Letter – Isaac Hunter to Westgarth Forster – 7 May 1777

      Dukesf’d. 7th May 1777

Mr Forster Allanheads



Dr Sir

      I reced yours last night by Jno Ridley in regard to meeting Mr Hall at Aldstone on Saturday to settle the Ore Carriage. I do asure you if the meeting was within 20 yds of my own House, that I would not attend it, nor shall while in this office, ever rely anything upon Mr Hall’s agreements from the little trials I have already had of his abiding by them.

      The regulating the Carriage to and from the Mills is my province which I shall never give up either to an Hall or Bell (or indeed to anybody else) for the whole is a scheme of Bells & I am amazed to find that you should think of coming into it. to let their Carriers (who I know from experience would fly from us upon any emergency) have 2/3 better work than those who have always been at our call in time of need -  shall readily consult with you or any other of Sir Thos. Blacketts Mining Agents in regard to the improvement of the carriage &c but shall at the same time retain all the Powers of this Agence which I have maintained for 20 years upwards for Fath.r and self – I hope to see you soon & shall then tell you why I have said this much

      & am Yrs &c   IH:Jr