Drowned Lives

Pipehill, Lichfield, Staffordshire. Thursday 2nd Jan. 1800.

To Reuben Wheeldon Esq., Warner Street, Ellesmere, Cheshire.

My dear friend,

I have to report that there seems no end to the troublesome dispute in which the Company finds itself. The Colliery Arm constructed at the behest of Mr N. has been the source of considerable disagreement. For myself, my Estimate shewed that the expence of completing the Navigation might bear little Proportion to the Benefits which would result from it. The failure of the Works has resulted from the want of that vigilant attention which has latterly been bestowed on the construction of the new Reservoir at Cannock Heath.

I am most inclined to impute the Failure to the actions of Mr N. himself. But to attempt to state precisely the cause or the continued causes of this failure would be in vain. If we could compel confession from the Many who were employed in the execution, much light might be thrown on the Subject, but their secrets are buried in the ruins. My Assistant Engineer complains of unreasonable interference on the part of Mr N. and his agents. I know I can maintain my ground on every Position, and have little Doubt that the evidence will enable me to convince the Committee of the rights of this matter. I pray that we might avoid an action in Chancery Court, of which there is much talk at present.

The latest news is that Mr N. has obtained a new Ally in his Cause. Though I entertain as high an opinion of his Judgement as any Man can, both of his knowledge and good sense, yet I am convinced that he has been misled in his association with such a man as M. presents himself to be.

But who is M., you ask? M. is a Gentleman but lately come to the City seeking employment. His Appearance I cannot adequately describe to you. His Manner of Dress puts me in mind of our own Doctor Johnson, as depicted in Mr Boswell’s Life. He commonly wears a full Suit of plain brown Clothes with breeches fastened at the knee with a silver buckle and black worsted stockings. He wears a very wide brown cloth Greatcoat with vast Pockets, a Beaver Hat and Hessian Boots.

He differs from Johnson, however, in that his figure rather more resembles that of Gentleman John Jackson or some other of those Fighters whose names and likenesses are recorded in our Popular Journals. The gossips report that he was obliged to retire from the Ring on account of a weakness of the lungs, and they say the Ladies are wont to faint away at the sight of him, for fear of his savage visage. Would that M. were of as civilised and sociable a Nature as the good Doctor.

Of my family, of whom you so kindly enquire, I am able to send you good tidings, which I hope will give you satisfaction. Sarah is well and contented with her lot. Her Happiness was evident on the occasion of our Son’s first birthday some weeks since. You will easily comprehend that Edward is a great source of pride to us both. I pray that you may set eyes on him for yourself soon.

Your friend,

Wm Buckley