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.''

 

 
 
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