Letter – Nicholas Walton to John Ibbetson – 17 Mar 1775

Part of Letter written to John Ibbetson Esq 17 March 1775



       On Monday last I went to Langley Mill,and returned from thence last Night; and I have the satisfaction to acquaint you that every thing was got into good order & the Mill set to work again on Wednesday morning. I find the loss to the Hospital will be somewhat less than Thirty Pounds including the Advertisement and Hand Bills.

       During the time of repairing the Bellows, we took an opportunity of making an Improvement in the manner of working them and I have the pleasure to inform you that it answers very well and we shall by this means be able to do more Work than hitherto, but notwithstanding this, it will be necessary to make an addition to our Works of two Hearths for Smelting Ore at; for the quantity of Duty Ore this Year, we hope will not be less than 2000 Bings more than last and it is therefore recommended to the Directors to have this Work carried into execution immediately.  It will also be necessary to have a new Stamp Mill.  The Plan for those erections cannot be fixed til Mr Smeaton's arrival here which is the occasion of my not sending you an Estimate of the Expence but as soon after he comes here, as possible, that shall be settled and you will then be acquainted what the Work is computed to cost.  In the meantime I shall give directions to have Stones washed & other preparations made, which will I doubt not, meet with the approbation of the Board.

       Nothing has yet come out to give us any hopes of a discovery by whom the damage was done at the Lead Mill.

       Under cover herewith you receive our Contingent Account from the 31st August to and with the 21st November last amounting to £259.1.4 as also two Proposals for Lead Mines which you are desired to lay before the Board.            I am.    etc

       N W Junr



The following was wrote on a Slip of Paper & sent in the above Letter.



Directions for the Cottages at the Mill by way of security against further attacks, are much wished for