1876-1880
Gloucestershire Archives D1180/9/5
Letters written by William James Snape between February 1876 and April 1880
A special meeting of the committee with the T & S committee will be held at the Wallbridge office on Tuesday 20th at the request of Mr Potter to confer on questions between the companies.
A special meeting of the committee with the T & S committee will be held at the Wallbridge office on Tuesday 20th at the request of Mr Potter to confer on questions between the companies.
A special meeting of the committee with the T & S committee will be held at the Wallbridge office on Tuesday 20th at the request of Mr Potter to confer on questions between the companies.
A special meeting of the committee with the T & S committee will be held at the Wallbridge office on Tuesday 20th at the request of Mr Potter to confer on questions between the companies.
Mr Critchley's boat will not stand the work and we had to put as many men to unload her as we could or she would have been down. Tell Mr Critchley to send his account for taking her to and from the Junction - I do not have his address.
Herewith the list of tolls on traffic passing on the Stroudwater and T&S Canals. Please bring this to the meeting on next Tuesday.
I have your letter and have sent Mr Critchley's boat to the Junction. We cannot use her - we loaded her several times but her seams opened wide enough for a man's hand and we had to put an extra gang in to keep her from sinking. Mud is not like anything else it wells over the boat and is very heavy
I have your papers this am. You have my permission to put up notices on any Stroudwater Company building between Wallbridge and Framilode.
Your claim for 15s for damage to your parsnips was not entertained by the Committee and you had better apply to Mr Ford.
I enclose a cheque £ 41.7.8 for oak timber. Please acknowledge receipt.
I enclose a cheque value £5.5.0, being a half year's salary as auditor, due 30th September 1879
By orders of the Committee I send a cheque for £119.17.10 in discharge of your bill for £120.9.8 the difference of 11s 10d being charges marked with X in the account which come within your salary as Solicitor and you have inadvertently charged. They greatly regret your continued indisposition and the loss of your advice.
I enclose the ticket for the George on which the tonnage has not yet been paid. The cargo was on account of Kimmins, not Ford Bros, and therefore he must pay full tonnage. I think they are trying to cheat us by saying the potatoes belonged to Ford. Kimmins was here selling the potatoes and asking about the tonnage. I enclose the only letter I have had from Ford Bros - please return it.
Please send the pitching stones next time your barge comes up the Canal. I have put down a weighbridge at Eastington and will not be able to start weighing until the pitching is done.
I have not got any orders to place to your credit any amount in your last account. You have already deducted the so called overcharge to Chalford therefore it should not be placed to your credit when you sent me a cheque less the 4s 2d
I enclose my tax bill. Please note you have not allowed my insurance payment of £5.8.6 as you have done before. Please provide the half yearly statements of the Navigation account showing how the £1780 is [illegible . . . . ] I must place the account before the meeting on Thursday.
I intend to dredge the canal to Framilode if the dredger can be worked and weather permits. We have taken out up to Saturday 15,130 tons at 6 1/2d per ton.
I enclose a receipt for £2, 1/2 years rent for use of canal wharves. At a meeting next Thursday I will draw a cheque for the tithe charge.
You can charge Mr Kimmins 8d per ton if you think that is correct, but I thought as potatoes are food I would charge them under the head of wheat
Please put in hand for the Ship Inn, Wallbridge, 6 blind rollers (dimensions given) & 1 board for fireplace, to be branded with the SWN mark so they can be claimed if the Inn changes hands
Your letter received this morning. I have not heard any more from Ford Brothers, so you can receive the tonnage due on the cargo of potatoes and put it to your month's account as I have not made any entry in my books.
Please send a cheque for £23.6.7 for tonnage account month ending October
You can charge Mr Kimmins 6d per ton for the potatoes to Ryeford and 1s per ton on, as their agreement with the Company does not extend above Ryeford.
I enclose a cheque of £8.15.8 in settlement of the tithe charge and repair to the roadways over the Canal bridges. From today the Company consider the agreement at an end and will in future repair the roads over all Canal bridges as they did previous to the arrangement made with you twelve months ago.
The Committee considered the right of Road at Dudbridge Wharf today and resolved to stand by the resolution passed on 18th Sept respecting the right of road by your house and per annum rent for the gates
The Committee have granted permission for you to erect a building to be used as a salt house on Wallbridge Wharf at a rental of 1s per square yard per annum.
When do you think it likely the dredger will reach the Shallow Lock? The Committee have decided she will not work beyond that point and I must give the Sharpness Dock Co one weeks notice of our intention to give her up. P.S. From today the repair of the roadway over the Eastington, Ryeford and Dudbridge bridges is taken out of the hands of the Wheatenhurst Highway Board and we will as formerly keep all our bridges and roadways over them in repair.
Please supply a tracing and book of reference for the proposed new branch of railway from Dudbridge to Wallbridge Midland Scheme as you did last year for the other proposed railway from Dudbridge. I should like the tracing put on cloth as it will last so much longer
I enclose the half-yearly balance sheets. Please send the correct return of the income charges. Please note my remarks concerning the new swing bridge and boat which replace old ones now scrapped, the cost of which I suppose will be charged with income tax.
I enclose £1.1.4 1/2d, poor rate demanded for the Bristol Rd property to 30 Oct 1879 paid as usual under protest until the dispute on the legality of the charge is settled
Mr Hooper expects a Midland Railway boiler to arrive at his works next Saturday, passing over our bridge. Please advise Mr Perry to provide for its safe transit by packing the bridge. Mr Hooper will send you exact timings.
Mr Hooper's boiler from the Midland Railway is expected next Saturday. Instruct Mr Parry to arrange for its safe transit over the bridge by packing the bridge. Mr Hooper will send you the exact time the boiler will pass the bridge.
I enclose a copy of the notices of the Midland Railway. The portion affecting this canal differs from last year. Please return the enclosed and send the plan and reference as soon as you can.
I mistakenly undercharged in your last bill, 6d instead of 1s per ton of coal taken to Stafford's Mill on 14th October in the Severn Bridge. £1.8.6 is due which I will charge at the end of the month
The weighing machine at Wallbridge is faulty. Please send your man and weights to put it in order.
Please send the tonnage owing on the Hope 7s, on the Trial 4s and weighing a/c 7d, making a total 11s 7d. Please also remove the sand and coal now lying under Mr Webb's salt house for a long time at no charge. The space is required in a few days for coal coming up.
Referring to my letter of 27th, I state Wallbridge Wharf near Stroud and not Eastington Canal Wharf where you have erected the new one. The Wallbridge machine is a 7 ton one.
I enclose a 10s postal order. Send plan and reference for Stroud Branch Railway as soon as you can. Paste the tracing to good strong cloth and colour it.
Respecting the £27 owing for the weighing machine, I have written to your Newport Branch to send the bill for the full charge, with no reply. I suppose you will also charge for the erection. I have sent for your men from Newport to send weights to test the machine, It will be better to have all in one account. I can draw a cheque after our next Board meeting on 18th.
Have received your letter of 1st. I cannot get any weights here. Please send yours and your man to Wallbridge Wharf and put the machine in order
Send Oliver for Jim Williams horse to be here tomorrow morning. Ice has frozen last night. I could arrange with Mr Clegram tomorrow to give up the dredger or come to Framilode tomorrow to discuss this with you. Under the circumstances I think Mr Clegram will take less than a weeks notice or we would have to pay £10 instead of £5 and nothing done. I would like to see you. There is a train from Stonehouse if you think it of sufficient importance.
The Station Master at the Midland Station expects the boiler to pass over Bonds Mill in the morning. As it weighs 10 tons every precaution is needed, perhaps in addition to the blocks put two strong beams from the towpath to off side.. Two old bridge beams cut the length might do.
I have been with the boat and broken the ice from Wallbridge to Framilode and traffic is on the move. We will turn the dredger over to Mr Clegram Saturday next. We shall have the supper as agreed at the Ship Inn. Please sign the cheque for the dredging wages on Friday morning.
I enclose a postal order for £1 being an advance on the account for the tracing of the proposed branch line from Stonehouse to Dudbridge, as requested. Please send the tracing and all complete for the meeting on Thursday week if you can manage it.
Please pay by cheque the enclosed bill of £5.15.6 for putting up the retaining bank for mud deposit near Whitminster as agreed.
I enclose a bill for £2.5.0 for putting up a retaining bank for mud deposit at the orchard and field near Whitminster. Please send payment by cheque.
Please settle the weighing account as per bill sent amounting to 5s 10d
The Canal is open and the trade is working: it was not necessary to break the ice today. I enclose a statement of the traffic for the last 10 years: for the two months ending December it is in advance of any corresponding period.
Your cheque for £2.50 received with thanks; receipt enclosed.
Please give the detailed cost of the weighbridge put up for Mr Whiting, to assist the board in fixing a rate of rent. How long was the mudboat under repair at the junction as I must deduct that from Mr Clegram's bill?
We have completed dredging and give up your boat today. She is at Wallbridge as ice prevents us sending her to Brimscombe. Please send your bill up to today.
At our meeting in September our Committee did not expect your proposal, previously declined by us, as it must benefit your company while, unless there was a very large increase in traffic, causing us a loss in revenue. While we cannot accede to this, we wish to work in harmony with our committee which will require some concession on your part. The division of tonnages between Stroud and Brimscombe and Stroud and Chalford has long been a point of conflict. The suggestion of your former chairman that the equal division of tonnages could possibly be extended to Chalford could be the basis of negotiation between us.
Signed by G H A Beard Chairman
I have been informed that some weeks ago you took a plank belonging to the Canal Co from near Westfield Lock. Please return it to Mr Fallows at the Canal yard or the matter will be put in the hands of Mr Kearsey, the Canal Company's solicitor.
I enclose a cheque for £5.19.0 for boat hire. Please acknowledge by return
My Committee wish to inform you that from 25th of this month your rent will rise from £10 to £15 per annum, to include house, garden, wharf, stable and weighbridge with office
Cheque enclosed for £10.0 for quarter year salary. Please send receipt
I enclose a postal order for £4.18.5 which with 7d for the order makes £4.19 the amount of your bill. Please send a receipt for this and the other £3 advanced some time ago.
I have discussed your letter of . . .with my committee .. . no objection to the course you propose of seeking the opinion of counsel . . .[most of remainder illegible] signed G H A Beard
Please attend a 'special' meeting of the Committee at the Canal Office Wallbridge on Thursday 8th at 3.00pm to discuss important matters in connection with the T&S Canal
Please attend a 'special' meeting of the Committee at the Canal Office Wallbridge on Thursday 8th at 3.00pm to discuss important matters in connection with the T&S Canal
Please attend a 'special' meeting of the Committee at the Canal Office Wallbridge on Thursday 8th at 3.00pm to discuss important matters in connection with the T&S Canal
Please attend a 'special' meeting of the Committee at the Canal Office Wallbridge on Thursday 8th at 3.00pm to discuss important matters in connection with the T&S Canal
Please attend a 'special' meeting of the Committee at the Canal Office Wallbridge on Thursday 8th at 3.00pm to discuss important matters in connection with the T&S Canal
Please attend a 'special' meeting of the Committee at the Canal Office Wallbridge on Thursday 8th at 3.00pm to discuss important matters in connection with the T&S Canal
Please attend a 'special' meeting of the Committee at the Canal Office Wallbridge on Thursday 8th at 3.00pm to discuss important matters in connection with the T&S Canal
Please attend a 'special' meeting of the Committee at the Canal Office Wallbridge on Thursday 8th at 3.00pm to discuss important matters in connection with the T&S Canal
Re yours of 29th October 1879, you offered stone sent to Eastington at 2s 6d per ton "free of canal dues"". Therefore the 2s 6d will have to be taken off leaving £2.2.6 owing to you."
I have discussed your letter with my Committee and would not object to taking the opinion of Counsel provided we can agree on a case to be submitted to him. However as his opinion would not be conclusive we would prefer that the position between the two canals should be laid before the Railway and Canal Commissioners to obtain an authoritative decision.
I hope to call at your office in Lydney next Monday to discuss a little business connected to coal traffic in this district
I enclose the tonnage account for month ending Dec 1879 £31.8.5 and rent £6.5.0, being £37.13.5 in all. I will be in Lydney next Monday and will call for your cheque.
I have a meeting on Thursday and have to make up accounts for the Committee. Please send a cheque by return for £37.8.5 for tonnages and £6.5.0 for rent, total £37.13.5.
I have your card. I do not want to see you about any other business than the cheque for the tonnage and rent amounting to £37.13.5. My meeting will be held tomorrow and my accounts have to be closed. Please could you let the bearer have a cheque if you have not seen Mr Fallows this morning.
Please state how many tons of coal from Lydney and Bullo entered Sharpness for the Stroud Canal in 6 months ending Dec 1879. My books indicate the amount of coal but not whether it enters from Sharpness or Framilode.
At what price per ton could you deliver 60 tons of Bristol Stone to Eastington Canal Yard. No tonnage to be charged being 6d less
Asking for information to compare costs of coal by boat from Lydney and Bullo with coal brought over the bridge and tipped at Sharpness.
I confirm our discussion at Gloucester respecting Messrs Sims & Sons barge: the Act permits us to sell it and if the full amount owing for tonnage (£22.2.0) is not paid, it will be sold. PS, I cannot send you an extract from the act as the Company's Solicitor has it.
Thank you for your cheque value £22.2.0 received this morning in settlement of Messrs Sims & Sons tonnage account ending Dec 1879. I enclose the receipted bill.
In reply to your letter of the 12th , I did not receive the account from Newport for repairs to the Wallbridge machine until yesterday. I have a meeting tomorrow and will draw a cheque for the two amounts as requested in your previous letter.
I enclose a cheque for £29.6.6 in settlement of the enclosed accounts. Please send a receipt.
I enclose the probate of the will of the late Thomas Marling. Please return it no later than16th February next.
In reply to yours of yesterday, Mr Potter's own wish expressed to Mr Croome was that each party should state a separate case. Mr Ellett had certainly better send his draft to see if we can accept it or suggest any modification.
In reply to yours of today, the letter referred to was dictated by Mr Croome.
I enclose two letters received from Mr W.W. Kearsey for your perusal.
Please send a cheque or postal order for the account due from you, of £5.15.6 sent 9 Dec 1879. I am making up my accounts for the auditor.
I have received your letter written on 7th. Please do not send the stone at the price you name which is 3d per ton more than stated previously. I would rather wait until you can send it at the rate of 3s 8d per ton as quoted 10th Jan 1880.
I have your letter of 9th and will give the information you require when I see you on Saturday next.
I am instructed to inform you that you must pay a fine of 10s for leaving your barge Volunteer in the Bristol Road Lock on 3rd Feb, stopping the traffic and almost running the pound empty. The fine is to be paid at once [underlined] to Mr Fallows or a summons will be taken out and the full penalty enforced. I also give you notice that if you lose another ticket (you have lost two just lately) you will be fined 2s 6d for every offence.
I enclose a statement of charges made on coal delivered to the Stroud Canal and district which should answer your purpose. I am sorry I could not see you last Saturday, being otherwise employed at the time I should have been at your office.
I am instructed to inform you that you are fined 20s for stopping the traffic in the Bristol Road pound on 12th January last. The sum must be paid at once to Mr Fallows or a summons will be taken out and the full penalty enforced.
Please provide the probate of the will of the late Mr Marling, to show the Committee when I claim the shares on behalf of the executors.
I have received the probate of the will of the late Mr Marling and also 16 share certificates. New certificates will be made out for the 15 shares claimed today.
I enclose a cheque for Webb & Spring value £23.16.9 and one for Thomas Perry value £7.12.4. Please pay them and return receipted bills. I cannot go to Nailsworth tomorrow, will go next Monday
I enclose a cheque for £114.16.0 for hire of the steam dredger. Please return receipted account
My Committee considered your letters of 17th inst. As they do not at present see their way clear to decide upon any reduction of tolls, I am instructed to see you and explain. I shall call upon you some day next week early in the morning before you leave home.
I enclose the probate of the will of the late Mr Marling duly endorsed. I shall get the certificates signed by the Treasurer early next week and forward them to Mr W H Marling.
Mr Croome not being due to attend the Committee meeting yesterday, nothing was done respecting the T&S Company's case. It will be brought before the next meeting on 18th March.
I enclose 15 share certificates made out in the names of the late Mr Marling's executors, also my bill of charges. Nos of certificates 26.70.72.99.100.105.147.152.1??.170.176.179.188.194.&195.
Re your letter of 27th February respecting the fine to be paid by the Captain of your barge Volunteer for leaving the same in the Bristol Road Lock and stopping the traffic. The matter has been explained to me by my Foreman Mr Fallows who is fully conversant with the case and under the circumstances the fine must be paid. P.S. This is not the first time he has stopped the traffic and been cautioned. He is also very careless with his canal tickets having lost two just recently.
I placed your letter of 10th February before my Committee at the last meeting and am instructed to meet you on the spot and come to a settlement. Please name a time and day next week.
Recent business has prevented my getting to Saul; also waiting for result of barge owner's meeting. They do not consider that a tip at Sharpness at the rates given by you in February would be an advantage. Coal for this canal and Stroud district if not passing over the Bridge and entering your canal must enter at Framilode and nothing would be gained by lowering the present charge of 6d per ton. As soon as weather permits the barge owners will work up the river to Framilode lock. The matter should stand over for future consideration.
I find I have made a mistake in allowing you the 3s 4d. Coping bricks are always charged at 1s per ton, in fact all bricks and tiles except ordinary building bricks. Clark will explain.
Please note quarters rent owing to 25th December 1879. Please pay immediately £1.19.0.
I enclose an account due to this Company for damage done to the canal works. Please settle immediately.
I have received your letter of the 3rd and will meet you at the Stonepit Canal Bridge next Thursday at 4pm.
A woman drowned near the double locks last Saturday and I have never heard a word. Peter Daniels is aware. He must report whatever occurs in his length or what comes to his notice, especially in a case of drowning. The jury complained about the heavy rake kept at the lock. Get a light one made, and also for Wallbridge & Dudbridge and anywhere else you may require one. I have not heard from Burford. Trinder? Hanber of Bisley to send his price tomorrow and you can then make arrangements with J. Webb or Henry Lewis.
You can fetch the larch from Longfords and deliver them at the Canal Wharf Dudbridge as agreed this morning viz. 3d per cubic foot. I herewith enclose a memorandum for your signature. Please return the agreement at once duly signed by you and witness and let me have a load of poles as soon as you can, say Thursday next. [attached memorandum follows] I, W G Burford agree to deliver at Dudbridge Wharf 354 larch poles from Longfords Pool to be delivered including all expenses at 3d per cubic foot and as further demand to be made. I also agree to deliver the said 354 poles before the 1st (first) Apr 1880. Signed W G Burford, witness E T Ward
I am making up my February account and find I am about twenty tickets short [numbers given]. Please send them or copies. I sent you ticket books last week - do you have them?
I have a vacancy for a good lock carpenter to be stationed at the Eastington Canal Yard, wages 20s per week. I cannot get one here able to do the work - can you help? I need a few tons of gravel to repair the towing path; please state the price.
As it was difficult to ascertain the precise number of coping bricks in the last cargo of the "Emily"" the amount paid will be passed. In future a more definite account must be given to Peyton at the Junction and the full rate of 1s per ton will be charged."
I am instructed by Mr Beard to inform you that 1/2 a days wages is to be deducted from William Clarks time the next pay as he was fishing with Mr J T Fisher's son-in-law, who paid him for the time he was with him.
I enclose a cheque for £10.8.0 being a quarter year's salary due 25th. Please send receipt.
Thank you for you cheque, received yesterday. I have sent the bill and receipt to C E Sheppard
I enclose a receipt for a cheque for £4.18.3 received from W H Marling, with thanks
Would you kindly send me one or two copies of your map of the railways in the Forest of Dean - thanks
I once more remind you about the delivery of the larch poles. Please get them all to the wharf as soon as you possibly can. You know the latest date.
Thank you for two maps, safely received
Received from the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co a cheque value £9.6.2, being the amount paid by the Stroudwater Canal Co for hire of another mud boat to work with the steam dredger.
