1813-1818
Gloucestershire Archives TS/123
Outgoing letters from Brimscombe Port May 1813-July 1818
Tinplates have been delivered. Will be forwarded by Mr Miller’s boat, Indiaman tomorrow.
Mr James delivered 103 boxes Tin plates, to be forwarded by Mr Miller’s boat Indiaman for London.
Mr Miller’s boat brought from London 30 Carboys of Spirits. Send for as soon as possible as Baskets in bad condition.
Draft on J S Salt Esq. returned which very much surprises me. Fault must be due to some irregularity on your part. Drafts made payable to the Park End Coal Company must be paid to persons having powers from that company.
Wilcox delivered 14 tons Coal & 38 tons plus of Paving Stones for Mr Morland of Abingdon. Paid £3 12s for the Stones.
Received 14 tons Coal & 38.8.0.17 Paving Stones from John Jones consigned to you.
Account annexed for remittance. Company has ordered discontinuance of Bounty on Newport Coal.
Cash accounts & Weekly Returns enclosed, with Oxford Journal article
Cask of Tallow arrived from London. Additional charge for wharfage after first week of arrival until fetched.
Three consignments Iron Pipes arrived. Customary charge from first week until taken away.
Any chance agreeing wages. No objection Twenty Shillings as part your expenses.
Can take cargo of Coal as stock.
In need of a carpenter capable of repairing Lock gates & other general Canal Works. William Thomas has applied (who I understand either Erected or assisted in Erecting the Lydney Lock Gates). Much obliged for information respecting him as to his Capability, Sobriety, Honesty, Etc.
Cash account & Weekly Return enclosed. Particulars of Bill for Oak Timber
Desired Messrs Pitt Croome & Co. Cirencester to transfer amount of Samuel Coleman’s draft.
Transfer to credit of Messrs Turner & Co., Bankers, Gloucester at Esdaile & Co., London sum of £65 9s 3d.
Household Goods for Mr Gould have been forwarded as instructed by Joseph Brookings boat, Manchester, likely arrive London in fortnight.
Water to be drawn out of Stroud Canal for two or three weeks, or longer from tomorrow.
Cash Account & Weekly Returns enclosed. Stroud Canal stopped at present for repairs for three weeks. Water to be let out of Summit after some London boats have passed.
Glad two Bills passed House of Lords.
Enclosed draft on J S Salt for £34.2.6 for Coal.
Coal delivered from Park End Coal Co. to T&S Canal Company at Brimscombe port.
Enclosed Sundry Cash notes.
Remaining Cash Notes enclosed. Particulars of Bills drawn for Coal.
Cash notes.
Cash account & weekly returns.
Bill of expenses going on the River Thames.
Gravel to be landed on Lechlade Wharf. Limestone on the Canal bank not worth burning. Limestone we burn (not for water work) now from Bristol.
Cash account and weekly return.
Took possession of Leachlade Wharf on 30 June & inspected buildings with Mr Proctor. Large roof of warehouse much out of repair, lock must be deepened, wharf must be raised to keep above floods so very frequent in that neighbourhood, & other minor repairs. Would require £250-300 to make it tenantable and secure from depredations & floods.
Repairs necessary on the Summit with proper workmen and requisite expense. Cutting of Basin at Weymoor Bridge must be let, and Mr Proctor is fully competent to superintend it.
T&S Acts of Parliament to be deposited with magistrates in the neighbourhood & on the Canal.
Bill drawn by Messrs Halford Muskett & Co will be regularly paid when due.
Cash accounts and weekly returns.
To pay remittance of balance of account.
Barge Brothers, Edward Robert Masters expect to be at Ludney on Saturday to load Coal, send as large as possible.
Also a 5 cwt cask of Pozzalano.
Sent a pattern for Coping Stones, glad to receive a sample by the Coaley Brothers, E Roberts of manner get 200 feet forward & deliver at Lydney & price. …it may be the means of a very great quantity of Forest Stone being sold upon this Canal.
There is a carriage at this place consigned to you upon which a charge for Warehouse room of One Shilling a Week is accruing.
Cash accounts weekly returns & Oxford papers for the last two weeks.
List of recipients.
Cash account & weekly return.
Presume Messrs Pitt & Co bill paid.
On Friday last I convicted two lads of Bathing in the Canal and had them sent to the house of correction, there to be kept to hard labour for 10 days, by this method I hope soon to put a stop to that practice.
Obliged to receive sealed Bye Laws, cannot proceed without them, a set to be deposited at Lechlade for use of persons at that end of Canal.
Your goods invariably shipped by first boat after their arrival. Recommend your goods being sent as early as possible.
Projected Turnpike road from Cainscross to Chalford along Valley to avoid the different hills this must be a very desirable thing to every person who uses the present road … I think it very likely to be carried into effect & should hope to see your names added to the list of subscribers being fully persuaded you will reap a very great advantage.
Coal received from Longmer & Co by the T&S Canal Co.
Complaining of weight of coal. You say was 71 tons but not more than 70 tons & would not have weighed that quantity had it not been very wet. Captain of vessel said had remonstrated with some of your people. Not want problems in future, sending vessel for more cargoes.
Cash account & weekly return. Elm timber. Newport coal.
Boxes containing Bye Laws came, delivered one to Mr Proctor who needs sealed copy of former sett & sett needed by Agent at Leachlade without which many offenders will escape.
Two lads are now in Horsley House of Correction for Bathing in the Canal.
Request 1 cwt small 3/8 bolts different lengths with nuts to match.
Coal account brought by Mr Miller’s vessels.
Sample stone not sufficiently worked for the price. Would need rejointing before putting on a wall.
Mr Miller borrowed 16 tons coal of the Company for Mr Morland but unloaded 3 tons finding the boat too deep so Mr Morland owes the Company 13 tons.
Cash account & weekly return enclosed.
Water taken into Canal at Cirencester to come before Committee at next meeting.
Take Notice that you are hereby required to quit, yield, and deliver up to the Company of Proprietors of the T&S Canal Navigation at Lady day next, the peaceable and quiet possession of the warehouse and premises which you rent and occupy of them (from Midsummer day last past) in the parish of Lechlade in the Count of Gloucester. Dated this Tenth day of September 1813 etc…
Take Notice that you are hereby required to quit, yield, and deliver up to the Company of Proprietors of the T&S Canal Navigation at Lady day next, the peaceable and quiet possession of the warehouse, Dwelling, and premises which you rent and occupy of them (from Midsummer day last past) in the parish of Lechlade in the County of Gloucester. Dated this Tenth day of September 1813 etc…
Take Notice that you are hereby required to quit, yield, and deliver up to the Company of Proprietors of the T&S Canal Navigation at Lady day next, the peaceable and quiet possession of the House and premises which you rent and occupy of them (from Midsummer day last past) in the parish of Lechlade in the County of Gloucester. Dated this Tenth day of September 1813 etc…
Quantity of Coping Stone required is 250 feet lineal measure, the width, thickness & joints must be paid particular attention to, so that the stones may range even & regular upon the wall … if you adhere to the pattern sent you …
Prices for different delivered stone at Lydney.
What price per cubic foot for Mile Stones about 3 feet high above the ground (with a butt to them larger than the stone above ground) and 14 inches wide from 4 to 7 or 8 inches thick.
Not appear Mr Miller able to receive freight in Coal. Not a general dealer in Coal his vessels being mostly employed on hire.
Cask of Pozzolano received and Box of Specimens.
Glad your Coal is improved in size & shall be much gratified at seeing an increase in the sale of it.
Cash account & weekly return & Oxford paper enclosed.
Want the bolts and nuts ordered immediately.
Cash account & weekly return enclosed.
Cash account & weekly return & Oxford paper enclosed.
Enclosed draft £69 9s for Coals & Pozzolano.
Cash account & weekly return enclosed.
Enclosed draft £10 1s for your Bill of Parcels of pine Timber & Spars.
Inform of price per lineal foot for tooled leather edged coping; where you deliver and whether you joint it.
Cash notes enclosed.
Bye Laws received.
The late great scarcity of water is more attributable to the want of supply than to any serious defect in the summit level… Repairs to the Cirencester Branch & lock gates between Siddington & Lechlade, and Walbridge & Daneway as much as could be effected without the use of a Carpenter’s Boat which not yet able to purchase. If no vessel to convert to a Carpenters Shop very soon I propose building one.
Utmost endeavours used to put ample stock of coal on Lechlade Wharf as soon as possible. I do anticipate a good sale upon the whole line of Canal during the Winter.
Expedite order for mile stones and coping stones. Seen beautiful worked Forest Stones belonging to Jackson & Co Bullo.
Cash account & weekly return etc enclosed.
I can give you 3 or 4 Freights perhaps more for your vessel from Newport to this place at the price now paying to others provided you can go this Spring [tide] for the first for which purpose I have sent you an order … you will take care to have your weight.
Enclosed cash account & weekly returns. Mr Driver Bidmead claiming payment for land taken into canal & towing path. Land between Bell and Clowes Locks.
Drafts to pay for coals and bricks.
Demand for coal on Canal very considerable.
Mr Miller’s barge, J Pountney Master, left for Lidney for coping stone for wall.
Enclosed cash. Send bolts, nuts & plate nails.
By Heane & Co barge to send Black Plate (of thickness usually sent Mr Miller) & something thicker.
2 casks of wine received. Details of Bidmead’s title and value of land for which claiming payment with interest.
… Mr Miller’s boat the Indiaman J Franklin Master only drew 3ft 6ins when she left Cricklade Wharf I am now informed her draft was nearer 3ft 10ins … no boat that navigates this canal can carry 78tons 14cwt at 3ft 6ins. I understand she was aground very soon after she began to take in the cheese at Cricklade Wharf … I must … refer you to the Bye Laws … It is the duty of the person at Cricklade & indeed of every Watchman to gauge and examine every boat that passes & if they are loaded to a greater depth than 3ft 6ins or are in any wise not conformable to the Bye laws & Act to stop such boat …
Pountney with little barge left this day with Forest Coal. 25 tons Tenby to be loaded by C Jones. Large stock coal at Lechlade.
Almost 400 feet of wall damaging in need of coping stone.
Rushes delivered are damaged due to wet, & rotten.
Steelyards made by him for T&S canal broke weighing a piece of mahogany, & hooks of some beams repaired by De Grave have nearly all failed from the same cause. Sent back for substantial repair by Miller’s boat Indiaman, Thomas Franklin Master.
Enquiries regarding cost of Bisley Common Weather Stone delivered to Chalford Wharf.
Weekly Returns being mere forms, shall be sent … when the Coaches travel again, as we have not had one from or to London for the last week …
Wharf on Wilts and Berks Canal destitute of coal, & knowing the consumers … would be compelled to visit Leachlade Wharf … to raise the price as high as thought prudent … the small stack there being the only coal upon any wharf above this place (Brimscombe) - there are 2 or 3 boats loaded with coal frozen up on this side of the Tunnel whose cargoes are being fetched to Cirencester in wagons … Should the present weather continue this week, Brimscombe will be the only place having any coal, from Oxford to the River Severn.
Mr Proctor seriously ill, though better.
Coaches taking two days to come from London, not travelling by night for fear of accidents such is the state of the roads.
Waggons regularly conveying coals from Chalford (where boats frozen) to Cirencester, at which place it sells uncommonly dear…
Hope present weather will soon liberate the boats – one loaded with Coal for Leachlade Wharf is at the Coatesfield end of the Tunnel, & another left this place this morning …
Will be some considerable time before coal brought to Brimscombe, very little at different shipping places & demand great.
Coaches into their regular track again. Complaints that coach taken different route, unbeknown to proprietors, & not called into town of Minchinhampton. Parcels left behind.
Spoken with Mr Masters, Coach Proprietor who stated road into Minchinhampton so bad as to be dangerous.
The ice in some parts of the Canal was yesterday too strong for Boats to navigate, notwithstanding it was broken by the ice boat …
Expect full 60 tons of coal to be taken as per agreement and to have supply in opposition to Wilts & Berks.
To send via Heane & Newman’s first barge 3 Bundles of Treble Sheet Iron.
In spite of every exertion not all boats stopped by ice could be got to Lechlade.
Edward Roberts brought quantity of coping stone of wrong thickness.
20 Bags of wool or hair delivered from London.
9 Bags of wool arrived in such bad state cannot be moved to Dudbridge. Send a wagon as soon as possible.
Coals are most uncommonly scarce below Lechlade at Dorchester … I came home yesterday and we actually brought a Sack of Coals on the Coach from London to that place…
From 25 March next, charge for Warehouse room for Curricle to be increased.
Supplies coal on Stroud Canal Wharfs continue to be very scarce.
Coals remarkably scarce … this is the only place that has not been without Coal for more than a week…
Accompanying resolution of T&S Canal Co to admit passing of small boats on payment in the same manner as they will do when the North Wilts Canal is completed.
Instructions received to commence the Basin etc at Weymoor but impossible before you have built the Aqueduct on the Mill Stream.
In December sent J Miller’s barge to Hambro Wharf, London the Steelyards & Ball … to be repaired.
We have settled with Lord Eliot’s agent and so cutting of the Basin has commenced.
Rather the vessel have her full weight on board as have had from Hughes & Co. than deduct deficiency. Hunt on his way to load or with Hughes & Co if you not have supply.
Captain Thomas Adams will load the Schooner Lane with a cargo of your best Coal …
… unless I can do business with you upon the same terms as with your neighbours I shall be compelled to remove my orders.
Business is at present rather slack goods being very scarce notwithstanding the Kennett & Avon & Wilts & Berks Canals have been stopped for repairs nearly three weeks.
The water was yesterday let out of part of the summit level for the purpose of repairing it which I imagine will occupy about a fortnight.
… I am sorry to be compelled to leave you, but your terms being different from other coal dealers …
… the deeds of the Brimscombe purchase remain unexecuted in consequence of being upon improper stamps as well as not containing any thing relating to the use of the water from the Rack Hill conformable to the conditions of sale …Mr Bevir has promised to send a draft of the deeds corrected.
… very likely to have a very considerable quantity of the Tallows etc arrived by the Baltic fleet through this Canal …
Brisker sale of coal at Lechlade than previous summer mean only scanty supply there until Spring.
Letter received from Clerk of Stroud & Chalford Road regarding value of land wanted for making of the road.
Thought the Company had joint bond from James Millard & his father for payment … if James Millard himself is the only security I am fearful it is all lost.
… Mr Hipsley informs me one of his customers for coal from Lechlade Wharf is declared a Bankrupt owing the Company nearly £50… Great advocate of ready money trade.
Hamper of liquor from you at Thames head warehouse has burst.
Thomas Toward informs the Engine at Thames head requires new Boiler. What, if any, improvement can be made to it.
Mr Waters & Mr Protheroe state coal passes whole length of Kennett & Avon Canal paying just 3s per ton.
Application to Parliament to make turnpike roads which would assist coal trade from Lechlade.
Prefer credit on terms given by Mr Lewis, Llanhyddell Company.
If agreeable to terms will not remove the Sisters while you send good coal.
Problems with coping stone for the wall at Lechlade. Not to specification.
Never was there such a time for navigations … River Severn at Stourport only 10 inches water. Thames is low. Canals from Manchester to Stourport completely dry for 50 miles. Goods conveyed in wagons. Oxford Canal coals selling at Abingdon at 40s per ton due to scarcity of water.
James Millard’s wife’s mother died a few months since.
Send by J Miller’s first Trow a Russian red baulk.
Counsel’s opinion sought on Company’s right to take water into the Canal on Sundays without paying for it. Dispute between the Company and Mill owners as to rights to water. … there is no doubt as to their Mills suffering by the present scarcity of Water …
Messrs Waters & Co of Lydney have purchased an old Trow loaded her with Forest Coal & sent her to Bristol where she is seized by the Officers of the Customs, this done with a view of ascertaining whether or not they may send Coal from the Forest to that City duty free. If decision is against them, intend applying to Parliament for relief which, if obtained may materially affect the interest of this Canal.
Misunderstanding among land owners along route of Stroud & Chalford Road resulting in revaluation of the whole.
Not see difficulty in ready money trade for coal sold at Lechlade Wharf. Mr Hipsley attended meeting at Cheltenham of Bankrupt’s Creditors but need to prove debt owed the Company.
Mr Waters said more boats to be built but unless they bring more Coal to Lydney than at present there are already too many vessels in the trade…
Resolutions of meeting of Mill owners as appeared in Gloucester Journal. Proprietors of Mills enlarged their mill ponds to a size sufficient to contain as much of the Sundays water as possible at this season of the year. For almost 20 years (since Mr Denyer here) water regularly taken into Canal on Sunday. Messrs Lewis making immense mill pond which useless without Sundays’ water so holding meetings with other mill holders on River Churn to unite. Similar action in past not successful. Want directions as to how to proceed in case mill owners give notice not to take any water into the Canal.
Notice to increase rent of Salt Warehouse from 24 June next.
Notice to increase rent of House & Garden you occupy at Kempsford, from 24 June next.
Couldry left yesterday with Bilston coal. Allen left with Forest coal. King loading more Forest coal. Phipp to load his boat. Sending 6 pieces of Oak for mooring posts & 2 new Coal Beams.
Order to load at Newport but not on board the Sisters as the vessel is not sea worthy, the cargo just delivered is in a shameful condition.
Proposals received from Mr Waters regarding reduction of tolls and price setting of coal to establish an extensive and permanent Thames Trade.
Mill owners continuing to ascertain Company’s rights to the Sunday water.
Mr Hipsley taking steps to prove Hatton’s (the bankrupt) debt (account from March 1813 to August 1814)
Letter received from Mr Croome, Solicitor regarding dispute with the mill owners.
Resolution of Severn & Wye Railway & Canal Company for reducing their Tonnage on Forest Coal taken down the River Thames.
John Treacher, Surveyor to Commissioners of River Thames who resides at Sunning, is executor of his late father’s will. Debt owed the Company from James Millard (late Mr Treacher’s father or father-in-law).
Told Mr Bevin must await Committee’s instructions on subject of mill owners. Not been able to learn any more of their proceedings.
Problems regarding the coal trade as a result of the Severn & Wye’s Railway Company’s resolution to reduce their tonnage. … I do not think Mr Waters is acting fairly towards the parties who have acceded to his wishes…
List of Commissioners named in the Thames & Severn Act believed to be living, though presume there must be others.
Joseph and Edward Cripps, Cirencester. Daniel Clutterbuck, Bradford, Wilts. James Clutterbuck, Hyde near Minchinhampton. John Hawker, Dudbridge near Stroud. Peter Hawker, Woodchester near Stroud. Sir G Paul Bart, Woodchester near Stroud. Clifford Nathaniel (late Winchcombe), Frampton-on-Severn, Gloucestershire.
Anticipate difficulty in calling nine together, particularly if the Company don’t unite with the Mill Owners, unless they consider it to their advantage.
Oxford Canal Co. employ boat with Steam Engine & other machinery attached for purpose of cleansing canal of mud, etc., enquiring if it might be for hire for use on Thames & Severn Canal.
Particulars of reductions in tonnage on Forest of Dean Coal taken down Thames below Tadpole & Radcott. Summit pond at present only allows for barges drawing 2ft 2ins though daily expect them able to draw 3ft 6ins at most.
Price of all coal (except Tenby) to be raised from 1 December.
Considerable deficiency in coal, last cargo being nearly 2 tons short.
List of persons indebted to the Company sent to Solicitors for recovery action.
Received news from Meacham that only 3ft 7½ins water in Summit level at Daneway. Directed boats to load to full depth of 3ft 6ins and water must be put in canal to carry them at that depth or some sufficient reason given why it cannot.
Boats ready to enter Tunnel tomorrow at 12.
Present weather likely to increase water in River Thames which already too high for boats to navigate and Severn shares same fate. Great fall of snow will impede vessels from Forest and may wholly prevent use of rail roads
Two vessels belonging to Messrs. Waters & Co. loaded with Forest coal passed Brimscombe last Saturday on their trial voyage to Oxford & Henley. Told Sea Duty to be taken off Forest Coal going to Bristol in about 2 months by Order in Council. This would materially affect Thames trade through T&S canal as they would be able to send by the Kennett & Avon Canal.
Owner Rees informs his vessel, the Providence, has passed Bell Lock & discharged her cargo at Cirencester on 3 April last. Consequently, could pass any Lock on this Canal if required.
Owner Charatt, blunder in delivering his coal, resolved by production of shipping note.
Allow boats in full water time to load to 3ft 6ins instead of 3ft. Vessels able to travel from Lydney to Lechlade constructed to carry no more than 46 to 48 tons, drawing 3ft 6ins water. Boats coming only to Brimscombe can carry 60 tons & more, but there are only very few. If necessary to shift coal at Brimscombe advantageous to put it into boat able to carry it throughout canal than to have to shift it again at Lechlade according to White’s plan. Locks above and below Brimscombe are of very different dimensions so a vessel able to travel throughout the length of the canal must be built expressly for the purpose, and there are very few of these.
Proctor sent details of water drawn from River Churn during last summer. Obliged to receive authorization to pay the millers many of them being very much in want of it to satisfy their Landlords demands.
Last week appealed against charge made upon the Company for Property Tax £230 & got it reduced.
The William delivered quantity of Bilston coal. Bayton gone to Gloucester to load poles.
Want to know what time Bruden paid property tax and amount of poor rates paid.
Send for Packer and tell him that the Committee desire watchmen to pay particular attention to the Acts of Parliament and Bye Laws and see the boats are navigated conformable therewith.
See all the watchmen as soon as possible and point out to them that unless they see that the Laws for regulating the navigation of the Canal are strictly attended to they cannot be considered of any use to the Company.
Inform Mr Toward the Engine Boiler to be put into repair for service next summer, Committee deferred ordering new one.
Copy of letter to J R Denyer: The Committee desire that you will be very watchful over the several persons employed on the Canal & that you will impress on Mr Jones’s mind the necessity of a strict attention to the duties of his office, particularly in seeing that the several Bye Laws are attended to by the Watchmen that whenever necessary the same may be enforced & that he does not on any account male the least distinction of persons, but levy the penalties inflicted by the Act, …
… your wine was neither diminished or adulterated while in the Co.’s possession…the blame is not with us…
Understand able to get boats out of canal, nothing further necessary to break ice until thaw commences.
Hope canal out of danger of being stopped any more this season by frost, & hope connecting rivers will not be impeded by floods.
Have engaged a vessel to work constantly to Lydney for the summer to keep stocked with Forest Coal. Not receive any coal without weighing it, particularly Parkend coal as we experience a greater deficiency upon that than upon any other…
William Dicks died yesterday morning of a mortification in his bowels. He had been absent from business about 10 days, but he had been unwell the greater part of the winter.
Brookings boat, Creeping Jane, left yesterday with Forest Coal on board
By the deed of conveyance from Lord Coleraine & his Lessees for Lives to the Thames & Severn Canal Co. for Land taken…
Deficiencies in weight of coal must be due to inaccuracy of machine at Lydney & other causes prior to its being taken on Board the vessels. Full weight entered in shipping notes & charged for without any offer to make allowance for quantities overcharged.
Coal short of weight prior to leaving Lydney.
Mistaken if think colliers accountable for weight of coal after leaving Lydney. Want it to be weight expressed on Trow bill when on board the vessel which it is well known has not been the case.
Want a Cabin Stove for the use of the Carpenter’s boat. Send by Barge next time. Must be of largest size.
Send a Swede or Dantzic plank for side of Swing Bridge particular attention to its not being knotty or shaky. Pray send it on Saturday … we have only a temporary road to the premises.
Mr Miller’s boats left yesterday with 86 tons on board.
Very considerable quantities Forest Coal to be sent down the River Thames for purpose of introducing it. Continue bounty as before until 30 December next.
Reduction in price unlikely so kept one vessel constantly in trade, occasionally others, to ensure good stock for summer.
Glad to see you as early as convenient to mark out spot for House at Puck Mill & to arrange drawing of water to examine summit & repair as necessary.
If Mr Driver’s title is perfect he must make his claim for payment.
Reduce your outstanding debts, due to large stock of coal, and remit to Mr Salt.
Sending 2 masons & a labourer. Any time lost not to be made up in overtime.
Packer must assist but not necessary to hire anybody.
Sorry garden not finished but hope you have hurdled in small patch for the present.
Send to Miller’s Trow 7 fathoms tarred rope of best materials & workmanship for a machine.
Little coal going down Thames at present but expect something very considerable next winter at good prices.
Water to be let out of Summit Level on Saturday next for 14 days to do repairs.
Loading small boat with a few Coals and things wanted by Masons to finish Wharf.
Particulars of money due Lord Eliott for Land taken for making Basin, Wharf & Roads at Weymoor. Mr Wells, Lord Eliott’s steward, has signed a paper stating the quantity of land.
Taking advantage of stoppage on Summit to cleanse some of ponds of mud, etc.
Messrs Oakey & Co’s Barge delivered Forest Coal for Speedwell Co. & Brookings’ Boat arrived to take it down the Thames. Cargo to be detained pending payment for charges owed.
Several yards of side wall & arching of Tunnel having bulged near Sapperton end, must stop Canal for a week to repair.
Have examined bridge very attentively but found no damage caused by work to new Wharf.
Send by Miller’s first Trow a Cask of Parker’s Roman Cement. Payment from Mr Wagstaff, Miller’s agent at his warehouse.
Lydney Coal Masters obtained permission to send Forest Coal to Bristol either duty free or on payment of trifling sum so very busy in shipping for that port.
Mr Waters to try send Coal to Reading by Kennett & Avon Canal.
As soon as Coal trade begins to move will send the Hope as usual.
Dr Barton, Bursar to Corpus Christie College, Oxford been here respecting Land taken into Canal at Chalford belonging to the College, & expect payment.
College Title not as ‘safe & proper’ now as in 1785. According to Dr Barton;
it is devised to that Society from Richard Fox, Bishop of Winchester, who founded the College in the year 1517, since which time the Lands have been in possession of the Society & whole of the interest now with the College.
Committee ready to settle with the College for Land taken to the Canal on proof of good title to be exhibited to Mr John Lane, Goldsmiths’ Hall, London, the Company’s solicitor for approval.
No vessel can pass this Canal whose width exceeds 12ft 4ins. The usual height of boat is 4ft in middle & 5ft at ends & many are nearly perpendicular in the sides & when empty draw about 1ft. Very difficult for vessel with greater height to pass as some bridges not as high as Tunnel, particularly when ponds full of water.
Correction of error respecting payment made to Mr J D Bidmead, otherwise Mr Driver, for Land taken into Canal.
Understand W Waters trying to evade payment of Coasting duty on Forest Coal taken to Bristol by landing the coal on point of land near Aust Ferry, carrying it across the point, & reshipping it on opposite side, the point being division between the 2 ports & lost no time in informing the Railway proprietors.
Payment for Land taken for use of T & S Canal belonging to the See of Salisbury.
Boats now carrying 35 to 40 tons & expect them to load to full depth allowed after next rains.
56 tons second coal shipped at Lydney 17 June consigned to J & T Iles of Chalford but they refusing to receive it. Messrs Oakley & Co landed it at Brimscombe to be detained until freight charges paid.
Your coal likely to be very generally used through this Canal but can never be attained unless importers receive it on advantageous terms as to weight and price as other Forest coal.
Two cargoes received appear to consist of considerable portion of either roof or bottom of pits & consequently slaty.
Brookings has hired his boat Creeping Jin to Mr Simmons of Hinton for three years, just left with Parkend Coal for Newbridge.
Stock of Coal at Lechlade adequate for several weeks demand, even supposing general frost.
Canal stopped by ice.
Navigation impeded by ice above Chalford. Ice boat there to make it passable.
Two hampers of plants for E L Loveden Esq., Buscot Park.
Sent 2 hampers of pine plants by Tanner’s wagon last night. Arrived several days since but Canal stopped by ice. Had them properly protected from frost in the warehouse.
Mr Miller’s boat Commerce William Gardner Master has 13 tons Forest Coal on board to put in proper place for burning Lime not for use of the Engine.
Must request your particular attention to Company’s Bye Laws & Act of Parliament as relates to navigating of boats as reason to believe Bargemen are daily committing acts contrary to them & must be stopped.
The William will amply supply all the Bilston coals wanted.
Send immediately by Miller’s boat from Hambro Wharf the Sweede Timber & Deals.
Sent by your man, Frank Barnes, proper certificates to be filled up and returned.
Five months late in sending necessary certificates for coal received & Company’s accounts for the period closed. Matter to be laid before Committee for their determination.
Draft conveyance of land taken for Canal belonging to Corpus Christie College received & shall return for engrossment as soon as can ascertain the parcels of land are properly described.
Very much in want of certificates of the Registry or transfer of all shares sold or transferred since 3 April last.
Draft conveyance from Corpus Christie College returned with remarks attached. …as to describing the Boundaries I do not think it would be possible to pace out the Land by the original the property having been completely metamorphosed since the Canal was made …
The coal at Lechlade Wharf is very dull indeed, arising no doubt from the depressed state of the times.
Require funds to pay the Churn Millers for water.
Great deal of stock with little demand, compelled to discontinue sending the Hope but will order her return when again in need of coals.
No end of confusion if certificates are not returned on time.
Very little business in the Grain trade, indeed all business appears to have received a most severe shock universally & I believe most Canals feel it in a greater or lesser degree (more details).
Last week went to Oxford & paid Dr Barton for purchase & rent due to Corpus Christie College for Land in the Canal. Still owe money to Mr Ballinger of Chalford who rents under the College. The Clerk of the Peace to be put in possession of the deeds immediately.
Spoke to Mr Cox about the 13 acres land lately purchased Cox & Co, Thomas Bush, Mr Morland of Abingdon, Mr Wooton et al. Part of it could readily be developed as a coal wharf at modest expense.. It appears very clear that unless there is a wharf in which persons concerned in the Oxford Canal have neither property or power, Forest Coal will have no chance; as they are persecuting in a most shameful manner every person they possibly can that in any degree interests himself therein.
Reduction in price of Forest Coal at Gloucester because Parkend Coal Co (Lydney) introducing their coal at Cheltenham (via Gloucester & Cheltenham railway) at 4s per ton less than their selling price at Gloucester. Drop in sale of coal due to mildness of season & to generally to the unprecedented depressed state of Agriculture & Commerce which I believe is universally experienced throughout the Kingdom. I know some very respectable families that formerly kept 3 or 4 fires that now makes one or two at most answer the purpose.
A clause in the Thames & Severn Canal Act requires conveyances of lands purchased from Corporate or Collegiate Bodies to be inrolled by the Clerk of the Peace for the County in which such Lands lie.
Canal impassable for loaded boats at the narrow part adjoining Mr J Innell’s Mill-pond in consequence of some large stones having rolled down the hill from the Stroud and Chalford Turnpike road. Water to be let out of the level to remove stones to avoid loss of time & detention of vessels navigating. Proprietors of the road to be held responsible.
Kennett & Avon Canal Co applying to Parliament for an increase in tolls which appears favourable for T&S Canal.
Mr Beach or Mr Barker dissatisfied their coal not cheaper as they consume great quantities. Coal trade very bad at present. Risk of losing their business to other parties. Might suggest to them or their stewards that by taking a boat load together of say 50 or 60 tons would take one shilling a ton off the selling price at the wharf & bill at 2 months. This may prevent their thinking of Cirencester. Mention to Mr Loveden’s people indirectly that hardly fair to occasionally employ other people to supply coal to whom pay ready money & come to our Wharf at other times. Any coal they require delivered at Buscott Wharf will be delivered as good & cheap as any person can deliver them by boat load.
Couldry has on board 51 tons of the largest forest coals you have had some time.
Conveyance of land purchased for use by T&S Canal of the President of Corpus Christie College enclosed for inrollment. To return to John Lane, Esq., Goldsmith’s Hall, London.
The alteration that has taken place within the last few months in the trade on this Canal, both in Coal & Merchandize, is beyond precedent, & will be seriously felt … the wharfs have all great stocks upon them.
Deed of conveyance from Corpus Christie College to T&S Co with Clerk of Peace for this County. I presume its ultimate residence will be in the Iron Chest … at this place …
To make necessary preparations during full water obliged to know if North Wilts Canal to proceed until it unites with T&S new Basin & whether intended to put in Aqueduct to convey Churn River under the Canal during ensuing summer.
Reminder of stopgates to be erected between North Wilts Canal & T&S Basin.
If require more Aberthaw Pebbles season for fetching them fast approaching.
Regarding price of freight the Company have long since declined the Carrying trade … must refer you to Mr Miller the Carrier from this place.
Severn & Wye Railway Company made alterations to their Tonnages & Drawbacks. Need particulars to inform persons conveying Forest Coal down the River Thames.
Request details of cost & expense of importing Wednesbury & Harecastle Coal to Oxford by that Canal & selling price & boat load & retail.
Heard Oxford Canal Co. purchasing quantity of very worst sort of Forest Coal & selling at Oxford (I don’t know how they got it there) to persuade the inhabitants that although cheap it is good for nothing such a report must be false.
Balance of half yearly statement smallest ever remembered the deficiency arise entirely from the depressed state of Commerce so Universally felt throughout the Kingdom … very fearful the ensuing half year will be infinitely worse …
Details of Oxford Canal Co. obtaining & selling very worst Forest Coal at low price to persuade people though cheap not worth anything, not the only fabrication that has emanated from the same source. Benefit of having a public wharf at Oxford where for a moderate charge dealers might carry on Business, as at Cirencester. Possible routes by which the Forest Coal was conveyed to Oxford. In fact there appeared to be an anxious desire to procure Forest Coal even by the heads of Colleges as well as the Citizens such that very considerable trade might be possible at Oxford & other places on the River Thames.
Tiler to put very strong large eaves to Cart shed to prevent their being continually rubbed off.
Brookings’ boat loaded with round Beech timber. Hope Masons pitched stable & put pitching stones between door of Warehouse used as stable to make good the ground there.
Tovey must wash the stable the same as the House & I must allow him something for it.
Understand from Thomas Allen you not let him have cargo of road stone as agreed. Company put to expense removing stones loaded from John Gardner. Unless Allen loads the stone on his return the Business will be put in hands of Company’s Solicitor.
Arrangements made for repair of Lock Quoins & Gates at Baker’s Mill. Canal to be stopped during that week. Mr Proctor best judge of period required for the summit.
What are dimensions of largest boats that navigate Wilts & Berks Canal as side walls of one of Locks needs repairing & worth considering whether to widen to take 2 small boats at a time.
Wanted, name of persons who make Building red Bricks at Brosely.
Price wanted per thousand red Building Bricks that will stand the weather, some recently brought into Stroud Canal from Brosely or neighbourhood by Owner Adams. Many thousands of such bricks may be wanted.
Enquiring of price per thousand best building red bricks to stand the weather, considerable quantity will be wanted.
Sudden falling off of water in Summit Level generally attributed to quantity drawn at Daneway Lock but leakage at lock gates at Daneway not account for such sudden & serious falling off. Request you ascertain the cause. Informed by R[a]dburn the water in the summit now only 3ft 7in so every boat must lighten their load to go through the Tunnel.
Advise by return the depth boats must be loaded to.
Shape of small Canal Boats could lesson expense of side cuts in Locks from original idea as no need to be so large. What is width, etc of the Boats.
What is lowest price of good red Building Bricks such as will stand wind and weather.
What is lowest price of good red Building Bricks such as will stand wind and weather.
What is present price best hard Building bricks to stand wind and weather.
What is quantity of land belonging to T&S Canal Co. taken for use of the Stroud & Chalford Road & also the quantity of mounding done so can be paid.
Ordered by the Committee to remind you of the offence you are in the habit of committing in destroying the Company’s towing path fences at Latton & elsewhere. Unless fences restored to satisfaction of Mr Denyer, & you pay customary charges for carrying coal across Company’s works, which forbidden ever to do again without leave, proceedings will be immediately commenced against you.
Also proceeding against you for the Recovery of the Penalties you have incurred by carrying Timber and other articles without having properly entered the same, and paid the Tonnage, unless you immediately settle with Mr Denyer.
Price for your bricks rather high but as likely to need large quantity, probably next summer, will order twenty thousand of best blue Brosely Bricks if you stamp them on the side at no extra cost. If agreeable to terms will send the stamp. What price for best fire bricks and squares.
Owner [Priett] charged 2 guineas for Officers fees discharging cargo of Tenby Coal. Have refused to pay without an explanation. He referred to you to provide particulars.
Have forwarded stamp for bricks to owner Thomas Ball, Stourport. Ensure bricks of a quality as to ensure future orders of a very considerable quantity, all bricks to be stamped.
Regarding making the wharf [at Oxford], the cut or canal to be of sufficient size to admit the description of boats that usually navigate from Oxford down the river, these being much wider than those on the canal. Otherwise, boats would have to load and unload afloat.
Last week special Committee of the Thames Navigation arrived in their Shallop from Bristol on a survey of the Waters connected with the River Thames. The party comprised six members of the Corporation of London, including Mr Kirby, the Sheriff Elect. Demanded tonnage on the shallop but the chairman, Mr Hulcombe said they had passed toll free on every other canal but, if required, Mr Leach would pay. Shallop a complete masterpiece having every convenience imaginable.
Not to be charged any tonnage for the City Shallop passing along the canal.
