Journal entry – John Grey – 21 May 1835

Thursday 21st



      Set out at six o’clock and rode over several Farms in the West part of Langley where there are some matters requiring my attention, among others the state of the Woodland Fences adjoining the burn that passes Langley Mills.  It is unfortunate that any thing bringing in such a revenue as the Lead should be so injurious to the vicinity of its manufacture.    The Smoke from the Mills alighting on the Fields has a most pernicious effect both upon the herbage and the health of the Cattle, which are frequently destroyed by it, and one drink of the Water, on days when the Ore is being washed will cause the immediate death of the strongest animal.   Now that the smelting there is increased by a part of the Mills being occupied by Mr Beaumont, it is more than ever desirable that some means should be taken to obviate this evil, and I have been desirous of coming to some agreement with the Lessees for the purpose, by proposing that if they would construct a long horizontal duct to carry the smoke up the hill before allowing it to escape, its deleterious qualities would in a great measure be deposited in its course, which deposit would probably repay them the cost of erecting it, and the Board or their future Lessee would repay them the value of the Bricks, should they leave the Mills at the end of the present Lease.  I have not yet however been able to effect any such agreement.  As to the Water, the only thing to be done is to use all vigilance in keeping it fenced from Cattle.

      It happened a few days ago that some Oxen belonging to Mr Peacock, tenant of Esphill got into the Plantation by a Gap in the Wall which has been taken down for the purpose of carrying out some trees that were cut and sold there.  The Gap had not been made up or secured, by which means the Cattle got access to the Burn, and one of them worth ten or eleven Pounds died stark mad in a few hours most fortunately the others had not drunk so much, and recovered.

      To pay for all losses sustained or alleged to be caused by the smoke or water, would lead to abuse and imposition, but in this case as no doubt can exist of the cause & consequence, & as it occurred by the neglect of the Woodman, Mr Peacock seems to have a reasonable claim for compensation.

      Returned to Haydon Bridge at ten and commenced again to receive the Rents for the north of Tyne, which occupied me till four, when I made up the Cash and paid £7690 -/- over to the Banker, in addition to £2042.7.4 paid him at Shaw House.  As some Tenants in the West are depending on payments from Langley Mills for carriage of Ore, which they are to receive in a fortnight, & others on Sales of Stock at Stagshaw Fair, to make up their deficiencies, it may be as well not to close the account till after those days.  After dining with the Tenants, I returned to Dilston at ten o’clock, where I had the happiness to find five of my children, of whom I have seen little during the two years since I left Millfield Hill, but who can now find accommodation in their fathers house, which is a source of much comfort and enjoyment.  



Friday 22nd May



Engaged in correspondence and Office business.   Rode round the Workmen at the Wears and Woodland Fences.  Nothing of importance to record.