matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
29 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
''Mr. A. Weston. July 29. 1795 -''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Merchant, at Mr. Holbrook's,
near Swansea''
''Mr. Thomas
Wilson,
Truro.
D[ea]r Sir,
We
have rec[eiv]ed your favours of the 22[n]d & 24th instant, and the
Brief we sent you last is rec[eiv]ed back by the Coach yesterday.
I think Godfrey's affid[avi]t to the effect you mention
is not wanted at present.
I observe what you say about Vivian. - The answer of
Freeman & Corin to Trevithick's Falsehood is very compleat & retorts
the Perjury upon himself. I do not like prosecutions for Perjury,
and shall not advise any, and I would recommend Caution to you in
speaking upon that subject.
I am glad to find there is some Change in Mr. Daniell's
sentiments.
The motion for Bull's commitment stands over to the end
of October, so that he continues in hot water for the Remainder of
the summer. We have obtained Injunctions ag[ains]t Willyams & Davey,
and Trevithick Jun[io]r & Stephens this Day.
I am Sir
Your most obed[ien]t Ser[van]t,
A Weston.
29 July 1795''
AD1583/8/67
Letter, Boulton & Watt to
Wilson regarding
Consols and Poldice
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
30 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
''Messrs Boulton & Watt July 30 [17]95''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, care of Mr. Holbrooke, Neath
Abbey, Swansea''
''Mr. Wilson
Neath Abbey
Soho 30th July 1795
Dear Sir
We received your favour of the 24th Inst[an]t in due
Course and think the Affidavits of Freeman & Corin quite decisive,
but we do not know what Mr. Weston's opinion about their probable
effects is, as he only says, they acquit S[imon]. Vivian of the
charge against him. Simon is here in good health and is now looking
about the yard to see what sort of work he would best like. - We
have postponed making any Agreement with him until your arrival,
which we hope will be soon. -
We expect to learn today what has been done in Chancery
yesterday and will inform you of it by tomorrow's post. -
With respect to Consols, our making any kind of offer
would be only giving them room to cheapen, or perhaps to make a
worse use of it; all that can be said is that we are certainly
willing to forgive their past behaviour, as soon as they choose to
amend it and give us some reasonable security that they will not
take the like measures in future. In respect to the monthly sum to
be paid us, we made the last proposition, and as we are not disposed
to take a lesser Sum, we must know whether they agree to it. - And
at any rate they must pay the expences, which they have put
us to in Chancery, In addition to such sums as we are otherwise
disposed to take. -
As to Poldice, we can be more explicit, we must be paid
all Arrears and the Chancery charges; which being done, we are ready
to assist them in the erection of the Engine. - We think the other
Adv[enture]rs ought to make the refractory Members pay the Law
Charges. - We wish your advice upon both these Cases & also to know
when you shall be here, being very sincerely
Dear Sir
Your obed[ien]t Servants
Boulton & Watt.''
AD1583/8/68
Letter, A
J & G Weston to
W Wilson regarding receipt of Poldice Adventurers Resolutions
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
31 Jul 1795
Endorsed:
''A J & G Weston 31 July 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. W[illia]m Wilson, Truro, Cornwall.''
''Sir,
We
have rec[eive]d your Letter and a Copy of the Resolutions of the
adventurers in Poldice Mine, & have written to Messrs Boulton & Watt
thereon.
We are Sir with Compl[imen]ts to
y[ou]r Father,
Your most obed[ien]t
Serv[an]ts,
A J & G
Weston.
Fenchurch
Street,
31 July 1795.
The motion for
Bull's commitment is postponed with the Consent of his Counsel, to
the end of Oct[obe]r. - We have obtained Injunctions ag[ains]t
Trevethick J[unio]r , Philips, Stephens, Willyams & Davey.
AD1583/8/69
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding court proceedings, also Poldice Mine, Gwennap
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
2 Aug 1795
Endorsed:
''Mr. Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r August 2nd 1795-''
Addressed to: ''Mr Tho[ma]s Wilson, at Mr Holbrooks, Neath Abbey,
near Swansea''.
''Mr. Wilson,
Neath Abbey.
Soho 2 August 1795
Dear Sir
We have received you favour of the 30th Ult[im]o and are
glad to learn your arrival at Neath Abbey & that we may soon expect
to see you here. The proceedings on Wednesday were not so decisive
as we expected, for although Injunctions were granted against
Trevithick, Stephens, Williams & Davey, no motion was made against
Bull. Weston complains of the timidity of our Counsel which however
was surpassed by the timidity of Bull's, who appear much to have
dreaded this motion. Indeed to us it appears that the proof was
fully sufficient, but as we can neither drive nor lead our Counsel,
we must content ourselves with what has been done, and in the
interim, until next term, must use all diligence in procuring
additional proofs of Bull's partnership with Trevithick and of the
other parts of his delinquency. In the mean time if he has any
feeling, his sensations must not be very enviable until this matter
is decided. -
We suppose your Son has informed you of the proceedings
at Poldice Meeting where it has been determined to stop all the
Engines except Oppies. They have however agreed to settle Accounts
with us, about which we shall want your advice and assistance. Jno
[John] Williams has wrote to us that Wheal Garland Adv[enture]rs
purpose purchasing the small d[ou]ble Engine, to which we have
declined giving any answer until we see you. Mr. Daniell is so far
from being softened that he seems as bad as ever, and nothing but
coercive measures seem to be capable of bringing him to reason. -
We remain Dear Sir
Your very ob[edien]t Serv[an]ts
For
Boulton & Watt
J[ame]s Watt Jun[io]r''.
AD1583/8/70
Letter,
Watt junior to W
Wilson regarding court proceedings, also Poldice Mine, Gwennap
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
2 Aug 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r 2 Aug[us]t 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. William Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. William
Wilson
Truro.
Soho
2nd August 1795
Sir
We were favoured in due course with yours of 28th
Ult[im]o, but must decline giving answer to Poldice Adv[enture]rs
until we see your father. In the mean time however we are of opinion
that if Poldice Adv[enture]rs stop all the Engines except Oppies,
they must pay the full price for that.
You will please to acquaint our friends that the
proceedings in Chancery on the 29th Ult[im]o were not so decisive as
we could have wished. Our Lawyers thought the proof against Bull &
Trevithick was not perfectly compleat and preferred waiting until
next term (November), during which interval we must be industrious
in procuring additional testimony of the Connection between Bull and
Trevithick and of the agressions of the former. Injunctions have
been granted against Trevithick & Stephens & also against James
Williams & Davey at Poldice. Bull's Counsel are said to have been
very much frightened least the motion should be made, and we have no
doubt that if our Counsel had been willing, he would by this time
be lodged in the Fleet prison. However he does not gain much by the
delay and if we can prove perjury in him & Trevithick, the
prosecution next term will assume a more serious aspect, in the mean
time his feelings cannot be very enviable. -
We shall send you in a few posts notice of the points
which are wanted to be proved, that you may see how far our friends
can go. -
Simon Vivian is here in good health and desires to be
remembered to all his friends in Cornwall. - We remain
Dear Sir
Your
ob[edien]t Servants
For B&W
Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r.''
AD1583/8/71
Letter,
Watt junior to W
Wilson regarding the riots at Poldice Mine, Gwennap
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
3 Aug 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r Aug[u]st 3 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. William Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. William
Wilson
Truro
Soho
3rd August 1795
Dear Sir
We are favoured with your letter of the 1st Inst[an]t
containing an Account of the riots, which furnish an additional
proof of the rascality of Bulls conduct and of the weakness of his
intellect. He may think by such means to frighten all our friends
out of the County and intimidate us from bringing him to punishment,
but he will find himself mistaken, and if legal proofs can be
obtained of his conduct in the late proceedings, we shall conceive
it to be our duty to commence a suit against him of a criminal
nature. Of this however you need to say nothing at present, until
sufficient proof can be obtained of his being the instigator and
promoter of what has been done. - At all events this business will
serve to accelerate & aggravate his punishment. We beg you will
deliver the inclosed letter to Landor, which we send open that you
may see our sentiments upon the conduct to be pursued by our
friends, whom we would not wish to desert their posts at the moment
of danger; at the same time, as we are not capable of judging of the
extent of it, we must leave them at full liberty to follow their own
feelings.
We have sent a Copy of your and Landors letter to Messrs
Weston's and wish you to keep them informed of what is going on and
also to make every enquiry you can safely do into the origin and
progress of the late disgraceful business, particularly the share
which Bull had in it.
We think means should be take to inform the Miners that
we have no objection to Bull's Engine being finished, provided our
dues are paid, and Bull discharged from all interference. - We
remain truly
Your sincere friends
For Boulton & Watt
Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r -''
AD1583/8/72
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding riots at Poldice Mine, Gwennap
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
4 Aug 1795
Endorsed:
''Mr. Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r August 4th 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Wilson, care of Mr. Holbrooke, Swansea''
''Mr. Wilson
Neath Abbey
Soho 4th August 1795
Dear Sir
We are favoured with your two letters of the 1st & 2nd
Inst[an]t with copies of your correspondence with Messrs Carne,
Daniell & Williams, all of which we highly approve of. - Your Son
has informed us of the riots at Poldice and we have also a long
letter from Landor upon the same subject, who prays to be delivered
from the hands of the Philistines. We have written to beg he will
not leave the County for the present, as that would be giving too
great an advantage to our enemies, who would attribute the departure
of our friends, either to bribery on our part, or fear on theirs; we
have therefore requested he will keep himself snug at Truro until
the hurricane is blown over & that your son will pay him his Wages.
We have moreover desired him to apply to Mr. Jno. [John] Vivian for
protection and have written to the latter to say that we hope he
will be able to defend our friends, from farther insult & violence,
as in case they cannot go about their business in the County without
fear of molestation, we shall consider it our duty to afford them a
shelter here. We have also written to your Son & to W[illiam].
Murdock to desire they will give us minute information of every
thing that passed, particularly of Bull's conduct in the
transaction, as we are not without hopes of finding something to
ground a criminal prosecution upon.
We shall determine nothing with respect to Poldice until
we see you; in the mean time, our intentions are to be very moderate
with that mine, on account of the friends we have in it; we mean to
propose to them that they shall pay up arrears to the end of July,
at the rate agreed upon & that we will then let them free for Six
Months, that they may have a fair opportunity of trying the Mine.
Resolve this in your mind until we see you. We are also in the
intention of distributing a Sum of Money among the necessitous
Miners, say £100, in order to counteract the pois[on] that has been
circulated among them and to conciliate their minds towards our
friends, as well as to open their understandings as to their real
enemies. We wish you to consider what will be the best means of
carrying these intentions into effect. -
We shall beg of Mr. A[mbrose]. Weston to give you the
meeting here and in expectation of seeing you upon Tuesday or
Wednesday next.
We remain most sincerely
Yours
for B&W
Ja[me]s Watt
Jun[io]r.''
AD1583/8/73
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding James Watt's visit to Scotland and other matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
1 Sep 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r Sep[tembe]r 1 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. Wilson
Soho 1st Sep[tembe]r 1795
Dear Sir
We have received your sundry favours of 19th 21st 24th &
29th Ult[im]o and write this rather to shew you we are alive, than
from having anything to say.
My father set out for Scotland last Thursday, and from
the fine weather we enjoy at present, I presume he will reap benefit
from his Journey. - We should know the final sentiments of Poldice
before any thing is done upon our part towards making known in the
County the offers with which we have come forwards. If they are
rejected, I think it will be highly proper both on the account of
our friends in Cornwall and upon our own Account, that every means
should be taken to trumpet them abroad.
Your son is very well & gives us great satisfaction; I
have been so much occupied lately with our new works, as not to have
been able to look much after him, but that is the less necessary, as
a perfect dependence may be placed upon Mr. Foreman, who seems very
fond of him. -
The Arbitrators between J[ohn] & W[illiam]. Wilkinson
have ordered the Works at Bersham to be sold up & the Partnership
dissolved. The Sale is to take place on or before the 1st of
Dec[embe]r next. -
We beg you will take care of yourself and not venture
into the enemies territories until all is safe. You of course will
mention to Mr. Murdock, the result of your Conversation with Mr.
Weston, which will render our writing to him unnecessary.
I remain
Dear Sir
Your ob[edien]t
Servant
Ja[me]s
Watt Jun[io]r. -''
AD1583/8/74
Letter,
Weston to Wilson
regarding various Injunctions
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
10 Sep 1795
Endorsed:
''Mr Weston 10 Sep[tembe]r 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Merchant, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. Thomas
Wilson, Truro
Sir,
The Injunctions would have been sent you immediately after your
leaving Town, but my absence from the office for a few Days
occasioned the delay. They will go by the Coach this Ev[enin]g. Viz.
Ding Dong Injunction & two Copies against
Trevithick & Stephens.
Poldice Injunction & two Copies against
Willyams & Davey.
As to Ding Dong I advise you not to make any Terms with them
'till they have fully and fairly answered the Bill, and
particularly the interrogatories concerning Bull & Trevithick. When
they have they have done that we will grant them Terms, such
as shall at that time appear reasonable.
We have no injunction ag[ains]t Wheal Ann [mine, Breage
or Phillack?] & Carzize [mine, Crowan], but we shall (I hope) have
injunctions against them as soon as we can procure Decrees - if they
do not submit in the mean time. We have injunctions ag[ains]t Harris
& Co. (Wheal Treasure) and Reed & Co. (Wheal Leeds) [Breage] - I
speak from memory as to the so names last mentioned.
I am extremely glad that the Poldice Balance is about to
be paid, and that the other adventurers are submitting. You ask me
what you are to hold out to those who have not yet come to, in order
to induce them to do so: - Tell them that the Terms offered now will
not be accepted, if they let the present Vacation go over. Next
Term, we shall rise in our Demands, as we are certain of
obtaining some great Advantages then, such as they little dream of.
- Anything of this kind I conceive is best adapted to their
understandings & Feelings, and I suppose this will work with Mr.
Daniell as well as with any of them. I am serious in this - for when
Moderation and Forbearance (such as you know I have strongly
enforced) will not answer the purpose, we shall then be justified in
the Eyes of all men, in using other methods.
I am, D[ea]r Sir,
Y[ou]r most obed[ien]t Ser[van]t,
A
Weston.
Fenchurch Street,
10 Sept[embe]r 1795.''
AD1583/8/75
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson with copies of letters concerning Ding Dong Mine
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
11 Sep 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r Sep[tembe]r 11 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. Wilson
Soho 11th Sep[tembe]r 1795
Dear Sir
On the other side you have a copy of a correspondence
which we have had about Dingdong, for your Government.
We have transmitted a Copy of your favour of the 4th
Sep[tembe]r to my father & as soon as we have his answer about
Herland, it shall be transmitted to you. - We are glad to find that
there is an Order for Payment from Poldice and considering the state
of Herland, Mr B[oulton]. feels himself strongly induced to accede
to the proposal held out in yours. - We shall be glad to hear
something about Consols [Consolidated Mines, Gwennap] and remain
Dear Sir
Yours sincerely
Ja[me]s
Watt Jun[io]r''
[next page]
(Copies)
A. Salt &
Beckman present respectful complim[en]ts to Messrs Boulton & Watts
and beg the favor of their answer in writing per Bearer respecting
the Steam Engine at Penzance by which they will very much oblige, as
S[alt] & B[eckman] must write this afternoon to their friend in
Cornwall upon this Subject. -
Birmingham 9th
Sept[embe]r 1795. -
Penzance 27th August
1795
Abstract -
I beg the Favor of your speaking to Messrs Boulton & Watt,
respecting a small Mine (Ding Dong) in which I am concerned and on
which an Engine was erected on Bull's construction, the Adventurers
were accordingly served with injunctions from the Lord Chancellor &
have discontinued working the mine by not making use of the Engine
as before. The Adventurers would have no objection to pay Messrs
Bolton & Watt a part of the Savings for working the Engine but the
Mine being very poor for the whole cannot be afforded - Be good
enough to speak to them and inform me on what terms they will permit
the Engine to work and how much the savings may be p[e]r Month &
what Part of them will content them, you may say that one of the
Adventurers has written you begging to have their determinations.
Mr Watt Junior
returns Comp[limen]ts to Messrs Salt & Beckman and is sorry that Mr
Boulton & his father's absence from home, prevents him from sending
a positive answer to their note respecting Messrs Oxnam. - This much
however he can say, that although Messrs Oxnam and the other
adventurers in Dingdong Mine have done every thing in their power to
injure Boulton & Watt by employing and giving encouragement to an
acknowledged pirate of their Inventions, yet that whenever they are
disposed to pay the legal expences which B&W have been put to in
this business & to enter into a regular agreement to pay the usual
savings in future, J[ames]. W[att]. Jun[io]r has no doubt that B&W
will grant them a licence to use the Engine. - However as B&W have a
regular Agent in Cornwall, Mr Wilson, it is proper that every
transaction between them and Dingdong Mine should pass through his
Channel and that of their Attornies in London, Messrs Weston of
Fenchurch Street. -
Soho 9th Sep[tembe]r 1795.''
AD1583/8/76
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding Mr Daniell's behaviour
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
15 Sep 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r Sep[tembe]r 15th 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. Wilson
Truro
Soho 15 Sep[tembe]r 1795
Dear Sir
I have your favours of the 10th & 11th Ins[tan]t with
the account of Daniell's relapse. This mans Conduct is so
inconsistent, that it is in vain to trouble ourselves to decypher
his motives, nor shall we now make any farther attempts to
conciliate him, but leave the whole matter to the Justice of the
Chancellor who will probably decide upon it next term. We believe he
will be forced to pay the whole sum, notwithstanding Mr. Grylls
opinion to the contrary, & should that be the case, Mr. Daniell must
be aware that we shall allow no abatement upon the sentence. For my
own part, I am not sorry that D[aniell]. has acted in this
manner, as I think that in a pecuniary sense, we shall be gainers. -
With respect to Poldice, I fear that any thing I can say
will come too late; but I could have wished that you had not gone
into the Vicewarden's Court without the consent of Messrs Weston, as
I think we ought to take no legal step without their concurrence.
You however know best the chance we have of succeeding; if it is in
the most distant degree dubious, we ought not to quit the
Chancellor's Court, where we are so well off for any other. -
I have no Answer from my father yet about Herland &
remain sincerely
Dear Sir
Your ob[edien]t Servant
Ja[me]s
Watt Jun[io]r. -''
AD1583/8/77
Letter, Boulton & Watt to
Wilson regarding
Poldice Mine, Gwennap
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
19 Sep 1795
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt Jun[io]r Sep[tembe]r 19 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr T Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Soho Sep[tembe]r 19 1795
Mr. Wilson
Sir
Since Mr Watt jun[io]r wrote to you on 15th
Instant respecting Poldice, we have recieved a letter from Mr Weston
upon the same subject. We send you an extract of the material part
relative to the proceedings in the Vice Warden's Court & beg you to
act in that manner you think most prudent. We are not indeed
sufficiently acquainted with the Character of the V[ice]. W[arden].
to form any opinion of his inclinations towards Bull & his party, As
this a point upon which you are doubtless better informed we leave
it to your judgement to decide upon the expediency of submitting in
any degree our claims to his decision. - Whatever may be the result
of the appeal to the Vice Warden we are perfectly convinced that
your conduct upon this occasion will only be influenced by your
regard to our Interest & advantage.
We remain with esteem
Sir Your obed[ien]t
humb[l]e Serv[an]ts
Boulton & Watt
PTO -
[next page]
Extract of Mr Weston's Letter dated
Sept[embe]r 17
'' I cannot
undertake to control Mr Wilson. He is so well informed of what can
be done in the Cornish Courts & has so sincere a zeal for your
service that I think he may be safely trusted to make an Experiment
in the Vice Warden's Court, which if it should not succeed cannot I
suppose be attended with much expence & and may for aught I know
produce in the present Instance a more speedy remedy than the Court
of Chancery can afford. The ground he is proceeding upon appears to
be a good one namely to enforce upon the minority the Resolutions of
the Majority, which I suppose is agreeable to the Stannary Laws. At
all events a failure of success in the Country court cannot injure
our proceedings in the Court of Chancery, unless it should make the
latter entirely unnecessary which you will have no great reason to
regret tho' it should oblige you to dismiss your Bill -''''
AD1583/8/78
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding case in the Cornish courts
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
17 Sep 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r Sep[tembe]r 17 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
Mr. Wilson
Truro
Soho 27th Sep[tembe]r 1795
D[ea]r Sir
Your favour of the 18th Inst[an]t arrived whilst I was
at Bersham, purchasing some Cylinders and enquiring into the
piracies of our ci-devant friend, J[ohn]. W[ilkinson]., which
will account for its having remained unanswered. - The terror I have
for Cornish Courts was the only reason why I hesitated about the
measure you proposed. Where judges are parties, or at least
influenced by the spirit of Party, it is seldom that Justice can be
obtained, but as Mr. M[atthew].R[obinson].B[oulton]. has already
written to you more at length upon this subject I have nothing to
add.
The prospects which you hold out of the future state of
the mines, give me much less anxiety than it does to see your
spirits so much depressed. We & you have long foreseen that under
the present Management, the Mines could not go on for any length of
time; why ought we then to be uneasy because what we have expected
is upon the point of being fulfilled. It will be in vain that the
Odium will be attempted to be thrown upon us, we have sufficient
materials for our Vindication & it shall be my care to arrange them
so as to be brought forward in due time to exonerate you & us. No
doubt if the mines stop, a temporary irritation will be produced,
and it may become prudent for you & W[illia]m Murdock to leave
Cornwall for a short time & favour us with your Company until the
poison has worked itself out, should you apprehend real danger. But
it is useless to anticipate evils, '' sufficient for the day is the
evil thereof.'' Let us not be intimidated by the menaces of or
adversaries, nor by the pusillanimity of those who call themselves
our friends, but proceed coolly & steadily in the measures we have
commenced knowing them to be founded in reason & justice. Whatever
may be the issue of our Suit, we will not have to accuse ourselves
of having left any thing undone which it was in our power to have
accomplished. By the opening of term (v[??]) we shall be prepared to
continue the suits against Consols & Poldice if the latter does not
submit sooner. - You & us have often seen worse prospects than the
present in the course of this affair, yet we have got the better of
our difficulties! Do not therefore suffer desponding reflections to
get the better of your energy & firmness, but let both increase by
opposition, as they always hitherto have done. -
The following is my father's opinion with respect to
Herland. - ''I think we could recover at Law, the whole of our
demand against Herland, but could not compel them to carry on the
Mine - We should insist upon £280 immediately, £252 at January & the
remaining £532 as proposed - I look upon it that we shall not
receive any of it & should not consent except pro banâ famâ,
the £60 per month follows of Course - Carne must also be told that
we agree to these terms on account of our friends concerned in the
Mine & the poor Miners, otherwise we should consider it as a
duty due to Society to use the most rigorous measures against people
who have behaved as some of them have done and that the [marginal]
the consideration of future profits would be no Argument with us to
pardon such Insults & Chicanery''.
I am
D[ea]r Sir Yours sincerely, J. Watt Jun[io]r -''
AD1583/8/79
Letter,
Weston to Wilson
regarding the apprehensions of the Ding Dong Adventurers
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
8 Oct 1795
Endorsed:
''Mr Weston 8 Oct[obe]r 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Merchant, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. Thomas
Wilson
Sir,
We
have received your favour of the 5th instant, stating the
apprehensions of the Adventurers in Ding Dong Mine that their Mine
will be utterly ruined if it be delayed working one Month longer.
Surely this must have been foreseen long ago, and should have
operated as a spur to the putting in of the required answer. Why
then is the answer delayed - is it designed to ward off the blow
from Mr. Bull? The Period of a Month is much more than sufficient to
put in the answer. It may now be done in 10 or 12 Days from this
time supposing that it is not even yet begun. In order that no delay
may be occasioned on our part, we shall this day give notice to the
Def[endan]t's Clerk in Court that our Commissioners are Messrs
Edwards - so that they may have a Commiss[io]n at the next private
Seal.
As soon as the Answer is sworn I will recommend it to
Messrs B[oulton] & W[att] to grant the Licence - upon the
Def[endan]t's paying down, or giving Security to your satisfaction
for the Arrears, and also paying our Costs - but we must still be at
Liberty to keep the Cause alive which may be proper in regard to the
other Def[endan]t's & we must even be allowed to go on & get
a Decree if we shall be advised to so. At the same time I mean in
respect to the answer's being put us - that you should see the
answer, or at least that Mr. Edwards should see it and be satisfied
that it is fair & full and no wise evasive upon the points
respecting Bull & Trevithick. -
In order to expedite the Business as much as possible I
will send a Copy of your Letter as well as of this - to B&W - in
order that a Licence may be prepared & executed by them - & ready to
be delivered the moment the answer is sworn. We do not see how we
can possibly meet the wishes of the adventurers better or more
intirely than by these means.
I see your neighbours Mr. Oxnam & Mr Carne have worked
upon your feelings - by the representation of the Danger the Mine is
in - and we do not blame you for paying attention to that important
Point. Nevertheless we must stick to the Resolution formed &
communicated long ago - Viz. that of having the answer sworn before
we grant any Licence.
I am Sir,
Your most obed[ien]t Serv[an]t,
A
Weston.
Fenchurch Street,
8 Oct[obe]r 1795.
As Mr. Watt is
in Scotland the Licence cannot be procured in less than 10, or 12
Days, & in that time the Answer may be put in.''
AD1583/8/80
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding Trevithick proposed trip to the East Indies
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
13 Oct 1795
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt Jun[io]r Oct[obe]r 13 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. Thomas
Wilson
Truro
Soho 13th Oct[obe]r 1795
Dear Sir
I write this chiefly to acknowledge receipt of your
favour of 5th Inst[an]t and to say that Mr. Weston has transmitted
us a Copy of his letter to you respecting Dingdong, which we much
approve of. -
With respect to the Bog, it must stand over until my
fathers return, which will probably be in the course of a fortnight,
as I expect the Cold weather will bring him home. -
I apprehend that what [Richard] Trevithick J[unio]r says
about his going to the East Indies, is merely a sham to prevent his
being served with the Injunction, hope therefore you will not fail
to press its being served, as at all events it will disable him from
doing Mischief there. -
I remain
Dear Sir
Yours sincerely
Ja[me]s
Watt Jun[io]r''
AD1583/8/81
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding Mr Bull's new invention
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
14 Oct 1795
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt Jun[io]r 14 Oct[obe]r 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. Wilson
Truro
Soho 14 October 1795. -
Dear Sir
We are favoured with Yours of the 11th Inst[an]t with a
description of Mr. Bulls new Invention, which with the Drawing will
enable us to decide in how far this persevering Gentleman has again
exposed himself to the censure of the Chancellor. -
We are sorry to find that Mr. [William] Murdock is not
going to Neath till Xmas. The business we wish to consult him upon,
will not keep till then, as the building for our Boring Mill is
finished & the foundry, already begun upon. - We beg therefore that
he will come here immediately as we wish to have his opinion upon
several matters & expect my father will be returned from Scotland by
the time he arrives.
Yours
sincerely,
Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r''
AD1583/8/82
Letter, A
J & G Weston to
Wilson regarding terms offered to Ding Dong Mine
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
27 Oct 1795
Endorsed:
''Messrs Westons Oct[obe]r 27 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Merchant, Truro, Cornwall.''
''Dear Sir,
We approve of the Terms you have offered to Ding Dong
Mine. The £40 will cover, or nearly so, the proportion of Costs
which would fall on the Adventurers; and if not quite, it is not
worth while to break Off for a Trifle.
We are sorry the spirit of the Miners is so violent. The
menacing Letter to Mr. Murdock requires some notice. Please to send
us the Letter that it may be considered.
We wish your situation was less unpleasant, but do not
know what Remedy can be applied but patience & Resolution.
We are, D[ea]r Sir,
Y[ou]rs sincerely,
A J & G
Weston.
Fenchurch
Street,
27 Oct[obe]r 1795.
Mr. Tho[ma]s
Wilson,
Merch[an]t, Truro, Cornwall.''
AD1583/8/83
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding Polgooth and Ding Dong mines
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
3 Nov 1795
Endorsed:
''Mr Watt Jun[io]r Nov[embe]r 3[r]d 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. Tho[ma]s
Wilson
Truro
Soho 3rd Nov[embe]r 1795
Dear Sir
We duly received your favour of 26th Ult[im]o covering
two bills value £351, which are at your credit. - We approve of what
you have done with respect to Polgooth. As to Dingdong we can say
nothing until we learn Messrs Westons' sentiments;
My father & Mr. [William] Murdock are both arrived & we
are all busy in scheming, which must apologize for the shortness of
this. We hear nothing of the operations of the enemy & are in hopes
that it will not be necessary for us to attend in town this term. -
Yours most
sincerely
Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r. -''
AD1583/8/84
Letter,
Weston to Wilson
regarding Veale & Trevithick's Scire Facias
Item
1 sheet
Manuscript
5 Nov 1795
Endorsed:
''Mr Weston 5th Nov[embe]r 1795''
Dear Sir,
We
have received notice that the Scire facias is about to be proceeded
in, and Names are now given in, as the prosecutors Viz.
Veale or Beele (the Attornies do not seem
to know which) and Richard Trevithick. As they altered the former
name from Veale to Beele we suppose Beele is the right name; but his
Christian name is not mentioned.
Richard Trevithick [Senior] we suppose is our Old
Enemy, the Father of Bull's Partner.
Both these Men are described as of the Parish of
Camborne, Miners.
Please to communicate anything that occurs to you
concerning these parties. We are still allowed to attend the
Attorney General to shew Cause against the granting of the Writ of
Scire facias; and if he should give his Fiat, we shall petition the
Chancellor ag[ains]t putting the Great Seal to the Writ.
We wish you could learn through Mr. Edwards whether Mr.
Grills [Grylls] knows anything of the present proceeding; We have
good reason to think he does not, and that it will not be persisted
in.
We are
D[ea]r Sir,
Your most
obed[ien]t S[ervan]ts,
A J & G Weston.
Fenchurch Street,
5 Nov[ember] 1795.
Have Oxnam & Co[mpany]. agreed to the Terms
you offered?
Mr. Thomas
Wilson,
Merchant, Truro, Cornwall.''
AD1583/8/85
Letter,
Pearson to
Wilson regarding accounts
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
10 Nov 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Pearson 10 Nov[embe]r 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall.''
''Soho near Birmingham Nov[embe]r 10 1795
Mr. Thomas
Wilson
Sir
We have your favor of the 6th ins[tan]t
enclosing a Bill value Eighty Pounds thirteen Shillings and one
penny to your credit. - The Accounts sent are in good time, and
shall be gone into as soon as possible.
We are Sir
Your
mo[st] ob[edient] Ser[van]ts
For Boulton & Watt
James Pearson.''
AD1583/8/86
Letter, A J & G
Weston to Wilson
regarding Injunction against Richard Trevithick
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
17 Nov 1795
Endorsed:
''A.J.& G. Weston 17 Nov[embe]r 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Tho[ma]s Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Sir,
We have received
your favours of the 8th & 13th instant. - The Scire facias is not
pushed with any Vigour. - We think it will hardly be persisted in.
You need not say that you are satisfied that no person of the
name of Veale or Beele exists in Camborn [Camborne]. We wish it to
be considered as doubtful.
We observe what you say about the Ding Dong Adventurers.
We never supposed them sincere.
Trevithick must be personally served with the
Injunction, cost what it will.
A
few
Guineas
to the officer will make this certain.
We are, Sir, Y[ou]r
most ob[edien]t S[ervan]ts,
A J & G
Weston.
Fenchurch Street,
17 November 1795.
Mr. Thomas
Wilson, Truro , Cornwall. -''
AD1583/8/87
Letter,
Pearson to
Wilson regarding John Shakespear's account
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
24 Nov 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Pearson 24 Nov[embe]r 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. Thomas
Wilson
Soho Nov[embe]r 24 1795
Sir
John Shakespear being returned, and that
without any account from you, we are unable to settle with him; must
therefore request you will be pleased to send an account of
particulars, such as will enable us to make a final settlement with
him. Where he was at work at any of the Mines and was paid by the
adv[enture]rs exact his real wages, we want no account of that, but
must beg an account of every thing else respecting him from the time
he reached Cornwall till the day he left it. Your attention to this,
will oblige; as Shakespear is very pressing to know how his account
stands. - We are Sir
Your mo[st] ob[edient] Ser[van]ts
For
Boulton & Watt
James Pearson
P.S. There is no
particular news from the Weston's.
M[atthew] Rob[inso]n Boulton
Have not yet
been able to enter the accounts sent per your Letter of 6th instant.
-''
AD1583/8/88
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding various matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
26 Nov 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r 26 Nov[embe]r 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. Wilson
Soho 25 Nov[embe]r 1795
Dear Sir
I acknowledge receipt of your favour of 22nd
Nov[embe]r merely to shew you that we are still alive. - We hear no
more of the Law than you do, although Weston informs us that the
Bills against the Refractory Mines are going on with all possible
dispatch. We expect him down here on Saturday & shall perhaps be
able then to give you some news. - We are glad you have settled with
Herland. I shall make enquiries about Mr Thomas tin & let you know
the result by my next.
Your Son Tom has got a swelled face & being otherwise
not in a good habit of body, he is by the advice of one of our
Medical friends undergoing a compleat system of purging, which I
have no doubt will in a few days set him to rights. -
I am Dear Sir
Sincerely Yours
Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r. -''
AD1583/8/89
Letter,
Watt junior to
Wilson regarding Wheal Butson engine and other matters
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
15 Dec 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r 15 Dec[embe]r 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall''
''Mr. Thomas
Wilson
Truro
Soho 15th
Dec[embe]r 1795
Dear Sir
I am sorry to learn that Trevithick is not yet served
with the Injunction. I should think it would be easy to get some
Miner, or other unsuspected person to serve it, which would answer
the purpose equally well as if done by a Bailiff. - With respect to
Law proceedings, Mr. Weston says they are going on as quick as
possible, but nothing can be done until February.
If Wheal Butson [mine, St Agnes] Engine is to be made
Double, the Premium will be £32 £36 p[e]r Month, upon which
Sum we are not inclined to make any abatement, unless the
Adventurers are disposed to purchase out the Annuity for the
remainder of our excusive privilege, as is now done in every other
part of the Kingdom, for the Cornish behaviour has taught us to
establish our business entirely upon the footing of being paid the
premium down before we erect the Engine. - In this Case the purchase
Money would be £1300 upon the Engine made double, and that sum we
think you should ask; but we are willing to compound for
£1000 to be paid in hard Cash on or before next Midsummer. You will
understand that for this Sum, we give up all right title & claim
upon the Engine of every nature & denomination whatsoever & that the
adventurers are at liberty to use sell & dispose of it in any manner
and upon any terms they please, when they have done with it
themselves. -
Nothing farther occurs and I am in haste
Dear Sir
Your very ob[edien]t Serv[an]t
Ja[me]s Watt Jun[io]r''
AD1583/8/90
Letter,
Pearson to
Wilson regarding accounts
Item
1 folio
Manuscript
22 Dec 1795
Endorsed:
''Ja[me]s Pearson 22 Dec[embe]r 1795''
Addressed to: ''Mr. Thomas Wilson, Truro, Cornwall.''
''Mr William
Murdock D[ebto]r To
Boulton & Watt
1795
Dec[embe]r 10. To cash paid him on account . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . £10.10. 0
'' '' . To d[itt]o paid Henry Williams . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . £ 8. 3. 6
[total]
£18.13. 6
Mr. Thomas
Wilson
Soho 22 Dec[embe]r 1795
Sir
The balance against yourself, made mention
of in the Statements sent p[er] your Letter of 6 Ult[im]o, not
agreeing with our Books is the reason of sending you the annexed
Statement, the whole of which is taken from your accounts except the
Gun & Copying Machine, by which you will be able to find out the
error, which beg you will examine & advise. - The 26 Aug[us]t 1794
we delivered you an account £4. 16 [shillings]. 9 [pence] against
Boulton Watt & Co[mpany] which we wish to have settled. - Beg you
will do the needful with the above against Mr. Murdoch, and are
Sir
Your mo[st] ob[edient] Ser[van]ts
For Boulton & Watt
James Pearson
[next page]
D[ebto]r - Mr.
Thomas Wilson in Account with Boulton & Watt
1793 -
To balance per your statement sent along
with Sep[tembe]r Account £2051. 7. 10½
Nov[embe]r 30th - To Sundries, per your
account
439 .- . 2
1794 -
Feb[ruar]y - To . . . . d[itt]o . . . . . d[itt]o
. . . . . . . . .
1762 . 8 . 5½
May 1 - To . . . . d[itt]o . . . . . d[itt]o
. . . . . . . . .
1285 . 4 . 11
July - To . . . . d[itt]o . . . . .
d[itt]o . . . . . . . .
. 760 . 1 .
2½
Dec[embe]r - To . . . . d[itt]o . . . . . d[itt]o .
. . . . . . . .
733 . 1 . -
1795 -
Nov[embe]r - To . . . . d[itt]o . . . . . d[itt]o .
. . . . . . . .
5140 . 5 . 3½
To a Gun sent you 17 Sep[tembe]r
1794 3 .
13 . 6
To a Copying Machine you had
from R Chippindall 7 . 7
. -
[Total]
£12182 . 9 . 5
To balance brought
down
2565 . - . 9½
C[redito]r [Mr. Thomas Wilson in Account with Boulton & Watt]
1793 -
Nov[embe]r 30 - By sundries p[er] your
account
£3 . - . -
1794 -
Feb[ruar]y - By . . . . d[itt]o . . . . . d[itt]o
. . . . . . . .
. 1675 . 7 . 9
May 1 - By . . . . d[itt]o . . . . . d[itt]o
. . . . . . . . .
1025 . 8 . 4
July - By . . . . d[itt]o . . . . .
d[itt]o . . . . . . . .
. 886 .18 .
10½
Dec[embe]r - By . . . . d[itt]o . . . . . d[itt]o .
. . . . . . . .
859 . 8 . 6¾
1795 -
Nov[embe]r - By . . . . d[itt]o . . . . . d[itt]o .
. . . . . . .
5167 . 5 . 1¼
By balance carried down
2565
. - . 9½
[Total]
£12182 . 9. 5
Errors and
Omissions Excepted.''
|
