Letter – Isaac Hunter to Jonathan Sparke – 19 Mar 1779

Mr Sparke Clerk Allanheads Mill				Dukesfd 19th. March 1779



Sir

      I was not a little surprized yesterday on receiving a line f’m Allexd. Whaley to find that you had acted so much out of your station as to discharge a Person (and for performing the agreement he had made wth. me) with out my orders; it’s my province, and I shall not willingly give it up, tho’, I must own you are the first clerk since I came into office that has attempted to take it fm me – the Business and duty of a Mill Clerk is to keep an accot. of the work don, what comes & goes to and fm the Mill and that just sufficient Loads be brought to her & work wrought; when ever he see’s any neglect in either to acquaint the Agent, who’s station it’s to imploy, discharge and order what he thinks most proper for the carring on & use of the Smelt Mills.

      I do suppose your acting so by Whaley had not been with an intent to infringe upon my office, but fm some neglect or fault in him or Partr. so have given him no other answr. to his Letter then that I would meet him at your Mill on Thursday next the 25th inst. 

      I am yrs &c IH Jr