Report – Joseph Dickinson to Martin Morrison – 10 Apr 1809

Dufton 10. April 1809



Dear Sir

      In examining Colonel Beaumonts Lead Mines at this time I find very little alteration at Coalcleugh since last quarter.  The West flatts continues nearly the same and the cross cuts to the South at the east end to prove if any part of the Vein was off, to that side is not <…> finished, but upon the whole that Mine continues to raise a considerable quantity of Ore.   Wellhope Veins being nearly worked out to the West and the East end still continues poor which we are driving forward both ways in expectation of cutting veins on both sides.  Greenley Cleugh Vein is more promising than last quarter having produced some small pieces of Ore, and the Vein looks better the nearer we come to the Cross Vein, which is not more than 3or 4 fathoms before the present forehead.   The Great Level is still driving forward, and the Sills have taken a sudden rise, which is contrary to the general run and cannot be accounted for unless a vein is before Us; a singular instance of preservation of one of the workmen at that place, a few days before the Bargains, he was preparing to blow up a large piece of Stone in the forehead  which was to throw right to where he was sitting close to it, and by some means the Gunpowder had taken fire before he had finished, and threw him and the Stone together a considerable way back in the level without receiving any material hurt, only from small cuts in his Legs, and other parts of his body which might happen from his tumble, but had broken one his Clogs (Wooden shoes) all to pieces.  The level in Swinhope had cut the Vein and have been driving in the same and must now sink a Shaft into the forehead of the Vein to air that part before a proof? can be made in the great Lime.   Allenheads Mines have done very well last quarter at West end particularly that Bargain let at 16/pBing, which believe hath raised 300 Bings, the prospect not being so good as before, have advanced them to 20/pBing  <&c> the 8 men being eastward have their price contained at 32/ pBing;  the Eastend has been poorer last Quarter particularly the North vein and of course some of the prices advanced but upon the whole a considerable quantity of Ore has been raised, for in taking an account at the Bargains of the Bouse Ore not yet drawn out if the Mines find near 150 Shifts underdrawn.   We have at last found a Vein to the west of the great cross vein and have fixed upon a place to sink a shaft into the forehead of the cross cut, to prove the Vein in the Sills we may find most likely to produce Ore ;  the Whimsey out of Fawside level is now completed, except the wood work at top.   

      Weardale:  Breckonsike in general poor some of the under level Bargains given up, nothing now being left to repay the water drawing of course that must stand until the low level come up to take the water away, some small quantities of Ore may be raised this quarter before the water rises to its stated height.  Burtree Pasture Lead Mine still continues to raise a considerable quantity of Ore, but the Limestone is gradually going under Level the further we drive eastward;  sometime since we made a rise in the upper Sills above the Level to prove if there was Ore in them and likewise to see if they would produce a quantity of water sufficient to drive an Engine to raise the water out of the great Lime, the upper Siils did not answer to produce Ore in that part, but produced a considerable quantity of water but not quite sufficient for the purpose of driving an Engine, however, upon a second trial further East, which was thought right to make the quantity of water now produced by them both will be equal to the purpose, if they continue to run as at present.  Very little alteration at Sedlin Lead Mine in the old workings, some Ore produced at the old Whimsey foot which is now opening and hope there may be some Ore left in the old Works which may be raised at present prices.  Middlehope or Longsike is nearly worked out <and water made in the old workings> 

      Slit Lead Mine the low <Slitt> on both sides of the water is raising some small quantities of Ore.   Middlehope Shield has not done so well last quarter as was expected and has been under the necessity of advancing the prices this quarter as the Sinking to give the air to the Mine is not yet completed.  Wolfcleugh <Crawlah> Kilhope and all the other Mines are nearly all working at 50/pBing which is our highest price.  If we think any more is <required> (which sometimes happens) we give something for driving sinking raising or drawing Leads as the place requires which I find to be better than advancing the general price pBing.    The last quarter there was a flattening appearance at Blackdean under lead but was not of long continuance otherwise an Engine might have been very useful there but from the present appearance some good may be expected by selling the Engine at Sedlin and fixing one at Burtree pasture to raise the water out of the great Lime Sill;  If Blackdean Vein should gather a little more Strength an Engine might be very usefull, there are some very good Siils under level.   I remain   Yr  

      Jos. Dickinson