Letter – Martin Morrison to William Ord – 5 Nov 1822

      Newcastle 5  Novr 1822

Wm Ord Esqr MP Brighton Sussex



Your Letter of the 25th of last month addressed to Mr Wm Crawhall at Alenheads has been, by him transmitted to me, and to which I beg to reply.  The proposal, on behalf of Col Beaumont, to take the Veins in White Walls ground, at a sixth duty, was made in reference to the situation of the ground itself, the uncertainty of the Strata in which the proposed Level will have to be driven, and the distance before a Vein may be cut; and Certainly with the intention and also with the impression, all Circumstances considered, that the offer was liberal. – Permit me to observe that a fifth duty is the largest, and is only given in districts abounding with veins and known to be productive of Ore; and that the duty varies from a fifth to a sixth seventh and even to an eigth according to situations etc. – Should Col Beaumont become your Lessee of White Walls ground an effectual Trial will be made to discover the Veins it may contain, so as to satisfy the mind of his Mine Agent, of the propriety of proceeding in, or relinquishing his operations. – The indications will govern the expenditure; but I consider it my duty to advise Col Beaumont to decline the stipulation you require of engaging, at all events and under every discouragement, - for it comes to that, - to expend the sum of £3,000. 

I have the Honor etc MM