Letter – Thomas Emerson to John Erasmus Blackett – 12 Aug 1797

Sir,

      I received the inclosed from the men who are working the freehold part of Dryburn lead mine, and as they are only ab[ou]t 70 fathoms from where the vein comes into the copyhold they are wanting a bargain from thence to the top of the Fell, But I expect you'll not think much of their proposals because it would be quite a new precedent both as to Length of ground (which may be nearly a mile) and that of haveing the ore to dispose of for paying Colonel Beaumont 12s per Bing.  But as the copyhold part is rather fast,  until a Level is brought from the Freehold, I think it may be right to give them 40 or 45s per bing for the ore they get in 150 or 200 fathoms for a term of years.   They to drive thro the ground they take, as soon as they possibly can, keep the way gates in repair and find all materials.  My son must wait upon you for the workmen's subsistence on the 22nd inst when youl please to let him know what answer to give the men in regard to their proposal.

      Bollihope is to be sold on 17th of this month when perhaps some may expect Colonel Beaumont will give a large sum for the freehold part of the lead mine but as the level, water races and the engine and shafts are in a very ruinous state so that it will cost a great deal of money to make them as good as they were two years since.

      As to the leasehold paying a Fourth Duty, no man that lets a Lead mine need wish for better Terms.

      I am, Sir, Your obedient servant  Thos  Emmerson  

            

Newhouse Augt ye 12th 1797

PS   with this my son has sent you five brace of moor game which he begs your acceptance of.





To:  T.R.Beaumont Esq

     Mr Thos Emmerson    Newhouse

Sir

as we have come to a Conclusion since we saw you last that to have the West end  of Dryburn lead mine and wishing to give our Proposal upon Equitable terms we are willing to pay 12 shillings per Bing out for every Bing we raise and to have liberty to work the said vein as we think proper and to have in length to the height of the fell Westward for our Bounder the time to work her to be settled by the Agent and likewise we will be bound to keep the shafts Levell or whatever in repair if you think proper to start at the fore end of our works upon Conditions of you making Convenience at the Bank.

 

Jon. Walton   <& rest>

Thos Hackward  <sener>

Wm Lee

Thos Cant

Robt Walton

Thos Lee