Tue 5 Dec 1837
From John R Denyer
To John Lane
Goldsmiths Hall, London
Reply to letter. Bridge and road access at Griffin’s Mill. Owners of Mill always kept it in repair and had a right to use it. There was footpath but never a right of carriageway except to the mill. Present owner refuses one except for that purpose. Mr Griffin wass a magistrate, a person of some considerable influence and averse to the canal. Presumably he compelled the Company to make him a bridge equal to his wants. Altered use made by his successor John Morgan was pointed out in a letter from James Webb, the Company’s Agent at the time. Bridge crippled by loading but would have answered all the purposes for which it was erected had not the mill, instead of being a clothing mill, become a sawing mill, loads of timber, many tons weight, being brought there. The question is whether the present proprietor of the mill is liable for injury done, standing in Mr Morgan’s shoes, or can the Company, having made an efficient bridge, be called upon to make one of greater strength because of the altered business of the mill. No written answer received to letter sent to Mr Morgan.
No payment by Mason & Co
The Imperial Salt & Alkali Co’s business is thrown into Chancery by Parker.
Sketch of bridge enclosed.
