Letter – Nicholas Walton to Peter Mulcaster – 25 Jan 1773

Mr Mulcaster.                           Farnacres 25th January 1773



       We reced your Letter of the 18th inst with the Operations and Assays respecting Cowhill Lead which you will observe has left a saving of £11.4.6 3/4  beside the saving of 1/4 P Piece Towns dues on the Quantity lost 9 1/4 and Commission also on that Quantity; so that it is clear we can when Lead is at £14 afford to refine when the Lead will produce in the Work 4 oz 17 dwt 1 6/10 grns P Fodder or by Assay from 4 oz 10 dwt to 4 oz 18 dwt P Fodder which is 1oz 2 dwt less than former Refiners have reckoned would answer.  The Cake weighed 182 Ounces only.

       The Weather has been so open of late that we doubt not the Washing goes well on and when you have compleated the Trials of Middle Cleugh Ore, which we desire may be done at your convenience shall be glad to have the result.

       We are sorry last years Ore turns out so badly in the washing but hope this year we shall find it much better.

       Whatever you think Pattinson will deserve you will give him for washing the Tails you mention.

       Mr Rawling will deliver you this and we stil hope to discover something better than has been yet met with.

       The Hedging of the Lane at the request of the Cottagers may be let alone for the present. 

       We shall be glad to hear you are getting forward with the Carriage of the Materials for the Wall.

       As it will be necessary  for Mrs Brown or some of the Family to Administer pray tell them we say so & as soon as that is done we shd be glad to be informed that is as soon as an Administration is granted youll inform us & who has administered.  We are

       Your very hble Servts

       W & S 



PS  If you see Mr Hilton pray tell him I must see him here as soon as possible.





Saving by the inclosed acct                             £11 11 10



Charges in Mr Mulcaster’s acct omitted

Carriage of 37 1/2 fodders of lead from mill 

   to Refinery at 2d                           6  3

Carriage and package of bullion                3  6

                                                   9  9

                                                          11  2  1

To which add

What the bullion sold for more than by 

   Mr Mulcaster’s estimate                                    2  5 3/4

Savings upon the whole                                    11  4  6 3/4