Catalogue Entry: MINT00793
Holograph draft report on the investigation of the Alva mine, in response to a petition for payment from James Hamilton
Contents
The mine was discovered in December 1714 on his grounds by Sir John Erskine but filled in in February 1716. After his smelter James Hamilton brought some samples of ore from the mine to London, Erskine's brother-in-law Haldane informed the Court of the matter. Newton was asked to investigate the mine, but declared himself unqualified, and Justus Brandshagen was appointed instead, with Hamilton as assistant. Details of their remit and terms of payment. Hamilton, 'knowing his own insufficiency', persuaded the Treasury to add his brother Thomas to the team on the same terms as himself. They spent five months on the investigation (September 1716-February 1717), over twice the time necessary, despite express instructions to be quick about it, and then did not submit their report until 29 April. Newton was asked to assess what the team were owed, and on 27 June 1717 delivered a report accordingly [MINT00789 (Mint 19/3/261, 263)] on the basis that their commission had expired on 19 February. They have now received all that was due to them and more, and Newton sees no reason to pay them for wilful delays or for undertaking work they were never appointed to do.
Notes
[For dating, see MINT00794.]
Related Material
First part of the report (up to the appointment of Brandshagen) more fully calendared in NC, 6: 317, n. 3.
