1835-1839
Gloucestershire Archives TS/126
Outgoing letters from Brimscombe Port September 1835 to May 1839
Comments about ongoing work in Mr Gordon’s meadow.
Paperwork in hand re bankruptcy of Bowerman & Sons at Oxford.
Parker & Foster ordered to pay their accounts promptly.
Query re arrangements for carriage of salt carried by Mr Parker.
More about work in Mr Gordon’s meadow.
More about Mr Foster’s salt drawback certificates.
More about work in Mr Gordon’s meadow.
Considering two ways to shorten the locks to save water.
Messrs Parker, charges for tonnage. Charges on grain, flour, malt and salt, carried in Fly Boats same as by any other.
Particulars of lock and lock gates required.
Branch railroad from Cheltenham through Gloucester, Stroud to near Cirencester and Swindon to unite with Great Western warmly taken up.
Packer’s letter requesting stone for steps at his house not clear. I intend to be at Lechlade on Monday, and I can meet Packer there.
I can meet Staples at Cricklade Wharf to settle accounts on Tuesday.
Preparation in hand for installing stop planks at Coatesfield end of tunnel. 7000 bricks sent to Daneway warehouse.
Stopping of canal for repairs to match W&B Canal.
Giles Carter left here with a pair of lock winders on board.
Payment of rent to the Dean & Chapter.
Providing details of the gross average earnings of the canal.
About documents relating to the Company’s ownership of land at Brimscombe Port.
About rental of Thames Head Wharf to Mr Parker.
Projected railroad from Cheltenham to Swindon. Mr Brunel’s opinion re Canal and Tunnel. “The space occupied by the Canal would not be so advantageous as any other and that the tunnel is by no means calculated for the purpose of the railroad”.
The cutting in Mr Gordon’s meadow is proceeding, the Engine continues at about the same speed. Chivers the Engine man is concerned about the Beam. Mr Ferrabee has made an excellent job of the lamps – the light is astonishingly great.
Ironwork of the air pump of the Steam engine failed. Effects on working of Canal.
Projected railroad from Cheltenham to Swindon likely to be carried out. Some orders of Committee carried out.
Latton Lock lower gates repaired, efficient catch pool at Capel’s bridge, wall at Inglesham reduced, temporary clack door at the Engine taken out, cutting in Mr Gordon’s meadow resumed,
Griffin’s Bridge, no estimate yet for the cast iron from Mr Ferrabee. Bridge stands where railway expected to cross canal, so good to risk present structure remaining for now.
Mr Parker wants to use small boats to deliver salt to Newbury in competition with barges via the Kennet & Avon Canal.
News that ironwork is now ready. Engine working
Please pay your account balance.
Official notices [re railway along line of canal] being prepared for publication. By whom should they be signed?
All Railway shares taken up. Mr Palmer had 20.
Fears of Foresters re narrowing of the locks are groundless.
Dividend Meeting of Bowerman & Sons. T&S Co submitting an affidavit of debt.
Highly impolitic to do work proposed in the event of a frost setting in.
Replacing or repairing defective parts. Details of Mr Ferrabee’s advice re Beam.
Suspected problem with Chapman’s barge. Load stated deals, slates and 5 tons Tenby coal for Newbridge. I suspect the latter is nearer 10 tons, as he said he might put out a little at Latton. Give Pash instructions to check discharge at Latton.
Notices about converting the canal into a railway have created a sensation. Uncertainty about route of proposed Cheltenham & Great Western Union Railway. Also one from Coalpitheath.
Coal being forwarded as fast as possible to meet a frost.
I have found a copy of deeds re sale of capital messuage etc to Mrs Mary Lewis.
Uncertainty re conformity with Standing Orders of Parliament [relating to conversion of canal].
Fresh survey being made in neighbourhood of Siddington, believed to be for continuation of railway from Coalpitheath.
Send by first vessel, 4 bars S C Iron, 12 feet long, each 1½ or 1¾ square.
Send plate, S C Iron, 8ft long.
Your cheque, £15, will be paid to credit of Mr William Long, Witney.
Plan deposited in Clerk of the Peace’s Office for this County. £2.2.0 paid. I will forward copy of portion of the “Cheltenham & Great Western Railway” of most interest to T&S Co.
Parker & Foster’s certificates, I presume, must be admitted. £45.15.6 to be deducted from their account for November. Details of Mr Parker’s trade on Canal at Cirencester. He should pay ready money for all to prevent so much unpleasantness. Balance to pay £23.4.6.
Please send two books as described below.
Plan of section of part of projected Cheltenham & Great Western Union Railway with local particulars e.g. tunnels at Sapperton and Chalford. Total rise from Stroud to highest point at Sapperton 237 feet, distance 8½ miles, also details for Cheltenham to junction with Great Western Railway. Opinions of landowners unknown. Manufacturers may be all in favour.
In case I am asked about the proposed railway crossing our property, I will need to be armed with authority to act. An order signed by the Chairman will be sufficient.
I hope Parker & Foster’s account is settled. I must have the salt certificate.
Enclosing copy of a portion of the Cheltenham & Great Western Union plan for the use of the Committee.
Wharfs are generally in good condition as to stocks to meet a long frost.
Please acknowledge cash notes included with plan of projected railway.
Tunnel repairs ought to begin.
Parties in neighbourhood for last week, ascertaining the Assents, Dissents and Neuters of the Owners of the lands through which the projected railroad is intended to pass, I expect with success. Several things are to be attended to. I refer you to the Standing Orders of the Lords and Commons. Weather here is intensely severe. I dissented on the part of the Company both as the Owners and on my own behalf as the Tenant to the railroad passing through their lands etc.
Proposal to have a General Assembly prior to further steps taken as to the railroad. Details of notices necessary.
Order for book with details.
Proposed gas lamp at Cirencester Wharf.
Application made by James Smith to rent house and premises, late John George, at Brimscombe.
Levels of railroad and canal compared.
Mr Parker renewed his objection to T&S accounts prior to Xmas 1835.
Mr Gordon had withdrawn his opposition to the proposed Cheltenham etc railroad.
Notices posted at County Hall Gloucester.
Explanation of Parker & Foster’s account re £80, charges at Cirencester for carriage, housage etc, in letter to Mr Tidmas, Cirencester Wharf. Reply from Joseph Tidmas. Further details.
Enclosed are details of water taken from River Churn 1835.
Need for receipts of payment.
The canal is again stopped by ice.
Request for payment.
James Smith to rent premises late J George at £30 per annum.
Enclosing cheques.
Answer to fears of the Forest of Dean property owners against proposed plan for reducing locks on T&S Canal.
Committee Meeting at Brimscombe Port 6 August 1835.
Estimate for repairs needed at Lechlade Wharf for tenant Mr Prothero.
Remember Churn Millers’ account.
Please tell me the cost of conveying gas to point on Thames Severn Canal wharf at Cirencester.
I am equally ignorant of Oxford Canal Act and Mr Parker’s complaint.
I have requested the cost of proposed gas lamp at Cirencester Wharf.
One of Allen Mason’s fly boats, coming up Stroud Canal, struck one of gates of same lock damaged by Parker & Co’s boat 12 months ago. Must be replaced before any boat can pass. I have offered help to supply timber.
Churn Millers’ account to be paid on Monday at Wharf.
One of Allen Mason’s boats made Stroud Canal impassable by knocking down lower gates of same lock Richard Jones (Parker & Co) tried to damage in the same way about 12 months ago.
Mr Denyer consents to let Bran etc pass this canal without charge.
Repair of lock gates on Stroud Canal to be completed today. Vessels at work tomorrow. Proposed Act to pass railroad across wharf at Cirencester, whether above or on it is uncertain. Company should be protected against injury.
Charges for Wharfage and Housage.
Mr Parker’s account. £25 due. Reasons for insisting on payment.
Re A Mason’s payment of account £89.2.3. Stroud Canal repairs finished today.
Re letter from James Foster: List of Drawbacks on salt allowed by T & S Canal Co.
£89.2.3 owing.
The annual charge for gas is markedly different from that mentioned you were seeking a supply of water.
Re lamp at Cirencester Wharf.
Severe frost not likely to impede vessels at work.
Anything relating to Engine depends on supply of water after cutting is finished. Need to avoid unnecessary expense. Present engine must be made to do.
Account to be paid. Conditions on which boats are allowed to pass must be strictly attended to.
Accounts owing – Allen Mason and Parker & Co. Details of problems with Parker’s account.
Second reading of Cheltenham & Great Western Union Railway bill unopposed. Talk of £3000 effecting change. New line lately surveyed through valley avoiding many detailed difficulties. Shares at £3 premium.
Nothing yet determined on alteration of locks on Canal. To enable canals to compete with Railroads, they must afford greatest facilities to commerce generally.
Few days stoppage possible while W&B Canal under repair. Thames impeded by floods. Cills of two locks at Daneway to be put in order.
Two paddle frames to be sent by John Pratt’s boat tomorrow.
Problems with recording the business at the wharf.
Railway from Cheltenham to Swindon more to be feared in competition with Canal as a main line for branches than as a direct line to London e.g. railroad from Coalpit Heath through Sodbury into the Cheltenham & Swindon.
Land carrier will generally feel effects of railroads more than water carrier. T&S Company acted very injudiciously in agreeing to terms of Bill.
Stoppage of Wilts & Berks Canal deferred for week longer.
Wilts & Berks Canal navigable again 20 April at latest.
Order for iron, round and square.
Account made from manifest put in by Chapman. I am unaware of any error but I am willing to make correction.
I mentioned Carpenter’s boat and state of several of lower gates to members of Committee.
Instruction not to build new boat but wait for a final decision. Lower gates must not be allowed to fall down but must be renewed.
The Fly may be past repairing. Because of the state of the weather, she has not yet been into dock. Carpenters at Daneway.
Details of Accounts. £669.16.6 to credit of T&S Canal. Statements Banking Book etc. Favourable account of receipts and payments after such an extraordinary season of dry weather.
Parker & Foster’s Account - £237.2.3.
Henry Webb 1 share No. 2290, John Henson Webb 1 share No. 2291.
6 pieces of Norway expected for some time. I require per first vessel – 2 pieces pine timber not less than 34 feet long and of any other dimensions so that they are clear and not shaky.
Luke here this morning. Affected by liquor? I could understand only that we did not have timber to make Centers. Wrote off to Bristol for some to come by first vessel but will not arrive before Wednesday or Thursday next week. Dimensions of scantlings must be sent here. Luke to make them here. Good larch poles in Hayley Wood fit for making Bearers. Lighter and better than beech. Lops will make hand rails. Things for repair of capstan, etc. at the Engine forwarded yesterday.
Memorandum made on Chapman’s trow bill. Passed vessel without filling up entry of his cargo contrary to rules of Canal.
Plan to deal with weight of immense variety of imported Deals.
Weight of 2½-3 inch Forest charged at 30 cwt per 100 ft.
Best weather stone of County on Bisley Common. Specimen of quality at St John’s Common near Lechlade and Shillingford Bridge near Wallington.
Accounts made up. Notice at bottom of drawback certificate not filled up.
Hampers of bottles and 6 barrels of Porter sent 2 April. Only 1 Hamper to hand. Flying with a vengeance. I wish you had attended and heard railroad party statement about fly trade. Greater regulations being made to ensure regularity of dispatch.
Reduction of tonnage on wrought and cast iron passing line of T&S Canal from Wallbridge to Latton, delivered anywhere on Kennet & Avon Canal from 3/6½ to 2/- per ton. Along with W&B reduction, this will enable Hiskins to carry iron for the bridge mentioned in letter from C Twine delivered on 19th.
On which day do you intend to close the W&B Canal for repairs? We must spend a month reinstating some parts of the roof of the Tunnel.
Charge on Forest Coal. Parker & Co. disputing Company’s rights to charge for Housage, Cranage etc. Mr Foster’s assertion that T&S accounts are correct.
Repairs to tunnel delayed. Shortage of bricklayers.
Change from excessive cold to excessive heat shortening supply of water. Influenza prevalent here.
Message from J Pratt, lockkeeper at Stroud re letting off water from level at Mr Hawkins’ house to repair a trunk and get rid of some mud.
Five boats have passed, two with coal – C Twine, two with coal – Jefferies. Two missing. Canal will not be closed until water is let out of the Stroudwater.
Search for bricklayers. Repairs certain when Stroud Canal closed.
Send 28 lb best combed hemp, free from dust and filth, 5 lb spun yarn.
Re Stroud and Chalford Turnpike Road Bonds. Railway fever somewhat abating but speculating in shares not much diminished.
Boats able to pass between Lechlade and Abingdon about every alternate day while canal is closed for repairs in other parts. It is hoped you will prevent delay to goods in your possession, under existing circumstances of railroads.
Some goods promised but not received. Canal to open at same time as Wilts & Berks.
Repair of Tunnel. Shortage of bricklayers. Opening of canal by time Wilts & Berks Canal is ready. Repairs below Siddington will allow boats to pass from Thames via Lechlade to Cirencester every alternate day. No delay to Cheltenham trade. Goods from there always forwarded by land carriage from Cirencester.
Stroud Canal and T&S to reopen in a fortnight.
Too dangerous for small boats to pass tunnel during repair of roof.
Mr Dunsford’s letter forwarded to me. 5 of 7 boats had passed before its receipt and closing work would throw vast number of men out of employment and interfere with arrangements of all Carriers on Canal.
2 cargoes of iron for bridge at Bath, at reduced tonnage, have passed along Canal. Boats will return, with grain from W&B Canal, for a further quantity. Nett tonnage £10.13.11.
Fully aware of need to shorten period when Canal is shut.
Late heavy rains succeeded by excessive hot sunshine.
Bucket on Engine. High price of iron. Scrap and useless iron, cast and wrought to be sold.
Mr Parker, partner with Franklin and then Franklin & Hamlyn. Claims for £37.14.8 and £30 from Company.
You have not kept your promise re Bill.
Luke Griffin re planks for punts.
Stroud Canal Co and T&S repairs finished. Vessels at work. Wilts & Berks open Thursday. Planks at Daneway Tuesday. Engine to start when required. If waiting for yarn or hemp, sufficiency must be procured from Cirencester. Can be started at 3 hours notice.
Consequences of repairs to Tunnel. Shortage of proper hands. Details of repairs and effects.
Engine working to reduce water on cutting in Mr Gordon’s meadow.
Canal open and navigable throughout 13 June.
Mr Jones responsible for general superintendence of Engine and Thames Head.
£30 per James Smith for Tidmas. Regret that you have troubled Chairman. I have written to Chivers.
Messrs Stevenson and Salt have received £24.3 10 from you. Further amount owing.
Mason & Longmore (late Allen Mason) account £24.3.10 not paid.
Mr George has promised to pay his balance, or greater portion of it, in July.
Parker & Co – account.
3 shares in name of J T Croome, erased from list of proprietors, added to those of Dr Bowly.
Late alteration in prices of Staffordshire and Somersetshire coal. Battle previously between Staffordshire coal brought via Oxford Canal to Abingdon, then along Wilts & Berks to Wantage and that brought through this canal. Somersetshire coal will not compete. Setting of tonnage, effect on Forest of Dean trade.
Mr Jones’ communication re Engine man. His letter re problems with readiness of Engine to start work.
Please send iron per Wakefield’s trow now in Bristol.
Please send book as per attached pattern.
Let me have any matters to be raised at the Committee.
Details of Parker & Co’s account.
Notice re Special General Meeting at Brimscombe to consider changing the agreement for traders engaged in the fly-boat trade.
Please send by bearer, Charles Bossley, half a cask of Odessa tallow.
Mr George has promised to direct Watts & Co to make a transfer to the credit of his account with T&S Co.
Joseph Baker & Son, £20.8 6 for carpet and rug.
Carpet came safe. £20 8 6 on account at Stevenson & Salt, No. 20 Lombard Street.
Committee to meet at your house 1 August. Make customary preparation.
Agenda for Committee on course along Canal. Excess of coal. Alteration of locks for small boats.
In Company’s interest to check attempts to establish a monopoly on Canal.
Somersetshire coal on footing with Staffordshire.
Removal of Company’s towing path wall on Cirencester branch continued trespass. Make good damage. No further use of towing path as a cart or carriage road.
Please attend to the dilapidated state of gates of Lechlade Wharf.
Accounts to be paid.
Ash tree growing close to your mill. Damage to walls. Although recently repaired, they have been injured by subsequent winds. On Company’s land, but I do not want to commit an uncourteous act.
Copy of letter from Joseph Pitt re whether Mrs Lewis is living or dead. If dead her sons would satisfy you respecting the deeds. One of Mrs Lewis’s sons states this to be further proof of Mr Pitt’s aberration of mind. His mother, Mrs Lewis, is dead. Mr Bevir can give information re deeds which have been in his possession for a few years. Apply to George Bevir, Cirencester.
Mention of account has given offence to certain person. Explanation.
5 cwt of 1 inch round common iron. Send per Wakefield’s trow.
Practice of lopping trees which overhang neighbour’s grounds. £8 for damage done to grass.
Re culvert Mr Trinder is making on Miss Master’s property. He has no right to divert a stream or watercourse and cause loss or injury. Are hatches to be erected at the upper part of the meadow for irrigation or is the culvert for draining the land by gaining fall? Water admitted to the meadow would be lost to Gane’s Mill, passing into a lower level which Lord Bathurst would prevent. Let the facts be clearly ascertained and reported.
Some wheelbarrow board shall be forwarded. The spouts have been waiting for the heads and uprights which are cast iron and shall be sent on as soon as possible. The Boundary stones have been ordered. Payment of Chivers’ wages.
Aldum senior and family may move to Thames Head House.
Tell me when Simpson would remove the slates and repair roof of Kempsford Wharf. The carpenters will be there Monday to protect tenant’s furniture.
I prefer Norway timber of given dimensions and free from sap. I would rather wait for ship you mentioned. I want an end of a piece of pine, 6 to 10 feet long and of any size, free from shake. Send it by Wakefield’s vessel. For my own use to be converted into kitchen requisites.
I should be glad to learn the reply to your letter to Richings re road to his premises.
The work in Mr Gordon’s meadow will be finished to allowed distance.
The Engine beam continued to perform work satisfactorily and it will be equal to the task until the excavation is concluded.
Kempsford Wharf house repaired.
Lechlade Wharf. Richings & Parker have settled their account.
Mr Parker has converted his salt works into a Joint Stock Company, the “Imperial Salt & Alkali Company” with
6000 shares at £12.10 each, which will decrease his difficulties.
Stock of Forest Coal much augmented. Unprecedented increase in price. Excessive demand in Iron districts of Staffordshire and Shropshire. Increase in price would let in a coal from Leicestershire called Moira.
Cheltenham & Great Western railroad proprietors are about setting out the line and have publicly denied receiving aid from the Great Western.
Enclosing rent to the Dean & Chapter of Bristol.
Tonnage on slates to be paid immediately.
Balance for year likely to be very favourable.
Amount due to be paid on or before Tuesday next.
Enclosing 10 Aug 1836 letter from W Richins to C Jones, Siddington: Towing path has never been harmed by me. Portion of wall complained of removed by Gas Company. If a road is refused along Towing path, a bridge must be erected.
Mr Lane has asked about progress on the laybye at gas works. This is for you to explain.
I shall be glad to learn the result of your inquiries re Coal trade.
I hope a sufficiency of rain will fall to enable large stock of coal to be forwarded to meet approaching winter.
Richins’ letter is no doubt the production of his attorney, Mr Mullings, from whom he purchased the land. It is evident a right of carriageway is intended to be insisted on as you only cautioned him to stop using the towing path.
Re Parker & Co. application for a small stable on Cirencester Wharf, liability of horses being injured while the boat is delivering goods by being exposed to the weather for 1 – 3 hours after arriving in a heated state. One should be built for 2 horses in the event of two boats being there at the same time.
Parker & Co payment of accounts continues to be a concern.
Premises at the Bourne: Mr George’s team hauled quantity of stone there but to replace that belonging to Company which he had improperly removed. Problem with him over repair of roof of part of shed and sawpits because he purposed quitting the premises
Have you enquired into the custom of cropping of trees overhanging land of other persons?
Mr R Cripps, principal manager of Cirencester gas works is to consider whether lay bye at Gas Works should be made or not.
The Thames Commissioers are due to repair the Medley Gates.
Mr Jones due to report progress in Mr Gordon’s meadow.
Surprise that late rains have had so little effects on the springs.
Effect of advance in prices, discontinuance of drawbacks etc on coal trade where Staffordshire coal has been conveyed through the Canal.
Because of scarcity of water in Summer in River Severn, boats obliged to trade elsewhere, Company should not alter their tonnage on Staffordshire coal.
Re Forest of Dean coal trade to Oxford, Company should take price to consumer as their guide re tonnage. Comparison of coal trade and prices at various places, Oxford, Radcot, Longcot, Farringdon.
Newspaper forwarded containing Resolution and particulars of first meeting of Cheltenham etc Railroad. Ranging poles for setting out line advanced as far as Stroud from Cheltenham.
Mr Gordon not to be paid £7500 until entry to his land.
Charge for coal to the Engine. Services for supply of water not needed earlier in season. Performed more work and been of more essential service than during whole of previous existence. Diminished charge for repairs.
Contingency Fund will be reported to the next General Meeting.
My reference to Ingrain, drawbacks etc in former letter with details.
Doubts about raising tonnage on coal at Radcot and above Eynsham Bridge. Tonnage should continue as it now stands to Radcot and raised to same rate to Oxford. Giving 2 months notice will avoid exposure to fraud.
Parties supplying Kempsford Wharf with coals, whether an arrangement takes place with Mr Staples or not, will ensure an ample supply. Anyone can sell on a public wharf.
After 1 Jan all coal, except Malting coal, passing through this canal and delivered below Eynsham Bridge will pay same dues as those on coal delivered above bridge.
L Griffin may be useful in helping to build Carpenters’ boat.
Parker & Foster complained of their Fly Boat horses being exposed to the weather during the unloading of their boats, chiefly at night, at Cirencester. Company willing to build a place large enough for 2 horses, not a stable but place where horses can eat corn and hay in the dry while the boat is discharging. Mason’s horses to use it also.
Terms for preparing different descriptions of timber for preventing dry rot.
Will of Edward Eagle of Birmingham. Shares in T&S Canal Navigation in his name worth £28 per share on 1 October.
I now send timber for stable with 300 New Duchess Slates. The old slates, off Kempsford House, not sufficiently good. Front wall should be high enough to give same slope to the roof as the warehouse. 3 Lintels, Wall plate and 2 pieces to go against wall for nailing rafters to, 2 side pieces, 13 rafters, 25 laths. Door with rack and manger to follow.
Mason & Co will be accommodated with credit but pay ready money with each boat.
2000 tons of coal required down the river before Christmas.
Sims' trow landed 10 pieces of Norway timber. I am much disappointed, fully expecting a much better assortment. Out of whole cargo ten pieces of not less than 10 inches requested could be found. Half of that sent useless for purposes of Canal.
Mr Snowden, proprietor of one share, asks if he can receive his dividend here as amount too trifling to give any person power of Attorney.
Proposal for extension of railroad from Bristol to Coalpit Heath near Sodbury to unite with Cheltenham & Great Western Union a little below Stroud. Coal may be introduced in opposition to that brought by canal.
Letter from Mr Ricardo. Very depressed state of clothing trade at Chalford and introduction of navigators to make railroad causing alarm in district. For proposed fund [to protect property], no sum larger than £25 should be paid.
Mr Ferrabee proposes to erect a crane at Bowbridge. His premises let to persons who have recently established a sawing mill (about half way between Brimscombe & Stroud) for converting English timber for Birmingham and other markets. Object to keep a stock of foreign timber and deals. Advantage to Canal in tonnage and disadvantage in occasionally obstructing the Towing path when timber is swinging across it. Fear of insufficient room for a full sized vessel to pass when another is occupied at the crane as at the Gas Works at Cirencester.
Tenant of [Sapperton] mill, (held upon lives by the Company under Earl Bathurst of which only one survives viz Mr L Chambers), has given notice to quit, aiming to reduce his rent of 30 guineas per annum. The mill is situated near the Sapperton end of the tunnel to provide water to Summit level, in which it totally failed. Place is very dilapidated and the Company’s payment to Lord Bathurst is £1 5s per annum.
Every exertion is being used to push coals along Canal to meet a frost and water is considerably improved but not full.
The Cheltenham & Great Western Railway began last week to pay the T&S Canal for ranging poles erected opposite Mr George’s orchard.
Accommodation for flyboat horses at Cirencester is almost finished.
Repairs of premises at Lechlade progressing.
No payment to Parker & Co’s account, £158.8.3.
Method for rules for transfer of shares, compare system of Stafford & Worcester Canal.
Cheltenham & Great Western Railway received Royal Assent 21 June.
No instructions received re lopping of trees.
Subscriptions towards protection of property in neighbourhood will be used if needed and any balance returned when protection provided by Government. Please advise what action I should take. Since my letter of 22 November, two premises attacked, one by removing part of the house wall, whence every portable article was removed, both may be seen from windows of my house. In two other instances, houses not only plundered but attempted to be fired.
I wish a few air hole irons be made for the locks. Luke Griffin will tell you. Old boilers must be cut into pieces during winter.
Re crane at Bowbridge, Committee will allow timber to be conveyed across towing path as long as vessels discharging or loading do not interfere with navigation of Canal. If necessary a recess or lay bye must be made at your expense.
I have informed Mr Ricardo and Mr Ferrabee re erecting a crane.
I am at a loss as to how to proceed re [Sapperton] mill.
I do not expect any concessions from Richins but there is no harm in writing to him, as you propose.
Possible way to provide more information re shares.
Purchaser of premises above this place, late property of K Harris, deceased, is repairing part of mound, much out of condition, belonging to Company. I have promised 30 tons of common towing path wall stones placed on spot for proprietor to use. Please forward quantity, from rubble banks, if you have them, by one or more of Mr George’s boats. As considerable quantity of stone required, a man should work with Hawkins & Bramble.
Re “Serving process” on Parker & Foster, Hambro Wharf, Queen Street, Cheapside at foot of Southwark Bridge (an iron Bridge) in Upper Thames Street, there could be some difficulty in catching Mr Parker as he is here, there and everywhere. But the required amount for now has been paid to Mr Salt.
I now understand what is wanted re [Sapperton] mill.
I do not understand what you want re numbers of proprietors’ shares.
No lopping of overhanging trees without sanction of Committee.
Chivers must not leave his place without permission.
Water abstracted from Churn Millers during past year £100 short of previous year although summer was unprecedentedly dry. Frost commencing, stock of coals nearly all sent to wharfs. A few weeks stoppage of Canal likely to produce a good spring trade.
I have hired a sail and sent per Mr George’s boat J Wood to Daneway, together with two poles to hang it.
Rumor that Parker & Foster’s stock of boats, horses etc. valued at Abingdon, to be transferred to a Joint Stock Company for carrying on the fly boat business. Accounts owing.
If the frost had continued a fortnight longer many defects in Tunnel would have been rectified.
I am hoping you will pay William Hale’s debt of £9.17.3 for tonnage as he had run out of money and said you would pay.
Chivers has given notice to quit in three months.
Joseph Chivers has given notice to leave Company’s employ in April. Can you recommend any person to work Engine, do repairs required with other smiths work occasionally? Honesty and sobriety indispensable qualifications.
Joseph Chivers has given notice to leave Company’s employ as Engine Man in April. Do you know anyone likely to answer the purpose, capable of ordinary repairs and common smiths work occasionally. Honesty and sobriety indispensable qualifications. Mr Howlett may know somebody.
Beech sills would not receive any injury if thrown into water as soon as cut out. Several poplar trees, blown down and cut down, would make lagging and save buying battens.
I cannot find any copy of Mr Cripps’ letter.
Understanding with Chivers to give or receive three months notice done to prevent interruption to Canal by Engine being left without a manager. Inspection of Engine prior to his leaving. No inconvenience will arise to Canal.
Letter from Mr Marling, proprietor of mill at head of Brimscombe basin, re small strip of land between the lock and Turnpike road. Company could not incur expense, about £5, of fencing land lying against the lock where a boundary wall stood,
Directors of railroad afraid that passing an Act for either of the Tring and Steventon lines would decide fate of the Cheltenham & Great Western Union beyond Stroud. Cirencester people, instead of going to Swindon, will obtain better and shorter line.
Very heavy stocks of coal, especially at Cirencester.
Parker is trying to convert his carrying trade into The Commercial Inland Carrying & Steam Navigation Company, manager James Foster. A steam boat of 30hp is being built for the trade between London & Oxford.
Inspection of Sapperton Mill. £130 needed to put it in tenantable condition. Gearing and water wheel better than expected but building verging on dangerous. Proposals to Mr Hancox, tenant. Tenure of very uncertain nature.
Re bill instead of cash paid for tonnage on Mr Parker & Co's salt boats, there is no need to send you a receipt.
No bona fide purchase of T&S shares. Depressed state of things. Black shares sold at £21.
Re payments of £7500 and £17000, [relating to the railway between Gloucester & Cheltenham?].
Petition being prepared for Bristol & Gloucestershire Railway Extension Line (alias Coalpit Heath). To unite with Cheltenham & Great Western Union between Stroud and Gloucester. Cost high but Stroud Canal has seen best days if carried into effect.
Proposed advertisement in Birmingham paper for successor to Chivers (details given).
Flood at Lechlade higher than all the winter.
Share price 35s. Possible extension of railway will not reduce T&S dividend.
Idea of Gloucester & Bristol railway (Coalpit Heath) uniting with Cheltenham etc near T&S summit level abandoned. Union at point between Stroud & Gloucester to give best line from Birmingham to Bristol will interfere with revenue of Stroud Canal and must affect Bullo Pill.
I can take 50 tons best blue clay limestone free from dirt, 3s 9d per ton of 21 cwt, credit 2½% off cash.
Employment terms for Engineer.
Please pay your tonnage account or your boats will be impounded.
Please pay your account to Messrs Stevenson & Salt.
Please send details of your references.
Reporting conversations with Meetings with Mr Anderson, Lord Bathurst’s steward, re mill at Sapperton and Raymond Cripps, director of Great Western railroad. Survey of line to avoid tunnels etc. Farce of contracts. Trial shaft at Sapperton.
No replacement for Chivers.
During Wilts & Berks stoppage, hope to make the walled recess at Bowbridge.
Tenant of of mill at Sapperton considering making an offer to take over the lease Can you say what is its worth..
Please say how to deal with tonnage due from Imperial Salt & Alkali Company.
Please advise re Richings’ road, tree lopping and Mr Marling’s wall.
Stocks of coal, state of clothing trade, vessels unemployed.
Engine worked without intermission 7 months a year. Present Engineer paid 35s per week all year round for his sons and himself. His two sons, 14 and 12, look after the Engine when their father is resting and work in the blacksmith’s shop, at the bellows and as smiter. Person should be capable and willing to execute all smiths work.
D Woodall visits the Engine to ascertain the nature of the situation before he succeeds Chivers.
Boat has bricks for Sapperton end of tunnel. Stones, not for backing, unloaded at withy bed, Chalford, to rebuild Towing path wall. The 6 templets are returned per Gardner. I shall send 4000 bricks to Eisey and Lechlade.
List of persons given notice of stoppage of Canal for repairs.
I cannot offer any other terms. House will be made tenantable.
Query on lease. Mr Chamboyage 64, Mr Walhouse 32, Mr Chambers 23. Error has crept in.
Tonnage upon Salt since 1 January transferred from Parker & Co to Imperial Salt & Alkali Company.
Will of Elizabeth Russell. No Elizabeth in any capacity but see Mrs Russell of Dover.
Establishing a penny post between Brimscombe and Chalford would be a convenience and advantage to the neighbourhood generally. The earliest period for receiving and the latest for sending off should be adopted.
I offer the post to the person recommended by you. Re blacksmiths work, any man capable of working the Engine must be fully equal to making anything for the ordinary purposes of the canal. No time to delay as I have several subsequent applicants.
The situation is engaged.
Carpenters’ boat ready to leave on Monday morning next. Luke to finish small jobs.
Re conditions on which credit is allowed to Imperial Salt Co.
No successor yet to Chivers, the Engine man. One with good recommendation coming next week.
Easter stoppage for repairs next week. Snow nearly a foot thick.
You will furnish bearer with all information re Engine.
Person from Staffordshire re situation occupied by Chivers at the Steam Engine to call upon you.
Two drawback certificates for Salt delivered at Devizes. I dare not allow any return of tonnage.
Mr George in a very dangerous state and I cannot leave home to close the quarters accounts. Various books to be examined and settled at this place. Those of Siddington to be packed with Cirencester and sent by coach. What money Tidmas has you may as well take and make it up to £50 from Lusty or more.
Two persons, re Chivers situation, one from Staffordshire, have not returned to give me an answer. Very great difficulty in procuring a person to work the engine.
Forward your Cash Book, Housage Book, copy of Tonnage Book and Receipts.
Send the Cash book, copy of Tonnage Book etc by coach. Charles Smart’s last cargo must be cleared out directly.
Prices of Forest of Dean Coal 25 March 1837.
At Lydney – Parkend Block and Nubblings, High Delf or nesh ( soft), Lime.
At Bullo Pill – Bilson Block and Nubblings, Unsorted, Newbridge, Lime.
The person recommended by Mr Frost re the Engine, accompanied by his brother, came on Monday morning but did not return. I am left in a state of uncertainty.
Engine services not required before end of Whitsuntide stoppage. More time to look for a successor to Chivers. I intend to send Clyburn, if Mr Ferrabee and myelf do not come, to see that the Engine is in proper condition.
If the Faggots per S Smith for Wilkins were not charged 20 tons for being fetched purposely, we should be guilty of partiality.
The Engineers and Surveyors of the railway can use the Towing path for riding etc. between Stroud and Cirencester.
Mr George, I fear, will never leave his room alive.
Deposit of stone on wharf. Wharfage charges.
Re your note accompanying Mr Skey’s letter. Conditions for issue of T&S Drawback certificates.
Details of Drawback of Tonnage on Tenby Coal.
Inform me the description of planks and additional number you require.
Send per first Trow half a cask of Odessa Tallow.
Deficiency in receipts of tonnage. Forced importation of coal because of increased price. No proper person procured to succeed Chivers at the Engine. Person in Mr Ferrabee’s service to put Engine to work if necessary.
While the water was out below Brimscombe, I had the walled recess completed at Partridge’s dyehouses at Bowbridge as ordered by the Committee.
Saving water in future. Water too plentiful in the springs to enable sills of some of the lower gates to be repaired.
Mr Ferrabee himself inspected the Engine.
Send per Parker & Foster’s boat 60 10x3x11 Spruce Deals.
No drawback ever allowed without production of a Certificate of the item.
Parker & Foster’s account not settled. No drawback to Imperial Salt account.
Pumping engine upon the old construction with Arc heads and chains.
Details of Cylinder, Pump barrel, Stroke, depth of well about 70 feet. Period for employment of Engine, hours, employment and pay of Engine man.
Order for stone for bridge on Cirencester branch. Query on thickness of coping on bridge.
Two possible applicants. Details of position of Engine man.
Per Parker & Co 8 May (Townsend). Details of Best Spruce Deals.
Per J George 9 May (Bishop) Details of cargoes to Engine and to Siddington.
Re payment of account.
Deals sent unsuitable. Applicants’ boats allowed to pass on Tuesday evening cf Mr Dunsford’s letter. Spikes and nails sent per Geo Mayo.
Trial for applicant for Engine man. To meet at Thames Head. Temporary lodging place.
Mudding of pond. Person in view for the Engine declined. Lowness of terms.
Budds wagon was seen. Man will call for timber this evening.
Man previously mentioned to enter on his duties Monday next. A guinea per week, 25s if suitable.
Work on canal, except for tunnel, to be carried out in period allotted.
Report on half yearly meeting of Cheltenham & Great Western Union railway.
Mr George is sufficiently recovered to be able to leave his house.
Engine man could not be at Thames Head before Monday. Bramble or another person could put a fire under the filled boilers to get water in condition for going to work.
Letting vessels by at places under repair. Draw on summit level to reinstate water drawn off for mudding, repairing, etc ponds out at Chalford, Valley Lock to Chapel Lock.
Some of stone for bridges on Cirencester branch brought here.
Account for tonnage not paid.
T&S Canal not navigable throughout before Monday 5 June.
I shall send a wagon with all the spare planks tomorrow to Cerney Wharf. Difficulty in mudding at this end. Do you know of any man for assisting at the Engine, either permanently or temporarily? Too expensive to keep Ferrabee’s man longer than absolutely necessary.
Repairs, mudding etc terminated. Considerable length of canal cleaned out, also repairs for saving water.
I shall be unable to supply cross planking until the sawyers are again at work.
Letter from manager of Commercial Inland Navigation Co re management of Canal during the Whitsuntide stoppage.
Send 56 lbs of yarn for steam engine.
Mr Lidiatt, tiler and plasterer, at Engine Monday. Also point out what needs to be done at tenement adjoining Luke’s.
Grate was sent either to T Pash’s or W Smith’s house. You can purchase a suitable one for the house.
I will forward some of the stone for Watermoor Bridge this week. Luke looked over some of the Centers here.
Re Mr Foster’s observations, the Company objects to allowing their servants to act for others, particularly when the parties themselves have an agent.
After late repairs, business on the Canal has been brisk but is now beginning to flag. Unless there is an alteration in the manufacture of cloth, now in a very depressed state, it will be severely felt, particularly in the coal trade. Discontinuance of Steam Engines through lack of employment at the Dyehouses.
The time has arrived for our friends the Cheltenham & Great Western Union Railway Companies to contribute £1500 towards Contingency Fund of the T&S Canal.
One of Mr Ferrabee’s men to have trial as Engine man.
Railroad friends due to pay first installment of £5000.
Re unsettled account.
Timber sent from Brimscombe Port for Latton Lock.
Send per Wakefield’s trow, C Bossely, ½ cask of tallow for use of T&S Engine.
Send per Bossley, now in Bristol 14lbs of 1 inch square blister steel for T&S Canal Co.
Mr Raymond Cripps, one of the directors of the Gas Works, resides at Cirencester.
Application to Parker for payment is requisite. His private concerns lower than ever. Re The Imperial Salt & Alkali Co or The Commercial Inland & Carrying Co, see Parker & Foster.
Committee determined to have Deeds relating to Brimscombe Estate, sold in 1807 to Lewis, returned to them, as they have a commitment to produce them if needed.
Clayburn’s opinion re cause of leakage in the boilers, occasioned by the excavation, and not being liberal enough with allowance of bran.
Hall not devoting his whole time to Company’s affairs.
Joseph Gardner delivered two Trow bills for coal sent to Engine by boats Sussex and Lark. 30 tons between them, not each, and it was put in the wrong yard.
Clearing out of boiler flues not as wished.
Concern about delay in completion of the transfer.
I will send your outstanding account to our solicitors unless I hear it has been paid by Saturday. Your business suffers from employing men such as T Short and his son.
Sending 3500 bricks for Watermore Bridge.
Stone for the gasworks recess will be sent soon.
New boiler at Thames Head to be inspected by Mr Ferrabee or Clayburn.
Failure of the boilers and Hall’s part in that.
