Letters – Hugh Pattinson to Benjamin Johnson – 2 Nov 1832

H L Pattinson to B Johnson		Lead Works Blaydon  Nov 2nd 1832

	

Dear Sir						

      I have already very decidedly expressed my opinion to you that in order to improve the quality of our Lead as well as increase the produce it is necessary to have the Ore well and carefully roasted. I have particularly insisted upon this in my report to Mr Bt & pointed out how very deficient our means of roasting were at Allenheads & Dukesfield Mills especially. I am now returning from the West Country where I have been for the last fortnight and the attention I have I have again bestowed upon the subject has but re[n]dered my co[n]viction Stronger if possible of the necessity there is for providing additional Roasting Furnaces if you wish our smelting to be properly performed so as to yield more Lead from the same quantity of Ore & that Lead of better quality than at present. I am fully aware that we cannot accomplish everything wanted at once but I beg to recommend the immediate erection of another Roasting Furnace at Allenheads Mill the cost of which may be about £50 & if you communicate to me MrBts sanction to this in a week or ten days I should hope to accomplish it by the end of the year. It is possible that I may convert the smelting furnace at Allen Mill into a Roasting Furnace by & by which can be done at a very moderate expense but I shall not do this until I have made a more thorough trial of its economy in Smelting Ore. I cannot say anything as to the increase of Roastg  power at Dukesfield Mill at present but will give the matter proper consideration in a little time & then communicate with you again.

				I am Dear Sir Yrs truly

					H L Pattinson