Letter – Jonathan Hilton to Francis Gregg – 7 May 1776

A Copy of a Letter sent Mr Gregg				Alston 7th May 1776



Sir,

      I do apprehend you have expected a copy of the Ladyday Bargains and an Account of the States of the Mines from me before now, but when I tell you the occasion of the delay was in order to give a more clear Account than I could sooner hope you’ll excuse. It was very much my wish to have made the Pays (if Lead to that amount could have been Sold) much sooner, but as the Markets have been very dull and the Borrowing Money Interest would have been very expensive and reduced the profits of the Works I have postponed the Stanhope Pays till now and have Borrowed only such Money as was necessary to keep up the Credit of the undertakings but as we are now beginning to carry new Ore I have engaged Cash to Make the Pays at Stanhope on the 15 & 16 Inst and do intend to make them at that Time. I am desired by Chars Atkinson Esqr to beg the favour of you to wait on Messrs Truemans in London in order to try if you can sell 2000 Pieces of Refined Lead & 1000 Common at as good a price as you can get, but if you cannot get more to take at the rate of £13 the Newcastle Fodder which is 21 Cwt the prevailing report of Jamaica having been attacked by the French or Spainiards has in a great measure hurt the Lead Trade but I hope the report is not True, I shall be very much obliged to you if you’ll write Mr Atkinson on this Business.

      Upon the whole Stanhope Lead Mine had raised more Ore than was expected and at present looks quite as well or better than I ever saw her and hope she’ll continue to do well; I beg to hear from you as soon as convenient . My Son joins in best Compts to you and I am Sir

Yr Hble Servt