Letter – Robert Hodgson to John Cleaver – 16 Feb 1788

The Revd. Mr. Cleaver 					Alston, 16th Feby 1788



Sir,

      Inclosed I sent you Greengill Lead Mine paybills for 1786 & 1787 paid the 8th Augt. Last likewise your Acct. Currt. which states the Balance in your favour to £30.6.6 but since the Pay I have advanced to the Workmen £14.10.

      Why I delay sending you the paybills immediately, after the Pay was not haveing received pay for 18 Bings of Ore sold in 1787 but not then delivered, yet now is and paid for last month. Christmas being the general time of Lead mine settlements here.

Greengill is at present very poor, although we have made some little Trials on the Old Yeards sence the pay and raise Ore by 10 men after the Rate of 33/- & 40/- p Bing the trials not being at a Great Expence, and alltho the Ore is of a poor Qualite a Gain my be expactd considering the high price of Lead.

      Mr. Gilbert I find in [sic- is] not inclined to make further trial at Greengill at present, but that of picking what ore can be got out of the Old Grounds.

      Your Latter datd the 23d Dember last was shewn to Mr. Hutchinson which occasioned me to wate for Answer this day recived and punctually stating that the Acct shall be settled so soune as pessable and sent to Mr Hutton as direct.

      I have not sent a Statement of your inclosed Acct to Mr. Hutton supeseing that that you were most conversent in Lead mines and therefore best able to inspect them but should you wish it pleas to inform 

      Your Most Hbl Sart  Robt Hodgson