Catalogue

Requesting help in finding a situation through Buddle's connections with Lord Stewart and others; has been a schoolmaster for 40 years but earns a poor living as the farmers keep their children at home to work; mentions that he and two sons are free- holders and that he voted for Sir Henry Hardinge at the last election, 1821

Refusing to support appointment of John Gray as surgeon to Heaton colliery in succession to Burnett (Buddle's brother-in-law) as had disapproved of Burnett's negotiations for the sale of his business; instead reinstating Thomas Leighton, a former surgeon to the colliery, 1817

Re coming-of-age of Lady Stewart, 1821

Re business matters, 1821, 1825

Re meeting with "your two Jarrow delegates" and problem of size of peck, 1825

Asking Buddle to use his influence to help his niece's husband, C. Parker, obtain post as surgeon to Jarrow colliery, 1825

Thanks for letters of introduction to Professor Jameson and Mr. Rose, 1842

Requesting extension of a loan, 1842

Enclosing circular from G. Waldie, chairman, to the directors of the Newcastle committee, re organisation of its affairs, desirability of a fire-engine in the town, etc., 1821 [Buddle being a member of the committee?]

Enclosing printed proposals for a public bank, with note re Londonderry's "very business-like view of the question, for a lord", 1826

Ordering coal for shipping to Blakeney, Co. Norfolk, 1826

Copy letter from Buddle, answering queries re his mode of treating burns "as communicated in an essay addressed to the coal owners of this country in 1793", 1815

Answers by Buddle to Kentish's queries, enclosed with above, 1815

Re private financial matter, 1823

Announcing her Benefit performance, 1842

Requesting advice on whether to leave "our unfortunate piece of coal at East Percy" for the present; reference to Reeds depending too much on the assistance of "ducal Prussia" [alluding to banking?], 1816

Re colliery and coal trade affairs, 1816 - 1832:

Sending a letter to be shown to G. Dunn - "this I think will bring the point to issue", 1818

Re his refusal to sign a lease for his portion of Grand Lease colliery, because of inclusion of outstroke covenant; his powers in the concern; his attitude re Crawcrook and his unwillingness to allow Mr. Dunn to monopolise the coal there, 1818 [The enclosure mentioned in NCB I/JB 820?]

Note requesting Hall's opinion of Croft's farm, and recommending a Trevithick engine for Elswick - "I fear there is no chance without one. Losh and Sorsbie will furnish metal for coals, having made that arrangement with the fitters", 1819

Re moneys due and need for Buddle and Joe [Lamb] to help in waging the battle, 1826

Urging need for Elswick to be free of the regulation - "we shall have the pleasure of seeing what the powerful ambitious lads of the Wear can do in the free trade " P.S. "I find the clerks in our office are all in third share paid by Dm. Main, Wallbottle, and Elswick ... I wish we had our establishment distinct for it now becomes a very serious matter to us all ... ", 1826

Re rumours that Elswick "is a valuable concern" etc. - "as we are likely to be plagued with such remarks let us put her up to public sale and meet fair investigation and shrink from nothing"; and re selling prices (Cramlington, Backworth, etc.), 1826

Re tactics (for unspecified object) concerning coal trade, etc., 1826

Mentioning his being "one of the great unpaid". "I think an umpire on the Wear should decide the diff[eren]ces of the Tyne and an umpire (coal owner) on the Tyne decide the diff[eren]ces of the Wear'."; and requesting advice whether a young pitman's earnings should be sufficient to support his mother, 1826

Re fears that unlimited monthly vend for inferior collieries will damage Elswick; "if we have not a proper regulation we had better have none, as it will only disquiet and vex us to see ourselves outwitted by .. knaves", 1827

Regretting his absence, but instructing Buddle to summon him back when necessary, in connection with arranging the regulation, prices, etc., 1827

Re Percy and Elswick vend and quantities, danger of allowing their clerk to draw bills and cheques: "I feel quite uncomfortable about it and regret that I was ever induced to enter the concern ...'' ; re health and education of his children in Edinburgh; reference to "Canning's vapouring absurd frothy speech may ultimately involve us in a war with the despots" in Portugal, 1827

Commenting on regulation quantities; hopes for strict adherence to monthly quantities; re state of coal trade; re his son's medical training at Edinburgh, 1827

Note re a meeting to arrange quantities, 1827

Re "our last meeting with the Wear lads and the precipitancy of our president or chairman in concluding the treaty'; re Tyne and Wear trade; and lectures on coal, geology, etc. he is attending at Edinburgh, 1827

Re colliery financial matters: "I am sorry that all we put in makes no impression and that the factors accounts get worse instead of better The fitter has brought such misery upon us in this affair that I am often very uneasy about it ... "; re dangerous power of the clerk to draw bills and cheques, and re necessity of "selling the coals at a price and by no means to push the freighting system"; re clerk's salary; asks Buddle to consider the question of the Percy renewal ready for forthcoming interview with the duke [of Northumberland's] commissioners; and re unwisdom of not having a proposition ("as to the paying back of the difference between the 80 and 60") signed at the last meeting with the Wear Committee, 1827

Re colliery financial affairs; "I greatly fear the fitter has settled several of them [the debts] for us already by balancing them with his own private transactions ..."; "I think from what you say of the Wear, we have been premature in the regulation ..."; "Elswick has really been a sad affair": was persuaded by Buddle against his own opinion; re factors to be considered in connection with renewal of Percy lease; and re lectures at Edinburgh, 1827

Re Buddle's visit to London, and reference to Lord Londonderry's affairs; "I never can bring myself to think that the marquess would like to dissolve partnership with you ."; re coal trade: need for justice to be done to North Piddington [Pittington], quantities, prices, consequent competition from Scotland, Stockton and Wales; reference to Wortley and Benwell; requesting opinion on Percy lease, and discussing prospects of the colliery: possibility that it would be wiser to "for ever quit the great man and his advisers"; reference to Portugal affair and Canning's troops there, 1827

Requesting opinion on his answers to "the commissioners' 8 clauses"; reference to Lord Londonderry ("I was convinced the marquis would not quit his riflemen") and to coal trade regulation, including "Piddington" [Pittington], 1827

Re answers to "the Commissioners", for approval by Buddle and the other owners; "I fear from what you say that Lord L. will not long hold with the Trade ... the Trade cannot blame you ... consequently I should say there is no cause why you should give up a beneficial situation for fear of tarnishing your character"; re state of the coal trade, and threat from coal-field opening up "under the magnesian limestone all the way to Stockton"; reference to using the old Backworth pit "if trade breaks loose and quantity is required"; allusions to Earsdon affairs and Elswick; mentions death of Buddle's mother: "you have a clever and amiable sister left to manage and take care of you", 1827

Re colliery affairs -expediency of working the Duke rather than the Bewick coal in Flatworth pit; and re coal trade affairs and regulation; oppressive terms of new lease ; "I trace all this to letting H.J. have so easy an outstroke from Backworth, he never knew the difficulty that those are exposed to in winning a colliery"; re remarks to be sent to Commissioners, with alternative of going direct to the duke [of Northumberland], and mentioning Percy and Elswick colliery affairs, 1827

Re colliery affairs -question of working the Bewick coal; "I do not at all regret you have not accepted our offer of Backworth pit; had it been any other set of men who wished to invade the heart of our position, I would willingly have given them £500 a year to have kept away and I think it is better for all parties that we are kept clear and distinct ..", 1827

Re Backworth affairs; reception of their letter by Hugh [Taylor? (agent to duke of Northumberland)] and attitude of the duke, etc., 1827

Re colliery financial affairs and undue power of the clerk, 1827

Requesting a situation for Mr. Curwen's nephew, 1827

Re recovery of Buddle's health: "I think you ought now to quit the slavish and dangerous part of the profession and not to go regularly down the pits any longer"; re Percy colliery progress and efficiency of "old Sammy"; dismal state of trade and operation of regulation: "they wish to make themselves believe that there is a regulation in the trade, but the fact is every one is left to put his own construction of the matter"; re profits from Elswick going only to Lord Wharncliffe; references also to Crawcrook (including Pearson's financial difficulties), Backworth, Percy and Haswell collieries; re meeting to discuss donation to opponents of Birmingham rail-road (- decided against: "if I had coal property in Warwickshire I should think it very unjust to be prevented"); mentions successful treatment of cholera at Percy; re binding arrangements and money; re competition from Stockton; requesting support for a candidate in the Infirmary election, 1832

Re death of Sammy Cooper - "this leaves [Percy colliery?] without a head and in great difficulty"; requesting Buddle to approach Lord Wharncliffe for reduction of [Elswick] rent; re Pearson's financial difficulties (mentioned in connection with Crawcrook) ; hope of recovery in trade, 1832

Requesting Buddle's help to find a fitter a job in the colonies, at the Cape or Ceylon (now Sri Lanka); "We made our banksmen and all bound officers at Percy leave the union but the men are very assuming and there is almost a certainty of a strike"; re answer to men's demands at Elswick; re rumours concerning sales of shares in Hetton; re attempts to deal with water in his colliery [unspecified]; re apparent financial difficulties at Sheriff Hill, and of Bob [of Masten?]; re Carlisle railway and unjust treatment of property; re the wonderful engine at Cornwall; recommends Buddle not to return [from London] to get involved in the conflict with the men, for fear of bringing back his old complaint: "what is the use of your slaving yourself to the end of the chapter ... and heaping up riches and knowing not who shall gather them", 1832

Requesting Buddle to find out bank interest rates during his visit to Edinburgh: probably 4%; and recommending "the famous chemical lecture" there by Dr. Cope, 1821

Re colliery and Coal Trade affairs, 1821 - 1843:

Requesting Buddle to send information on Heaton colliery to Aubone (?); foreseeing rise [in price] of coal at market if restriction is adhered to; 1821

Re a colliery matter [Crawcrook?] concerning Pearson, and a claim by Wheatley; and re Hughes being most anxious "for us to cross", 1821

"I am happy to find Silver tongue and Plausible are not to fight, and that the Great Henry is brought to reason ... ", and re trying to bring Walker to terms, 1823

Has written to Waldie and Walker "and I trust the slave driver will not make us under the necessity of putting Pontop to death .. yet if she gives battle she must die"; listing collieries that should rise or reduce [under the regulation?]

wondering if "the Hetton dogs can be brought to terms"; re near completion of coal trade arrange-ments on the Tyne, listing the committee members [including self and Buddle] and mentioning non-election of Waldie; "Pontop is convalescent ... ", 1823

Re the coal trade basis arrange-ments and state of trade, 1823

Re an ultimatum from Wartley and recommending acceptance of his terms; re Waldie wanting to sell Sheriff Hill; and recommending giving out a supplementary vend if the market keeps high, 1823

Arranging to meet in London, 1825

Re death of Waldie in connection with making a valuation; bad state of trade: "are we free in the trade yet or ruled as heretofore by the Committee?", 1826

Re coal trade regulation: "The delegate of Elswick [Buddle] has the eyes of the trade upon him ... I wish you to shew fight nobly on the occasion. Some of the trade are in tears at their prospect and they blame Elswick ... Now my argument is that our new winning at Elswick like Woodside Wall send should be left out of the regulation ... The regulation seems broken down by the fall of the prices of the best ... An explanation must be given why we have gone over without leave and you can give it ... But I wish . that you will prepare yourself for this very formidable meeting", 1826

Re the regulation, need for Elswick new winning to have a bonus "or how can she be suffered to perish by her forbearance"; requesting contribution towards payments due from Elswick. Requesting opinion on what should be done by the trade: "liberty will suit Elswick, Sheriff, and Walbottle", 1826

"The factors may be whipped together to do the business better. But the trade will never do well for a long period without regulation. However I like the free trade rather than a limited low quantity as I once suffered under at Walbottle". "Crawcrook affairs will be tedious and a long battle with Croft must take place. If we make our peace, perhaps it is ten years too soon to open the coal out'. '. ", 1826

"I hope you will be the friend of Walbottle and Elswick in the regulation and get each 24,000. Much less than that would be fatal to our interests", 1827

Invitation to dine with Silvertop, and requesting some of the Marquis [of Londonderry]'s coal for a fitter, 1827

Re arrangements to view Seaton, 1842

"The Seaton Delaval seam now looks very promising. The Company are anxious for your opinion as to the propriety of putting down the two northern pits in order to be prepared for extra work if the foreign trade requires it", 1843

Informing Buddle that "B...ge will join us if you can make out a case that meets with the approbation of the Company ... He will also see Brandling when you think proper ...", 1815

"I have just seen Bainbridge who expects to see Brandling and Hill this week. He thinks if the former once had a rent from us, the whole of Gosforth would follow . .", 1815

Re helping Hodgson [John Hodgson, 1779 - 1845, historian of Northumberland] with engravings for his History of Northumberland; and suggesting names [for his coal?], 1821

Re state of coal trade and prices; re meeting the trustees who hold the Barmoor [Ryton] and requesting advice on price to offer them, and re problem of cost of railway; giving figures re imports of coal into London, 1821

Recommending R. Heppell to be placed on full-pay establishment of an under viewer, 1823

Re Beaumont colliery and meeting Buddle's wishes concerning it; re Buddle's forthcoming meeting with Wortley; "observe the colliery is now paying off her debts and really doing nobly, therefore make the best of it you can as I am convinced ... that she will redeem herself and must be continued", 1823

Returning his uncle's letter "which I really think the most unfriendly and unhandsome production I ever had to do with" re reducing his establishment, ceasing to live in Newcastle, his debts, etc., 1825

Thanking Buddle for his kindness, and complaining re his uncle's attempts to make him live in the country at Fatfield, "like his son Warren who has no business", 1825

Requesting Buddle's advice re education of his son Warren: he is now reduced to poverty but hopes that through Buddle's interest with Lord Londonderry his son might be got on the foundation of Winchester or Charterhouse, 1826

Repeating request for help re his son's education and care of his daughters, and for use of Buddle's influence with his brothers, especially Joe; his servants about to leave; promising reform of his mode of life if he could fine "a decent and honorable livelihood", 1826

"Captain Stamp has got me the names of ten of Lord Lowther's most intimate friends in Westmorland to a letter directed to him and to his brother Col. Lowther in order that I may obtain the situation of consul or some other situation under government"; requesting Buddle to ask Joe [Lamb] to get a letter to the duke of Northumberland or Mr. Liddell, M.P., or Mr. Ellison, M.P.; re his poverty; "Humble's fine lectures on Christianity do little towards educating and feeding seven children", 1826

Hoping Buddle and Humble will find him some little situation, as he has been out of work for 8 months; his son Warren's education costs £65 p.a., 1826

Re reluctance of his brothers, especially Humble, to support his approach to M.P.s; Sir R. Hawks and some other gentlemen who took a distinguished part in the late election for Northumberland" have promised to sign his memorial to the M.P.s; asking Buddle to help to gain the duke of Northumberland's aid with Mr. Canning; wonders if he could obtain situation of Secretary to the Coal Trade "until something more desirable could be obtained for me", 1826

Complaining re his poverty and re Humble Lamb's attitude, and appealing for help, 1827

Hoping for job as cork factor or on coal exchange; "Humble is quite poisoned against me", 1827

Re unpaid dividends due to him by W. Russell and Company, Wallsend, 1823

Re a colliery matter ("As the partners have given up all the wayleaves, they consider themselves as having nothing more to do with them. The whole matter between the parties is to ascertain the sum to be given by the Pontop and Tanfield owners for the use of the materials ..."), 1832

Note re a rumour he has heard; "if the parties understand their own interests ... they will accept our terms", 1823

Passing on a request for help for Mr. Smith, recommended by their Edinburgh bankers - "we have no means so satisfactory as submitting the letter to your inspection", 1825

To Hugh Taylor [forwarded by him to Buddle] re balance due by Buddle, after previous payment from "His Grace's office", for repairing farmhouse and homestead at Overacres, 1826

Referring Buddle to his nephew - Silvertop to reach an agreement, 1811

Arranging date for Brinkburn reference (involving also Hugh Taylor, and Mr. Lambert, acting for Major Hodgson), 1827

[To Buddle senior?] Arranging to meet, 1796

Re payment of Messrs. T. and W. Smith's account [enclosed] for repairing the "Mary and Ann"; [account addressed to "John Buddle and owners of the "Mary and Ann"], 1842

Arranging for Buddle to meet his agent to reach a settlement, 1814

Re breach of agreement with Newcastle Corporation re working through barrier by Mr. Sanderson of Jesmond colliery, and requesting meeting re consequent termination of agreement, 1833

Estimate of coal worked by Elswick colliery from Cook son's royalty, and promising to mention Buddle's request (to work more of Cookson's coal) to the present lessee when ownership question is settled, 1842

Acknowledging report on Tyne and Wear coal-owners' meeting, and re refusal of Team colliery to agree to regulation - has mentioned it to his lessee, Mr. Burdon, 1827

Re conclusion of Trade regulation, 1827

Requesting one or two men to act as guides to show H.R.H. the duke of Cambridge the Victoria Bridge, 1842

Invitation to Mulgrave Castle, 1833

Re his plan for ventilating pits by means of two air pumps at the top of the shafts, worked by an engine or a windmill, 1826

Accepting invitation to live at Buddle's house while in Newcastle, 1842

Acknowledgement of receipt of safety lamp "which in my neighbour- hood will be a curiosity. I lighted it on arrival and suspended it in the drawing room", 1821

Reporting on mining progress, 1820

Re her uncle's affairs and requesting Buddle's intervention, 1842

Request on behalf of Lord Carlisle and Colonel Coulson to survey and report on the mines belonging to the latter at Blenkinsop, in the occupation of Lord Carlisle, 1827 (1 letter) Londonderry, Lord and Lady: see Vane-Stewart, Charles William

Declining to go to South America, 1825

Copy letter from Buddle requesting quote for malleable iron rails, giving conditions; and reply, 1821 (2 letters) Lonsdale, Lord: see Lowther, William

Thanks for opinion on Houghton pit, and requesting meeting, 1827

Note introducing Mr. Brandreth, 1827

Requesting Buddle's consent, after trials at Wallsend, to trying new plan of placing engine boilers at Percy Main; H. Lamb willing if Buddle agrees, 1815

Requesting help in obtaining work as a pitman, as rent for house and school is £12 but his wife is too poorly to teach any longer, 1825

Invitation to meet while in London, 1825

Draft letter from Buddle, requesting help for Warren Maude Lamb's application for consulship abroad, after "the loss of his fortune in the coal trade", 1826

(To Buddle senior?) Requesting plan of Benwell lordship re negotiations with Mr. Clayton for lease of coal under the glebe lands, 1797

Requesting repeat of information and description given by Buddle in papers, "which were full of matter quite new to me", on movements due to pressure in mines, 1838

Re legal affairs (claim by Hudson and Fenwicke against Lady Antrim concerning trees on the Long Newton estate bought from Sir Henry Vane); requesting help in finding a viewer, 1824

Requesting advice where to buy coals at Whitehaven, 1825

Re Mrs. Buddle [mother] losing strength and memory, 1827

Sending a miniature of the late Miss Buddle [Buddle's sister], 1842

Re Robert Atkinson's [Buddle's nephew] musical education in London under Nicholas Mori (1797 - 1839) violinist and leader of Philharmonic Orchestra or H. Gattie, mentioning cost of rent and food in London, charges for lessons, journey there by sea, 1823

Re proposed visit to the continent for forthcoming publication of sketches in lithography; mentioning subscriptions to it, including by the Grosvenor family and requesting Buddle to gain that of duke of Northumberland, and other private and musical affairs, 1825

Requesting help in gaining Lord Londonderry's influence with the marquis of Camden to obtain post in the tellers office in the Exchequer, 1826

Re musical matters (tenor for sale, and performance by De Beriot), 1827

Re sending a copy of a report of proceedings, 1827

Re sending the Seaham pictures to London "by my Lord's desire as he wishes to shew them to his friends to let them see the progress made in the harbour. I think it possible he may show them to the king . .", 1832

Re miniatures of Lady [Londonderry] and Lord Seaham by Harriett [his daughter?], 1833

Re visiting Penshaw, 1842

Re invitation to 'Court of Apollo' to play music with W. Atkinson, 4 April 1825

to Robert Mackreth Senior regarding payment from Buddle, 27 July 1825

Re restoration of "the doctor's" health, 1827

Requesting that Buddle "will try to convince [Dr. Mac?] that his system of living must ruin his reputation in town and I am afraid will also lead him to end his days in a lunatic asylum ... otherwise ... I shall be obliged to leave him", 1827

Recommending means for avoiding established gout (details of diet, habits, etc.) and enclosing a prescription, 1822

Re arrangements for boring through the Grey seam at Arcot pit, 1823

Sending specimens of coal from Great Cramlington, 1823

Re boring progress at Newton and Brandon, 1825

Re Mr. Russell wishing to give up the boring at Brandon, and re boring at Pittington, 1825

To Lord Lonsdale, re his improved safety lamp, 1825

Note arranging to meet re his safety lamp, 1825

Re proposed coal tax - has heard that a vigorous and united effort might result in a reduction, and urging the coal trade to unite for such a compromise, 1842

Draft reply from Buddle, re probable effects of the tax and agreement of coal-owners to M. Bell, M.P.'s suggested compromise; and re a paper by the coal-owners Committee, subsequent on report on employment of women and children in mines, explaining more fully that women are not employed in Durham and Northumberland, 1842

number not used

Re "introducing your steam coals for the supply of our river navigation here", and promising a present of oranges "of a kind that does not often go to England - they are called tangerinas", 1842

Requesting Buddle to engage a viewer for a colliery company for working Mr. Jacuito Dias Damajio[?]'s coal on the Tagus near Lisbon, 1842

Copy reply from Buddle, recommending Michael Forster, former viewer and manager of Butterknowle colliery before its failure; and re depressed state of coal trade: "our Prime Minister Sir Robert has lit our candle at both ends" (export coal tax and income tax), 1842

Re final arrangements and arrival of Forster, 1842 See also: NCB I/JB 511-512

Requesting help in finding a country situation, as he wishes to leave his father's printing and bookselling business, 1827

Requesting employment as plumber and brass founder for Londonderry collieries, 1821

Requesting payment of a bill and offering to supply timber and cordage for Heckburn [Hebburn?] colliery in return for coal, 1800

Re Coal Trade affairs - re returns to be submitted by coal-owners and a proposed subsequent meeting between the Tyne and Wear committees, 1815

Re state of the coal under Mr. Davidson's Pelton estate, and history of mining in that area, 1823

Business note re Coal Trade matters, 1826

Note postponing meeting, 1826

Requesting advice on lease to Hetton Coal Company of coal under his father's estate at Eppleton, giving details of negotiations with Mr. Mowbray, 1825

Copy reply from Buddle, explaining his opinion of Mowbray's letters as "a mere shuffle", 1825

Copy letter from Buddle, and reply,

Re wayleave at Eppleton for the projected Seaham railway, 1828

Mentioning Buddle's illness, 1832

Re a tentale account and colliery plan, 1842

Explaining that he is not applying for post as surgeon to Hebburn (on death of Mr. Leighton) because "I am aware how much the interest of Mrs. Burnett [Buddle's sister] is implicated in Mr. Mclntire's prosperity ... nor would I give you the pain of denying me your influence ...", 1821

Re good news regarding the Backworth engine, and hope of favourable termination to the duke's litigation; requesting a situation for a brother of Captain Stamp's, 1815

Re possibility of obtaining a post as one of Lord Stewart's fitters at Sunderland for his son Warren Maude, 1821

Copy letter from Buddle, requesting financial help for "friend Warren" [Jacob Maude's nephew?]; and re bad state of coal trade and forthcoming meeting between Tyne and Wear committees to attempt to make an arrangement, 1825

Requesting information about Warren's financial position, 1825

Re his conversation with and advice to Warren, 1825

Requesting help re the Percy lease and giving reasons why favourable terms should be granted by the duke [of Northumberland] through his agent, H. Taylor, 1827

"... I return you thanks for the support which I have had from you for five years, by way of charity ... but at the same time I feel I have been treated with too much contumely. You might have made of me a good servant, had you emancipated me from obligations to other people, but that you never did"; re "trotting and tramping" in Buddle's service; "... since I came to you I have been under a system of terror...", 1823

Re attempts to contact Buddle, and asking "whether it be possible or not that I may ever return to my old situation", and re working at either the Coal Trade Office or at Wallsend, "for I dread .. the thoughts of having to walk another winter ... I would prefer my old situation before any other, except in some few things which you could easily remove ..", 1823

Re colliery and legal affairs in connection with court case over Colonel Fullarton's Bartonholme colliery [q.v.], 1841, 1842

Requesting testimonial as to Mr. Fill's eligibility for post as Dean and Chapter's bailiff at South Shields, 1823

Re Mr. Russell going to London on parliamentary business, 1825

Re forthcoming visit to Brancepeth Castle of H.R.H. the Duke of Sussex, and requesting "the old gunner and one or two intelligent men" to avoid accidents by "our awkward squad"; mentions arrival of Mr. Russell at Malta and visit of Mr. Tennyson to Brancepeth, 1827

Re death of Lady Drummond; and re coal trade - "I should imagine there must be a considerable deficit in the returns from the coal speculations on the estates. I can speak to a certainty being myself minus nearly £300 - and a very small landowner - and all others are in proportion in a similar state", 1842

Invitation to meet Sir Gordon Drummond [1772 - 1854, general], 1842

Requesting particulars of Stanhope Railway, and information on Pontop Pike colliery for a friend who has been applied to for financial help for the colliery, 1833

Request, on behalf of the Commissioners of Woods, to view the Forest of Dean coalfield and to report on best measures for working and prescribing limits, and on value of the crown's interest, 1832

Hopes that before proceedings in Dean Forest concerns can be resumed, Buddle will inspect some of the principal works there and advise on amounts of royalty to be asked; "we would of course prefer to leave this to be settled by the Commissioners under the Act, but we shall be much pushed by Mr. Protheroe and others ... and very likely by the Committee to whom our Bill may be referred ... " , 1837

Requesting a loan to finance enlargement of the "Tyne Mercury", in the face of competition by other newspapers, "especially as some of a neutral description have lately started up as commercial speculations". "It was my wish some years ago to make the "Tyne Mercury" as much more efficient as possible for the party with whom and for whom I have always contended ... and conscious that I had many political friends, and being perfectly aware that I was well known as the determined and inveterate opponent of toryism and everything appertaining to it, I fearlessly took the "Tyne Mercury" into my own hands"; but is now forced to apply for help to "the most staunch supporters of the principles to which I shall ever be found to adhere", 1842

Inquiring re size of pumps permissible at Cowden colliery in the light of Buddle's award on the New Mills level; with Buddle's draft reply, 1842

Sending an air for the 'cello that Buddle asked him to write, and re writing a "system of harmonic sounds" for the 'cello, 1821, 1823

Re Mr. Wade at Washington colliery expecting to vend on same basis as Lord Ravensworth and Partners and Mr. W. Lamb; [signed "for William Russell, Esq. and Co."], 1823

Enclosing Mr. Gregson's opinion re sinking new pit at North Hetton colliery, 1826

Arranging to meet to consider how the North Pittington coal must be joined to the present North Hetton colliery, 1826

Giving figures re Stockton vend, 1827

Giving proposed terms for Partnership Coal or Mount Grounds [near Usworth] offered to William Russell and Company (with plan) and for William Russell's freehold coal to Lord Ravensworth, 1836

Enclosing list of queries "if you were to be examined on the Patent Slip Bill", 1832

Confident of the Reform Bill passing even without creation of peers; but "I am most anxious that they should create a large batch even after the bill shall be passed; the present men's continuance in power will always be extremely precarious without a large infusion of liberals into the upper House", 1832 (political affairs)

Has sent his police project to Lord Durham, to whom Buddle is to explain it more fully; Lord Grey will consider it, 1832 (proposals to improve police and magistracy)

Re "that wild scheme [the Hartlepool Railway?] proposed by that crazy devil Tennant" [Christopher Tennant of Hartlepool, d. 1839] financed by false pretences; has recommended opposition to it in Committee to Lord Durham - "I hear the Quakers on the Darlington railway are well inclined to do so", and hopes Lord Londonderry will join as "it will make a material difference, should this project succeed, in the colliery property of these noblemen", 1832 (railways)

Morton, Henry [agent to the Earl of Durham] (13 letters)

The Birmingham and Hartlepool Railways: re Thomas Redhead trying to muster Coal Trade opposition to the Birmingham Railway, while acting as a solicitor for the Hartlepool Railway which "would be more injurious to the Coal Trade than the Birmingham could be under any circumstances", and asking Buddle to see him while they are in London; has been in touch with Hunter and Lord Londonderry re opposing the Hartlepool scheme, 1832 (railways)

Mentions his "memoir" on stipendiary magistrates, and urges Buddle to see Lord Durham about it while they are both in London, 1832 (proposals to improve police and magistracy)

"There is to be a grand muster tomorrow at Boldon Fell of all the pitmen upon both rivers - no one seems to know the object of the meeting - it is conjectured ... that it is to stick of the "Lead Grovers". I think they dare not attempt this point. I have 12,000 chs. of coal laying at bank, therefore if they will stick a month or even 6 weeks it will be a perfect godsend to us", 1832 (unrest among pitmen)

Re an accusation made against him by "your fitters" and denying he has broken the regulation re measure or price; the coal-owners must not quarrel with each other for the next three years; "but really there is no dependence on the Hettonites - they are a rope of sand and a backsliding generation from beginning to end"; re Wood [?] abdicating from Hetton and joining Backhouse in the Black Boy colliery; enclosing copy of letter to Redhead re Hetton Company's breach of the regulation, 1832 (Coal Trade affairs)

The meeting was numerous and short; - "the names of the men were called over as soon as they arrived upon the ground, this being done they marched off again", 1832 (unrest among pitmen)

Re Coal Trade meeting re breach of regulation by Redhead and the Hetton Company, and threats by Morton and by Hunter to follow suit if he persists; enclosing statement of Wear vend, 1831 - 1832; 1832 (Coal Trade affairs)

"Get Lord L. to oppose the Hartlepool railway with might and main, it will ruin us all if it be carried ...", 1832 (railways)

Re agreement reached with Lord Chesterfield [? Redhead] to adhere to the regulation; "try to keep your vend nearer the mark this month. have no wish to press you at present", 1832 (Coal Trade affairs)

Urging Lord Londonderry not to be afraid of expense [apparently re opposing the Hartlepool railway]; Clarence railway had voted £200 to oppose it but Blanchard is supporting Tennant; "this shows most clearly how all these public railway works etc. are got up to serve private purposes ..."; Lord Londonderry and Lord Durham must not oppose it publicly but "under other colours"; Lords Wharncliffe and Ravensworth ought to assist with £200 each; "every-thing depends upon keeping our intentions private", 1832 (railways)

Re binding at Lambton and Newbottle, and re Chesterfield submitting to the demands of his men [at Hetton], 1832 (unrest among pitmen)

Requesting an outstroke from Sherburn House, and a wayleave, 1842 (Coal Trade affairs)

Mr. Cartwright of Norton advises them to persuade M.P.s to take up the cause in Committee and he and Mr. Raisbeck urge presence of Morton and Buddle in London to provide information to lawyers and communications between them and our masters", etc.; re threat of new collieries being opened if the measure succeeds, 1832 (railways)

Only about one quarter of the collieries have engaged their pitmen; "... provided the coal owners are only firm and united, the matter may be decided in favour of the master most triumphantly - if they chuse to yield to the men, they will fall under their dominion for another year"; re situation at Lambton, Newbottle, Gosforth ("Mr. B(randling) has acted with more spirit than any man in the Trade"), and Hetton, where the workmen demand the resignation of "the papist Dunn", 1832 See also: NCB I/JB/1188 (unrest among pitmen)

Re impossibility of maintaining the regulation: "I have done much ... to keep peace but in vain - the overs yesterday on the Wear must cause an instant explosion"; was prepared "to wink at your trespass", but the Hetton Company's behaviour unpardonable; has asked Brandling to call a meeting of the two Committees to consider the matter; has given orders to sell freely, though will not lower the price or increase the measure; acts unwillingly, "but as an agent I stand in a very delicate situation"; urges Buddle to restrain Hunter, 1832 (Coal Trade affairs)

"You and I have frequently discussed the state of the magistracy and police in these districts ... and pronounced upon its incompetency, its inadequacy in the present times ... and no one will deny that the late stick [strike] fully confirmed these observations ..." and urging Buddle to see Lord Durham about his plan for establishing stipendiary magistrates, after altering it if he wishes, 1832 (proposals to improve police and magistracy)

Invitation to Lambton for visit of Miss Martineau [Harriet Martineau, 1802 - 1876, writer], 1833

Re proposed tax on coals - "has thrown this district into great consternation"; Buddle, Donkin, "Robin", and Joe Pease deputed to petition Peel against it; re a long meeting and threat to regulation; recommends an alliance and sub- regulation among the best collieries; at present "the worst and most gloomy prospect for us that I have ever seen in the Coal Trade", 1842 (Coal Trade affairs)

Re supplying cart components, etc., 1821, 1825

Re his family circumstances and requesting Buddle to intervene with the owners to prevent eviction from his colliery house, 1821

[To Buddle senior?] Mentioning Mr. Bewicke [Thomas Bewick, 1753- 1828, wood-engraver] beginning work at Bampton (co. Westmorland); William Weardale wishing to rent a seam of coal in Willey Bridge Farm near Bedlington; and reporting on the Bedlington mines for the bishop, 1798

[To Buddle senior?] Mentioning visit to Stanton (co. Northumberland) "where you poor fellow are boddering on with the colliery"; reporting to the bishop about "our proceedings at Bedlington"; valuation of Silvertop's estate at Hartbushes; Bewick's proposed engravings; Eighton Banks quarries and paying "you poor fellows at Witton le Wear for the road" etc., 1798

[To Buddle senior?] Arranging for self, Buddle, Mr. Tayler of Beamish and Mr. Dobson of Ravensworth Castle to trace the line of boundary on Blackburn Fell, at request of Sir Henry Vane, 1798

[To Buddle senior?] Enclosing George Pearson's opinion on ownership of the mines according to the division deed of East Sleekburn commons, and re purchase of coal or land, under the Land Tax Act, 1799

Copy letter from Buddle senior, recommending that "his lordship" [the bishop of Durham?] sell, for the purchase of the land tax, the coalmines of Bedlington, with waste, plankage, etc., "which would the better conceal for the present any design as to the grand object on the tapis. These you could purchase, I presume, on moderate terms, as they afford little emolument to the See of Durham, and I think no bidders likely to come forward except Sir M[atthew] W[hite] R[idley] .. Was this accomplished, the business would put on a most promising aspect for establishing an eligible and very extensive tract of coal ground ... I should be very happy on any opening being likely to take place of a colliery here to introduce my son to a small share therein, as he is now from practice etc. fully competent to see justice done in such a weighty engagement'; 1799

Re Hetton Company workings entering Mr. Mascall's coal, 1826

Inquiring re proposed harbour at Seaham, for a correspondent who wishes to involve himself in some public works, 1827

To Lord Londonderry: fears that meeting at Chester re Coal Trade regulation may lead only to "another body without a head" and "an excess of vend from the 'Tyne as has lately been experienced"; his views on regulation unchanged; any resolutions should be explicitly stated in writing; the cloud that has been gathering over the coal trade for two or three years requires deliberate enquiry by the coal owners, 1834

Invitation to meet J. Tayler, "the chief of Cornish miners", and some other geologists, while in London, 1832

Note accompanying copies of "my last discourse' for the Natural History Society of Newcastle and its secretary, 1833

Re despatch by ship of 24 lamps, 1821

Introducing Mr. Aspull ("as I regard you as an amateur de la musique of the highest class") brother "of the most extraordinary boy that ever appeared in the musical world . ." [George Aspull, 1813 - 1832, musician, child prodigy] ; mentions forthcoming concerts by him at Newcastle and Edinburgh, 1825

Requesting a Galloway "to go with the milk", 1823

Re sending rails, logs, and wood for houses at Seaham, and providing lodgings for 20 men at Bensons Farm, 1828

Answering an application from the lessees of Fenham coal for a rent reduction or a reference, and re terms of the lease and the difficulties of Benwell colliery, 1827

Invitation, 1823

Requesting support for her husband's application to be colliery surgeon, on death of Buddle's brother [in-law], and promising his attention to "the interest of your sister and [her] child", 1817

Requesting Buddle's presence in London in connection with the Committee [House of Lords?] on the Stanhope and Tyne Bill, 1842

Re payment of Buddle's account against the Pontop and South Shields Railway Company, 1842

Requesting information about Colonel Braddyll and his colliery, in connection with his application for a loan, 1842

Copy reply from Buddle, re Braddyll having "greatly embarrassed himself" by building an enormous house at Conishead Priory (Lancashire) and re prospects of South Hetton colliery in which he holds shares and owns part of the royalty: new winning has good long-term prospects, but extraordinary difficulties and enormous expense in sinking, 1842

Re disputes with the plumber, Marshall, over work at the castle, 1821

Re Lord and Lady Londonderry's entitlement to recommend patients to the Durham infirmary, being subscribers to it, and re recommending a freeman in their names, 1823

Note accompanying a publication issued by the lessees of the Consolidated Mines in Cornwall, concerning refusal of their landlords to renew their mining lease, 1838

Sending a copy of a letter relating to a conveyance of part of the Hylton estate, 1826

Giving amounts of Welsh culm imported into London, 1825 - 1829, 1830

As a partner in St. Helen's colliery, acknowledging award re Brusselton, and giving details of differences between previous negotiations and the award - "we have made a bad business of this reference", 1836

Business note, 1838

Requesting copy of Seaham Harbour regulations, in connection with forthcoming opening of docks at Middlesbrough; and re "this heavy blow at our foreign coal trade", 1841

Accepting offer of a bloodhound puppy, and re oversea coal duties and attitude of M.P.s to them, 1842

Re coal tax, rejecting idea of compromise suggested by "some of our parliamentary supporters", contesting reasons given for the tax, and describing the state of the coal trade, unemployment, "a marine rotting in our rivers and harbours", etc., 1842

Enquiring re experiments with Union Moving Steam Waggons, and re binding (including new binding period); re state of coal trade, explosion in Hewgill colliery (describing workings and cause of accident), 1815

Peile, John (Whitehaven, Cumberland), [Agent to Lord Lonsdale]

Mentioning accident at Heaton, and arranging a visit, 1815

Requesting advice re fire in Croft pit from which he fears "the most alarming consequences", reporting on progress of efforts against it, and requesting an under-viewer and a waste-man as "the overmen we have are all ignorant in these matters", 1815

Mentions accident at Sheriff Hill, 1815

Re death of William Heppel in an explosion in William pit, describing the circumstances and re providing for his widow [Heppel apparently one of the men sent by Buddle], 1815

Mentioning Buddle's success at Heaton, 1815

Mentioning Sir Humphrey [Davy] 's attempts to find a substitute for steel mills, 1815

Re mining affairs - installation of dam doors in William pit, etc.; inquiring again re "travelling engine" and endeavours at Heaton; requesting opinion of the substitute for steel mills that Sir Humphrey Davy is rumoured to have made; mentioning death of "little Anne" [Buddle's niece?], 1815

Re wire gauge made to Sir Humphrey's directions at Kendal; "our use of the lamp is most satisfactory and a Davy is at all times considered perfect security with our men"; re ordering a "travelling engine" from Mr. Crowther, and re obtaining drawings for underground engines, etc.; mentioning sailors'strike, etc., 1816

Re Irish coal trade; mentioning coal duties and a winning at Saltern, and family news, 1823

Re discharge of fire-damp in William pit and requesting advice on clearing it, for example by building a chimney to contain a furnace; re progress of Saltern [?] winning, 1823

Re St. Bees affair and inquiring about Mr. Dunn of Gateshead, a coal viewer, involved in it; William pit working again, describing measures taken to improve the ventilation; state of coal trade "something short in quantity, so many vessels in the summer gone on timber voyages", 1823

Re explosion in William pit; re prejudice of workmen against innovation of pillar working; "indeed our pitmen are a most ignorant race, few of them are regularly bred and the majority composed of Irish and other trampers"; requesting two overmen and two deputies "from your numerous band" with experience in pillar working, and inquiring re locks for the Davy lamps; mentions Buddle's visit to Ireland, 1823

Describing wages and perquisites of overmen etc. at Whitehaven; and requesting information on the duties of overmen and deputies, 1823

Re forthcoming arrival of Thornton, an overman, and acknowledging Buddle's help in engaging him; commenting on explosion at Rainton; re new system of ventilation proposed by a Mr. Lester - "he seems very angry in not being acknowledged by the Trade" - but his theory unpracticable; "Lester appears to us something in Ryan's way", 1823

Asking Buddle to appoint a third person to arbitrate between himself (on behalf of Lord Lonsdale) and Mr. Dunn (for the Attorney-General) in the St. Bees' case (Buddle himself being ineligible through having been occasionally employed there), 1827

Requesting postponement of termination of arbitration in the St. Bees case, 1827

Has applied to lord Lonsdale "to be released from so delicate and irksome task", suggesting replacement by Buddle; and re question of rent to be decided, 1827

Note from Matthias Dunn [attached to above] re St. Bees affair, 1827

Arranging to visit Buddle to discuss the St. Bees affair, 1827

Requesting; Buddle to visit Lord Lonsdale to give him advice on St. Bees, 1832

Re St. Bees colliery affair, requesting Buddle to call on Lord Lowther to advise him on it; reference to executions at Bristol, involving a Captain Warrington and magistrates (shortly after Buddle's. visit there-, by way of Liverpool) ; reference to cholera at Wallsend and Percy Main; "wordy-warfare" with the pitmen; offer of a share in Scremerston colliery; and Buddle's visit to London, 1832

Re St. Bees affair; re Buddle's account of a meeting of the Geological Society ; "the praise of such a man as Mr. President Murchison [q.v.] is really a feather in our Society's cap"; mentions N. Wood surveying a small trespass by one of Lord Lonsdale's lessees, and state of Newcastle coal trade; pitmen's meeting on Boldon Fell "but the trial of the Waldridge rioters will have its weight with them"; re elopement of James Rankin; reference to Buddle's health, 1832

Re flooding by sea at Workington colliery, enclosing plan showing position of crater; mentions Buddle pit; suspects colliery plan was incorrect; re associated dispute between Buddle and Matthias Dunn re cause of flooding; Dunn accusing Buddle of trying to oust him from the management and "taking the money out of country gentlemen's pockets"; re state of Whitehaven coal trade and beginning of new winning there, 1837

Congratulations on recovery from "alarming illness", and requesting advice re coal on the part of his estate he is planning to sell, 1837

Invitation, 1823

Copy letter from Buddle requesting consultation on new harbour arid railway at Hartlepool which "cannot fail to prove highly injurious to the Coal Trade", and note from the duke arranging interview, 1832

Re John Atkinson's salary as Deputy Gauller {?) in Dean Forest, 1841

Copy replies from Buddle, 1841

Inquiring whether Buddle would take on as his pupil for 6 to 12 months the son of a colliery owner in Monmouthshire, with a university education, to give him practical knowledge of mining, 1842

Recommending a saddler (formerly employed by Sir T.H. Liddell and partners at Dunston), 1821

Re success of Buddle's attention "to our concerns", giving carte blanche in negotiations with Mr. Clayton, and reference to calling on Lord Bute ("but not single-handed") and settling a way-leave matter, 1824

Re financial, Coal Trade, agricultural, taxation, and business matters :

Re negotiations with Clayton, including wayleave and supply of hay and corn; requesting information on dispute between Chancellor of Exchequer and northern coal owners and re possibility of seeing Robinson about it; brief references to business matters, and ordering cargo of coal from Tanfield Moor to Weymouth, 1824

Re complaints about conduct of London coal meters, etc., especially on Tanfield Moor coal, including by Eddington, who is publishing a pamphlet [probably R. Eddington, q.v., author of "A Treatise on the Abuses of the Coal Trade ..."], 1824

Re practicability of exporting coal to the western ports (including Weymouth) : "it was however worth trying the experiments"; mentions difficulty of persuading the public that abuses in coal trade are erroneously attributed to coal owners; mentions Bushblades enterprise, and negotiations for wayleave, 1824

Note re colliery returns and financial matters, 1824

Re cost of freight of the 'Delight' to Weymouth enclosing accounts, 1824

Re financial matters, and inquiring re effects of dissolution of the coal trade Regulation, 1824

Note urging riced for Regulation, 1824

Alluding to a decision at York Assizes, etc.; ' I shall hope to receive the new copies of those few letters of yours which I sent you some months ago, as they were not in a state for binding up in volumes", 1824

Re financial affairs and family news, 1824

Re minor business and financial matters, 1824

Mentioning favourable prospects in Bushblades, improvement needed to a steam engine, Buddle's reports re wrecks on North East coast, Mr. Wheatley's rent arrears, frustration of Buddle's intention re Moody's Quay, etc., 1824

Expressing gratitude for "your extraordinary exertions in my concerns", 1825

Note mentioning own involvement in Quarter Sessions, 1825

Re financial matter, 1825

Re price of coal, and possibility of return cargo of clay [from Weymouth?], 1825

Re favourable prospects; longs for "emancipation from the thraldom of the limitation of quantity"; re gaining access to the river [Wear?] below bridge and thus becoming independent of keels but "we must follow the Marquis of Bute etc. and can ... do nothing of ourselves"; re arranging cargo of coal to Weymouth and return cargo of clay, 1825

Mentioning renewal of wayleave with Lord Ravensworth, financial matter, and inquiring re taxes payable for Tanfield Moor, etc., 1825

Re ending his parliamentary career after 45 years service; mentioning a creep in Bushblades, arrangements as to the Marquis of Bute and an engine, and as to wayleaves, etc., 1825

Mentioning wayleave concerns, etc.; re ending his parliamentary career, and his "grand schemes of selling land and diminishing debts", 1825

Mentions deplorable state of coal trade; re financial affairs; re decline in public confidence; price of corn, oats, sheep, cattle, wool; pleased with wayleave negotiations, 1826

Re financial affairs, 1828

Complaining of quality and price of coal shipped to Swanage, as compared to those sent to Weymouth from Sunderland, and inquiring re supplying coals to a hotel, 1828

Re shipping coal to Swanage and assessed taxes return for Tanfield Moor colliery, mentions negotiations with ministers re the coal trade, 1828

Re arrangements for shipping coal, suggesting the hotel proprietor buys as a coal merchant, and explaining method of discharging coal; re depression in [Tanfield Moor] coal due to low-priced small coal on the market; mentioning longstanding negotiations [for wayleave?], 1828

Business and financial matters, 1828

Re his financial position and completion of building works at Swanage, and asking advice re finances, 1828

Re financial affairs, 1828

Recommending a candidate for the office of schoolmaster at the Newcastle Grammar School, the Rev. George Mortimer, giving outline of his career [1805 - 1871, schoolmaster and divine; headmaster of Newcastle Grammar School, 1828, etc.], 1828

Re apparent possibility of Mortimer being successful; high price of corn; financial affairs, 1828

Re financial affairs, 1828

Agreeing to Buddle's recommendations and re financial affairs, 1831

Re organising his papers, and inquiring re monthly [colliery] abstracts, 1831

Re Buddle's health; cholera epidemic -"it has seemed to me from the beginning that the system has been, either to deny the existence of the malady totally, or at least to endeavour by every possible means to keep the south as little acquainted with particulars as might be, probably with the object of preventing, as far as the northerns could contrive, any impediment in trade ..."'; and re financial affairs. "As to politics, I do not think so sanguinely of Reaction as some do, but upon the whole I think, in the south, the state of irritation in general is decreasing, and many of the inferior order are by no means sanguine in their expectation of seeing realized the golden prospects held out to them, and suspect mischievous designs in the Ultra Reformers. Some say, they had confidence in their old connections, and they have doubts as to their new professed friends", 1832

Re financial affairs; mentioning cholera epidemic, 1832

Re importing coal to Swanage; requesting opinion on coal trade and desirability of exporting Tanfield Moor coals to Dorset ports; inquiring whether he should keep old vouchers; financial affairs; death of Mr. Clayton; inquiring whether any chance of restoration of the Golden Age of the coal trade, 1832

Re "this continuation of distress", and re financial affairs, 1833

Re financial affairs and death of a Mr. Hardy, 1833

Giving details of duties payable on coal imported into France; and re decline of coal trade to Holland due to their protective duties, 1827

Re supplying sherry and requesting return of casks, 1842

Re obtaining a supply of brine, and paying an account, 1842

Re auditing colliery accounts (West Towneley and Stella Coal Company) and proposing changes in the management of Towneley fitting department, 1842

Note accompanying an enclosure, 1841

Enclosing pit and shift bill and requesting advice, "as our trusty counsellor", on proceeding with Duke pit, 1816

Re financial matter, 1823

Re Coal Trade elections and allusions to those involved, 1823

Re Coal Trade affairs, meetings, regulations, relations between Tyne and Wear, etc., 1825 - 1827

Calculations re "the discharge of fluids through pipes", etc., n.d.

Request to view fire clay drift; mentions he had been Buddle's servant from his youth, 1827

Invitation, 1842

Invitation to inspect one of his patent boilers driving the engine at Messrs. Abbot's works in Gateshead, 1842

Invitations (including to a four day music meeting), and personal news, 1840, 1842

Re death of George Hawkes' brother and requesting instructions, 1827

Requesting interview re coal concerns, 1823

Invitation to meet Dr. McWhirter's mother and brother, 1823

Re payment for Lord Londonderry's portrait, frame, etc., and re exhibiting it, 1834

Requesting opinion on his new design of a railway, 1827

Requesting help in finding employment, giving details of career, etc., 1842

Returning a loan, 1826

Invitation to meet Mr. Mackreth's family and for music, 1827

Re Hebburn colliery lease, involving negotiations with Hebburn owners, Mr. Ellison, and Mr. Easton, 1823, 1826

Re Buddle's paper on the Jarrow explosion for Bristol literary and Philosophical Society, inquiring re colliery ventilation; and re private and musical affairs, 1832 See also note added at end of NCB I/JB 1177

Invitation, travelling instructions, etc., re Buddle's visit to Bristol; with note added by Jane Rank in to Miss Buddle, 1831, 1832

Description of Bristol collieries, prices, terms, etc.; with note added by Robert Rankin re Buddle's paper on the Jarrow explosion, 1832

Pious poem on death of Burnett [Buddle's brother-in-law, Whitfield Burnett], 1817

Pious letter re Buddle being "dangerously ill", etc., 1826 (1 letter) Ravensworth, Lord: see Liddell, Thomas Henry

Mentions a meeting at Harrogate with Mr. Tennyson, Col. Grey, Col. Mills and Mr. Gregson, in connection with a letter from Buddle; and appointment of M. Dunn at North Hetton colliery; Buddle's health and visit to Whitehaven, 1832

Re cholera epidemic, giving numbers of deaths at various places, 1832

Reay, John [Wallsend colliery cashier from c.1805; see Richardson's History of Wallsend]

Re Wallsend colliery affairs, including mining progress, vend, etc., and especially:

Poor state of colliery accounts, 1832

Re W. Brandling succeeding to Sir D. Smith's situation under the duke of Northumberland, pro tempore; Sir H. Herding likely to replace him, 1832

Re Coal trade, 1832

Unrest among pitmen and meeting on Boldon Fell, 1832

Re a viewers meeting - "the general opinion seems to be, that the pitmen are a great deal cooler and more submissive, but whether this be real or only feigned I have my doubts"; viewers' opinions of Pitmen's Union, 1832

Meeting of Board of Health, 1832

Mentions "large new silk flags" carried by several of the collieries to Boldon Fell meeting; and trial of pitmen for "the outrage at Waldridge Fell", 1832

Binding, 1832

Requesting advice re binding, in light of viewers' intentions of reducing prices [wages] at some collieries; death of Samuel Cooper of Percy Main colliery, from cholera; shooting of John Jopling of Hartley, 1832

Re the binding - "I may say it is just such a weeding as you would like", 1832

Re Coal trade, 1832

Re feeling amongst pitmen at the two Hetton collieries against M. Dunn, 1832 See also NCB I/JB 1006]

Trouble between Mr. Atkinson and the Heppell family, 1832

Trouble between Mr. Atkinson and the Heppell family, 1832

Re sending a copy of a Bill and some of Col. Page's pamphlets for Lord [Londonderry]; suggests asking Lord [Londonderry] to obtain House of Commons Special Committee report on steam carriages, in connection with a company which has been formed to apply for charter of incorporation for steam carriages on turnpikes and offers to prove "the uselessness of disturbing property to form a railway"; and requesting copies of House of Lords Committee reports on coal trade in 1829 and 1830; 1832

Requesting a meeting for "the major", to discuss the reception of Lord and Lady Londonderry on 13 February, 1827

Requesting mediation by Buddle as to his salary as manager, etc. of Cassop and Cassop Moor collieries since 1838 - 1839, when sinking began, 1842

Copy replies from Buddle, requesting more information, and giving his conclusions, 1842

Re Ayton estate near Chester-le-Street, next to Lord Stewart and Mr. Lambton's property, and its owners, 1821

Soliciting business for his son Arthur's business, 1826

Re invitations and arrangements for Lord and Lady Londonderry and Lord Ravensworth to attend the Mayoress's ball and the duke of Northumberland's dinner during Assize Week; for Lord and Lady Londonderry and the duke of Wellington to dine at the Mansion House; and for Buddle and his sister to attend the Mayoress's ball, a dinner to meet the bishop of Durham, etc., 1826, 1827

Printed circular re his clothing business, 1826

Requesting information, plan, and evidence re accident at Heaton colliery, 1816

Requesting employment for son who wishes to become a viewer, enclosing testimonials from Durham university and the Middlesbrough dock engineer, 1842

Requesting an interview re Pontop colliery for Robert Taylerson (?), 1842

Introducing a Mr. Walker who wishes to see the improvements in northern mines; has been recommending "your Painshaw quarry" and advises keeping prices low until it is well known, 1825

Announcing establishment of Scientific and Mechanical Institution at North Shields and requesting patronage, 1825

Re alterations in agency and management of Derwent colliery, now that the Stanhope and Tyne Railroad Company no longer connected with it, 1842

Copy reply from Buddle, 1842

Re death of her father, a friend of Buddle's; her precarious financial situation, and hopes of her brother succeeding to her father's job, with an allowance for herself out of his salary, 1824

"My brother E. Backhouse tells me that your conversations are not confined to mere matters of banking business ... It is from him that I understand thou hast paid some regard to the writings of our Friends", and is therefore sending publications by J. J. Gurney of Norwich; and re a fossilised crocodile found at Whitby, 1825

Suggesting addition of a polished reflector to Davy's safety lamp, 1825

Requesting some of spare tubs at Lord Londonderry's staith, 1827

Abusive and threatening letter re alleged slander by Buddle and referring to "those widows and orphans of imprudence at Heaton and Sheriff Hill", 1815

Acknowledging payment of account due to firm of Ewbank and Ord, 1808

Asking Buddle to send someone to view his unprofitable colliery at Rimpside or Swindon (co. Northumberland), 1815

Re payment of rent, and soliciting colliery orders for leather, 1833 - 1842

Asking Buddle to accompany him to Durham on a business matter, 1800

Re building an engine, giving prices of lime, stone, bricks, and sinking, etc., 1800

Copy letter from Buddle: has forwarded his letter to the Wallsend overseers, and re subsequent Vestry Meeting's decision re allowance to L. Salmon "until bread corn falls to its ordinary price", 1800

Requesting information re terms for lease of East Edmondsley coal, Buddle being the viewer for the lessors of two-thirds of the coal, 1838

Brief specification and estimate for engine to pump water and draw coals, 1825

Requesting further help for Mrs. Wadman to obtain her papers, "acknowledging as they do her claim from the highest authority to temporary relief from the Compassionate Fund", 1827

Requesting Buddle to view his colliery, 1815

Request to survey and value Dee Bank colliery, 1816

Acknowledging receipt of synopsis of coal seams, 1832

Requesting interview re "Mr. Selly's colliery business at Unthank near Berwick which you viewed in 1809", 1825

Requesting support for application for job as under-viewer on the Continent, 1826

Requesting Buddle's mother or sisters to buy him feather beds, 1800

Requesting a Galloway for a soldier who lost an arm at Waterloo and intends to start a coal merchant's business to supplement his 10d. a day pension; and hoping Buddle's Staffordshire report will convince people outside the coal trade "not officiously to interfere with what don't concern them", 1815

Invitation to go shooting at Brancepeth and to discuss the state of the collieries, 1815

Congratulating Buddle on his appointment as manager of Lord Stewart's collieries, and recommending a man for an office, 1819

Electioneering: re Buddle getting people to Durham, including "the Shields votes", etc.;. on back of 1246: notes of names of men to go to Durham, and other comments re electioneering, 1800

Note sending two brace of game, 1833

Re coal trade matter, involving Gregson and "my uncle" [Charles Tennyson (?) q.v.] re regulation for N[orth] H[etton] colliery, 1834

Note re uncle's visit, 1842

Awaiting "fulfillment of the promise made to me ... it is a matter of serious import to humanity ... I am ready to act on Hebburn pit," 1815

printed circular to Northern coal owners, re his success in improving mine ventilation, his rejection by the North East in 1806, and unfair report on his work in Staffordshire in 1815; with testimonials from W. Shirley (Earl Ferrers) etc., 1827

Re winding up the affairs of Jeremiah Archer, shipowner, 1833

Re colliery affairs and state of coal trade, 1826 - 1833

Requesting support for application as surgeon at Jarrow and Hebburn collieries, 1825

Re appointment of J. Piecock of Denton as Mr. Lambton's land steward, Lambton's proposed bridge, and "the gentleman who hath taken out a third patent to convey coal waggons with a steam engine hath been in this country. His engine instead of drawing push before it the waggons and I am told it is not upon wheels", 1813

Requesting advice re high pressure pumping engines, as used near Newcastle, especially 100 h.p. one at Backwell, 1825

Requesting advice re borings made by one Hogg (a field preacher) and Oswald at Lindean Burn, Bowden Moor, and Kello Burn (co. Roxburgh?), at instigation of "some persons ... chiefly of the class of shopkeepers and farmers, not satisfied with what had been done in search of coal in this part of the country", 1816

Copy, Buddle's reply, doubting veracity of boring results, and denying any knowledge of Hogg, 1816

Requesting information on "your improved iron railways ... for it does not seem that our Scotch engineers have much, if any, practice in these matters;' 1825

Requesting names of best makers of high pressure steam engines, 1826

Soliciting support for application to be chaplain to the [Newcastle?] Infirmary, 1815

Re Mr. Reay taking over the superintendence of Hetton colliery, 1823

Note arranging to meet, 1826

Requesting Buddle to recommend a colliery accountant to inspect Hetton colliery accounts, up to the time he and other shareholders sold out, in connection with a forthcoming arbitration, 1827

As Deputy Clerk of the Peace, arranging for Buddle to take oaths [as J.P.?] in court, 1842

Re accident at Workington colliery and his subsequent dismissal, and requesting Buddle's intervention with Mr. Curwen or his help in finding another job, 1833

Requesting employment for her husband, having "lost all the money he realised at Workington", 1842

Giving testimonial for Lancelot Redhead, 1828

Re sending a horse to Buddle, 1833

Re "Commission business" (salaries and election of comptroller, receiver of river duties, collector), 1823

Requesting help in obtaining fossilised leaves, ferns, etc., 1823

Re appointment of two fitters, and expressing hope that they will eventually be admitted "into that chosen band" of Lord [Londonderry] 's fitters, 1825

Allusion to "looking after the stray sheep", etc., 1825

Re fitters, 1826

Re reluctant agreement to visit Wynyard; and Re "a special commission to lay down moorings higher up the river, for really there is no space left and the certainty of an encrease must drive us to our shifts", 1826

Allusion to returning home "with our tails between our legs"; "one of my party said that a certain person (nameless in a letter) was bloody awful', 1826

Re death of Croudace [viewer to Lambton]: hopes that Mr. Lambton, "whose confidence he enjoyed", will help his family, and requesting advice re indenturing the third son to a viewer, 1827

Referring to a meeting of all parties and to a deputation to meet "my Lord"; "we have no troops here worth a charger - we want life and spirit, these mixed things are good to nought", 1827

Enquiring on behalf of a Mr. Feetham whether Lord Londonderry "intends raising money on the estate on Lord Seaham's coming of age, and also if the Marquis is in cash just now?", 1842

Re order for a coat from Buddle, acknowledging a remittance, and minor private news, 1825, 1834

Re legacies due to his nieces under the will of their late uncle, 1842

Re winding up accounts of the late Robert Atkinson, 1842

Requesting help to find her son a situation, preferably in agriculture, "knowing your extensive connections", 1820

Re Buddle visiting the colliery, 1825

Sibbit, John (Berwick) Mostly re Unthank (Northumberland) colliery affairs:

Requesting interview for Mr. Russell re renewal of lease, and re new winning, 1825

Mentioning proposed Berwick and Kelso railroad, 1825

Comparing high pressure engine with Bolton and Watts' for new winning, and requesting opinion based on experience with engine at Lord Londonderry's collieries, 1826

Re progress of new winning and laying a railway, 1826

[To Buddle senior?] Re inability to attend a meeting of the Ryton Association, and giving text of a letter from Lord Darlington to be shown to it [viz, recommending Silvertop's proposal to Dundas for "raising armed associations", and promising to send arms for 80 men, "but you must apply to General Musgrave for a person to train you, who has received instructions from the Duke of York respecting those matters ... The situation of your country and the circumstances attending it are such as warrant me in the recommendation of your proposal, although I have rejected three others that were in small inland situations"], 1798

Requesting Buddle [senior?] to fetch title deeds relating to the writer's grandfather's purchases of farms at Minsteracres, as Lord Walsingham wants to examine them, 1802

Requesting Buddle to forward draft colliery lease (J. Lamb's brother to writer), 1821

Social notes, 1822 - 1833

[To Buddle senior?, Bushblades] Order to bring Lord Mounstuart's account over, n.d.

Requesting Buddle to remind W. M. Pitt about contributing to parochial subscription to obtain Queen Anne's Bounty for curacy, 1833

Soliciting work as a wood valuer; already employed by Buddle in an exchange at Benwell, 1826

Requesting situation for her husband, 1827

Writing as chairman of committee of inhabitants of London: sending resolution re repeal of coast duty on coals and requesting Buddle to bring it before northern coal owners, 1823

Copy reply from Buddle re action taken, 1823

Requesting name of donor of coals to a hospital, 1825 (1 letter) Smith, John See: NCB I/JB 1684 - 1731

Copy letter from Buddle: re purchase of windmill for grinding corn for colliers and intention to start business in a small way in the corn trade; requests information on availability of rye, as flour is expensive and coal owners have to supply pitmen with rye; also mentions fatal explosion at a colliery near Wallsend, 1800

Re shortage of rye, and prices (including latest cargo from Prussia at 74s.); availability of kiln-dried barley, suitable for bread, 1800

Copy reply from Buddle: regrets shortage of rye; re aversion of labouring people to barley bread, despite coal-owners' attempt to introduce it in (17)95; 1800

Re price rises for grain, and possibility of sending a cargo of barley, 1800

Copy reply from Buddle: acknowledging receipt of quotation for barley, but declining to order because of cost, 1800

Requesting help in finding a job as a coalweigher, or in obtaining a letter of recommendation to Colonel Rowan (one of the Commissioners) from Lord Londonderry or Sir H. Hardinge, in order to obtain a job in the "police force", 1833

Arranging a time for Buddle to go down the pits, 1800

Re possibility of visit by Lord Londonderry and Lord Stewart to Newcastle, 1821

Re his improved method of making corves, and requesting loan of £10 to obtain a patent, 1806

Re woodworking (making a frame for Buddle) and requesting consultation on his forthcoming book on mining plans, 1833

Sopwith, Thomas [1803 - 1879, mining engineer]

Re Office of Woods (Dean Forest) business - Mr. Prothero agrees to a survey but not a plan of his mines - "he will evidently bother the Commissioners ere any kind of reasonable reform can be effected"; has examined ms. evidence, 1833

Sending some professional observations for approval, 1833

List of papers enclosed, including report on proposed line of new road from Newcastle to Otterburn, n.d.; printed circular re his Practical Treatise on mineral plans, etc., 1833

Re destruction of his woodworking shop by fire, and his proposal by Buddle as member of [Institute of Civil Engineers?], 1833

Re Exchequer grant to complete Newcastle and Carlisle Railway and possibility of introducing Bill for Durham Junction; meeting of civil engineers; requesting Buddle to read proofs of his forthcoming work; and re respect he had for Buddle even before they met, etc., 1833

Testimonial for a Charles Morton, 1833

Re Forest of Dean business - survey of mines, describing his methods, Mr. Prothero's attitude, etc., 1833

Re Forest of Dean business - "the tug of war is hardly begun"; a case involving Mr. Prothero and Cheltenham Coal Company; Prothero and sons approval of Commission; Mr. Probyn convincing the Free Miners of good intentions of the Commissioners, etc., 1838

Alluding to matters of patronage, and re a story "of your having won a very large sum of money at Crockford's when tipsy with my lord", 1842

Re death of a daughter, and re matters of patronage (involving Mr. Gower and the New Zealand Company, and Commissioners of Greenwich Hospital through Mr. Milne and Lord Lincoln, at request of Sir Henry Browne), 1842

Re Mr. Scott's survey of Seaham Harbour, and re Mr. Potter's request for a testimonial for Thomas Hughes [re his "superintending the engineering works on the River Tyne under Mr. Anderson ... upwards of one half of the new quay of this town made entirely under your direction"], and enclosing his own testimonial for Hughes, 1842

Re Dean Forest: sending an answer [to a memorial by J. Harris?] re extending the award or withholding rights to unallotted coal according to priority of application, with diagram of coal awarded to and asked for by Harris, 1842

Re completion of Scott's survey of Seaham and re meeting Mr. Walker concerning it, 1842

Re Walker's requirements for Seaham plan; meeting with Mr. Milne [Office of Woods?] during which "I fully acquainted him with the value of having a fixed appointment as a sort of nucleus in ones profession and he entered very kindly into the subject upon which I am to have an interview with my lord"; re knighthood for de la Beche; and re choral concert at Exeter Hall attended by Wellington, Prince Albert, etc., 1842

Re Dean Forest - failure of his attempt to gain increased salary for John Atkinson [q.v.]; coastal survey in connection with plan of Seaham; people he has met in London, and mentioning Ebbw Vale business, 1842

[Apparently answering query by Buddle] Re Sir Thomas Philips [q.v.], 1842

Re Walker's map of the coal-field, and mentioning Ebbw Vale business, 1842

Re Walker's map, election of R. Atkinson as a member of the Institute of Civil Engineers, and mentioning Ebbw Vale business, 1842

Re excessive charges made by Mr. Forster for surveying Mr. Cheney's mines; and re success of Dean Forest and other geological models with Prince Albert, Lord Northampton, and Dr. Buckland, 1842

Re completion of map of Newcastle coal-field and its distribution with pamphlets, 1842

Re problem of disposing of surplus stocks of Leithart's book on mineral veins; re Mr. Milne [Office of Woods] - "I shall be very glad if his good feeling ever goes the length of shoving me into a receivership which I value not so much on its own merits as for the sort of fulcrum which an appointment of this kind would be in my profession, which in respect of desultory engagements seems almost at a universal and general stand still"; re Prothero's position; mentions Buddle's forthcoming visit to Edinburgh and own visit to Cumberland, 1842

Re a report on a property containing coal, n.d.

Notice re monocleid writing cabinet on show, 1842

Re payment of an account, 1842

Re Buddle's instructions that two of the wrights have to leave Elswick colliery and possibility of his being employed at Messrs. Hawkes' foundry if he is one of them, 1821

Re great improvement in prompt sailings since introduction of steam boats on the Wear three years ago, and mentioning supplying ship's colours to Buddle, 1827

Re shipping affairs:

Re insurance of the "Lord Seaham"; its current voyage; request through R. Forster for the "Lord Seaham" to take Bradyll's first cargo from Seaham; and re a fire and firewatching precautions in the dock, 1833

Account of money due to Captain Spence from Buddle for four voyages of the "Lord Seaham" from Portsmouth and Plymouth, and re storm damage to ships in the South Harbour, 1833

Business notes re an affidavit concerning Washington colliery, execution of a deed of exchange and his authorisation for building a cottage, arranging a meeting between Buddle and Donkin in London, and a payment by Mark Lambert of interest due to Buddle, 1821 - 1833 (4 letters) Stafford, marquis of: see Leveson-Gower, George Granville

Musical invitation, 1825 See also: NCB I/JB 1371

Condolences on a death [Buddle's mother?], enclosing an account, and re complaint by William Surtees of brassy coal, 1827

Re stock and farm accounts: "I wish I could shew you this account more to your satisfaction", 1827

Giving date and term of Fenham coal lease (September 1824: 21 years), 1827

Re burst boiler at Edward pit; has also notified Mr. Surtees and Mr. Dunn, 1827

Re arresting Ralph Armstrong in Scotland for the murder of Nicholas Fairless [NCB I/JB 1364 addressed to Lord Londonderry], 1842

Notes re meeting Buddle, with Mr. Woodhouse and F. Foster, re Pendleton colliery, 1842

Arranging to meet (leaving London on Sunday evening by the mail train, arriving Newcastle on Monday mid-day), 1841

Invitation, with references to musical activities, 1831 See also NCB I/JB 1359 (1 letter) Stewart, Charles William: see Vane (formerly Stewart), Charles William

Requesting Buddle to approach Lord Londonderry to obtain Sir Henry Hardinge's support for his application to be Barrack Master at Newcastle; giving details of his army career (including the American war, disturbances of 1819) and mentioning he and his father, brother, etc. are Durham freeholders, 1825

Arranging meeting re Lumley Castle coal, 1833

Arranging to show Buddle a profit and loss account, 1842

Requesting a meeting re "the Washington concerns", 1825

Re renewing leases on two premises in South Shields belonging to the executors of the late Robert Atkinson, 1827

Re purchase of land at Wallsend by Buddle from Mr. Cuthbert and alternative of paying for colliery damage, 1833

Requesting payment of out-rent and rent charge in lieu of tithes due to Dean and Chapter, 1842

Requesting consultation re coals from this estate", 1823 (1 letter)

Offering his geological specimens from Dorset to "the Society" at Newcastle; reference to Buddle's ill-health, 1832

Applying for situation of viewer of Sheriff Hill colliery, Buddle being one of the proprietors, 1816

Re letting the Low Main coal under the Fenham estate to the owners of Elswick colliery, 1837 (1 letter) Strathmore, Earl of: see Bowes-Lyon, John

Re private affairs, 1823

Acknowledging receipt of payment, 1835

Sending his father's opinion on proposed regulation, 1827

Re giving up a colliery lease, 1833

Requesting efforts to "free me from the smoke of your engine" [at steam mill], 1800

Appointment of Buddle's brother-in-law as surgeon at Benwell colliery, reward for Sir H. Davy, state of harvest, 1816

Promising support for Mr. Gray as successor to Buddle's brother-in - law Burnett [as colliery surgeon], 1817

Requesting advice re Benwell colliery, Mr. Dunn having offered him his shares in it, and mentioning negotiations by the owners with Lord Ravensworth and partners for coal under Whickham haughs, 1833

Message from his father re arranging to meet, 1825

Requesting opinion on Benwell colliery, re his father's proposal to make out the new lease in his and his brother Aubone's names, and "poor Crosier's" share in it being up for sale, 1827

Thanks for Benwell valuation, and requesting personal opinion on the colliery; references to Mr. Adair and Mr. Ord, and own opinion of present unprofitable nature of Benwell; mentions "the duke's" visit to the north; on behalf of his father, reminder that "on all former occasions the Committee for the Coal Trade has allowed the collieries above bridge to exceed the limited vend in [November and December] as when a severe frost occurs and the river is frozen the collieries above bridge cannot get the keels to work", 1827

Sending Mr. Waldie's observations "that he is sorry to find the price of Russell's coals is still 30/-, that if you will raise them to 31/- he will continue B. and Co.'s at their present price ... ," and pointing out importance of following this suggestion in view of considerable number of ships expected, 1825

Requesting Buddle to supervise unloading of a piano at Newcastle en route for Workington, and re deployment of colliery engines at Workington, 1815

Reply to query whether £10 mistakenly used to pay hotel bill, 1832

Re salt borings and obtaining brine; requesting advice, 1840

Specification and estimate for building "a good plain chariot" (with silk cushions, carpet, venetian blinds, brass mouldings, black lamps, cypher on the door, etc.), 1832

Inquiring [on behalf of Sir William Lawson?] as to terms on which Mr. Dunn leases coal under "the County Closes" and whether he definitely intends relinquishing it; mentions that the Newcastle and North Shields Railway company had considered buying it, 1842

Invitation, while Buddle at Whitehaven and her uncle, Dr. Stanger, at Moresby, 1831

[Headed "Talacre"] Expressing gratitude for help given to self and Mr. Chappelow in their dispute "with this company", 1842

Re obtaining two men to view Backworth; ("there are doubtless many suitable men as to competency, but as the ramifications with regard to particular interests are so extensive, I am unable ... to fix upon any ...;), 1815

Re bringing subject of coals from Earsdon drifts before the Committee, 1823

Requesting valuation of Moat Estate at Elsdon by "your steward at Overacres", 1823

Retaining Buddle as referee for [the duke of Northumberland] in arbitration of trespass into his royalty from Brinkburn colliery, 1825

Giving Mr. Clark's opinion re quantity allowed to Benwell colliery under Regulation and Propriety of signing the rules on Mr. Surtees' behalf, 1827

Requesting copy of colliery plan in connection with renewal of Percy colliery lease, 1827

Re request to become umpire in St. Bees (Cumberland) case but envisaging same objection to self as to Buddle, viz., having been employed by the school there when evidence given to Commission two years previously, 1827

Re own and his brother's conviction of need for a "broad-bottomed regulation"; the Tyne, Tees, Hartley and Blyth are ready, but a move is needed by the Wear; doubts expediency of any temporising measures; mentions effect on next binding on Tyne, 1834