Letter – Henry Richmond to Robert Shaftoe – 15 Jul 1763

To Robt. Shaftoe Esq M.P. at                                                  Newcastle 15th July 1763

Whitworth near Durham



Sir/ I reced the favour of your Lre [Letter], but not having Experience of copper mines, nor of the practice in letting leases of them, I can only acquaint you of what is usually done in regard to Lead mines. The general Reservation is a fifth of all the ore, clean & well washed & fit for smelting into Lead, & also clear of all charges & deductions whatsoever by wch Reservation it often so happens that the owner gets his 1/5, wch is all profit, though the undertaker loses considerably. In some cases indeed 1/6 or even 1/7 has been taken, but these were where there was a great uncertainty of the nature of the vein & a great & certain expence in Levels & other works before it could be come at.  

As to the offer made you of the tenth of the profit, it certainly is to[o] small a share.

Besides, to depend upon that share for a Lessees Account of profits is precarious, and in my opinion not at all eligible. I am etc   HR