Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 3
At my arrivel here I applyed to Messrs. Rutter & Potts to know if they would undertake to make 16 Nine Pounders or 26 Twelve Pounders. 305They after a days deliberation to know if could collect their workmen (that were discharged previous to their going out of Blast) they could not be got to worke nor the Boerers be prevailed on to stay to do their part of the worke, and their Stock of coals being almost blowen out & wanting to get a new harth in before winter so as to be ready to put her in Blast early in the Spring. These & Sundry other reasons enduced them to decline either of the above jobbs. They say that they are sorry they can’t comply with the request, but if in future you should have any demands of the like, let them know it early & it shall be punctualy complyed with. Reading-furnace is much in want of water and cannot get Metal enough for a twelve pounder. However they will endevour to get them all cast, first the 9 lbr. for counciel of Safty by that time will have plenty of water to cast your 12 lbr. And Mr. Old thinks he shall be able to get them down by the latter end of Nov:ber. If Mr. Old should not get them in time hear & at warwick is Enough 12 lbr. Proved which will soon be sent down belonging to counciel of Safty, which you may Borrow. I have wrote Mr. Towers for Powder to try Mr. Birds guns with at my return from Grubbs which will be the begining of next week. In the Interim I remain with much Esteem your Hble. Servt.