Letter – Jonathan Hilton to John Gilbert – 13 Jun 1777

A Copy of A Letter sent Mr Gilbert				Alston 13 June 1777



Sir,

      We wrote you on the 8th Inst which we hope you have recd and we have the pleasure to inform you that Greengill Forebreast is now considerably better than when you saw her and indeed mended since we let the Bargain, we have also discovered a Vein about half way between Greengill forebreast and Garrigill Burn which we expect to be Greengill & Bentyfield Vein though it is further to the North than where Greengill & Bentyfield Vein should be which is supposed to be both one Vein as you will see in the Plan but the Cross Veins we have in this Country may well enough make that alteration the Vein looks very well in  the place she is discovered being close at the Bottom of the Moss has very kindly Sparr and some sparks of Ore in it and we have taken the Liberty to sink a Shaft in order to try the Vein in the firestone sill we shall have Five Fathoms of Moss & Shell to Sink to the Ironstone; & Iron Stone & Coal about a fathom to the Firestone Sill and as Greengill Vein has always been good in the upper Sills where she carried Ore we hope to meet with success in the firestone Sill. 

      J Hilton was at Stanhope on Monday the 9th Inst and settled with Mr Simpson for what Cash he had advanced to the Workmen and gave him your Letter and as he refused giving me any of the Books but the Bargain Book I took a Copy of the Cash he had Lent to the several Workmen: and acquainted the Men that he Simpson was not to transact any business in the Mining way for Lord Carlisle at present and that Mr Sellers was by you fixed and that I hoped that they would look on Mr Sellers as their Master, and they in general seemed well pleased. Jo. Hilton recd yours of the 7th Inst he is this Morning gone to meet M Walton at the Hospital Lead Mill and after acquainting M Walton of your Letter will write you.