1813-1818
Gloucestershire Archives TS/123
Outgoing letters from Brimscombe Port May 1813-July 1818
Required to attend on the Jury at Gloucester Assizes. Enclose report of Thames Navigation Committee on their survey. Managed to impress on them that lack of business on canal largely attributable to bad navigation of River Thames, particularly in Upper districts.
Received from Colebrookdale the price of iron cylinders, able to compare price difference of stone and iron aqueduct. As to strength, not think any danger of stone work failing, arch will be worked to a mould & every stone close jointed.
Stones [for wharf] sent by Miller’s boat, Eagle, R. Allen, Master.
Canal will be stopped on Saturday 14th at Walbridge for several days during which time the water can be let out to make necessary alterations.
Miller’s boat, Nonsuch, C Jones, Master.
Wish to hear from him regarding claim from Blackwell for stopping the Mill during time canal is closed for repairs.
The Stroud Canal is stopped for repairs and will remain so during the whole of the present week, and I have embraced the opportunity of doing some necessary repairs to the lock gates at Wallbridge.
Mr Proctor buried on Sunday last.
Met Mr Disney at Swindon and discussed plan relating to vacancy occasioned by death of Mr Proctor.
Take in water to raise summit level to allow boats drawing 2ft 6ins to pass the Tunnel.
Money deposited in Child & Co house in 1788 & 1789 for land taken for use of the canal belonging to See of Salisbury been received by parties concerned.
… hereby give you notice henceforth to cease and discontinue the trespass you at present commit by a Road or Way from the premises you occupy on to the Towing path as well as by depositing rubbish thereon at Walbridge & that you do sufficiently repair the mound, otherwise you will subject yourself to the penalties imposed for such offence …
Due to recent death of one of our superintendants have frequently attended at his late residence.
To encourage Forest Coal trade down the Thames to Oxford & below likely the T&S Canal Co would agree to reduce tonnage on stone if in their interests to do so.
Forwarded 16 tons coal by Miller’s boat, Indiaman, for Mr Morland, the boat being on passage to London.
Enquiry regarding the quantity of coal loaded on the William, owner Pugh.
I am quite surprised at the conduct of your son William respecting the Bricks loaded at Framilode … I found they remained at Framilode untouched. Seven men have again been Idling away their time a second time the expense of which amounting already to several pounds - I certainly will make you accountable …
I did want a Cargo or two of Best Bilston Coal but after the treatment I have received with the Bricks I certainly cannot think of employing you.
Part of Bricks have arrived, Ball having had to unload them at Framilode as canal stopped for repairs … if they are a sample of the whole I must say they are infamously bad the Quality may be good but they have neither shape nor make belonging to them & are without exception the roughest & ill formed things I ever saw …
Miller’s boat, Charles Jones, Master, coal for Mr Morland.
Agree to additional drawback on all Forest of Dean Coal passing the whole length of the Canal & going below Eynsham Bridge between 1 October 1816 and 1 October 1817, & possibly longer on production of proper certificates.
Barge, Prosper sent to load coal.
Agree to additional drawback on all Forest of Dean Coal passing the whole length of the Canal & going below Eynsham Bridge between 1 October 1816 and 1 October 1817, & possibly longer on production of proper certificates.
gree to additional drawback on all Forest of Dean Coal passing the whole length of the Canal & going below Eynsham Bridge between 1 October 1816 and 1 October 1817, & possibly longer on production of proper certificates.
Agree to additional drawback on all Forest of Dean Coal passing the whole length of the Canal & going below Eynsham Bridge between 1 October 1816 and 1 October 1817, & possibly longer on production of proper certificates.
Agree to additional drawback on all Forest of Dean Coal passing the whole length of the Canal & going below Eynsham Bridge between 1 October 1816 and 1 October 1817, & possibly longer on production of proper certificates.
Agree to additional drawback on all Forest of Dean Coal passing the whole length of the Canal & going below Eynsham Bridge between 1 October 1816 and 1 October 1817, & possibly longer on production of proper certificates.
Mr Miller’s boat, the Clothier, W Alder, Master left with coal & stone on board.
Description of different quality coal mixed in load; coal for Brewery, good Housekeeper’s coal & coal for Burning Lime.
Proceed to Newport to load cargo of coal from Hughes & Powell next Spring [tide].
Letter to Hughes & Powell.
The Bearer John Hunt will load the trow Sisters with a cargo of your Best fire Coal on account of the Thames & Severn Canal Co.
Present rains with what has already fallen will no doubt cause the springs to break & thereby do away with need to purchase water from the Churn & working the Engine expense of keeping water in summit level for the last summer unlikely to be as much as earlier. Coal becoming very brisk along the line & down the Thames.
The Prosper discharged cargo of coal. Very wet state from the recent rains. Appointed confidential person to weigh it as not believe there was the correct weight on board. Send by the Captain a regular Bill of Lading making due allowance for wet condition it was in.
Owner John Hunt to proceed to Newport to load cargo of best fire coal.
Refer to letter of 3 July on subject of mounding done & land taken for use of Stroud & Chalford road.
Goods conveyed Gloucester to Lechlade not charged according to T&S Act. Regarding damage to goods, delivered out of Company’s possession in same condition as received but never seen goods so badly taken care of by proprietor. Good furniture with no covering.
Canal stopped for 2 or 3 days due to frost again navigable. Forest Coal in great demand down River Thames such that, at Abingdon, unable to put stock there to meet any delays due to frost or flood.
Require quantity of oak board & plank.
Difference in price estimate between Iron aqueduct & Masonry one so great the T&S Co decided on latter. Have contracted with William Davis of this place to alter steam Engine & for new cast Iron Boiler to be cast at your works, but present boiler good for another year or two so.
Recent frosts checked the springs & compelled water supply from River Churn.
Your barge left here after discharging a cargo of Rubbish for it certainly cannot be called Coal… will buy elsewhere if unable to provide good coal.
Received your letter saying not intend charging more than 13s per ton. If you send a similar cargo at 10s per ton would not accept it nor anything like such rotten Rubbish
Send particulars of water taken from Churn into Canal during past summer.
In future send a note with the barge stating description of Coal on board. Featherstones Barge now unloading cargo of 13s Coal to Mr Baker which appears very good. You can send similar cargo to Featherstones or one boat load of Best Kemps Deepfield made up with Best Lump Coals, the lumps to be good sized.
Sorry to hear your wife still unwell.
Demand for Forest Coal down Thames very good indeed.
Presume the Hope will be with you this Spring [tide].
Details of tonnage along Canal from Framilode.
If disposed to send your Coal etc down the River it can be carried much cheaper than you would be able to, unless your craft are proper Thames boats.
Mr Miller is principal carrier to Oxford etc. Messrs L & R Wyatt of Oxford are carriers occasionally.
Messrs L&R Wyatt of Oxford have boats and occasionally are carriers.
Mr J Brookings, Bablake Hythe near Oxford also have a boat & occasionally carries.
Details of Canal tonnage in Coal brought to Brimscombe.
Thomas Butt working a small Banbury Boat to Bullo Pill for Forest Coal but not heard she has yet been to Lydney nor are boats of that description calculated to navigate to either place. Stroud Canal 8 miles, T&S Canal c29 miles & plenty of vessels able to bring Forest Coals to Brimscombe almost as cheap as you can & without the risk
Send by return deed of Conveyance from Corpus Christie College to Proprietors of T&S Canal with Act of Parliament left at your office. Enclosed one Guinea note for expense of enrollment.
Late glut of rain made breaches in Canal particularly in summit level near Tunnel by forcing clay lining. Damage not as serious as imagined & will be repaired as soon as season allows.
Sorry to say goods from this place to London appear to have almost deserted the Canal but anticipate improved Coal trade during present year which hope will be permanent. Completion of North Wilts Canal likely to materially improve tonnage on T&S Canal.
I shall be at the Greyhound at Siddington on Tuesday 28 of this Month to pay the Millers upon the River Churn for water taken for the use of the T&S Canal Navigation.
Inform Mr Sutton will be at Greyhound to pay the Churn Millers.
Presume you are getting materials required for repairing breaches in summit level after rains.
Cook & Selby must inform the Cerney & Latton Millers.
Informed a very considerable part of wall supporting Canal embankment at Coxes Valley on summit level has bulged forward but as no leakage appeared imagine it resulted from stones nearest ground having perished which probably need rebuilding. Will thoroughly inspect and report on repairs necessary.
Whether small boats required to pay tonnage if arriving empty, not commencing their voyage from this place.
Informed a vessel loading for you at Lydney without 3 efficient persons to navigate.
Details regarding tonnage due on small boats which arrive empty to fetch coal.
Might be preferred way forward for small boats to meet Canal Boat at Lechlade and transfer cargoes without landing which could easily be arranged.
Respects to Mrs Cox & family.
There are not many vessels that can go throughout & those are in the hands of persons whose interest it is not to let them do so.
Failure at Cox’s Valley as expected & rebuilding almost done.
Accounts of late John Proctor to be finally settled. Applying to you for £40 13s being the tonnage on stone to Cricklade for the inclosure, the payment you guaranteed.
Crawford, & Pocock, left with Forest Coal on board 2 small boats. Tonnage to be paid before leaving here for Lechlade.
Full sized T&S boats only liable to pay for 6 tons if empty but not enforced with regular traders unless by mismanagement a boat unnecessarily passes. Then payment enforced as for similar penalties, namely by detaining vessel & applying to Magistrate if necessary, which then adds to expense.
Apply to Messrs Stevenson & Salt, 80 Lombard Street for payment for one year’s premium on assurance policy.
Send by Miller’s trow ½ cwt yarn to pattern enclosed made with best Hemp also ½ cwt best Hemp as these articles are for a very particular purpose. I shall be much obliged by your attention to the quality.
The Stroudwater Coach runs through this place Sundays, Wednesdays & Fridays & runs another road on the reverse days.
Oak Timber lying at Thames Head to be converted to use on various specified repairs. Repair of stop gate at Smyrrel to be Luke’s first job after the Machine.
Forest Coal daily increasing in reputation down river Thames.
Half year rent of Warehouse at Wallbridge to Xmas.
Annual list of proprietors made out.
Covering for the boat in progress as cannot launch her until receive it as rain would very much injure the top of the house.
Cargo of coal just arrived here is Low Delf. Recommend you sending for it prior to water getting short, presume not forgotten cargo of 50 tons received here last December.
Again need to write respecting sum of £40 13s due from the late John Proctor at Siddington for tonnage of stone etc taken to Cricklade the payment of which you guaranteed him, & promised some time ago. Debt would never have arisen but for your guarantee.
Have seen Richard Cox respecting Weather stone & he will deliver any quantity Ashlar stone on Chalford Wharf or at Quarry. Coxes weather will stand more weather than any other on Bisley Common.
Enclosed conveyance from Lord St Germans to Proprietors of T&S Canal Co for enrollment.
Some time since Mr John Lane of Goldsmith’s Hall ordered quantity of prepared Cloth for covering boat together with some floor Cloth. Much needed. Obliged to know when ready. Was to have been forwarded from Hambro Wharf by Miller’s boat if not ready in week must come by Tanner’s wagon from Grub Street. … The boat is actually spoiling for want of it.
List of proprietors. Mr Rolleston ceased to be proprietor. Details Mr Disney & Mrs Rogers’ shares. Goosetree, Walhouse, F & E Horton, L Shadwell, J R Denyer.
List of articles removed from Thames Street when Company gave up premises.
Consideration of applying for part of exchequer Bills to finish the North Wilts Canal & possibly T&S.
Statement of Coal at this place some having been on the wharf for very great time.
Returned from London, hope Chancellor of Exchequer’s propositions for completion of North Wilts Canal acceptable. T&S Co willing to second application of North Wilts Co by a Case similar to the petition in favour of the Act, and the Wilts & Berks should do so likewise - and Forest of Dean Railway Co.
Intend stopping Canal to reinstate clay lining etc at Coatesfield end of Tunnel.
Enclose 2 Guineas towards supporting Minchinhampton Dispensary & request you enter T&S Canal Co name as annual subscribers to that amount.
Enclose 2 Guineas towards supporting Stroud Dispensary & request you enter T&S Canal Co name as annual subscribers to that amount.
Send by return of Miller’s trow undermentioned items (brass bolts, locks, hinges, screws, etc)
Company ought to possess document proving payment for Land taken into Canal belonging to See of Salisbury. Money vested with Child & Co.
Mr Waters took an Oxford Canal Boat loaded with Forest Coal from this place into Oxford Canal to discharge on Canal Wharf there and paid the tonnage, but some of Canal people by force took her from the Wharf & turned her into the River Thames … I fully expect the matter to terminate in a Court.
The Canal at present stopped in usual places for repairs, the Basin here is also drawn off & Wharf (or Quay) Wall being continued.
On inspecting premises lately occupied by you I discovered several articles removed & taken away which as tenant you had no right to do. Unless you reinstate such things, I will immediately give solicitor instructions to proceed against you.
Payment for Coal shipped by Trow Hope.
Goods ordered not arrived. Not said whether sent by vessel, coach or wagon. Very much in need of them. Respecting the iron door light this is to place over a street door to give light to a passage, generally called a fan light.
Repairs to summit will no doubt prove advantageous in saving water. One very considerable hole discovered near Engine & effectually stopped, the external orifice was about the size of a common hat … discovered about three feet under the surface of the original ground, a vacuum sufficiently large to hold a man. Many other leakages less magnitude found & repaired.
I do not think there can be a doubt about finding one third of the money required to finish North Wilts Canal provided Government will advance the remainder.
Order given for Smith’s map of the strata. Mr Disney has received. Spoken of at Freemason’s Tavern.
Report of Staffordshire coal owners relates to Staffordshire & Shropshire coal.
List of items to send by Stroud Coach (hinges, buckles, flat pins, screws, etc) all to be ready for Mondays coach & sent by Tuesdays coach without fail.
Annual payment for trespass on G Bramble’s Land is £3 2s 9d.
Heard Mr Waters succeeded in obtaining a Wharf at Oxford under the Commissioners of Sewers with promise of another if the one is found insufficient.
Expect a brisk Forest Coal trade very shortly.
Send itemized goods by Miller’s trow. Carpenter informed me mortice lock not answer for doors intended, have therefore returned by trow. Please to send another.
Allen on his way to Engine with coal but prior to unloading; need to level coal already in the yard to thoroughly mix Allens Coal before using. Trade so trifling at present need to use every economy to save expense both at Engine & at the Churn. But not want water to get lower than 3ft 9ins. Intend having Aqueduct at Latton commenced next month. With little expense possible to save payment of damage to Mill below by diverting water into Canal & afterwards by temporary weir below Weymoor Bridge returning it into Millpond.
Selby & Cook must remove stones lying near the hovel & throw road drift nearer together as stuff to be excavated to come there.
Luke to provide proper pegs for driving into ground to show level of the wharf. Send your spirit level & apparatus down to Selbys in readiness. Company’s boundary must also be made visible by Selby. Canal to be stopped at Chalford to partly plank pair of lower gates which take at least a week.
Hope loan will be available to complete North Wilts Canal. Intend commencing putting in Aqueduct at Latton first Monday in August.
Brookings boat here for delf coal, fresh from Lydney. Canal stopped at present for repairs.
Information to bring before the Committee; boat belonging to William Phipp (a man whom the Company fined £2 for endeavoring to defraud them of Tonnage last year) loaded coal for Radcot & details of how he has again defrauded Company. Given notice that in future not allowed the Bounty on coals he might carry down Thames until fraud considered by Committee. Unless matter taken seriously the drawback certificates will become a mere farce & the Company liable to be continually defrauded. Mr Loveden taken matter up for Phipp & written to Mr Waters & Stroud Company stating I (J R Denyer) am injuring those parties as well as the T&S Co by endeavoring to create a Monopoly … nothing can be more unjust or untrue …
Regarding need for clarification on loading of High and Low Delf coal.
Call for signal mark of the Co’s displeasure … in the case of Phipp or risk of further fraud.
Enclosed Five Guineas towards support of Gloucester Infirmary & request T&S Co proprietors’ names inserted as annual subscribers.
Crawford left with 28 tons soft coal.
Hope you now recovered from your late indisposition. Want Selby to take stop planks out at Basin at Latton to drain for repairs. Little or no clay in neighbourhood fit for purpose so will have some taken. If possible to finish small aqueduct at same time. Blackwell & myself (J R Denyer) to be there to set work out.
Annual payment of R Pinfold for Land in T&S Canal discontinued in contemplation of actual purchase but his title to the property not proving satisfactory so never completed.
Cutters getting out the place for putting in the Aqueduct at Latton. Materials all there so hope to get it finished speedily. Millstream has been diverted for supply of water to Mill which otherwise would have been stopped. Expense of diverting stream less than damages due if Mill had to be stopped.
Details of tonnage on T&S Canal & other merchandise, and distances travelled.
Don’t you think something might be done in the salt Business…
Particulars of Oak & scantlings required for covering Boat House at this place (Brimscombe) If you decline the office to let me know by return of post.
Expecting arrival of your vessel with cargo of Callens Coal. Agreed with J M Child Esq., Bigelly House, Tenby for you to fetch cargo of his stone coal.
To encourage introduction of Forest Stone on T&S Canal accede to terms of Wharfage mentioned.
Brookings Boat left with tonnage Speedwell Coals.
Weather prevents building of aqueduct at Latton proceeding as fast as wished … the water in the part excavated is so excessive as to require the aid of horses to work the screw pump night & day…
Oxford Journal contains particulars regarding Wilts & Berks Canal & proposed Abingdon & Aylesbury Canals.
Phipps being the first offence under Resolution allowing Bounties, so Company have initiated penalty of 10s per ton on the 3 tons brought back to Buscot. Need to keep a look out for him & others & inform me of any information regarding their putting Coal out down the Thames not subject to the Bounty.
As promised have ordered John Phelps to proceed with Sloop Providence to Tenby for cargo of your Stone Coal, trust to be such as to ensure continued trade.
Brookings left here today with tonnage of Speedwell hard Coal.
Expect Aqueduct at Latton finished end of week. Necessary to unite Basin wall with wall of Aqueduct to keep Mill stream in proper course. Intend proceeding with as fast as possible, together with foundations of Bridge.
Hope the Prosper if loaded has cargo of Large Coal as Coal brought by the Patriot in particular much larger & more saleable than any lately shipped for T&S Co.
Crawford left yesterday with tonnage hard Coal. Details of tonnage of his upward freight.
No objection to Cart shed at Cirencester being converted to a stable as proposed provided done with materials corresponding with present building & at your expense. The door must be placed in wall adjoining lane & have no communication with Wharf.
Have ordered John Phelps to proceed for another cargo & if of good quality may establish very considerable trade on & through this Canal.
Account for coal shipped by the Hope.
Want explanation as to why the account remains open & unpaid.
Water in summit level decreasing very fast. Action being taken to find out which length most defective. Length from Coates-field round House to Daneway Lock maintained its level proving Tunnel tolerably water tight. Principal leakage appears to be between Bridge No XXVI & Bridge No XXIX. Repairs needed early next spring. Water at present very low in brooks and springs. Hope levels will soon increase as there are orders for considerable quantities of Coal to go down Thames.
Enclosed remittance for chief rent due from T&S Canal Co to Dean & Chapter of Bristol.
Bill presented for payment drawn by William Guy, Master of the Sloop Providence, in favour of William Hughes. Not paid because irregular. Have ordered the Providence to fetch another cargo & hope to send larger sloop. Glad to see less Culm in the Coal.
The late rains prevented alterations in springs so water in summit continues to be short.
Wharf at Lechlade lately occupied by T&S Co now taken by two persons with view to selling coal there in place of Mr Walker who is declining the trade. The Coal will pass through the T&S Canal.
Resolved to allow Drawback of 1s per ton in addition to 2s per ton (by order of General Assembly on 26 May 1814) out of Tonnage on all Forest of Dean Coal sold from Newbridge Wharf on River Thames to Witney & Places North East thereof on north side of river on production of properly verified certificates.
Anticipating increased demand for Forest Coal during approaching season. Oblige by sending one or more of your vessels next spring [tide] or may not have sufficient stock to meet demand. Mr Miller’s vessel which worked for the Co currently in Dock & likely to be for some time. Seriously hope some method to prevent breaking of coal in loading speedily put in practice.
Belcher left with tonnage of High & Low Delf Coal on board
Surprised to receive your Bill for payment of cargo before vessel sailed from Tenby. Company’s regular mode of business as already pointed out is 3 months credit & a bill at 2 months.
Ordered the sloop to Tenby, surprised not heard anything of her. Also expect to send Pruet’s sloop to load.
Springs in the Tunnel considerably improved so hope to find water in summit level increase daily.
Making every possible arrangement to place stock of coal on Lechlade Wharf to meet a frost.
Hope the Providence or Pruett’s vessel or both have proceeded to Tenby & on return with Coal as hope to dispose of quantity carried during present season.
Brookings has arrived with order from Mr Cox to load his boat.
Either you or I misunderstood the Business respecting your fetching a Cargo of Coal from Mr Child of Tenby as I fully expected you was gone for that purpose but learn from John Hunt to the contrary. I therefore wish to know by return whether you intend going for me or not.
Weather at present every appearance of increasing water in summit.
Robin Wood’s cargo of Coal including water of which the vessel had more than her share … never did I see come out in worse condition. Have sent owner Rowley to load with you & Mr Miller’s Vessel, Hart Master also be with you. Mode of payment to be changed except for with Mr Brewin & a secret Company, though secrecy of such Company surely unnecessary as already known by most coal dealers & nearly every bargeman trading to Lydney.
Details of tonnage of Coal taken by B Belcher.
William Phipps boat entered her cargo at Radcot & Tonnage permit made out but discharged at Lechlade. Surprised not been informed of such presuming you have the Tonnage Ticket, or ought to have. Penalty is 10s per ton for every ton not unloaded at the place where cleared out for.
Unable to comply with request to send map of T&S Canal. Have searched Iron Chest & every likely place but to no purpose. Have sent one of the first executed of which there are several.
Never imported Newport Coal from any other shippers than yourselves since opening account with you so will never submit to paying higher price than others at same time considering myself entitled to every advantage.
You misunderstood observations made about Woods’ Cargo if you thought it alluded to quality or size of the coal. Only referred to its unusual wet state arising from the leakage of the vessel which delivered it.
Belcher’s boat arrived. Expected to make up deficiency in freight by more arriving from Lydney but in absence of any such coal being shipped given permission to make up load from old stock.
Please to say whether intend to go to Tenby for the Company as requested.
I am very much afraid Phelps & Pruett have deceived me as I hear their vessels are at work carrying Newport coals – I have again written to Pruett. I shall not forget them another season.
Summit level at length feeling effect of late rains & hope in few days boats able to carry full cargoes.
Compelled to again protest against gross violation of all common dealing in respect of the William, Jo[seph] Hart Master & the Patriot, William Davis Master. Captain applied to your Mr Brooks for a berth under the shoot. Not immediately available so loaded from a heap of rubbish. When Patriot arrived she was able to load under shoot so quality of coal differed, to detriment of the Company. Requires investigation on your part & if Hart given me false information will discontinue to employ him.
Details of cargo on Wyatts boat which left yesterday & details of, and amount paid for, Mr Morrel’s cargo.
John Cox’ barge just arrived to be loaded with soft coal for Mr Barnard.
Detail of coal remaining for discharge by Miller then wharf clear of coal belonging to Speedwell Co.
Draft for £35 enclosed for cargo of coal delivered to Brimscombe.
Enclosed draft for £50 for coal.
Arranging payment for £335 6d for water taken into Canal at Cirencester last summer. Construction of North Wilts Canal progressing well. Whole of cutting and building is let & intended to open canal next Christmas. Intend uniting with T&S Basin at Latton as soon as weather permits.
Details of payments to mill owners for water taken from River Churn between 12 April & 13 December 1817: John Lane, Barton Mill; J & C Cripps, New Mills; Thomas Tarling, Preston Mill; Francis Hoare, Siddington Mill; Thomas Haines, Cerney Upper Mill; Richard Haines, Lower Mill; Thomas Habgood, Wick Mill; Thomas Kaylock, Latton Consolidated Mill.
Thank you to return John Cox’s drawback certificate for coals loaded 20 December for which tonnage unpaid.
No wonder Pruett not proceeded with his vessel to Tenby as promised. In want of 20 to 40 tons coal immediately glad if you can engage a vessel to bring it. Hope to see considerable quantity pass along canal during ensuing season.
Inform lowest price to deliver 20,000 full size building bricks fit for canal locks, bridges, and such like work. To be marked on one side with a stamp.
Unfortunately Canal had to be drawn off yesterday for repair of breach when the ill effects of the alteration at Arundells Mill were seriously felt by the water flowing out of the Mill pond into the Canal. The Company gave consent for the alteration on understanding and promise by proprietors of Arundells Mill that in event of the Trunk being rendered useless by the alteration an alternative would be immediately put in place below. Request proper steps are taken to enable Company to draw off water of Canal at that place.
Mr Waters handed me your account of sales for coal from Newbridge Wharf. Referring to the Map many of the places listed are not situated in conformity with Company’s resolution & so not entitled to drawback for coal sold to them.
Detail of sale and accounting of Bilston coal, to clear with Parish’s cargo. When you have quantity of Bank Tokens worth sending to London, let me know & I will tell one of the Guards to take them to Mr Salt.
In comparing coals sold at Newbridge with Map of Oxfordshire there appear several places (listed) which do not come within meaning of Company’s resolution entitling additional drawback.
Coal drawn through town of Witney and that consumed in the town entitled to drawback but that is not the case for any of the other places where coal been sold from Newbridge Wharf. Company will strictly adhere to its resolution.
Not agree to give higher price for freight & not consent to pay demurrage unless Mr Sluman consents to pay same amount per day for every day he detains vessel employed to fetch coal from his sloop. I presume Mr Sluman to be sufficiently acquainted with the River Severn to know that it is a tidal River & that the tide is not influenced by any thing Human and consequently Vessels working thereon cannot navigate when their Owners please – if therefore his was to come to Lydney at the going off of a spring or in the neap (as they frequently do) she must necessarily remain until a vessel which would be then upon her voyage could discharge & return a Customs House Officer. If Sluman gives notice required, a letter takes at least six days to reach me, will make every arrangement to prevent any delay. But plenty of other vessels glad to do it in less than 2 months.
Regarding full sized bricks, no other expense than the freight as bricks for use of T&S Canal Works and exempt from Tonnage or Lock dues on Stroud Canal.
Much obliged if not too inconvenient if swing bridge remain in its present state until proprietors make their annual visit along line of Canal in June. Think the present bridge not worth repairing.
Forest Coal from the old stock of Speedwell Co forwarded to George Barnard, Abingdon being whole of old stock. Loss in weight arisen.
Will immediately commence getting materials to Latton to have men at work there as soon as all danger from frost is gone & days longer.
Belcher been here but no coal of yours so loaded boat from other parties. Brookings on way here. Will attend to your request regarding Mr Swann if coal for that purpose should arrive.
Canal been stopped by frost last week in summit level & neighbourhood of Kempsford.
T&S Canal Company do not give credit for tonnage on coal, but to accommodate some of the traders, by preventing their entrusting money in hands of bargemen, allow their boats to pass on receipt of occasional payments of cash & finally settling account every quarter. Only applies to coal exported from this place (Brimscombe).
Details of tonnage to Miller. Soft coal ready for Belcher or Brookings when they arrive.
Brookings boat left yesterday with soft coal on board. A barge just arrived with coal loaded by Davis which understand from the men is from a new vein its appearance more favourable than the soft.
Probable in a few days able to freight a boat or two for you. Say whether you wish me to do so & where coal to be landed.
Forward by Miller’s first Trow the undermentioned items (iron plates, boiler plates, etc)
Send by Miller’s first Trow as under (files, lock, etc)
Coal trade continues brisk & goods are somewhat more plentiful than they have been latterly.
Quarter day for settlement of coal account arrived but understanding needed before start another quarter as the unfair manner in which the shipping of coal during the past quarter is not to be endured nor shall it be. Vessels which carry coals higher up River Severn than Framilode pick & cull largest coals and barges that once loaded under the shoot having to give way to such vessels. Consequently their cargo is a picked one and more saleable than any recently received & going into very market the Company has been supplying. Want reassurance any vessel I may send will be loaded without having large coals picked from the cargo or any partiality to the prejudice of her cargo. Without such assurance not send another boat.
Some time since received invoice from you. Oil received but cannot learn anything respecting the tallow. Thank you to ascertain by what boat was sent.
Several cargos of hard and soft coal and paving stone for Messrs Peyman.
Sorry your price prevents me giving you an order as I can have them made in Shropshire including the marking at several shillings per thousand less & although freight somewhat higher the article is very superior defying any weather. No objection to your making twenty thousand in the largest sized mould allowed to stand between wind & water at a proper part of your yard for loading.
The last cargo of Hope very deficient in weight for which make proper allowance in next cargo.
I have never received the Brick Stamp from Shropshire & thank you to enquire after it.
Glad to see so liberal a subscription towards building Churches etc & hope it will be the means of one being built at this place.
Moore is arrived and unloading a cargo of coal that in point of size is quite satisfactory. All I want is fair dealing & it must assuredly be your interest to furnish the Company with a saleable article if you have any desire to increase your business. Also beg to remark as coal sold on this line of the canal pays 2/6 per ton more to the collier or railway Co than that taken up the country if any partiality is shewn it should be in favor of the former with such coal as Moore has now on board.
On 17 December your boat loaded Forest coals for which we are yet without certificate to entitle you the drawback of Tonnage on this canal. Unless sent here free of expense prior to expiration of period allowed it will not be replaced.
Fully expected to hear of the Sloop you stated to have engaged as I know a vessel from this country has arrived and discharged her cargo since to Mr Kendall. If not receive immediately shall in all probability lose the sale of this season as period for finishing Malt Making is fast approaching.
Inform me of lowest price per thousand for twenty thousand full sized builders Bricks delivered to this place by 1st July that will stand severest weather being for Canal work, to be marked on side with a stamp which I will provide for the purpose. An early answer will oblige.
Draw attention to bill before Parliament for altering line and granting fresh powers to Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co. Clause to allow them to stop Stroudwater & consequently T&S Canal during certain period without making any recompense. The Bill requires watching as will affect trade on T&S Canal.
Messrs Whitworth & Atherton from Wilts & Berks Canal selling at Cirencester Forest of Dean Soft Coals at very reduced prices with very considerable trade at that Wharf. Ultimately no increase in tonnage but may annihilate use of Sodbury Coal which will be of considerable importance to Canal.
Want about twenty thousand full sized well burned builders bricks fit for Canal purposes that will stand any weather without decaying, marked on the side. Paid on delivery by first possible conveyance after made.
Any mode you may adopt in loading coal so as to prevent its breaking shall be pursued by vessels employed on account of the Company.
The profits on this line of Canal are not equal to holding large stocks of coal at seasons when not in immediate demand unless the shipper assists the dealer in holding them. The Tenby Coal trade must remain very limited, few Maltsters pay under 12 months. Can be from 18 months to 2 years before coal dealer paid. Tenby coal trade to continue on same narrow scale as before.
Allen will leave here early tomorrow morning & be at Lechlade on Friday nearly loaded with Tenby.
The Stroud Canal Co have a Steam Engine for cleansing their Canal which is now at work. Not think it answers so well as anticipated notwithstanding it raises a very considerable quantity of mud but can only take from a certain width of the middle slopes preventing the machine approaching the sides of the Canal. Greatest advantage is Canal continuing navigable during operation. Had occasion to hire it & the people requisite for boating the mud etc for several days to cleanse entrance of this Canal, costs about £3 3s per day. The machine made by Mr Upton Engineer to the Glos and Berkeley Canal. There is a very clever man in this neighbourhood to whom would recommend the Wilts & Berks Committee if disposed to have a machine.
Not think any machine of the kind proper to use in such part of a canal where necessary to line it.
G&B Canal Bill received Royal Assent on 17 March.
Inform Slaney he may proceed as fast as possible with twenty thousand bricks on terms you mention but must be well burned being for facing Locks etc.
Period fast approaching when need new list Proprietors of T&S Canal. Thank you to furnish me with particulars of all Transfers etc since 1st April 1817 to enable me to make it out.
Glos & Berkeley Canal shares lately unsaleable at £5 5s each now up at £90 surely one T&S Red must be worth several of them in reality.
Thank you to send for use of T&S Canal Co 56 lbs Yarn made of very best Hemp and 28 lbs very best Hemp.
Mr Miller’s boat William Hooper Master left this place on 17th.
I shall pass through Lechlade on Monday Evening next on my way to London & will take any money you may have to remit to Mr Salt.
Am completely foiled in attempting to make correct list of proprietors as relates to numbers and in the property itself.
Resolution to allow a drawback of two shillings per ton on all Forest of Dean Stone taken to Oxford from 1st January last.
Not feel obliged to take cargo of D Davis 2nd May or import any further quantity until present stock sufficiently exhausted. Should you feel inclined to enable us to dispose of stock without too great a sacrifice we shall feel justified in making further reductions by which we hope an increase of sales will result.
Not at present in want of Tenby Coal.
What price for very best ton of slates at Lydney.
Unable to furnish information requested not being material to Company. Does appear to be need to adopt regular system to receive Severn & Wye Railway drawback & until then will decline giving any certificates as hitherto these have been useless. Simple plan for Railway to have printed forms to complete by those entitled to Coal drawback.
Belcher’s boat left this day with 60 tons hard coal on board. 36 tons stone here consigned to Peyman. Mr Miller has applied for coals to make up 60 tons with the stone. What sort am I to load him with.
Don’t think Standlake entitled to the drawback. You had certainly better make out another account conformable to the annexed resolution …
Repairs completed without causing an hours detention to any vessel having taken advantage of neap tides in Severn for doing it. Intend stopping summit Level to examine & repair between Bridge No XXVI & the stopgate at the engine as reason to believe worst part of summit Level will require at least fortnight but hope little or no delay will be experienced by the boats.
By Mr Millers boat William Gardner will receive 15 tons Forest Coal, very superior to Cirencester. To keep separate memorandum to see whether public prefer it. Understand Mr Beech fetching great deal from Cirencester to be expected so near dissolution of Parliament.
Tell Greenhalf that fully expect about 5 or 6 Gentlemen at his house on 25 June for late dinner & will be some provision required for the boat the following day.
You may recommend cheap coal to Mr Lowther by way of trial.
As not heard from you Miller loaded his boat for Newbridge.
D Davies has landed cargo of Nubblings which your Mr Brooks has entered in his Bill of Lading as Best Hard Forest Coal … be so good as correct the error…
Weather very favorable for repairs commenced this morning in summit and ongoing at Latton.
What price High Delf Coal at Lydney?
Hope expected dissolution of Parliament not prevent T&S proprietors’ meeting taking place.
Canal again become completely infested with Bathers. I got one boy convicted last week in the mitigated penalty of 2/6. Hinted to me the whole proceedings illegal & Magistrates not in future act upon it. Request to be furnished with a few proper Acts of Parliament for the different wharfs as early as possible.
Sorry to inform of death of Mr Waters, of the Forest of Dean, which took place last week.
In consequence of general election committee meeting postponed to 2 July when the Gentlemen will be at Lechlade to dinner. Greenhalf to make up accounts. Tell Packer I wish to have fish by the Briton for the Committee’s dinner. Understand Miller has bought Walker’s boat who intends giving over business.
Received coal which looks better than before but still not as good being soft and creating great deal of culm which renders it unsaleable.
Custom House papers specify one less cart than quantity charged for. Explain. Great obstacle to increase in your trade is deficiency in weight arising from lightness of quality of your coal as importer buys by measure but sells by weight.
Season for malting is past not think much sale up canal until autumn as few dealers choosing to bear heavy stocks with small profit.
Heard from Agent, Mr Denyer, of the injury occasioned to the canal at Kempsford by digging ditch close below towing path endangering safety there. To complete necessary support of bank within 3 months or will institute legal proceedings for recovery of damages.
Letter of complaint received by Committee but relates to persons in Kempsford not the Company so to seek redress from them.
Considered matter regarding Pinfolds land. Company ready to purchase on production of satisfactory title.
Sweed Timber wanted for plank for lock gates so must be free from shake and contain as few knots as possible. If sound will want annual supply. Forward ten loads by Miller’s boats from Hambro Wharf as early as possible.
Your price for Sweed Timber exceeds other houses so prevents me doing business.
The Bag of Silver came duly to hand. …
I hope you reached home safe & found your family well.
Unless your coal holds out better weight and less culm your coal up this canal will be very limited as some neighbours importing more advantageous coal from Lord Milford. Have previously recommended Mr Childs’ coal but people will judge for themselves.
Road which crosses T&S Canal at the Bourne and forms branch of road Tetbury to Cheltenham through Chalford now in very bad state & endangers arch of the bridge. Committee have inspected and instruct this to be immediately repaired.
Your letter respecting Fowler’s Mill considered by Committee but not disposed to make any alteration to that property at present.
T&S Committee requests you reinstate their canal banks & towing path adjoining your premises at the Bourne as soon as possible. If you want a wharf to continue there necessary to make such alterations as necessary to prevent canal and towing path being obstructed.
If your Sweed Timber is free from shake as described ship 10 loads. Not think Memel Timber as good for converting into plank for wet and dry work but glad to know your opinion.
A pleasure boat with 3 Gentlemen passed yesterday with ticket signed by you for £3. This not half the tonnage due. They said would meet the business in Shire Hall at Gloucester than pay more. They should have paid £6 11s 3d. I have their names and address & shall apply for recovery of the £3 11s 3d which they say they will repel by a statement of the facts to the T&S Co. & if necessary by meeting an action at Gloucester which I have no doubt they will being of known respectability and property and my own opinion is they are right…
The Company certainly cannot lose the £3 11s 3d.
Request no more coal shipped without an order & no more business along this line of Canal unless coal has less culm & greater weight.
Account from T&S Co for work and repairs to canal bank at Kempsford which slipped as consequence of Mr Iles removing earth which supported it.
Directed by Company’s Solicitor, Mr J Lane, you remit account of £8 16s 3d or will commence recovery proceedings without further notice.
What price per ton to deliver the Bricks at first water as needed? If unable I must apply elsewhere.
Expected to see you at T&S Canal meeting as promised. Writing to inform will be stoppage on canal for considerable time to repair Tunnel etc. Not yet fixed time to start and necessary materials unlikely to be ready in under a month but giving notice.
Belcher loading hard coal.
As Surveyor of Highways for parish of Stroud in Tithing of Lower Lypiatt, giving notice to put in proper repair the road over the T&S Canal at Bourne, otherwise liable for any damage the bridge may sustain as result of your neglecting to do so.
Enclosed my idea for certificate for Severn & Wye Railway & Canal Company. Will cheerfully lend any assistance to prevent impositions being practiced upon the S&W Railway Co.
According to enclosed written order and last Act of Parliament pleasure boat should be charged. The Gentlemen still resist alleging you took the £3 to clear them to this place. You must therefore say if you did or not as about to give directions to proceed against them. If you did then must submit to proprietors who should pay as not think they should suffer. As boat coming to Brimscombe you might have left final payment to be made here or at Siddington.
To ship as soon as possible by Miller’s Boats 5 loads Geffle Sweede Timber.
Belcher left yesterday with 60 tons Hard Coal. You may be accommodated with room at the Company’s Wharf for 200 or 300 tons of coal on condition it is taken away before Company’s laying in their winter stock, usually commencing about September. You can deposit same amount of stone on same conditions.
Will make enquiries respecting weighing engine lately erected on Cirencester road.
T&S Co desired I write respecting some of your trees etc which project so far into the Canal at the Golden Valley as to obstruct the Navigation thereof & to request you will give instructions for their being shrouded or otherwise treated so as to remove the necessity of complaint.
T&S Canal Co about to put down weighing engine at their wharf at Cirencester, recommended you as person who makes them, obliged if would give price, to weigh 8 tons if required. Object of machine to weigh coals & seldom require more than weight of carriage & 2 tons of loading but sometimes very heavy articles also to be weighed.
Index for entries in book
