Series 4 > Papers on Sutherland Estate Management 1802-1816 > Volume 9

1811-1816
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to send you some long reports upon it, and will have it all in
writing.
Evening. Young saw Hughes, and is come here to report what
passed. Hughes said his opinon of the Coal was the same as ever
whatever Mr Miller might think who had come from a very rich
colliery of Dickson’s which produces ^10,000 per annum. He said
he knew of the hitches and Dykes as well as Miller, and of the stone,
but thought it a good concern in spite of all. Young then told him
that as you could not of course oversee it yourself you had a sort of
idea of letting it and wished to mention it first to him, in words as
1 stated to you we proposed to do. Hughes said he had an intention
at present of engaging with a lead work in Galloway or Gallway,
but after some conversation Young said ‘Well Mr Hughes if I were
to take half the concern myself would you undertake it with me?’
Hughes said he would in that case, so Young thinks the best way
will be for him and Hughes jointly to make an offer and there is an
Elgin man of the name of Jack who Young thinks will perhaps
undertake a part and reside as manager which he thinks will be
necessary. Young says he likes the sort of active speculation, that he
thinks the carrying on this coal of infinite importance to the north
and that with his opinion of it he has no scruple in risking a con¬
siderable Capital and that he will keep Hughes to work and take
care that you are paid whatever is agreed on regularly; in short he
seems quite alive with the idea, but you will hear more particularly
in a few Posts. He says that if it were his own concern he would be
confident of success, but that in case of accident he would not take
it upon him to advise you to do so. I really think this scheme would
do very well. Young says the length of lease must be considered.
If of 21 years a natural break might be at the end of 14, but many
other points must be considered, of new boring, and where they are
to have the power of sinking etc. They will also require to take a
farm. He also wishes to know in limine if you have any objection
to his being concerned in it, also if you would chuse to take a Share
yourself. With Young’s Capital I should think it will go on well.
The People of the Country will say he has taken us in if it answers,
but that must not be minded having previously considered of a
bargain. This is all as yet.
Young said that he should think after the great press of business is