Letter – Nicholas Walton to Peter Mulcaster – 18 Aug 1769

Accts. of Assays

 

Time when

Assays made

 

1769.                                             Oz Dwt. Gr.

26 July. Lead from which Silver was taken PFodder. 8  12  17 4/10

         Windy Brow.                               3  13  12

         Crossgillhead.                            8   6  14 4/10

7August  Do                                        9  19  16 8/10

         Peatstackhill.                            2  18  19 2/10

         Fletcherass.                             17      13 2/10

 

 Mr. Mulcaster. 						Farnacres. 18th August 1769



      Above you have Assays of the Sev Sorts of Lead abovementioned the Produce of which PFodder I have calculated very exactly. - Youll observe (Peatstackhill and Windy Brow are not Refineable ; but you say Peatstackhill was not a fair Assay. I hope by this time you have got compleatly to work upon the Unrefineable Ore & shall be glad to hear the Alteration of the Chimneys answers the End.

      I spoke to Mr Laybourne about employing the Refiners and Reducers and hope he will find out something for them to do while you are busy with the Unrefineable Ore.

      There is no doubt I think now of the Stone Furnaces answering ; but it will certainly be proper when we have occasion to Rebuild them, to consider of Cramping them in such a way as to prevent their giving way as much as possible. This we shall judge best of on the Spot.

      I expect Mr Smeaton and I shall be at the Mill, in about Ten days, in our Way to Alston, we shall its most likely dine at your House. I sent you £30 by Wm. Laybourne when you want more we shall be ready to supply you. I am

      Your Hble Servt

             		NWJunr



PS. You may order the Iron by the <Heys > or in any other way you think more proper. They must certainly be good Judges.