1820-1824
Gloucestershire Archives TS/124
Outgoing letters from Brimscombe Port September 1820-May 1824
Short state of the springs has allowed an inspection of the galleries or small tunnels that supply the engine.. More work is required.
Mr McIntosh believes the whole of the side puddle must be removed.
There is no formal agreement with the Churn millers - they are paid at a rate agreed long ago.
This season gives us an opportunity to extend the galleries under the engine (more details).
Contrary to reports, the Company welcomes the business you are planning.
Proposals for improving the summit being considered.
Please send the man you mentioned to view the galleries under the engine.
Stop gates on the summit level were replaced by grooves for stop planks.
The current shortage of water exceeds anything remembered here – the Stroud Canal is not navigable more than half its time.
The shortness of water has stopped traffic on the Wilts & Berks Canal.
The price of Tenby coal at Newbridge is 3s 6d per hundredweight, not per barrel.
I recommend the Committee to approve more work in the galleries under the engine.
Some think engine will be able to supply all the water and Churn water will not be needed. Others think the opposite. Mr Pritchard considering the new tunnel.
Bill of lading for coal loaded on the William, Thomas Andrews master, was mistakenly made to this Company. I sent no order for it.
Request to load John Hunt’s vessel on our account.
The agreement with your husband for operating boats can only be ended with three months notice.
Money transfers.
Please remove the millstone and other articles thrown into the canal which require water to be drawn to enable boats to swim over them..
Money transfers.
Draft enclosed for £43 for sheet lead.
Draft enclosed for £51.3.0 for coals.
Draft enclosed for £84.17.10 for coal.
Repeat request to load Mr Hunt’s trow on our account.
Draft for £6.17.2 rent for the Dean & Chapter.
Concern about the scarcity of coal.
The recent rain will offer some relief from an exceptionally dry summer.
Only load the Beaver, T Andrews, if the coal is much better than your last shipment, which was of the smallest size I have ever seen.
Another complaint about the small size of coal.
Money transfers.
Please send a little silver.
Request for a remittance of £90.16.2.
Mentioning the engine, water, springs, excavating, lining considerations.
Querying a bill for calling out the Commissioners.
Concerning the tunnels dug under the engine.
Work on the engine deferred until effectiveness of Mr McInosh’s work known. Recent late rains improved water in the summit – advantage of flood water in the Churn.
I understand you have stopped bringing grain to the T&S wharf at Wallbridge because you think the tonnage is more than to the Stroudwater wharf, but that is not correct. Explanation given.
Please send directions about Mr Bevir’s letter about calling out the Commissioners. Hope to see the canal full of water shortly.
Still waiting for the springs to develop.
Supply of water level at the Engine found to be six feet higher. River Churn land flooded. Lining at the bottom of many parts of the summit found to be defective . In many places not more than 9 to 12 inches thick. 64 feet long, 12 feet 2 inches wide and 3 feet 10 inches deep in the sides.
PS Several T&S shares for sale @ £30 each.
Enclosed draft for £35.6.0 for coal.
Not willing to do the work at Arundell’s mill at less than Blackwell's estimate.
What price for best Geffle timber.
Shugars is making out bills at the full price and then giving back part of the money so as to prevent you knowing the real price he is selling at. The coal he has been importing is not the picked coal but the same as other people have.
Recent rains are a great relief after a long dry period.
There should be an agreement before Mr McIntosh starts work.
The G&B Canal is again at a stand. The contractor is now in gaol.
Re erecting Lock gates at Bowbridge – need for a passage for water to flow into the brook below the flood gates at Arundell’s Mill. Work to begin in one week.
Request for terms for timber.
Request for terms for timber.
Request for terms for timber.
Request for terms for timber.
Request for terms for timber.
Bill of parcels not received – bill £5.1.6
New lock gates for Lock No 3 are made.
The late rains have improved the water in the canal.
T&S Canal will be passable on Saturday 2 Dec for vessels to be fully laden. When will you be sending 3 or 4 barges to Lechlade Wharf.
Certificate of payment - £25.8.4.
Draft enclosed for coals - £30.19.8.
Notwithstanding every exertion was used, the water could not be let into the length under repair at Bowbridge till Wednesday night. This however did not cause any additional delay to the vessels as they could not arrive from the Severn till that time.
The enlargement of the ponds at Daneway is proceeding.
I have been fully employed in making and erecting a pair of lower lock gates for Bowbridge Lock, severely damaged by a boat then by water pressure. Canal partially stopped for three weeks.
Discussion with Mr McIntosh re possible enlargement of the ponds at Daneway – arching over the brook course about 100 linear yards might cost £400 to do it properly.
Land owners have approve planned repairs.
Enlargement of the ponds at Daneway is proceeding as fast as possible.
Cannot understand how coal can be bought for lower prices than I have quoted unless someone is mixing in inferior coal.
Refer to Messrs Robertson & Fotheringill of Bristol re matter in your letter of 19th.
Also see Copy of letter from Mr W H Carpenter of Ottery St Mary, Devon dated 19 Dec 1820, requesting payment of £4.14.5 for his brother when he resided at Brimscombe Port.
Draft on J S Salt for £40 on account of Bilston Coals. Stated to be about 54 tons but more likely to be no more than 50 tons.
Enclosing letter to Mr Carpenter.
The importation of coals last week was very considerable.
Re Certificate for £25.8.4 drawback on Coals – Mr Miller claims the drawback is due to him.
Send a cargo of slack – 10s 9d per ton.
Late unpleasant weather has stopped the navigation of the canal and connecting rivers. Stock of coal at various wharfs exceed that of previous year. But, scarcity of water.
Mr Protheroe’s intended opening of new wharf at Oxford delayed because of heavy frost.
Able to conclude a contract with Morgan to build an arch over the brook at Daneway resulting in effective ponds at a good price.
Claims of the Churn Millers for payment fast approaching.
I hope the vessels will be liberated in a few days.
Enclosing draft for £35.6.0 for coal.
Enclosing draft for £51.19.10 for coals shipped last Quarter.
Please pay account from Messrs Speedwell & Co.
Enclosing draft for £198.3.5 for coal shipped last quarter.
Usual papers.
Enclosed blank certificate re each vessel taking coals to places with drawback entitlement which is allowed on the return of the same filled up.
You need to pay the full tonnage, and when we receive confirmation that the cargo is delivered properly, we allow the drawback.
Mention again of Churn millers demand for water taken for the use of the canal.
Several boats with Forest of Dean coals for Mr Protheroe’s new wharf at Oxford have left here with many more due this week. Oxford Canal Co are much alarmed and are expected to object.
I anticipate the coal trade with Wilts & Berks Canal will increase soon.
Alterations at Daneway are proceeding as fast as season permits.
Richard Miller wrote asking you to pay T&S Canal Co £20, and I will settle the Commission with you.
Mr Phipp’s boat with coal for blacksmiths of same quality as other Newport coal can be afforded 2s 0d cheaper - most excellent coal.
Request directly to Packer to send by first coach Brookings tonnage tickets for the coals his boat last passed Inglesham with. It is No.852, and dated 24 Jan – J. Taylor Master.
Still awaiting timber but trow could not bring them. Enclosed draft for £107.6.0. Must have the remaining 11 pieces of timber and 2 spars by next trow.
Iron gates arrived on 7 Jan having previously landed at Stroud during a stoppage for repairs. I expect you will soon receive them.
Taylor should not have taken his boat without properly clearing out. Heaviest fine under Act of Parliament to be paid next time boat comes to the canal.
Expect that the necessary masonry for the enlargement of the ponds at Daneway will be commenced upon next week and contractors will need money on account within a fortnight.
Expecting to pay the Churn Millers whom I’m due to meet on 12 Feb.
Thomas Lloyd’s vessel delivered yesterday 49t.5.0 of coal – appearance very fair.
Re your letter of 10th accommodation required by Mr Protheroe to his concern that ready money is expected for tonnage.
On Monday I discharged the Churn Millers claims for water.
Mr McIntosh of opinion if the brook course at Daneway could be arched over at a given expense would be worth the expense giving additional size to the ponds. But, at present there are no more materials provided than can be made use of in the necessary repairs. All further proceedings relating to the masonry suspended for now.
Would like to meet Committee members re expediency of plans of repairs of the summit but needing a stoppage of the canal.
Churn Millers paid on Monday.
Enclosing draft for coals £35.6.0.
Sundry cash notes amounting to £55.
Enclosing the other half of sundry cash notes.
You say that nothing new to be commenced without Mr McIntosh’s sanction. It seems there has been a misunderstanding as I only do what I have discussed with Mr McIntosh.
Please send a cheque for tonnage 20 Feb 1821 – £22.0.2.
Gloucester Journal states that another effort is making to complete the Gloucester to Berkeley Canal – also a mention in Oxford papers.
Please send one cargo of best small slack by the very first water.
The four pockets hops forwarded from here on 14 Dec for Mr George Barnard’s Boats, to whom they were ordered to be delivered by Heane & Co who brought them here to Mr Barnard of Abingdon.
Difficulty over the payment for Mr McIntosh’s work.
Can’t find any authority the Company ever had to raise more than £315,000 (you state £330,000).
Thaw carrying off the snow has scarcely increased water levels in local rivers. Springs need to be speedily improved by rain.
Draft enclosed for £70.12.0 for coals.
Enclosed – cash notes and a draft to the value of £35.0.0.
Have directed Messrs Pitt & Co to pay £100 – part of balance in their hands by Thursday.
Notice given to cease and discontinue the trespass committed by a road from the towpath to the Bell Inn - otherwise threat of penalties.
Have directed Messrs Pitt & Co to transfer £100 (part of their balance).
Going to the wharfs tomorrow to settle the quarterly accounts. On return hope to make you a remittance.
Messrs Chalie & Richards have handed their account of wine sent here in 1819 amount of £52.6.6.
Enclosed you have a draft R Miller on John George, accepted payable at your house £100. Please order through your London Bankers to be paid to J S Salt, 20 Lombard Street, on account of T&S Canal Co.
Enclosed cash notes together £125 – the corresponding part of cash this afternoon.
More correspondence relating to cash notes amounting to £125, also to £100 relating to J Clinch & Son.
The parcel containing the Bankers books came duly to hand.
Mr Miller has given me a bill upon Mr George (Mr Protheroe’s Agent) for £133.1.9. However, I felt I had to send it to Mr George for acceptance.
The late rains have again caused a full supply of water in the canal as the springs appear to be more effective than previously.
Half yearly and General Statement Balance Sheet and banking book enclosed.
Information on Forest and Staffordshire coals at Oxford delayed until Mr George returns.
Enclosed draft for J S Salt for £70.12.0. Re deficiency in sales, our stock has become considerable – so discontinue further importation for the present.
Enclosed is draft alluded to in several of my late letters, amounting to £133 re statement of account to 2nd Apr for tonnages.
Expect to have the whole of the ponds in a state for use by tomorrow evening.
Prices of Staffordshire coal - Bilston Coal at Stourport @15s 6d lowered to 14s as some of the iron works being at present idle.
Enclosed £60 to credit of T&S.
PS – query what security did Mr Hipsley give on his taking to Lechlade?
The company expect the same security believed to be £1000.
The bond would now appear to be no more than £500. Mr Hipsley’s bond has only one apparent bondsman.
A quantity of mud to get out of one of the ponds at Daneway was done last week. At the same time had the stop planks put down in various parts of the summit level. Several defects were discovered near the aqueduct at Coxes Valley – partial repairs were done making the canal passable again.
The Sinking Fund account was examined to be correct re the statement in the balance sheet.
Requesting lowest price per thousand to deliver a cargo of best Shropshire builders bricks of blue appearance.
Mr Jones asked for a more particular account of probable expenses of repairing lock gates or of making new ones. £100 would be required for each new lock (upper and lower gates) to properly reinstate including masonry to the hollow quoins, stanking and keeping out the water, repairs to cills and so on. 44 locks – 14 thoroughly repaired recently and 30 needing immediate attention. All to be done within three years. Committee has fixed 27th Jun for a meeting at Lechlade to go along the line of the canal and for Mr McIntosh to accompany.
Mr McIntosh was here last week inspecting the work done at Daneway acquiring information necessary for the second application to the Exchequer Loan Commissioners.
Re your letter of 9th it would be better for Mr Jeffery to take to the sale of coal at Lechlade on Monday morning 25 Jun – debts owing not to be transferred to him but to be settled by yourself.
Committee will be there on 27th – ask Greenhalf to prepare 3 or 4 to dinner. Thomas Phipp must be here on Monday night 25th ready to start early in the morning and to bring an active clean horse with him.
I have sent for a cargo of coal as promised your son, expected on first of the spring day at Brimscombe by Saturday night – the boat coming to Brimscombe must load as deep as possible along with wall stones from Trewsbury, to be put out at the Bell Lock not with road stones as I told William.
The stone for White of Reading continuing at this place – as proprietors of this canal are meeting on Monday 2 July you might like to raise the subject of the reduction of tonnage of stone.
Please send by Millers first trow 6 pieces of Dantzic timber of closest quality and free from knots – not less than 30 feet long each.
When may any fresh arrivals of Dantzic ridge timber be expected – some previous did not open as well as had been expected.
Please be at Lechlade on 25th to carry on the business of the wharf as the 23rd falls on a Saturday.
Mr J Trotter’s letter of 20 Mar received re the new harbour opening – “power to ship coals for home consumption very large”. A vessel despatched as a result was not loaded as ordered – the captain refusing to take small coal rather than half large and half small. Several arrangements disorganszed re employment involving three men and a horse which have to be paid for – expenses to be deducted from your account.
Tonnage on 7 Jun for £54.0.10 still outstanding.
Having offered a price for two quantities of oak and timber for the repair of the lock gates to be paid in cash, I am prevented from reducing the balance at this place until I receive an answer to my proposal.
G Watson is now at Abingdon to hire some boats to carry clay for the repairs of this canal. Works to be done by contract by Mr McIntosh, a most respectable man by whom Watson is employed.
Re letter of 16th – to send Mr Mellors first trow, four pieces of the Dantzic timber mentioned.
Nothing other than Dantzic or Riga timber would do.
When your Mr Snelby was here I ordered a small cask of tallow for the use of our engine.
Committee have altered the meeting to Saturday 30 Jun.
Expect meeting to be held on Friday or Saturday instead of Monday.
Committee regretted not having your company regarding last week’s survey of the canal. Now awaiting amount of your estimate to enable the filling up of the first question of the Exchequer Loan Commissioners. Committee have told me to go to London to accompany you to the Commissioners in obtaining the grant.
Watson is getting on with removing the clay to be ready to start puddling in about a month. Notice required to prevent the men being unemployed.
Herewith a sketch of an idea suggested of putting an air or water drain to prevent blowing the puddle – any method prepared to be adopted.
J George, Newbridge; W Dunsford, Canal Office Swindon; Joseph Watts, Stroud; Parkend Coal Co, Lydney; D Davis, Lydney; Bullo Pill Co, Bullo; R Miller, Brimscombe, John Brewin, Cirencester; William Hill, Cirencester; Stroud Canal Co, Stroud; John Baker, Brimscombe; J Smith, Cirencester; Chamberlain & Co, Cirencester; Robert Tovey, Cirencester, Messrs Heane & Newman, Gloucester; Messrs T Strange & Co, Swindon.
Water will be let out of the T&S Canal for repairs on Sunday 5th August and the canal will not be again navigable above this place for six weeks from that period.
5th day of August has been fixed as the period for stopping the canal. Written notices to traders and others have been given.
Mr McIntosh has all the papers relating to this.
The trow Disney ordered to load a cargo of good quality of coal for the use of a private family. 70 tons will be required.
A quantity of stone consigned to you still remains here at a weekly charge for wharfage in addition to £13.9.0. Notice given of coming canal stoppage for repairs of 5th August.
George’s draft in favour of Mr Miller for £87.0.0 enclosed plus tonnage account for £27.15.11.
Enclosed are halves of cash and notes amounting to £80. Messrs Pitt & Co directed to pay sum of £200 out of balance in their hands.
Mr McIntosh not heard from.
Usual weekly papers and cash and notes (£80) sent.
Our agent, Mr Jeffery of Lechlade, has asked for the probable period when 50 tons of coals for Mr Barker of Fairford could be at Kempsford.
Ahead of approaching canal stoppage need to get the requisite materials collected and how they will be brought together including gravel, lime and ensuring a sufficient number of carpenters.
Mention of a section of work to be done in the summit and hope to hear from MrMcIntosh beforehand.
Expenses regarding Mr McIntosh’s estimate to be kept distinct from other expenditure.
Mr Lane sent me particulars of Mr McIntosh’s estimate.
Quantities of oak to be paid for by draft at 2 months when measured. This enabled me to order Pitt & Co to transfer £200 to you.
Will repairs about to be done to the Bell Lock, which will amount to between £150 to £200, be considered as “extraordinary” and is the sum to be borrowed subject to the expenses of such repair, or ordinary repairs of the canal, chargeable to the half yearly account.
Have forwarded a boat with about 29t.10c. Newport Coal to be at Kempsford Wharf early Friday morning. Sorry I could not send whole load all together because of low water levels. The men have directions to weigh the coal if requested at no additional charge. The load is fresh from the pits.
Have sent 29t 10c of Mr Barker’s Coal and have written to Mr Crouch to that effect that the water level wouldn’t allow the boat to carry any more.
I cannot allow you to create a copper in the salt warehouse. The place now used as a counting house was expressly built as a wash house & brewhouse and there are places left for coppers on each side of the fireplace. The room intended for an office is up the steps over the salt warehouse.
Barley requested.
Commissioners of Stroud & Cirencester Road are interfering with Company land adjoining Wallbridge. Asked to desist.
Complaining about account errors.
Have forwarded 14 tons of Newport coal to Kempsford Wharf. Please unload the boat quickly as she has to make a voyage to Abingdon before a stoppage.
Mr J Hodgkinson. Not aware of this Company being in need of the person you describe.
Mr McIntosh here last week – arrangement for beginning of repairs of the summit and other places for following week. To pay the workmen, I will need to trouble you for some silver. I will direct one of Mr Miller’s guards to call for it.
Lots of boats due to leave this place on Saturday. Advice to take in as much water as possible to support work starting on Monday.
Separate note:- Robert Butler was drowned on Monday night.
Water kept from the puddling at Daneway . Repairing gates.
I have heard (I hope wrongly) that the men bringing the washed gravel for the Bell Lock, finding the boat too deep when in the tunnel, actually threw a quantity overboard between 9th and 10th pit. Mr Hill’s small boat worked by J Mitchell had some difficulty passing it, so a fully laden boat could get stuck. Matter to be investigated.
Repairs commenced today. Your parcel of silver £20 has arrived. Vessel with bottom 60ft long and 12ft wide upon the diagonal planking principal now lies at Stourport for the T&S Steam Boat parties.
I sent per Mr Miller’s boat, William Tanner, 8 tons Newport coal, to be put out at Dudgrove Bridge, for Mr Bennett. Questions of appearance and quality of coal (more details).
Repairs in progress, but deficiency of proper workers. Repair of Bell Lock troublesome.
Early delivery of timber for T&S Canal requested.
Questions on the qualities of coal from Newport raised.
Usual papers.
Repairs at the Bell Lock (no.14 on canal plan) much more extensive than expected.
Error in your return re costing Newport coals sold to Mr Barker.
Enclosing cheque for larch poles purchased at Lord Bathurst’s sale.
Mr McIntosh had heard from Mr Lane that the second application to the Exch Loan Commission had failed, thus how the expenses of repairing the lock gates are to be charged.
£10,000 applied for included £2,000 for such repairs for works to be done by the Company’s carpenters in the ordinary way.
Many of Mr MacIntosh’s men employed in repairing the Summit level have left in consequence of not having sufficient wages.
Mention of an application to Parliament for making a Rail Road. If successful would seriously affect interests of FoD, Stroud and T&S and upper parts of the River Thames in connection with the Forest coals.
Repairs not complete through bad weather. Stoppage extended to 8 October.
Reference in the Gloucester Journal of today of £10,000 for “Thames & Severn Steam Boat” concern. One of the vessels was building in Stourport.
With Mr McIntosh to arrange to let water in the summit level on 6th October coinciding with having the Bell Lock finished, weather permitting. Puddle thickness issues.
Supply issues.
Reference to annual rent paid by T&S Canal to A Goulding for the wharf at Lechlade.
Usual cash notes
Reference to Mr Miller having cash flow difficulties.
Rent due to Dean & Chapter of Bristol.
Summit level and Bell Lock repairs completed but more still needs to be done. A threatening letter to Thomas Sherwood, Timber dealer, to fulfil his obligations.
Recent rains have improved the springs and expensive repairs help keep canal full for the winter and spring.
No dividend was paid last year.
Mr Jeffery shall remit as soon as possible.
Remittance requested.
Boats are navigating the whole length of the navigation with full freights. Should enable ample stocks of coals.
Mr Jones concluded it was better to keep the water at 4 feet 2 inches. Mr McIntosh’s men have left.
Please insert this advertisement seeking converted oak timber in your next issue.
Please insert this advertisement seeking converted oak timber in your next issue.
Mr Pinfolds’s affairs placed in hands of Mr R Crowdy of Farringdon re land in Ramsey Mead.
Usual papers.
Timber prices too high to give an order.
Mr Miller’s Bristol trow met with an accident to here on a voyage last Spring and sunk in the River Severn. Not many perishable articles contained in cargo, but the very best of such occurrences always prove very expensive..
Increase of water in the River Thames through continuous rains preventing navigation.
May proceed to Newport in Spring tide – request change of nature of coals.
Please load the Hope, John Hunt, with a cargo of Blaenavon coal for the T&SCCo.
You have under cast your coal account. About 46 tons of Shropshire coal included in the Bilston stock at Lechlade for dispersal by this winter if possible.
20 deals deficient is a mystery. You will be paid for them.
Request details of dimensions, price and carriage of timber for sale.
Steam boat drawing shown to the Committee here has failed. Serious alterations being done at Gloucester.
PS The Gloucester Journal reports that the G&B Canal Co is being taken over by the Commissioners for the Loan of Exchequer Bills.
Reference to Mr Millers note for £128.12.0 becomes due tomorrow and he expects to pay.
Enclosing bill for stone originally consigned to J White, Reading, and later delivered to Wantage.
Remittance requested.
Works recently done at Bell Lock appear to be well done.
Re middling size of oak trees for sale.
Re oak trees at or near Shenstone for sale.
Steam boat – one of its boilers had exploded with much interior damage and injuries caused to a man and boy by boiling water.
Rain, wind and flood of previous week not enough to have caused any serious damage. Upwards of £300 to pay for water taken from the River Churn.
Hunts cargo at Newport was considerably short in weight.
Mr Hipsley has paid the whole balance due.
Here you have the tonnage particulars upon the T&S that you requested.
Details of size and price of oak requested.
To refer to Mr J Lane re “your name not being registered at this place”
In consequence of Mr Miller’s recent misfortune with his Bristol trow, he has not been able to do so much work for the Company, and his account amounts to £122. I must beg directions as to how to act.– difficulty in conveying coals and payment.
Your name does not stand at present on T&S shares.
Having now heard from Mr Lane, I now send you a low expectation of future dividends.
Suggest sending a small boatload of timber in first instance to confirm quality.
Re shares and a Mr Atkinson.
Costs of supplying water from the River Churn of the previous year.
Committee would be glad of details of numbers of small and large boats “in Mr Jones returns”.
Send details of Patent Chain Cables you are agents for together with the latest plans for the Monmouthshire Canal and Railways.
Discussions of recent repairs by Mr McIntosh examining the whole length of the summit level, rebuilding part of the Bell Lock at Chalford and repair of lock gates between the tunnel and this place. Mr Jones remarks upon the springs in the bottom of the tunnel.
Request for ironwork wanted to be made from best or very good iron lying in Thames Head warehouse. Cold water cistern. Measures, thickness and quantities of ironwork.
Hope that payment to Churn Millers was made.
Hunts Cargo moved 2 tons short of weight charged – deficiency of £4.10s.0d.
Questions raised regarding charges levied on boats, loaded or empty, coming to or from the Wilts & Berks Canal to this place.
The machines are waiting at this place for some castings from a foundry near by – if received in time, will be sent per Millers trow next spring to Bristol and thence by a vessel to Chepstow.
Mr Miller has been informed of the Committee’s instructions.
Certificates of the Transfers eventually discovered re sums paid from Mr Proctor to Mr Tierney. Assumed to allow Mr Tierney to sign the Articles of Agreement between the Proprietors the Mortgages re the half shares were totally annihilated, as shares were transferred to Mr Crocker, ultimately to Mr Crowdy.
Boat with timber surprisingly not arrived despite promise three weeks earlier. Sawyers at play for several days as carpenters almost at a stand still. May have to purchase timber elsewhere.
At the Banking House, of Messrs Stevenson & Salt, 20 Lombard Street you will receive £12.15.0 for a Water Closet.
Reference to the WC and £12.15.0 payment.
Need for attention to be given to Private Bills in Parliament, especially the one making a railway or tram road from or near Stratford on Avon into Oxfordshire.
Account to 15th Feb £39.11.0.
Your inserting the annexed in your Journal of Monday the 25th inst will oblige, for T&S: Announcement 20 Guineas Reward. Thames & Severn Canal Navigation. Whereas, on Saturday Night, the 16th inst. some person or persons wantonly threw a quantity of the coping stones off one of the bridges of the said Canal, called Ewen Bridge, situate on the road leading from Cirencester to Ewen. A reward of TWENTY GUINEES will be paid to any person giving such information as will convict the offender or offenders, to Mr Charles Jones, Siddington, near Cirencester, or to John Denyer, Agent to the said Canal Company
Your inserting the annexed in your Herald of Saturday 23rd inst will oblige: (Copy of the above advertisement.)
Mr Lewis delivered 17 pieces castings and small basket containing sundry bearers. 38 pieces received from you. The whole was shipped yesterday per Millers trow, and will be in Bristol on Sunday evening or Monday morning next.
Certificate of Registry of Mr Wallhouse’s will to hand. By his death, one of the lives by which the Company hold Sapperton Mill under Earl Bathurst ceases. Lease expires at Michaelmas 1823 under certain conditions of repairs at £4 but I considered about 20 or 25 guineas. Lord Bathurst charged £40 for adding the last life - mill stream for supply of the summit level re bad state of the reservoir.
Mr Miller’s debt to the Company will, including the £124.0.0 in your hands, amount to about £500. I executed the Committee’s instructions and thereby saved a considerable sum being added to that amount. It is said he has given bills to the extent of £9000.
Barge just arrived – timber contents not as described – 21 out of 57 pieces not wide enough.
Road stone taken from T&S summit level to Wilts & Berks for repairs of their towing path – 1000 tons in 12 months.
Vessels go regularly from here weekly to Lydney where your machine may be sent. Machine expected at Chepstow tomorrow.
The William to be sent to Lydney requesting to be loaded with large coal.
Mr Miller’s commission opened previous Friday declaring him a bankrupt. Creditors to prove debts at the Fleece Inn, Rodborough.
We have no account of any iron hurdles directed for E L Lovedon.
I will try to meet you in Cirencester. Please let me know what tonnage is due from Mr Miller at Lechlade.
Mr M Walhouse, one of the lives in the lease of Sapperton Mills held under Earl Bathurst, being dead, can you let me know His Lordship’s wishes.
Approval of the patterns of chain cables.
Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co have a Bill pending in Parliament.
Earl Bathurst written to regarding Sapperton Mill.
Millers guinea notes not provable under the Commission.
Have forwarded free of charge several feet of deals to Thames Head, making good those lost belonging to you.
Boat will reach Lechlade by Saturday evening.
Regarding price of Baltic timber sent in previous June.
Re letter from Mr Anderson, Lord Bathurst’s Steward, concerning addition of a life on the lease on Sapperton Mill in place of Mr Walhouse, deceased. Mr Anderson to be asked to attend at annual meeting in June.
Regarding Miller’s bankruptcy, I was appointed assignee. Eight debts were proved amounting to £2451, including the Parkend Co debt of £476.
Usual cash notes.
Discussion of considerable variation of the tunnel dimensions especially the arches referring to the natural rock. Also some of the bridges might be even more difficult than the tunnel because the centre of the channel is not under the centre of the arch. Two drawings for bridges given based on a water level of 3 feet 6 inches and overall width of 19ft 4in (13ft 4in canal plus 6ft 0in towing path).
Usual weekly papers enclosed. Aiming to close the half year accounts.
For inclusion in your Journal: Announcement of “Reduction in Price of Coals” selling at T&S Wharf at Lechlade via Mr Joseph Jeffery, agent.
Mr Bennett’s complaint regarding water at his house is considered frivolous.
Usual weekly accounts enclosed – yearly accounts to be forwarded.
Usual weekly accounts enclosed – yearly accounts to be forwarded.
Our wharfinger at Thames Head where goods for Tetbury are landed – has not received any carboy for Mr Glover since Dec 1820. The whereabouts of the one missing rests with the carrier, Mr R Miller, Brimscombe Port, not the wharfinger.
Re letter from Mr Whitworth of Stanley, Wilts stating that he sold the late Mr Loveden 5 T&S Canal shares in Sep 1819 and 5 more in October following. Latter 5 shares appear not to have been registered. Consideration stated at £205, nearly double the selling price then. Sale thought to have been conducted by Mr Scott of Bridge Street, Blackfriars, London. Transfer of last 5 shares should be delivered to Mr Lane, Goldsmiths Hall, London, and probate of Mr Loveden’s Will exhibited.
No trace in register of any transfer of canal shares from Mr Whitworth to Mr Loveden, thus presume that the certificate of transfer of the first 5 shares was omitted to be sent here. Referred to Mr Lane.
14 days closure of the canal from Monday next following need for repairs in several places. Back to navigation for 14 days and alternating with closure again throughout the summer.
Subject of housing beans – use of the company’s warehouse pays us something rather than nothing, but we cannot be responsible for any loss.
Usual weekly papers.
Wilts & Berks Canal to be stopped for 4 or 5 weeks for repairs. Summit repairs and lock gates may take longer.
Works executed by you under William McIntosh at Trewsbury has failed, causing immense leakages in the summit. Be at the spot by 12 o’clock the next day to meet Mr C Jones.
Mr Trotter had offered to part exchange some small coal with large coal.
Re letter of 3rd Jun Mr Disney’s best black shares as follows:-
594 @ 627 = 34
1225 @ 1244 = 20
Purchased of Mr Rolleston = 20
Shares = 74
Usual weekly papers.
Usual weekly papers. Canal to be made navigable for a short time.
T&S Canal to be navigable on 23 Jun. Branch to Cirencester next to be repaired. Notice of this sent to John George, Wallingford.
Cargo of real large coal.
Usual weekly papers. To keep canal open for the through trade for five weeks. Cirencester branch to start on Monday.
Usual weekly papers. Price of coal through Wallbridge Wharf reduced.
Usual weekly papers. Cirencester Branch repairs proceeding favourably.
Payment due
Mr Jones has been checking the condition of the tunnel.
Advert in GJ for sale of all the effects of the steamboat Speculation by Severn Yacht Co of Gloucester.
Canal repairs and closures ongoing
Usual weekly papers. Water levels short in dry season.
Canal to be closed on 26 August – Tunnel to be cleared by preceding Saturday.
Usual weekly papers. Acknowledgement of canal closure for repairs.
Usual weekly papers. Repairs due to start today hopefully more favourable than this time last year following dry weather.
Prevent wharf from running out of coal during the six weeks continued canal stoppage for repairs.
Price of timber conveyance not known – suggest writing to Messrs Wyatt of Oxford, Mr G Franklin of the Bourne or Messrs Hopkins of Abingdon, Berks. Canal currently navigable only to Chalford.
Water loss in tunnel discussed.
Warning that the road above the arch of the canal bridge at the Golden Valley is in a very bad state of repair. Company responsible only for keeping the masonry good.
Mr Jones with some navigators walked through the Tunnel and discovered leakages of considerable magnitude.
C Bramble received the rent due from T&S Co to 1813, so only nine years unpaid rent from 1813.
Coal supply once canal is reopened in a fortnight’s time is anticipated to be brisk, but until there is a great fall of rain, boats will carry small loads.
So many leakages in the tunnel. Clay stanks and regular stop planks have been put in at short distances from each other especially close to each end. Clay lining in the long length of rock about seven furlongs appears never to have been properly puddled. Clay itself is very bad.
Usual papers.
Enclose J George cheque on Tubb & Co, Oxford.
Cash and notes, correspondence to New Inn, Lechlade
Staves intended for you were delivered to Mr Joseph Watts, Stroud Brewery.
Not a single bidding for any part of Miller’s property on previous Friday. I am now quite at a loss to know what to do with it.
Draft due to Dean & Chapter for Chief Rent for Land in Parish of South Cerney.
Loss of weight of Parkend Forest Coals upon Lechlade Wharf.
Usual papers. Draft due to Dean & Chapter of Bristol.
Long letter regarding water levels between the two canals at Latton Basin and effect on boats.
Some shortages of very fine Forest Coal.
Re Sills upon the aqueduct at Latton. Mr Jones directed to reduce height of the water for not more than four hours.
Re annual survey not having been made over the past summer but considerable repairs having been done:-
1) Buildings:- Inglesham Bridge entirely and substantially rebuilt with stone.
Fire engine – a new cold water cistern erected replacing a decayed wooden one.
2) Locks:- 5 pairs of new lower gates erected.
3 pairs of new upper gates erected.
4 pairs of lower gates prepared for thorough repair.
Associated masonry and other work .
3) Summit:- 1029 linear yards of puddling taken and replaced – Cirencester Branch.
2187½ yards between Siddington and Coatesfield end of the Tunnel.
54½ yards of the bottom between Bridge XXIX and Coxes Valley.
Wall repairs in Tunnel.
Reference to an advertisement of a Notice of a Special General Assembly of the Severn & Wye Railway Co on 19 November concerning tolls payable by collieries owners or occupiers
Notice to draw off the water from Mill Pond for canal repairs to be done between Bowbridge and Wallbridge.
Reference to death of Mr Scudamore who had agreed to pay two guineas for part of a new trunk at Arundell's Mill because he made a pond against it. I am proposing to start the work.
Expressing hope that soon boats will carry full cargoes; demand for coal being very great – full 10,000 tons wanted along the canal and on the Thames.
Correspondence regarding land, reference to Mr Jones at Siddington.
Trespass of land near the engine and next to the Tetbury Turnpike Road for which payment may be due – 6 years claim.
Details of deficiencies of weight of T&S Forest Coal – may have been in Mr Hipsley’s time?
Canal opened up a fortnight earlier and late rains have improved the water.
Details of coal movement weights given in a table from Bilston, Newport, Forest, Tenby.
Asking a few questions.
Comments about the aqueduct at Latton and the cill at the lock there.
Talking about the ascertainable quantity of stock coal at Lechlade following recent canal stoppages for repairs.
First half yearly accounts handed over. Thickness of new lock gates and planking. Quantity of cement used is trifling. Improved state of the canal enables the boats to carry two-thirds freights.
Re proposition at last General Meeting of the Severn & Wye Railway Company to discontinue the drawbacks allowed upon Forest coal going into the Thames or Wilts & Berks Canal which might affect shares.
No mention of an expected reduction of tonnage upon bricks going to Oxford.
Discussion with Severn & Wye Railway to discontinue coal drawbacks.
Shortages of weights of coal discussed.
Extra men employed to be discharged this day.
Mr Jones has discharged all extra hands from the summit level.
Phipp’s Boats left with 50 tons Newport Coals very excellent. And this day Nurse’s barge Venus loaded with Forest coal consigned to the wharf used in the past by the Windsor Castle - to be prevented from going down the Thames River.
To transfer outstanding 9 years’ rent of £19-5s-1d re land of George Bramble at South Cerney.
Query on price of Newport coal being sold cheaper elsewhere.
Re letter from Mr Mushet about a reduction of tonnage on fire bricks from the Forest of Dean. Drawback of all fire bricks to be allowed through this canal into the Wilts & Berks Canal and returning into the North Wilts Canal.
Mr Disney and Mr Protheroe agree with the particulars of the Severn & Wye meeting.
Usual papers following a fortnight’s absence.
Usual papers and bills drawn.
Discussion about questionable quality of white ash coal.
Bilston Coals at Stourport up in price.
Table on tonnage and wharfage on coal and stone to Cirencester, Lechlade and Oxford.
Goods not yet arrived here.
Mr Watts’ boat and the Venus left last night with several tons of Tenby and Forest coal.
T&S Canal have acceded to the proposal to the reduction of tonnage upon fire bricks.
Resolved: That a drawback of tonnage be allowed upon all Fire Bricks, Burrs & Square passing the line of this canal into the Wilts & Berks Canal and not returning into the North Wilts Branch thereof or paying the whole line of this Canal into the River Thames, so as to reduce the whole tonnage payable to 2s 6d per ton.
Query about signature as proprietor of 100 shares only rather than 123 in our records. Please explain details of the 23 and their disposal.
Mention of coals being passed along the canal and at most of the wharfs on the Thames without leaving any for stock.
Money for sherry for use of the T&S Committee.
Comment on recent high winds and floods interrupting navigation along Rivers Severn and Thames and preventing arrival of many vessels. Fear of stoppages by ice shortly.
Bill received re sherry for Company use.
You increased the price of coal without my authority. I did mention an increase to ‘foreigners’ but not to our regulars.
Canal partially impeded by ice over past week.
Canal totally stopped by frost for several days – coal stocks very low at most wharfs along the canal, Wilts & Berks and Thames.
Usual papers.
J Woodward and John Radburn left here, each with Forest coal and Newport coal, the Newport coal in both boats being very good.
Reference to Hunt’s misfortune by losing about 7 tons and spoiling the residue – dependant of losing me the sale of 2 cargoes, in consequence of carrying timber when he promised to fetch coals from you the two previous Springs.
Canal again stopped by frost. 120 tons did manage to get through to Lechlade Wharf with exertion used by other parties.
Reduced price of salt expected to be productive of additional traders on the canal.
Still very severe frost – many more days before ice can be broken.
Particulars of water taken last year for the canal from the River Churn are in the packet to Mr Salt – payment due in February.
Talk of drawback on coke following the introduction of gas into most areas and the role of coke in markets formerly supplied with Tenby coal.
“Your coach spokes are delivered to Mr Voles at Oxford they were made right in number when put on board the boat, namely 2000 – the money the carrier had to receive upon them was £3-4-0.”
Repeated request for the immediate return of deeds.
A further request regarding return of various lots of deeds.
A recent frost has reunited the old ice in the more exposed parts of the canal.
J Rodburn’s boat with 63 tons of large Forest coal left this place yesterday
I perceive Mr Gardner’s coal is 12 cwt 2qrs short.
Understand that the leasing of the Tolls of the Severn & Wye Railway is discovered to be illegal – the whole were done away with at a meeting at Lydney last week.
Still waiting at every post for Deeds regarding conveyance of sale of part of property sold in 1807 to Mr Lewis.
Price requested by cubic foot for delivery of oak timber given certain dimensions – considerable quantity needed.
Demand for coal down the Thames still brisk although the flood in the river continues to impede the passage of the vessels employed in that district.
Hopes of seeing considerable increases in demand for coal.
No objection to canal boats cargo of 12/- coals if good.
The ‘Windsor Castle’, F Nurse, left this morning with a small quantity of large Forest coal and the remainder good Bullo Nubblings on top of the soft coal that is left.
Usual weekly papers plus transfer of cash.
Writing about various coal qualities.
Prices of coal.
Correspondence regarding transfer of various black and red shares.
Difficult to achieve a correct opinion of probable balance of the half yearly account by reason of various drawbacks having been allowed.
The ‘True Blue’ to load part of the nubblings at Bullo.
Money provided for timber for repair of lock gates.
Decline offering to take further quantity of Bullo nubblings beyond April.
Usual papers.
Tonnage not yet paid for wheat at Siddington.
Request to pay Mr George.
Usual papers.
Payment for coal enclosed.
Usual papers.
Details requested of forthcoming closure of the Wilts & Berks Canal for repairs.
All papers relating to the half yearly accounts mentioned – deficiency in the balance due to low tonnage rate and the bad manner in which merchandise has been carried through the canal.
Notice of intention to close the navigation above this place for 4 or 5 weeks starting 19 May.
Cargo of Pen-y-van coal (mostly used in Bristol) not equal to Blaenavon either in size, look or quality.
The deficiency in merchandise has reduced receipts, and I much fear the abolition of the coastwise duty on stone will injure this line by opening a route through the Kennett & Avon and Wilts & Berks Canals from Bristol.
A fortnight previously, stop planks had been ordered to be put down in various places on the summit level to determine leakage sources. Work for this to have been done by Mr McIntosh.
Usual papers.
Drafts drawn for payment for coal and timber.
Next General Meeting to be held at this place on 4 July, Seeking your consent for Committee to pass along your line on the way here.
This canal to be stopped on 19 May for repairs for 5 weeks.
Seeking deeds of property purchased of Dalloway & Peach, part of which was sold under Miller’s bankruptcy, and the purchasers want a sight of them before completing the purchase.
Coal quality of Mr Williams is good for blacksmiths but ill suited for house keepers, there being no mediun sized coal. Very best quality needs to be at Lechlade.
Loss to this canal in the conveyance of stone through it by the abolition of the coastwise duty has no reference whatever to stone the produce of the quarries in this neighbourhood, but to that shipped at Bullo Pill and Lydney, the produce of the Forest of Dean.
Reference to sale by the Company by public auction certain houses and land at this place on 8 October 1807. Part of this property was purchased by R Miller which, under his Commission of Bankruptcy, I have sold but unable to get the purchase completed as Mr Bevir (who succeeded Mr Pitt) not producing the deeds as he can’t find them.
Hoping that Mr Pitt will be able to trace out the missing deeds so as to be able to close the business.
Usual papers. Repairs proceeding very satisfactorily.
