| Description | This first volume contains hand-written transcripts and abstracts copied in 1798 and 1799 from the original letter books, which had been badly damaged by water. These water-damaged books were disposed of once the copies had been made. This period saw the introduction of the copy press, so unfortunately the earliest Boulton & Watt business press copies have been destroyed.
No. Description Page
1. Memorandum.(i)
The memorandum reads as follows:
“The letters contained in this Book were transcribed by W. Creighton, T. Wilson & Gregory Watt in the years 1798 & 1799 from the old Copy Books, which having lain in a closet exposed to the Rain for some years, were obliterated in parts. These parts have been left blank in the present copies.
The letters up to April 1779 were transcript copies; from that time forward, they were taken with the Press and pasted in the Drying Books themselves. This occasioned a multiplicity of small books, one of which containing the letters from 12 Nov. 1799 to 13 Jan. 1780 appears to be lost.
The following is an enumeration of the Old Copy Book, from whence the present Book is transcribed. —
No. 1 Soho Letters from 31 Jan. 1778 to 20 May 1779 Pages 1 to 59 & 96 to 190
No. 2 Cornish Letters from Jun. 1778 to 28 Dec. 1778 61 to 96
No. 3 Soho Letters from 23 May 1779 to 16 Jul. 1779 190 to 203
NB. These were pasted in the old book and are here copied
according to the order of the subjects & not of the dates.
No. 4 Soho Letters from 24 Jul. 1779 to 25 Sep. 1779 to 314
No. 5 Soho Letters from 29 Sep. 1779 to 12 Nov. 1779 315 to 324
No. 6 Soho Letters from 12 Nov. 1779 to 13 Jan. 1780 are wanting as also Cornish letters
up to Mr. Watt’s return 27 Feb. 1780
No. 7 Soho Letters from 13 Jan. 1780 to 19 Jun. 1780 402 to 445”
2. Index. (iii)
3-92. Soho Letters from 31 Jan. 1778 to 20 May 1779
3. James Watt (Birmingham) to Jonathan Hornblower (Chacewater). 31 Jan. 1778. 1
4. James Watt [Birmingham] to Edward Salmon [Hassall]. 31 Jan. 1778. 1
5. James Watt [Birmingham] to Thomas Dudley [Chacewater]. 31 Jan. 1778. 1
6. — to John Edwards (Hayle). 2 Feb. 1778. 1
7. James Watt [Birmingham] to Gilbert Meason (Edinburgh). 2 Feb. 1778. 1
8. James Watt [Birmingham] to J. de Magellan [London]. 2 Feb. 1778. 2
9. — to Thomas Dudley [Chacewater]. 11 Mar. 1778. 2
10. Logan Henderson [Soho] to Wyke & Green (Liverpool). 12 Mar. 1778. 2
11. — to John Rothwell (Shadwell). 13 Mar. 1778 2
12. — to John Bligh (Chelsea Water Works Office). 13 Mar. 1778. 3
13. — to Mr. — Curtis, Stationer (Fleet St., London). 13 Mar. 1778. 3
14. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to John Smeaton [London]. 14 Mar. 1778. 3
15. James Watt [Birmingham] to Gilbert Meason [Edinburgh]. 18 Mar. 1778. 6
16. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Smeaton [London]. 18 Mar. 1778. 6
17. James Watt [Birmingham] to Jukes Coulson [London]. 19 Mar. 1778. 6
18. James Watt [Birmingham] to William Forbes [London]. 23 Mar. 1778. 7
19. James Watt [Birmingham] to J. de Magellan [London]. 24 Mar. 1778. 7
20. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Turner [Bersham]. 29 Mar. 1778. 9
21. Boulton & Watt (Birmingham) – order to Spedding Hicks & Co. (Whitehaven).
30 Mar. 1778. 9
22. James Watt [Birmingham] to Thomas Dudley [Chacewater]. — Mar./Apr. 1778. 10
23. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Turner (Bersham). 4 Apr. 1778. 10
24. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Smeaton [London]. 4 Apr. 1778. 10
25. Logan Henderson (Birmingham) to Gilbert Meason (Edinburgh). 4 Apr. 1778. 12
26. James Watt (Birmingham) to Gilbert Meason (Edinburgh). — Apr. 1778. 12
The transcript mis-dates this letter as 4 Apr. The letter contains a sketch of the
method of constructing a wall to protect the injection cistern.
27. James Watt (Birmingham) to William Forbes (London). 6 Apr. 1778. 15
28. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Rothwell (Shadwell). 6 Apr. 1778. 15
29. Logan Henderson (Birmingham) to Wyke & Green (Liverpool). 8 Apr. 1778. 15
30. — to Jukes Coulson [London]. 9 Apr. 1778. 15
31. James Watt [Birmingham] to Peter Coleville [Torryburn]. 9 Apr. 1778. 15
32. James Watt [Birmingham] to Edward Salmon [Hassall]. 9 Apr. 1778. 16
33. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Turner [Bersham]. 10 Apr. 1778. 17
34. James Watt (Birmingham) to William Chapman [Newcastle]. 10 Apr. 1778. 17
35. James Watt (Birmingham) to Blewet & Co. (Marazion). 10 Apr. 1778. 18
36. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Turner [Bersham]. 11 Apr. 1778. 18
37. James Watt [Birmingham] to Mayson Wright (Hull). 16 Apr. 1778. 18
38. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Edward Salmon (Hassall). 11 Apr. 1778. 20
39. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Broseley]. 16 Apr. 1778. 20
40. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Edward Salmon (Hassall). 11 Apr. 1778. 20
41. Memorandum. Proposals by M. B. & J. W. of Birmingham to Mr. Joseph Jary,
Concessionaire du Roi pour les mines du Nord près de Nantes en Bretagne. 21
42. Memorandum (in French). Observations sur le Memoire des Messieurs Boulton et
Watt (de Monsieur Jary). 22
43. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Turner [Bersham]. 27 Apr. 1778. 23
44. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to John Rothwell [Shadwell]. 22 Apr. 1778. 24
45. James Watt [Birmingham] to Thomas Dudley [Wheal Union]. 22 Apr. 1778. 24
46. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Turner [Bersham]. [28 Apr. 1778?] 24
The letter includes sketches of an air pump bucket and valve.
47. James Watt (London) to J. de Magellan [London]. 2 May 1778. 25
48. James Watt (London) to Gilbert Meason [Edinburgh]. 5 May 1778. 26
49. James Watt (London) to Mayson Wright (Hull). 8 May 1778. 28
50. James Watt (London) to Mayson Wright [Hull]. 17 May 1778. 29
51. James Watt [London] to William Chapman & Co. [Newcastle]. 17 May 1778. 29
52. Matthew Boulton [?] [London] to J. de Magellan [London]. 22 May 1778. 29
This letter is transcribed as being by Watt, but Boulton’s letter to Le Comte
d’Heronville suggests that he wrote this letter too.
53. James Watt (London) to Mr. — Pengree (—). 22 May 1778. 30
54. Matthew Boulton [London] to Le Comte d’Heronville (—). — May/Jun. 1778. 30
55. Matthew Boulton (London) to Gilbert Meason (Edinburgh). 13 Jun. 1778. 32
56. Matthew Boulton (London) to Mayson Wright (Hull). 10 Jun. 1778. 34
57. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Scott (Shrewsbury). 18 Jul. 1778. 35
58. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Gilbert Meason [Edinburgh]. 23 Jul. 1778. 36
59. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to William & John Chapman [Newcastle]. 24 Jul. 1778. 37
60. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mayson Wright (Hull). 9 Jul. 1778. 37
The date of this letter may be erroneous, as Boulton was in London on 9 Jul.
61. James Watt (Redruth) to Richard Reynolds (near Ketley Iron Furnace). 20 Jul. 1778. 38
The letter contains sketches of an iron cross for supporting pumps, and steam pipes.
62. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to John Turner (Bersham). 8 Aug. 1778. 39
63. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Scott [Shrewsbury]. 8 Aug. 1778. 39
64. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to the Proprietors of Shadwell Water Works [London].
11 Aug. 1778. 40
65. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to the Richmond Company [Richmond]. 10 Aug. 1778. 41
66. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to the Revd. Charles Newling [Westbury]. 22 Aug. 1778. 42
67. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Rothwell [Shadwell]. 22 Aug. 1778. 42
68. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Matthew Wasbrough (Bristol). 26 Aug. 1778. 44
69. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to J. D. H. van Liender [Rotterdam]. 29 Aug. 1778. 44
70. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Stewart (65 Cannon St., London). 26 Aug. 1778. 45
71. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Clement Smith (Richmond). 31 Aug. 1778. 45
72. William Playfair (Soho) to Gilbert Meason [Edinburgh]. 4 Sep. 1778. 46
73. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Gilbert Meason [Edinburgh]. 26 Sep. 1778. 46
74. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Turner (Bersham). 28 Sep. 1778. 47
75. William Playfair [Soho] to John Hall [?] (Ketley). 30 Sep. 1778. 47
76. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mr. — Blythe [John Bligh?] (Chelsea Water Office).
30 Sep. 1778. 47
77. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to Mayson Wright (Hull). [30 Sep. 1778.] 47
78. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Scott [Shrewsbury]. 1 Oct. 1778. 48
79. William Playfair (Soho) to John Turner (Bersham). 1 Oct. 1778. 50
80. William Playfair (Soho) to Jukes Coulson (London). 1 Oct. 1778. 50
81. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to William Hitchcock (Wollaston). 1 Oct. 1778. 50
82. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to John Scott (Shrewsbury). 4 Oct. 1778. 52
83. Memorandum. Invoices sent to Mr. Henderson (Byker engine goods), Wright &
Jessons, M. Wright. 5 & 6 Oct. 1778. 52
84. William Playfair (Soho) to Gilbert Meason [Edinburgh]. 14 Oct. 1778. 52
85. William Playfair (Soho) to Gilbert Meason [Edinburgh]. 21 Oct. 1778. 52
86. William Playfair (Soho) to John Bligh (Chelsea Water Works). 26 Oct. 1778. 53
87. Boulton & Watt (Redruth) to John Houghton (Clerk to the Birmingham Canal Co.).
23 Oct. 1778. 53
88. William Playfair [Soho] to John Turner [Bersham]. 31 Oct. 1778. 54
The letter is transcribed as having been written at Redruth.
89. James Keir (Soho) to Gilbert Meason [Edinburgh]. 13 Nov. 1778. 55
90. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Morris [Swansea]. 28 Dec. 1778. 55
91. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Wilkinson [Bersham]. 27 Dec. 1778. 57
92. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to Mr. — Hanley (—). 28 Dec. 1778. 59
93-151. Cornish Letters from Jun. 1778 to 28 Dec. 1778
93. James Watt [Redruth] to Zaccheus Walker (Newhall, Birmingham). 19 Jun. 1778. 61
94. James Watt [Redruth] to Logan Henderson [Soho]. 18 Jun. 1778. 62
95. Memorandum. James Watt [Redruth] to Matthew Boulton [Soho]. 18 Jun. 1778. 62
96. James Watt [Redruth] to Logan Henderson [Soho]. 20 Jun. 1778. 63
97. James Watt [Redruth] to Mayson Wright (Hull). 20 Jun. 1778. 63
98. James Watt [Redruth] to Mayson Wright (Hull). 24 Jun. 1778. 63
The letter includes a sketch of a clack.
99. James Watt [Redruth] to Matthew Boulton [Soho]. 27 Jun. 1778. 65
100. James Watt [Redruth] to Matthew Boulton [Soho]. 20 Jul. 1778. 65
101. James Watt [Redruth] to Richard Reynolds (Ketley). 20 Jul. 1778. 65
The letter includes a sketch of an iron cross for supporting pumps.
102. James Watt [Redruth] to Matthew Boulton [Soho]. 22 Jul. 1778. 66
103. James Watt [Redruth] to Jukes Coulson [London]. 27 Jul. 1778. 66
104. James Watt [Redruth] to John Wilkinson [Broseley]. 27 Jul. 1778. 67
105. Memorandum. James Watt [Redruth] to Matthew Boulton [Soho]. 27 Jul. 1778. 67
106. Memorandum. James Watt [Redruth] to Matthew Boulton [Soho]. 1 Aug. 1778. 67
107. James Watt [Redruth] to Matthew Boulton [Soho]. 3 Aug. 1778. 67
108. James Watt [Redruth] to Matthew Boulton [Soho]. 6 Aug. 1778. 67
109. James Watt [Redruth] to Boulton & Fothergill [Soho]. 8 Aug. 1778. 68
110. James Watt [Redruth] to Matthew Boulton [Soho]. 13 Aug. 1778. 68
111. James Watt [Redruth] to Gilbert Meason [Edinburgh]. 22 Aug. 1778. 69
112. James Watt [Redruth] to Matthew Boulton [Soho]. 22 Aug. 1778. 69
113. Memoranda: 70
“Sent off general directions for putting engines together.” 24 Aug. 1778.
James Watt [Redruth] to Matthew Boulton [Soho]. 27 Aug. 1778.
James Watt [Redruth] to Logan Henderson [Soho]. 27 Aug. 1778.
James Watt [Redruth] to John James [Bristol]. 28 Aug. 1778.
114. James Watt [Redruth] to Matthew Boulton [Soho]. 29 Aug. 1778. 70
115. James Watt [Redruth] to Logan Henderson [Soho]. 29 Aug. 1778. 71
116. James Watt [Redruth] to Logan Henderson [Soho]. 2 Sep. 1778. 71
117. James Watt [Redruth] to Matthew Boulton [Soho]. 2 Sep. 1778. 71
118. James Watt [Redruth] to Matthew Boulton [London]. 6 Sep. 1778. 72
119. James Watt [Redruth] to Matthew Boulton [London]. 12 Sep. 1778. 73
120. James Watt [Redruth] to Logan Henderson [Soho]. 12 Sep. 1778. 73
121. Memorandum. Proposal to Poldice Adventurers. 13 Sep. 1778. 74
By James Watt. Copy sent to Matthew Boulton on 16 Sep. 1778.
122. James Watt [Redruth] to Matthew Boulton [Soho?]. 16 Sep. 1778. 75
123. Memorandum. Total weight of goods sent from Bersham and amount charged by
Capt. Williams. 76
By James Watt. Does not state who the goods were for.
124. James Watt [Redruth] to Gilbert Meason [Edinburgh]. 27 Sep. 1778. 76
Letter continued on 28 Sep.
125. James Watt [Redruth] to Matthew Boulton [Soho]. 28 Sep. 1778. 77
126. James Watt [Redruth] to Zaccheus Walker [Soho]. 2 Oct. 1778. 77
127. James Watt [Redruth] to John Turner [Bersham]. [2 Oct. 1778.] 77
128. James Watt [Redruth] to John Turner [Bersham]. 5 Oct. 1778. 78
129. James Watt [Redruth] to Logan Henderson (Hull). 7 Oct. 1778. 78
130. Memorandum. Writing upon Drawing of regulator for Poldice. — Oct. 1778. 78
By James Watt.
131. James Watt [Redruth] to James Keir (Soho). 12 Oct. 1778. 79
132. Matthew Boulton (Redruth) to J. de Magellan (12 Nevill’s Court, Fetter Lane, London).
12 Oct. 1778. 79
133. Matthew Boulton [Redruth] to Joseph Jary (—). 12 Oct. 1778. 80
134. Matthew Boulton (Redruth) to J. de Magellan [London]. 16 Oct. 1778. 81
135. Boulton & Watt (Redruth) to Le Comte d’Heronville [Paris]. 16 Oct. 1778. 82
136. Boulton & Watt [Redruth] to Le Comte d’Heronville [Paris]. 20 Oct. 1778. 84
137. Matthew Boulton [Redruth] to ? (Richmond). — Oct. 1778. 85
138. James Watt (Redruth) to John Turner [Bersham]. 30 Oct. 1778. 87
139. James Watt [Redruth] to James Keir [Soho]. 5 Nov. 1778. 87
140. Memorandum. James Watt [Redruth] to John Turner [Bersham]. 5 Nov. 1778. 88
141. James Watt [Redruth] to John Wilkinson [Wilson House]. 7 Nov. 1778. 88
142. Memorandum. James Watt [Redruth] to Gilbert Meason [Edinburgh]. — Nov. 1778. 89
143. James Watt [Redruth] to John Turner [Bersham]. 20 Nov. 1778. 89
144. James Watt [Redruth] to William Harris (Camborne). 28 Nov. 1778. 90
145. Memorandum. James Watt [Redruth] to Jacques Constantin Perier [London].
28 Nov. 1778. 92
146. Memoranda: 92
James Watt [Redruth] to Joseph Jary (—). 28 Nov. 1778.
James Watt [Redruth] to Le Comte d’Heronville [Paris]. 28 Nov. 1778.
147. James Watt [Redruth] to Jabez Hornblower [Poldice]. 3 Dec. 1778. 92
148. “Mr. Smeaton’s Paper on Chacewater – Copy of Mr. Smeaton’s calculations respecting
Chacewater”. 92
Original by John Smeaton, copied by James Watt.
149. James Watt [Redruth] to John Turner [Bersham]. 19 Dec. 1778. 95
150. James Watt [Redruth] to John Turner [Bersham]. 28 Dec. 1778. 95
151. James Watt [Redruth] to Jukes Coulson [London]. 28 Dec. 1778. 96
152-504. Soho Letters 1 Jan.—12 Nov. 1779.
The letters are in roughly chronological order, apart from those between 23 May 1779 and 16 Jul. 1779, which the memorandum at the start of the book notes “… were pasted in the old book and are here copied according to the order of the subjects & not of the dates.”
152. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to J. de Magellan [London]. Circa 1 Jan. 1779. 96
153. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to the Rev. John Fernyhough (—). 1 Jan. 1778. 99
154. Boulton & Watt [Soho] to Le Comte d’Heronville [Paris]. 9 [?] Jan. 1779.
[In French.] 102
155. Memorandum. “Calcul mentionné ci dessus.” Jan. 1779. [In French.] 105
Copy of calculations on the Paris Water Works sent to Le Comte d’Heronville and
Jacques Constantin Perier.
156. Memorandum. Proposals made to Mr. Perier by Boulton & Watt. Jan. 1779. 106
157. Memorandum. “Propositions faîtes à Monsieur Perier par Messieurs Boulton & Watt.”
Jan. 1779. [In French.] 108
French translation of no. 156 above.
158. James Watt [Birmingham] to Joseph Jary [Nantes?]. 10 Jan. 1779. 110
159. James Watt [Birmingham] to Jacques Constantin Perier (35 Suffolk St., London).
15 Jan. 1779. 111
160. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Wilkinson [Broseley]. 15 Jan. 1779. 111
161. James Watt [Birmingham] to Jonathan [?] Hornblower (Chacewater). 16 Jan. 1779. 111
162. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Turner (Bersham). 17 Jan. 1779. 112
163. James Watt [Birmingham] to — Whieldon (Fenton). 20 Jan. 1779. 113
164. Memorandum. Order for Messrs. Spedding Hicks & Co. 20 Jan. 1779. 114
By James Watt. Order for parts for Jary.
165. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Scott (Shrewsbury). 20 Jan. 1779. 114
166. James Watt [Birmingham] to William Phillips (Redruth). 20 Jan. 1779. 115
167. James Watt [Birmingham] to Thomas Fenton (Rothwell Haigh). 22 Jan. 1779. 115
168. James Watt [Birmingham] to Jacques Constantin Perier (London). 25 Jan. 1779. 116
169. James Watt [Birmingham] to Mons. Le Camus de Limare (Paris). 26 Jan. 1779. 118
170. James Watt [Birmingham] to Thomas Wilson (Chacewater). 26 Jan. 1779. 119
171. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Turner (Bersham). 27 Jan. 1779. 119
172. James Watt [Birmingham] to Joseph Jary [Nantes]. 27 Jan. 1779. 120
173. James Watt [Birmingham] to Nicholas Ryder (Marston Forge). 27 Jan. 1779. 120
Spelt here as “Rider”.
174. James Watt [Birmingham] to Mr. — Dearman [Birmingham]. 29 Jan. 1779. 120
175. James Watt [Birmingham] to Mr. — Chapman (Birmingham). 28 Jan. 1779. 120
176. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Turner [Bersham]. 30 Jan. 1779. 121
178. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Turner [Bersham]. 1 Feb. 1779. 121
178. James Watt [Birmingham] to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 2 Feb. 1779. 122
179. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Turner [Bersham]. 2 Feb. 1779. 123
180. Logan Henderson [Birmingham] to Jukes Coulson [London]. 2 Feb. 1779. 123
181. Logan Henderson [Birmingham] to Edward Brown (Northumberland). 5 Feb. 1779. 123
182. James Watt [Birmingham] to Jabez Hornblower (Donnington Wood Colliery).
5 Feb. 1779. 123
183. Logan Henderson [Birmingham] to Dearman & Co. [Birmingham]. 12 Feb. 1779. 124
184. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Turner [Bersham]. 12 Feb. 1779. 124
185. James Watt [Birmingham] to Joseph Jary [Nantes]. 12 Feb. 1779. 124
186. James Watt [Birmingham] to Nicholas Ryder (Marston Forge). 12 Feb. 1779. 125
Spelt here as “Rider”.
187. James Watt [Birmingham] to Jonathan Hornblower [Chacewater]. 13 Feb. 1779. 125
188. Logan Henderson [Birmingham] to Jabez Hornblower (Donnington Wood).
13 Feb. 1779. 126
189. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Turner [Bersham]. 14 Feb. 1779. 127
190. James Watt [Birmingham] to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 14 Feb. 1779. 127
191. James Watt [Birmingham] to William Harris (Camborne). 16 Feb. 1779. 128
192. Logan Henderson [Birmingham] to Mayson Wright (Hull). — Feb. 1779. 128
193. James Watt [Birmingham] to George Taylor (Bedworth). 22 Feb. 1779. 128
194. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to Edward Brown (Denton). 22 Feb. 1779. 129
195. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Turner [Bersham]. 28 Feb. 1779. 129
196. Logan Henderson [Birmingham] to John Scott (Shrewsbury). 28 Feb. 1779. 130
The letter contains a sketch of a steam pipe for Malehurst.
197. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Hall [Wren’s Nest]. 1 Mar. 1779. 130
198. James Watt (Birmingham) to Jabez Hornblower (Donnington). 1 Mar 1779. 130
199. James Watt [Birmingham] to Gilbert Meason [Edinburgh]. 1 Mar. 1779. 131
200. James Watt [Birmingham] to Gilbert Hamilton (Glasgow). 2 Mar. 1779 [?]. 132
201. James Watt [Birmingham] to George Simmons (Gwennap, near Truro). 3 Mar. 1779. 132
202. James Watt [Birmingham] to Jabez Hornblower [Donnington Wood]. 5 Mar. 1779. 133
203. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to Matthew Wasbrough (Bristol). 5 Mar. 1779 [?]. 133
The transcript notes this letter as being written by Watt. However the author writes
“[I] have been 3 times at London since Xmas upon business…” Watt had not been
in London at all by this time in 1779. The reading of the date may also be incorrect
as Boulton was at Bedworth Colliery on 5 Mar. 1779.
204. Memorandum. Mr. Jary – Directions for Making the Boiler. 134
The memorandum is by James Watt, and includes a sketch of overlapping boiler
plates.
205. James Watt [Birmingham] to James Pool (Liverpool). — Mar. 1779. 135
206. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Turner [Bersham]. — Mar. 1779. 135
207. James Watt [Birmingham] to Nicholas Ryder (Martson Forge). 7 Mar. 1779. 136
Spelt here as “Rider”.
208. James Watt [Birmingham] to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 7 Mar. 1779. 136
209. James Watt [Birmingham] to Jabez Hornblower [Donnington Wood]. 10 Mar. 1779. 136
210. James Watt [Birmingham] to Thomas Dudley [Hallamanin]. 10 Mar. 1779. 137
211. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Hall (Wren’s Nest). 10 Mar. 1779. 138
212. James Watt [Birmingham] to Gilbert Meason (Edinburgh). 11 Mar. 1779. 138
213. James Watt [Birmingham] to Jonathan Hornblower (Chacewater). 13 Mar. 1779. 139
214. James Watt [Birmingham] to Jukes Coulson [London]. 13 Mar. 1779. 140
215. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Turner [Bersham]. 13 Mar. 1779. 140
216. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Scott (Shrewsbury). 13 Mar. 1779. 140
217. James Watt [Birmingham] to ?. 13 Mar. 1779. 140
218. James Watt [Birmingham] to ? [“Mr. Scott]. — Mar. 1779. 140
219. James Watt [Birmingham] to Jabez Hornblower [Donnington Wood]. 16 Mar. 1779. 140
220. James Watt [Birmingham] to Clement Smith (Richmond). 17 Mar. 1779. 141
221. Memorandum. Draft of licence to Richmond Water Works. 17 Mar. 1779. 141
222. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to Phillip Burton (Shadwell). 18 Mar. 1779. 141
223. Logan Henderson [Birmingham] to John Scott (Shrewsbury). 18 Mar. 1779. 142
With a postscript by Watt. The letter contains a sketch of a manhole cover.
224. Boulton & Watt [Soho] to Samuel Garbett (—). 18 Mar. 1779. 143
225. James Watt [Birmingham] to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 20 Mar. 1779. 145
226. James Watt (Birmingham) to Gilbert Meason [Edinburgh]. 20 Mar. 1779. 146
227. James Watt (Birmingham) to William Chapman [Newcastle]. 20 Mar. 1779. 147
228. Matthew Boulton and James Watt [Birmingham] to John Wilkinson [Broseley].
22 Mar. 1779. 147
229. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Scott [Shrewsbury]. 21 Mar. 1779. 149
230. James Watt (Birmingham) to William Harris (Camborne). 24 Mar. 1779. 150
231. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to Thomas Fenton [Rothwell]. 20 Mar. 1779. 150
232. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Turner [Bersham]. 24 Mar. 1779. 151
233. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to Gilbert Meason (Edinburgh). 23 Mar. 1779. 151
234. James Watt [Birmingham] to Gilbert Meason [Edinburgh]. 27 Mar. 1779. 152
235. Boulton & Watt [Soho] to Richard Reynolds [Ketley]. 29 Mar. 1779. 152
236. James Watt [Birmingham] to Jacques Constantin Perier (Paris). 29 Mar. 1779. 153
237. James Watt [Birmingham] to Samuel Garbet (—). 30 Mar. 1779. 153
238. James Watt [Birmingham] to Matthew Wasbrough (Bristol). 30 Mar. 1779. 154
239. James Watt [Birmingham] to Jacques Constantin Perier [Paris]. 6 Apr. 1779. 155
240. James Watt [Birmingham] to Joseph Jary [Nantes]. 6 Apr. 1779. 156
241. James Watt [Birmingham] to Matthew Wasbrough (Bristol). 8 Apr. 1779. 157
242. James Watt [Birmingham] to Thomas Wilson (Chacewater). 8 Apr. 1779. 158
243. Memoranda: 159
James Watt [Birmingham] to John Turner [Bersham]. 10 Apr. 1779.
James Watt [Birmingham] to Thomas Becket [Liverpool]. 10 Apr. 1779.
James Watt [Birmingham] to Jonathan Hornblower [Poldice?]. 10 Apr. 1779
244. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to John Edwards [?] [Hayle]. 8 Apr. 1779. 159
245. James Watt [Birmingham] to Jabez Hornblower [Donnington Wood]. 12 Apr. 1779. 160
246. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Turner [Bersham]. 13 Apr. 1779. 161
247. James Watt [Birmingham] to William Harris (Camborne). 13 Apr. 1779. 161
248. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Williams (Poldice). 13 Apr. 1779. 163
249. James Watt [Birmingham] to Nicholas Ryder (Marston Forge). 19 Apr. 1779. 163
Spelt here as “Rider”.
250. James Watt [Birmingham] to Jabez Hornblower [Donnington Wood]. 19 Apr. 1779. 163
251. James Watt [Birmingham] to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 20 Apr. 1779. 164
The letter includes a small sketch of a boiler.
252. James Watt [Birmingham] to William Chapman [Newcastle]. 20 or 21 Apr. 1779. 166
253. James Watt (Birmingham) to Capt. George Simmons [Tresamble]. 21 Apr. 1779. 167
254. James Watt [Birmingham] to William Harris [Camborne]. 21 Apr. 1779. 167
255. James Watt (Birmingham) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 21 Apr. 1779. 169
Mis-dated as 20 Apr.
256. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Broseley?]. 25 Apr. 1779. 170
257. James Watt [Birmingham] to John James [Bristol]. 22 Apr. 1779. 171
258. James Watt [Birmingham] to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 29 Apr. 1779. 171
259. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Gilbert [Worsley]. 29 Apr. 1779. 172
260. James Watt [Birmingham] to Anthony Mitchell [Hawkesbury Colliery]. — Apr./
May 1779. 172
261. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Turner [Bersham]. 5 May 1779. 173
The letter includes a drawing of a boiler steam pipe for J. C. Perier.
262. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Turner [Bersham]. — May 1779. 173
263. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Wilkinson [Broseley?]. 5 May 1779. 174
No. Description Page
264. James Watt (Birmingham) to Jabez Hornblower [Donnington Wood]. 7 May 1779. 174
265. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Wilkinson [Broseley?]. 7 May 1779. 175
266. James Watt [Birmingham] to William Murdock [Wanlockhead?]. 7 May 1779. 175
267. James Watt (Birmingham) to Mr. — Hodgkinson (New Burlington St., London).
8 May 1779. 176
268. James Watt [Birmingham] to William Harris [Camborne]. 8 May 1779. 176
269. James Watt [Birmingham] to Sir William Codrington [London]. 8 May 1779. 177
270. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Williams (Poldice). — May 1779. 177
271. Boulton & Watt [Soho] to James Paddey (Street Forge, Cheshire). — May 1779. 177
272. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Bersham?]. 10 May 1779. 178
273. James Watt [Birmingham] to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 11 May 1779. 179
274. James Watt [Birmingham] to Matthew Wasbrough [Bristol]. — May 1779. 179
The letter includes the sketch of a pipe.
275. James Watt (Birmingham) to Joseph Jary [Nantes]. 13 May 1779. 180
276. James Watt (Birmingham) to George Simmons [Tresamble]. 13 May 1779. 181
277. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Wilkinson [Bersham?]. 13 May 1779. 182
278. James Watt [Birmingham] to Matthew Boulton [London]. — May 1779. 183
279. James Watt [Birmingham] to Matthew Boulton (London). 17 May 1779. 183
The letter includes a sketch of a method of repairing a crack in the Chelsea
Water Works engine cylinder.
280. James Watt [Birmingham] to Mayson Wright (Hull). 18 May 1779. 184
Mis-dated as 13 May.
281. James Watt (Birmingham) to Jonathan Hornblower (—). 18 May 1779. 184
282. James Watt [Birmingham] to Gilbert Meason [Edinburgh]. 18 May 1779. 185
283. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Turner [Bersham]. — May 1779. 186
284. James Watt [Birmingham] to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 20 May 1779. 187
285. James Watt [Birmingham] to Joseph Jary [Nantes]. 19 May 1779. 187
No. Description Page
286. James Watt [Birmingham] to Joseph Jary [Nantes]. 20 May 1779. 188
287. James Watt [Birmingham] to Ambrose Weston [London]. 20 May 1779. 189
288. James Watt [Birmingham] to Jonathan Hornblower [?] (—). — May 1779. 190
289. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Turner [Bersham]. — May 1779. 191
The letter includes a small sketch of a flanch.
290. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Bersham?]. 24 May 1779. 191
291. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Broseley?]. 5 Jun. 1779. 192
292. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Turner (Bersham). — Jun. 1779. 192
293. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Turner [Bersham]. — Jun. 1779. 193
The letter includes a sketch of a section of the Poldory cylinder flanch and lid.
294. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Wilkinson [Broseley?]. — Jun. 1779. 193
295. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Wilkinson [?] [Broseley?]. 7 Jun. 1779. 194
296. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Bersham?]. 14 Jun. 1779. 194
297. Boulton & Watt (Soho) to John Wilkinson [Bersham?]. 16 Jun. 1779. 195
298. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Broseley?]. 26 Jun. 1779. 196
299. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Wilkinson [Broseley?]. 26 Jun. 1779. 196
300. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Turner [Bersham]. 26 Jun. 1779. 197
301. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Broseley]. 27 Jun. 1779. 197
302. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Bersham]. 5 Jul. 1779. 198
303. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Bersham]. 2 Jul. 1779. 198
304. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Wilkinson [Bersham]. 7 Jul. 1779. 199
305. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Wilkinson (Bersham). 10 Jul. 1779 [?]. 199
306. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Bersham]. 11 Jul. 1779. 200
307. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Bersham]. 13 Jul. 1779. 200
308. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Bersham]. 16 Jul. 1779. 201
309. James Watt [Birmingham] to Thomas Dudley [Scorrier?]. 22 May 1779. 202
No. Description Page
310. Matthew Boulton (—) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 22 May 1779. 203
311. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to Thomas Dudley [Scorrier?]. 27 May 1779. 204
312. James Watt [Birmingham] to Jonathan Hornblower (—). — May 1779. 204
313. Boulton & Watt (Birmingham) to The Coalbrookdale Co. [?]. 16 Jun. 1779. 205
Letter ordering pipes for Poldory Mine.
314. James Watt (Birmingham) to Jonathan Hornblower (—). 26 Jun. 1779. 205
315. James Watt [Birmingham] to William Harris (Rosewarne). 24 Jun. 1779. 206
316. James Watt (Birmingham) to Jonathan Hornblower (—). 29 Jun. 1779. 206
317. James Watt [Birmingham] to George Simmons [Tresamble?]. 30 Jun. 1779. 207
The date is given as “31 Jun.”
318. James Watt (Birmingham) to William Harris [Rosewarne]. 6 Jul. 1779. 208
319. James Watt [Birmingham] to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 6 Jul. 1779. 209
320. James Watt (Birmingham) to George Simmons [Tresamble?]. 6 Jul. 1779. 210
321. James Watt (Birmingham) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 8 Jul. 1779. 211
322. James Watt (Birmingham) to Jonathan Hornblower (—). 13 Jul. 1779. 211
323. James Watt [Birmingham] to George Simmons [Tresamble?]. — Jul. 1779. 212
324. James Watt (Birmingham) to John James (Bristol). 15 Jul. 1779. 212
325. James Watt (Birmingham) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 15 Jul. 1779. 213
326. James Watt [Birmingham] to Logan Henderson [Pontesbury]. 31 May 1779. 214
The letter contains 3 small sketches.
327. James Watt (Birmingham) to Logan Henderson [Pontesbury]. 3 Jun. 1779. 214
328. James Watt [Birmingham] to Logan Henderson [Pontesbury]. 7 Jun. 1779. 215
329. James Watt (Birmingham) to Logan Henderson [Pontesbury]. 11 Jun. 1779. 216
330. James Watt [?] [Birmingham] to Logan Henderson [Pontesbury]. 14 Jun. 1779. 217
331. James Watt (Birmingham) to Logan Henderson [Pontesbury]. 17 Jun. 1779. 217
332. James Watt [Birmingham] to Logan Henderson [Pontesbury]. 23 Jun. 1779. 218
No. Description Page
333. James Watt (Birmingham) to Logan Henderson [Pontesbury]. 28 Jun. 1779. 219
334. James Watt [Birmingham] to Logan Henderson [Pontesbury]. 5 Jul. 1779. 219
335. James Watt [Birmingham] to Logan Henderson [Pontesbury]. — Jul. 1779. 220
336. James Watt [Birmingham] to Logan Henderson [Pontesbury]. 14 Jul. 1779. 220
337. James Watt (Birmingham) to Logan Henderson [Pontesbury]. 16 Jul. 1779. 222
338. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Scott [Shrewsbury]. 11 Jul. 1779. 223
339. James Watt (Birmingham) to William Chapman [Newcastle]. 23 May 1779. 224
The letter contains a small sketch of a ratchet and wheels used by Matthew
Wasbrough.
340. James Watt (Birmingham) to William Chapman [Newcastle]. 18 Jun. 1779. 225
341. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Smeaton (—). — Jun. 1779. 226
342. James Watt (Birmingham) to William Chapman [Newcastle]. 25 Jun. 1779. 227
343. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Smeaton (—). — Jun. 1779. 228
344. James Watt [Birmingham] to Matthew Boulton [London]. — Jun. 1779. 229
345. James Watt (Birmingham) to Matthew Boulton [London]. 27 Jun. 1779. 230
346. James Watt (Birmingham) to Matthew Boulton [London]. 28 Jun. 1779. 230
347. James Watt [Birmingham] to Matthew Boulton [London]. — Jun./Jul. 1779. 231
348. James Watt (Birmingham) to Matthew Boulton [London]. 2 Jul. 1779. 231
The letter includes a transcript of a memorandum of “Experiments on Chelsea
Engine by James Watt 4 Dec. 1775.”
349. James Watt (Birmingham) to Matthew Boulton [London]. 9 Jul. 1779. 231
350. James Watt [Birmingham] to Matthew Boulton [London]. 15 Jul. 1779. 232
351. James Watt (Birmingham) to Matthew Boulton [London]. 15 Jul. 1779. 233
352. James Watt [Birmingham] to ? [Nicholas Ryder] [Marston Forge]. — 1779. 233
353. James Watt (Birmingham) to ? [Nicholas Ryder] [Marston Forge]. 3 Jun. 1779. 233
354. Boulton & Watt (Birmingham) to Joseph Jary [Nantes]. 12 Jun. 1779. 234
No. Description Page
355. Boulton & Watt [Birmingham] to ? [Monsieur Dumontier]. [?] 16 Jun. 1779.
[In French.] 234
356. James Watt (Birmingham) to Joseph Jary [Nantes]. 16 Jun. 1779. 235
357. James Watt (Birmingham) to Joseph Jary [Nantes]. 21 Jun. 1779. 236
358. James Watt [Birmingham] to ?. (—). 21 Jun. 1779. [In French.] 236
359. James Watt (Birmingham) to Joseph Jary [Nantes]. 19 Jul. 1779. 236
360. Boulton & Watt [Birmingham] to Jacques Constantin Perier [Paris]. — May1779. 237
361. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Motteux [London]. 6 Jun. 1779. 238
362. Boulton & Watt (Birmingham) to John Baldwyn [Chepstow]. 24 Jun. 1779. 238
Spelt here as “Baldwin”.
363. Boulton & Watt [Birmingham] to Jacques Constantin Perier [Paris]. 5 Jun. 1779. 238
The letter contains a sketch of a bead in the middle of a pipe.
364. James Watt (Birmingham) to J. Motteux & Co. [London]. 9 Jun. 1779. 239
365. James Watt (Birmingham) to Perier Frères et Cie. [Paris]. — Jul. 1779. 239
366. James Watt (Birmingham) to Gilbert Meason [Edinburgh]. 23 May 1779. 241
367. James Watt (Birmingham) to William Murdock [Wanlockhead]. 3 Jun. 1779. 242
368. James Watt (Birmingham) to Gilbert Meason [Edinburgh]. 12 Jun. 1779. 243
369. James Watt (Birmingham) to ? [Alexander Keith] [Edinburgh]. 19 Jun. 1779. 244
370. James Watt (Birmingham) to William Murdock (Wanlockhead). 30 Jun. 1779. 244
371. James Watt [Birmingham] to ? [Gilbert Meason] [Edinburgh]. — Jul. 1779. 245
372. James Watt (Birmingham) to Samuel Galton (—). 15 Jul. 1779. 247
373. “Calculations relating to Wheal Busy.” Stuck in at 247
In James Watt’s hand
374. James Watt [Birmingham] to Jabez Hornblower (Donnington Wood). 3 Jun. 1779. 247
375. James Watt (Birmingham) to Jabez Hornblower [Donnington Wood]. 25 Jun. 1779. 248
376. James Watt (Birmingham) to Jabez Hornblower (Donnington Wood). 14 Jul. 1779. 248
The letter contains a sketch of a lever and plug.
No. Description Page
377. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Hall (Wren’s Nest). 3 Jun. 1779. 249
378. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Hall (Wren’s Nest). 7 Jun. 1779. 250
379. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Hall (Wren’s Nest). 14 Jul. 1779. 251
380. James Watt (Birmingham) to Thomas Southern [Wensley]. 5 Jul. 1779. 251
381. Memorandum. Proposed agreement for the Gregory Mine engine. 251
The original was signed by Matthew Boulton.
382. Boulton & Watt (Birmingham) to Jna. Weston (—). 16 Jun. 1779. 252
383. Boulton & Watt (Birmingham) to ? (—). 20 Jun. 1779. 253
384. James Watt (Birmingham) to “Anthony” [Anthony Mitchell?] (—). 13 Jun. 1779. 254
385. James Watt [Birmingham] to William Milnes (Ashover). — 1779. 254
386. James Watt [Birmingham] to Matthew Boulton [London]. — Jul.1779. 255
387. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson (Broseley). 24 Jul. 1779. 256
388. James Watt (Birmingham) to William Chapman [Newcastle]. 24 Jul. 1779. 256
389. James Watt (Birmingham) to William Harris [Rosewarne]. 27 Jul. 1779. 257
The date has been mis-transcribed as 1797.
390. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Turner [Bersham]. 25 Jul. 1779. 258
391. James Watt (Birmingham) to Joseph Jary [Nantes]. 26 Jul. 1779. 258
392. James Watt (Birmingham) to Jonathan Hornblower (—). 27 Jul. 1779. 260
393. James Watt [Birmingham] to Jabez Hornblower (Donnington Wood). [27 Jul. 1779]. 260
394. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Broseley]. 27 Jul. 1779. 261
395. James Watt (Birmingham) to Jacques Constantin Perier [Paris]. 28 Jul. 1779. 261
396. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Turner [Bersham]. 29 Jul. 1779. 262
397. James Watt [Birmingham] to Anthony Mitchell [Bedworth]. [?] 29 Jul. 1779. 262
398. James Watt (Birmingham) to William Murdock [Wanlockhead]. 29 Jul. 1779. 263
399. James Watt [Birmingham] to Gilbert Meason [Edinburgh]. — Jul. 1779. 263
400. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Bersham?]. 31 Jul. 1779. 264
No. Description Page
401. James Watt (Birmingham) to George Simmons [Tresamble?]. 31 Jul. 1779. 265
402. James Watt [Birmingham] to Jabez Hornblower [Donnington Wood]. 31 Jul./
— Aug.1779. 265
403. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Bersham]. 4 Aug. 1779. 265
404. James Watt (Birmingham) to George Simmons [Tresamble?]. 5 Aug. 1779. 266
Date mis-transcribed as 5 Jul.
405. James Watt (Birmingham) to Jonathan Hornblower (Chacewater). 5 Aug. 1779. 266
Date mis-transcribed as 5 Jul.
406. James Watt (Birmingham) to William Harris (Rosewarne). 5 Aug. 1779. 267
407. James Watt (Birmingham) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 5 Aug. 1779. 267
408. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Bersham]. 6 Aug. 1779. 267
Date mis-transcribed as 5 Jul.
409. James Watt (Birmingham) to Gilbert Meason [Edinburgh]. 9 Aug. 1779. 268
410. James Watt [Birmingham] to [John] Weston (—). 9/10 Aug. 1779. 269
411. James Watt (Birmingham) to William Harris [Rosewarne]. 10 Aug. 1779. 269
412. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Bersham]. 10 Aug. 1779. 269
413. James Watt (Birmingham) to Alexander Keith (Edinburgh). 12 Aug. 1779. 270
414. James Watt [Birmingham] to Matthew Boulton [London]. [12 Aug. 1779]. 270
415. James Watt (Birmingham) to Jonathan Hornblower [Chacewater?]. 12 Aug. 1779. 271
416. James Watt (Birmingham) to William Harris [Rosewarne]. 12 Jul. 1779. 271
Date mis-transcribed as 12 Jul.
417. James Watt [Birmingham] to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. [12 Aug. 1779]. 271
418. James Watt (Birmingham) to Jacques Constantin Perier [Paris]. 12 Aug. 1779. 272
419. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Wilkinson [Bersham]. 12 Aug. 1779. 272
420. James Watt [Birmingham] to Edward Salmon [Hassall]. 13 Aug. 1779. 274
The letter includes a transcript of Salmon’s account with Boulton & Watt, Apr. 1778
and a small sketch of a piston spring.
421. James Watt (Birmingham) to Matthew Boulton [London]. 13 Aug. 1779. 275
No. Description Page
422. James Watt [Birmingham] to Jonathan Hornblower (Chacewater). [?] 13 Aug. 1779. 276
423. James Watt (Birmingham) to Jabez Hornblower [Donnington Wood]. 13 Aug. 1779. 276
The letter includes a sketch of a valve edge and seat.
424. James Watt (Birmingham) to Matthew Boulton (London). 15 Aug. 1779. 277
The date has been mis-transcribed as 1797.
425. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Bersham]. 15 Aug. 1779. 277
426. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Hope (Amsterdam). 15 Aug. 1779. 278
427. James Watt (Birmingham) to Joseph Harrison (Cornwall). 16 Aug. 1779. 280
428. James Watt (Birmingham) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 17 Aug. 1779. 281
429. James Watt (Birmingham) to Matthew Boulton [London]. 17 Aug. 1779. 281
430. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Turner [Bersham]. 17 Aug. 1779. 282
The letter includes a transcript of an order for parts for Tresavean.
431. James Watt (Birmingham) to William Harris [Rosewarne]. 19 Aug. 1779. 283
432. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Wilkinson [Bersham]. 19 Aug. 1779. 283
433. James Watt (Birmingham) to [John?] Weston (Capia [?] Lodge, near Nantwich].
21 Aug. 1779. 284
434. James Watt (Birmingham) to Joseph Jary [Nantes]. 25 Aug. 1779. 285
435. James Watt (Birmingham) to Edward Salmon [Hassall]. 25 Aug, 1779. 285
436. Memorandum. Money received from Messrs. Salmon and Penlington, and transcript
of licence for the Lawton salt works engine. 25 Aug. 1779. 286
437. Boulton & Watt [Birmingham] to John Baldwyn [Chepstow]. — Aug. 1779. 286
Spelt here as “Baldwin”.
438. James Watt [Birmingham] to Jacques Constantin Perier [Paris]. — Aug. 1779. 287
439. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Wilkinson [Bersham]. — Aug. 1779. 287
440. Boulton & Watt [Birmingham] to B. Hodgkinson (—). 28 Aug. 1779. 288
441. James Watt (Birmingham) to Jonathan Hornblower (Chacewater). 28 Aug. 1779. 288
442. James Watt [?] [Birmingham] to [Jabez Hornblower] [Ketley]. 28 Aug. 1779. 288
443. James Watt (Birmingham) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 28 Aug. 1779. 289
No. Description Page
444. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Bersham]. 25 Aug. 1779. 289
445. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Bersham]. 27 Aug. 1779. 290
The date of this letter may be incorrect.
446. Boulton & Watt (Birmingham) to John Baldwyn [Chepstow]. 28 Aug. 1779. 292
Spelt here as “Baldwin”.
447. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Bersham]. 31 Aug. 1779. 292
448. James Watt (Birmingham) to R. Bakewell [Gresley Hall]. — Aug./Sep. 1779. 292
449. James Watt (Birmingham) to J. Motteux & Co. [London]. 1 Sep. 1779. 293
450. James Watt (Birmingham) to Jacques Constantin Perier [Paris]. 1 Sep. 1779. 293
451. James Watt (Birmingham) to Henry Williams (Wren’s Nest). 1 Sep. 1779. 294
452. James Watt (Birmingham) to John [?] Weston (Bersham). 2 Sep. 1779. 294
453. Boulton & Watt (Birmingham) to Cook & Co. [London]. 2 Sep. 1779. 295
454. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Wilkinson [Bersham]. 2 Sep. 1779. 295
455. Continuation of Watt to Wilkinson, 2 Sep. 1779? 296
456. James Watt (Birmingham) to Gilbert Meason [Edinburgh]. 3 Sep. 1779. 296
457. Boulton & Watt (Birmingham) to John Baldwyn (Chepstow). 4 Sep. 1779. 298
Spelt here as “Baldwin”.
458. James Watt [Birmingham] to R. Bakewell [Gresley Hall]. 4 Sep. 1779. 298
459. James Watt [Birmingham] to Logan Henderson (Burton). 4 Sep. 1779. 298
460. James Watt (Birmingham) to R. Bakewell [Gresley Hall]. 6 Sep. 1779. 299
461. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Budge (—). 7 Sep. 1779. 299
Spelt here as “Bouge”.
462. James Watt (Birmingham) to William Murdock (—). 7 Sep. 1779. 299
463. James Watt (Birmingham) to Jonathan Hornblower (—). 7 Sep. 1779. 299
464. James Watt (Birmingham) to Joseph Harrison [Cornwall]. 9 Sep. 1779. 300
465. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to James Dormer [Longford]. 9 Sep. 1779. 300
466. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Turner [Bersham]. 9 Sep. 1779. 300
No. Description Page
467. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Stackhouse (Pendennis). 11 Sep. 1779. 301
468. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson (Bersham). 11 Sep. 1779. 301
469. James Watt (Birmingham) to Joseph Harrison [Cornwall]. 11 Sep. 1779. 302
470. James Watt [Birmingham] to John Turner [Bersham]. 11/12 Sep. 1779. 303
471. James Watt (Birmingham) to Alexander Keith (Edinburgh). 12 Sep. 1779. 303
472. Boulton & Watt [Birmingham] to Spedding Hicks & Co. [Seaton Works].
— Sep. 1779. 304
473. James Watt (Birmingham) to William Milnes (Ashover). 14 Sep. 1779. 305
474. James Watt (Birmingham) to Joseph Jary [Nantes]. 15 Sep. 1779. 306
475. James Watt (Birmingham) to Joseph Jary [Nantes]. 16 Sep. 1779. 308
476. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Court]. 14 Sep. 1779. 308
477. James Watt (Birmingham) to Nicholas Ryder (Marston Forge). 16 Sep. 1779. 309
478. James Watt (Birmingham) to Edward Brown (East Denton). 18 Sep. 1779. 309
479. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Bersham]. 18 Sep. 1779. 309
480. James Watt (Birmingham) to William Milnes [Ashover]. 20 Sep. 1779. 310
Spelt here as “Mylnes”.
481. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Bersham]. 20 Sep. 1779. 310
482. Memorandum. Order for the Eagle Foundry. 20 Sep. 1779. 311
483. James Watt (Birmingham) to J. Motteux & Co. [London]. 22 Sep. 1779. 311
484. James Watt (Birmingham) to Jabez Hornblower [Ketley]. 22 Sep. 1779. 312
485. Boulton & Watt [Birmingham] to John James (Bristol). [22 Sep. 1779.] 313
486. James Watt (Birmingham) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 22 Sep. 1779. 313
487. Matthew Boulton (Birmingham) to Mr. — Flood (Exeter). 22 Sep. 1779. 313
488. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Bersham]. 24 Sep. 1779. 314
489. James Watt (Birmingham) to William Chapman [Newcastle]. 25 Sep. 1779. 314
No. Description Page
490. Boulton & Watt (Soho) to John Scott (Shrewsbury). 29 Sep. 1779. 315
The letter includes a transcript of Scott’s account with Boulton & Watt.
491. Memorandum. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to James Watt [Chacewater]. 29 Sep. 1779. 315
492. Memorandum. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to James Watt [Chacewater]. 4 Oct. 1779. 315
493. Memorandum. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to James Watt [Chacewater]. 18 Oct. 1779. 315
494. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to John Lean (Wine St., Bristol). 18 Oct. 1779. 316
495. Boulton & Watt [Birmingham] to John Weston (Penryndee). 19 Oct. 1779. 317
496. Boulton & Watt (Birmingham) to John James [Bristol]. 19 Oct. 1779. 317
The date has been mis-transcribed as 1797.
497. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Gilbert (—). 20 Oct. 1779. 318
498. Memorandum. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to James Watt [Chacewater]. 21 Oct. 1779. 320
499. Memorandum. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to James Watt [Chacewater]. 23 Oct. 1779. 320
500. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to Thomas Fenton (Rothwell Haigh). 23 Oct. 1779. 320
501. Matthew Boulton [Soho] to John Scott [Shrewsbury]. 23 Oct. 1779. 321
502. Boulton & Watt [Birmingham] to Prichard & Barlow (Wharfingers Quay, Bristol).
9 Nov. 1779. 322
Spelt here as “Pritchet & Barlow”.
503. Matthew Boulton (Soho) to John Wilkinson [Bersham]. 12 Nov. 1779. 322
504. Boulton & Watt (Soho) to James Dormer [Longford]. 12 Nov. 1779. 323
505—586: Soho Letters 27 Feb.—15 Jul. 1780.
Pages 325 to 401 are blank. The memorandum at the start of the book notes that “Soho Letters from 12 Nov. 1779 to 13 Jan. 1780 are wanting as also Cornish letters up to Mr. Watt’s return 27 Feb. 1780.”
505. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [London]. 27 Feb. 1780. 402
506. Boulton & Watt [?] [Birmingham] to ? (—). [27 Feb. 1780.]. 402
Part of a letter to a shipping agent.
507. Boulton & Watt (Birmingham) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 27 Feb. 1780. 402
508. Boulton & Watt (Soho) to John Wilkinson [London]. 28 Feb. 1780. 403
No. Description Page
509. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Turner [Bersham]. 1 Mar. 1780. 404
510. James Watt (Birmingham) to Jabez Hornblower [?] (—). 1 Mar. 1780. 404
511. Boulton & Watt (Soho) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 1 Mar. 1780. 404
512. James Watt (Birmingham) to — Matthews (—). 6 Mar. 1780. 405
513. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Budge [Camborne]. 6 Mar. 1780. 406
514. James Watt (Birmingham) to Alexander Black (111 Upper Thames St., London).
7 Mar. 1780. 407
515. James Watt (Birmingham) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 7 Mar. 1780. 407
516. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Turner (Bersham). 13 Mar. 1780. 408
517. James Watt (Birmingham) to Jabez Hornblower (—). 13 Mar. 1780. 408
518. James Watt (Birmingham)to Francis Thompson [Ashover]. 13 Mar. 1780. 408
519. James Watt [Birmingham] to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 13/14 Mar. 1780. 409
520. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Turner [Bersham]. 14 Mar. 1780. 409
521. James Watt (Birmingham) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 21 Mar. 1780. 410
522. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Turner (Bersham). 20 Mar. 1780. 410
The letter contains a sketch of air pump box flanches.
523. James Watt (Birmingham) to Joseph Jary [Nantes]. — Mar. 1780. 411
524. Memorandum. Order from Messrs. Boulton & Watt for Messrs. Spedding Hicks
& Co. — Mar. 1780. 413
525. James Watt [Birmingham] to Richard Dearman (Eagle Foundry). 27 Mar. 1780. 413
526. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Turner [Bersham]. 25 Mar. 1780. 413
527. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Williams [Burncoose]. 26 Mar. 1780. 414
528. James Watt [Birmingham] to Logan Henderson [?] [Redruth]. — Mar. 1780. 414
529. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Budge [Camborne]. 28 Mar. 1780. 415
530. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson (Bersham). 29 Mar. 1780. 415
531. James Watt (Birmingham) to Jabez Hornblower (—). 29 Mar. 1780. 416
No. Description Page
532. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson (Bersham). 1 Apr. 1780. 417
533. James Watt (Birmingham) to Logan Henderson [Redruth]. 4 [?] Apr. 1780. 417
534. James Watt (Birmingham) to Logan Henderson [Redruth]. 11 Apr. 1780. 418
535. James Watt [Birmingham] to Logan Henderson [Redruth]. 12 [?] Apr. 1780. 418
536. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Bersham]. 14 Apr. 1780. 418
537. James Watt (Birmingham) to Jonathan Hornblower (—). 15 Apr. 1780. 419
538. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Turner (Bersham). 15 Apr. 1780. 419
539. James Watt (Birmingham) to William Richards (Halgarrack). 18 Apr. 1780. 420
540. Memorandum. Order to Eagle Foundry for Boulton & Watt for Poldice Middle
Engine. 21 Apr. 1780. 420
The original was signed by Watt and sent to Richard Dearman.
541. James Watt (Birmingham) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 20 Apr. 1780. 421
542. James Watt (Birmingham) to Logan Henderson [Redruth]. 22 Apr. 1780. 421
543. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Bersham]. 25 Apr. 1780. 422
544. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Turner (Bersham). 24 Apr. 1780. 423
545. James Watt [Birmingham] to Logan Henderson [Redruth]. 25 Apr. 1780. 424
546. James Watt (Birmingham) to William Richards (Halgarrack). 29 Apr. 1780. 424
547. James Watt (Birmingham) to Henry Williams (Wren’s Nest). 29/30 Apr. 1780. 425
548. James Watt (Birmingham) to Gore & Shears [London]. 1 May 1780. 425
549. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Broseley]. 7 May 1780. 425
550. James Watt (Birmingham) to Logan Henderson [Redruth]. 9 May 1780. 425
551. James Watt (Birmingham) to Francis Thompson (Ashover). 12 May 1780. 427
552. James Watt (Birmingham) to ? [Cornwall]. 12 May 1780. 427
553. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Turner (Bersham). — May 1780. 428
The letter contains a sketch of a flanch and screw-down holes.
554. James Watt (Birmingham) to Thomas Kevill (Camborne). 23 May 1780. 428
No. Description Page
555. James Watt (Birmingham) to Logan Henderson [Redruth]. 23 May 1780. 428
The letter contains a small sketch of screw holes and a diagram for a curve for a
Y shaft.
556. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Turner (Bersham). 24 May 1780. 430
557. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Turner (Bersham). 25 May 1780. 430
558. James Watt (Birmingham) to Logan Henderson [Redruth]. 25 May 1780. 431
559. James Watt (Birmingham) to Mr. — Taylour (Bedworth). 29 May 1780. 431
560. James Watt (Birmingham) to Anthony Mitchell (Bedworth). 29 May 1780. 432
561. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Williams [?] [Truro]. 31 May 1780. 433
562. James Watt (Birmingham) to Logan Henderson [Redruth]. 31 May 1780. 433
563. Boulton & Watt (Birmingham) to Prichard & Barlow [Bristol]. 31 May 1780. 434
564. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Turner (Bersham). 31 May 1780. 434
565. James Watt (Birmingham) to Joseph Jary [Nantes]. 1 Jun. 1780. 434
566. James Watt (Birmingham) to Jabez Hornblower (—). 1 Jun. 1780. 435
567. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Turner (Bersham). 5 Jun. 1780. 435
568. James Watt (Birmingham) to Logan Henderson [Redruth]. — Jun. 1780. 436
569. James Watt (Birmingham) to Thomas Kevill [Camborne]. — Jun. 1780. 436
This letter was written on the same day as the letter to Henderson.
570. James Watt (Birmingham) to Mr. — Taylour (Bedworth). 3 Jun. 1780. 436
571. James Watt (Birmingham) to Logan Henderson [Redruth]. 13 Jun. 1780. 437
572. James Watt (Birmingham) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 13 Jun. 1780. 437
573. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wright (Dumfermline). [13 Jun. 1780.] 438
574. James Watt [Birmingham] to William Richards (Halgarrack). [13 Jun. 1780.] 438
575. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Bersham?]. 13 Jun. 1780. 439
576. James Watt (Birmingham) to Jethro Hornblower [Whitehall]. 15 Jun. 1780. 439
577. James Watt (Birmingham) to Jabez Hornblower (—). 15 Jun. 1780. 439
No. Description Page
578. James Watt (Birmingham) to Francis Thompson [?] [Ashover]. 17 Jun. 1780. 440
579. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Turner (Bersham). 8 Jul. 1780. 441
580. James Watt (Birmingham) to Logan Henderson [Redruth]. 13 Jul. 1780. 442
581. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Bersham]. 14 Jul. 1780. 442
582. James Watt (Birmingham) to John Wilkinson [Bersham]. 15 Jul. 1780. 443
583. Boulton & Watt (Soho) to Thomas Wilson [Chacewater]. 15 Jul. 1780. 443
584. James Watt [?] (Soho) to ? (—). 18 Jun. 1780. 444
The letter concerns sending a copying press to someone who is going to India via
his son Mr. Hoofstetter.
585. James Watt (Soho) to John Turner [Bersham]. — 1780. 445
586. James Watt [?] (Birmingham) to ? [Cornwall]. 19 Jun. 1780. 445 |