| Description | Observations on the level of water in his pond and elsewhere. Encloses a letter instructing Samuel Rudge to set on one or both of the Smethwick engines to prevent any water flowing over the weir at Mr. Rabone’s, to the annoyance of Mr. Boulton. (On the same sheet is a transcript in Cheshire’s hand of the letter from Houghton to Rudge.)
Sir,
By the water gauge here we appear to be one inch under full. The boats may flush a little over at Mr. Rabone’s, but that cannot be much. The pond you saw at Aston empty yesterday was filled out of this pond. The increased quantity of water may probably flow over the wear of Smethwick Reservoir, or, being full, they may have turn’d the water into the Mill Course. I doubt not but the summit is below level, and rather than draw the water here in waste, shall be obliged by your sending the inclosed to Smethwick Engines and the water will be drawn up by them, which will afford Mr. Boulton equal relief.
I am, sir, your ever obedient servant,
John Houghton
4th June 1811.
Should the quantity be increased by rain, Rudge will not be able to keep the water down, nor will it probably be of use in the summit in such case I will draw a plug here at any time you may desire.
John Houghton to Samuel Rudge, c. 4 Jun. 1811.
(Transcript.)
Samuel Rudge.
Supposing the summit is not quite full, I have to desire you will on receipt hereof set on one or both of your engines, if necessary, to prevent any water flowing over the weir at Mr. Rabone’s to the annoyance of Mr. Boulton. Should rain fall and the summit become full, the water must be drawn here, and in that case send word to Penson Bourne or yours, John Houghton. |