PUBLICATIONS OF THE SCOTTISH HISTORY SOCIETY VOLUME XLVI NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY January 1905 THE RECORDS OF A SCOTTISH CLOTH MANUFACTORY AT NEW MILLS, HADDINGTONSHIRE 1681-1703 Edited from the Original Manuscripts, with Introduction and Notes, by W. R. J5COTT, M.A., D.Phil., Litt.D. LECTURER IN POLITICAL ECONOMY, UNIVERSITY OF ST. ANDREWS EDINBURGH Printed at the University Press by T. and A. Constable for the Scottish History Society 1905 DA l<5b 465039 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION- PAGE Part i. The General Characteristics of the New Mills MSS., vii „ ii. The Cloth Trade in Scotland during the Seventeenth Century, . . . xxxi „ in. The Influence of the Joint-Stock Company on the Industrial Revival in Scotland towards the end of the Seventeenth Century, . xxxix „ iv. The History of the New Mills Company, . lv „ v. Documents relating to the foundation of the Company, ... . lxxxiv THE BOOK FOR THE MANAGERS OF THE MANUFACTORIES WEEKLY SEDERUNTS. From June 22, 1681, to March 21, 1691, . . 1 [Printed in full.'] THE SEDERUNT BOOK FOR THE MANADGERS. From 1st January 1701 to June 1703, . . 222 [These minutes during the first and last months are printed in full, the remainder is subject to the omission of the statistics of pieces of cloth made and the names of purchasers and of the managers attending each meeting.] INDEX, . . . . ... , . .357 INTRODUCTION Part I. — The General Characteristics of the 4 Newmills MSS. 1 Lord Rosebery, in moving the adoption of the Report of the Scottish History Society in 1903, drew attention to the valuable information, relating to the environment of those who lived long ago, contained in their account-books, diaries, and family papers. In the Account Booh of Sir John Foulis, 1671-1707, members of the Society already have a record of the purchases of a gentleman of the period, and the manu- scripts printed in this volume are supplementary in so far as they cover much of the same interval, but treat of it from the point of view of the producer rather than that of the consumer. Further, being minutes, and not formal accounts, these documents contain a large amount of new material, dealing not only with the mechanism of business, but with the life of the time. As apart from the positive increase in our knowledge of the period, one of the most charming characteristics of these records is the astonishing amount of human nature they con- tain as compared with similar documents of later date. Probably in Scotland in 1681 there were no precedents for the writing of minutes of a commercial undertaking, nor as to what should be recorded and what not. Hence, though the economist may miss particulars of some transactions he might expect to find, the general reader is more than compensated by the glimpses he obtains of the character of the merchants concerned, and curious side-lights on domestic life. vii viii THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY In one respect indeed these papers are quite unique. When one endeavours to reconstruct the common daily life of the seventeenth century, a serious difficulty is encountered in the absence of data connected with the little things of commerce. It is true that much of the inner history of the great companies for foreign and colonial trade, such as the East India Company, the Providence Island Company, the Royal African Company, the Virginia Company, the Hudson's Bay Company, the South Sea Company, can be recovered from the minutes which exist either in whole or in part. Then the records of the Banks of England and of Scotland no doubt contain many particulars relating to finance ; but when one has mentioned these, this brief list comprises all the known minute-books for this early period, and none of them has been printed in full. 1 It will be noticed too that not one of the companies alluded to was a manufacturing one, and it is in this respect that the papers of the New Mills Company are of very great interest. When the large number and im- portance of the English manufacturing undertakings before 1707 are remembered, it is remarkable that data concerning this class of undertaking have been recovered only as yet from Scotland. Further, the minutes which follow should be of value since the greater part has been printed in full, and the remainder with only a single species of omissions, which was rendered necessary for reasons to be explained below. The writing of an introduction and notes to documents of the kind indicated is a task of no common difficulty, since such work can best be performed by a comparative method, and in this case there is nothing available where direct resem- blances may be found. Thus at first there will be many 1 Some of the early volumes of the Court Books of the East India Company have been calendared in the Calendars of the State Papers— Colonial— East India Series, and extracts from the books of the Virginia Company have been published. There are certain fragments of the minutes of the Darien Company which have been printed in Darien Papers. INTRODUCTION ix passages that are likely to be almost unintelligible to the reader, since not only have methods of business and manufac- ture changed, but this particular undertaking worked under conditions that have long since disappeared. In fact it in some respects exercised functions now assumed by Government, and it enjoyed most extensive privileges and immunities from the state. To make clear these and other points as they arise in the text would involve very many footnotes, besides much repetition. Further, it is probable that records such as these will be consulted by two different classes of readers — the one being interested chiefly in the social conditions of the time, and the other in the economic development presented. For a complete understanding of the latter it is necessary to be able to picture the whole complicated history of the cloth trade in Scotland during the seventeenth century (which is given in Part n. of this Introduction), and the mode of organisation of the joint-stock company at that period (Part in.). Then, to trace out the bearing of certain events recorded in the minutes (as well as to supply gaps in them), there is required an outline of the whole history of the com- pany (Part iv.) The last part of the Introduction (Part v.) consists of certain important documents. Thus for the student of economic history the surroundings of the industry and the organisation of Scottish companies are explained, with the addition of an account of how the organisation worked and developed in the particular case of the New Mills under- taking. Others, however, may not be desirous of following out all these details, and for such the minutes will be of interest as relating incidents connected with the social life of the period in which they were written. With a view of removing some difficulties, this part of the Introduction will sum up certain groups of data, the want of which might otherwise delay the reader. For instance, few people are interested in the minute x THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY details of the cloth manufacturing processes of over two hundred years ago, but it will frequently be found that strange words and expressions are used, which, being unknown, distract the attention. Rather than explain them one by one as they occur (where this would be possible), it will probably suffice to give a general description of the method of cloth making, in which most of the terms employed in the minutes will find their place, and similarly with the coinage and other business matters. First of all the nature of the documents should be noticed. That printed first in the text consists of the minutes of the 6 managers ' (i.e. the directors), and it extends from the founda- tion of the Company in June 1681 to 1691. The original MS. is in the University Library, Edinburgh. It is a folio volume of about 436 pages. It came to the Library amongst the Laing Collection of MSS., and comparatively recently had been bound. The binder, possibly finding the title too long for his purposes — it is ' Book for the Managers of the Manufac- tories Weekly Sederunts, 1681'' — condensed it in a manner that gave no clue to the importance of the volume, and it was only by an inspection of the contents that its character became known. This first part of the minutes is printed in full. As already stated, it ends in 1691, and the second part begins in 1701. The latter portion was discovered at the Register House when much of the first series of the minutes was actually in print. It appears to have been filed as part of the proof in some law-case — probably connected with either a sale of cloth to the Government, or the recovery of one of the many debts it records. This MS., as it now exists, ends on June 30, 1703, but it is apparent that many of the concluding leaves have been cut out, so that originally it probably continued till the close of the year. This volume is in the original vellum binding, and, although only contain- ing entries for two and a half years, it is of about the same INTRODUCTION xi length as the first part. The increase of space required to record the transactions of the Company is due partly to the development of the business, partly to certain documents being now summarised, or even copied in full, which before were only mentioned. The Council of the Scottish History Society consented to include as much of the MS. as could be comprised within a single volume of the series. This involved a reduction of the material by about one-third, and the problem arose what to exclude. From previous experience I have found that the worst method of excision is for an editor to exclude what he thought of little interest, or to try to give selections from the MS. as a whole. For one has to consider readers consulting the printed book for all varieties of purposes ; what each generally requires is to be certain that such and such information is either given in full, or if it can only be given in part he will probably have to go to the MS. itself in any case. Fortunately the book itself seemed to suggest certain divisions of the subject-matter. First there is a new feature (as compared with the previous series of minutes), namely, an inventory of the purchasers of each piece of cloth sold and the price paid, as well as greatly extended lists of the pieces made. Now valuable as this information may be to some student of the future, it is of a character that is unlikely to justify printing in full. The company only sold to shareholders and members of the Merchant Company of Edinburgh, and therefore the same names recur again and again. Then the prices realised were not market prices, but (according to a system to be explained later) 4 lot-prices,' 1 and the chief information these long pages of statistics give is the cost of production. This did not vary much for the same quality of cloth, but it did vary greatly as between different grades. Therefore it seemed best 1 Vide infra, pp. n n., 75 n. xii THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY that excisions should be made from these parts of the MS. Further it was found that a part of such particulars could be included, and so these are given for the first month (January 1701) and for the last month (June 1703). That is, in other words, for these two periods the minutes are printed in full, and the portion between is subject to the omission of the names of managers attending each meeting, and of the statistics of cloth made and sold. In addition to the minutes, there are two other docu- ments included, both of which are of considerable interest, and one of them, as far as I know, unique. These being prior to the minutes are printed together at the end of the Introduction. Both were found amongst a number of other papers relating to the estate of Sir James Stanfield (one of the founders of the company), and are at the Register House. The first is headed, 8 A Memorial Concerning the Cloath Manufactory,"' and consists of an estimate of the capital required, the working expenses, and the anticipated profits. Thus it may fairly be taken as a very early prototype of the modern prospectus, and, as such, is of the greatest value, since no other document of the kind of this period is known to exist. The second paper affords much light towards an understanding of the organisation of the company. It is the original contract of co-partnership. In this case there are many similar documents with which it may be compared, and some of the chief points of contact with other companies, both Scottish and English, are enumerated in Part ni. of this Introduction. Thus the present volume will be found to include matter relating to the Company corresponding to its prospectus, its memorandum of association, and the minutes for a period of between one-third and one-half of its total existence. It is to be expected that business conducted so long ago would differ in many respects from that of the present day. INTRODUCTION xiii The 4 merchant erectors of the manufactory ' show through their official acts a strong human interest. We see them sometimes kindly, sometimes deeply impressed with a sense of their importance, occasionally, as we should be inclined to think nowadays, a trifle overbearing. As instances of these characteristics, attention may be directed to the following minutes. On April 16, 1684, it was ordered that 4 in con- sideration of the pains the mesters doughter hath bein offen putt to when we goe out [i.e. from Edinburgh to New- mills], ... to give his daughter a present of some wearing cloaths to the value of ten crouns."* 1 Evidently the ' masters doughter ' was a favourite, for previously (November 2, 1682) directions had been given 4 to buy as much stamped stuff, or any other good handsome stuff' as be a suit of curtings to the master's daughter. 12 Workmen who had deserved well were not neglected, for on April 29, 1685, there is the following minute : 4 The mester haveing represented the condi- tione of Alexander Smiths familie, that hime self wyfe and children have bein long seik of ane feaver and that he is most miserable yet a very honest servant ordered that James Marr pay his house rent." 3 Apart from employes, the managers endeavoured to recompense persons who had treated them well. Thus a member who had 4 friedly and kindly ' offered a loan to the Company, 4 was thanked, and a lady who 4 hes bein very kind to the work people," was to receive 4 two stone of ordinarie fleec wooll/ 5 There was a sturdy independence in the dealings of the managers with other firms. In 1702 it had been suggested that money should be borrowed from the Bank of Scotland to supply a temporary emergency, whereupon 4 Bailly John Hay answered that he was not altogether willing that such a society should 1 Minutes, § 447. 4 § 230. 2 § 238. 8 § 683. 5 § 680. xiv THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY borrow from the bank, and if £150 could serve for a litle time he would lend it. 1 1 In many respects the relation of the company to its servants was patriarchal. One of the early entries deals with the payment of a salary of twenty merks a year to a piper at New Mills. 2 But it is not very long before we read of a prison being established at the works : 4 There being a motion made of the necessity of a prison att the manufac- tory, its ordered thatt the house thatt was the stable be devided with a ston wall, and iron stenchers be putt in the window." 3 Not only were insubordinate servants liable to be imprisoned or dismissed, but, lest they should 6 debouch * others in time to come, they were even prevented from remaining in Haddington. 4 Some of the spinners who stole or 4 detained 1 yarn were dealt with in a drastic manner by being kept in prison 4 till the mercat day, and ther to stand in time of the mercat two hours, with a paper mentioning ther fault in great letters. 1 5 Similarly, * if any weaver when he brings home his peece of cloath conceall or abstract any year[n]e he shall pay for evry pound of it five shillings and for English or Scotts 3s. shilling [sic] sterling the pound and shall be discharged the imploy imprisoned one day and stand two hours in the mercat day in the mercat place with a peaper on ther face.'' 6 In 1685 a woman was confined 4 in the tol- boath of Hedingtoune, for imbassleing of wooll befor the magis- trats,"* and the master was ordered 4 to get out of her what discovery he can, and therafter to desire the magistrats to turne her out of the toune."' 7 Hands that broke their engagements were subject to being brought back forcibly, unless they had 1 Minutes, 1702, July 29, p. 317. 2 §7L 3 §246. 4 §§ 244, 248. 5 § 529. 6 § 53 1 - That is, a fine of 5s. for each pound of Spanish wool abstracted, this being more valuable than the British commodity, and similarly with yarns. 7 §§ 707, 7o8. INTRODUCTION XV obtained strong protectors. Thus in 1701, Maxwell, then master, communicated with the managers that he thought * it fitt to gitt back the servant belonged to his work that runn away and ingadged in the manufactory at Hamilton e, to be ane terror to others to runn aimy ; and that there are some other servants runn away and gone to my Lady Harcut to whom Bailly Marjoreibanks and Mr. Maxwell have wrot a discreet letter demandeing them back." 1 A close hand was kept on the officials as well as the unskilled labourers. A letter having been received from the secretary which was very difficult to read, he was ordered to 6 take more paines to write plainly. 1 2 There is often a very peremptory tone in the directions given : the accountant was told to have certain accounts completed with 6 all the hast[e] possible ' ; 3 and elsewhere, expressions such as 6 all haste imaginable,' and 6 all diligence possible, 1 occur frequently. 4 The 6 master 1 was bound, under a penalty, to turn out good and sufficient cloth, and in cases where defects were held to be due to careless supervision, he was charged with a suitable penalty. The following minute constitutes a very sharp reprimand : < Orders Alexander Weir to wryt to David Maxwell that there is a generall complaint of the leidges of the Companie's cloaths, both as to ill mixing and ill burling being full of holes, and of the ill milliring which is most of all complained of which makes the Manadgers and others weell affected to manufactories affraid that the parliament may take it under there consideratione and rescind the pro- hibitory laus and againe allow of the import of forraigne goods because of the insufficiency as said is, 1 whereupon follows a line and a half obliterated, and marked in the 1 Minutes, July 16, 1701, p. 264. 2 § 323. 3 § 496. 4 July 8, 1702, p. 312 ; June 16, 1703, p. 352. xvi THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY margin 4 this scored by consent."* Evidently the 4 scored out ' portion was a further censure on Maxwell, since the follow- ing words can be traced, 4 and that some are apprehensive that Mr. Maxwell,'' the remainder being unreadable. 1 The managers themselves were bound by stringent rules. If they attended a sederunt late, they had to pay a fine vary- ing in amount according to the period of absence. 2 It was further agreed that 4 any of there number undertakeing any particular to be done by them betwixt and there next meet- ing, if they shall faile to doe the same they shall forfait foure shillings Scotts. - ' 3 Related to the conduct of business, there are some inter- esting side-lights on the social customs of the period. A general meeting of the company was held 4 in John Littles back shop, 1 another at Hamilton^ Coffee-house 4 after the burials? sometimes later on at other coffee-houses (as for instance the High Coffee-house), and sometimes at the Hall of the Company. 4 Apparently the seventeenth century shareholder was no more regular in attending meetings than is the modern one ; but while it may sometimes happen that a board of directors rather rejoices in a 4 thin meeting,"' the New Mills managers felt somewhat injured, as is shown by the following minute : 4 We have had two generall meetings att quhich not above 4 men were present, and for which cause it were fitt some effectuall course should be taken for more punctuall keeping/ 5 It would be an interesting psychological study to ascertain how it so often happens that the most sedate men unbend over a horse deal. It was so at all events with the New Mills managers. First they sold 4 a cropt horse 1 for i?7 sterling. 6 1 Minutes, April 14, 1703, p. 344. 2 §§22, 118. 3 §125. 4 §§ 47» 73 > March 25, 1702, p. 296. Just as many meetings are now held at Cannon Street Hotel. 5 §§ 130 and 131. 6 §215. INTRODUCTION xvii Then on contracting to have their cartage done, they gave orders for three other horses to be sold 4 att the best advan- tage.' 1 Either two out of the three or two more were sold for £7 sterling the pair, 2 but only a short time afterwards the master was allowed to buy another at Kelso fair at from £5 to £7 ; and it is recorded, with evident enjoyment, 4 he [the horse] being a peni worth acording to the masters letter reed this day.' 3 Sad to relate, the Company valued its own stock at a higher price than it set on other people's. In 1684 some members of the Privy Council (in- cluding the Treasurer) inspected the works. The managers provided not only * a treat,' but also conveyances. The horses were hired, and one met with a mischance, and hence the following record, 4 ordered to pay the man who hired his horse (upon the Theasourer his coming to Newmilns) for the service of the company which horse dyed, and the owner being pour, do pay into hime twenty shillings sterling.' 4 Some quaint expressions and descriptions may be noticed. A 6 blew fatt ' was to be erected, and the contractor was bound 6 to make her sufficient work.' 5 Skilled workmen were subject to a kind of examination, sometimes on their being likely to be permanent, 4 such as are sober men that wee need not fear the runing away ' ; sometimes as to their qualifica- tions : 4 Joseph Young be desired to speak with the dyer at Kinross to try his humor, character, pairts, knowledg, sobriety,, how he is imployed if he would remove and for what.' 6 Later on, similar directions were given to the London agent relating to obtaining a weaver of broadcloth, skilled 4 in all the parts therof, from the fleece to the chope, such as scrib- bing, dyeing, mixing, burling, etc' 7 The following entry 1 Minutes, § 238. 2 § 274. 3 § 341. 4 §§45i, 457. 5 §57. 6 §§106, 505. 7 April 14, 1703, p. 344. b xviii THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY seems to indicate a leisurely way of doing business. It was to be ascertained whether 6 Duchrie Graeme be in toune, and if he be in toune, that Ballendalloch be acquent therewith that he may commune with him anent ane bargaine of oakin timber." 1 A 6 damnefied ' pipe of oil is described as * not worth any thing, and noe better than the dirt of the streets/ 2 A debtor for a considerable sum sent a petition to the following effect, that he was 4 verry willing the Com- pany be satisfyed, bot of himselfe being altogether unable to satisfy it, bot that if he could prevaill with any freind to procure a part, he hopes the Company will be so kynd to him as to give him ane ease. 1 3 The case of Alexander Mastertoune, Provost of Linlithgow, deserves honourable mention. The books of the company had been ill-kept before 1701, and no record had been preserved of a sale made to him. Mastertoune, however, came forward without being called on, and paid his debt.* The minutes give much information bearing on the materials used in the costumes of the time. Most plain- coloured cloths were made at New Mills. The demand for different colours varied according to fashion and for quality according to circumstances. In 1701 a piece of sad-coloured cloth had lain so long in the warehouse that it had become moth-eaten ; 5 but in 1702 fine silver-grey shades were much demanded for second mourning. 6 In the following year the following colours, namely yellow, light and dark blue, red and some light stone grey, were most required for liveries prior to the opening of Parliament. 7 In addition to cloth, stockings had been made during the early years of the com- pany's career. It is of some interest to note that in 1683 buff and ' a true native grass green 1 were favourite colours for 1 Minutes, May 12, 1703, p. 347. 2 Feb. 26, 1701, p. 237. 3 May 7, 1 701, p. 248. 4 Oct. I, 1701, p. 278. 5 Aug. 13, 1701, p. 270. 6 July 8, 1702, p. 313. 7 March 10, 1703, p. 342. INTRODUCTION xix women's hose. 1 The following year the fashionable shades were 4 grein masarein blew hair collour, gold and chirie collour. , 2 The methods of manufacturing cloth at the end of the seventeenth century are now of only antiquarian interest. At the same time there are so many references in the text to technical terms of the period that it may be convenient to summarise as briefly as possible the chief steps in the process. Sorting. — The first step was to sort the wool on its arrival at the factory when delivered by the fleece. The sorter separated the different qualities and lengths. Scouring or Scrubbing was the process of washing the unworked wool in order to free it from grease. It was placed in a mixture of three parts water to one of urine, and then drained and cleansed in running water. Beating, 4 Swinging? and Picking. — When dry the wool was beaten on hurdles to render it flexible and to liberate any dust contained in it. Then it was picked over by hand to separate any larger particles of foreign matter that had escaped the beating. Oiling. — Next comes oiling. On the Continent olive oil was used, in England rape oil. 3 The threads sorted to form the warp were less oiled than those for the woof. Carding. — Preparatory to spinning the wool was carded so as to comb out anv knots. The cards or 6 stock cards ' were made of wood with upright pieces of wire fastened in them. A bunch of wool known as a 4 sliver 1 was held in one and the other was drawn through it. 4 Spinning. — In the spinning of yarn for making into cloth two kinds of thread were made — the one, close-twisted for the warp, the other, looser, for the woof. 1 Minutes, § 284. 2 § 465. 3 A Comp/eat Body of Husbandry, by Thomas Hale, vol. iv. p. 97. 4 A pair of wool cards are drawn in History of Wool and Woo/combing, by James Burnley, p. 89. XX THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY Weaving- was the first process in the making of cloth as distinct from the preparatory stages. It is difficult to convey any clear idea of this process without a minute description of the old loom, and this would require diagrams. 1 The ' abb 1 (or yarn intended for the warp), after being stiffened with size, was extended on the bobbins of the loom. Meanwhile the yarn for the woof had been inserted in shuttles, and the mechanism of the loom enabled the woof-yarn to be passed through the warp. This process was continued till the whole warp was filled with woof. The cloth in this form was again 6 scoured," and subsequently passed to the fulling-mill. 6 Fulling ' or ' Milling.'' — It was at this stage of the process that mechanical power was required. This was supplied at New Mills by means of a water-wheel, which alternately raised and depressed large wooden mallets which beat the cloth. While being ' fulled 1 the cloth (after being prepared with fuller's earth) lay in troughs in which there was a mixture of water and Castile or Genoa soap. The teasel. — When the cloth had been again washed it was sent to the carders, who, by means of the 6 teasel," 1 raised the threads of the woof. The teasel was the head of a plant (JDipsacus dipfsacacece) very thickly set with slender-pointed bracts. Burling. — Any knots still remaining in the woof were removed by means of a * burling-iron,' 1 which was a species of tweezers. Shearing. — The shearmen were responsible for producing an even nap on the cloth by clipping off any projecting parts of the woof. The cloth was subject to several shearings, and after each (except the last) was returned to the carders. Tenting. — After another washing the cloth was stretched 1 The loom of the period is drawn by Lewis Crommelin in the State of the Lineti Trade (1705), and in a more modern work, The Weavers' Craft y by Daniel Thomson (1903), p. 164. INTRODUCTION xxi on poles known as 4 tenters, and then made up by being placed on a table and sprinkled on the back with gum-arabic. Stretching or Drawing. — The cloth was then extended between two rollers, between which was an iron bar for the fabric to rest on. Underneath was an iron brazier which supplied the heat necessary to make this process a success. Pressing. — Some cloths that were to be turned out with a gloss were overlaid with vellum and placed in a screw-press. Finally, heated pasteboard was placed between the folds, and the cloth was again pressed. One of the greatest secrets in cloth-making was the dyeing. If the piece was to be of one colour it might be dyed after being received back from the ' shearmen,"* or the wool might be dyed before weaving. A more complicated process was the production of what were called 6 mixtures.'' In this case the wool was dyed — one lot one colour and another another. The darker wool was laid out evenly on a flat floor and the lighter shade superimposed. It was then wound up into a long roll, like a very thick rope. This was picked out and worked in the method already described. Dyeing was a comparatively simple process. A boiler of copper (called in the minutes 4 a kettle , ) had a cross bar at the opening. When wool was dyed, it was placed over this bar and passed backwards and forwards into the dye below. Some dyes were used cold, but most were applied heated. It was in the mixing of the dyes that skill was shown. There were only three prime colours — blue, red, and yellow. Black was obtained by intensifying dark purple. Before the application of any dye certain preparations were used to make the wool or cloth receptive of the dye, such as elder- bark, alum, argol (' argall, 1 § 482), saltpetre, potash, and sometimes gums, e.g. gum arabic or mastic. Most of the strange words that occur in the text are variants of terms used to describe different dyes. xxii THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY Black was chiefly produced from copperas. Blue from woad, indigo (' Jameca indigo,' § 733), and logwood. Yellow from weld or dyer's weed, sumach (' shoe-make,' § 687), and old fustic (< fussich,' § 482). Red from red-wood (mahogany), madder, cochineal, sassafras. To intensify colours (as, for instance, to make red flame- coloured) aquafortis was used. In many cases dyers who worked on a large scale prepared the dyes from the raw material themselves by grinding or pounding a wood (such as mahogany) to extract the colouring-matter. Colours other than those mentioned were obtained from dyeing first a primary shade then a second primary shade. 1 The minutes are of great importance in determining the rates of wages ruling at the time. The Scottish rates for unskilled labour were slightly lower than those current in England ; while, since inducements had to be given to highly trained men to migrate, these received something above what they could obtain in England. Thus weavers and dyers at New Mills obtained just the same daily wage as the agricultural labourer in some parts of England — that is, 8d. sterling a day in both cases. The average rate for an English artisan was about Is. sterling a day, but at New Mills shearmen and drawers received from Is. to Is. 8d. a day. Some idea of the real wages can be gained from the fact that the master was paid 2s. sterling per week for boarding the apprentices. The food and accommodation in this case would be much superior to that of the workmen, since one of these apprentices was to receive £6 sterling the first two years, £12 for a second term of the same length, and thereafter £30 a year. Particulars as to wages are summarised in the following table : — 1 Most of the foregoing particulars have been taken from Postlethwaite's Dictionary of Commerce, articles on 'Drugs,' 'Dyes,' 'Cloth,' 'Wool,' etc. ; Dictionarium Rusticum Urbanicum et Botanicum (2nd edition, 1717)- INTRODUCTION xxm 8 o ~ '•v c O o o o o O^J O^ONm 't^-'t^OOO^'tO o »ji u-> u-1 u^oo oo oo in moo o ^•Tj-rJ-^-O O O ^ tO N N \ \ M V 13 T3 T3 ~— —-^13 13 N «N M CN N LS2 13 . nr tj-13 « M 00 N C/3t/JC/)C/Jt/3(/)l/J(/Jl/:t/3 13 • • Ti T3 CO CO CO mOO 00 OO CO COOO II II II II II II II II II II t/3C/3c/3!/3(/)C/3(flt/)t/3 *>G^ § bJ5 S o i- c S . 2 © 2i . O >- 13 *~ eS C S3 g S g> 1 ? o .5 oo ."S a, „ S - fl S -° S => — r> w • - s & • V J-H S eg ya . S * o — < ^5 .5, ^ is D O CJ CJ ^ 2 o xxiv THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY To avoid frequent lengthy footnotes, it may not be out of place to conclude this part of this Introduction by a short account of the coins current and the state of the foreign exchange. The capital of the Company was expressed in pounds sterling, and as far as possible the accounts were kept in sterling, but there are frequent references to Scottish. Dutch, and Flemish currency. It is scarcely necessary to state that the pound Scots was equivalent to 20d. sterling, or that it may be reduced to sterling by dividing by twelve and conversely. In Flemish currency there were pounds con- sisting of 20 6 schillings, 1 and each 'schilling 1 of 12 pence. In both Holland and Flanders the common monetary unit was the 'stiver. 1 The rix or rex dollar in the former con- sisted of 50 stivers, in the latter of 48 stivers. The rix dollar of Holland was rated by Sir Isaac Newton at 52*28 pence sterling. The Dutch ducatoon consisted of 63 stivers, and was rated at 65*59 pence sterling. The following table will show the relative values of these and other coins i 1 — Name of Coin. Value in Sterling. Approximate Value Scots. Dutch Currency Number of Stivers. One pound Scots, . The rex dollar of Holland, . The ducatoon of Holland, The guilder florin of Holland, The mark Scots, . The stiver, .... 20 pence 52'28d. 65"59d. 20-o8d. I3§d. i -oo4d. £2 12 3 £3 5 6 £1 0 0-96 £0 13 4 £o I 0*48 50 63 20 It cannot, however, be too clearly understood that these ratios represent the mint par of exchange between the differ- 1 Cf. Newton's table, quoted in Postlethwaite's Dictionary of Commerce, under 'Coin'; Ruddi man's Introduction to Anderson's Diplomata Scotia \ Introduc- tion to The Account Book of Sir John Foul is, p. xxxii. The nominal value of some of the coins in Scotland was fixed by law or custom somewhat higher than the mint value. For instance, in 1683 certain specified dollars were rated by proclamation at 56s. Scots. — Records of the Coinage of Scotland y by R. W. Cochran-Patrick, vol. ii. p. 173. INTRODUCTION XXV ent coins, or, in other words, the relative value at which two given coins, both unworn, would exchange. In many cases, however, where purchases had been made, payment was ad- justed by means of bills of exchange, when the settlement was effected under the conditions of the rate of exchange ruling at the time. It has been shown by Thorold Rogers how much England suffered by the high rate of exchange that had to be paid on remittances abroad during the early years of the reign of William m., 1 and there are occasional references to the onerous rates Scotland had also to pay even at a later period. Hitherto, however, it has not been possible to estimate the extent of the burden quantitatively, but the discovery of the second part of the New Mills' minutes should provide material for making the necessary calculations. It is perhaps scarcely safe to endeavour to reconstruct the mechanism of so intricate a department of business as the foreign exchange, but in view of the importance of the subject the attempt is worth making, always subject to the proviso that the information is obtained from a single source, and is therefore subject to correction should further data come to light. As the subject, at this early period, is very complex, I venture to assume on the part of the reader a general acquaintance with the principles of foreign exchange. But in the early eighteenth century there was no direct cancella- tion of indebtedness by means of bills of exchange between Scotland and, say, Holland. The Scottish merchant had to calculate the rate from Edinburgh to London and from London to Amsterdam, the total rate being a compound of the two ; and to make a reliable calculation it is necessary to arrive at these three rates so as to check one by the other. There is a passage in the minutes (though one of con- 1 The First Nine Years of the Bank of 'England \ pp. 37-39 xxvi THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY siderable difficulty) which I believe gives the key to the puzzle. On November 5, 1701, there is entered : — 'Mr. Drummond and Vanderhoydens letter 4th instant direct to the Manadgers, advyseing there draught upone Mr. William Frazer for the Company's account payable att London in tuo bills each for 100 lb. sterling att ^- Exchange att 35 Fleems lOjd. per lb. sterling is £2152 10 0 agio att 4j per cent. . . 102 5 0 £2254 15 O ' Orders Alexander Herreot to debet Drummond and partner forsaid for the said £2254, 15, and to give credet to William Frazer in London for the £200 sterling on said account. 1 Orders Alexander Weir to provyd bills to remitt to Mr. Frazer for said payment.' To explain this entry it is necessary to premise that Drummond and Vanderhoyden were the Company's agents at Amsterdam, who purchased Spanish wool and other materials. Frazer was its representative in London. Since the managers had to buy abroad, and could sell little if anything to cover such purchases, they became indebted to their agents at Amsterdam. At this time Drummond had evidently to meet a liability in London, and he drew a bill on the Company's London agent, which he sent to London to satisfy his obligations there. The entry quoted refers to the amount credited to the New Mills Company at the exchange of the day in return for the liability that had to be met by it of £200 sterling in London. Some of the phraseology is obscure, and the following points should be noted. ~ means that the bill was drawn at 6 double usance, 1 that is at twice the ordinary or customary period for payment. 4 Double usance ' in this case would mean a bill payable in two calendar months after date. 4 35 Fleems lO^cl. per lb/ is 35s. 10^d. Flemish as exchanged for £1 sterling. Accord- INTRODUCTION xxvii ing to Justice's tables 1 the par of exchange represented a larger number of Flemish 4 schillings/ therefore £200 sterling would be converted into a less number of Flemish coins than at the par — in other words, a London bill was at a discount relatively to Amsterdam. Further, in Amsterdam transactions were effected not only in current coin but also in bank-money which was at a premium of from 4 to 5 per cent. This premium was known as the 6 agio.' Since the New Mills Company received credit for the agio, it is to be inferred that the exchange of £200 sterling at London into £2152, 10s. Scots at Amsterdam includes the discount on exchange, the agio, and possibly some other charges. With these data it is possible to restate the transaction. Drummond accepts payment of a debt of £200 sterling from the New Mills Company by a bill payable at London. How much is this bill worth at Amsterdam ? If British money exchanged at par, and there were no agio, the bill would realise the equivalent of £200 sterling or ^2400 Scots. 2 But the exchange was adverse to England, and allowing for discount, the agio, and perhaps other charges, .£2400 Scots at London realised only £2152, 10s. Scots in bank-money at Amsterdam. In other words (including the agio) the discount on this transaction was 10-J- per cent., this again being the discount from London to Amsterdam. Thus the New Mills Company had credit for ^2152, 10s. in bank- money of Amsterdam at Amsterdam, and, presumably to bring the books there into line with those at New Mills, 1 General Treatise on Moneys and Exchanges, 1707 (Bodleian Library), re- printed in part in First Nine Years of the Bank of England, pp. 165 et seq. The par gross (or in current coin) was schillings Flemish 27-^, and the rate of exchange from October 24 to December 12 was 36/7-36/6. For some reason not explained, the New Mills Company was only credited with, exchange at the rate of 35/io|. 2 Taking the pound Scots at the usual ratio of 12 : 1. xxviii THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY the amount of the agio at 4j per cent, is added, making £2254, 15s. Scots. This, however, does not conclude the transaction. It was necessary for the New Mills Company to remit bills to London for £200 sterling to cancel the debt of the same amount there. But exchange from Edinburgh to London was also at a discount, and on 19th November the Company had to pay =£225, 10s. sterling for bills on London of £200 sterling, which were remitted to Frazer. This meant that the exchange on London was at a discount of 12*75 per cent. Thus to secure a credit of £2152, 10s. Scots in bank-money at Amsterdam, the Company had to pay no less than £2706 Scots at Edinburgh, or a total discount on the whole transaction of nearly 20*5 per cent. 1 In the minutes we find rates of discount from Edinburgh to London and also from Edinburgh to Amsterdam. The latter are expressed in three different forms. First, in the following form, under February 1, 1701: 6 Payed to James Nimmo as value £3,000 [Scots or £250 st.] in bills remitted to Messrs. Drumond and Vanderhoydcn att $4*. 2d. per £ . . . £302, Is. 8d. [sterling].' That is, to pay £1 sterling at Amsterdam, it was necessary to give 24s. 2d. sterling in Edinburgh, representing a discount on exchange of 20*8 per cent. 2 Secondly, as for instance on (and for some time after) 1 At first sight it would appear that the total discount was over 23 per cent., i.e. 12J from Edinburgh to London, and 10^ from London to Amsterdam. But it is to be remembered that ^2706 Scots was subject to 12J per cent, discount to London, producing .£2400 Scots, and the ^"2400 Scots to io^ 5 per cent, dis- count, producing finally ,£2152, 10s. Scots. According to the figures given by Justice, the total discount (not including agio) would be about 13 per cent. The agio would account for a part but not quite the whole of the difference, while the remainder is probably attributable to the charges and commissions of bill- brokers, e.g., on account of the indirect exchange and to the more distant date of payment than the bills in Justice's lists. A similar qualification has to be made in reference to all the other rates quoted in the minutes. 2 In this as in other cases the discount is in excess of that obtainable from the figures of Justice. The difference slightly exceeds the amount of the agio. INTRODUCTION xxix April 30th, the rate of exchange is expressed as at so many pence (not shillings) per pound, e.g. 24^d. per pound. In such cases the reckoning is made in pounds Scots converted into sterling at 20d., so at this time the discount was 22*5 per cent. Finally, later on the rate is taken in terms of the guilder, as for instance 6 24d. per guilder. 1 As the guilder was counted as equal to £1 Scots, the basis here is similar to the last. To render the data as complete as possible, an examination has been made of the books of the Bank of Scotland from its foundation up to the Union. 1 Up to 1701, although the records are not complete, there are very full particulars of rates of exchange, but after that date, owing to a change in the system of accounts, such information was not preserved. Thus it is not possible to obtain a complete verification of the New Mills figures by comparison with those of a separate institution, still, since the records of both include the year 1701, and since the Bank of Scotland rates on London for January and February are 12J and 14 per cent., and that given by the New Mills Company for the following August is 11 per cent., it may be inferred that the figures of both relating to London were kept on the same basis. To deal fully with this subject would swell this Introduction beyond its appointed limits, but for the sake of completeness, the general state of Scotland's balance of indebtedness may be summarised as revealed by the rate of exchange. About 1681 the discount on payments to London was 12 to 15 per cent. 2 By 1683 this had fallen to 7J, and subsequently in 1 For this valuable information I am indebted to Lord Balfour of Burleigh, Governor of the Bank. Mr. James Clark, the chief accountant, has made the necessary calculations, but for the use made of them I am responsible. 2 A Representation of the Advantages that would arise to this Kingdom by the erecting and improving of Manufactories, but more especially that of woollen cloth, with an answer to the objections against this last, and an account of its present state and success of the Manufactory at Neivmills for woollen c loath, serges, silk, and worsted stockings, and of the rules and methods observed by the undertakers in managing it, with Proposals to such as shall be willing to join in that work. (Edin. 1683.) xxx THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY the same year to 5 per cent. 1 By 1689 the discount was reduced to 2 per cent. 2 In 1696 several transactions were recorded by the Bank of Scotland where the exchange was at par. Afterwards two circumstances caused the rate to rise rapidly. The first was the improvement of the English coinage in 1696, which had the effect, according to Justice, of making Scottish coins, while nominally ranked at the ratio of 12 : 1, exchange as against English at a loss of 10 per cent. 3 In the second place, the strain on the country's finances by the ill-fated Darien scheme 4 began to tell, and thus again there was a discount on exchange to London, which in March 1697 was as much as 15 per cent. After being 8 per cent., in January 1698 it rose to 11 per cent., and by November 1699 it was again 15 per cent., touching 17| per cent, in May 1700. 5 The first record of exchange on London in the second series of the New Mills minutes gives a discount of 11 per cent., and until April 1702 the rate was between that amount and 13 per cent. In June 1702 the fall of the dis- count to 8 per cent, is noticed as i a great ease in the exchange but the relief was only temporary, since by October 1702 it was once more 15 per cent., and although in January 1703 10 per cent, discount is mentioned, the last rates given (March 10, 1703) are 12 and 14 per cent. 6 1 Minutes, §§ 277, 328. 2 § 1266. In 1688 (§§ 1 106, 1 179) there are doubtful rates that would be considerably higher. 3 A General Treatise of Monies and Exchanges (1707), p. 93. 4 Cf. article on the 'Fiscal Policy of Scotland before the Union,' Scottish Historical Review, vol. i. p. 182. 5 Bank of Scotland Records. 6 It would require too much space to enter with more detail into the intricacies of the rates of bills of exchange with Holland. The chief point of difficulty is that the rates in these minutes are in excess of those obtained by taking the discount on London and then the discount or premium from London to Amsterdam. I hope elsewhere to deal with this very interesting problem. INTRODUCTION xxxi Part II. — The Cloth Trade in Scotland during the Seventeenth Century During the earlier years of the reign of James vi. Scotland had suffered from internal dissensions, with the result that both domestic and foreign trade was subject to frequent in- terruptions. No doubt there were many wealthy merchants residing in Edinburgh and the ports of the east coast who had acquired fortunes by the importation of commodities from France and Holland. 1 Almost all articles of luxury, as well as most of the comforts of life, were produced abroad, so that the chief imports consisted of wines and manufactures. Those exported were raw materials, such as coal, lead, wool, and linen yarn, the management of the shipping of these latter being in the hands of the organisation known as the Scottish Staple. By the time of James vi. it began to be felt that Scotland was very far behind other nations in its trade. To the economic ideas of the time it appeared a serious evil that raw materials were exported and manufactured goods im- ported. Still worse was it that, as was alleged, the Dutch found a gold-mine in their fishing off the coasts of Scotland. During the reigns of James and Charles i. two broad lines of commercial policy were pursued, but in a somewhat hesitating manner, — the encouragement of the home and Greenland fish- ings and the attempt to establish Scottish manufactures. In a memorial prepared for the king about 1620, by John Keymor, it was estimated that the foundation of a trade to foreign countries in the exporting of fish and manufactures would make the country richer by =£3,000,000. He recom- mends, with much detail, the vigorous prosecution of the 1 ' Edinburgh Merchants in the Olden Time,' in Edinbtirgh Papers, by Robert Chambers (1861), pp. 9-16. xxxii THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY fishings both at home and in Greenland. 1 Ideas of this nature had already resulted in the formation of a company to prosecute the whale fishing and to trade to India in 1617 ; but owing to engagements made by James i. to the East India Company of England, it was necessary to recall the patent. An important fishing company was formed by Charles i., which was intended to have subordinate associations for each district. 2 The kino; reserved the right of allotting: certain counties to persons chosen by himself, with the result that enterprises requiring business skill were left in the hands of prominent courtiers, and it is scarcely necessary to add that the shareholders suffered. The same policy of grants of mono- polies on personal grounds was extended to the field of manu- factures. For instance, in 1619 privileges were granted to Nathaniel Udwart (son of a Nicol Udwart who had entertained the king) for a soap manufactory at Leith, and in 1634 a monopoly for the same commodity was conferred on 6 the King's daily servitor, 1 Patrick Mauld, 3 and in 1610a patent had been granted to Sir John Hay for the manufacture of glass at Weems. 4 A still earlier monopoly had been received in 1590 by several Germans for the production of paper, but all these industries were failures. 0 A much more serious attempt was made to establish the making of a finer cloth than that which had hitherto been produced. In fact the watchword of Scottish economic policy was to ' rival the Dutch in fishing and the English in the woollen trade."' With these ends in view seven Flemish weavers were induced to settle in Scotland in 1601, six of whom were intended to introduce con- tinental methods of making serges and one those of broadcloth. 1 1 Policies of State Practised in Divers Kingdoms for the Encrease of Trade ' (Edinburgh University Library, Laing MSS., Division ii., No. 52), ff. 3, 22-24. 2 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. v. p. 222. 3 The Domestic Annals of Scotland, by Robert Chambers, vol. i. p. 510. 4 Ibid., vol. i. p. 428. 5 Ibid., vol. i. p. 195. INTRODUCTION xxxiii The foreigners had expected to be allowed to live together but the jealousy of the chief towns prevented this, and it was proposed that one of them should be sent to each of the seven important burghs. The weavers were forced to appeal to the Privy Council ; for, while the towns were fighting for the honour of their presence, the men themselves were in danger of starvation, being neither 4 entertained 1 nor set to work. The Council ordered that they should remain for the present in Edinburgh, and that in the meantime food and drink were to be given them till they were set to work. Six weeks elapsed without anv arrangements being made by the burghs for the employment of the weavers, and the Privy Council notified the magistrates concerned that unless work was- started by the month of November, the Royal privilege would be withdrawn. Finally, in 1609, the foreigners were allowed to remain in Edinburgh, at Bonnington, and cloth was actually produced. 1 The weavers received special privileges from the Privy Council, but the work was interrupted by the magis- trates of the Canongate, who endeavoured to force the strangers to become freemen, and thus, owing to the jealousy of the incorporated trades, the work was subject to frequent inter- ruptions. 2 In spite of the many difficulties of the Government during the first half of the seventeenth century, the ideal of a woollen trade that would rival England's was steadily kept in view. Thus in 1623 an attempt was made to encourage the woollen and fishing industries by the formation of local companies. Beyond a communication from the Convention of Royal Burghs thanking the king for his interest in the matter, there is no information as to the effects of this proposal on the cloth trade. 3 Again in 1633 the Magistrates of Peebles, antici- 1 The Domestic Annals of Scotland, by Robert Chambers, vol. i. p. 351. 2 History of Civilisation in Scotland, ul supra, vol. iii. p. 306. 3 Records of the Convention of Royal Burghs (1615-1676), p. 144. C xxxiv THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY pating the policy of the trustees of the linen manufacture nearly a century later, resolved to have spinning regularly taught to the children of burgesses by a qualified mistress. 1 In 1641 an Act was passed by the Scottish Parliament to encourage the production of fine cloth. The native wool was not of a sufficiently good quality for the making of broadcloth, and therefore Spanish and foreign fine wool, as well as other materials, such as dyes and oil, were to be imported free of custom. All cloth produced was also to be free of taxation ; and, to encourage the introduction of skilled workmen, their employers were to have complete control over them — in the words of the statute, 6 it shall not be lawful for any one to engage, reset, or entertain any of the servants of these works without the consent of their masters. 12 In 1645 it was further enacted that the masters and workers of manufactories should be exempt from military service and from having troops quartered on them. 3 On the faith of these Acts, factories were started at Bonnington (where the Flemings had settled at the beginning of the century), also at Ayr, and New Mills, near Haddington. 4 All three works were favourably situated, for at that time the great wool-growing districts were the border shires, and the Bonnington and New Mills manufactories had the advantage of easy access to ports where the finer foreign wools might be imported. There is no information as to the success of the undertaking at Ayr. It may be inferred that the one at Bonnington met with sufficient encouragement to establish the industry there, as is shown by frequent references to a cloth factory at that place from 1683 till the end of the century. The New Mills factory is reported to have met with considerable success, but it had the ill-fortune 1 Burgh Records of Peebles ; p. 272. 2 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. v. p. 497. 3 Ibid., vol. vi. p. 174. 4 A Representation of the Advantages that would arise . . . by the erecting and improvhig of Manufactories, p. 16. INTRODUCTION XXXV to suffer during the Civil Wars. It happened that there was a large quantity of cloth belonging to these manufacturers at Dundee which was lost when the town was taken by Monk in 1651. 1 The great difficulty of these three early undertakings was the necessity for importing skilled workmen, the hindrances to the disposing of the goods through the obstructions to free internal trade by the burghs, the manufacturers not being themselves retailers, and lastly, the want of sufficient capital. 2 The poverty of the country was a very serious impediment to any progress in manufactures, and, after the Restoration, attempts were made to remedy this disadvantage. The expenses of starting an industry requiring machinery and skilled workmen were considerable. Not only had the latter to be tempted from their homes by large payments, but there were many obstacles placed in the way of those who wished to obtain manufacturing appliances in England or abroad ; and in addition the cost was magnified by the necessity of such payments being made in a depreciated currency, and at an adverse rate of foreign exchange. 3 After the Restoration a resolute attempt was made to obviate these hindrances to the establishment of industries by two Acts passed in 1661, which embodied ingenious devices for the attracting of foreign capital by re-enacting the privileges granted by the Act of 1641, and in addition offering naturalisation to foreigners. The period of exemption from public and local taxes was limited to nineteen years ; and in the special case of linen and woollen works the undertakers were authorised to have a seal for stamping linens or cloth of a certain standard. To prevent the recurrence of friction between the foreigners and natives, and also as a further encouragement towards the 1 A Representation of the Advantages that would arise . . . by the erecting and improving of Manufactories, ut supra, p. 16. 2 Ibid. 3 Vide Introd. , Part I., pp. xxiii-xxx. xxxvi THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY introduction of capital, it was enacted that, inasmuch as manufactures previously established had for want of sufficient stocks, counsel, and assistance been crushed by those in more wealthy countries, in any case where such enterprises are beyond the means of single persons joint-stock companies might be formed, with full powers to incorporate themselves ; and the making of cloth, linen, and stockings is indicated as a suitable field for such associations. It was further provided that no one except members of such companies should be allowed to export the goods made by that company. Rules were also framed for the internal organisation of the com- panies. The minimum subscription was five hundred merks Scots, and the qualification for a directorship was one thousand merks Scots. 1 This legislation failed to effect the object for which it was designed, because, though considerable privileges were granted to the proposed industries, it was thought that they would not be in a position to compete on favourable terms with manufactured goods imported from abroad, where such trades had long been established. In fact most of the 6 infant in- dustries 1 started immediately after the Restoration were afforded protection by means of patents or Acts of the Privy Council prohibiting importation of the commodities they were intended to produce. A period of twenty years elapsed before measures were taken for a complete protection of the home products. This movement received its final shape during the visit of the Duke of York to Scotland in 1681. On March 1st and again on April 11th of that year the Privy Council prohibited the importation and wearing of certain foreign manufactured goods. These acts were followed by a proclamation to the same effect. 2 This policy was 1 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. vii. pp. 255, 261. 2 Acts of the Privy Council (General Register House, Edinburgh) ; Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. viii. p. 348. INTRODUCTION xxxvii ratified by an Act of Parliament, passed on September 13th, entitled an 6 Act for Encouraging Trade and Manufactures.' The heading of this statute has caused the general trend of its provisions to be misinterpreted, for it is not only designed to encourage native industry but also to be a sumptuary law. These two lines of thought are clearly expressed in the preamble, which states that 4 the money of this kingdom has been exhausted and the foreign exchange raised by the im- portation of foreign commodities which are superfluous or may be made within the kingdom by encouragement given to the manufactures thereof.'' 1 With reference to 6 superfluities,'' several articles of luxury, such as gold and silver thread (as well as things made of such thread), flowered ribbons, silk-embroidered cloths, are forbidden to be either im- ported or worn. To encourage home manufactures pro- hibitions are enacted against the importation of a large number of commodities, such as linen, cambric, calico, East India linen, and all stuffs made of linen or cotton wool excepting arras carpets. 2 Persons possessed of either capital or technical knowledge were encouraged to settle in Scotland and found new industries or improve existing ones, not only by the prohibition of foreign manufactures but also by the grant of additional privileges. They were to receive naturalisation on condition of setting up manufactures of cloth, linen, stockings, or soap, and teaching the trade to Scotsmen. All the raw materials imported for a manufacture which received the benefit of this act were to be admitted free of custom and all public dues for ever. Manufactured products exported were exempt from duties for nineteen years after a given industry was founded. The capital invested was declared not subject to public or local taxes. The works recognised as a manufactory were not 1 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. viii. p. 348. 2 Ibid. xxxviii THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY liable for the quartering of soldiers, and servants employed escaped military service for seven years. Finally, the Act ratifies 1 Car. n., Nos. 43 and 46 in prohibiting the export of raw materials produced at home, such as lint or yarn. 1 Although the Acts of 1661 and 1681 had given partner- ships the right to incorporate themselves, to obtain the privileges offered it was necessary for persons who had started or who intended to start a new industry to apply to Parlia- ment or the Privy Council. Between 1661 and 1681 applications were made by a company for making wool-cards at Leith, founded in 1663, a glass manufactory also at Leith (1664), and the Royal Fishing Company (1670). These three enterprises were granted monopolies. Then there were two sugar- works at Glasgow (1667, 1669), which, though they had no monopoly, were protected against foreign competition ; and in 1667 a company for whale-fishing and soap-making was formed, which was encouraged by a special Act imposing duties on foreign soap, which almost amount to prohibition. 2 On the passing of the Act of 1681, which granted pro- tection to any company or individual that could establish its claim before Parliament, and more especially after the Revolution, the privileges of this Act were sought and obtained for very many different industries. Grants to cloth-works and glass-works were comparatively frequent. An important linen company, known as 4 the Scots Linen Manufacture," was incorporated in 1693, a silk manufactory in 1697, and manufactures of baizes, stockings, sail-cloth, ropes, cordage from 1690 to 1700. Two new partnerships for sugar refining were formed at Glasgow in 1696 and 1700. A company for making white paper was established in 1694. In the department of iron and steel work and 1 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. viii. p. 349. 2 For an account of these companies, vide Scottish Historical Review, July 1904. INTRODUCTION xxxix mining there was a number of ventures. A 4 Company for working mines and minerals in Scotland ' was formed in 1694; another for a draining engine in 1693; a foundry had been established in Edinburgh in 1686. There were two hardware companies (for making knives, scythes, etc.) at Glasgow in 1699, 1700, and a co-partnery for smelting minerals (1701). Of a more miscellaneous character were two gunpowder works (1690 and 1695), a leather stamping company (1695), a company at Leith for works in horn and ivory (1695), another to carry on sawmills at Leith (1695), and a pottery company (1703). Part III. — The Influence of the Joint-Stock Company on the Industrial Revival in Scotland towards the End of the Seventeenth Century. Of all the undertakings established after 1681, the history of the New Mills Company is in several respects the most interesting, in view of the wealth of detail afforded by its minutes, and the extensive powers conferred upon it by the state. But before dealing with that history, it will be necessary to glance briefly at the joint-stock system which made such an organisation possible. In all there were over fifty undertakings which received privileges from the state from 1661 to 1707. In comparison with the relative neglect of manufactures during the first half of the century, the period from 1660 shows a remarkable growth in the introduction of machinery — a growth rendered possible by the employment of capital from outside and the concessions granted to aliens. Of the fifty undertakings mentioned, no less than sixty-six per cent, were companies, some consisting of only a few members, others with a large number of stockholders, such as the Darien Company. xl THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY Only fourteen per cent, were owned by individuals, and the remaining twenty per cent, received privileges in the name of one or two persons, who may or may not have been acting for others whose names did not appear. Under these circumstances, when the joint-stock system did so much to improve existing industries and to start new ones in Scotland, it is worth inquiring how these early companies were organised, and what success they obtained. Altogether, apart from the historical interest of such an investigation, it possesses a distinct value as a contribution to the development of the early joint-stock company, since details can be obtained of some of the Scottish manufacturing companies which are fuller than any that can now be recovered of similar works in England. In comparing the methods of procedure in Scotland and England for the creation of a trading corporation, an interest- ing and important difference should be noticed. In England the legal maxim, that 4 only the king can make a corpora- tion,'* resulted in almost all companies of any importance receiving incorporation by charter or patent from the king, and very few were able to obtain a confirmation of the royal grant from Parliament. The majority of the English patents conferred certain exclusive privileges besides the right of * perpetual succession,'* and therefore Parliament was inclined to oppose the privileged companies. In Scotland the con- verse method was adopted. Under the Act of 1661 the king remitted his powers of forming corporations for trading purposes to any persons who were prepared to invest capital in the establishment of industries. Therefore there were comparatively few Scottish patents for commercial under- takings after the Restoration, and those actually granted differed from the English ones in omitting to specify any particulars as to the nature of the corporation which they authorised. Instead of defining the ' body politic , as one INTRODUCTION xli with perpetual succession, having the right of purchasing lands and of using a common seal, with a specific title and minute regulations as to its internal government, Scottish patents mentioned incidentally that certain individuals con- stituted 6 a societasf 1 or alternatively made certain grants to several persons and their partners (sociis). 2 Similarly, when the privilege of a manufacture was given by Parliament or the Privy Council, it is very rare for any specific title to be mentioned. As a rule the partnership is referred to as carrying on a certain kind of manufacture at a certain place, as, for instance, 6 the New Sugar Manufactory at Glasgow.'' 3 Sometimes, as in the case of the New Mills Company, the undertaking was spoken of as * an incorporation/ 4 Still more remarkable,, as compared with the rigidity of the titles of companies in England, is it that in some cases where Scottish articles of co-partnership have been discovered, the name of the company in such articles differs from that given by its Act of Parliament, even when the articles are subsequent to the Act. Thus in the case of a linen company, the title in the Act of 1693 is the 6 Linen Manufacture at the Citadel of Leith,' 5 while in the articles of agreement made by the company for an issue of capital in 1694 it is described as the 'Scots Linen Manufacture. 1 6 1 e.g. patent to the Sail Cloth Company, ' Societas panni Velaris' (1694). — Reg. Mag. Sig., 1692- 1700, f. 76. 2 e.g. patent to James Currie and another and partners, i6Si. — 7bid., 1676- 1684, f. 142. 3 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. x. p. 66. For an account of these Glasgow companies, vide article in the Scottish Historical Review, July 1904. 4 Ibid., vol. ix. p. 318: 'The Incorporation of the Woollen Manufacture at Newmills in the Shire of Haddington.' 5 Ibid., vol. ix. p. 316. 6 Articles of Agreement made and agreed on this twenty -eight day of May in the year of our Lord 1694, between the Royal Free Burrows . . . of Scotland, who shall be pleased to subscribe and be concerned in the Scots Linen Subscription book for the Linen Manufacture in that Kingdom on the one part, and Nicholas Dupin . . . of the other part. Edinburgh, 1694, pp. I, 2 (Advocates' Library, Edinburgh). For an account of this company, vide an article in the Scottish Historical Review, October 1904. xlii THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY Similarly, the company called in a document it issued 1 the 6 Society of the White Writing and Printing Paper Manu- factory of Scotland,'' was designated the 6 Scots White Paper Manufacture 1 in an Act passed on behalf of the partnership on July 4, 1695. 2 Such examples prove that the corporate character was both more readily granted and less strictly interpreted in Scotland than it was in England at the same period. The mechanism for the creation of companies and the endowing them with the statutory privileges of the Acts of 1661 and 1681, presents a remarkable anticipation of the procedure at the present day to obtain a Private Act before a Parliamentary Committee. Both the Scottish Privy Council and the Estates appointed a Committee of Trade ; and all applications for statutory privileges or for further powers came before these bodies, and those who wished to oppose the grant of a special Act were heard. If the Committee decided in favour of the application, the Privy Council or Parliament, as the case might be, issued an Act in most cases. The following are some instances in which a record of the proceedings has survived. The New Mills Company, having discovered that the prohibition of foreign cloth enacted in 1681 was evaded, presented a petition to the Privy Council in 1685, which was referred to the Committee of Trade, and on a report from the latter body favourable to the Company an Act was granted. 3 In 1698 the White Paper Company already mentioned petitioned Parliament for a restraint on the consumption of rags by the candlemakers of Edinburgh, and the candlemakers made urgent representations against 1 Articles concluded and agreed upon by the Society of the White Writing and Printing Paper Manufactory at Edinburgh the 19th of August 1695, etc. [Edinburgh 1695]. — British Museum, 1391, c. 21. 2 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix. p. 429. 3 Acts of the Privy Council of Scotland (General Register House, Edinburgh), 1685, f- 137. INTRODUCTION xliii the paper company. 1 Sometimes when there was any question of extraordinary immunities for a proposed company, the hearing occupied some time. William Morison of Morison's Haven had obtained the privilege of a manufacture for glass- works he proposed to erect in 1697. 2 The next year he applied to Parliament for a monopoly for his district. The question was debated during the morning sederunt of the Committee of Trade on August 4th, and a decision was postponed till the afternoon. At the adjourned meeting a division was taken whether a monopoly should be granted 'for some few years' or not, and the majority voted in the affirmative. A motion was then put whether the monopoly should be for seven or nine years, and the latter term was accepted on the condition that security should be given that the proposed works would supply the whole kingdom. There was much further discussion ; and, to meet the case of those who had already set up glass-works or who proposed doing so, a motion was proposed that any person should have liberty to set up such a manufacture within nine months, and as an amendment that such liberty should be extended for two years. The amendment was carried, and an Act was passed embodying that result. 3 The number of undertakings that obtained the statutory privileges varied considerably at different periods. Between 1661 and 1681 the applications were comparatively few ; and, as already shown, in most cases a monopoly or special favours in excess of the Act of 1661 were accorded. For some years after the passing of the Act of 1681 the numbers remained small, owing partly to suspicions of the ministry of 1 Parliamentary Papers, 1698 (General Register House, Edinburgh) : ' Over- ture of an Act for the Improvement and Encouragement of the White Paper Manufacture ' ; 1 Representations on behalf of the Candlemakers of Edinburgh against the White Paper Manufacture.' 2 Domestic Annals of Scotland by Robert Chambers, vol. iii. p. 154. 3 ' Minutes of the Committee on Trade,' Parliamentary Papers, 1698. xliv THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY James n., partly to the difficulty and great expense of obtain- ing competent foreign workmen. From 1690 to 1695 (and especially during the three years 1693, 1694, 1695) the number of applications was as great as the total before and afterwards up to the Union. Several causes contributed to this industrial activity. The influx of Huguenots to England had extended to Scotland, and so solved the great difficulty in obtaining skilled labour. It happened too that just at this time there was an extensive promotion of companies in England, and many of the promoters found Scotland a pro- mising field for investment, in view of the comparatively few works requiring capital in existence there, the facilities for the formation of companies, and the many privileges and immunities granted to capitalists. The reason for the fewer applications after 1695 is to be found partly in the collapse of the boom in companies' shares in London, but still more in the lock-up of capital by the company trading to Africa and the Indies, better known as the Darien Company. This organisation constituted the keystone of the whole structure of Scottish commerce at the end of the seventeenth century. It was in fact the necessary outcome of the Act of 1681, for once Scotland prohibited the manufactures of other nations, a policy of retaliation had to be faced. Even as early as the last decade of the seventeenth century manufacturers had begun to feel the advantages of production on a large scale. At this time Scotland had reached what had long been the ideal of her commercial policy, namely, the establishment of manufactures, but at the same time it began to be understood that the price to be paid for this advance was the loss of almost all foreign markets. Therefore the only possible outlet for surplus production was to be found in the creation of Scottish colonies, and it was this chain of facts that con- stituted the true inwardness of the Darien Scheme. INTRODUCTION xlv What would have happened had the colonisation of New- Caledonia proved a success might be easily imagined. But altogether, apart from the opposition of the English Govern- ment, the scheme, though remarkably well conceived, was foredoomed to failure owing to the meagre capital resources of the company. The first of the two English East India Companies had a capital of 488,00c), 1 and in 1698 a second was formed. 2 Against this (supposing English diplo- macy had stood aside) the Scottish Company could call up no more than 42 \ per cent, on £400,000 sterling, and even the whole of the £170,000 was not paid up. 3 In fact the Darien Company was starting with a smaller capital than the English Company had had in 1617, when it was able to found no permanent settlements. The Dutch and English India Companies besides were in possession of trading monopolies in India and the Far East, so that a competing organisation would have required immense capital resources to make sufficient 6 presents 1 to the native potentates to secure any footing. There are several points of interest about the capitalisa- tion of the Darien Company. In the first place, owing to the compulsory withdrawal of English and foreign subscrip- tions, the whole =£400,000 of stock was allotted to Scots- men. 4 In the second place, the call of less than half of this amount made a greater drain on Scottish industrv than would be anticipated. Indeed, there is reason to believe that these calls of £170,000 amounted to nearly as much as the total investments in the new undertakings that had received Parliamentary privileges — and these were just those industries where capital was required. The data upon which this calcu- 1 Charters granted to the East India Company t vol. i. pp. 140-157. 2 Ibid. , vol. i. p. 189. 3 The Darien Papers : Edin. (Bannatyne Club), 1839, passim. 4 Ibid., pp. 371-417. xlvi THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY lation is founded are the following. The capital of several companies is known, e.g. — The Royal Fishing Co., 1670, . . . £25,000 1 sterling. The Glasgow Whaling and Soap Co., 1667, 11, 700 2 „ The Wester or Easter Sugar Co., Glasgow, 10,000 3 „ The Scots Paper Manufacture, 1694, . 4,000 4 „ The Bank of Scotland, 1695, . . . 10,000 5 „ paid up. The Glasgow Rope Co., 1690, £40,000 Scots 3,333 6 „ £64,033 In the case of the 6 Scots Linen Manufacture," a capital of ,£30,000 sterling was offered for subscription, 7 but it was not fully -subscribed, and judging from the difficulty found in completing the subscription of £4000 sterling for the Paper Company, it is unlikely that as much as £10,000 was actually paid up. If, however, this figure be estimated as the capital of the Linen Company, we reach a total of about £74,000 sterling as the capital of seven companies. It would be utterly misleading to take the average of this sum as representing the capital of the typical Scottish company before 1696, because these undertakings mentioned were the largest and most important. Some of the others, such as the New Mills Company, and the remaining early sugar com- pany, doubtless required a capital of close on £10,000 1 Memorials of the Affairs of Scotland from the Restoration , by Sir George MacKenzie (Edin., 1821), p. 184. 2 Glasgow, Past and Present, p. 873. 3 Collection of Petitions to the Barons of the Exchequer (Edinburgh Univer- sity Library), ' Petition of the Master of the Glasgow Sugarie, 1684.' 4 Articles agreed upon by the Society of the White Paper Manufactory \ tit supra, p. 2. 5 A Historical Account of the Bank of Scotland (Edin., 1727), p. 4. 6 The Domestic Annals of Scotland, by Robert Chambers, vol. iii. p. 87. 7 Articles of White Paper Company, ut supra; Parliamentary Papers, 1698, * Overture for an Act for the Improvement of White Paper ' ; Articles of Agree- ment, etc., Scots Linen Manufacture, ut supra, pp. I, 2. INTRODUCTION xlvii sterling. 1 Others, and these would be the majority, would not represent investments of more than £2000 or ,£1000 sterling; some, indeed, would have been below the latter sum. If the capital of the remaining statutory manufactures be averaged at £3000 sterling each, the forty founded before 1696 would have an aggregate capitalisation of £120,000 sterling ; adding this to the capital that is known definitely, the following results are obtained : — Estimate of Capital of Scottish Manufactures 1661-1695. Capital of seven companies . . £74,033 sterling Estimate of capital of say 40 other 4 Manufactures' at £3000 st. each 120,000 „ £194,033 „ This amount was less than half the nominal capital of the Darien Company, and but little more than the sum that a 42 J per cent, call should have realised, so that the country was left with very small capital to invest from the time the pressure of the Darien calls began to be felt, 2 until the principal invested, with 5 per cent, interest, was repaid after the Union. The number of the members of Scottish companies before the Union varied very much. The Darien Company had about fourteen hundred stockholders, a larger number than either the East India or Royal African Companies had at the same period. 3 The Bank of Scotland and the New Mills 1 The original capital of the New Mills Company was ^5000 sterling. At least one further issue of stock was made, vide Introduction, Part v. ' Memorial ' and Minutes, Second Series, passim. 2 These results are confirmed by a comparison of the later New Mills minutes with the earlier ones. In the second series there is a remarkable increase in the number of persons indebted to the Company who had to be subjected to legal proceedings. 3 The Darien Papers, pp. 37 1 -4 1 5. xlviii THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY Woollen Manufactory found it necessary to advertise their meetings in the newspapers. Several companies had a con- siderable body of shareholders resident in England, and share registers were kept in London as well as in Edinburgh by the Baize, Linen, and Paper Companies. 1 In other cases the membership was much smaller. The Glasgow Whale Fishing and Soap Manufacturing Company had nine members. 2 The Easter Sugar Works began with only five partners, and nearly half a century after its foundation the undertaking remained in the possession of the representatives of the founders. 3 In fact, many of the statutory manufactures were formed by a small group of from five to ten persons, who, owing to the facilities of the Act of 1661, acted as and enjoyed all the advantages of a ' Society. 1 The numbers of those participating in these early societies varying so much, and passing by almost insensible steps from the partnership to a company, it is not to be expected that the internal affairs of these organisations should be conducted on a uniform system. It is interesting to notice that the smallness of membership did not always conduce to har- mony. The Wester Sugar Works was founded in 1667, and only four partners are mentioned at that time. On the death of one of these, the whole business was dislocated because his widow and the others could not agree in the management. The men wished to purchase the share of their late partner, and the widow refused to sell, so that matters remained at a deadlock till the Privy Council inter- vened. 4 The New Mills Company had only been in existence a year when the members were dissatisfied, and the books were ordered to lie open for their inspection. 5 Three years 1 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix. pp. 313, 316, 318. 2 Glasghu Fades, p. 874. 3 M l Lire's View of Glasgow, p. 282. 4 Acts of the Privy Council of Scotland, 1682-1685, f. 188. 5 Minutes, § 132. INTRODUCTION xlix later, after the Company had obtained Acts of the Privy Council prohibiting foreign cloth, it was found that a share- holder was one of the leading importers of English cloth, and the Privy Council ordained that in future any member of the Company offending should not only be liable to the statutory penalties, but would be deprived of his shares in addition. 1 There are several other points of interest con- nected with the holding of shares in the New Mills Company. The members agreed that no distribution was to be made in the way of dividend for the first three years, and for the second three years only the legal rate of interest, i.e. 5 per cent., was to be paid ; afterwards the whole profits were to be subject to division. 2 The same company shows a very important point of contact with what i& known as a ' Regulated Company ' (i.e. a company which enjoyed certain privileges, but where each member traded on his own capital), in so far as the whole product of the looms was purchased by the members, who sold it as best they could. 3 Information as to the internal management of early Scot- tish companies is far from being so copious as that obtainable from similar institutions in England. Still, meagre as it is, some divergencies from English methods are worthy of notice. The official now called a manager was in Scotland at this time invariably alluded to as the master, as, for instance, the Master of the New Mills Manufactory, 4 the Master of the Soaperie 5 (i.e. the Glasgow Soap Company), the Master of the 1 Acts of the Privy Council, 1685, f, 137 ; cf. Minutes, § 763. 2 'Articles,' etc., in Introduction, Part v. ; A Representation of the Advan- tages that would arise . . . by the erecting and improving of Manufactories^ ut supra, p. 19. 3 Ibid., p. 20 ; Minutes, May 5, 1683. 4 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. x. p. 210 ; Minutes, passim. 5 Advertisement in Glasgow Courant } November II, 17 15. (Quoted in Glasghu Fades, p. 874. ) d 1 THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY Sugarie, 1 the Master of the North Leith Glass Works. 2 The shareholders elected a board, who were often called the managers, sometimes the assistants (i.e. of the governor), and (in the case of the Darien Company) the directors. The New Mills Company elected annually five managers, three of whom retired each year. 3 The Paper Company had thirteen managers, and in both companies the managers •elected a praeses. 4 On the other hand, the Scots Linen Manufacture followed the English model, and the board was composed of the governor, deputy-governor, and thirty assistants. 5 Voting rights were in some cases strictly defined. In the Bank of Scotland, each dPIOOO Scots nominal entitled the proprietor to one vote. 6 As only 10 per cent, was paid up for several years, £100 Scots paid in (£8, 6s. 8d. sterling) secured a vote. In both the Paper and Linen Companies each five shares gave the right of a vote — shares in the former having been issued at £4< and in the latter at £5 — subject to the condition, in the Linen Company, that no one proprietor might have more than five votes. 7 In the Royal Fishing Company the minimum subscription was i?100 sterling. 8 In the Darien Company there was also a limit, and no subscriber might 6 adventure 1 more than i?3000. 9 In the case of the Bank of Scotland the maximum was £1 0,000 Scots, and the minimum i?1000 Scots. 10 1 Petition to the Barons of the Exchequer, ut supra. 2 Advertisement in the Edinburgh Courant, February 27, 17 10. 3 A Representation of the Advantages that would arise . . . by the erecting and improving of Manufactories, ut supra, p. 19. 4 Articles of Paper Company, ut supra. 5 Articles of the Scots Linen Manufacture, ut supra. 6 1 Act of the Bank of Scotland.' in Historical Account of the Bank of Scotland. 7 Articles, ut supra. 8 Memorials of Affairs in Scotland, by Sir G. Mackenzie, p. 184. 9 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix. p. 378. 10 Act of Parliament for erecting a Bank of Scotland, p. 2. INTRODUCTION li In reference to the relation of companies to each other, there were some curious instances of community of interest. In England, the Royal African Company and the Society for the Mines Royal — these being engaged in the control of the precious metals — had a working agreement. 1 Amongst manufacturing enterprises there was a network of interests in the linen trade. The King's and Queen's Corporation for the Linen Manufacture in England, established in 1690, had provided a part of the capital for the subsidiary companies in Scotland and Ireland. 2 Further, an arrangement of a very peculiar nature was made affecting the Scottish Company, by which half the capital of =£30,000 should be reserved for the royal burghs, half for private persons. 3 Sometimes the rela- tions were far from harmonious, for one company, either by design or through unforeseen developments of trade, in- vaded the sphere marked off for another. Thus, though the Bank of Scotland had a monopoly for twenty-one years, the Darien Company soon after its foundation began to issue notes. 4 The Silk Manufacture was attacked by the Cloth Companies for diminishing the demand for their products. " The Paper Company, too, had trouble with the Edinburgh candlemakers. 6 The consideration of friction of this kind naturally leads to the investigation of the economic relation of early Scottish companies to the general public. There was a wide differ- ence between the policy of the Parliaments of England and 1 Pettus, Fodinc? Regales (Lond. 1670), p. 27. 2 1 The King's and Queen's Corporation for the Linen Manufacture in Ireland,' by W. R. Scott, in the Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, xxxi. Part. iv. pp. 371-375- 3 Articles of the Scots Linen Manufacture, ut supra. 4 Act of Bank of Scotland, ut supra ; A Historical Account of the Bank of Scotland, ut supra, p. 3 ; Darien Papers, ut supra, p. xxix. 5 Parliamentary Papers, 1702, 'Answers to the Memorial given in by the Merchant Tailors.' 6 Ibid., 1698, 1 Overture of an Act for . . . the White Paper Manufacture.' ii THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY Scotland in the encouragement of new or improved industries. In England, anybody sufficiently influential could secure a patent granting the exclusive exercise of any new trade for a term of years. In Scotland, on the contrary, after the pass- ing of the Act of 1681, very few monopolies were granted. The whole tendency, both of legislation and parliamentary practice, was to afford stringent protection to * infant indus- tries , by prohibiting competitive imports from abroad, to encourage the inflow of capital by conceding immunity from taxes and customs, and at the same time to trust that the founding of several factories of the same kind would provide sufficient safeguards for the consumer by keeping prices low through the resulting competition. Thus there were many woollen, several sugar, glass, and rope works. At the same time, exclusive privileges continued to be granted in excep- tional cases, e.g. to a sail-cloth manufactory, 1694, 1 to two powder factories, one of which received the grant in 1690, but was not in operation when the second application was made in 1695. 2 Several companies asked for an exclusive grant, but failed to obtain it : for instance, the Paper Com- pany in 1697, 3 and the Silk Manufacture in 1698. 4 Evi- dently it sometimes happened that a compromise was found advisable, and so the Baize Manufacture had a monopoly against other companies, but not against individuals. 5 The Leith Sawmills had the exclusive right of sawing wood by machinery within a radius of fifteen miles of it for a period of nineteen years. 6 Again, Morison's glass-works had the monopoly of glass-making except against the proprietors of factories already in existence, or which would be estab- 1 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. x. p. 103. 2 Ibid., vol. ix., Appendix, p. 42 and p. 420. 3 Acts of the Privy Council, under July 15, 1697. 4 Parliamentary Papers, 1698, the ' Petition of Joseph Ormiston.' 5 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix. p. 313. 6 Ibid., vol. ix. p. 491. INTRODUCTION liii lished within two years from the passing of the Act in 1698. 1 The investigation of the fortunes of the companies before the Union would be one of the greatest interest were materials for an exact calculation available. Failing these, there are indications that tend to show the fate of several of the ventures of which mention has been made. The Royal Fishing Company was a failure. The alum works, founded in 1695, soon resulted in a total loss, but the powder manufacture owned by the same persons was succeeding in 1702. Judging by the history of the English Linen Company, it is to be expected that the one established in Scotland under the same auspices shared a similar fate. Many of the smaller societies in all probability resulted in loss to the partners. It is of course by no means easy to fix upon a satisfactory criterion of the success or failure of a trading venture working at a time so remote from our own. Probably the safest standard would be to estimate that any company which either returned the original capital with legal interest, or which alternatively had maintained its capital intact at a given date and returned the legal rate of interest (which in Scotland was then 5 per cent.), cannot be said to have failed financially, and any excess above this amount would constitute the measure of its success. Judged by this standard the Darien Company — despite the fiasco of its expeditions and the losses of individuals who could not pay the calls and forfeited their stock — cannot be judged a failure considered solely as an investment, for, at the Union, the amount actually paid up by the proprietors was returned them together with 5 per cent, interest from the dates of payment of the calls. 2 Several companies may be concluded to have been successful on the whole. In this class may 1 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. x. p. 180. 2 Act of Union ; Darien Papers. liv THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY be mentioned the New Mills 1 and Musselburgh Woollen Manufactures, the Silk Manufacture (which after a career of four years was making sufficient profits to rouse the envy of outsiders 2 ), and possibly the Leith Manufactory of Wool Cards, which, though it had lost three stocks between 1663 and 1690, was also subject to jealousy in 1705. 3 The Glasgow Rope Company, which was founded in 1690 and still existed in 1777, may be taken to have succeeded, otherwise it would not have had such a protracted existence. The same remarks apply to the four Glasgow sugar-works and the soaperie, many of which continued under the manage- ment of descendants of the founders for about a century. Indeed in the case of the sugaries there is the evidence of official documents which declared the trade to be 'a most profitable one. 1 4 Finally, there still remains the Bank of Scotland, which has passed its bicentenary, and which from its foundation till the Union paid dividends of 138 per cent., or an average of 11^ per cent., besides forming reserves. 5 It may be added that of the eleven undertakings men- tioned as having been successful only two had express mono- polies, namely the Leith Wool-card Manufacture and the Bank of Scotland. The Silk Manufacture, though it had no monopoly, appears to have been the only one of the kind. 1 The New Mills Company was subject to ups and downs according as the Acts of the Privy Council were observed or not. There are the following data as to actual dividends. The first series of minutes show that the maximum dividend for the early years {i.e. 5 per cent.) was paid, and from the second series it appears that payments of 52 per cent, were made, in four distributions, before 1703. This would mean that, presumably in seven years, 67 per cent, was paid. 2 Parliamentary Papers, 1702, 'Answers to Memorial given in by the Merchant Tailors.' 3 Ibid., 1690, 'Information of the heirs of John Hay'; ibid., 1705, the ' Representation of John Hay and others.' 4 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. x. p. 66. 5 From the records of the Bank, supplied by the courtesy of the secretary. In this calculation the dividend declared in 1708 is included as it was earned in 1707. INTRODUCTION lv The others all had rivals, frequently in the same town, and in all cases at no great distance. The cloth-works were freed from foreign competition, apart from smuggling and other evasions of the officers of the customs, while the sugar, soap, and rope works, though not favoured by the total prohibition of competing foreign products, were protected by very heavy import duties. Part IV. — The History of the 6 Woollen Manufactory at New Mills in the shire of Haddington ' The Acts of the Privy Council and of Parliament in 1681 for the encouragement of trade and manufactures were far from being speculative, for in that year there were several proposals for the development of Scottish industries. Pro- minent amongst these was one which aimed at the establish- ment of a large cloth-manufacturing company. This scheme, indeed, was probably one of the reasons of the legislation of 1681, for the Duke of York (afterwards James n.), who was then visiting Scotland, had approved of the idea. Finding that the country had few commodities to export to pay for imports of cloth, etc., from England, whereby 4 English money was not to be had under 6 or 7 per cent., [and was] scarce at any rate, 1 while the exchange between Edinburgh and London had risen, as against Edinburgh, to between 12 and 15 per cent., he favoured a plan of estab- lishing works for the production of fine cloth. 1 He ' invited and encouraged 1 the undertakers, some of whom were Englishmen of substance, so that with the prestige of royal patronage there was no difficulty in finding an adequate 1 A Representation of the Advantages that would arise . . . by the erecting and improving of Manufactories tit supra, p. 3. lvi THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY amount of capital. The chief promoters of the Company were Robert Blackwood, an Edinburgh merchant of repute who was afterwards Master of the Merchant Company, and Sir James Stanfield, a man at that time of considerable wealth. 1 The part taken by Stanfield in the formation of the undertaking in all probability decided the locality of the works. He had acquired a property near Haddington, then known as Newmills, 2 which formerly belonged to the local monastery. 3 The situation was evidently a suitable one for the industry, being in a good wool-producing district, and within easy reach of Edinburgh. As already shown, it had been thirty years before the site of a similar under- taking. Stanfield was prepared to lease to the Company his walk mills 6 and all his office-houses, which are many, great and spacious,"* at what was then considered a moderate rental. 4 The very interesting document printed in the Introduction might be characterised as the prospectus of the Company. 5 It was calculated that a capital of i?5000 sterling or i?60,000 Scots would suffice to purchase and maintain 20 looms employing 233 hands, besides providing working capital. A detailed estimate of the probable output was made, and it was considered that there should be produced annually 55,823 ells of cloth, realising, on the average, ^55,823 Scots. Thus the yearly turnover would have almost equalled the capital. The details for the cost of production throw much light on the current rates of wages, 1 A Representation of the Advantages that would arise . . . by the erecting and improving of Manufactories, ut supra, p. 3 ; Edinburgh Papers, by Robert Chambers (186 1 ), p. 23. Robert Blackwood was a director of the Darien Com- pany, to which he subscribed ^3000 stock. He was a member of the 1 Com- mittee of Improvements ' of that Company. — Darien Papers, pp. 31-34. 2 The modern name is Amisfield ; vide infra, p. lxxxiv. 3 Statistical Account of 'Scotland (1792), vol. vi. p. 539. 4 A Representation of the Advantages that would arise . . . by the erecting and improving of Manufactories, ut supra, p. 1 8. 5 Introduction, Part v. : ' A Memoriall concerning the cloath Manufactory.' INTRODUCTION lvii and the total expenses under this head, together with the provision of raw material, amounted to over ^38,900 Scots. To this was to be added the payments necessary for foreign skilled workmen. The rent of the works was only payable after legal interest had been earned on the capital, so that it does not enter into the cost of manufac- ture. Thus in the form of a modern prospectus the estimates might be summarised as follows : — The profit anticipated from the factory — Scots Sterling Receivable for cloth, 55823 ells averaging £i Scots £55,823 £4652 Less Expenses Wages £18,144 Materials ^20,744 £38,888 £3241 Profit (subject to payments to foreign workmen) £16,935 £ l A l 1 This (not allowing for deductions) exceeded 25 per cent, on the capital. A Company such as this, with great privileges from the state, was objected to by many. Conservative people com- plained that it was a novelty, and that the cloth could never be so good as that made in England. Others were of opinion, even if the cloth were sufficiently good, it could never be sold as cheaply as that imported prior to the prohibition. While the works were being erected and the workmen procured, good cloth could not be obtained, and afterwards, even when the producing stage was reached, the Company could not manufacture enough to supply the whole country. Thus the temptation to import cloth, in spite of the Proclamation and the Act of Parliament, would be so great that it would be impossible for the Company to gain the encouragement expected and intended by Parliament and the Privy Council. 1 On behalf of the Company it was shown 1 A Representation of the Advantages that would arise . . . by the erecting mid improving of Manufactories , tit supra, pp. 8, 9. lviii THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY that ultimately it would be possible to produce as cheaply in Scotland as in England, owing to the fact that 4 nowhere else do workmen live so cheaply as in Scotland.' 1 Where so large a part of the cost of production consisted of wages, this was a most important consideration, which was bound in time to affect the market-price. In fact, as the writer expresses it, 4 where cloth can be cheapest made it can be cheapest sold 1 ; but the question was, would it be under a system of rigid protection ? This is partly answered by the admission that it was not intended that the New Mills Company should supply the whole country, and all information was offered to others who might intend to set up manufactories elsewhere. 2 To attain the desirable end of home-made broadcloth eventu- ally selling as cheaply as that made abroad, and to prevent the exportation of bullion, it is urged that patriotic Scotsmen should be content with a cloth ' a little dear at first,'' owing to the great cost of ' importing looms and procuring foreign workmen, besides the many losses and inconveniences attend- ing beginners,"' so that the consumer was to pay for the mistakes of the producer. 3 The promoters of the scheme were fully convinced of the personal and national advantages to be derived from the undertaking, and on 10th May 1681 the document known as 4 the great contract 1 was signed. 4 The members of the Company had no little pride in this document. 4 We have entered into a mutual contract, 1 one of them writes, 4 whereby we have bound ourselves to such rules and methods that the 1 It appears from the minutes of the Company that it was necessary to import all the skilled labour at higher wages than those ruling in England. Such work- men were bound to train Scottish apprentices, so that in time (but only after a considerable interval) the Company might have obtained the benefit of a cheap labour supply. The rates of wages are tabulated in Introduction, Part I., p. xxiii. 2 Ibid., pp. io, 22. 3 Ibid., p. II. 4 A copy of this document, which was entitled ' Articles aggreed upon by the merchant erectors of the cloath Manufactorie at Newmilnes,' is printed in the Introduction, Part v. INTRODUCTION lix undertaking cannot fail except in case of a public and universal calamity. 1 1 The 6 methods ' mentioned are of great interest, not only as an early instance of joint-stock organisation for a manufacturing company, but also as showing in several direc- tions interesting traces of the transition from the regulated to the joint-stock type of organisation. The articles of co- partnership are printed in the Introduction, and a summary of the chief provisions with the reasons for framing them is given in the pamphlet already quoted. Four general meet- ings were to be held in each year. At the meeting in May five persons were to be chosen as managers, and (after the first election) two of the former managers were to continue in office, and three new ones only were to be elected. The chairman at both managers' and general meetings was called the 6 praeses,' and all orders for payments were signed by him. The managers were to meet at least once a week. There were certain self-denying ordinances relating to the holding of stock. During the first three years no payment whatever was to be made to stockholders by way of dividend ; for the second three years proprietors were to receive the legal rate of interest on their capital and no more. The balance of profit remaining at the end of the sixth year (after payment of interest for the second three years) was to be added to the original capital. 2 Sir James Stanfield also met the Company in a generous manner. The rent of the ground and buildings was not to constitute a charge against the gross profit, but was to be deferred until the legal interest had been earned and paid on the capital, and was to be charged against the remaining profit. 3 There was also a remarkable limitation of the rights of bequest to the representatives of a member of the Company — his stock passed to female heirs without 1 A Representation of the Advantages that would arise . . . by the erecting and improving of Manufactories, ut supra, p. 19. 2 Ibid., pp. 19-20. 3 lbid ^ p< j 3. Ix THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY division, and if the beneficiary were a minor only one tutor or curator could have a voice at the meetings. 1 The regula- tions and obligations of the members as to the disposing of the cloth produced are important. The cloth was to be brought to the warehouse of the Company at Edinburgh, which was situated 6 below the Trone Church. 1 2 The managers, having ascertained the cost of production, added 2d. per Is. per ell, or in other words allowed as manufac- turer's profit 3s. 4d. in the pound. The cloth so valued was apportioned in convenient quantities and distributed by lot amongst the proprietors, each of whom had the right to draw once for each £100 sterling of his stock. If a member who drew a quantity of cloth failed to remove it within fourteen days, it was sold by public roup. When there was a loss as compared with the prime cost, that loss was charged to the defaulter ; if, on the other hand, the sale showed a profit, the gain was credited to the Company. 3 The reasons for pro rata distributions of commodities to shareholders of early companies will be more apparent, especially in Scotland, when the great restrictions of trade even within the country are remembered. By such a device the cloth manufactured was distributed in many directions where the Company in its corporate capacity could find no 1 These and other similar regulations probably arose from the condition that cloth was only saleable to shareholders and members of the Merchant Company. The intention appears to have been to confine the trade to what were called in England legitimate merchants, i.e. those who had served an apprenticeship. At the same time it is to be noted that the Company admitted persons of distinction as shareholders. 2 The Edinburgh Courant, No. 184, August 16-19, 1706. 3 A Representation of the Advantages that would arise . . . by the erecting and improving of Manufactories, ut supra, p. 20. This regulation was a modification of that originally intended. According to the 1 Memorial ' (Introduction, Part v.), the master was to estimate the cost of pro- duction, and the managers were then to add to this sum the difference between it and the price at which they had been accustomed to purchase similar fabrics. INTRODUCTION lxi opening. 1 In the case of the New Mills Company, there was the further advantage that every proprietor as a retailer was vitally interested, altogether apart from his being a stock- holder, in preventing, or at least reporting, cases in which foreign cloth was imported. It sometimes happened that the rule confining the distribution of cloth to members was relaxed in order to conciliate persons who might be useful to the Company. On another occasion the cloth drawn for a member who had failed to pay the calls on his stock was, by resolution of the managers, assigned to another share- holder, Bailie Douglas, who had obtained none by lot, he having befriended the Company by lending money for 'supplieing their needfull occasions.'' 2 It is an interesting comment on the expressions of opinion as to the solidarity of the members of the Company amongst themselves that less than a year after the signature of 4 the great contract ' some of the stockholders were dissatisfied with the proceedings of the managers, and wished to have the plans of the board explained to them. It was pointed out that any member might be present at meetings of the managers, and that the books were always open to inspection. Besides, it was suggested that the stockholders should appoint a committee from their own number to report on all proceedings of the managers since the formation of the Company. 3 As already shown, the contract of co-partnership was signed on May 10, 1681, and from the 22nd of June the meetings of the managers were recorded in a minute-book preserved in the University Library, Edinburgh, and printed in full in the present volume. On the title-page there is the inscrip- tion, 6 Book for the Managers of the Manufactories Weekly 1 As a rule the minutes do not mention the habitation of purchasers except in a few cases. Some of these include places such as Glasgow, Dundee, Linlithgow, Stirling, Aberdeen, Perth, Banff, etc. 2 Minutes, § 270. 3 §§ 128-136. lxii THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY Sederunts, 1 and the records of proceedings extend till March 21, 1691. As there is reference on a blank page at the beginning to the year 1704, it is probable that the existing minutes form only a portion of less than half of the original book. The records have been carefully kept, and reference was facilitated by the ingenious device of numbering each order of the managers — a plan that would have advantages for the modern secretary. The first steps taken by the managers consisted in the procuring of looms and other appliances and the still more difficult task of securing competent workmen. It was agreed that the men should be paid by piece-work. 1 Considerable difficulties were experienced in inducing hands to come from England, and it became necessary for some of the managers to go south to secure trained weavers, 2 some being brought from Yorkshire, others from the west of England. By July a head of the works, called the 6 Master of the Manufactory J had been appointed, and in August the men had arrived at New Mills. 3 By October two looms were in operation, though as yet only 6 coarse cloth"* was made. 4 Mixed cloth (i.e. cloth made of native and foreign wool) was ordered to be tried early in January 1682, and before the end of the month prepara- tions were in train for the eventual production of fine cloth, 5 directions being given that only the best wool should be purchased. As progress was made it was found that more plant was required, and estimates were considered on September 20, 1682. By February 19, 1683, ground for extensions was needed. 6 Meanwhile great care was taken of the quality 1 A Representation of the Advantages that would arise . . . by the erecting and improving of Manufactories, ut supra , p. 1 8. 2 Minutes, §§ 208, 237. 3 A Representation of the Advantages that would arise . . . by the erecting and improving of Manufactories, ut supra, p. 18. 4 Ibid., p. 12. 6 Minutes, §§ 107, 181. 6 §§213, 289. INTRODUCTION lxiii of the cloth. By order of the managers, dated September 27, 1682, no sales of serges or stockings were to be made at New Mills, all the goods made being sent to Edinburgh. 1 In April 1683 the master was recommended 4 to take great care in improveing the spinning and dressing of the cloth that it be good and sufficient cloth, and that the rents and too near shearing of some cloth lately sent in be prevented in time coming.' 2 All the cloth sent to Edinburgh was to be duly weighed and measured. 3 The number of looms at work had now increased from two in 1681 to a total of twenty-seven, of which twenty-five were used for cloth and two for serges. 4 This plant proved insufficient to meet the demand, and about the same time ten new looms were ordered, which would bring the production up to 12,000 ells a year. In addition, after considerable trouble, some stocking-frames had been brought from the west of England and were at work. 5 In 1684 the output had attained considerable volume, as the provision required for a single payment for materials was estimated to amount to i?1428, 9s. 4d. sterling, 6 and the financial results appear to have been sufficiently satisfactory to justify the recommendation of the payment of legal interest on the stock immediately after the expiration of the first three years, as provided in the 4 great contract. 1 7 As soon as the manufacture of fine cloth was established, a detailed estimate was framed 1 Minutes, § 225. 2 § 3°3- For the meaning of shearing, vide the description of the method of manufacturing, in Introduction, Part I. 3 § 255. 4 § 307 ; A Representation of the Advantages that would arise . . . by the erecting and improving of Manufactories, ut supra, p. 12. 5 § 326. 6 § 482. Most of the terms employed are names of dyes, e.g. 1 mather ' (madder), 'argall' (argol), potash, copperas, cochineal, fustic. Vide Introduction, Part 1. ' Gaz ' may stand for gauze. 7 § 450. lxiv THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY of the prime cost of production, which gave the following results : — Quality of wool. Made into Cloth measuring Total Cost. Cost per ell. all Spanish half Spanish half English all English common at least 27 ells 27 „ >, 27 „ „ 27 „ 19 7 3 17 9 0 12 11 7 8 14 0 14 4 13 O 9 4, 6 6 1 Meanwhile the Company had been making efforts to secure the patronage of the Government for the provision of military uniforms, which were just beginning to come into vogue in Scotland, as an Act of the Privy Council naively expresses it, 6 to distinguish sqjersfrom other skulking and vagrant persons.'' 2 On February 22, 1683, the Company were licensed by the Privy Council to import 2536 ells of stone-grey cloth from England for clothing General DalzelFs regiment of Dragoons, as he could not procure as much cloth of the colour he required in Scotland. 3 On the 16th of March this order was modified to the extent that General Dalzell might appoint any person he pleased to import the cloth on condition that the price should not exceed 5s. per ell, and that it should be sealed with the seal of the New Mills Company. 4 It is evident from a consideration of the cost price of the New Mills cloth that, at this date, it was not merely a ' little dear ' but considerably higher in price than that made in England. Therefore cloth imported at a maximum price of 5 s. per ell would mean an important saving in army clothing, as the lowest cost-price in the foregoing table works out at nearly 6s. 6d. per ell. The 1 Minutes, § 352. 2 Records of the Privy Council, quoted by Chambers, Domestic Annals of Scotland, vol. ii. p. 419. 3 Acts of the Privy Council of Scotland, General Register House, Edinburgh, 1682-5, f - 79- 4 Ibid., f. 79. INTRODUCTION Jxv managers of the Company petitioned the Privy Council against this violation of the Act of 1681, and on August 28, 1684, representatives of the Company were heard by a special Com- mittee of the Council. It was asked whether the New Mills works could furnish enough cloth in a short time at reason- able rates for the forces, and the deputation undertook on behalf of the Company to supply the army as quickly as cloth could be imported from England and at the same rates. They were also prepared to dye the cloth ordered any colour required, to show samples within a fortnight, and to give security for carrying out the contract. 1 It would appear that this offer was not accepted, or if accepted, that licences for the importa- tion of English cloth continued to be given. A fresh per- mission was issued to General Dalzell on September I6 r 1685, to import 100 ells of stone-grey cloth at 9s. per ell,, for the use of his officers, and 1100 ells for soldiers at 6s. per ell. 2 On January 8th of the following year the Captain of the Edinburgh Town Guard received a similar licence for scarlet cloth, and on the same date, and again on February 3rd, further exemptions were granted to other officers. 3 Not only had the Company to face the loss of the Govern- ment contracts it had anticipated, while still in its infancy, but it had many difficulties with its work-people. When it is remembered that the employes numbered over seven hundred,, and that some of these had come from a distance, that others were foreigners, and that the native Scot had little sympathy with imported labour, it need occasion no surprise that much of the time of the managers and master was spent in settling disputes at the mills. They found 4 the country people very backward to anything new or strange and not easily drawn from their old way of living, though the new be more com- 1 Acts of the Privy Council, 1682-5, ff. 473, 474. 2 Zbid.,4. 500. 3 Ibid., ff. 646, 647, 670. e Ixvi THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY fortable and better." 1 Some of the skilled workmen not only would not obey orders but incited the others to quarrels, and it became necessary to ask the co-operation of the Provost of Haddington to have two discharged men removed from the district. 2 Within the Company matters remained harmonious. At first some of the managers did not attend the meetings regularly. This was remedied by the institution of a system by which each manager deposited two dollars from which the sum of sixpence would be deducted for each absence. 3 At this time, and prior to the building of the Company's hall, the meetings of managers was held in the back -shop of a John Little. At first some of the members were dilatory in paying in their subscriptions, 4 and others did not remove the cloth they had obtained by lot within the specified time. 5 Other- wise the minutes show that the internal working of the Company was quite satisfactory. It was fortunate that the members were united, for diffi- culties had to be faced. The Government had made a serious mistake in granting licences for the import of English cloth, which tended to make the Act of 1681 a dead letter. In any case, there were certain to be many evasions of the law as long as importation remained profitable. Owing to the system of the farming of the customs, the control of com- modities imported had, to a certain extent, passed out of the hands of the Government, and when the State itself set the example of making exceptions to its own legislation, it was to be expected that private persons would endeavour to bring English cloth into the country in spite of the prohibi- tion. Noblemen who travelled abroad returned with many years' supply of foreign cloth, and it was said that their 1 A Representation of the Advantages that would arise . . . by the erecting and improving of Manufactories ; ut supra > p. io. 2 Minutes, § 244. 3 § 22. 4 §§ 73, 135- 5 § 241. INTRODUCTION lxvii servants concealed considerable quantities which they sold. 1 As early as 1683 the New Mills Company became alarmed at the amount of cloth imported, and Sir James Stanfield was asked to use his influence with the officers of State in favour of a more strict adherence to the law. 2 In August of 1683 a complaint had been made against the Company, but was < superseded 1 by a proclamation in its favour, after which measures were taken against a number of Edinburgh mer- chants who were known to deal regularly in prohibited cloth. They had been invited to join the Company on condition of taking up stock at par and paying a premium equal to the amount of interest which had not been withdrawn by the original proprietors. The 6 interlopers, 1 however, as if to * show their incorrigibleness and obstinacy, 1 ' slighting so great a mark of clemency, 1 imported more cloth in the few months after the proclamation than in the three years before. The Privy Council decreed that the goods should be seized and burned, besides which the offenders were condemned to pay a fine. 3 Only a few weeks later a member of the Company, Councillor John Baillie, was found to have imported English cloth to the value of £400 sterling, and it was decided that the cloth was to be burned by the common hangman, and his stock in the Company forfeited. 4 The Company saw the expected monopoly slipping away, and in 1685 the managers complained that they were in danger of being 4 utterly ruined and broke. 15 On March 4th it was decided to call a general meeting to consider whether the undertaking should stand 1 Memorial concerning the State of Manufactures before and since the year 1700. — Advocates' Library, Pamphlets, No. 197. 2 Minutes, § 271. 3 Domestic Annals of Scotland, by Robert Chambers, ut supra, vol. ii. pp. 420-421. 4 Chronological Notes of Scottish Affairs from 1680-1701, by Lord Fountain- hall (Edin. 1822), p. 91. 5 Domestic Annals of Scotland, by Robert Chambers, vol. ii. p. 420. lxviii THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY or be dissolved. 1 Probably this language was exaggerated, inasmuch as a dividend had been paid in the May of the previous year, but it impressed the Privy Council, which had to face the alternatives of either allowing the Act of 1681 to become a dead letter, or else taking measures to enforce it. Eventually it was decided to adopt the latter course, and the Company was requested by the Lord Secretary to submit a statement of its grievances for the consideration of the Privy Council. 2 This address and memorial was re- mitted to a committee, which reported on August 7, 1685, and the Privy Council, by an Act of August 14th, explicitly ratified the forfeiture of the interest in the Company of any member who imported prohibited cloth. It further forbids, under heavy penalties, the importing, wearing, or selling of all foreign cloth and serges, silk gloves and stockings, as well as worsted stockings. The Company, or its agents, had full powers to seize any of the prohibited goods, to sue persons contravening the Act before any competent tribunal, and to retain one-half of the penalty to defray expenses of the seizure. In cases of doubt as to whether certain commodities were native or foreign, the possessors of such goods were compelled to declare on oath from whom they had obtained them. As a further encouragement to the Company, the Privy Council agreed to cease the granting of licences for the importing of English cloth to supply the troops, on condition that the Company would produce sufficient quantities, of the required colours, and at a rate to be agreed upon by the Company, with the proviso that in case the price asked by the Company was found to be too high the Privy Council reserved the right of proposing a new rate for the contracts. 3 On September 11th of the same year a further addition was made to the powers of the Company by the grant of 1 Minutes, §§ 640, 646. 2 § 624. 3 Acts of the Privy Council, 16S5, ff. 137, 138. INTRODUCTION lxix authorisation of breaking open doors, chests, or other places where prohibited goods were suspected. 1 Early in the following year a king's letter and proclamation was issued on behalf of the Company. 2 Though the extensive powers conveyed by these documents afford an instance of the commercial policy of the times, the methods of obtaining them, and the consideration given, constitute a curious side-light on the ethical standard of the age. These are set down in the most naive manner in the minutes of the managers, just as the various 4 gratifications 1 given by the East India Company during the early years of its history are recorded in the Court Books. 4 Mr. Colling M'Kenzie 1 received five guineas on account of the great care and pains he had taken in procuring the first Act of the Privy Council, and various subordinate persons received smaller sums, ranging from one to six dollars. 3 The sum of £15 sterling was remitted to London, partly to ' gratify ' persons who had aided the Company, partly to pay expenses. 4 On the Bill 8 anent freedom of trade ' being sent to the king, an official expected to be gratified, and it was ordered that he should be offered a pair of silk stockings * if that will satisfy him, 1 if not, four dollars, and one dollar for his man. The following resolution speaks for itself : 1 It being re- presented 1 to the managers 6 that the King's Advocat drawes thess lybells against the transgressours wrong because he is not informed,' persons were to wait upon and inform him, and at the same time give him ten dollars for himself and his men two dollars each, and 6 ingad^e 1 him in time to come. 5 1 Acts of the Privy Council, 1685, f - l S%- 2 Minutes, § 793. 3 § 724. 4 § 793- 5 § 1028. It is not easy to distinguish 1 gratifications ' given for a con- sideration from those of the nature of a bribe. The following appear to be instances of the latter .class: §§ 271, 272 ('a compleament to the officers of lxx THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY From the grant of extended privileges until the Revolu- tion the Company enjoyed a considerable degree of prosperity, and, apart from prosecutions of transgressors, it was able to give greater attention to its internal affairs. It was a common complaint amongst early Scottish companies that the expense of skilled labour was very great. At the end of the year 1686 an attempt was made to arrange a scale of piece-work wages, which was under no circumstances to be exceeded. The weavers of the coarsest white cloth were not to receive more than 5d. per ell, the highest wages for weaving Spanish wool was not to be more than 14d. per ell, while the shearmen were to receive from 5d. to 8d. per ell. 1 The friction was not only confined to the hands, for it was fre- quently necessary to remonstrate with more important officials of the Company. The cashier was charged with partiality in the allocation of the payment for piece-work, and it was ordered that, in the event of any unjust distribution in future, six times the amount that he had underpaid or overpaid the men should be deducted from his own wages. 2 It was necessary to ' discourse and reason ' with the master about his method of dyeing fine black cloth, 3 and also to compel him to instruct the apprentices in dyeing so as to carry out the obligations of the Company under the Act of 1681. 4 During this period the Company had protracted negotia- tions with Sir James Stanfield. In 1681 he was a wealthy man, but owing to the extravagance of his eldest son (who was later executed for parricide) he was gradually falling into pecuniary difficulties. On March 1, 1686, he proposed to sell his interest in the land and buildings at New Mills to the State'), 356, 508, 541 (for 'favouring' the Company in not 'casting' army clothing supplied by it), 564, 571, 597, 623, 681, 724, 848, 883, 1183. 1 Minutes, § 920. 2 § 932. 3 § 993. 4 §823. INTRODUCTION lxxi Company, 1 and on the 14th of May he was paid for certain goods he had handed over to the joint-stock undertaking. 2 The following year he offered his stock in the Company on similar terms to that obtained at the previous sale. He also notified the Company that he claimed that the privilege of furnishing cloth for the troops should be divided between the existing Company and a new one which he proposed to set up in proportion to the number of looms owned by each. 8 Owing to Stanfield's death soon afterwards, nothing more is heard of the proposed rival company. The purchase of the land and buildings at New Mills, though not effected during his lifetime, was carried out soon afterwards, as it became necessary to realise the estate to satisfy the creditors, but it is impossible to determine the date, as his affairs were still in bankruptcy in 1703. 4 Very soon afterwards there was another attempt at competition at New Mills. A former servant of the Company, named Spurroway, had taken the house at New Mills with a view to establish cloth-works. The Company felt it would be a 6 great inconveniencie . . . to have another work ther, 1 and so a message was sent to Spurroway desiring ' hime to keep up that good understand- ing hes bein betwixt hime and the Company ever to this day, and if he cannot be prevailled with in a fair way to pass from it, to tell hime the Company will take ther oune way to prevent his entering ther, and will reakon themselves very much disobledged by such methods quhich they hope he will prevent.'* 5 Meanwhile the undertaking continued to make progress. The practical monopoly of supplying cloth for the army began to prove profitable. Mention is made of a contract for a troop at Edinburgh, to supply ready-made coats at 22s. 1 Minutes, § 797. 2 § 828. 4 Dictionary of Legal Decisions, p. 12,614. 5 Minutes, § 121 1. 3 § 988. lxxii THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY each, when £6 sterling was allowed for making one hundred and twelve coats (or about Is. per coat), the remaining i?117 being for the cloth. 1 It is interesting to notice that on the eve of the Revolution the garrison at the Bass was clothed in cloth made at New Mills. 2 One seems to obtain a glimpse of the possibility of a secret profit at the expense of the Government in the sale of some coarse cloth, which had been in the warehouse for four years, to Lieutenant- General Douglas. This cloth had been valued at 6s. 3d. per ell, but was now sold at 4s. 2d. sterling. 3 In 1687 the output was again increased by the erection of a large twisting-mill, 4 but against this is to be set the fact that the attempt to produce machine-made stockings had yielded little or no profit, and the frames were ordered to be sold by public roup. 5 With the Revolution there came a temporary set-back in the progress of the Company. During the unsettled times before the government of William in. was fully established, foreign cloth was again imported with very little hindrance. Such importation was tacitly recognised by an Act of Parlia- ment of 1690 which granted the magistrates of Edinburgh an impost of 12s. Scots per ell on imported English or foreign cloth. 6 In 1693 the Company was incorporated by Act of Parliament under the title of 4 the Incorporation of the Woollen Manufactory at New Mills in the Shire of Hadding- ton. 1 This Act recites that the undertaking had been subject to many discouragements and confirms the privileges of the Act of 1681, and in addition confers exemption from customs for twenty-one years. It was also provided that an entry in the books kept in Edinburgh and in London should be sufficient evidence of ownership of shares. 7 By another Act 1 Minutes, § 1020. 2 § 1 139. 3 § 1030. 4 § 1007. 5 § 1 1 22. 6 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland) vol. ix. p. 206. 7 Ibid.) vol. ix. p. 318. INTRODUCTION lxxiii of the same year it was provided that the army should wear cloth made in Scotland, under similar conditions to those laid down by the Privy Council in 1685. 1 In 1695 the Company was exempted from taxation. 2 Since the Revolution the stringent legislation against the import of foreign cloth and the export of Scottish wool, though not repealed, had come to be neglected. It may have been that the Government felt that after nearly ten years of pro- tection the New Mills Company and other makers of fine cloth should be able to face foreign competition, but it is more probable that during the change of administration it was inconvenient to enforce these laws. Opinions as to the effect of the relaxation of protection were biased according to the interests of the persons who expressed them. It appears that the export of manufactured cloth had fallen very seriously. In 1674, 400,000 ells of plaiding had been exported from Aberdeen, and in the year 1694-95 the quantity for the same district had fallen to 80,000 ells. The price realised too was lower, owing to the fact that the best wool was ex- ported and the home manufacturers were left with the refuse. Therefore both the quantity and quality of cloth produced had declined. 8 Arguments of this nature had weight with the Parliamentary Committee of Trade, and it was resolved to encourage a number of industries, including the New Mills Manufactory. A note was appended to the resolution stating that the persons concerned in that manufacture had permission to bring in such Acts as they thought fit. 4 At first it was proposed that the duty on imported cloth 1 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix. 319. 2 Ibid., vol. ix. 371. In 1692 the Company registered its arms, which were * Vert a fleece of wool ppr. between two thistle heads [teasels] in chief and a key pale-ways in base ox.'— The Ordinary of Arms, by Sir J. B. Paul (Edin. 1903), § 2661, p. 180. 3 Parliamentary Papers (Gen. Reg. House, Edinburgh) for 1702, * Memorial concerning the state of manufactures before and since the year 1700.' 4 Parliamentary Papers, circa 1695, ' List of Acts to be desired.' lxxiv THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY should be increased by 12s. Scots and that on serges by 6s. Scots, 1 but the manufacturers were still anxious to obtain a complete prohibition of imports. Accordingly, on October 8, 1696 the New Mills Company presented a petition stating that 4 the undertakers had advanced to that perfection that they were able not only to make woollen cloth as good as is made in any other nation, but also in such quantities as may serve the kingdom and all ranks and degrees of persons within the same. 1 It was pointed out that the Act of 1681 pro- hibiting foreign cloth, as well as subsequent confirmatory Acts of the Privy Council and the Lords of the Exchequer, had never been expressly rescinded. But 1 an allowance or practice" of importing foreign cloth had come into vogue ' to the great discouragement of the Company. 1 It is there- fore asked that the Act of 1681 should be revived, especially as the Company was prepared to be inspected by the Privy Council, 6 and at their sight to make sufficient quantities of cloth and at reasonable rates for serving the whole kingdom, which was never formerly offered by any other manufacturer in this nation. 1 2 The petition was remitted to the Committee of Trade to bring an Act, and the draft bill was read a first time on October 8th. 3 On August 4, 1698, the Committee of Trade adopted the view that the importation of foreign cloth was a great discouragement to the existing manufac- tories, and the prohibition of imports of it was recommended. 4 Accordingly overtures for Acts prohibiting the importation of cloth and the exportation of wool, as well as for encouraging the woollen manufacture, were presented to Parliament. 5 1 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland \ vol. ix. p. 460. 2 Parliamentary Papers, Oct. 8, 1696, ' Petition of the woollen manufactory at Newmills anent the import of foreign cloth.' 3 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. x. p. 67. 4 Parliamentary Papers, 1698, ' Minutes Committee of Trade.' 5 Ibid., 1698, 'Overtures for Trade'; Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. x. pp. 146, 147. INTRODUCTION lxxv Meanwhile the strength of the opposition to the existing state of affairs was strengthened by the foundation of several other woollen works, and finally, in June 1699, the exporta- tion of woollen yarn was prohibited by an Act of the Privy Council. 1 Gradually the policy of a return to prohibition was making headway. It was believed that one reason of the decrease in exports was the deficient quality of the cloth exported, one writer stating that a thousand times as much could be sold abroad if it were rightly made. 2 Accordingly an overture for an Act for measuring and sealing linen and woollen cloth came before Parliament in 1700, which pro- posed that all pieces of cloth should be of equal length, consisting of a definite number of ells. 3 No cloth could be legally sold unless it was sealed by the official sealmaster, who was bound to seal only such cloth as was declared to be made at home. As in the Act of 1685 in favour of the New Mills Company, the sealmaster had the right of adminis- tering an oath, and he could compel persons bringing cloth to be sealed to declare the name of the weaver and his place of residence. Cloth not distinguishable from that made abroad was subject to forfeiture. 4 In 1701 the manufac- turers addressed a petition to Parliament against the continued export of wool. They stated that the woollen industry at one time employed 50,000 persons and produced ^10,000 sterling a year, and it is now in danger of being destroyed. Exports have ceased to be profitable, indeed those made recently had not realised half the prime cost. 5 Prior to 1 Parliamentary Papers, 1701, ' Exporting of wool.' 2 A Scheme for Scotland's products and manufactures , Advocates' Library, Pamphlets, vol. 349. 3 Parliamentary Papers, 1700, p. I. The number of ells in the piece is left blank. 4 Ibid. , 1700, 1 Overture for an Act for measuring and sealing of linnen cloth ' ; Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland ', vol. x. App. p. 228. 5 This statement is confirmed by the second series of the minutes, whence it appears that cloth sent to Holland for sale there was returned unsold (November 4, 1702, vide supra, p. 327). lxxvi THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY the export of wool manufactured cloths and stockings had been sent abroad from ' the north country and Stirling, 1 but at present this trade has ceased and the goods were rotting. A class of cloth, known as < Galloway whites, 1 had at one time been sold abroad in large quantities. This continued till sheepskins began to be exported, and now not a single pack of Galloway whites was shipped. 1 This and other representa- tions at length had weight with Parliament, and in 1701 an Act was passed confirming the previous prohibitions of the wearing or importing of foreign cloth as well as the export of yarn. The chief addition to the previous Acts of Privy Council was the provision that instead of any cloth seized under the Act being destroyed it was now to become the property of the informer, on condition that he gave security to export it within six months. 2 The passing of this Act ended for a time the more pressing difficulties of the cloth manufacturer. How far the New Mills Company had suffered from the neglect of the Act of 1681 between 1689 and 1701 it is difficult to determine. Curiously enough the first series of the minutes ends about the earlier date and the second part only begins at the later one. On June 4, 1701, it is recorded that in 1699 certain of the salaries at New Mills had been reduced owing to * the work being low, 13 and in the petition presented to Parlia- ment in 1696 the Company stated that it had suffered great discouragement. Probably the least reliable information as to the financial condition of any undertaking would be its own account given either to servants when their wages were to be revised or to Parliament when further encouragement was to be sought. No doubt the conflicting practices of customs 1 Parliamentary Papers, 1701, 4 Reasons against Act allowing the export of wool. ' 2 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. xi. p. 190. 3 Minutes, June 4, 1701, p. 256. INTRODUCTION lxxvii officials must have been very perplexing, and a complete system of non-prohibited imports of cloth would have been better than one under which English and foreign cloth was sometimes admitted, sometimes stopped. This must have meant a very serious inconvenience to the manufacturer, and the New Mills Company, besides, had now to face the competi- tion of other Scottish companies. The very fact that so many of these had been founded before 1701 affords indirect evidence that the cloth trade was considered to have favour- able prospects even before the legislation of 1701. This conclusion is confirmed by a comparison of the later with the earlier New Mills minutes. The volume, beginning in 1701, shows that the business had grown during the interval. The capital had been increased, the quantity of cloth made was greater, and the purchases of wool were larger. Besides it happens there is record of a transaction that gives some information as to the dividends actually declared. In January 20, 1703, it would appear that the four previous dividends had amounted to 13, 10, 11, and 18 per cent, respectively, or a total of 52 per cent. 1 This clearly shows that even before 1701 considerable profits were made. Despite the competition of younger undertakings, the New Mills Company seems to have held its own. By its con- stitution it dealt directly with leading cloth merchants, and these being members of the Company secured it a respectable sale of its goods. Then, too, it continued to obtain a share of the Government contracts for cloth. But the great diffi- culty the business had to contend with at this date was the stringency of the local money market. Debtors paid very slowly, the exchange abroad was adverse, and even the Government owed the sum of £1952, 14s. 2d. sterling for 1 There is some doubt as to the dividend of 13 per cent., but the others are mentioned in the minutes. Vide supra, note January 20, 1703, p. 337. Ixxviii THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY over ten years to the managers. 1 The State in other respects continued to support the Company by granting exemption from taxation. Thus in 1702, in the Act levying a ten and a half months' cess on land-rent, ' the lands of Newmills belonging to the woollen manufactory 1 are excepted, and a similar privilege is recorded in the Act of 1704 for a six months' cess, also in that of 1705 for a seven months'* cess. 2 One effect of the Act of 1701 is said to have been to have raised the amount of cloth exported, which had grown from 80,000 ells in 1694-5 to 200,000 ells in 1702-3, from the same district. 3 The balance of opinion was favour- able to the quality of cloth made at this period. One writer says that the cloth industry had, by 1700, arrived at 6 a very good degree of perfection,"* adding that 6 it is not to be expected that a child new-born should do all things as a man of perfect age, and therefore we are bound to have patience and cherish children till they attain to vigour so as to serve us — and so we must do with our manu- factures. 1 4 Another author is of opinion that 6 woollen-cloth is now made as good as may serve the uses of the country."' 5 Others were convinced that the industry had progressed far beyond what could have been expected in the comparatively short time since its inception. 6 In other quarters the judgment was far from being so decisive. The propounder 1 Collection of Petitions to the Barons of the Exchequer (University Library, Edinburgh, Laing MSS., No. 488, Div. 11.), 1 Petition of the managers of the manufactory at Newmills ' (1701). 2 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. xi. pp. 21, 138, 296. 3 Parliamentary Papers after 1702, 'Memorial concerning the state of manufactures before and since the year 1702.' 4 'A letter to a member of Parliament': Edin. 1700 (Advocates' Library, Pamphlets, vol. 330), p. 16. 5 ' Discourses anent the improvements may be made in Scotland ' (Advocates' Library, Wodrow MSS., 33, 5, 16), f. 15. 6 Parliamentary Papers after 1702, 'Answers to a memorial given in by the merchant-tailors.' INTRODUCTION lxxix of Reasons general for a Sumptuary Law held that ' Scots manufactures are so little specious when compared to the gaudy imports, that what is manufactured in Scotland will not be used but contemned by the vain — and that is (in experience) almost all. 1 1 The minutes of the Company show that, through laxity at the works, there was considerable cause for complaint. In 1702 'scrimp 1 measure had created 6 a great deall of clamour and trouble, 1 and in the following year there was much annoyance through the ill-milling of the cloth, which was said to be 6 full of holes. 1 2 Though the prohibition of 1701 was received at first 6 with much popular applause and alacrity, 1 it was not long before there was dis- satisfaction because every man did not immediately experience the advantage he would gain. 3 In all probability, in view of the reduction of prices from 1695 to 1700, the plain man would need much argument to convince him of the benefit he would derive from any increase that might be made, on the return to complete protection. At the same time it is worthy of note that it is recorded after 1700 that the tendency on the whole was towards lower prices for cloth. 4 From the beginning of the eighteenth century to the Union the history of the New Mills Company is embraced in the wider movement of the legislation affecting wool. In 1703 two draft Acts were brought before Parliament, the one for the measurement and sealing of cloth and the other to prohibit the importation of foreign wool. 5 Against these an overture for an Act was considered which provided for the 1 Parliamentary Papers, 1698. 2 Minutes, September 16, 1702, p. 322; April 14, 1703, p. 344. 3 A Speech without Doors concerning the Exportation of Wool. 4 Parliamentary Papers after 1702, 'Memorial concerning the state of manufactures,' etc. 5 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland^ vol. xi. pp. 46, 80, 81. lxxx THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY encouragement of woollen manufactories. 1 Such overtures represented the struggle between the manufacturing and land-owning interests. The prosperity of the proprietors of Galloway and Roxburgh largely depended on the prices realised for wool, and freedom of exporting meant a high return as against a low one when the wool must be con- sumed at home. 2 From the point of view of the manufacturer the prohibition of the export of wool was a necessity not only to provide him with cheap raw material but also to limit the supply of wool available for the foreign competitors with whom he must compete if he exported his cloth. The woolmasters secured a small advantage by endeavour- ing to obtain permission to export sheepskins with the wool on them. 3 The manufacturers presented a petition showing that the proposed Act meant the re-introduction of the export of wool, 4 and they were joined by the skinners and shoe- makers. However, the export of skins was permitted under the condition that shipments should be limited to Borrow- stounes, Newport- Glasgow and Dumfries. 5 In 1704 the case of the woolmasters was carried a stage further by the promotion of a draft Act allowing the export of wool. Against this the manufacturers were heard before Parliament. They represented that ' on the faith of former laws, which were even but temporary, they erected manufactories at great charge, and now to bring in an Act which entirely overturns them seems to be a hardship the like whereof has been un- precedented. 1 6 There was considerable debate on the clauses 1 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. xi. p. 63. 2 The History of the Union of Great Britain, by Daniel Defoe (Edin. 1709), p. 123. 3 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. xi. p. in. 4 Parliamentary Papers, 1703, 1 Export of Skins.' 5 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. xi. p. ill. 6 Parliamentary Papers, 1704, 'Trade and Commerce — the Petition of the Manufacturers of this Kingdom against permission to export wool ' ; Acts of Parliament, vol. xi. p. 177. INTRODUCTION lxxxi of the Act, which was finally passed in the form of allowing export of wool and at the same time prohibiting the im- portation of cloth. 1 At the same time the export of Scottish cloth was exempted from duty, and this was recognised as some compensation to the manufacturer. 2 These Acts constituted a complete triumph to the wool- masters, and at the same time a very serious blow to the undertakers of woollen works. According to Defoe, 4 the ship- ping off of the wool from Scotland . . . was a mortal wound given to the industry of the people, discouraging all attempts of manufacturing among them.' The recommencement of the exportation of wool was coincident with the cessation of the exportation of cloth to Sweden and the Baltic, for 4 the Swedes now took their wool from Scotland, which they had not been used to do, by which it was apparent, they (having the wool) made the manufactures themselves, and this was a dead loss to Scotland just so much as the employment and labour of the poor amounted to." 13 These events were unfortunate for Scotland when com- mercial relations with England came to be adjusted at the Union. For many years past it had been the fixed policy of England to discourage the cloth trade elsewhere and con- centrate it at home. For instance, in 1698, the House of Commons, noticing the growth of the woollen trade in Ireland, stated in a petition to the king that ' it behoves them like their ancestors to be jealous of the establishment i and increase of this trade elsewhere. 1 Accordingly, by a king's letter, the Government in Ireland was directed to discourage the woollen trade and encourage the manufacture 1 Acts of Parliament, vol. xi. p. 190. 2 Ibid., vol. xi. App. p. 53. 3 History of the Utiion, ut supra, p. 123. There is no mention in the second series of minutes of exports of cloth to Sweden. That sent for sale to Holland was either returned unsold or realised a price below the cost of production. / lxxxii THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY of linen. 1 The same policy was now to be applied to Scot- land, but with this difference, that the Union being of the nature of a contract between the two countries, Scotland had the right of bargaining for a quid pro quo to compensate for losses due to the Union. England, in conformity with a definite policy, required the prohibition of the export of wool, and therefore some compensation was awarded to the woolmasters affected by the change through subsidies to the manufacture of coarse cloth. It was widely felt that there was a hardship to Scottish producers in the destruction of the fine cloth-works already established. For, with freedom of trade between the two countries, English cloth ceased to be prohibited, and it was sold at much lower prices than the home product. 2 At the same time it must be remembered that Scotland could only be compensated once for the same thing. Granting the export of wool, for the cessation of which compensation was given, it was impossible that allow- ance should be made for the loss of protection to the fine cloth manufacture, for this trade had already been very seriouslv endangered by the same permission of freedom to export wool. In fact there were, up till 1704, two avenues possible for a claim for compensation. The one the continuation of the prohibition of the export of wool, in which case there would have been grounds in equitv for allowances to be made to the manufacturers of broadcloth for the loss of protection against English imports. In view of the anxiety of England to secure the cloth trade, it is possible the Scottish position, in bargaining on the terms of the L T nion, would have been stronger on this than on the 1 State Papers — Public Record Office, Dublin, 'Kings and Queens Letters,' under July 7, 1698; Carton 178, No. 3779. - Defoe's History of the Union, ut supra, Appendix, Part 1. p. 36. This is confirmed by Adam Smith {Wealth of Nations, Book L ch. xi. ed. Nicholson, p. 99), who states that the price of wool fell 1 very considerably ' after the Union. The loss to the landowners, he adds, was made good by a rise in the price of meat. INTRODUCTION lxxxiii grounds that had to be taken up, namely, the loss of the right to export wool. 1 After the Union some of the early manufactories turned their attention to the production of inferior cloth, and petitions were presented from Wm. Hogg of Harcarse and the Musselburgh Company, making certain offers in return for grants from the Equivalent.' 2 The New Mills Company does not appear to have made any attempt to adapt itself to the changed circumstances, and preparations were made for the winding up of the Company. The necessary steps could only be made very slowly, as there was difficulty in obtaining payment of some long outstanding accounts due by the Government for army clothing. 3 At a meeting held towards the end of February 1711 it was decided to accept proposals from intending purchasers of the lands of New Mills, the dead stock and privileges of the Company.^ Meetings of the members were called for the 3rd of June, the 11th of June, and the 28th of June of the same year. 5 In February 1712 the property was again advertised for sale with the hall of the Company in Edinburgh. 6 Early in May it was announced that the sale had been adjourned. 7 Evidently there was important business for which it was difficult to obtain a quorum, for, during the last days of October an advertise- ment was published to the effect that * the Proprietors of the New Mills Manufactory are entreated to meet at their hall on Monday November 3rd at 2 o'c. in the afternoon anent special affairs of the Company. 1 8 As a result of this 1 Some particulars of the general effects of the Scottish protective policy are given in an article on this subject in the Scottish Historical Review (January 1904), vol. i. pp. 173-190. 2 A Collection of Petitions to the Barons of the Exchequer (University Library, Edinburgh, Laing MSS., No. 488, Div. II.). 3 The Dictionary of Legal Decisions, p. 1400. 4 The Scots Courant i Nos. 853, 880. 5 Ibid., Nos. 894, 895, 9S1. 6 Ibid., No. 1010. 7 Ibid., No. 1 041. 8 Ibid., No. 1 1 12. lxxxiv THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY meeting it was decided to offer the property in separate lots, and, in the next issue of the Scots C our ant , the lands of New Mills were advertised for public sale and 6 the proprietors were entreated to be present at the Roup 11 on December 1st at 3 o'clock. The hall was to be rouped on the 8th, but subsequently the sale was adjourned to February 16, 171 3. 2 Just before the sale of the hall a drawing of the remaining cloth by lot was held on February 2nd. 3 Last of all, on March 20th, the machinery and plant were sold. It comprised tools for the manufacture of broadcloth, such as 6 sniffers, cards, hand-stocks with and without teassels, weavers'-looms, spinning-wheels, weavers'-shuttles, weavers'* reeds, reels, sheer- boards and dubbing boards, brushes, burling tables, tenters, iron stove, two hot presses, one cold press, pressing planks, pressing papers, also Spanish wool dyed several mixtures. , 4 The lands of New Mills were purchased by Colonel Charteris, and he changed the name to Amisfield, so that with the winding-up of the Company the designation of its property disappeared. Part V. — Documents relating to the Foundation of the Company ^pril 18, 16S1. A Memoriall concerning the Cloath Manufactory. That the capitall stock of 5000 lib. sterling proposed to be put in by the merchants to set at work 20 broad loomes for the makeing of cloath to be paid in at 3 termes may competentlie carrie on the undertakeing without any additionall stock consider- ing it will be somtyme or all the work people necessarlie to be employed (who will be 233 in number) 5 can be gott together and 1 The Scots Courant, No. 1118. 2 Ibid., No. 1 147. 3 Ibid., No. 1 145. 4 Ibid., No. 1166. 5 The Company had not been long in existence before it employed over seven hundred hands. INTRODUCTION lxxxv the work going in its full condition so that the said stock is computed to carrie it on for two years tyme in which space considerable quantities of cloath will be made and delivered out to the merchants and after 12 moneths trust they will be paying in money to account the cloath sold them which will be a constant supplie to pay servants wages and buying wool and materialls in all tyme comeing [so that] 1 the cloathes made at the Manufactory so soon as finished must have [an] estimate put upon them by the masters there as to the full charges they [estimate] each cloath stands in makeing and at its incomeing to Edinburgh, the mer- chants entrusted there for the first year on behalfe of the whole societie are to consider the goodnes and sufficiencie of the cloath and the estimate put upon each cloath by the masters to which they are to add a price truly and faithfullie to the best of their experience and judgement aggreeable to what prices such sorte of cloathes have usuallie stood themselves in from London befor vending in their shops that so they may be as cheap to the merchants as they were in use to have them all charges considered and being thus marked and rated they are to be booked by the persone entrusted to receive them at Edinburgh for the account of the whole Societie and then to be delivered out to any of the Societie as the Manadgers at Edinburgh shall think fitt. For the makeing of the cloath. The best Spanish wool Galloway and Inglish wooll must be bought. The fleece of Galloway or English wooll to be divided in 4 sorts viz.: — The first and best part of the fleece to be warp for the Spanish wool wast which cloath being all of the first and fynest sort may be delivered out to the merchants at 13/4d. sterling per ell to 15/8d. as the Spanish cloath is in goodnes and upwards as they were in use to be furnished from England as abovesaid. The second sort of wool to be warp to the best of the fleece for wast, the cloath to be delivered out of the Manufactory [to the] merchants from 6 to 7 lb. 10[s]. Scottis [as the cloath is in] 1 The paper is eaten away at the folds and some words are thus lost, while others can only be guessed at. Ixxxvi THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY goodnes and upwards as they were in use to be furnished from England as abovesaid. The 3d sort course cloath from ... to 4 lib. per ell and upwards as they were in use to be furnished from England as abovesaid. The use of the 4th sort being the hiplocks of the fleece is to be carded spunn twisted and twyned for sisting to the cloaths made. The refuse and losse upon moateing and scouring of the Spanish wooll in prepareing it for makeing of cloath befor it come to the spinner will be usuallie 3 lib. within 16 lib. The refuse and losse upon dressing moating and scouring of Galloway or English wooll overhead one with the other will be usuallie 5 lib. in 20 lib. weight befor it come to the spinner. One broad loome with twa weavers the most they can spinn of a day of Spanish cloath will be one and a halfe of ordinarie cloathes three ells of raw cloath one with another of those sorts. That 36 ells of Spanish cloath raw out of the loome when well waked and drest cloath will yeeld 26 ells good and sufficient merchantable cloath. That of 2d and 3d sorts of cloaths and 33 ells raw will yeeld of waked and drest cloath 23 or 23j ells. Twentie broad loomes with all the necessarie servants for makeing and finishing of cloath as computed may make yearly 7968 ells viz. :— 14 loomes in each two . . for Spanish cloath each loome is computed to work 9 ells of raw cloath weekly being 36 ells per moneth . . which 36 ells of raw cloath will yeeld 26 ells or therby of well waked drest and finished cloath so in a year one loome is computed to make 312 ells which for 14 loomes is ..... 4368 per ells fyne. loomes in each two weavers for ordinarie" cloathes each loome computed to work 18 ells weekly being 72 per moneth which will yeeld 50 ells or therby of well wake drest and finished cloath so in a year one loome is computed to make 600 ells which for 6 loomes is 3600 ells ordinary. Total . 7968 ells. INTRODUCTION lxxxvii 436*8 ells reduced into peeces at 24 ells each is 182 peeces Spanish cloath. 3600 ells reduced into peeces at 24 ells each is 150 peeces ordinary cloath. So 20 loomes quhen the work is full going: ) 00 ~ , , n & & > 332 peeces yearly, will make . . . . > r J J Computation of the cloath so made superfine :- Spanish 2000 ells at 9 lib. 8s. is 18,800 : 0 : 0 Item 01500 » at 8 8 is 12,600: 0 : 0 0868 at 7 8 is 06,423 : 0: 0 Item ordinary 1000 ells at 7 is 7000: 0 : 0 Item „ 1000 ells at 5/10 is 5500 : 0 : 0 Item ,, 1000 ells at 4 is 4000 : 0 : 0 . . . 600 at 600 ells at 2/10 is 1500: 0: 0 55823 55,823 : 0 : 0 A particular account of what work people and necessarie servants will be employed in a cloath Manufactory to keep 20 broad looms at work : — Per diem. Men. Scotts lib. s. d. Imprimis for weaveingon 20 looms each . . .8s. 40 per week is 96 : 0 : 0 Item for spinning and card- ing to 20 loomes each . 3 : 8 100 „ is 100 : 0 : 0 Item for scribling the wooll boyes each . . . 3 : 8 20 „ is 20 : 0 : 0 For mixing and swinging the wooll boyes . . . 3 : 8 24 „ is 24 : 0 : 0 Women for dighting and picking the wooll . . 3 : 8 12 „ is 12 : 0 : 0 For winding the pirns and bobins . . . .8:04 „ is 9:12:0 For the dressing shop . .8:0 12 „ is 28 : 16 : 0 For setting and dighting of handles . . .3:8 2 „ is 2:0:0 For the burl eing buirds .3:8 12 „ is 12 : 0 : 0 lxxxviii THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY Per diem. Men. Scotts lib. s. d. For the dye house and . . mylne . . . .8:02 per week is 16 : 0 : 0 For graith and .... loomes 8:0 1 „ is 2 : 08 : 0 229 lib. 311 : 12 : 0 A master for makeing the Spanish cloath and one for the ordinary . 2 24 : 0 : 0 A clerk and store keeper . 2 13 : 06 : 8 233 348:18: 8 The Totall of the wages for 52 weeks amounts to 18143 : 10 : 8 To 20 broad loomes estimate at 60 lib. per loome 1200 0 : 0 To 20 pairs new Dutche sheers at 12d. per lb. weight each 35 lb. overhead . 420 : 0 : O To a large new copper and a smaller for dyeing the wooll estimat .... 500 ■ 0: 0 100 pair of scribling cairds at 3 lib. per pair and 100 pair small cairds at 1 lb. 16 bought in ' 490 0 i 0 Sommersettshyre and sent by land cariage to London and thence by sea. To 4 laboning wheels 4 lib. hand hooks 6 for the sheers with inflers 30s. peece in all . 14 0 : 0 To 70 spinning wheels at 3/4d. per wheel 140 0 : 0 To 24 pair burling irons .... 24 : 0 : 0 To Teasell handles smoothing ravishes heavits hartcloath and sacking for 4 dressing boards 130 0 : 0 To ane additional tenter for watring and dyeing the cloath ..... 80 : 0 : 0 To leid weights to .... s. 4d. per lb. . 0: 13 : 0 3040 ! 13 : 0 Totall of the charges on this side carried over is . 21184 : 03 : 4 INTRODUCTION lxxxix To 182 peeces fyne Spanish cloath 24 yards in length is computed will require 4 stone of wooll quherof 40 libs, weight Spanish 25 lib. Scottis wooll inde. For Spanish wooll 7280 lib. weight at . . per lb. 8736 : 0 : 0 Inde Scottis wooll 4450 weight at 8d. per lb. is . 1800 : 0 : 0 To 150 peece ordinarie cloath 20 lib. weight Spanish wooll and 60 lib. weight Scottis wooll inde 3000 weight at 2 per lib. . . 3600 : 0 : 0 Inde Scottis wooll 9000 weight at 8d. per lb. . 3600 : 0 : 0 Charges computed for oyll dying stuff and Allicant soap 9 lib. weight on each part cloath for 332 peeces is .... 2988 : 0 : 0 20744 : 0:0 By the Totall brought over from the other side . 21 184 : 03 : 8 1 41928 : 03 : 8 . . . wages at 10/s. sterling per week 00312 : 0:0 . . . 600 . . and whither to bought from ... or England. 42240 : 3:8 To incident charges for entertaineing work people and bringing from abroad masters of work and necessary workmen that cannot be gotat home. Item the yearly tack duty of the Manufactory, house walkmylne and dying house. As to the work houses, dyeing house and walkmylne I referr the consideration of the rent therof to any five of the Societie to modifie upon survey as they shall reasonable think fitt and the said rent allowed me shall not be payable to me out of the capitall stock but out of the profites ariseing from the Manufactory after discompting in the first place the capitall stock and the ordinary annual rent therof therafter out of the first and readiest of the free proffite, the rent to be allowed and then superplus proffites to be divided to the partners according to their stocks. That the materialls I have about the said Manufactorie may be estimate at reasonable rates and become a part of the comon stock and be allowed for . . on accompt my particular stock. I . . . particular accompt ... as I can draw to my . . ] Sic. g xc THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY Articles aggreed upon be the merchands erectors of the cloath Manufactorie at Newrnilnes. 1st. That all of us shall faithfullie and truely concurre by our best counsells and advice for the weill being good and advantadge of the said Manufactorie and shall be proportionall sharers of gaine and loss of the comone stock advanced by us according to our respective interests, which stock is not to be uplifted or taken up be us for the first seven yeirs, but by the consent of the major pairt. 2nd. That non shall heirafter be admitted to our Society but actuall tradeing merchands and these alse be the consent of the wholl subscryvers and upon the death of anie of the present subscryvers. It shall be in the power of the Society or major pairt (if they think fitt soe to doe) to admitt anie of the number to pay his representatives his principal stock and profite in caice his representative be under age or not ane actuall tradeing mer- chand whom we doe be this presents bind and oblidge to accept of the same. 3rd. That we shall meet at Edinburgh tuo tymes evrie yeir viz. upon the first Wednesday of May and October yeirlie there to choose five of our number for the manadgeing and overseeing our saids Manufactorie and for makeing such rules and lawes as may promote the advantadge of the Societie, and which onles so maid satisfied by the Society and recorded in ther book shall be also binding for our observance as if the same wer here particularlie insert. 4th. The Manadgers so chosen ar to continue one yeir onlie from the first Tuesday of May 1680 to the same 1682 and so furth yeirlie to be chosen be the pluralitie of the said Society wherof ar to be a quorum in caice the rest doe not come. 5th. That at the third yeir we shall onlie begin to receave our bygone annual rents if ther be so much free profites, and so therefter yeirlie for the first seven yeirs at least to receive onlie the rent of our monie if the profite affoord it, the excrescent advantage runneing up to a greater stock for the wholl Society untill the Society shall think fitt to divide proportionally, the gaine that is by and attour the interest and rent. INTRODUCTION xci 6th. To the effect the advantage or loss and manadgement may be knowen to evrie member of the Society ther is to be keeped a publict register of all our acts, rules and orders and publict books of accompts of all depursements, and of all goods maid or stock of wooll or other goods in hand of all monie received and of all goods sold which book the clerk of the Societie is to make patent to anie member for his reviseing and examineing. 7th. That all cloath maid come first to the chamber or ware- house appointed be the Society and therwith the Manadgers and master clothier receive a dew estimat imposeing therone ane reasonable profite by and attour the net coast which cloath being so priced ar first to be offerred to the members of the Society and ther be divided equally be the Manadgers uniforme to each man's interest, and if in caice the quantitie will not admitt to be so divided that it be divided in alse manie pairts as the quantitie will allow and lotes be maid who shall have and therefter at the nixt sale these who then wanted to have the preferrence. 8th. What is not thus sold to the pairtners to be disposed of to the best advantage to the manadgers or whom they appoint. 9th. That each persone (manadgers alse weill as others) shall upon recept of mor cloath goods or others subscryve a bond bearing registratione payable in six moneths with interest ther- efter to the cashkeeper of the Society for the behoof of the Company. I am much indebted to Mr. 11. K. Hannay of St. Andrews University for having read the proofs of this Introduction. W. R. S. BOOK FOR THE MANUFACTORIES Edixbrough, Anno Domini, June 22th 1681 Edinburgh, June 22th 1681. Present att the first meeting of the manufactories — Mr. Kobertt Blackwood. Robertt Blackwood. George Home, Samuell M c Cleland, and John Drummond. 1 1. First they aggreed to severall heads of the great contract and ordained coppies thereof to be given to the members of the Society, and there thoughts to be desired of the forsaid heads and what they think fitt to add or diminish againest the next meeting. 2 1 The foundation and organisation of the society has been detailed in the Intro- duction. The deed of copartnership had been signed on May ioth, and the first meeting of those directing the undertaking was held on June 22nd. These officials, corresponding to modern directors, were called 1 managers,' and the chairman was known as the praeses [vide §191). The 'master,' to whom refer- ence is made in subsequent entries, was the manager of the works. There were five 4 managers,' of whom three retired annually. Of the first body of managers the most prominent man was Robert Black- wood, who with Sir James Stanfield had been instrumental in founding the society. There were two Robert Blackwoods managers of the Xewmills com- pany, and one of them was in 1691 both a bailie and a master of the 1 Company of Edinburgh Merchants' {Edinburgh Merchants, by Robert Chambers, 1S59, p. 23), and a few years later it is recorded that a Robert Blackwood was a director of the Darien Company, in which he held ^"3000 stock, as well as being a member of the 'Committee of Improvements' of that company. — Darien Papers, pp. 31-34. 8 The ' great contract ' was the articles of copartnership of the company, and corresponded to the modern articles of association. It does not appear to have been entered in the Register House, but a copy (which appears to have been used in a lawsuit) came to light while this work was in the press, and is printed at the end of the Introduction under the title of ' Articles aggreed upon by the mer- chants erectors of the cloath Manufactorie at Newmilnes.' Its chief provisions are also recorded in a pamphlet published in the interests of the company, a copy of which is preserved in the Advocates' Library, entitled A Representation of the Advantages that would arise to this Kingdom by the erecting and improving cf Manufactories, but more especially that of WoolUn-cloath, with an answer to the objections against this last, an i an account of its present state and the success of the A 2 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF 2. The cash keeper is appointed to bring in his accounts againest next meeting, and who have not paid. 1 3. That the cash keeper send James Foules bills nixt post for two hundreth pound sterling. 4. Comissionatt Robertt Blackwood to send for 1000 ells of Galloway whytes from lis. to 13 per ell. 2 o. George Home being ordered to look for a copper for dyeing reports that the copper he was ordered to inspect ryses in the bottome, and for deying must be otherwayes. Edinburgh, June 27th 1681. Absent John Drummond and James Standfield. 6. John Drummond appointed to give to John Anglv, Sir James Stamfeildis man, upon the said Sir James Stamfieldis advice by his order fifety pound sterling to buy att Peebles als much worsetts as he shall find fitteing for makeing course cloathes. 3 Edinburgh, July 4th 1681. Absent Sir James Stamfield, John Drummond being out of town, and Robertt Blackwood. 7. Appoints John Drummond to give the copies of the Manufactory at New- Mi 1ms for Wollen-cloath, serges, silk and worsted stock- ings and of the rules and methods observed by the undertakers in managing it with proposals to such as shall be willing to join in that Work. Edinburgh, 16S3. 1 The reference to those 1 who have not paid ' evidently refers to members who were in arrear in paying calls due on their shares. Vide entry July 29th, 1681. 1 As a general rule, throughout these minutes, when a sum of money is men- tioned without the addition of the word 1 sterling,' Scottish currency is to be understood. The 'par of exchange ' between pounds Scots and pounds sterling was 12:1. In other words, neglecting the exchange rates, which were at this time adverse to Scotland (A Representation . . . of the advantages of erecting "lanufactortes, etc., ut supra, p. 3), pounds Scots may be converted into pounds sterling by dividing by 12 and conversely. It is to be noted, however, that the price of cloth per ell is generally quoted in sterling, even where this is not expressly stated, e.g. §69. 3 'Stamfeildis' is Stanfield. Sir James Stanfield was one of the promoters of the company, and leased it the mills at Newmills. At this period he was a man of considerable wealth, and he had many transactions with noblemen in giving them monetary accommodation. He was also a Member of Parliament THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 3 articles there that have not gotten, and to give in his accounts as befor. 8. Appointes Robertt Blackwood, Samuell M c Cleland to visit the Galloway whites sent in, and to keep what they think convenient according to order, and order theire deying and milling. 9. Appointes Samuell M c Cleland and Hugh Blaire to try whatt a copper kettle will stand the pound weight in Holland, and to enquire here alsoe how soon the two kettles could be made. Edinburgh, July 11th 1681. 10. There was noe meeting in regard of Sir James Stamfieldis and Mr. Drummond being absent, butt thereafter mett att eight att night, and appoints Robertt Blackwood, Hugh Blaire, Samuell M c Cleland, John Drummond, and George Home to goe to New-Mills. Edinburgh, July 13, 1681. Absent George Home, being out of town. 11. These comissionatt went out of town, visited the work, and made following memorandum of what was to be done. As to the kettle its found considering the charges that it is best to cause make itt heire, butt yett the said person to try againe, and however, to delay the makeing till the master come. Edinburgh, July 15, 1681. The managers all present. 12. Immediatly to cause be made ready one copper of for Haddington until his death in 1687. The latter event was very tragic in its surroundings. Stanfield was found dead near his house, and suspicions were aroused against his son, who, having fallen into dissolute courses, had seriously embarrassed his father. These suspicions were accentuated by a bleeding or movement of the corpse on the approach of the son. The latter was eventually tried for parricide and convicted. The execution was marked by a distressing accident through the breaking of the rope. — Chambers 's Domestic Annals of Scotland, vol. ii. passim ; Chronological Notes of Scottish Affairs by Lord Fountainhall, Edinburgh, 1822, pp. 233-236. 4 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF sixty gallon and one of thirty gallon and send them out. Two dying fatts, each of them to be six quarters diamiter and six foot high quhereof one to be made with one lead bottom quhich a plummer is to make befor itt be bound with timber, the other to be made by the w right att New-Millns. 13. For makeing these fatts is to be provided 10 wainscot of 10 foot in lenth ; itts to be considered thatt the fatts are to be 3 inches thick. 14. Ane pomp of 11 foot long to be provided att Lieth, and sent to New-Millns, for conveying water to the copers and fatts. 15. Ane light closs wagon to be made att New-Milns of 8 foot long 3 foot brood and 3 foot deep of well seasoned timber to be lyned with waxed cloth and pitched below. 16. To send out 12 pair small cards, 1 6 pair scrubleing cards, both from James Smert in Lieth 12wiskes for wisking there cloth 12 wand hampers to hold wool to carry to washe- ing 4 barrel Is traine oyle. Edinburgh, July 18th 1681. Absent Hugh Blaire, John Drummond, and George Home out of town. 17. Received in the accounts from New-Mills, which are delivered to John Drummond, and to be considered next meeting. 18. As to the articles of the great contract Robertt Blackwood and Samuell M c Cleland haveing delivered copies 1 The ' cards ' to which reference is made in this and subsequent sections were 1 wool-cards.' There was a manufactory for making these at Leith, which had been established in 1663 {Reg. Mag. Sig. Com. Cart. Appret., lib. x. (1676-84) f. 142— General Register House). This industry is noteworthy as one of the few in Scotland which obtained a monopoly from the state. For this reason its existence was repeatedly threatened by the Convention of Royal Burghs {Records, 1677-1711, pp. 21, 59, 141, 155, 210, 229, 303). The Parlia- mentary Papers at the General Register House contain many documents relat- ing to this undertaking, which are characterised both by considerable dialectical ability and by great powers of invective. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 5 thereof and got noe answer are ordained against next meet- ing to gett the opinion of them to whom they delivered. Edinburgh, July 29th 1681. [19-20.] Itt is ordered that John Drummond bring in ane account of who is not paid the first moity, and to demand payment of the second. This day accepted Mr. Lowrie and James Fouels there bill for three hundreth eighteen pound sterling payabill att ten dayes sight. [21.] Appointes John Drummond to pay to George Home or any other the charges of the goodes per Hector Allan. Edinburgh, August 1, 1681. Absent Robertt Blackwood, George Home. 22. It is appointed that in regard of the frequent absences of the managers thatt each of them consigne in the clerkes hands two rix dollars of quhich is to be deduced six pence for each tyme they shall be absent from the meeting. 23. Mr. Robertt Blackwood is appointed to speak to the generall collector for obtaineing a warrand to the collectors of the borders for suffering to pass free of duty with wool. Mr. Robertt Blackwood and John Lindsay shall declare it for the use of the manufactory. 1 Edinburgh, August 15, 1681. Absent John Drummond who is sick. 24. Appointed James Row and Samuell M c Cleland to speake to the Duke of Hamiltown, and if he offer 10s. for the ell or above to referr the price to himselfe. 25. In regard the dyhouse must be presently finished, that if the Lady and John Angly will not condescend to give us in the brew house in place of the inlardgement conditioned then that presently the inlargeing of itt to the 28 foot in lenth to 1 Under the Act passed in 1681 'for encouraging Trade and Manufactures' all raw materials for the use of manufactories which obtained the benefit of the Act were admitted into Scotland free of customs forever. — Acts of the Parlia- ment of Scotland, viii. p. 348. Vide Introduction, Part II* 6 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF be sett about, and if John Angly want money, that money be advanced on his recept thatt lights be made in itt. Edinburgh, August 17th 1681. Managers all present, John Drumond and Sir James absent. 26. Received a paper of proposalls from the master. Re- solved that John Angly be againe written for, and that to him instructions may be given how to manage hereafter as first on Saturnday day next he weigh and inventory all matterialls presently in hand ; 2 ly , that hereafter he keep ane exact account of all things as the master proposes, and we shall order that John Angly bring in ane account of what wool and other matterialls he hath already gott. 27. Delivered to the master ane account of the matterialls we have bought and aggreed for with Sir James. 28. Thatt in regard we will be straitned for woolen yarn, that the master with John Angly be appointed to goe to Peebles to be there against Thursday next against 12 of the clock and to buy whatt is fitt for them, to take patterns of yarn with them and soe ingage people to spin such. 29. That Mr. Sparrway give us ane account what wool we will require for makeing 4000 ells course cloth 2000 ells of midline, and 2000 ells fine cloth. 30. That John Angly be ordered to transport [what wool we will require] the 6 loomes and others out of the old workes and order itt according as the master advises. Edinburgh, August 18, 1681. Absent Robertt Blackwood Hugh Blaire. 31. Thatt one Saturnday nixt John Angly take up inventory of all wool yarn dyeing stuff and other matterialls he has in his custody, and that he presently buy ane book of 2 quare of paper in a folio and write down constantly what goes out and to whom and what ever yarn is received back from the spinners, to what weavers it is given out and what every cloth takes for quhich cause everfy] cloth is to be numbered and that for this cause every severall imployment must be att least eight dayes in provision for serveing them without waiteing on upon another. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 7 Edinburgh, August 24th 1681. Absent George Home Robertt Blackwood. 32. Ordaines the master and John Angly to take up ane full inventory of all loomes, instruments, and matterialls whatsomever that belongs to the manufactory. 33. Its to be considered what way blacks and reds may be dyed to save the charge of mentaineing a dyer. 34. Ordered that directions be given to the master that care be taken that the next reds be a better brighter color. 35. The next meeting is appointed to be with Mr. Spurrway on Monday att 9 of the clock att quhich tvme the proposalls given in by him are to be revised and further considered. Edinburgh, September 7, 1681. 36. Ordaines the matterialls whereof the master hath given in severall memorandums furth with to be provided. 37. Ordered the master give ane account what wool he hath got from John Lindsay that John may gett our recept for the same. Edinburgh, September 14, 1681. 38. Ordered to gett recept from John Angly of the £20 he gott to goe to Peebles and ane account thereof and of what other money is in his hands. 39. Ordered that Samuell M c Cleland undertake the buying of whatt matterialls are wanting conformed to the note now given in and former notes to be revised. 40. Ordered that Hugh Blaire goe out to New-Millns Saturnday next to give direction to the whole servants thatt they must obey the master in every thing or to be turned out and that John Angly shall pay noe wages with his orders. 41. Thatt intimation be made att the cross of Haddington, 24th instant being the faire day for all worke people we stand in need of to use all means to use honest ingenious men for prentices. 42. To deal with Mr. Sparrway to putt the spun wool in hand. 8 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edinburgh, September 17, 1681. Present only Hugh Blaire. 43. Findes 10 peices of cloth ready out of the loome quhairof 3 fine, the rest course, concludes to dye the 3 fine into blackes and 2 of the coursest the best red can be made the rest to ly till further order. 44. Sent out to New-Millns 39| ells spun woolen yarn produced of 39 ells wool sent hither September 14 with 1 ell of spun yarn for patterns to spin by. Edinburgli, October 10, 1681. 45. Gave precept to John Mickle copersmith for foure hundreth pounds Scotts upon John Drummond. 46. Perused John Angly's account ending September 24th, and marked some things in them to be enquired after. 47. Ordered George Home to acquant the haile members of the society to meet in Hamilton's Coffee house tomorrow after the burialls. Edinburgh, October 13, 1681. Present Mr. Robertt Robertt Blackwoods, Samuell M c Clelan'd, Hush Blaire, and George Home. 48. To send out 12 ells of Galloway whytes to work att New-Millns with the corier. 49. Send out to New-Millns 4 peeces of Dictison harran. 50. Write to John Angly to flagg the dy chouse. 51. James Row is to be charged debtor to the work for dyeing 27 ells of black cloth. 52. To try whatt a blew fatt can be made for 3J inches thick in the staffes, 5 J foot deep, 5 foot brood in the bottom, 4 foot brod in the top. Edinburgh, October 17, 1681. Present Mr. Robertt Robertt Blackwoods, Samuell M c Cleland, Hugh Blaire, George Home. 53. To write to John Angly according to last dayes order. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 9 Edinburgh, October 24, 1681. Present Mr. Robertt Robertt Blackwood, Hugh Blaire, George Home. 54. Haveing cast the account of what wool wee still need wee find there is a necessasity of provideing 250 ston either English or finest Scotts for this yeers provision. 55. To resolve with the master upon some settled way of dyeing. 56. Thatt the master grant recept to John Lindsay for whatt wool he hath received. Edinburgh, October 26, 1681. Present Sir James Standfield, Mr. Robertt and Robertt Black- woods, Hugh Blaire, John Drummond,and George Home. 57. Aggreed with Robertt Young to goe out to New-Millns and make the blew fatt, we are to furnish all timber and he is to have dayes wages as John Gibson dyer payes him and he is make her sufficient work. The plank must be 4 inches thick. She is to be 5J foot deep, 5 foot bredth in boottom, 4 foot over top. 58. George Home is to goe to Lieth with Robertt Young and provide timber for the fatt and iron and buy the hundreth dailes and cause saw them. Edinburgh, October 28, 1681. Present Mr. Robertt and Robertt Blackwood s, Hugh Blaire, John Drummond, and George Home. 59. Settled with Mr. Robertt Blackwood for the Galloway whites he is to take them off the company's hand att twenty dollars loss and is to grant bond to John Drumond for them payable att Candlcmass. Mr. Robertt will have five pound sterling rebate in place of the twenty dollars above written, quhich is granted. 60. To write to the master that he send bott 1U ells of white cloth in place of 16 ells he was ordered to send, butt if itt be cutt he is [to] send all. 61. To look over Sir James's contract and know the 10 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF privi ledges granted to the Walk-Mill and give the master ane account of them. Edinburgh, November 4th 1681. Present Sir James Stainfield, Mr. Robertt and Robertt Black- wood, George Home, and Hugh Blaire. Samuell M c Cle- land, and John Drummond absent. 62. The 16 J ells cloth being corned in, Mr. Robertt Blackwood is ordered to receive itt, who is to give bond for it to the cash keeper as the managers esteem it worth payable in the 6th month. 63. As to the morter, George Home is ordered to write to Holland to desire it to contain only 5 Scotts pints, if not already made. Edinburgh, November 7, 1681. The Managers all present. 64. Itt is ordered that before Andrew Anderson, dyer, goe out to New-Millns that Hugh Blaire cause draw indenters betwixt the members of the manufactory and him for a year att 6d. sterling per diem. 65. This day Sir James Stamfield, Mr. Robertt Blackwood, Samuell M c Cleland, George Home, have accepted ane bill of ^?136, 4s. sterling drawen by James Foules for the use of the manufactory, payable att 14 dayes conformed to the advice November 1 instant. 66. Itts ordered that the two accounts of timber work- manshipp of loonies wheels tenters and others to revise and return his judgement of them. 67. Itts ordered that Lindsay be minded to buy the fine wool. Edinburgh, November 8th 1681. Sir James Standfield, Mr. Robertt and Robertt Blackwoods, Hugh Blaire, the Master, Samuell M c Cleland, John Drummond. [68.] Haveing discoursed the Master anent the estimat of the 16J ells of wait cloth received by Mr. Robertt Blackwood they esteem the same to stand 8s. sterling per ell and ordaines THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 11 the said Mr. Robertt to give bond for the same adding thereto 2d. sterling per shilling. 1 69. It is ordered that Sir James Stamfield and the master cause build one stove for dyeing the cloth and wool upon the company's charge. 70. Itts ordered that 100 ells of strong course canvass to make bedstand bolsters with 50 ells of Galloway whites [and] 4025 rings be bought for the prentize. 71. To allow the piper of New-Millns 20 merk per annum. 72. Thatt George Home write to Holland for 1 pipe or two of rape oyle. Edinburgh, November 18, 1681. Absent Mr. Robertt Blackwood. 73. Itt is ordered thatt all the company meet on Tuesday next in John Littles back shop att halfe three in the after- noon to fall upon ane effectuall way for ingetting of money. 74. Itt is ordered that Hugh Blaire goe out with Sir James the first day he goeth to visitt the work and reports the necessity of apartments, and how many work people there are, and whatt wages the English work att, and to notice everfy] thing else therein and give itt in write. Edinburgh, November 23, 1681. Absent John Drummond, Samuell M c Cleland. 75. It is ordered that John Drummond cause send forward the allum with all convenient speed. 76. It is ordered Mr. Robertt Blackwood with the first write to Gawin Lowrie anent the shoe-mack. 77. Its ordered that the master dey all Mr. Robertt Black- woods stockens att 2s. sterling, and that foure dozen legg bords be sent out with the first. 1 The reason for the addition of 2d. sterling in the is. to the cost price of the cloth arose from a condition laid down in the great contract. The managers determined what it cost the company to produce a given ell of cloth. To this amount 2d. in the shilling was added (or i6§ per cent, as manufacturer's profit), which was payable to the company. Then the cloth was divided amongst the shareholders by lot according to a pre-arranged system at the cost price + 16§ per cent, {vide supra, p. 76). 12 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edinburgh, December 2, 1681. The whole 5 managers present. 78. Hugh Blaire haveing been att New-Millns, conform to order, his made report and hath brought in ane account of the servants names and wages. 79. It is ordered John Rae be furth with aggreed with att six hundreth merk per annum ; and instructiones given him that may goe out to the work. 1 80. James Kello is becomed apprentize to the master and company for the space of 16yeerson the terms following, viz. : — for 4 yeers tyme he is to have six pound sterling yeerly for meat and clothes, and the last two yeers twelfe pound sterling yeerly for meat and clothes, and thereafter he is to sitt att the option of the company for other 4 yeers for ^30 sterling yeerly. Edinburgh, December 14th 1681. Managers mett Mr. Robert Blackwood, Robert Blackwood, George Home, Hugh Blair, and Samuell M c Cleland. 81. Haveing received in John Angle's account preceeding Saturnday 12 of November, there is of ballance due to him by said account ^866, 10s. 6d. Scotts, and Mr. Robertt Black- wood is ordered to give him £4<0 sterling to account till John Angly shall bring in his account of charge and discharge of the wool he received and of what was att the work belonging to Sir James Standfield of Inglish wool till the 10th of October that the Inventory was taken up. 82. James Balany with quhom we had indented for dyeing att New-Millns, and he not being able to perform, Mr. Robertt Blackwood is ordered to give him £29 Scotts in considiratione of his damnage and for the work he did. 83. Haveing aggreed with Mr. Robertt Blackwood for furnisheing 1600 ells of cloth for the ragement, he is pay 1 From figures given in Chambers's Edinburgh Merchants, p. 23, the merk or mark was equivalent to 13s. 4a 1 . Scots, i.e. § of a pound Scots, being thus equal to I3^d. sterling. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 13 6s. 3d. per elne, the one halfe presently and the other halfe the first of July next, and the company is to deliver all the cloth againest the first of February next. 84. Received in from Mr. Spurrway ane account of wages and charges given out about the imploy of the manufactory, and paid the ballance to him, and he is debtor to next account 25s. 4d. sterling; after the said account is revised we are to take the masters receit on the said account. 85. Itt is thought fitt the manager should thinke on a fitt person for booke keeping and for takeing the charge of the concerns in the manufactory in Edinburgh, and each to give account againest next meeting. 86. Received in from Mr. Spurrway formerly 6 course red clothes and this day received other 6 peeces. Received formerly 2 peeces in car natt clothes, one peeces fine att d. per yard for Duke of Hamiltown and another peece courser for Balcarras. 87. James Row to hold account for said two peece. 89. Itts recommended to Sir James Stamfield to augment Nicholas and James Topping's wages to 2s. more, or if he cannot doe otherwayes to 3s., provdeing he gett him bound for 7 yeers and to take apprentizes, and for James Topping to give him some gratuity for the yeer as he shall think fitt. The managers thinkes 2 dollars per quarter sufficient. Edinburgh, December 21, 1681. 90. Present Sir James Standfield, Mr. Robertt and Robertt Blackwoodes, Hugh Blaire, Samuell M c Cleland, George Drummond, Mr. Spurrway. 91. This day the indentures betwixt the managers, Mr. Spurrway and James Kello, and hath promised in caice itt shall be found afterwards that his allowance for his dyett and clothes be too little for mentaineing him sufficiently then he shall have ane further allowance. 92. The master is debtor to the manager 4 lbs sterling if it be not allowed to his charge. 93. Itts recommended to Sir James to inlarge the dye house and carry it over the damm as quickly as possible. 14 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edinburgh, December 30, 1681. Present Mr. Robertt Blackwood, Samuel] M c Cleland and my selfe. 94. George Home is to take a convenient seller att the cheapest rate he can in Leith. 95. To write to London or Holland for oyle tessells, argall mather, and shoe mack. Edinburgh, January 4, 1682. Present Robertt Blackwood, Hugh Blaire, Samuell M c Cleland. 96. To write to London for 200 lb weight of famiconnidigo. 97. Item, 100 more of argall from Holland. 98. Item, 30 packs of tessells. 99. Item, to write for 400 weight of cassell rope from London. 100. Item, the master is ordered to give Topping ten dollars, and to continue him att 4s. wages per week. 101. Item, it is aggreed with the master that he take the 3 apprentizes now in the week to dyett att 2s. per peece per week, vizt. : — Kello, Clerk, and Watson. This is for bedd, bord, and washeing. 102. Item, it is referred to the master and John Rae to furnish the 2 boyes Clerk and Watson with what clothes they shall find necessary. Edinburgh, January 16, 1682. Present Mr. Robert Blackwood, Hugh Blaire, Samuell M c Cleland, George Home. 103. Order to goe to John Drummond and cleare John Anglies account, and John Drummond is to pay him £S70. 1 104. Its aggreed to that Nicholes is afforded 7s. 6d. per week, and to indeavor to ingage him 7 yeers, and that he be oblidged to take 1 apprentize, att least he ingage 3 yeers. 105. Its ordered that a meeting be upon Wednesday next, att 3 of the clock, and to desire John Drummond to be present. 1 Vide supra §8i. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 15 Edinburgh, January 18, 1682. Present Mr. Robertt Blackwood, Hugh Blaire, Samuel 1 M c Cleland, George Home, Robertt Blackwood. 106. George Home is ordered to write to his brother that he endeavor to gett us 2 or 3 good shearmen such as are sober men that wee need not fear the runing away, and if they cannot be had about the citty that he would either goe himselfe or take some way may be effectuall for getting them out of the west of Ingland, and settle with them for als many yeers as they will engage not above 7, at 6, 7, or 8s. per week att most. Edinburgh, January 20, 1682. Present Mr. Robertt Blackwood, Hugh Blaire, Samuell M c Cleland, Robertt Blackwood, George Home. 107. The following memoriall is given to the master, itt being the interest of the manufactory to have mixed clothes as soon as possible, and that of the finest, and to imploy als many loomes as he can trust with the makeing of them. 108. We desire to know of the master that considereing he hes 13 loomes goeing, if he can ingage without retarding our mixt clothes to make against the first of May 600 ells of red cloth, and that without faile or delay. That is to say, ready made, dressed, and dyed against the said day, and other 600 ells against Jully 1. Edinburgh, January 31, 1682. Present Sir James Stamfild, Mr. Robertt Blackwood, Hugh Blaire, George Home. 109. Ordered to write to John Home to buy 3600 Ib weight of Sppanish wool, thatt is 2400 finest Segovia, 600 second sort, 600 thrid sort. 110. Its ordered that John Rae give John Mickle and James Topping each of them ten dollars. Edinburgh, February 10, 1682. Present Mr. Robertt Blackwood, George Home. 111. This day terms were drawen up in writeing betwixt William Smith, stocken weaver, and the manager about his 16 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF takeing ane apprentize, quhich is to be subscribed by him and us. Edinburgh, February 11, 1682. Present Mr. Robertt and Robertt Blackwoodes, Hugh Blaire, Samuell M c Cleland, George Home. 112. Its aggreed with Mr. Robertt Blackwood that we shall furnish him with 600 ells of red cloth conformed to the pattern of cloth now delivered to the master to be delivered att the former price and att the terms following, thats to say, 200 the 10th of Aprill, 200 the first of May, 200 the loth of Mav, and the same number of 600 ells against loth of Jolly. 113. The master is ordered to send in ane account what dveing stuffes, wool, oyles, and other matterialls for 6 months will serve us yett to come and how much small twin and cord wee need for 6 moneths. 114. To write to London to John Home for 5 dozen of hand cards very fine att 3s. 6d. or 3s. per [dozen], one dozen of scrubling cards att 4s., and one dozen att 4s. 6d. per paire. 1 Edinburgh, February 16, 1682. Present Robert Blackwood, Samuell M c Cleland, Mr. Robert Blackwood, Hugh Blaire, George Home. 115. Its ordered to write to Home that he close a bargane immediatly for the quantity of wool formerly written for, and befor he close the bargane for, for quhich he is to pay ready money, part trust, that he sufficiently inform himselfe by some other person, or buy 4 or 500 weight for ready money, which be a rule to know what is putt on itt by the trust. 116. Its ordered to gett a bill from John Drummond for i?20 sterling pavabill to John Home, that he goe presently to the countrey to ingage 2 shear-men, 2 weavers, and 2 scrublers, aggreeing with them according to Mr. Spurrwayes terms sent him in his letter, and to pay the charges of ther 1 Wool-cards made at Leith were used by the Newmills manufactory in 1690 for the coarser work. These were sold at 20s. Scots (or is. 8d. sterling) a dozen. — Parliament try Papers, 1690, 'Information of the heirs of John Hay . . . and Managers of the Caird Manufactory at Leith.' THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 17 transportation, bear his own charge, and buy 5 dozen of fine hand cards and one dozen scrubleing cards. Edinburgh, February 24th 1682. Present Mr. Robertt and Robertt Blackwoods, Samuell M c Cleland, George Home, and Hugh Blaire. 117. Ordered that George Home write to John Home that in caise there be not much appearance of the riseing of wool thatt he for the present buy 700 of the finest segovia, 300 of the 2d sort, and 100 of the coursest for ready money and draw for itt, and if the wool rise thatt he presently close the bargane for the quantity first written for. 118. This day there is 2 legg dollars consigned by each of the above written managers out of which they are to forfait for every tymes absence from the meeting six pence, for \ of ane houre after the tyme appointed one penny, |- houre 2d. sterling, J of ane houre 3d., and for the houre 4d. pence, and if the clerk be sero or absent to pay the double, and each man is oblidged to renew and pay in againe the like sume of 2 dollars when ever the money is exhausted. And the day of meeting to be Wednesday att six of the clock, and when extraordinarily called the same penalty they being timously advertised. 119. The master is to be written to to send in scrubled wool in stones ^ and \ pts of stones and send samples of yarn with itt. 120. Itts aggreed with George Home that in regard he is not only to mannage and doe all our affaire, write our letters, receive and send out goodes to the manufactory, write for goodes by our order, and receive, enter them, and keep ane account of all, and receive w ool given to spinners, and return the yarn to the manufactory, buy wool, and send itt out; butt alsoe to keep a convenient room for our meeting and laying up our cloth, and a dry sellar for laying in our wooland weighting itt out to which there is to be noething thatt may damnage the wool, for quhich cause he is to have 40 lbs sterling per annum commenceing from first of January last. B 18 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edinburgh, March 1st 1682. Present Hugh Blaire, Samuell M c Cleland, and George Home, Mr. Robertt Blackwood, sero J of ane houre ; Robertt Blackwood, sero }. 121. Thatt George Home write to-morrow for whatt the master orders and his order shall be George Home's warrand. 122. Ordered to write to John Home for 60 lb weight clover seed. Mr. Robertt Blackwood is ordered to give ane account of the silk stockens in his hand. 123. To write to John Home for 6 dozen of parchmentt skins for cloth workers. Edinburgh, March 8, 1682. Present Mr. Robertt and Robert Blackwoods and George Home, Samuell M c Cleland, sero h houre, Hugh Blaire, sick. 124. Ordered to send John Rae halfe ane rimm of paper and buv als much for our own use. 125. Its aggreed upon by all the managers present that any of there number undertakeing any particular to be done by them betwixt and there next meeting, if they shall faile to doe the same they shall forfait foure shillings Scotts, and George Home is to give to every one and extract of whatt they are injoyned to doe or he shall forfait the same. Edinburgh, March 22th 1682. Present Robertt Blackwood and George Home. Mr. Robertt Blackwood sero h houre, Samuell M c Cleland se?'o 1 houre. 126. There is ane generall meeting appointed to be called upon Fryday come 8 daves and that the proposealls following be red to them. Edinburgh, March 29, 1682. Present Mr. Robertt Blackwood, Samuell M c Cleland, and George Home. 127. The following proposealls ordered to be red att the generall meeting. 128. First, thatt whereas we are informed that the company THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 19 is dissatisfied thatt they are not acquaint with whatt the managers doe, its desired they would remember thatt att the meeting quhair the managers were chosen, thatt it should be free to any of the company to be present t att the meeting of the managers quhen thev pleased. 129. 2 ly Thatt the bookes were to be free to any of the company to peruse when they please. 130 and 131. 3 ly We have had two generall meetings att quhich not above 4 men were present, and for which cause it were fitt some effectuall course should be taken for more punctuall keeping. 132. 4 ly and for the further satisfaction of all our proceedure that a comittee be appointed to inspect all our journalls and report without restricting any other to visitt quhen they please. 133. 5 ly To acquaint them that John Angly. who was appointed to be booke keeper and store keeper att New- Millns and had five hundreth merks allowed him per annum, upon his refusall to serve any longer we made choice of John Rae, and gave him a deputation. 134. 6 ly and in regard of the absolute necessatv we had of one to perform the affaires mentioned in the 120 article wee have aggreed with George Home to perform the same. 135. 7 ly Thatt in regard of the unequallity of the payments of the severall moities by the members some haveing paid punctually and not for a long tyme thereafter, thatt therefor all the sumes subscribed for pav interest preceisely after the term of payment till the sume was paid, in regard John Drummond must have interest for his advance, and thatt all persons thatt hath not paid be presently persued. 136. Thatt the master be ordered to give us 4 moneths advertisement for all things needfull to be provided for the use of the manufactory, other waves the damnage for want thereof to be charged to his account, and the clerk upon receiveinsr his orders is to communicatt the same to the o manager and give the master ane account, other waves he to be lvable, and if the managers shall neglect to order the baying of the necessarves we ordered bv the master the managers to be liable to the damnage, and if the manager write and have not money to draw bills for answering the same soe that the 20 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF goodes faile to come for want of money the persons failzieing in paymentt of their money due by them after requireing thereof by our cash keeper shall be lyable to the damnage sustained by the want of the said goodes, and if itt be through the defalt of none of the above written persons the damnage to come on the account of the whole company. 137. Thatt the generall meeting be appointed on Fryday be 9 of the clock in the morning. 138. John Rae is ordered to send in ane peece of raw cloth. 139. Its ordered Mr. Robertt Blackwood indeavour to gett 400 ell of cloth dyed and dressed here att Edinburgh orLieth, and report att what rates it can be done. Edinburgh, Aprill 5, 1682. The managers present. 140. There being a generall meeting appoynted. by the last generall meeting to be on Fryday next, John Drummond is ordered to have account of all due by each person of the company, and what interest will be dew by each person from the terms they should have paid the same to ther respective teerms of payment, and to have bondes ready to subscrive att the said meeting upon Friedav for what each person is due. Edinburgh, Aprill 26, 1682. Present Robertt Blackwood, elder and junior, George Home and other two out of town. 141. Thatt Mr. Home and all of us goe to New-Mills upon Fryday morning, there to take up ane inventory of all, and frame ane account of this by past veer, and for that effect thatt he gett in from John Drummond of all money received or paved upon whatsoever account, and thatt all papers belong- ing to the manufactory be taken out. Thatt ane account of all money paid to Cathcart or any other be had and taken out, and all accounts dew by us to any persons whatsoever with ane account of whatt wool, cloth, varn, or other goodes is here, and thatt att New-Millns we consult the master anent writeing for weavers. 142. Ordered that Mr. Home write to his brother for 100 lb weight single balladine to come by the first shipp, quhich we THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 21 paved last 16s. 9d. sterling for, that after he hath brought itt to the lowest price to endeavor to gett tyme for all or any part of itt. Edinburgh, May 3, 1682. Present James Row and John Little. Mr. Robertt and Robertt Blackwood, sero one houre. 143. Received ane order from Mr. Spurrway for buying the particulars following vizt. : — 144. l lj 100 pack of Galloway Aberdine and Inglish wool. 145. 2 ] - T 30 bags of Spanish wool. 146. 3 ] - v 1 large table. 147. 4. 1 peece of the broadest canvas can be had. 148. 5. 1 doz. of wand basketts. 149. 6. 20 doz. of handle-stockes. 150. 7. Try for wool att Edenbrough and Kelsoe. 151. Anent the first article it is appointed that James Row againest the next meeting att furthest get ane exact account what places and whatt dav the faires for the best wool are in Gallowav and bring itt in write. 152. For the 2 d article to write to John Home to buy presently one bagg of fine wool one bagg of 2/ 1 sort one bagg of shorts and that George Hume write of the hazard of sending the wool in a Scotts and if anv such thing be to deal with the man from quhom he buyes to shipp itt off on his hazard. 153. That George Home buy the rest of the articles above mentioned. 154. Thatt Robertt Blackwood and James Row meet with John Lindsav and cleir his account with him. Edinburgh, May 10. 16S2. Present John Little James Row and Robert Blackwood. 155. George Home is ordered to write to John Home to goe presentlv to the west of Ingland and there procure us 2 shear-men. 2 weavers and 2 scrublers honest faithfull men. The shear-mens wages from 6s. to 7s. 6d. sterling per week. Tne weavers 7d. 9d. 12d. and 14d. per ell. 22 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF 156. Orderd to advertize the manufactory on Saturnday to be ready on Munday next to goe to New-Mills. Edinburgh, May 24th 1682. Present James Row, Duncan M c Intosh, John Little and Robertt Blackwood. 157. The old and new managers went to New-Millns and there tooke up Inventory of all the live and dead stock and is to give in ane stated account againest the next generall meeting the first Tuesday of June. 158. The managers made ane aggreement with Sir James Stamfield for foure silk stocken frames for quhich they are to pay him two thousand merkes. 159. The managers have ordered Sir James Stamfield to be counted with for some things he hath charged the com- pany with in his accounts and gett the samine repeated of him befor John Drummond give receit to him for the two thousand merkes as the price of his stocken frames and George Home is ordered to draw out the said particulars and Duncan M c Intoch and Hugh Blaire is appointed to clear with him soe soon as he comes to town. 160. The managers approves of what George Home hath written to John Home about weavers, shearmen and scriblers desired by the master. 161. George Home is ordered to write to London for the pack saddles with there furniture desired by the master. 162. Ordered to write to John Rae to send in ane account what wool was out att spining quhen the managers were there as alsoe account of the spining wheels. 163. Ordered to write to John Home to buy what wool the money sent him will reach. 164. Ordered to try for a beam and brods to weight the greatest pack of wool carried by horse. 165. The master is ordered to goe to Cockettwater to James Robson and goe though that countrey and take a look of the best wool and leave it to James Robson to buy. This to be done about the 20th of June. 166. As the master goes to the South he is ordered to call THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 23 to George Archer and take him with him through the countrey to view the parcells of best wool and leave them to George Archer to buy for quhich the managers will satisfy him for his paines. Edinburgh, May 31, 1682. Present Robertt Blackwood, John Little, Hugh Blaire, James Row, Duncan M c Intoch. 167. Its ordered upon Hugh Blaire's report to write a letter of thankes to James Donaldson for his kindness in the matter of the silk stocken frames. 168. Ordered the master to be written to to exped 32 peeces of course reds. 169. Ordered that the masters desire be granted anent the coals furnisheing for his fire he continueing to keep our prentizes att the boord wages formerly aggreed with him quhich is 2s. sterling per week. 170. Ordered to write to London for 2 peeces of pompillion for the shear-bords about 36 yards per peece. 171. Ordered that Hugh Blaire and Robertt Blackwood waite on Mr. Robertt Blackwood and spend some tyme with him for finisheing the generall contract and have itt in ready- ness to present to the generall meeting on Tuesday next. Edinburgh, June 7th 1682. Present Duncan M c Intoch, James Row, John Little. 172. This day there is a precept drawen by the managers for £16 :1S :6 sterling upon John Drummond payable to James Cockburn in Cockene which precept is for timber furnished for repaireing the dey-house. 173. Its ordered George Home write to John Rae to clear of the board wages of the 3 apprentizes dyetts with the master from the day the entred and thatt out of the first money he receives and thereafter to pay itt weekly and lett nothing run to arear, Obeyed. 174. Ordered thatt the next meeting of the managers shall be on the 9 instant be five of the clock in the afternoon.. Obeyed. 24 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edinburgh, June 9th 1682. Present Hugh Blaire Duncan M c Intoch John Little James Row. 175. Ordered that a letter be written to John Home for sending down the two silk stocken frames by land. Edinburgh, June 12, 1682. Present the whole managers bailife Duglas and bailzie Ander- son, Mr. Robertt Blackwood, Samuell M c Cleland and Mr. John Duncan. 176. They approve of the contracts made by Hugh Blaire with Francis Perry, Edward Pike and John Godson, frame work knitters and John Logan and John Fray shearmen and appoints George Hume and James Row to goe out to New- Millns and renew the contracts with the frame work knitters makeing mention of the weight of the pair of hose and then alsoe to settle with Burton. 177. And haveing read the transaction made with Edward Pike anent his frames by Hugh Blaire they approve of the same and warrand him for his releife. 178. Haveing considered the overture made by the shearmen anent the dressing and shearing the clothes by the peece they appoint the said George Home and James Row to consult the master about itt and if he think fitt to aggree with his advice to doe itt, they binding one for another and for 3 veers to make sufficient work and soe many peece per week and in caise of failzie not only to pay the damnages of the bad and spoiled cloth att the masters sight butt also for each peece of the cloth they shall faile to make per week the same being ready for shearing, and each of them oblidged to take ane apprentize per annum quhom they oblige them to instruct to doe as they can themselves. Edinburgh, 14th June 1682. Present James Row, John Little and Hugh Blaire. 179. James Row and George Home haveing been att New- Millns reports after much paines taken with Mr. Burton to settle with him prevaild with him to take his consideration THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 25 whether he would accept of 5s. sterling per week to mentaine the 7 frames compleat for work or take 15s. sterling per week and be oblidged to make 5 pair silk stockens per week he and his apprentizes and mentaine the frames of quhich he is to give us his answer shortly and for renewing the contracts with the rest of the silk stocken weavers thought noe wages fitt to move in itt till first Mr. Burton was indented with. Edinburgh, June 21, 1682. Present John Little, Duncan M c Intoch James Row all the rest absent. 180. Ordered Duncan M c Intoch speake to John Drummond to give in ane double of his accounts betwixt and Saturdayes night to George Home in regard that a great number of the society of the manufactory will not pay in ther money till accounts be cleared and the meeting of the managers is adjourned to Saturnday next. Edinburgh, June 28, 1682. Present John Little Duncan M c Intoch Hugh Blaire, James Row, Robert Blackwood out of town. 181. The master being present and the managers haveing discoursed him fully as to the makeing of fine cloth they have laid for a ground thatt the master or any other thatt is imployed in buying wool shall buy none butt the best of wool and that they have there managers order for that effect and the master is imployed first in makeing of the finest of the wool bought in fine cloth and to mixt itt with the Spanish as he shall find itt convenient, and the next best of the wool in a second sort of cloth soe fine as itt may be and the third sort of wool in as fine cloth as itt may be and befor he make any cloth of the coursest of the wool that he acquaint the managers with itt and gett ther advice whither to sell itt or make itt in cloth. The coursest of these clothes either black or mixture are ordered to be worth 7s. or 7s. 6d. per ell. 182. The master and George Home haveing made report of ther journey in to the south of Scottland and north of Ingland that they have settled with James Robson for buying 26 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF of wooll. The managers approve of there settlement with the said James Robson. 183. Ordered George Home call to the severall persons gott the doubles of the generall contract and desire itt from them with there additions or objections and if they give itt not betwixt and Fryday att two of the clock they are not to be received. Edinburgh, June 30, 1682. Present John Little James Row sero J houre Duncan M c Intoch sero 1 houre and Bailife Douglas, Mr. Robertt Black- wood and William Mienzies came in to us. 184. There is a precept granted to William Wilson for i?234, as the price of 26 ston of wool quhich is drawen on John Drummond. 185. This day there is ordered the payment of one bill drawen be James Sandylands on George Home payable to John Sandylands for ^88 : 15 : 0 Scotts the price of 10 pair of spooles. 186. William Weightman haveing presented his account for -£509 : 1 : 2 as the price of 54 st0 13 lbs of Inglish wool att 9 lb per ston is to have precept granted to him on the cash keeper att next meeting. 187. Its aggreed to that James Hay writer, be spoke to as soon as he comes to town to putt the generall contract in form. Edinburgh, July 5, 1682. Present James Row, John Little sero 1J houres. 188. This day there not being a coram 1 of the managers present there could be noething done. Edinburgh, July 6, 1682. Present Robertt Blackwood Hugh Blaire, John Little James Row. 189. Ordered thatt ane ample comission be drawen for George Archer to buy a considerable parcell of the best wool i.e. quorum. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 27 in the south of Scottland and in the north of England and thatt att the easiest and cheapest rates he can. 190. This day a precept is granted to William Wight man, merchant, upon John Drummond for the sume of £509 Scotts as the price of 56 ston 9 lbs of wool from Ingland. Edinburgh, July 19, 1682. Present James Row, Hugh Blaire, Duncan M c Intoch John Little, Robertt Blackwood out of town. 191. This day the managers have thought fitt to chuse a precess 1 amongst themselves quhich is to be a standing rule in all tyme comeing and the precess soe chosen is to signe the dayes journalls he is precess to and Hugh Blaire is chosen for this day. George Archer haveing given ane account thatt he hath bought 30 ston of wool att 13s. 6d. 2 per ston value quhairof with some more to ly in his hands quhich is ordered to be £50 sterling is to be sent him with the first occasion and George Home is to write ane answere to the heads of this letter and to take notice especially of that particular of the risk on the Inglish side quhich the company will not bear the hazard of and pack sheets is ordered to be sent him. 192. Ordered that George Home call to the severall members of the manufactory who have not cleared there full payments and if they refuse to clear and give bond quhen called to ordaines them to be presently persued befor the balife court. 3 193. Ordered to write a letter to the master to desire to know whatt he thinkes may be a satisfieing gratuity to give the 2 scrublers. 194. The managers have aggreed among themselves to change their dyett of meeting from 6 of the clock in the afternoon to two of the clock. 1 i.e. praeses or chairman. 2 The price here is quoted in sterling. Thus this order for wool at 13s. 6d. per stone compares with that mentioned in §186 in Scottish currency, which at £9 Scots per stone was equivalent to about 15s. sterling per stone. 3 The payments in this section mentioned as due by members refer probably to amounts payable for lots of cloth drawn by them. 28 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edinburgh, July 26, 1682. Present John Little, Hugh Blaire, James Row. Robertt Blackwood out of town. Chosen precess John Little. 195. The master thinkes fitt to give to the 2 scrublers to witt John Jackson and William Acre 40s. sterling to ditto Acre 25s. and to ditto Jackson 15s. sterling or otherwise to divide the 40s. betwixt them as the master and John Rae shall think fitt. 196. The master present is desired to send in ane account of the tyme the severall boyes entred againest the next meeting quhich he hath promised to doe severall of the concerned haveing occasion to be att New-Millns 25 instant did settle with the said Burton for 5s. 6d. per week to mentaine and keep the frames in perfect case for quhich Burton is to come on Munday to putt the samine in writeing. 197. The master present hath undertaken to buy dailes for fitting up the silk stocken room and alsoe trees and thatt John Rae take ane particular account of the number of dailes and trees soe bought and brought to the work and give ane account how they are disposed upon for quhich he is to be written to. 198. Ordered thatt the master as he hath occasion make search for young men that may be fitt servants for such parts of the imploy as are most wanting and aggree with them for some tvme on reasonable teerms. 199. Ordered that John Rae be written to strictly requireing him not to faile to give due and tymous notice of every servant that enters to the manufactory of the tyme of there entry theire names and wages and of every other expence thatt fall on the company there and with the first opportunity to send ane list of all the servants names, employments and wages. Edinburgh, August 2, 1682. Present Duncan M c Intoch John Little and Robertt Black- wood. James Rae out of town. 200. This day there not being a coram noething could be done. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 29 Edinburgh, August 9, 1682. Present John Little Hugh Blaire sera \ houre. 201. A coram not being present noething could be done. Edinburgh, August 16, 1682. 202. There was noe [meeting] in respect George Hume was out of town. Edinburgh, August 23, 1682. Present Duncan M c Intosh, John Little Hugh Blaire. James Row out of town. Chosen precess Duncan M c Intoch. 203. In respect we cannot soe well otherwayes understand how to proceed and what measures to take att our weekly meetings it is the opinion of the managers thatt John Rae be ordered every weeks proceedings vizt: — the gross quantity of the severall sorts of wool soe given out and quantity of yarn received in. Whatt wool is dyed what clothes putt in the loom and what clothes came out. What emergencies are of importance for us to know ; butt to make future accounts more easilv understood itt will be necessar in the first place to give ane rough account of what wool is ready dyed and what clothes are in the loome. This account is to be made ready against Saturnday night or Munday morning to come in by the packald that comes in here on Munday night or any other occasion by quhich itt may come to our hands on Wednesday before 12 of the clock. 204. John Rae is alsoe ordered to weight every cloth when finished befor itt come in, mark the weight thereof and advise us accordingly thereof. 205. Write to the master the managers have seen his letter anent the intaike of George Archers wool and thinkes itt strange how it should be and takes itt very ill fearing there may be more miscarriages of that kind thatt comes not to there knowledge and desires itt may be further enquired after thatt he may be able to satisfy them quhen he comes to town. Orders all the effects of the manufactory to be called for that is now payable and if not paid to be persued. 30 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edinburgh, August 30, 1682. Present John Little, Hugh Blaire, sero \ houre. James Row out of town. 206. There not being a coram noething could be done. Edinburgh, August 31, 1682. Present Robertt Blackwood, Duncan M c Intosh, John Little and Hugh Blaire. James Row out of town. Chosen precess Robertt Blackwood. 207. Ordered in respect Bailife Brand is goeing off the countrey thatt Robertt Blackwood intimatt to him thatt if he pay not his money betwixt and ten of the clock to-morrow his bond is furthwith to be registered and executione to be done thereupon and if he faile to pay itt att said tyme George Home is ordered to putt the same in execution. Edinburgh, September 6, 1682. Present John Little, Duncan M c Intosh, Robertt Blackwood and Hugh Blaire. Chosen precess John Little. 208. It is ordered thatt a generall meeting be called to- morrow att two of the clock. Ordered that Mr. Pike receive 15s. sterling upon ane account of the extraordinary expences of his transportation from London to New-Millns and that George Home [give] itt him and 13 lb 4 s Scotts more to be given him in performance of a condition made betwixt Mr. Blair and him att London upon the arrivall of his frames att New-Millns and the like same he is [to] receive upon the arrivall of the other frame. 209. Ordered that knaple be bought for pikes frames with timber work upon his charges both for the timber and workeman-shipp except what payment the company alio we him of their own will for the said charges. Edinburgh, September 13, 1682. Present John Little, James Row sero \ houre, Hugh Blaire sero 1 houre. Chosen precess James Row. 210. Mr. Robertt Blackwood haveing given a bill upon Gawine Lawrie in London payable October 11 next, George THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 31 Home is ordered to indorse the same to John Home his brother value of the bill being £95 sterling to ly in the said John Home's hands for buying of goodes as he shall be ordered for the use of the manufactory. 211. Ordered that George Home and Hugh Blaire goe to New-Millns on Munday next to view the house of Morum and consider what reparationes itt will need to make itt usefull for the manufactory. 212. To cause Burton sett up pikes 2 frames and to inspect what ever else is necessary to be done about the manufactory and likewise to view and consider John Rae's bookes and method of book keeping. Edinburgh, September 20th 1682. Present James Row and John Little, Robertt Blackwood and Hugh Blaire. Chosen precess Robertt Blackwood. 213. Hugh Blaire and George Home haveing been att New- Millns reports they have viewed the house of Morum, Sir James and the master being present with them and findes there will be accomodatione for 8 or 9 dwellings each of quhich dwellings will hold a brod loom and considerable accomoda- tione beside for spinners. The house will need of dales for floureing and divisions the matter of 100 and glas for the windows quhich dailes and glass soe near as can be guesed with work-manshipp will amount to 9 or 10 lb sterling. The managers order the master be written to thatt he provide dailes and speake with a glassier that in the cheapest and easiest way he fitt and prepare for dwelling 3 or 4 of the said roomes presently and the rest as he shall have occasion for them. 214. Ordered to write to John Rae thatt he come in on Munday morning next and bring with him his whole bookes scroles and all manner of papers by quhich he makes up his accounts butt if he cannot come in conveniently himselfe to send his bookes to us once befor 12 of the clock on Munday. 215. George Home is ordered to sell the cropt horse for 7 l sterling. 216. Ordered to write to the master to give the servants there way-gouse the night befor the fareiday of Haddington 32 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF and bestow upon itt 15s. sterling and thatt he take the opportunity att thatt tyme or the morrow thereafter as he thinkes h'tt to contract with the shearmen for cutting the cloth att soemuch a kerf and George Hume and Hugh Blaire haveing reported the masters forwardness in preparationes for carrying on the work the managers ordaine him there thankes. 217. The master is likewise ordered to buy timber thatt may be seasoning as provision for the walk mill. Alsoe the master is ordered to ride about among the spinners to quicken them to come for work and to procure others quhom he can prevaile with, and if he find cause to erect a spinning house att Bolton or any other convenient place with 5 or 6 miles of New-Millns. 218. Ordered thatt the master finish and send in to George Homes house foure peece of cloth of the finest and liveliest colores one of them black and that as quickly as possible. 220. Ordered to buy als much course lining as be Alexander Watt two shirts and much a little finer as be two crage clothes. 221. Ordered the master make bedds for the apprentizes and place them quhere he shall think most convenient in the house and recommends to him to accomodatt Tray and Loyd shear-men with some convenient place for lodgeing. 222. The master is ordered to goe to Kelsoe and take a looke of what wool Charles Ormiston hath by him and make bargane with him for the whole or what quantity of itt he thinkes makes for the work. 223. Orders the master to make what divisions shall be found necessary in the wool chamber. Edinburgh, September 27, 1682. Present John Little, James Row, Robertt Blackwood sera 1 houre. Hugh Blaire sero 2 hours. Chosen precess Robertt Blackwood. 224. The master haveing been lately present with us did positively advise thatt for the good of the imploy noe prentizes thatt serve for seaven yeers should be taken bound to be taught for more then three parts of the imploy vizt : — 3 yeers THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 33 for shearing and two yeers to any other two parts of the imploy quhich the managers finding reasonable aggre to. 225. Ordered thatt noe cloth silk stockens nor serge of kind soever be sold att New-Millns. Ordered thatt upon settleing with Smith in the teerms thatt the rest of the silk stocken men are upon thatt he have a gratuity of 3 legg dollars. 226. Ordered that Hugh Blaire write to James Millar to make shearch for 4 shearmen or whatt number he can find with in thatt att Lidon or any other place allowing him to offer 7s. 6d. sterling per week whatt he can aggree with good workmen under the price will be a favor quhich he will be considered for and for their encouragement allowes him to promise them on their arrivall in Scottland of gratuity as he can aggree with them not exceeding 20 gilders if they be single men and if married men thatt have families thirty gilders beside the charges of theire transportation. 227. Orders George Home to call to John Drummond for bailife Drummond's bond and if he will not pay itt follow the order of the generall meeting. 228. Ordered thatt all the clothes that are finished either black or coloured now att New-Millns shall be furthwith sent in. Edinburgh, October 10, 1682. Present James Row, Robertt Blackwood Duncan M c Intosh John Little. Chosen precess James Row. 229. Ordered thatt James Row and George Home take with them Mr. Collison and goe to New-Millns upon Tuesday next and there with the assistance of Mr. Collison endeavor to bring John Raes bookes in some good method and particularly to putt Mr. Rae upon keeping a memoriall book of every dayes proceedings as its really acted and done quhich the master is to take inspection of soe often as he pleases and both of them to signe the same weekly as alsoe the persons here inserted are hereby impowred to take inspection of every thing else that relates to the manufactory att New-Millns and to methodize and doe there every thing needfull as thev think fitt. 230. Ordered Bailife Douglas haveing friedly and kindly c 34 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF offered to the company the loan £50 sterling till the first of November next for quhich he desires George Homes oblidge- ment payable att the said tyme quhich the managers orders the said George Home to doe and to repay the said Bailife Doulas out of the first and readyest of the manufactories money. Edinburgh, October 27, 1682. Present James Row, Duncan MTntosh John Little Robertt Blackwood. Chosen precess Duncan M c Intosh. 231. This meeting being extraordinary called to take James Row and George Home theire report of theire diligence att New-Millns gives the following account. 232. First they report thatt Mr. Collison being with them att New-Millns quhare they perused Mr. Raes" bookes and con- sidered of the methods followed by him and took Mr. Collisons opinion of them whether to make alterations or continue them as they are and Mr. Collisons opinion was the methods now followed are als good as he could putt them on except as to some advice he there gave for some amendaments quhich is aceordinglv to be followed. 233. They alsoe report theire ordering the house of Morum to be repared for dwellings and thatt timber is bought for that effect and a glassier and wright imployed. 1 234r. Report alsoe thatt they entred in contract with 5 servants for severall parts of the implov. 235. Reports theire discourseing Pike upon putting him in the oversight of the silk stockens quho seem to decline itt and therefor thought itt fitt to delay itt till the manager was Q J O spoke in itt and the rest of the stocken weavers have all gott knowledge of itt are soe concerned att itt thatt they have all promised to make good and sufficient worke. Of all the particulars contained from the begining this meeting the managers doth approve. 236. Its ordered that the next division of silk stockens thatt shall be made they shall be given to the concerned and sold att the rate of 3s. sterling per oz black and mixt overhead and this to be the rule for all tvme comeing and George Vtde supra §213. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 35 Home is ordered to write out to the stocken weavers thatt they make the silk stockens weight 2 oz 12 or within 3 oz. Edinburgh, November 2, 1682. Present John Little Robertt Blackwood and James Row. 237. Mr. Spurrway being present and haveing moved to the managers that some effectuall way should be taken for pro- cureing of shearmen and they haveing consulted the most effectuall way can fall on noething soe probable to be effectuall as send the said Mr. Spurrway into Yorkshire thatt he may try att Walkfield and Leads or ony other place he shall think to find men for that purpose and there engage six or eight shearmen or such ane number as he shall think fitt and allowes him to make quhat teerms and conditions with them he shall think expedient. 238. The master haveing made ane overture about engage- ing with one James Raeburn liveing att the quarrell pitts near New-Millns to doe all our work by cariages that is say everything concerns the said worke to be carried to New- Millns or from New-Mills of whatsomever kind. The managers aggreing to the [same] and allowes the masters to enter in contract with him for ane veer by quhich the company shall be oblidged to pay him fourteen pound sterling for his yeers service quhich fourteen pounds is to be paid quarterly and the master is allowed to sell the three horses belonging to the manufactory att the best advantage after the bargane is made with ditto Raeburn. Ordered to buy as much stamped stuff or any other good handsome stuff as be a suit of curtings to the master's daughter. 239. The master is ordered that a farrell be shutt through the middle of every cloth that is mixed, and halfe both mixt and black befor they goe to press and keep the same number one both ends of the peece. Edinburgh, November 8, 1682. Present James Row and John Little. There not being a coram nothing could be done. 36 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edinburgh, November 15, 1682. Present Duncan M c Intosh John Little, llobertt Blackwood sero one houre James Row sero 1 houre. Chosen precess Robertt Blackwood. 241. In regard there is severall of the concerned in the manufactory thatt hath not taken out theire cloth conformed to the act made thereanent, the managers ordaine a generall meeting to be called on Tuesday next thatt the said cloth may be disposed upon by them conformed to the formentioned act and in the meantyme intimation to be made to the persons whoes cloth is not yett taken out of the samine. 1 242. Robertt Blackwood haveing had five ells of cloth dyed att New-Millns quhich he complaines of as being damnified in the deying and the managers being satisfied of itts dammage they ordaine him to gett back his cloth without paying any thing for dyeing. Rot. Blackwood. Edinburgh, November 22, 1682. Present James Row, John Little. Hugh Blaire under phisick. 243. There not being a qworum noething could be done. Edinburgh, November 29th 1682. Present James Row, John Little, Hugh Blaire sero 1 houre Robertt Blackwood sero 1 houre. Chosen precess Hugh Blaire. 244. Approves of the masters turning off Eveling and Nichols and Loyd and considering the damnage they have done to the work and how likely they are to reduce and debouch our servants in tyme to come it is ordered by the managers that application be made to the Provest of Had- dingtoun and Baylife of Nungate thatt they doe not shelter nor suffer them to sett up with in the jurisdictiones. 1 It was agreed under ' the great contract ' that cloth drawn by lot for stock- holders should be removed from the warehouse within a fortnight. Shareholders who failed to take delivery were liable for any loss arising to the company on a sale of their lots. — Vide Introduction, Tart iv., Part v. 'Articles ... of the Cloath Manufactories §§7, 8, Representation, lit su^ra, p. 20. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 37 245. Ordaines the clothes thatt are already corned in to be roaped on Wednesday next. 246. There being a motion made of the necessity of a prison att the manufactory its ordered thatt the house thatt was the stable be devided with a ston wall and iron stenchers be putt in the window thatt the one halfe of itt or soe much as will be convenient be fitted for that use and by the baly erected a prison, Hugh Blair. Edinburgh, December 4th 1682. Present att a meeting extraordinarly called Hugh Blaire Robertt Blackwood, John Little. Chosen precess Robertt Blackwood. 247. Haveing received a letter from the master complaining of the abuses made by disorderly servants and craveing thatt some of the managers come out there in order to the remove- ing and punisheing of them George Home and Hugh Blaire is desired to goe to New-Millns to remove and punish these disorderly persons according to there crimes. Ro. Blackwood. Edinburgh, December 6, 1682. Present Robertt Blackwood, Hugh Blaire Duncan M c Intoch. James Row out of toune. Chosen precess Duncan M c Intoch. 248. George Hume and Hugh Blaire reports thatt they have caused Evelling be expelled the manufactory he and Nicholes discharged the work and if they prove troublesome or hurtfull to the employ hereafter thatt a lybell be drawen up against them thatt they may be banished from about New- Millns. It being Batchellers first fault and he promiseing to be orderly in tyme comeing is continued. 249. Appoints Mr. Robertt Blackwood John Drummond, William Mienzies John Hay Mr. John Duncan, Sam well M c Cleland to meet with us managers on Wednesday next att three of the clock further to consider the keeping there accounts att New-Millns. Allowes the master to use six or eight pound of what of our wool he pleases itt being for his personall use. Du. M c Intosh. 38 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edinburgh, December 13, 1682. Present John Little, Duncan M c Intosh sero 1 Iioure Hugh Blaire sero 1 houre being att a friends buriall. James Row out of toune. Chosen precess John Little. 250. The persons appointed by article 249 to meet with us to consider the method of our bookes att New-Millns were warned by a written coppy but not one of them mett except Mr. John Duncan. 251. Conforme to ane act of the generall meeting dated March 31 1682 ordering that whatt damnages the work shall sustaine through any persones faileing to pav in whatt is due bv them, its now ordered thatt instruments be taken againest all that are owing money the tyme of payment being past thatt they may be made lyable for whatt damages the worke sustaines through there soe long faileing. 232. In regard we have ordered £100 to be taken att London for dischargeing whatt we ow there and provideing whatt wee have present need of and bills past for the same payment to John Drummond orders George Home to take John Drummond obliesment for whatt is resting by Balife Drummond to the manufactory. 253. Orders to buy a cake of lead for the roofe of Morum house. 254. Ordered thatt the next parcell of silk be all dyed att London except whatt is for black quhich is alsoe to be boyled off there as well as can be. 255. In respect thatt some clothes thatt came last in lies been ill measured orders thatt a couple of allwands sealed by the Dean of Guild of Edinburgh and a silver thumb which George Home is ordered to cause make and send out by which the cloath in all tyme comeing is to be measured alsoe con- formed to articles 204 every peece of cloth is to be weighted and the weight of itt to be given notice of with the lenth. 256. Ordered that John Rae be desired to send us ane full list of all the persones names thatt came out of Fiffe to the manufactory. 257. Conformed to article 229 notwithstanding of Collisons THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 39 opinion of John Rae's present method of booke keeping which wee approve and confirme and order to be continued wee alsoe order thatt John Rae add to his former method ane journal 1 containeing all matters as they are done and when they are done in order of tyme one article after another untill the page be filled and the master and he to signe thatt the above written is soe done and soe the next page to the end of the booke. Jo. LittilL Edinburgh, December 15, 1682. Present att meeting extraordinarlv called Hu£*h Blaire John Little and Robertt Blackwood consented Mr. Spurrwav alsoe present. The precess Hugh Blaire. 258. The master haveing represented how troublesome the course wool was to the work and thatt he was offered 5s. 4d. per ston for itt halfe ready money halfe two moneths tyme, if noe more can be had for itt the master is allowed to accept the same. 259. To consider which way to order the white clothes to be dved there being a considerable value lying dead in thatt commodity there is about £20 worth about 9s. per yard the rest is all of a sort about 7s. per yard betwixt 30 and 40 peeces of them. 30 milled. 260. It is advised thatt Thomas Steile apprentze be brought in to learn whatt he can of drawing of cloth. Mr. Pike haveing desired a borrowed light 1 to his fireside, itt is remitted to the master to satisfie him in the cheapest way. 261. Ordered thatt the partition of John Rae's closett next to the ^reat window where the beam han^s be taken down and sett ane foot free of the window to make room for a pearch for righting the cloth. 262. Ordered thatt a generall meeting be called on Wed- nesday next att two of the clock to consider the disposall of the above written clothes. 263. Ordered thatt the master putt such a rate upon the loonies wheels and other instruments att Morum soe as to make 1 A 4 borrowed light ' is a window placed in an inner wall, hence the light that passes through the glass may be said to be 1 borrowed ' from that which has already come through another window. 40 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF each room pay 13s. 4d. per annum or thereby as the room deserves. 264. George Hume is ordered to procure from the Earle of Wintown or take ane house in Tranent for spinning of worsted. 265. As to a motion made by some weavers anent takeing apprentizes for our behoofe itt is remitted to the master. 266. John Rae is ordered when he gives out wool to scrubleing and writes itt down, to sett down a letter for a distinction thatt is C for course M for midleing F for fine and S. F. for super fine. Hugh Blair. Edinburgh, December 23, 1682. Att a meeting extraordinary called present all the managers. Precess John Little. There was a letter produced from John Rae declareing his designe to quitt his imployment att New-Millns quhereupon itt was ordered thatt a generall meeting be called this after- noon and the samine to be communicatt to them. Jo. Littille. Edinburgh, December 27th 1682. Present James Row, Duncan M c lntosh John Little, Hugh Blaire Sir James Standsfield present att this meeting. Precess James Row. 267. John Rae being present att this meeting and he being discoursed about the letter written by him demitting his imployment att New-Millns it was asked him if he would continue in the imployment att New-Millns for some tyme, till the companey should furnish themselves with ane fitt and qualified person for that imployment to which he answered he would not disoblidge the companey in thatt butt would comply with itt. Ja. Row. Edinburgh, January 12th 1683. Present Hugh Blaire, Duncan M c Intosh James Row. Precess Duncan M c Intosh. 268. George Archer who by virtue of our comission haveing bought the matter of three hundreth ston of wool being corned to town who produced his accompts of the money he THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 41 received and wool bought and likewise ane particular accompt of charges to whom there is allowed one hundreth merks Scotts for his paines in buying he passed the six ston of wool in difference betwixed the master John Rae and him. 269. Conforme to the article 68 of the generall meeting James Marr present with whom we treated as to the salary to be given him and the tyme he is to be oblidged to stay in the companeys service. It was aggreed with him thatt he should have foure hundreth merkes of salary yeerly and ane chalmber free and one hundreth merkes more to be att the discreetion of the company to give or not give as they should find him deserve and thatt he should be oblidged to continue five yeers in theire service upon which conditions there is a contract to be drawen which is to be subscrived by the managers and him. 270. Bailife Douglass haveing done severall kindnesses to the companey by lending of money for supplieing their needfull occasions and he being desireous of some cloth haveing none fallen to his lott itt was thought fitt to gratify him by allowing him to take out the halfe peeces cloth fall to Alexanders Brands lott att the same price itt was valued att in respect the said Alexander Brand could not take itt out himselfe he not haveing paid in his stock. Du. M c Intosh. Edinburgh, January 17th 1683. Present James Row, Duncan M c Intosh, Hugh Blaire and John Little. Precess James Row. 271. The contract with Mr. Marr was appro ven and signed. Sir James Standsfield present was desired to make a complea- ment to the officers of state of a suit of cloth of the fine peece now corned in. 272. In respect of a peece of favour my Lord Balcarras can doe the manufactory relateing to the servants corned from Fife itts ordered thatt a suit be given off to him presently. 1 Ja. Row. 1 Reading this entry in connection with §256, it would appear that the * servants corned from Fife ' required the control of some powerful person, pro- bably to induce them to carry out their engagements. In this and the previous paragraph reference is naively made to 'presents,' gifts, or compliments to 42 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edinburgh, January 24th 1683. Present James Row, Hugh Blaire Duncan M c Intoch, John Little, Robertt Blackwood. Precess Hugh Blaire. 273. This day indentures signed with Alexander Clerk and George Home ordered to give him thirteen shillings in con- sideration of his clothes preceeding the first of this instant. 274. There was bargaine made with Sir James Standsfield for the two horses att the manufactory for seven pound sterling the two and likewise bought from him ane parcel! of loggwood and shoemack for fvfety five shillings sterling. 275. Orders George Home write to Mr. Marr thatt he keep ane accompt of all reparations about the mill for tyme to come and call to Mr. Spurrway and John Rae for the accompt of what reparations hath been formerly. Hugh Blair. Edinburgh, January 31st 1683. Present John Little, Robertt Blackwood, James Row, and Hugh Blaire. Precess Robertt Blackwood. 276. Orders thatt Mr. Spurrway be written to thatt he dye foure peeces of the course whyte clothes a common ried conform to the pattern shall be given him. 277. Orders to accept of a bill from John Drummond payable att London allowing him seven and one halfe per cent of exchange itt being payment of another mans debt and of another bill from Mr. Robertt Blackwood payable att London allowing him seven pound per cent of exchange. 278. Orders the bringing the two peeces of ried cloth from John Littles shope to be roaped att the first roap. Ro. Blackwood. powerful persons who had supported the company or whose support was desired. The same system permeated the business of the period, and frequent references to gratifications will be found in the Court Books of the first East India Company. It is interesting to note that the New Mills Company in dis- tributing its bribes tried as far as possible to avail itself of a kind of truck- system, by distributing suits of clothes and stockings when possible, and only paying out money when there was reason to believe that the commodities for various reasons would be much less acceptable. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 43 Edinburgh, February 7, 83. Present Hugh Blair Robert t Blackwood and John Little, James Row and Duncan M c Intoch out of town. Precess John Little. 279. A bill appearing from the master payable to Robertt Neels which he adviseing to be justly dew and the said Neels representing necessary occasion for the money they consent to the payment of the said bill butt order the master to be written to not to draw any more precepts hereafter butt allow the accompts subscribe the same and send them heire to be payed. 280. By a letter from the master wherein he desyres to provyde them with ane honest trusty servant for overseeing the shear shopp which the managers are to take care of and who can first fall upon one fitt for thatt purpose to give ane accompt of him to the meeting as was formerly agreed upon already. 281. Perryes wyfe comeing with a requist thatt none of her husband's wages be stoped for a monthes tyme ; grants the same. Jo. Littill. Edinburgh, February 13, 1683. Present Hugh Blair, Robertt Blackwood John Little, Duncan M c Intoch. Precess Hugh Blair. 282. The master is ordered to make the finest cloath he can for black and to put everything in forwardness for the dispatch thereof. 283. Allowes of Mr. Sharpes accompt as it is reformed for dyeing of silk and silk stockens amounting to 284. Ordered to give out 6 lb weight of silk for a true native grass green to be made in womens hose with first silk dyed and 3 lbs pale buff collour. 285. Ordered to make a dozen pair womens silk stockens of the first remnants of silk to be dyed black. 286. John Rae haveing been formerly ordered according to act [203] to give a weekly or monethly abreviat of the pro- ceedings at New-Millns and not haveing done it that wee be MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF not still kept uncertaine its ordered that James Marr is to give a short present generall state from John Raies bookes and that John Rae be ordered not to obstruct or retard but farther the same. Hugh Blair. Edinburgh, February 19th 1683. Present James Row, Duncan M c Intoch, John Litell, Robertt Blackwood, Hugh Blair. Precess Duncan M c Intoch. 287. Orders Mr. Spurrway to send in 6 peeces of fine white cloth about 9s. price full als good as the peeces already dyed scarlet, and that he endeavor to work them soe as they may be as light as possible without damnifieing the cloth. 288. Ordered likewise that he dve 20 peeces of course white clothes exactly the collour of the peeces he hath already dyed and sent in and as exactlv the same finess of cloth as possible. Ordered that Robertt Blackwood James Row and George Home meet with Major White tomorrow and indeavour to make settlement with him to furnish 100 men with ried clothes and what other things they shall require and make the best bargaine with him they can and report to the next meeting. 289. Orders James Row to speak to Sir James Standsfield for as much ground upon the west end of the house in upon the yard as may build ane handsome conveniency for holding our clothes and other matterialls. 290. Orders to give James Row for bearing his charges at New-Mil Ins eight shillings sterling. Du. M c Intosh. Edinburgh, February 27, 1683. Present all the managers. Precess Robertt Blackwood. 291. The following goodes are ordered to be comissioned viz. : one pipe of oyle 500 weight of fastick one hogshead of galls 100 of compeachwood to be bought heere 200 weight of matter. 292. Mr. Spurrway present is advysed to forbear mixing ony stone graves for ane months tyme and thereafter to mix only for that collour not above one sixth part. The said Mr. Spurrway haveing severall patterns by him he is ordered to THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 45 send them all in here that they may be all numbered with those that we have here that advice mav be given hereafter what eolloures should be mixed conformed to said patterns by theire members. The said Mr. Spurrway is ordered to putt in hand als much Spanish wool as be six peeces of cloath for black or scarlett. Ro. Blackwood. Edenburgh, March 7, 1683. Present John Littill, Robertt Blackwood. Hugh Blair, James Row. Precess James Row. 293. Ordered George Home with advice of Robert Black- wood to provyde what is necessary for Major Whyte's companev to buv first the stockens and lineing and worsted for fringes. 294. Ordered that the master be againe written to not to observe anv single mans order but George Home as Clerk. 295. Ordered to buy a large press for keeping our cloath in. Ordered that two of the managers goe out to New-Millns betwixt and this eight dayes. Ja. Row. Edinburgh, March 14, 1683. Present Robertt Blackwood, Hugh Blair. Duncan MTntoch. John Littill. James Row. Precess John Littill. 296. Ordered to cause 4000 needles for silk stocken frames be provvded at London and in the meantyme to cause send 500 or 1000 with first opportunity. Jo. Littill. Edinburgh, March 27. 1683. Present Hugh Blair Robertt Blackwood, John Littill. Precess Hugh Blair. 297. Ordered George Home to buy the fingram and stockens for the Castle sojors and the other furniture needfull to cause the fingrams be scoured at a mill about the town and the stockens to be sent out to New-Millnes to be dyed and dressed there. Allowes to pay Robertt Blackwood for 67 ells of Galloway whyte cloath. Hugh Blair. 46 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edinburgh, 29 March 1683. Present Hugh Blair, John Littill, James Row, Robertt Black- wood, Duncan M c Intosh. Precess Duncan M c Intosh. 298. In respect there is neare J yard of cloth lost by the middle th rowel ordered that in tyme comeing the second throuel shall not be above J inch broad and not above | inch betwixt the two thorells. There being three peeces of mixed clothes damnified in the workeing and dressing ordered that the master be queried where that damnage must ly. 299. In respect of the damnage of the said three peece of cloth they are ordered to be roaped and whoever buyes the same shall be allowed to dress it at the manufactory which way they please for paying the nett expence the dressing cost. 300. Ordered George Home write to his brother to enquire anent the cocketts of Thomas Wiers shipp at his last parting from London. 301. Remitts to George Home James Row and Robertt Blackwood to agree with James Lamb anent the dyeing the scarlet cloth. 302. Ordered to give Prescook dyer two dozen of silk stockens to dye black and are content to give ten pence sterling per pair for the dyeing them. New-Millnes 6 Aprill 1683. Present Robertt Blackwood, James Row and Hugh Blair. Precess Robertt Blackwood. These following orders were given to Mr. Spurrway and Mr. Marr. 303 [and 304]. First that some Spanish wool be presently entered upon for makeing cloth all of Spanish for blackes. 2 ly That the finest mixed clothes be first despatched and sent in. 3 ly That great care be taken of improveing the spinning and dressing of the cloth, that it be good and sufficient cloth, and that the rents and too near shearing of some cloth lately sent in be prevented in time coming. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 47 305. That he make ane essay of a worsted chain with leaveing yarn. 306. Hugh Blair and James Row haveing given to Robertt brother who with his whole family applves himselfe to serve the companev foure rix dollars and George Home to reimburse them. 1 307. The loonies are to be imployed as followeth — Two all Spanish mixtures. Two upon all Spanish for blackes. Three upon Inglish werp and Spanish ebb mixtures. Two on Inglish werp and Spanish ebb for black. Two upon all Inglish ^ d cast for blackes. Three on dito for mixed. Three on third cast for mixtures. Three on dito and upon courser wool if any bee rieds blackes and any other colloures desyred. 2 308. It is ordered Christian Loch and her son be entered to the hough hous in which Smith the stock en weaver dwelt. 309. Ordered that Campbell now in the shear shope a covenant servant be bread up to the shear boord and that he have John Rae's kiching to dwell in soe soon as he removes from it and that he be augmented in his wages from two shillings six pence to three shillinges per week. 310. Ordered that Mr. Spurrwayes daughter have two pence for each cloth after the clothes put out by Mr. Marr comes in to be numbered. 311. Ordered when clothes are delivered out all Spanish both ab 3 and warp. Item ane other of English warp and Spanish ab. Item ane other of English 2 d both ab and warp. 1 The meaning of this order was that two of the managers had paid four rix dollars (about 12s. Scots, or nearly £i sterling) to the brother of some person unnamed, and the secretary of the company was to reimburse them. - According to a previous order, as far as possible, coarse wool was not to be purchased. Therefore the three looms last mentioned were to be employed on mixtures and any coarse wool ('if any bee '), which was to be dyed red, black, or any other colour desired. 3 'ab' or (as below) 'abb' appears to stand for 'ebb' [vide §331). The effect of the classification was to distinguish different qualities of cloth by numbers, according to the nature of the ' abb ' or ' ebb ' and ■ werp.' 4S MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Item ane other of Inglish thrids ab and warp. Item ane other of dito for warp and 2 d abb then Mr. Marris to place those peeces as he gives them out to the spinners and weavers in his book in the same manner and with the same distinctions as is above mentioned with their numbers as alsoe he is to observe what ells are laid in warping of one or other of the peeces above mentioned with there numbers as above to follow this method with the silk stocken weavers. 312. When you receive silk you to give of all silk of a collour if it be 3 or 4 5 or 6 lbs to one man and weight it out to him and when the stockens of that silk comes back you are to weightt it back and know if you receive back the silk allowing the waste which you are likewise to keep by you till you discharge vourselfe thereby. 313. You are to pay for every pair of hose 2s. 6d. per pair and to Mr. Pike 2s. lOd. per pair and for womens hose two shillings per pair and if any stockens be desyred whose weight shall come to foure or more ounces the stocken weaver is to have ten pence per ounce for every ounce above three besyde his ordinary price. To weightt every peece of cloth as it conies in. 314. To dey the master's daughter's peece stuff and your own remnants. 315. Pay the master of the boyes weekly as you doe our servants. 316. Item you are ordered to tell the stocken weavers not to make stockens for ordinary above 2J oz. or at most not above 3 oz. and if they doe in the contraire he is to rebate 4d. per pair off* the work. 317. Orders James Marr to give the masters daughter ten dollars for numbering the clothes in times past and for other services done for the companey when they are out. Ro. Blackwood. Edenbrough, 17th Aprill 1683. Present James Row, Hugh Blair, Robertt Blackwood, John Littill. Precess James Row. 318. Being advertized by a letter from Alexander Ross of THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY ^9 Nooke that the cloath for the regiment of draggoones will be at Berwick befor Thursday next, orders Robertt Blackwood conformed to the lott fallen on him for the same to be at Berwick befor Thursedav to surveigh the said cloath according to the Councells orders, and if he goe not himselfe he finding a qualified persone of the companey to the satisfaction of tlie managers he shall be absolved, for which he is to have twentv pound Scotts of gratuity for his paines his horse byre paid and charges born. Warrandes Hugh Blair and George Home to settle with Mr. Collineson and to give him allowance for frameing and carryeing on the progress of our bussiness fra the begining and bringing the bookes to due ballance to the 6th of Aprill 1683. Ja. Row. Edenbrough, 25 Aprill 1683. Present Hugh Blair, Duncan M c Intoch James Row, John Little, Robertt Blackwood. Precess John Little. 319. The managers finding the dificulty of clearing accompts when they run long on, orders that in tyme comeing James Marr and his successoures in his imployment shall clear their accomptts of cash at every three monethes end. And George Home and his successors shall clear their accompt of cash at every six monethes end which is without prejudice of their and every other persone concerned clearing all their accomptts once a year. 320. Ordered to give off the course ried cloth bought from Mr. Robert Blackwood to James Kerr for breaches to the castle souldiers. 321. There being a letter received and read from Mr. Spurrwav dated the 24th desyreing severall things to be provided and particularly to buy some wool from John Bell it is referred to Hugh Blair and George Home to make the best bargane with him thev can. 322. To recommend to the generall meeting to graimt some gratuity to Baylie Edmonstone in respect of his straits and that he hath been and may bee usefull to the companey in holding of a bayry court at New-Mills for punisheing the servants. D 50 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF 323. A letter being presented from James Marr which is very difficult to be read ordered that he take more paines to write plainely. 324. Ordered to give Thomas Steil masone for his paines and expence in goeing to New-Mills in order to his building the house three dollars. 325. Ordered George Home to pay James Lamb fyfety shilling Scotts for each pound weight deying scarlet cloath. 326. There being a letter of John Homes read wherein he gives ane accomptt of service done for the companey which bring him noe provision for which he expects ane gratuity upon consideration whereof of his journey to the west of England the trouble and paines he had about the silk stocken frames the much paines he takes which bringes him no provision, and his provision being but small for which it is ordered he shall be allowed eight pound sterling for his incouragementt to take paines in any concern of the companeyes. Ordered to give Hugh Stivenson 2| ells of the fine cloth for which you are to gett up the bond granted be the managers to the Councell. Jo. Littill. Edenbrough, 12 May 1683. Present Bayly Douglas William Meinzies James Row and James Bowden. John Littill. Precess Bayly Douglas. 327. Ordered James Row and George Home to goe to New- Millnes upon Munday nixt and take ane exact accompt how all affaires goes their and particularly to examine all matters betwixt the masters and servants as alsoe to forward course whyte cloth, to take inspection of James Marr's bookes and take notice how he keeps the same. 328. Ordered George Home to borrow one hundreth pound sterling from Bayly Douglas and to return two hundred poundes to London for buying of wool, etc., and George Home haveing reported that he may have a bill from Mr. David Scrimsuer for £5 per centt orders him to take a bill for two hundred pound sterling. Tho. Dowglas. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 51 Edenbrough, 30th May 1683. Present Bayly Douglas James Row, John Littill. Precess Bayly Douglas. 329. Ordered to write to the master to pitch out six or eight peece of the best whyte cloath about 9 or 10s. per ell and finish them up fit for dyeing scarlett. The master is allowed to make ane peece narrow cloth which he desyred warrant for out of which he is to have his own clothes. 330. The master is allowed to settle with Eveleing and Nichols to work by the great. 331. The underwritten is ordered to be booked for dis- tinguishing the sorts of cloth made at the manufactory. First cloth made of the third cast wool being the worst sort of wool. The marks of such clothes are to be with purple and white. Secondly. Clothes made of the finest English wool, the mark of these to be purple and rose collour. Thirdly. Clothes made of Inglish warpe and Spanish ebb or waft these to be marked with yellow and green. Fourthly. If warp and ebb be all of Spanish then the mark to be of blew and green. The numbers of these clothes according to the sorts are alsoe to be numbered with the same collour. Tho. Dowglas. Edenburgh, 6 June 1683. Present Bayly Douglas, James Row, and John Little. Precess Bailzie Douglas. 332. There being two letters from the master reed, dated the 4th instant giveing ane acomptt of his journey to Kelsoe of his commoning with Charles about the buying of 100 baggs of wool he would not undertake to buy 100, but would for 50 or 60 baggs and demanded eight pence sterling a stone and all charges born by the companey and other wayes he would have twelve pence per stone for buying and would pay all charges to New-Millnes and give the same weight he getts from those he buyes it from. The master inclines to the last of these to which the managers agrees and allowes the master 52 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF to make the best bargane he can with him and settle with him for fifety baggs. 334. Ordered likewise to write to George Archer to in- deavour to buy fifety baggs of the best wool Northumberland can affoord and for payment of it they will take care to provide the money upon advertisement. 335. It being overtured by James Row to the last generall meeting that Major White was content to putt in his two hundreth pound to the manufactory to which they all cordially aggreed and now the said Major haveing offerred his money the managers accepts the same and orders George Home to give him recept thereof and to insert him in the bookes and to overture to the next generall meeting to renew the contract by which the said Major White and Bayly Nicolson may bee taken in and to consider what to doe with Thomas Gordon. 1 336. Ordered to write to John Home that he indeavour to make bargane for fifety baggs of Spanish wool and that he try if there can be halfe thereof got upon credit for 6 or 8 moneths tyme and give ane accompt what may be the differrence of the price betwixt buying for ready money and buying upon said tyme, and if they comply not with the said tyme what will be the longest tyme they will give. Tho. Dowglas. Edinburgh, 13 June 1683. Present James Row, James Boudin, Baillzie Duglas Johne Litll. Precess James Boudin. 337. The master haveing proposed in wryting to the generall meeting this day which was remited to the managers that he would mak soom alterations in that platform was laved doune at Newmillnes Apryll 7 how the loome should be imployed which is 4 loomes upon all Spanish 3 wheirof for mixtours on for whyt 6 upon Inglish warp and Spanish abe 4 wherof for mixtours 2 for whyt 2 upon Inglish warp and the abe half Inglish half Spanish for mixtouris. 4 upon secund Inglish warp and fein Inglish abe 3 wheirof for mixtours on for whyt 4 upon the courrest Inglish all for whyt. 1 i.e. Major White offered to become a shareholder to the extent of £200. From the Representation it appears that at this date persons were still allowed to become subscribers in the company. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 53 338. Lykwayes that he mak the listing of sutch cloathis as ar to be deyed bot 5 or 6 threeds in bread in place of the sixtin which they now ar. The mangers agrie to the said proposells and allowes him to follow these methods. James Bowden. Edinburgh, 20 June 1683. Present Baillzie Duglas William Meinzes, Johne Litll, James Row. Preces James Row. 339. Order to wryt to the master to send in immediatlie the four piss of mixt cloath that ar redie. 340. Ordered to goe to George Sandrie and buy tenne or twelve pund of dayed silk as schap as can be. 341. Ordered to allow the master to buy a hors at Kelsoe fair at 5, 6 or 7 lb sterlling he being a peni worth acording to the masters letter reed this day. Ja. Row. Edinburgh, 27 June 1683. Present Baillie Duglas, James Row, James Boudin, William Meinzes, Johne Litll. Precess John Litll. 342. Ordered to send money to George Archer for paying the wooll he wryts he hes bought. 343. Ordered to give of as mutch cloath to Baillzie Edmon- stoune as be him a sewt of cloathis with lyning and butinis for them with ane pair of wasted stockings. Jo. Littill. Edinburgh, 4 Jullie 1683. Present Baillzie Duglas, James Boudine, Johne Litll, James Rowe. Precess Baillzie Duglas. 344. Ordered that all the partners be again spak to and get ther posative ansir wheither they will advance each of them ther proportion of money condeshended upon in the jurnell of the generall meatin the 19 June for makin provition for this somer. 1 Tho. Dowglas. 1 From this entry it appears that the minutes of the ' general meetings ' were kept separately. This was the case also with the Royal African Company. On the other hand the first East India Company recorded the proceedings of the committees (or directors) and those at general meetings in the same volumes. 54 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edinburgh, 18 Jullie 1683. Present Baillzie Duglas, James Row, Johne Litll, William Meinzes, James Boudin. Precees Williame Meinzes. 345. Ordered George Home tak a bill from Johne Drumond payable to the master for twintie pund sterlling and to mak him up in money threattie pund mor presentllie. W m Meinzeis. Edinburgh, 25 Jullie 1683. Present of the managers Baillzie Duglas, Johne Litll, James Boudin and with them Mr. Robert and Robert Black- wood and Hewch Blair; and James Row and William Meinzes out of toune. Precees Baillzie Duglas. 346. Ordered that the petition drawin presentlie be givein in to Mr. Jo. Ritchison to be presented to the tressourer. 347. Apoynted if George Homes servant return not to him against the teinit of Agust that he gett another without dellav and finish the accompt befor the last of Agust. 348. That Allexander Brand and Johne Hay be denunced and aqwented with it befor regestratione. 349. The contrak to be dellayed till the first of September then to be finished. 350. That George Home receved the ballance from James llae and if Jo. Rae screwpll it that he give his oblidgment to get his compts examined and discharged within a prefixt tym. In the mein tym that William Meinzes and George Home first seerch the pagis and articlls and se if they be right. 351. 2 llie See if the severall soumes receved agrie with Georg Homes charg and exam in the ball an c. 3 llie That after this is don the accompt be sent out to the master and clerk to see if the have nut payed soom of thes personis over again or that non of them heir set doun want money. 4 llie Extrak out ane accompt how money piss of cloath he paves for and at what number he begin is and at what he ends, ad to this how many peeces war mad in Johne Ainslies tym which compair with the cloathis receved and thes in hand when the inventer was takin up. THE NEW MILL- CLOTH MANUFACTORY 55 352. Ane accompt of the expenc and pryc of the severall cloath mad at the manufactorie First. A super fain cloath all Spanish costs as fo] loweth 70 lb3 full Spanish wooll cost 26d. per pundis 7 11 8 For seining and daying at 3d. per lb. 0 17 6 For spining rekoning 67 lb. at lOd. per lb o A. 1 D 10 for ■niKincr srri nl liner pinn nvll 4-n ttpt* rmnn 1 6 3 'j For warping bol)oning 2s. 6d. for listing Is. 6d. 0 : 4 0 For weveing 46 ell row at 12d. per ell. 2 : 6 0 For burlling 12s. for woking and sop 6s. for dres- ing and furnishing — Q 18 0 For wast of cords and wheills 0 :03 0 For proportion of selleries 1 :05 : 4 19 :07 : 3 This pis will hold at leest 27 ell and will stand 14s. 4d. per ell. The secund sort Spanish half Inglish as follaweth — Will first reqwir 42 lb full Spanish at 2s. 2d. per punc . 4 : 11 : a Of Inglish 36 lb full at 18d a lb in respect its the head 1 2 : 14 : 0 For scuring and daying 78 lb at 4d. per lb. 0 :19 : 6 For piking scriblling and oyll of 78 lb at 4id per pund 1 : 09 : 2 For spining 74 lb at 8d. per pund 2 :09 : -± For warping bobaning and listing as above 0 :04 : 0 For weaveing 46 ell 1 : 13 : 0 For burlling 10s. for woking and sop 6s. for dres- ing 30s. o :06 : 0 For west upon cords and wheels 0 :03 : 0 For proportion of salleris 1 :00 : 0 17 :09 :00 This will hold 27 ell at least and will stand 13s. per ell. The threed sort all Inglish as follaweth. 1 ' In respect its the head r is an obscure phrase. The conjecture may per- haps be ventured that, as the expression seems designed to justify the giving of l8d. per lb. for English wool, such wool was the best ; just as dealers at the present time speak of ' top grades' or the 1 top of the market.' •56 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF .First it will reqwir ot ioull wooll ol lb at 14d. per pund. : I** : b For scuring and daying at 3d. per pund Ul . on : UU a O tor piking scnblling and oyll. 00 : 16 0 For spining 77 lb at 6d. per pund Ul : lo : b For warping bobaning and listing. 00 AO : vo : 0 For weeveing 46 ell at 01 :10: 0 For burlling 8s. for woking and sop 5s. for dres- ing 20s. 01 : \o : 0 For west upon cords and whills 1)1) n u For proportion of selleries 00 :12: 6 12 :11 : 7 lnis will hold 27 ell and will stand at most ys. 4d. per ell. The fourt sort for common mixtours and whyt as follaweth. T?" „ 0 4- 1±. ...ill wnnvmrlv. QH IK A, 11 ,,r^,ll „ 4- Qj „ „ ,, 1 L Jfirst it will reqwir oU lb lull wooll at od.perlb. 2 :13: 4 For scouring and daying 20s. 3d. for piking scriblling and oyll 10s. 1 :10: 3 For spining 77 lb at 4d.^ is 28s. lOd. for warping bobaning and listing 1 :11 : 0 For dresing 16s. west upon cords and wheells 3s. 0 :18: 0 For weeveing 20s. for burleing 6s. for waking and sop 4s. 6d. 1 :1(): 6 For proportion of salleries 0 :10: 0 8 :14: 0 This will hold 27 ell and will cost 6s. 6d. per ell. Th 0. Dowglas. Edinburgh, 27 Jullie 1683. Present Baillzie Duglas James Row, James Boudin, Johne Litll. Precees Johne Littll. 353. George Home haveing reed twa letters on from Mr. Spurway shoeing Charlls Ormstoune had sent wooll to the vallow of 60 lb sterlling and that he expected money presentlie and lykwayes wryts he expects money four the work. The uther letter is from Georg Archer shoeing he hes bought THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 57 about 100 ston of wooll for payment of which he expects money presentllie. 354. Its ordered to speak to sutch as have not advanced ther twelve pund tenn shillings per sent that they doe it for suplying this occatione. 1 Jo. Littill. Edinburgh, 2 Agust 1683. Present Baillzie Duglas, James Row, Johne Litll, and ther mett with them Duncan M c Initosh, Hewch Blair, Robert Blakwood, Mr. Jo. Duncan and Mr. Robert Blakwood Precees Baillzie Duglas. 355. Ordered that George Home goe to the tollbuth and speak with the sheirmen and bring them to the best termis he can and tak them out. 356. Ordered to give Mr. Robert Blakwood twintie dollers to consult Sir Johne Cuninghame informing the twa pepers to be presented to the counsell 2 in favers of the manufactorie and to his men three dollers and a half and the lyk soume to be givein to the kings advocat and his men for his advic therin. 357. Ordered to wryt to Johne Horn to setll with a drawer of cloath and to goe the lenth of eight or tenn shillings per week of wedgis and promis him constant imployment the yeir round onllie he is to tak him oblidged to work at any uther issie 3 pairt of the imploy when he is not imployed in drawing. Tho. Dowglas. Edinburgh, 15 Agust 1683. Present Baillzie Duglas, William Meinzes, James Row, Johne Litll and James Boudin. Precees Baillzie Duglas. 358. Ordered the master tak up ane exact accompt of all 1 This entry may refer either to a call of I2| per cent, on the stock or to a temporary loan from the shareholders. The latter would constitute a kind of assessment debenture — a species of security which was common in seventeenth- century finance, as were also calls of one-eighth of the principal. It is probable this call was on account of the amount still unpaid on the stock, as it was only about 1700 that the last call of 15 per cent, was made. Vide infra, entry 13th January 1703. 2 ' The counsell ' is the Privy Council. At this date the company was en- deavouring to obtain contracts for supplying cloth for army uniforms. Vide Introduction, Part iv. 3 Query ' easy,' in the sense of not laborious or burdensome. 58 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF the cloathis he hes upon his hand proper for the sojers reed coats and send in the lenth of them, and what he wants of 1600 ell that he provid it with all hest. 359. Ordered to send to Mr. Phipis, Mr. Robert Blakwoodis bill of fyftie pund and Sam well M c Cleallis for uther fyftie for bwying wooll and orders him to send us ane hundreth pund sterlling worth mor upon six monthis tym. 360. Ordered to send to Johne Home the twa hundreth pund sterlling bill upon James Scot of Bowhill and Johne Elliot with which he is to buy ane hundreth pund sterlling worth of Spanish wooll and he is to tak ane uther hundreth pund sterlling worth of wooll upon six monthis tym and the uther hundreth pund if the bill is to ly in his hand to wait ther order. Tho. Dowglas. Edinburgh, 22 Agust 1683. Present Baillzie Duglas, William Meinzes, James Row, Johne Litll, and James Boudin. Precees James Row. 361. Orders George Home and James Boudin to goe out to Newmillnes and mak ane setllment with the stoking wevers for working the pair of the new fashoned stript hoes and that they doe not exceed fyve shillings a pair. 362. Ordered to wryt to London for threttie gros of bras moudill butonis conform to the patrane. Ja. Row. Edinburgh, 29 Agust 1683. Present James Row, William Meinzes, John Litll, Baillzie Duglas. Precees John Litll. 363. Order to deliver the Gallowway whyts Carthcart, dayer at Leith, to be dayed and dresed at 3s. lOd. Scots per ell. 364. Ordered the regments coats to be givein Johne Max- well, James Robertsone and the serjent to Major Morrow. And to Robert Ballantyn amongst them and a part to Johne Wilkie and fyftie of them to Hewch Gallouway. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 59 365. Aproves of the report mad by James Boudin and George Home of what they did ther in settling with the stoking weivers at four shillings sevein penc a pair for work- ing the strip stokings and of the agmentation they order Campbell of wages mor then what he had and of paying of the stoking weivers what was dew them for ther edll tym. Jo. LittilL Edinburgh, 5 September 1683. Present Baillzie Duglas, James Row, William Meinzes, John Litll, and James Boudin. Precees Baillzie Duglas. 366. Ordered that ther be dyed immediatlie ane pis of cloath reed exact to the culler of the coat and the dyer to send in ane accompt of what dystuffis he neids. 367. Order to buy at Leith one plank tenne fut long that will saw and be still neir twa inchis theek. Ordered to wryt to London for the theings contained in the masters memo- randume. 368. Ordered that the master let Raf Crudgis sone heve as mutch of the narrow cloath intended for his father as be him a sewt and coat. 369. Ordered the master tak James Dick wever for his assistance in Mr. Crudgis plac proveding he can wryte. Tho. Dowglas. Edinburgh, 12 September 1683. Present Baillzie Duglas, James Row, James Boudin and John Litll. Precees James Boudin. 370. Ordered George Home wryt to John Home ane answir to his letter concerning the sheermen and allowes him to give them incuragement to com doune. 1 1 It will be noticed there is a gap here in the minutes from 12th September 1683 to 27th February 1684. Since there are missing no less than sixty-three paragraphs, it is to be inferred that the entries were made and subsequently eiiher accidentally or designedly destroyed. The negotiations with the Privy Council, coupled with the information in §356 might suggest the second alternative. 60 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edenburgh 27th February 1684. Present Captaine Menzies, James Row John Littell, James Bovvden. Preces Captaine Menzies. 434. Mr. Spurroway present and propossing that some persones have a mind to buy up the Thrums comes of the cloath it is ordered that he take up the Thrums into his own custodie and lives to those that goe first out to give the weavers upon consideration therof what they think fitt. 435. Ordered that those that goe out take with them the best patron of worsted stockins they can gett and that they have poynts. 436. Ordered that the worsted stockins to be given out to the company at 6s. 8d. sterline. 437. Ordered to writt to London for two pounds of Canter- bere yearne for a patron for worsted stockins. 438. George Home haveing procured from Sir Robertt Sinclair ane order for as many stones alreadie wone out of his quarrell as repair the Damehead and hath obliedged himself to wone as many stones to the said Sir Robertt the quhich is approven of and orders the said stones to be wone upon the companies charge. 439. Mr. Spurraway haveing represented ther is a great breach made in the Miln Damehead quhich will cost consider- able to repair the same and severall other reparationes have bein made and are still necessary to be made quhich Sir James Stansfield stands obleidge to doe by vertue of his contrack quhich is ordered to be represented to the nixt generall meet- ing and ther opinion taken therein quhat is fitt to be done therin. W m Meinzeis. Edenburgh, 5th March 1684. Present Baillzie Douglas, William Menzies, John Littell, James Row, James Bowden. Preces James Row. 440. Ordered to give one pair of worsted stockins with each half peece of cloath and this to be the rule for takeing out of worsted stockins till they come in more plentifully. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 61 441. Ordered that what things the master desires be written for. 442. Ordered George Home to cause provyd furnitur for a bed and ordered the master to cause make the timber work of it. 443. Ordered George Home to speake with Normand Bruce and to make up to hime with the nyne pounds sterling agreed with hime formerly for work to be done by hime at Newmilns two hundred merk Scotts money for plaistering the wall of the new house. Ja. Row. Edenburgh, 19th March 1684. Present Captain Menzies, John Littell, James Row and James Bowden. Preces Captaine Menzies. 444. Haveing revised James Robertsons taylours accomptis is remitted to Baillie Douglas and Captaine Menzies to doe therin as they think fitt. W m Meinzeis. Edinburgh 16th Aprile 1684. Present Baillie Douglas, John Littell, and James Bowden. Preces John Littell. 445. Ordered Hugh Blair and Samuell M c Cleland to finish ther agrement with William Fullertone and to score hime out of the proces he ingeniously and sincerly declaring what he knowes of any transgressions to ther satisfaction and such of the manadgers as please to be present. 446. Ordered George Home to writt to the master to mak provisione for 3 or 4 of the company for near a weeks time who are to be with hime the 28 instant. 447. Ordered George Home in consideration of the pains the mesters doughter hath bein offen putt to when we goe out and the expence himself is at to give his daughter a present of some wearing cloaths to the value of ten crouns. 448. Ordered the mester to dye for Hugh Blair 20 ells of learg scarlet when he dyes that collour for the expence it cost. 449. My Lord Balcaras haveing made great objections against the sufficiency of the cloaks mad for his troup as MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF unsuficient and four of the gentlemen of the troup being come to receive them who altogether refused to receive them, by reason of the badness of the cloath, and James Row and George Home haven taken great pains both with my Lord and the gentlemen andyett can noe other ways prevaill but by gratifieing them with some allowance for the insuficiency of the said cloaks remitts to them to doe therin as they shall sie cause and by noe means to have the cloaks casten in ther hands. Jo. Littill. Edenburgh, 13 day of May 1684. Present Baillzie Douglas, Captaine Menzies, John Littell, James Row. Preces James Row. 450. The manadgers think fitt to represent into the com- pany to take out ane years interest of ther stock presently quhich they are to be paid of ether out of the first end of what they are dew to the company any maner of way and to such as are dew nothing to pay them out of the first end of the cloath they take out. 1 451. Orders George Home to pay all the things furnished for the treat at Newmilns for my Lord Treasourer and to draw a particular account of the whole charges. 452. To proposs to the company that each of the manadgers presently choicen consigne four dollers to pay for ther absence. 453. Orders George Home suffer noe persone to look upon the lotte book especially the manadgers befor the pryceing of cloath. 2 454. To proposs the finishing of the contrack and makeing such alterations in it as they think fitt. The orders left by the manadgers at Newmillns at the taking up of inventer are as followeth : — 455. First Ordered that heirafter the mester deliver noe dying stuffs to the dyer for cloath untill it be first entered in the 1 According to the great contract no dividend was to be paid for the first three years, and for the second three years only legal interest. Vide Introduction, Parts IV., v. 2 This refers to the drawing of lots of cloth by the stockholders. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 63 book, and that Mr. Marr may not forgett that at every time a not be given him therof shewing it is for dying cloath that we may know what the dyeing of evry ell of cloath stands us. 456. 2 d And what is given out for dying of wooll James Marr may have a tickit therof that the concerned may know how the dying stuffs is consumed. 457. 3 d Ordered to pay the man who hired his horse (upon the Theasourer his coming to Newmilns) for the service of the company which horse dyed, and the owner being pour, do pay into hime twenty shillings sterling. 1 458. 4 th Agreed with James Robertsone for repairing the damehead for three pounds sterline and one boll of meall and the stouns to be caried to hime as near as they can be brought to the damhead. 459. 5 th Ordered to dispatch the cloath for the toune of Edenburgh officers as quickly as possible. 460. 6 th Ordered the master from this time make it his work to finish als many good cloath s and dye theme reid as serve my Lord Marrs regment, and that he take care they be all good cloaths and as equaly good as he can. 461. 7 th Ordered the mester to cause finish the prison and make it secure. 462. 8 th Ordered James Marr to give presently to old Epirie twenty shillings sterling and upon his and his wyfe removeing from Newmilns and delivering up the keis of the house to hime to give them three pounds sterling. 463. 9 th Ordered James Marr to pay the house meall of Alexander Smith who is soe pour he is not able to pay it himself, being a faithfull servant. 464. 10 th Ordered that the mester choice out soe much of the finnest and best of the English wooll as will maintaind two or three frames in working worsted stockins and that it be dyed spun and evry way ordered to the best advantage for that use and that noe expence be spared for spinning that the stockins may be fyne of four threeds and if it shall be found necessary to have small wheills for spinning of worsted that six be made of purposs. The price of two horses about this time was £"] sterling. Vide suj>ra, §274. 64 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF 465. 11 th Orders John Godsone and John Burtone to call to James Marr and take soe much of each of the light collours of silk as be three or four pair of womans stockins and of such collers as are very currant and good as grein masarein blew hair collour, gold and chirie collour ane dozen of each sort. 466. 12 th Orders lykways the silk stocken stiruped in the head be maid wydder in the topps and the common and ordinary weight not to exceid three and ane half unces but some may be four unces and to make the leggs larger. 467. 13 th Orders all maner of collours of worset to be dyed presently as good reids, gold, hair, grein, buff and blew and what other collours shall be thought fitt and lykways that the topps of the worset stockins be made much wydder. 468. 14 th Ordered that white worsted may be prepared for working whyte worsted stockens quhich is to be dyed black. 469. 15 th Ordered John Godsone to fitt up one of his three frams for working of worsted stockins. 470. 16 th Ordered the stocken weavers to work women stockens of severall collours. Ja. Row. Edenburgh, 14 May 1684. Present Baillie Nicolsone, John Drumond, Mr. Robertt Black- wood, and James Bowden. Preces Mr. Robertt Blackwood. 471. Ordered that George Home against the nixt meting give ane accompt of what is undone of what the former managers ordered. 472. 2 d That George Home bring us ane accomptt what from the mester or otherwayes he understands we stand in neid of to order it provisione. 473. 3 d That George Home writt over upon new pages the names of all the members conforme to the severall lotts, and that heirafter ther be noe alteratione of the figures but a circle drawen about such as cloaths fall to and the day of the moneth sett doune when they cam in, and when taken out and by whom. 474. 4 th That a placard be put upon the exchange for a THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 65 publick roup upon nixt at two hours in the afternoon. 1 5 th That evry person that hath cloath untaken out gett ane accomptt of it and that evry persone of the company gett ane accomptt what he owes of stock, rent or loss upon roupes. 475. 6 th That they who owe nothing gett ther annual-rent 2 allowed them oat of the first cloath falls to ther shear and such as only loss upon roups that ther loss be deduced and the value in cloath be given for the superplus for such as are due more for loss one roup and of ther stocks that if they give Mr. Home a recept for the interest he give them a recept of ther loss upon rouped cloath and in part of the interest, and if they will not give a recept to give them credit for ane years- interest. R. Blackwood. Edenburgh, 21th May 1684. Present Mr. Robertt Blackwood, John Drumond, Captaine Menzies, James Bowden. Preces James Bowden. 476. Ordered that the obliedgment presented presently to the managers for Mrs. Pyek to subcrive be accepted and the superplus of her money be paid her. 477. Ordains each of the manadgers to consigne two rex dollers and to forfeit for evry absence of ther weekly meeting sixpence sterline and for ther coming sero a quarter after two hour in the afternoon two pence sterling and if after three accompted absent. 478. As to the first article of the last journal] of the manadgers meeting George Home gives accomptt he knows nothing undone. As to the second he is yet to gett ane accomptt from the mester of all provisione we shall probably stand in neid of this year. 479. Anent the Memorandum given in by George Home about the provyding of Galloway and linning 3 for Marr's- 1 This roup was for the sale of cloth drawn by members and not removed from the warehouse. Vide infra, §475. 2 1 Annual rent ' was the dividend of ' legal interest ' on the stock: the expres- sion was common in this connection. 3 i.e. linen. E 66 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF regment. Orders George Home to take the cheapest and easiest way for buying the same. 480. As for Wilkox house they order George Home to give the master order to dispose upon it as he thinks fitt. 481. Orders George Home to wait upon the provest to gett a precept upon John Trotter for cloath furnished for the use of the toune officers and shouldiers. James Bowden. Edinburgh, 28 May 1684. Present Baillzie Nicollsone, William Meinzes. Ther being no mor present notheing was done. Edinburgh, 4 June 1684. Present Baillzie Nicollsone, James Boudin, Mr. Robertt Black- wood and William Meinzes. Preces Baillzie Nicollsone. This day consigned by the above writin persones twa dolleres a pece to ly in pand 1 for ther absence and seros, and it is agried that everie absenc shall forfet six penc and everie seroe half ane hour twa penc twa being the hour apoynted. 482. Orders George Home to pay to Hewch Blar four dollers he payed out to Mr. John Inglish. They find they will need the following particulars and that they will amount to the soumes following or therhy, viz. : — SO baggs Spanish wooll at 15 lb per bag £450 30 baggs of Inglish wooll at 12 lb per bag £360 10 baggs of Galloway wooll at 9 lb per bag £90 A tune of oyle £36 1000 lb crop mather £30 300 lb argall about £09 200 lb potasses about £6 2 hild s of coperas about 40 stivers X J 4 40() lb of gaz about £12 4 pack of tessells £12 30 lb of cusheneill about 26s. sterling the lb £39 200 lh fussick £00 :16 s 200 lb fanandybuack 2 £1048 : 16 : 0 1 i.e. ' in pound ' or on deposit. Vide supra, §477. 2 The sum of ^1048, 16s. entered opposite '200 lb. fanandybuack' is in THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 67 Provisione for Marr's regment. Gallowayes about £75 : 0 : 0 Fingarinns about 2400 ells £\00 : 0: 0 Stockens tber wants only about £%5 : 0 : 0 Coatts about £50 : 0 : 0 Buttons about £1% : 0 : 0 Linning about 1400 ells £25:16: 8 Worset fringe for the shauckes about £15 : 0 : 0 For pockets ^5:16: 8 For makeing at 18d. the suit £45 : 0 : 0 £353 : 13 : 04 Provision for my Lord Ross troup. For searges about £%0 : 0:0 For makeing about £6 : 0:0 Provision to be made in all — -£1428 : 9:4 483. Quhich goods soe to be provyded they ordaine in the first place the Galloways and Linning be gotten and therafter all money received presently to be remitted by George Home from this to London als cheap as he can untill the whole Spanish wool be bought and the rest to be provyded als soon as he can get money. 484. That George Home mynd the 481 article. 485. That George Home faill not to wait upon the pre- cedent to have James Lock reexamined. 486. That George Home presently persew John Mure, Samuell M c Clelane, George Drumond, junior, John Rae's widdow from whom yow are ether to receive bond or obtaine decreit. 487. For Mr. Marrs accompts apoynts William Menzies to goe out and end with hime and to allow hime his charges. 488. For the letter from John Godsone and Burtone reality the total of the previous items, and the ' provision to be made in all ' is computed as follows : — • The following particulars,' . . . ,£1048 16 o ' Provisione for Marr's regiment,' . . 353 13 4 ' Provision for my Lord Ross troup,' . . 26 o o ' Provision to be made in all,' . . ^1428 9 4 68 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF referres it to George Home to doe what he thinkes meet and can gett done in it. Ja. Nicolson. Edinburgh, 11 June 1684. Present, James Boudin and sero. In respect no mor was present notheing was done. Edenburgh, 12th June 1684. Present at a meeting exterordinarv called William Menzies, James Bowden sero, Mr. Robertt Blackwood sero, John Drumond sero, Baillie Nicolsone sero. William Menzies, Preces. 489. Anent the desire given in by Robert Black for som suply the manadgers considering his poverty and that he hes bein three years about the work they order George Home to give hime three ells of course cloath that was rouped upon the companies accomptt to be a suit of cloaths for his faithfullness he being to remove. 490. Ordered to mind the 481, 485, 486, 487 articles. 491. Anent the proposall made by the mester for makeing of loope quhich Perie undertakes to doe they apoynt the mester to bestow upon materialls to the valew of therty or foirty shillings. 492. Anent the proposall how Inglish and Scotts wooll shall be bought this year it is thought fitt that it be bought in the market of Edenburgh as cheapest in probability and after wooll beginnes to come in to the market that the mester come in evry market day or upon the Tuesday befor. 493. Ther being given David Burnet 3 ell of cloath taken of a peece quhich Baillie Nicolsone bought per roup upon the companies accomptt is aproven of and orders George Home to allow the same as he payes and to give ane pair of silk stockens to the cloath. 494. The contrack being delivered to Mr. Robertt Black- wood that he and Robertt Blackwood may peruse the same and consider what alterations are necessar and they give it to Baillie Nicolsone and William Menzies and John Drumond that they may doe the same in order to its being finished and to returne the same once the nixt week. 495. Orders a letter be written to Mr. Walter Pringell to come in and consult the same. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 69 496. Orders George Home to make all the hast possible with this years compts and have them ready. 497. The mester haveing propossed the sorting of 4 packs of wooll that he hes by hime desire hime to take out of one pack what is proper for the imploy and we send in the rest of that pack to Edenburgh unsorted and the other three to sort them in ther severall sorts except soe much as is necessar for the imploy. 498. Apoynts William Menzies and goe out to Newmilns and gett the contrack with the shearmen altered and to doe evry other thing necessar to be done about the work. 499. That the mester consider what the persons are to doe that goe out and what is to be propossed ther. 500. That the mester be ordered to make mostly fine cloaths both whyte and mixturs. 501. The \ peeces of cloath No. 29 quhich fell to Baillie Andersons lott being complained upon by hime as damnified, the manadgers haveing inspected the said cloath finds the same faulty and orders it to be rouped upon the companies accompt he being obleidged to take in place therof the first peece comes in of that lot. 502. Orders George Home to speak to John Hay and get his answer. W m Meinzeis. Edenburgh, June 18th 1684. Present William Menzies, James Bowden, Mr. Robertt Black- wood, Baillie Nicolsone, sero. Preces James Bowden. 503. Anent the article of John Hay haveing heard George Homes report ordains George to put it in writting and lett Mr. Hay sie it and if he be content that it be propossit to the o-enerall meeting. 504. Ordaines George Home still to minde the 481, 485, and 486 articles and for the 487 article Mr. Menzies continues it till the nixt week and for the 494 the contrack being given to Baillie Nicolsone and apoinnts them to have it ready againe Saturday nixt and George Home to tryst Mr. Walter Pringell against that time. 70 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF 505. That Joseph Young be desired to speak with the dyer at Kinross to try his humor, character, pairts, knowledg, sobriety, how he is imployed if he would remove and for what. 506. That the mester be desired to gett fine black cloaths. 507. It is apoynted that herafter once evry moneth one of the manadgers goe out to Newmilns and stay, and consider the work and what is to be reformed or done and that Mr. Robertt Blackwood goe out in J uly, Baillie Nicolsone in Agust, James Bowden in September, John Drumond in October and William Menzies in November and whoever faills in this shall pay ten shillings sterling and the manadgers to imploy others. James Bowden. Edenburgh, 28 June 1684. Present Mr. Robertt Blackwood, John Drumond and William Menzies. Preces John Drumond. 508. Ordered to speak to Walter Pringell to know if by law we can establish a baillie for punishing of our oune servants for trangressions and if not that Mr. Robertt Black- wood speak to the shirife depute of eeast Lothian and settell with hime for doeing the same and give hime a suit of cloaths and a pair of silk stockeings and the lyke to the clark or if we may by a bill from the counsell have the master authorized. 509. That Sir James Stansfield gett ane copie of what is to be done at Newmilns to the Newhouse. 510. That George Home buy 3 littell iron chymneys for chambers and provyde ane bed with all cloaths and ane feather bed. 511. That George Home writt to the mester for agreing for plastering the studie as cheap as he can. 512. The contracks with the shearmen is to be drawcn over in name of the manadgers and that two contracks be drawen with Scot and Ather. 513. Wryte to the mester to cause the spinsters twist the yearne for the stocken weavers for the first time. 514. That indentors be written and sent out for David and James Mitchells and William Magall. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 71 515. To writt to some persons in Newcastle to provyd two grindstonnes the one six foot over quhich is to be the finishing stone the others five and ane half foot over. 516. To send the mester ane littell pocket book. 517. To writt to the mester to try if ther be in our work one William Nicoll in Milnfields, Alexander Carrell, weaver in Newton e, John Scot sonne to John Scot portioner in Kenmor or wher John Scot lived this while by gone and if any of these persones be contained in the fugative roll that they get themselves relaxed or removd. 518. Ordered to give Captain Wood five guiiiies. 519. Ordered to writt to John Home to provid twenty five baggs all of the best Spanish wooll for quhich John Drumond M ill procure his bills to be accepted payable in three and six moneths time for quhich the manadgers is to give John Drumond obliedgment to relieve hime at the time. Jo. Drummond. Edinburgh, 2 Jullie 1684. Present Mr. Robert Blakwood. In respect noe mor cam ther was notheing don. Edinburgh, Jullie 9 1684. In respect the companie was out meiting the Chanceller and Tressaurer ther was noe meiting. Edinburgh, 16 Jullie 1684. Present William Meinzes and James Boudine, Mr. Robert Blackwood sero. Baillzie Nicolson, sero. Preces Johne Drumond, sero. 520. That the mester be ordered to dye wooll for thess paternes of cloath No. 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 15, 31, 36, of sad 4 and to thir three patrones No. 37, 38, 9d. 521. Haveing considered Mr. Carthcart accomptt for dyeing and finds that he charges 4d. per ell for Galloways when it is alledged ther was but 3s. lOd. offered yet finding they are well done they are content to allow hime the said four shillings Scotts 1 provyding he doe all the rest he is now doeing to 1 i.e. the company offered Cathcart 3s. iod. Scots per ell for his work, and he charged 4d. sterling or 4s. Scots (at the usual par of exchange). 72 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF content and for the scarlet cloath he soyled in the dyeing apoinnts to give hime two ells of it to make a try all for recovery of it and if he doe it to pay hime as Lamb was payed, and if he doe it not, to pay hime his dye stuffs provydeing they doe not exceed the half of the soume he charged in his accompt quhich is sixty one lb 10s. Scots. 522. Ordered that John Drumond upon the manadgers obligation give ane bill of credit upon his correspondent for what wooll John Home shall buy for the use of the manufac- tory not exceeding five hundred pounds sterling. 523. That Joseph Young write to the dyer at Kinross to come south that we may conclude with him. 524. That George Home faill not to mind and performethe 481, 485, 486, 510, 512, 514, 515, 516 articles. 525. That the compts be clired as quickly as possible and that a generall meeting be called immediatly therafter for setleing the contrack. 526. Ordered Mr. Robertt Blackwood when he scoes to Newmilns the nixt w r eek to setle with the shirriffs according to the 508 article. 527. That Mr. Home order the mester conforme to the indentors to furnish James Mitchell with als much ordinarie cloath as will be hime a closs coat. 528. That in regard some spinners steall or detaine yearne and some weavers steall yearne and that others of them thorough carlessness work in the cloath yearn of another collour, to add to our miles 529. That what ever spinner shall bring hoome short of the weight of the wooll they had, allowing them for indrying of the oyle upon the wooll 5 unces upon six pound weight, that they shall be mad pay for evry pound of Spanish wooll in lackeing more then the said allowance 4s. for English 2s. the pounds, and if they be found that falsly they have the yearne and concealled it they shall be keep in prisone till the mercat day and ther to stand in time of the mercat two hours with a paper mentioning ther fault in great letters. 530. That any weaver that shall thorough carelessness work in quill or pirn of wrong yearne shall pay for evry such quill or pirne of wrong yearne one shilling sterling, and if he work THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 73 more of it be most pay soe much per ell as the cloath is in value that he spoills. 531. If any weaver when he brings home his peece of cloath conceall or abstract any yeare he shall pay for evry pound of it five shillings and for English or Scotts 3s. shilling sterling the pound and shall be discharged the imploy imprisoned one day and stand two hours in the mercat day in the mercat place with a peaper on ther face. 532. That Mr. Marr be ordered to give David Johnstoune ten shillings sterling and as much course cloath as will be a meat coat. That a pump be made and sent out for the dye house 1 2 foot in lenth with pump stafe and boxes. 533. That Mr. Home buy one of the best Scots hats and a black ribban and send it out to Mr. Dick for his care in doing his work be yound others. This by the mesters in- formatione. 534. That Mr. Home order a stair caice to be made betuixt Burtons lower and upper house. 535. That he writte againe that all the twenty five baggs of Spanish wooll be heir without faill in Agust and that he try Elderman Cormst for wooll. 536. That he writt to John Home the covenants with John Bairns the dyer. Ja. Nicolson. Edenburgh the 23 July 1684. Present Mr. Robertt Blackwood, Captain Menzies, James Bowden. Preces : Baillie Nicolsone, sero. 537. Ordered that George Home speake to James Row that he goe to Major Whyte and desire hime to my Lord Thesourer for furnishing my Lord Drumlenriggs troup. 538. That if Joseph Young doe not goe himself one be sent express to Kinross to receive answer of the dyer. 539. That George Home writt to Mr. Marr that the time the stocken weavers begine to furnish themselves is at Lambus. 540. That George Home writt againe to his brother that the Spanish wooll come in the first shipps, and that he send the indentors and also the pryce for workeing of woman 74 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF stockens stiruped of different collours in the gusset as mens are. 541. That George Home give Sergent Burgon Major Balfours sergent two ells of the best ride cloath that he may favour the conipanie in receiving the cloaths and not casting them. 542. Haveing considered what Mr. Robertt Blackwood did with the Earle of Wintoune shirife deputs and gentlemen they allow of the charges spent and orders George Home to pay it. 543. That the master be ordered that noe cloath come in but what is seen by the drawer and marked by hime. James Bowden. Edenburgh, July 29th 1684. Present James Bowden, John Drumond, Mr. Robertt Black- wood, William Menzies. Preces John Drumond. 544. Ordered George Home to writte to Newcastle to know when the grind stonnes comes of and which way they come. That ther be a roup upon Fryday nixt. 545. To writt to London for ane tune of oake timber such as the mester shall give directions for. 546. That three pair of course blankets be bought for the boyes. That James Marr lend the drawer twenty shillings sterline. 547. That the master writt to Mr. Curtine at Anick that if he can buy fourtie stoune of prime wooll for ane tryall and cause it be delivered this syde of Twide he shall be paid for it as he agrees and be rewarded for his pains, he intimateing its comeing a week befor. 548. Orders Mr. Spurroway to draw up what rule and orders he thinks proper for the weavers and shearmen and send in to Edinburgh. 549. To mynd the former orders. 550. To buy four pair of sheits for the mester. 551. Ordered that a generall meeting be intimat against Wednesday come eight days. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 75 552. Ordered to get ane accompt from Sir James of the pryce of the bell and therafter to sett it up. 553. That the mesters memorands about Perie be minded when he gives ane accompt of his proofe. 554. That the mester gett certificats of all the people about the work from whence they came last, of ther peacable be- haviour and civill cariadge. 1684. Jn° Drummond. Edenburgh, 12th Agust 1684. Present Baillie Nicolsone, Mr. Robertt Blackwood, James Bowden. Preces Baillie Nicolsone. 555. Ordered that heirafter noe prentices shall be admitted to work in the imploy above a moneths time untill they subscrive ther indentors. 556. That Perie the sope boyler and Richard Coin the drawer be dealt with to take prentices and for ther incuradg- ment they be secured for ther life time and the standing of the imploy that ther wages shall not be altered. 557. That the mester be spoken to sie when he will have cloaths readie for dyeing ried and black and when he acquaints yow they will be readie that presently yow writt to the dyer to come over. 558. That yow writt to Mr. Marr to send in his books from Aprile 1683 to May 1684 that they may be examined how many peeces of cloaths he hath paid for and how many pair of silk stockens and if in caice he be makeing use of the same books presently that he writt upon peaper untill they be returned. 559. Valued this day Cloath and cairseys as followeth viz. : 1 — 1 peece No. 11, Cairsey @ 17 ells at 3s. 4d. per ell. 1 peece No. 13, do @ 12 ells at 4s. per ell. 1 peece No. 14, do @ 14 ells at 3s. 6d. per ell. 1 This and the subsequent valuations of cloth were furnished (as is indicated by the numbers prefixed) for the purpose of dividing the lots amongst the members of the company. For the historian of social and economic develop- ment these statistics possess a peculiar value, since they record, even if only in a general way, the character of the materials. It may be mentioned that in these minutes there are three different scales of prices. First the cost of different 76 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF 1 peece do No. 15 @ 19 ells at 4s. per ell. 1 peece do No. 17 @ 18 ells at 3s. 4d. per ell. 2 half peeces cloath No. 139 @ 16J ) . 10 _ . , Vac J./4S. per en. 2 half peeces do No. 157 @ 18 ) 8g er ^ 15 J Ja. Nicolsone. Edinburgh, 20 Agust 1684. Present Mr. Robert Blackwood, James Boudin, William Meinzes, sero, Baillzie Nicolson seroe, John Drumond out of toune. Precees Baillzie Nicolson. 560. Orders George Home to pay Johne Clerk his acompt for wryting. 561. Orders the proposall recomended in the Letter Book anent the furnishing Drumlenrikis troop and the regiment of draguins to be given in to the committie. 562. Valued this day cloaths as followeth viz: — Two half peeces stone grey No. 128 at 8s. 6d. Two half peeces No. 151 at 10s. per ell one half peece wherof is to be rouped upon the companies accompt because of change yearne. Two half peeces No. 118 at 9s. Id. per ell. Two half peeces No. 123 at 7s. 4d. per ell. Two half peeces No. 98 at 7s. 8d. per ell. Two half peeces No. 112 at 13s. per ell, there is J ane allowed to be rebate for 1J ells of change yearne. Ja. Nicolson. Edenbrugh, 27 Agust 1684. Present James Baudin. In respect no mor came ther was nothing done. 1 qualities of cloth at the works (e.g. §471) ; secondly, as in the present case, the ' lot' price {i.e. the wholesale price to members) which, as agreed upon in ' the great contract,' was made up of the cost price plus i6§ per cent, (vide supra, p. 11, note). Then there are occasional references to the wholesale market price. 1 On 28th August 1684 ' some of the merchants and undertakers of the cloth manufactory at Newmills ' were engaged with the Committee of Trade of the Privy Council. — Ada, 1682-1685, f. 473. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 77 Edenburgh, the 3d September 1684. Present Baillie James Nicolsone, Mr. Robertt Blackwood, William Menzies, James Bowden, John Drummond, William Menzies, Preces. 563. Haveing considered the mesters letter giveing ane accompt of Baillie Edmonstone imprisoning James Dick and three others we desire Baillie Nicolsone and George Home to goe out and advise with the shirrife clark and shirrife depute how to liberate them. 564. Appoynts Baillie Nicolsone and John Drumnond to goe and discourse with Livetennant Drumond and the Thesourer what may fitt for the concerned in the manufactory to doe and allowes George Home to give Mr. John Richardsone four d oilers. 565. Orders to writt to the mester to enter upon prepara- tion for makeing ten pice of course stonne grey cloath fitt for the dragoones whither they take them or not. 566. Ordains roupeing upon Fryday nixt. We finding Captaine Wood is farr short in the payment of the money for Marr's regment orders George Home to call att hime for it and if he pay it not to write to Major Balfour and give hime ane accompt of it. 1 567. Orders George Home to wait upon the provest for the precept upon the Theasourer for the toune company and officers cloaths. 2 568. Lykways to persew Samuell M c Clelan, George Drumond, Junior, John Mour, and John Rae's relick. 569. Aproves of James Rowes accomptt of Galloway's and ordaines George Home to clire hime for the soume of six hundred nynty two pounds Scotts, which is the pryce with all cherges. 570. Lykways to pay ditto Row two rex dollers that he payed when the company whent out to meet the statesmen. 571. Orders Baillie Nicolsone and George Home to consult Sir John Cunninghame and Mr. Walter Pringell about drawen ane petitione to the Secreit Councell concerning tlie present stait of the company and to give Sir John ten dollers, 1 Cf. §§482, 566, 597. 2 Cf. §599. 78 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF to Mr. Walter six, and to depurse what ells is needfull. W m Meinzeis. Edenbrugh, 9th September 1683 [? 1684]. Present Baillie Nicolsone, William Menzies, James Bowden. Preces James Bowden. 572. Orders George Home to deall with Joseph Young to goe to Lithgow and agree with Bowbridge for ane screw for the press and allovves his charges to be paid hime. 573. Orders to send out as much cairsey cloath to James Berrame as will be a suit of cloaths conform to the mesters conditione with hime. 574. Valued this day cloaths as followeth viz. : — No. 274 @ 33 ells at 15s. per ell. No. 131 @ 33 ells at lis. per ell. No. 148 @ 35 ells at 9s. 6d. per ell. No. 154 @ 31 ells at 8s per ell. 1 peece cairsey No. 16 @ 20 ells at 4s. per ell. 1 peece do No. 19 @ 19 ells at 3s. 6d. 1 peece do No. 12 @ 19 ells at 3s. per ell. 3 peeces of ride cloath @> 94 ells at 9s. 6d. 1 peece ride do @ 27 ells at 9s. 6d. 1 peece do ride @ 29 ells at 7s. 6d. 2 peeces do ride @ 54 ells at 6s. 3d. 1 peece scarlet 38 ells at 25s. per ell. 1 peece do 29 ells at 20s. per ell. 575. Orders George Home to give to Major Balfours mane as much cairsey cloath as be a suit of cloath. 576. Orders George Home to get a duble of the representa- tione given in by the Councell by the merchants of Edinburgh, also a duble of the Councells warrand anent importing of cloath for the army and give George Rae two dollers. James Bowden. Edenbrugh, 25 September 1684. Present Baillie Nicolsone, Captain Menzies, John Drumond. Preces John Drumond 577. Ordered that the silk gloves be given out at 2s. 6d. per pair for makeing and 2s. 6d. per unce. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 79 Edenbrugh, the 1th October 1684. Present Baillie Nicolsone, Captain Menzies, James Bowden. Preces Baillie Nicolsone. 578. Ordered that one of the managers goe out to New- milns upon Monday nixt and clire with James Marr for the moneth of September and doe any other thing necesar there. Lykways to put of some of the worse spinners. 579. Ordered a roupeing to be called too morrow. 580. Ordered that who goes to Newmilns treat with the drawer anent takeing a prentice. 581. Mr. Robertt Blackwood being absent and William Menzies being intended for London the managers make choice of John Littell in absence of Mr. Robertt Blackwood and Joseph Young in absence of William Menzies to officeat till there returne. Ja. Nicolson. Edenbrugh, the 15th October 1684. Present Baillie Nicolson, John Drummond James Bowden. James Bowden, Preces. 582. Ordered that James Marr pay for transportatione of Mr. MaxwelPs goods from Newmilns being 3 carts at 8s. per cart. 583. This day valued the cloath following viz. : — 1 peece mixed No. 109 q* 30 ells at 13s. 6d. 1 peece do No. 146 q* 32 ells at 8s. 6d. 1 peece do No. 133 q t 30 ells at 13s. 2d. 1 peece do No. 156 q* 32 ells at 13s. 2d. 1 peece do No. 116 q* 28 ells at lis. 6d. 1 peece do No. 187 g t 31 ells at 7s. fid. 183. James Bowden. Edenbrugh, the 22th October 1684. 584. Present Baillie Nicolsone, James Bowden, John Drumond. Preces, Baillie Nicolsone. Valued this day mixed cloaths as followeth No. 132 at 33 ells q fc 9s. 6d. per ell. No. 135 at 31 ells q* 8s. 6d. per ell. 80 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF No. 250 at 29 ells q 1 8s. 6d. per ell. No. 134 at 34 ells q* 8s. 6d. per ell. No. 289 at 32 ells Scarlet cloath at 13s. per ell. No. 164 q* 29 ells and 145 q* 29 ells ordered to be returned to be dressed. Ja Nicolson. Edenburgh, the 29th October 1684. Present Baillie Nicolsone, James Bowden, and John Drum- mond. James Bowden, Preces. 585. Valued this day cloath as followeth viz : — 1 peece mixed No. 9 q* 34 ells at 10s. 6d. 1 peece Scarlet No. q* 28 ells at 20s. 1 peece cairsey No. q 1 24 ells at ordered to be returned to be knaped. 586. Ordered to give John Cocke who did cut the cloath for Marr's regment ane doller. 587. Ordered to give James Kerr's men ane doller. 588. Ordered that a roup be called one Fryday nixt. James Bowden. Edenbrugh, the 4th November 1684. Present Baillie Nicolsone, John Drummond, James Bowden. Baillie Nicolson, Preces. 589. Valued this day cloath as followeth viz. : — 1 peece mixed No. 1 q* 34 J at 14s. 1 peece black No. 20 q* 28 ells at 13s. 2d. per ell. 1 peece do No. 254 q t 30 ells at 12s. per ell. 1 peece do No. 265 q* 35 ells at 13s. 2d. per ell. Ja. Nicolson. Edenburgh, the 12th of November 1684. Present James Bowden and Mr. Robert Blakwood and Baillzie Nicolsone seroe. Precees Mr. Robert Blakwood. 590. Orders Mr. Robert Blakwood and George Home to goe out to Newmillnes and order all afairs ther upon Setter- day and to provid fiftie pund to tak with them. 591. Order a rop to be called upon Fryday nixt at nyn acloak in the morning. R. Blackwood. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 81 Edenbrugh, the 20th November 1684. Present Baillzie Nicolsone, James Bowden, and Mr. Robertt Blackwood. Preces Mr. Robert Blackwood. 592. Valued this day cloath as followeth, J- peece mixed No. 179 at 14s. per ell. The other \ being disposed of to the shearmen and dyer at 13s. 1 peece black No. 23 at 9s. \ peece do No. 119 quhich maketh up that Lott at 10s. The other \ peece quhich beginneth the lott at 8s. 1 peece No. 279 at 8s. per ell. 1 peece No. 24 at 7s. 6d. per ell. 1 peece No. 22 at 8s. 6d. per ell. 1 peece No. 23 at 15s. per ell. 1 peece No. 4 at 8s. 6d. per ell. 593. Orderes that Baillie Duglas be rebate 1 shilling per ell upon the half peece of black No. 20 thair being severall ells of it narrower and courser than the rest of the peeces. 594. Orders George Home to writt to the mester dis- chargeing any more worset chaine for cloath. R. Blackwood. Edenbrugh, the 26 November 1684. Present Baillie Nicolsone, Mr. Robertt Blackwood, James- Bowden. Preces William Menzies. 595. Orders to writt to the master to fall presently about makeing of six peeces or more of all Spanish mixturs conforme to the pattrones and aproves of the order given to the mester for two peeces of cloath for Gossford and Major Whyts liveries. 596. Desires Baillie Nicolsone and William Menzies to deall with the Bishop of Edinburgh that he may be favourable in given up the names of the work people at Newmilns to the Councell. 597. The baver hate, hate band and fringe gloves given to Major Balfour is approven of as profittly bestowed. 598. To writt to the mester that he indevour to gett the F 82 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF weavers to buy the loomes and pay soe much evry peece of cloath. Wm. Meinzes. Edenburgh, 3rd December 1684. Present Baillie Nicolsone, James Bowden, and Mr. Robertt Blackwood. James Bowden, Preces. 599. Orders that George Home take a precept for the dait dew by the good toune upon the taxmen of the milns or any other responsible person in Edinburgh. 1 600. That what goes first to Newmilns discourse with the stocken weavers quhat shall be fittest to be done with the milned worset stockens lykways to settle with Ivleing and Nicolas or to dismiss them. 2 601. Ordered that the milned worset stockens be given to the company at six shillings six pence and the unmilned be reduced to five shillings and sixpence the pair. James Bowden. 602. Ordered that ane peece of the best and thickest English wooll cloath be dyed into a scarlet. 603. That ane peece of fine Spanish wooll cloath be dyed blew. 604. That six pice of the best course whyte cloath be dyed ride. 605. Gives warrand to Mr. Robertt Blackwood to write to Berwick to take the mans oath that sold the worset to Margrat Smith in Hedingtoune and to pay the charge therof. 606. Referrs William Cathcart dyers accomptt to George Home it being 732 lb lis. 4d. Scotts money. James Bowden. Edenbrugh December the 5th 1684. Present Baillie Nicolsone, Mr. Robertt Blackwood and James Bowden. Preces Mr. Robertt Blackwood. 607. Valued this day the cloaths following viz : — J peece black No. 8 q fc 31 ells at 6s. per ell. \ peece do No. 80 q* 29 ells at 6s. per ell. 1 Cf. §566. 2 ViJe%6^>. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 83 \ peece mixed No. 168 q* 27 ells at 13s. 4d. per ell. \ peece do No. 160 q* 32 ells at 12s. 6d. per ell. \ peece do No. 177 q* 27 ells at 13s. 4d. per ell. J peece do No. 145 q 1 29 ells at 10s. 6d. per ell. \ peece cloath q* 30 ells at 5s. for Major Whytes'liverie. \ peece black cairsey No. 22 q* 22 ells at 3s. 9d. per ell. \ peece mixed do No. 25 q t 23 ells at 3s. 6d. per ell. \ peece black searge No. 18 q* 23 ells at 3s. per ell. \ peeces mixed do No. 6 q* 19 ells at 2s. 6d. per ell. R. Blackwood. Edenbrugh, December 17th 1684. Present Baillie Nicolsone, James Bowden, Mr. Robertt Black- wood. James Bowden, Preces. 608. Orders George Home to take out ane accompt of all the company oweth to any and what is owing to them, and to have the books readie especiallie the cash accompt betuixt and this day eight dayes. 609. Haveing revised the dyer William Carthcart's accompt amounting to seven hundred threty and two pounds lis. 4d. orders George Home to pay hime in full of his accompt ane thousands merks and quit him the 4 ells of cairsey he gott for a suit to himself and give his men ane rex doller. 610. Orders to writt to London for fyvty pound weight of silk Sir Mark Carss haveing gotten as much scarlet cloath as be a cloak and his brother George Carss as much common ride cloath upon his ticket as be hime a cloak. Orders the dyeing at Newmilns als much stirline searge as lyne the said Sir Mark Carss his cloak and all to be upon the companies accomptt. 611. Orders a roup to morrow at ten a cloak. 612. Orders the dyeing of two peeces scarlet cloath for Collonell Du^Ias serpents. 613. This day valued the cloaths following viz: — 1 peece mixed No. 184 q 1 29 ells at 13s. 6d. 1 peece do No. 206 q* 29 ells at 8s. 6d. 1 peece do No. 176 q l 29 ells at 10s. 4d. 1 peece do No. 246 q fc 32 ells at 10s. 4d. 1 peece do No. 164 q l 29 ells at 12s. 84 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF 1 peece Black No. 175 q 1 26 ells at 12s. 1 peece do No. 106 q 1 24 ells at 12s. 1 peece Cairsey No. 26 q* 26 ells at 3s. 6d. James Bowden. Edenburgh, the 27th December 1684. Present Baillie Nicolsone, Mr. Robertt Blackwood, James Bowden, William Menzies. Preces James Bowden. 614. Ordered George Home to writt to the mester that Ivleing and Nicolas presently take one Alexander Clark and William M c Gall to work with them other wayes to discharge them the work and that the said Ivleing and Nicolas pay them half ane croune per week as the company ware obleidged to doe. 615. That the two pice of scarlet cloath quhich ware made for the serjents of Duglas regment be sold to them at the best rate George Home can gett and that he sell it for fourtein shillings if he can gett noe better pryce. 616. Ordered a roup upon Tuesday nixt. 617. Ordered George Home to writt to James Marr that he stope noe rent for Charles Alexander's frame preceeding the first of Januarij nixt provyding he then enter to his work. James Bowden. I Edenburgh, 30th December 1684. Present Baillie Nicolsone, William Menzies, James Bowden, Mr. Robertt Blackwood. Preces Captain Menzies. 618. Ordered that the pryce of the silk gloves be reduced to two shillings the pair for makeing and two shillings the unce of silk. 619. This day valued the cloath following : — 1 peece scarlet No. 261 q* 30 ells at 14s. 1 peece do No. 29 q* 32 ells at 14s. 1 peece mixed No. 195 q fc 31 ells at 10s. 1 peece do No. 169 q* 26 ells at 12s. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 85 Edenburgh 7th January 1685. Present Baillie Nicolsone, Mr. Robertt Blackwood, Captain Menzies, and James Bovvden. Preces Baillie Nicolsone. 620. Ordered that Baillie Nicolsone goe out to Newmilns once the nixt week to revise the preceeding moneths accomptts and that he look back till May 84 and consider what stockens are received and that thair be noe more paid, and that he take ane accompt of what stockens are sent in since the first of May 1684 and how many war in the inventar at that time. 621. In consideratione of constant intertainment the mana- gers and others in the company receive from the mester at Newmilns that George Home give hime fourty shillings sterline buy ane mert. 622. Apoynts a roupeing be called upon Monday nixt. 623. Ther being ane hundred and twenty eight pounds sterline resting by the Earle of Balcaras for quhich ther is noe security and his man offering a precept upon the cash keeper, orders George Home to give hime a suit of cloaths about twelf or thretein shillings pryce at the receiveing of the money. 624. The managers considering that my Lord Secretary at his departur desired that our proposalls in favours of the manufactory might be sent up to hime and haveing read the proposalls that ware already consulted together with the draught of a letter to be sent to David Lindsay. 1 1 This entry refers to the efforts made by the managers to induce the Govern- ment to enforce the prohibition of foreign cloth. In April 1684 a petition had been presented to the Privy Council (which is quoted by Chambers, Domestic Annals of Scotland, vol. ii. pp. 420, 421) in which, after recapitulating cases in which cloth had been imported, the company stated this tended ' to the destruction of trade and commerce within the kingdom, to the cheating, abusing, and oppress- ing of his majesty's lieges, and the manifest endangering of the said manufactory and ruining of the persons therein concerned.' Cf. infra, §§640, 646. About the same time the Lord Treasurer visited Newmills (§451), and as a result of interest being made with the Government, the proposals referred to in the text were drawn up. To give weight to this petition it was alleged that it might be necessary to wind up the company in March 1685 {vide §646). Ultimately in August and September 1685 the Privy Council, passed two Acts in favour of the company (Acts of the Privy Council, 1685, ff. 137, 138, 158; vide stipra, Introduction, Part iv.). 86 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF 625. They approve of the same and orders them to be sent up and to be dubled in the letter book. Ja. Nicolson. Eden burgh, the 14th January 1685. Present Captain Menzies, James Bowden and Baillie Nicolsone. 626. This day valued the cloaths cam in the 7th and 13th instant : — 1 peece black No. 16 q 1 30 ells at 14s. 1 peece do No. 3 q 1 32 ells at 14s. 1 peece mixed No. 182 q l 31 ells at 13s. 4d. 1 peece blew No. 2 q l 31 ells at 13s. 4d. the half or whole, peece to be given out to any member of the company at this pryce and in retaill at 15s. 1 peece mixed No. 186 q* 30 ells at 9s. 1 peece black No. 89 q* 24 ells at 8s. 1 peece do No. 146 q l 29 ells at 8s. 6d. 1 peece mixed No. 15 q l 29 ells at 13s. 4d. 1 peece do No. 7 q l 31 ells at 10s. 1 peece do No. 36 q l 25 ells at 6s. 8d. 1 peece black cloath searge No. 11 q l 23 ells at 3s. 1 peece ride cloath No. 284 q l 29 ells at 8s. 1 peece do cloath No. 17 q l 34 ells at 8s. 1 peece Knapt Cairsey No. 21 q* 24 ells at 3s. 6d. W m Meinzeis. Edenbrugh the 22th January 1685. Present Baillie Nicolsone, Captain Menzies, Mr. llobertt Blackwood and James Bowden. Preces Mr. llobertt Blackwood. 627. Ordered that George Home pay Robertt Burne three hundred seventynyne pound 14s. 6d. in full of his account for shauckes for Lithgow and Marr's re 31 55 „ 15s. 55 Scarlet 167 55 30 55 „ 22s. 55 170 55 29 55 „ 22s. 55 Black 136 55 25 55 „ 8s. 6d. 55 45 55 27 55 „ 8s. 6d. 55 For the Toune officers 2 pices q t 61 ells at 7s. 6d. 1040. Ordered No. 239 Black to be returned and redressed. Hugh Blair. Edenbrugh, the 22nd September 1687. Present Robert and William Blackwoods and John Littell. John Littell, Preces. 1041. Orders George Home to writt for fivty pound of raw- silk for makeing of stockens. 1042. Apoynts a roup too morrow at two hours in the after- noon. 1043. This day valued the cloath following viz: — Black No. 44 q 1 33 ells at 7s. 6d. per ell. Cairsey 275 „ 20J „ „ 4s. 6d. per ell to be rouped one the Companies' 1 accomptt. Black No. 13 tf 32 ell at 8s. per ell. 125 „ 34 „ „ 8s. 6d. 94 „ 37 „ „ 8s. 98 „ 33 „ „ 8s. 6d. Mixed 272 „ 29Jr„ „ 15s. 276 „ 28i „ „ 14s. 274 „ 28J, „ „ 14s. 6d. „ 262 ^| 2q u is. , 259 „ 26 „ „ 6s. 9d. 45 „ 31},, „ 15s. 66 „ 29f„ „ 15s. 43 „ 30} „ 15s. 1044. Ordered that h ell of the latter end No. 276 fall to William Blackwood be rebate for change yearn. 1045. Ordered that the letter end of the pice No. 13 Black be redressed one the Companie's accomptt. Jo. Littill. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 167 Edenbrugh the 5th October 1687. Present Hugh Blair, John Littell, Mr. John Duncan and Robert Broune. Mr. John Duncan, Preces. 1046. This day valued the cloaths following viz : — Black No. 23 q* 33 ells at 8s. 4d. 34 „ 28 „ „ 8s. 8d. Mixed 13 „ 26J „ „ 8s. 25 „ m „ „ i*. 285,, 31 „ „ 15s.rebat 6s. letter end for chang yearn. Mixed 286 q l 25 ells at 15s. rebat 5s. letter end chang yearn, do 257 q* 24J ells at 7s. 6d. do 275 q t 301 ells at 15s. do 271 q* 27 ells at 14s. 6d. 244 q* 24 ells at 7s. per ell. Black 28 q* 34| ells at 8s. per ell. Mixed 59 q* 35 ells at 15s. rebat 6s. letter end chang yearn. 31 q* 301 ells at 15s. per ell. Black 20 q* 31^ ells at 15s. 6d. 12 q* 321 e n s at 16. 1047. Mr. Spurroway haveing given ane accomptt that the press is againe broken and it being necessarie to have ane new one she not being to trust, to order George Home and John Littell to agree with Thomas Hall, smith in North Leith for makeing of ane new iron press, as also for helping of the old press and if he will not undertake to help her to send her to Brodbridge in Lithgow. 1048. Orders Mr. John Duncan and George Home to goe to Newmilns upon Fry day nixt and ther order all things concerning the work particulary that they take the twisting miln from Robertt Debnam and give her to Richard Mainard, weaver and indeavour to make such other tearmes with Robertt Debnam in some other pairt of the imploy as may compence the imploy of the miln, as also to speak to the mesters to imploy Bailie Nicolson waked milne. 168 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF 1049. Orders a roup too morrow at two hours in the after- noon. J. Duncan. Edenbrugh the 22th October 1687. Present John Littell ; Robert Broune ; and Hugh Blair. John Littell, Preces. 1050. This day valued the cloath following viz : — Mixed No. 235 q t 26 ells at 7s. 289 „ 29 „ „ 15s. 291 „ 30 „ „ 15s. 9 „ 28 „ „ 8s. 8d. 34 „ m „ „ 7s. Black 2 „ 26 „ „ 7s. Jo. Littille. Edenbrugh, the 2nd November 1687. Present John Littell; Hugh Blair; and Robertt Broune. Robertt Broune. 1051. This day valued the cloath following viz: — Mixed No. 250 q* 25 ells at 7s. 6d. 254 „ 25 „ „ 7s. Id. 269 „ 31 „ „ 14s. 6d. 1052. Ordered that the pices Nos. 289 and 291 be caste lotts for by themselfs to end the lott and begine the first of ane other. Robert Broune. Edenbrugh, November 3d 1687. John Litle ; Robert Broune; William Blackwood; Hugh Blair ; Hugh Blair, Preces. 1053. Ther haveing fallen to the lott of John Litle the 6th of October last No. 13 att 8s. per ell, and ther being therin some change vairn which we were not advertised of ordains George Home [1054] to give the said John Litle credit for five shilling sterline upon account of said change yairne. Hugh Blair. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 169 Edenbrugh, the 9th November 1687. Present Hugh Blair ; John Littell ; and William Blackwood. William Blackwood ; Preces. 1056. This day valued the cloath following viz : — No. 260 q 1 25 ells at 7s. 6d. 242 „ 25 „ „ 7s. 6d. 264 „ 24J 99 j5 7 S . 6d. 1057. In answer to James Marr's letter of 7th instant ordaines George Home to wryt to hime that he would be possitive anent his goeing or staying that the Company may take measours accordingly. Will. Blackwood. Edenbrugh, the 16th November 1687. Present at a meetting of the managers, only Hugh Blair. Edenbrugh, the 23 November 1687. Present at a meeting of the Managers : — John Littell who stayed f of ane hour and noe other meett. Edenbrugh, 30th November 1687. Present at the meetting of the managers : — Hewgh Blar ; and Johne Litll and noe uther meett. Edenbrugh, the 1st December 1687. Present John Littell; Baillie M'Intosh, Robertt Blackwood and Hugh Blair. Baillie M'Intosh, Preces. 1058. This day valued the cloaths following viz : — Mixed No. 294 q* 24 at 8s. 6d. 267 „ 29f „ 15s. 277 „ 31 „ 14s. 296 „ 30 „ 15s. rebat 6d. letter end chang yearne. 1 1 i.e. a rebate of 6d. was granted on account of 'change' (or changed) yarn in the latter end of this piece of cloth, cf. §§1053, 1070. As to the general processes of cloth manufacture, vide Introduction, Part I. 170 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF 50 q* 27i at 15s. 51 „ 28^ „ 15s. 62 „ 28J „ 14s. 6d. 47 „ Ti\ „ 12s. 6d. 35 „ 23 „ 7s. 37 „ 22J „ 7s. Blak 57 ,, 28 „ 15s. Du: M'Intosh. Edenbrugh the 2nd December 1687. Present at a meeting of the managers exterordinarie for a roup. John Littell; Robertt Blackwood; and Baillie M'Intosh. Robertt Blackwood, Preces. 1059. Apovnts Baillie Nicolsone, Mr. Robertt and Robertt Blackwoods and William Menzies to wait upon my Lord Livingstoune and treat with hime anent the cloaths for his Majestie's troup of gaurds. 1060. Apovnts a roup upon Monday nixt at ten a cloak in the morning. Ro. Blackwood. Edenbrugh, the 5th December 1687. Present at a meeting of the managers exterordinarie for a roup. Hugh Blair, Preces. John Littell; Robertt Blackwood; Hugh Blair; and Baillie M'Intosh. 1061. Apovnts a generall meeting to morrow at two a cloak the warning to bear with certificatione conforme to the late acts anent meetings and also apovnts a roup att the said dyet. Hugh Blair. Edenbrugh, the 7th December 1687. Present Wednesday afternoon, Robertt Blackwood ; John Littell and Hugh Blair. John Littell, Preces. 1062. Samuell M'Cleland reports that he hath ane answer from Dumfreis that he is to have the letters returned and execute next week ordaines in case of any failure in the said returne to complaine to the Lyone of the messenger. 1063. Mr. Robert Blackwood hath undertaken to goe for THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 171 Glasgow nixt week and take the same course ther as hath bein done in Aberdaine. Jo. Littill. 1064. Ordaines George Home to draw out ane aceomptt of what cloath is come in since the 1st of Agust. 1065. Also ordaines ane advertisement to be sent throw such of the Company as have cloath upon ther hands in thess tearmes vow are desired to bring into George Home upon Monday at nyne a cloak in the morning ane aceomptt of the lenth and value of your cloath vow have at present upon your hand and what value you have sold since 1st November last by order of the managers. 1066. Ordaines George Home to make readie the above mentioned aceomptt of what is come in since the first of Agust with what is in the hands of the Companie. and ane aceomptt how littell is sold with paterns of all the fyne cloaths in hand to be produced at the Counsell table when the proces comes in. William Blackwood, and Baillie MTntosh, absent. Jo. Littill. Edenbrugh, the 14th December 1687. Present John Littell. Edenbrugh, 21st December 1687. Present Robert Blackwood ; John Littell : William Black- wood and Hugh Blair. Preces Robertt Blackwood. 1067. This day valued the cloaths following viz : — Mixed No. 297 q x 30^ ells at 14s. 9d. 308 32 " „ 14s. 6d. 279 „ 32 „ ?? 14s. 6d. 246 „ 24 „ „ 7s. 256 „ 22 „ „ 7s. 6d. 252 9£ 7^ 258 „ 26 „ „ 7s. 3d. Cairsey 306 „ 23 „ , ? 4s. 6d. to be rouped one the Companie's aceomptt. Cairsey remnant 10 ells at 4s. 6d. to be rouped one the Companie's aceomptt. 172 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF 1068. William Gordon, merchant, being called to demand satisfactione of hime anent the words he spoke to William Blackwood with others which the Company understoode to be ane aspersione he declairs that he spoke not of dealling and had no designe to asperse the Company. 1069. William Baillie of Leimentone haveing propossed to bind a frind of his one William Jonstone prentice to the Company orders that George Home recommend the young man to Mr. Spurroway for a moneths tryall Lamentone paying his charge in the said tyme and being cautione for hime by word. 1070. Ther being six quarters of chang yearne in the pice No. 286 fell to William Menzies quhich was not taken notice of at the valuatione orders that five shillings sterline be allowed hime in respect of the bad patrone. Ro. Blackwood. Edenbrugh, the 28th December 1687. Present William Blackwood ; Duncan M'Intosh ; and Hugh Blair; sero Robertt Blackwood at Stirleing. Edenbrugh, 4th Januarie 1688, Wednesday. Present John Littell, and Hugh Blair, only, Robertt Black- wood at Stirleing. Monday 9th January 1688. 1071. Present John Littell; William Blackwood; and Hugh Blair. William Blackwood, Preces. This day valued the cloaths following viz : — Mixed No. 287 q* 23 ells at 7s. per ell. 293 „ 24 „ „ 7s. 281 „ 27 „ „ 14s. 6d. „ 295 „ 22 „ „ 8s. 266 „ 24 „ „ 7s. 9d. „ 300 „ 32 „ „ 14s. 6d. „ Black 143 „ 30 „ „ 15s. 165 „ 29 „ „ 15s. 168 „ 34 „ „ 15s. Cairsey No. 270 „ 25 „ „ 4s. 9d. „ THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 173 1072. Ordered two shilling sterling to be rebate upon the pice No. 266 for chang yearne. Will: Blackwood. Edenbrugh, 11th January 1688, Wednesday. Present John Littell, Baillie MTntosh, Hugh Blair, Robertt and William Blackwood being all sero except John Littell. Baillie MTntosh, Preces. 1073. This day valued the cloath following viz : — Black No. 166 q* 30 ells at 15s. 156 „ 32 ells ., 15s. Mixed 232 „ 26i ells „ 8s. 290 „ 2U ells „ 9s. 6d. 1074. Ordered that George Home advance to John Gourlv, carier to the work, fourty shillings sterline. Ordered that four shillings sterline be rebat upon the letter end of No. 290 for chang yearne. Du. MTntosh. Edenbrugh, 18th January 1688, Wednesday. Present William Blackwood, and John Litle and Hugh Blair sero. Edenbrugh, 19th January 1688. Present John Littell, Hugh Blair, and Robertt Blackwood. Robertt Blackwood, Preces. 1075. This day valued the cloaths following viz: — Ride No. 72 q* 28 115 .. 27^ 78 „ 27 122 ., 27 173 .. 24^ All thir five de at 6*. 6d. Scarlet 63 „ 32 at 14s. Mixed 298 „ 21 ells at 7s. 6d, Black 9 „ 32 „ ., 16s. 11 ., 27i „ „ 16s. 15 ,. 33 „ „ 17s. Mixed 60 „ 28 „ „ 14s. 6d. 174 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Black Mixed 40 q* 26 ells at 7s. 6d. 41 „ 311 ?j n Ss. 6d. 46 „ 28J ?> „ 18s> Ro: Blackwood. Edenbrugh the 9th January 1688, Thursday. Present Baillie M'Intosh; Robertt Blackwood and William Blackwood; John Littell; Hugh Blair. Robertt Blackwood, Preces. 1076. They aprove of the four guinies given Sir William Pattersone upon accomptt of the four Kelso merchants that granted ther bonds of fidelity and orders George Home to give Mr. Colling M'Kenzie the other clark two guineys, as lykways to consult Mr. John Menzies in the proces to be called this afternoon befor the Councell against trangressors six rex dollers. 1077. Ther being a bond presented by Robertt Campble with severall qualities and conditiones the managers now mett are of opinion that noe such bond shall be accepted but only a simple bond for borrowed money in good ordinarie stile with a cautioner payable the first of May nixt with annual rent therafter and at the granting of the said bond to receive from the clark ane subscribit duble of this declaratione quhich is as followeth, Wheras Robertt Campble hes granted bond to Hugh Blair, Duncan M c Intosh, John Littell, Robertt and William Blackwoods, merchants in Edenbrugh present mana- gers of the woollen Manufactory at Newmilns for ane hundred pounds sterline payable to them or ther successors in ther office or ther cash keeper for the tyme and that at the first of May nixt with annual rent therafter in order to ane stock in the said Manufactory, therfor declairs the said Robertt Campble to be ane member of the said Manufactory and ordaines and apoynts hime to have ane equall proportione of profeit or loss that shall araise from the stock that shall appear to be at the takeing up of the inventer the said first of May nixt commenceing his said profeit and loss from the said day and noe otherwayes, and ordaines hime to take out cloath stockens or other good as they fall to his lott paying therfor as the other members of the said Manufactory does, THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 175 ordaining hime lykwayes to be lyable to the rules and orders of the contrack betuixt the said members and all other rulles and others since. Ro: Blackwood. Edenbrugh, 11th February 1688, Saturday. Present Hugh Blair ; Robertt and William Blackwoods. Hugh Blair, Preces. 1078. This day valued the cloaths following viz : — Mixed No. 268 q* 24 ells at 7s. 6d. Black 36 „ 28 „ „ 8s. 6d. Mixed 302 „ 22 „ „ 6s. 9d. 283 „ 26 „ „ 7s. 6d. 280 „ 31 „ „ 14s. 6d. to be rouped one the Companies 1 accomptt. Black 74 „ 34 „ „ 8s. 1 pice, Blew searge q 1 28 ells 2s. 4d. 1 pice do. do. q* 18 ells 2s. 4d. 1 do. Cairsey No. 215 q* 18 1 do. do. 206 „ 12^ Mixed No. 63 q* 28 ells at 15s. Black 61 „ 30 ells to be returned redyed and dressed. Mixed 30J @ 4s. 6d. 39 qt 27 ell at 7s. 6d. per ell. 48 11 27 ii „ 9s. 6d. „ 304 11 20 ii „ 7s. 6d. „ 301 11 29J ii „ 14s. 6d. „ 311 11 22| ii ii 15s. „ 282 11 31J ii „ 14s. 6d. per ell rouped. 315 11 19 37 ells at 4s. 6d. 323 11 18 } to be rouped. Cairsey 1079. Ordered that No. 60, formerly valued at 14s. 6d. with the said No. 280 and 282 with the searge and Cairseys be all rouped one the Companies accomptt and the Black No. 61 to be returned to be redressed and redyed. Hugh Blair. Edenbrugh, 15th February 1688. Present Robertt and William Blackwoods and Hugh Blair. Robertt Blackwood, Preces. 176 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF 1080. Orders George Home to relieve William Scott out of prisone, and pay his fees and other dewes and expences not exceeding five pound sterling and the said George Home is ordered to cause James Marr detaine it of what is or shall be owing the said Scott for dressing of cloaths or otherwayes. 1081. Orders George Home to write to Holand for three balls of cross madder. 1082. Orders George Home and Hugh Blair to goe out to Newmilns to revise accomptts and take care of all other bussines about the work. 1083. In case the Comity of the Privy Councell shall not have leasour to meet to insist and cognosee in the process depending at our instance against importers, ordered to lift the process befor the Privie Councell and imediatly summond of new befor ane inferior court, but first give in ane bill to the Lords of Sessione that noe advocatione sail pass but be discussed upon the bill in regaurd the sumonds prescryves in three moneths. Ro: Blackwood. Edenbrugh, the 22th February 1688. Present at a meeting of the managers, John Littell ; Robert Blackwood, and Hugh Blair. William Blackwood at Leith. Preces. 1084. This day valued the cloaths following viz : — Mixed No. 65 q l 29J ells at 14s. 64 „ 27i ells at 15s. 81 „ 29J ells at 14s. 44 „ 25 J ells at 7s. 3d. Scarlet 124 35 ] 69 „ 33 | 92 ells at 14s. 6d. 149 24 I Hugh 151 air. Edenbrugh, the 1st March 1688. Present John Littell, Hugh Blair, Robertt and William Blackwood. John Littell, Preces. 1085. This day valued the cloath following all mixtures viz : — THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 177 No. 314 qt 25J ells at 7s. 6d. 335 „ 33 „ „ 14s. 6d. 307 „ 32 „ „ 14s. 265 „ 30 „ „ 14s. 318 „ 26g „ „ 7s. 6d. 316 „ 27 „ „ 7s. 6d. 399 ,, 23 ,, ,, 7s. 309 „ 23i „ „ 15s. 1086. Orders that four shilling sterline be rebate upon the letter end of each of the pices No. 335 and 309 for chang yearne. Jo: Littill. Edenbrugh, 7th March, 1688. Present Robertt Blackwood ; John Littell : and Hugh Blair. 7 © Hugh Blair, Preces. 1087. This day valued the cloaths following viz : — Mixed No. 55 q* 31J ells at 14s. 6d. 69 „ 32^ ells at 15s. 52 „ 29^ ells at 7s. Id. 49 „ 29J ells at 7s. 9d. 1088. Allowed for change vearne of No. 52 two shillings © j © and six pence per ell. 1089. Allowes Mr. Robertt Blackwood, for change yearne in severall parts of the pice No. 281 eight shillings sterline, and for chang yearne in the pice No. 258 three shillings sterline. Hugh Blair. Edenbrugh, 14th March 1688. Present Robertt and William Blackwood, John Littell ; and Hugh Blair. William Blackwood, Preces. 1090. This dav valued the cloath following viz : — Mixed No. 320 of 23 ells at 7s. 6d. 288 „ 231 „ „ 6s. 6d. 321 „ 22J „ „ 7s. Id. 331 „ 24^, „ „ 7s. 9d. Edenbrugh, the 21st March 1688. John Litle only present and stayed till thre hours. M 178 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edenbrugh, the 28th March 1688. Present John Litle, Robertt and Wiliam Blakwood. Robertt Blackwood, Preces. 1091. Orders George Home to write to Mr. Spurway and discharge the giveing of Wiliam Evling out anie more cloths to dress because finish what cloaths he hes among his hands and then clear him and discharge him the work and lett the servantts be payed what he is owning to them befor clearing. 1092. James Marr being present and haveing communed with him anent his continwance in the work he is satisfied to continow for a year to come as formerly at five hundered merks per annum for his sellarie and conforme to reference of the generall meeting upon the sixth May j m [yj c ] eightie and five years to the manadgers to give him a swit 1 of cloths as they think fitt they in consideratione of his pains and cair in over- sight of the milne, apoints George Home in place of the said swit of cloths to give him ten rix dollers. 1093. Whearas Mr. Debnams shearshope is not lairge enowgh for his shearmen to dress ther work in, therfor ordanis Wiliam Scott's to remove to John NicolPs house and that Mr. Debnam have the said Scott's house for ane enlarge- ment to his shearshope and recomends it to the said James Marr to in vent ur and secure what things are in the said John Nicollses house for the said Nichollses behove. 1094. Orders yowng John Gray sheargrinder be sent for express to goe to Newmilnes and grind the shears. 2 Orders that Pattrik Fortune be rebate six pence per ell upon the pice No. 327. 1095. This day valued the cloths folwing viz: — Mixed No. 324 21 ells at 7s. per ell. 327 „ m do. 14s. 6d. do. 86 „ 29f do. 14s. 6d. do. 68 „ 29 do. 8s. 6d. do. 58 „ 26J do. 7s. 6d. do. 53 „ 27j do. 8s. do. 1 i.e. suit. 2 With reference to the place of shearing in cloth-making, vide Introduction, Part i. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 179 1096. Orders pice Mixed cloth No. 313 q* ells at 7s. 6d. per ell and the pice Carsie q* 19 ells at 4s. 6d. be rouped on the Companies accomptt. Ro: Blackwood. Edenbrugh, 4th Aprile 1688. Present John Littell; Robertt Blackwood; Baillie M c Intosh and Hugh Blair. Hugh Blair, Preces. 1097. This day valued the cloaths following: — No. 303 q* 31 ells at 14s. 278 „ 29 „ „ 14s. 315 or 312 „ 34 „ „ 14s. 6d. 93 „ 31 „ „ 14s. 6d. 87 „ 32f „ „ 14s. Black 77 „ 27 „ „ 15s. 1098. Ordered that No. 278 be rouped one the Companie's accomptt. No. 327 and 86 valued last meeting at 14s. 6d. be reduced to 14s. per ell. The Blacks No. 77 and 174 to be rouped. 1099. Apoynt a roup to morrow at 2 acloack. Hugh Blair. Edenbrugh, 16th Aprile 1688. Present John Littell ; Robertt and William Blackwoods. Robertt Blackwood, Preces. 1100. This day valued the cloaths following: — Mixed No. 317 q* 23 ells at 7s. per ell. 330 „ 30 ells at 14s. 6d. „ 305 „ 29 ells at 14s. 6d. „ 1101. Alowed three shillings upon the latter end of No. 330 for chang yearne. Ro: Blackwood. Edenbrugh, the 24th Aprile 1688. Present John Littell ; Robertt and William Blackwoods, and James Row. John Littell, Preces. 1102. This day valued the cloaths following: — No. 363 q* 25 ells for Heriots work at 7s. 346 „ 24 „ at 7s. 6d. 180 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF 70 q* 26 ells at 8s. 72 „ 26 „ „ 7s. 6d. Ride 16 7s. 6d. 21 q 1 25-1- 14 5? 27 18 55 27 189 55 147 147 55 26 360 55 24 361 55 12 362 55 12 3 55 24J 13 55 28l 361 55 24£ 364 ?5 23J Rids all at 6s. 8d. - Heriot work at 7s. per ell. Ride at 6s. 8d. per ell. Heriots work at 7s. do. Jo. Littill. Neumilnes the 2nd May 1688. The manadger; present viz : — Robertt and William Blackwood, John Litle, James Row. Robertt Blackwood, Preces. 1103. Orders James Mar to pay Wiliam Bowman in time comeing five shillings starline per week and he accepts of this in full of all cloath or any other thing he can demand except his dweling house and as much cloath for bygons as will be him ane coat quhich he leaves to the manadgers. 1104. Orders Mr. Debnam to bring home the twisting milne and sett it wher it was in the stove and putt James Andersone upon it and gett other boyes to him for careing it one and give Richard Mvnard ane broad loome to work upon. 1105. Orders James Marr to pay James Kells ten shillings eight pence starline for the charges he was in comeing severall times to Edenbrugh upon Sir James Standsfield's death. 1 1106. The manadgers haveing discoursed Mr. Maxwall anent the dying of fyne blaks haveing agreed with him for fourteen 1 Cf. supra, pp. 2, 3, note. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 181 pens 1 per ell for quhich he oblidges himself to bdye theest and highest stall of England he takeing in his custodie and under his charge all our dying stuffs we have at present or shall have heirafter fitt for dying our cloaths of any colour alenerly for quhich he is to have a suficient house to put them in and to hold compt to us for the same deduceing and alowing to him what he shall make use of for dying our cloaths the English goods at two pence per shillings and the Dutch at two merk Scotts the gilder. 2 In the first end of his accomptt of dying at the severell times he is to make accomptt with us and to be comptable to us for what remains which we ar to take of his hand in caice he shall remove from the work or at anie time befor in our optione. 1107. Orders George Home to pay Joseph Isles for the difference of weight betwixt 16 and 20 unces to the pound for his scribling threttie four shillings 5 pence starline. Ro : Blackwood. Edenbrugh the 9th May 1688. Present at a meetino; of the manadgers Robertt Blackwood; John Litle and Baillie Menzies. Preces Robertt Black- wood. 1107. Mr. Draper being now to take his live 3 of the Com- panie and go for London in respectt he hes not suficient main- ti nance by the sellarie now alowed him. 1108. Orders George Home to write to James Marr to pay of the said Mr. Draper what he wants of fourty shillings quarterly for two quarters and two moneths and orders the said George Home to pay him ten shillings in compensatione of sents 1 i.e. pence. For a table of the wages paid, vide Introduction, Part i. 2 The dyer provided his own materials. Some of these he bought in Holland, some in England. On the latter he was allowed 2d. sterling on the i/- sterling to make good the adverse exchange, that is, at this date exchange on London was against Scotland to the extent of about 16 per cent. In the case of purchases *n Hoiland the exchange was calculated as follows : — The guilder was taken as equal to the pound Scots. Therefore, by allowing two marks Scots per guilder (or 26§d. sterling for 2od. sterling) the exchange on Holland was taken at a premium of 33 J per cent. The rates at other dates are mentioned in the Intro- duction, Part 1. s i.e. leave. 182 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF he sent for to London upon the Companies" accomptt, and give him in grativity twentie thre shillings and four pence starline. Ro. Blackwood. Edenbrugh, the 10th May 1688. Present Dean Gild Nicolsone, Robertt Blackwood ; John Litle. Dean Gild Nicolsone, Preces. 1109. This day vail wed the cloaths following viz : — 1 pice Blak No. 22 q* 34 ells at 17s. Mixt 67 „ 29 do 14s. 84 „ 27 do 15s. 79 „ 27 do 14s. 6d. 344 „ 251 d 0 7s. fid. 337 „ 29 do 14s. 1110. Orders the pice No. 333 q* SOh ells to be returned and redressed upon the dressers cost. 1111. Orders that what dye stuff's are to be writen for heir- after that they be bowght at Holand for six months time and at London for nyne moneths tyme and what dye stuffs are upon Mr. MaxwalFs accomptt be keeped distinctt from the rest of the dye stuffs that are for Mr. Spurways and Debnam's use. 1112. Orders that Mr. Max wall come in and agree with the manadger in respectt of the dear exchange. 1 Ja. Nicolson. Edenbrugh, the 16th May 1688. Present John Littell mett that night, William Menzies; Mr. Robertt and Robertt Blackwoods. William Menzies, Preces. 1113. The said managers by vertew of the order of the generall meeting of the dait the 9th instant apoynts George Home to take bond from William Blackwood for one hundred and threty eight pound sterline payable at Mertimis nixt with annual rent from the dait and to take assignatione from hime to the hunder pound sterline assigned by Mr. John Duncan to hime in corroboratione of the said bond, quhich bond for ane hundred and threty eight pound wee have seen with the 1 Cf. § 1 106, note. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 183 assignatione and other rights, and for remainder threty eight pound apoynts George Home to give hime a commissione for buying dye stufs to the value or more. 1114. Allowed to William Blackwood for change yearne in the pices No. 272, 222, and 318 and 49, eleven shilling sterline. Wm. Meinzeis. Edenbrugh, 18th May 1688. Present at a meeting of the manadgers: — Mr. Robertt and Robertt Blackwood s and John Litle. Preces Mr. Robertt Blakwood. 1115. A proposall being made anent the too great pryces given the weavers and shearmen for ther weaving and dressing of cloth, it is appointed that heirafter Mr. Debnam give no alowance to the weavers more then is contained in the order given him alreadie except for fyne weemens blacks, he may goe the lenth of sixteen pence and for all others at the comeing in to Edinburgh he is to give accomptt if he thinks it reasonable to alow them any more and for what ; and the manadgers then will order what shall be alowed. 1116. And the same method to be observed with the shear- men that no alowance be given them till the cloaths come to Edenbrugh and the manadgers order it. 1117. James Marr is apointed heirafter to keep ane exactt accomptt of the charge in dying of wooll not only of dye stuffs but of coalls, servants atendance and other expence and to that effectt that he may know that exactly Mr. Spurway and Mr. Debnam is to weigh the wooll befor him after it is dyed and dryed. 1118. James Marr being present of anew againe hath engadged to continow for the folwing year wpon the former tearmes and for the swit of cloaths he referrs it to the manadgers as formerly. 1119. That the mesters be orderd to reduce at leist on thrid of the spinners and keep only the best ; and of the scriblers proportionally. Orders the buying two pound weir 1 conforme to the patren left and two pound twice as big. R. Blackwood. i.e. wire. 184 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edenbrugh the 21st May 1688. Present Deangild Nicolsone ; John Litle ; Mr. Robertt and Robertt Blackwood and Bailie Menzies. Preces John Litle. 1120. This day pryced the cloths folowing viz : — Blak No. 186 32 ells at 14s. 177 31 „ „ 15s. 181 31 „ „ 14s. 1 Carsie 324 20 „ „ 4s. 6d. Jo. Littill. Edenbrugh, the 22nd May 1688. Present Deangild Nicolsone ; Mr. Robertt and Robertt Black- wood ; John Litle and Bailie Menzies. Robert Blackwood, Preces. 1121. Ther being a generall meeting apointed not only for a rowp but for the Companie's afairs Samuell M c Clelan absent the rest not in toun, ordered that the fynes be charged to their accomptts. 1122. Considering the burden of the stoken work and that ther is small or no profiet arising therfrom they apoint the frames and all the materialls therto belonging to be pwblickly rowped and sold the 17th June and that the stoken workers themselves be acq wanted therwith and in the mean time George Home shall give no furder provisione then what is wpon hand or at sea and that he write Mr. Cochran to know if he will bwy the frames and what he will give for them. 1123. Ordaines the cloth that was rowped the last week that shall not be taken out befor the carier go away this day and paid that the 10 per cent, be charged to ther accomptts who bowght them. 1124. Orders that ane accompt be keeped distinct of all the cloths that come short of measure. 1125. Order that the shearmen be only paid heiraftcr for the cloath as it comes watt from the milne and not for the ells when it is finished, and that a copie be sent out of this order to the masters. Ro. Blackwood. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 185 Edenbrugh the 23 May 1688. Present John Litle ; Robertt and Mr. Robertt Blackwood ; Deangild Nicolsone. Preces Robertt Blackwood. 1126. Haveing seen the letter from Charles Maitland de- putie Governour of the Bass orders George Home to deliver off the cloth and taring for makeing of the deaths for the souldiers, ther wpon the said letter to George Fleeming. tailiour, and to provoid hatts stokens, buttons and other furni- tur acordinglv and to receave the sumder rix dollers sent by the said Charles Maitland in pairt payment and to take the taliours recept of all that is deliverd to him and therafter to draw out the aceomptt, chargeing 7s. 6d. per each ell of the cloath and 12d. for each ell lvning with a reasonable profiet on the rest of the furnitur and send the same to the deputie Governour and gett his obliesment for payment of the same at Lambas under a penaltie with annual rent dureing the not payment therof. Ro. Blackwood. Edenbrugh the 25th May 1688. Present Deangild Nicolsone; Robertt and Robertt Black- wood; John Litle. Preces, Mr. Robert Blackwood. 1127. This day valwed the cloth folowing viz : — 1 pice Black No. 99 q 1 31 ells at 15s. 61 5; 30 „ „ 15s. 83 „ 9Sh „ „ 14s. Mixt 92 „ 29J „ „ 15s. 1128. The pice No. 99 is only to be charged, the later end for 13 J ells and George Home to be charged for § ells of the forsaid pice at 6s. 1129. Orders George Home to clear with David Maxwell and pay him his accompt and to tak recept for the blak cloths to be charged in this years accomptts. 1130. Orders George Home to go to Captain Maitland and gett a precept upon John Drummond and give it George Clark for payment of the bills he hes wpon the manadgers, and take up the eldest bills wpon deliverie therof. R. Blackwood. 186 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edenbrugh the 28th May 1688. Present Dinegild Nicolson, Mr. Robertt Blackwood and John Littell. John Littell, Preces. 1131. This day valued the cloaths following viz : — Blew No. 187 q l 31 ells at 18s. Mixed No. 339 „ SOh „ „ 14s. per ell. Black No. 176 „ 28J „ „ 13s 6d. No. 175 32 „ „ 15s. „ 1132. The letter end of the pice No. 339 sent in by Mr. Spurroway for ISh ells quhich holds but 12 ells ordered that the same be returned to Mr. Spurroway and that Mr. Spurro- way be written to for to search wher the fault lyes. * Jo. Littill. 1133. The managers haveing considered the valuation of No. 176 being too cheap valued ordered that it be valued at fourtein shillings. W m Meinzeis. Ro. Blackwood. Ja. Nicolson. Edenbrugh, 1st June 1688. Present Dinegild Nicolsone; Mr. Robertt and Robertt Black- woods ; Bailie Menzies and John Littell. Bailie Menzies, Preces. 1134. This day valued the cloaths following viz: — Blew No. 39 q l 31 ells at 18s. per ell. Grein 20 „ 26J „ „ 7s. 6d. per ell. The cloath for breaches to Livetennant General Duglas 1 regment to be valued at the rate they are sold for. 1135. Orders George Home to give of Mr. Robertt Black- wood cloath to Mr. Spurroway a five ells in pairt of what cloath is owing him being of the pice No. 339. 1136. The managers apoynts ther meeting to be for this year insewing constantly at two a cloak on Fry day in the afternoon and consents to the paying of six shilling if they be not here befor three a cloak. 1137. Allowes Robertt Blackwood to cut of | ells large of the pice No. 53 that hes the change yearn in the end. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 1ST 1138. Allowes Charles Maitlands man to get a pair whvt worsted stockings not exceeding 30 sh Scots. W m Meinzies, Preces. R. Blackwood. Ja. Nicolson. Ro. Blackwood. Edenbrugh, 4th June 1688. Present Dinegild Nicolsone ; John Littell ; and Robertt Black- wood. Robert Blackwood. 1139. Aproves of George Homes delivereing the cloaths to the Governour of the Bass his man conforme to the former order twenty thrid May last and ordaines hime to writt to the Governour of the Bass for his obliedgment for the ballance conforme to the tearmes of the former order. Ro. Blackwood. Edenbrugh, loth June 1688. Present John Litle only and ther could nothing be done. Edenbrugh, 18th June 1688. Present Dinegild Nicolsone ; Mr. Robertt and Robertt Black- woods ; Baillie Menzies ; and John Littell. John Littell, Preces. 1140. Delaves the valueing of the mixed cloaths No. 102 and 88 made bv Mr. Debnam thev being badly dressed and milned and some pirns in them untill such tvme as he be sent for and. see the fault therof in face of the managers for quhich end orders George Home to writt for Mr. Debnam to come in againe on Fry day nixt. 1141. Orders that Dinegild Nicolsone treat with Sir William Patersone anent ane decreit against Robertt Cunninghame and severall other merchants, and offer hime four and five guinies for alltering the said decreit in favours of the Company and in caice they be ane suspenssione to bill the Councell. 1142. Orders that the stockens bands be registrat in the Commissars books too morrow at furdest. 188 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF 1143. The silk stockens and worset this day being putt in order for the casten lotts ordered that the pairtners be wairned betuixt and Fryday nixt to meet for that effect, and thoss that are unsuficient of the silk and worset stockens that are unsufi- cient be rouped the nixt roup upon the Companie accomptt. Jo. Littill. Edenbrugh, 25th June 1688. Present Deangild Nicolsone; Mr. Robertt and Robertt Black- wood ; William Menzies and John Littell. Dinegild Nicolsone, Preces. 1144. Orders George Home to writt to James Marr for a perfect accomptt of the timber necessarie for the mille and rtie dementiones therof. 1145. That if James Row ; Samuell M c Clelane, and James Bowden, Mr. Robert and Robert Blackwoods take not out ther cloath and pay them befor the morrow at 12 hours then Dean of Gild Nicolsone is to see ten per cent charged for it. 1146. To writt for 3 or four gallons of neat foott oyle and some water. 1147. To writt for four iron planks more for pressing of cloath. 1148. To writt for twelf pair of curleing irones they most be gotten from hime who makes the cairds. 1149. Orders Baillie Menzies to writt to James Craford and returne one of the patrens of scarlet cloath and keep the other both quhich are sealled with Dinegild Nicolsone seall upon the one end and James Crawford's seall upon the other. That the Company are content to furnish them with cloath of this collour and fynness of the cloath that is by them at twenty two shillings sterline per ell quhich wee hope will be thought a reasonable rate and if other wayes the Councell according to ther owne proclamatione is to determine in the pryce to whoes determinatione wee are willing to stand. 1150. This day valued the cloaths following viz : — No. 102 letter end q* 15 ells at 14s. per ell. Head end ditto q 1 15J ells at 13s. because of Rowes. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 189 No. 88 Head end q* 14J ells at 14s. per ell. Letter end ditto q* 14 ell at 13s. 3d. because of Rowes. 1151. Orders a roup Fryday nixt at two of the cloak. Ja. Nicolson. Edenbrugh, the 28th June 1688. Present at a meeting of the managers Dean of Gild Nicolsone, Mr. Robertt and Robertt Blackwoods; Baillie Menzies and John Littill. John Littill, Preces. 1152. Orders a roup this day eight dayes of all the seven stocken frames and apoynts publick placads to be affixed for that effect and for encouragment to the buyers they sail have six moneth tyme to pay them upon good security George Home is to goe and sort them two and two one of the best and one of the worst together and the ode frame quhich is to be one of the best of the four is to be rouped by it self and ane inventer of all that belongs to the frames is to be taken up and the frames to be numbered. 1153. And for that end orders a generall meeting to be called upon Monday that it may be propossed to them, and the takeing out of annual rents of the Companies' stocks. 1154. Orders that the pice No. 8 bought by Mr. John Duncan per roup being dyed black thorough mistake be offered hime with the benefitt of the dying and if he refuse to take it that it be rouped and the guiney he impignorat brought upon the Companies accomptt. 1155. That it be propossed to the Companie what shall be done with the fingarims. 1156. Orders that Mr. Robertt and Robert Blackwood's wooll be bought from them at seven pound Scotts per stone being threty six stone to be payed to them by cloath as it shall heirafter fall to ther lott each of them ane half. 1157. Orders that David Burnet be allowed the suit of cloaths and stockens charged to his accomptt amounting. 1158. Orders that Mr. Robertt Blackwood be allowed f ell No. 83 at 14s. for bad measour. 190 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF 1159. Ordered that Mr. Debname have 4 J ell of the pice No. 88 for a suit of cloaths for himself conform to contrack. 1160. Ordered that Mrs. Debnam have ten rex dollers in place of her goune contained in the contrack with her husband. Jo. Littill. Edenbrugh, 6th July 1688. Present John Littell ; Mr. Robertt and Robertt Blackwoods. Mr. Robertt Blackwood, Preces. This day valued the cloaths following viz : — Mixed No. 325 q* 21 J ells at 5s. 6d. per ell. Black 101 „ 30~ „ „ 14s. „ 124 „ m\ „ „ 14s. „ 35 ,, 32 ,, 15s. „ 17 „ 33 „ „ 15s. 6d. per ell. 1161. Ordered that the pice cloath No. 317 formerly valued at 7s. be reduced to 6s. per ell, quhich pice cam in the 19th Aprile. 1162. Ordered that the cloath No. 307, 314 and 293 fell last to Baillie Brands lott be rouped one the Companie's accomptt with the black cloath No. 17 not casten lotts for. 1163. Ordered that Mr. Debnam imploy six of the best of Mr. Spurroway's scriblers with what wooll he hes and the rest as he shall have occassione. 1164. That Nicolas have noe imployment about the work till furder order and that Scott be continued in his shearboard. 1165. That it be prepossed to the generall meeting what quantitie of wooll is necessarie to be bought for careing one the work. 1166. That George Home leav John Godsone threety shillings upon his bond. R. Blackwood. Edenbrugh, the 13th July 1688. Present Baillie Menzies ; Robertt Blackwood and John Littell. Preces 1167. This day valued the cloaths following viz : — Mixed No. 326 q* 25 ell at 7s. 6d. 310 „ 29J „ „ 15s. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 191 332 q 1 231 ells at 10s. 357 „ 22J 5j 5j 8s. 6d. Black 19 „ 33 „ „ 16s. Mixed 98 „ 30J- „ „ 14s. 6d. 42 „ 24f „ „ 9s. 94 „ 31J n w i5s. 1168. Ordered the writting for five dozen of calf skines for pressing of cloath. 1169. Orders George Home to remitt to George Archer fivty or sixty pound for buying of wooll to the best advantage. W m Meinzeis, Preces. Edenbrugh, 19th July 1688. Present D. Nicolsone ; Baillie Menzies ; Robert Blackwood and John Littell. Baillie Menzies, Preces. 1170. This day valued the cloaths following viz: — Black No. 196 q* 28 ell at 15s. 183 „ 29 „ „ 15s. 185 „ 31 „ „ 15s. 192 „ 30 „ „ 14s. 195 „ 30 „ „ 14s. 6d. f339 „ 5 „ „ 15s.^ To be rouped Three remnants -J 278 „ 3 „ „ 14s. Vone the Com- IX „3 „ „ 14s.J paniesaccomptt. 1171. Orders Robert Blackwood or Baillie Menzies to goe to Newmilns and treat with Mr. Spurroway and see if he will incline to joyne with and continue in the work and about the 1st of Agust three shall be apoynted to goe to Newmilns and tak his charge of his Land. 1172. Orders that the silk frames be rouped conforme to a former order against Fryday the 27th of July instant unless a letter arrive with hopes to dispose of them to London. 1173. Orders the books to be signed befor Mr. Robertt Blackwood goe away and precept to be gott from Madam Stewart. 1174. Orderd four dark patrens to be sent out to Newmilns. W m Meinzeis. 192 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edenbrugh, 23rd July 1688. Present Robertt Blackwood ; John Littell and Robertt Broune. Robertt Blackwood, Preces. 1175. This day valued the cloaths following viz : — Black No. 194 q* 29 ells at 14s. 6d. 178 „ 28 „ „ 14s. 6d. Mixed 338 „ 25 „ „ 7s. 6d. Ro. Blackwood. Edenbrugh, 30th July 1688. Present Dinegild Nicolsone ; Bailie Menzies, John Littell and Robertt Broune. Bailie Menzies, Preces. 1176. This day valued the cloaths following viz : — No. 74 q fc 24 ells at 8s. 106 „ 31 „ „ 14s. 114 „ 31 „ „ 14s. 6d. 95 „ 31 „ „ 14s. 6d. 322 „ 23 „ „ 6s. 8d. 319 „ 22 „ „ 7s. 341 „ 23 „ „ 6s. 6d. 329 „ 25i „ „ 14s. notwithstanding of six ells chang yearne. 1177. Alowed four shillings upon the head end of No. 95. \Y m Meinzeis, Preces. Edenbrugh, the 4th Agust 1688. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone ; John Littell ; Robertt Broune and Robertt Blackwood. Robertt Broune, Preces. 1178. Orders Baillie Menzies, John Littell and George Home goe to Newmilns to take Mr. Spurroway's charge of his hand and settell any other affair ther and that moe may be provyded to take out with them; apoynts a roup upon Monday, and that they goe once betuixt and Thursday nixt, and in caice the said Baillie Menzies or John Littell cannot conveniently goe themselves alowes them to deall with Samuell M c Clelane, Joseph Young, James Bowden or James Row to THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 193 goe in ther place and in caice they doe not prevaill they are to goe themselves under the penulty contained in the contrack. 1179. William Blackwood haveing presented his accomptt of one hundred pound indigo and fifty pound cousheneill, allowes hime twenty four shilling tenpennies Scotts per gilder upon the said accomptt. 1 Robert Broune. Edenbrugh, 6th Agust 1688. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone ; J ohn Littell ; Robertt Broune ; Baillie Menzies and Robertt Blackwood. John Littell, Preces. 1180. This day valued the cloaths following all mixed : — No. 66 q* 26J ells at 8s. 9d. 112 24J 99 ;? 8s. 9d. 112 j* 2 91 11 12s. 73 11 26i 19 11 9s. 54 99 271 11 11 8s. 349 99 231 19 91 8s. 328 99 30 5) 11 14s. 345 11 23| at 7s. 6d. 96 99 22f at 7s. 6d. 80 99 24 at 8s. 9d. 110 99 241 at 10s. 6d. 88 11 241 at 10s. 6d. Jo. Littill. Edenbrugh, the 10 August 1688. Present att a meetting of the manadgers, Robertt Blakwood ; Bailie Menzies ; Robertt Broune. Preces Robertt Broune. 1181. Valwed the cloths folowing viz : — 1 pice No. 108 q* 28J ells at 14s. 71 „ 28f „ „ 9s. 113 „ 25i „ „ 9s. 100 „ 24i n j5 7 S . 6 d. 1182. The manadgers alowes Captaine Maitland two ells and ane half of Blew cloth provoiding he pay the cloth he hes gott from George Home. Robert Broune. 1 Cf. §1106 note and Introduction Part I. 194 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edenbrugh the 11th Agust 1688. Present at a meeting of the nianadgers : — Robert Blackwood ; John Litle ; Robertt Broune. Preces Robertt Blackwood. 1183. James Row present gives ane accompt he had spoke with my Lord Ballcaras who said to him ther was a proclama- tione to be prepared against Monday by the Lords of the Commissione for Trade dischargeing the wear of foraigne cloth : therfore we order George Home to speake with the clerk and desyr a sight of the draught of the proclamatione befor it be extended that the same may be considered by the Companie and alowes George Home to promise to reward him honestly for his pains. Ro. Blackwood. Edenbrugh, 17th Agust 1688. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone ; Robertt Blackwood ; Robertt Broune ; and John Littell, Preces. Dean of Gild Nicolsone, Preces. 1184. This day valued the cloaths following : — Mixed No. 348 q* 28 at 14s. 6d. 378 „ 27 „ 15s. 353 „ 25 „ 14s. 6d. 340 „ 21 J „ lis. 14s. only 333 „ 30J „ 14s. 352 „ 27i „ 8s. 6d. 343 „ 22 „ 7s. 365 „ 23 „ 7s. 6d. 1185. Ordaines Hugh Blair and George Home to exped the seall. 1186. Wheras by a former order Captaine Maitland was allowed to have as much blew cloath as be a coat provyding he had payed the suit of cloaths he had gott from George Home quhich George Home haveing offered to hime he was exceedingly displeased for quhich reason rather then dis- obliedge hime they apoynt George Home to pass from the cloath he hath alreadie gotten and give hime as much blew cloath as be hime a coat. Ja. Nicolsone. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 195 Edenbrugh, 18th Agust 1688. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone, Robertt Blackwood John Littell and Robert Broune. John Littell, Preces. 1187. This day valued the cloaths following viz : — Mixed No. 355 q* 24 at 9s. 284 „ 21 „ 7s. 6d. 347 „ 23 „ 7s. 6d. 342 „ 22 „ 6s. 6d. Jo. Littill. Edenbrugh, the 30th Agust 1688. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone ; Baillie Menzies ; John Littell, Robert Blackwood, and Robert Broune. John Littell, Preces. 1188. Orders George Home to pay Deacon Chambers twenty two pound Scotts in full of his accomptt. 1189. Haveing perused David Maxwells accomptt; orders the ballance being twenty eight pound ten shillings and six- pence sterline more to be payed hime and the accomptt to be subscribed by the preces. 1190. Orders that James Row finish the inventer of thoss things taken of Mr. Spurroway's hand by hime and to give ane recept in the end therof to the Company. 1191. Orders that the said James Row with the very first cause weigh all the dye stufs at Newmilns that David Maxwell makes use of and to deliver the same to hime and send accomptt therof signed by the said David. 1192. Aproves of George Home's advancing Joseph Ille's wyfe fourty shilling sterline in order to her transportatione conforme to a verball order given the said George at New- milns. 1193. Orders that George Home pay Mr. Spurroway 1 David Maxwell precept one the Company for fifty five pound sixtein shillings starline, and clire all accomptts with the said Mr. Spurroway, and pay hime fifty seven pound twelf shillings and four pence half penny sterline and for the remainder quhich 1 About this time Spurroway retired from the company's service, cf. §1211. 196 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF is ane houndred pounds he is to have the managers note pav- able the first of October nixt. 1194. Orders that the four pices of cloath No. 352, 378, 71 and 113 amounting to the soume of twenty eight pound nvntein shillings and lid. sterline quhich fell to William Blackwood be delivered to hime upon Robertt Cruckshanks in Aberdaine his accepted precept payable in ane moneth, and the said William warranting the same. 1195. Ordaines that two extracks of the agreement betwixt David Maxwell and the managers conforme to the sederunt the 30th Aprile last, be written out and subscribit by Robertt Blackwood, Preces of the said meet in g and George Home for the Company and by the said David for himself. 1 Jo. Littill. Edenbrugh, 31th Agust 1688. Present at a meeting of the managers : — Baillie Menzies ; John Littell ; and Robert Broune. 1196. This day valued the cloaths following viz: — Black No. 90^33 ells at 15s. 6d. Mixed 116 „ 27i „ „ Us. 6d. Black 44 ., 29 „ „ 16s. 6d. Mixed 105 „ 3U ., „ 14s. 6d. 384 „ 23 „ „ 7s. 6d. 385 .. 22 „ ., 8s. 6d. 351 ..29 .. .. 14s. Robert Broune. Edenbrugh, 6th of September 1688. Present Robertt Blackwood : Robertt Broune ; and John Littell. John Littell, Preces. 1197. This dav valued the cloaths following viz: — Black *No. 25 q< SOI at 16s. Mixed 122 ., 27 ., 14s. 6d. Black 27 „ 24 8s. 6d. Mixed 104 ., 25 ., 7s. Jo. Littill. 1 Vide entry May 2nd, $1106. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 197 Edenburgh, 8th September 1688. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone ; John Littell : and Robertt Broune. Dean of Gild Nicolsone, Preces. 1198. It being represented by James Row and Mr. both being present that the scri biers upon the late made by the managers when they ware last oat ware all left the work, therfor advices them to keep thess rulles as possibly they can, if not referres to Mr. Row and Mr. to doe therin as they shall find necessarie for the good of the work and to preserve the scriblers from makeing a breach. 1199. Mr. Debnam haveing given accomptt'that his serine is come to Scottland, and of how much use he will be to hime for dying and sorting of wooll warping of changes and things about the work especiallie now when he hes the managment and oversight of the work, therfor they apoynt his sonne to be imp loved in dying and sorting wooll and what ells is proper for hime for quhich they order hime to be payed seven shillings sterline per week during the Companies" pleasour. Ja. Nicolson. Edenbrugh the 10th September 1688 Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone; Robertt Blackwood and Robert Broune. Robert Blackwood, Preces. 1200. Orders that No. 333 valued at 14s. be reduced to 13s. Id. Ro: Blackwood. Edenbrugh, 25th September 1688. Present John Littell ; Robertt Blackwood and Roberta Broune. Robertt Broune, Preces. 1201. This dav valued the cloaths following :— Blew So. 92q tt SS ells at 9s. do. 62 „ 24 „ „ Ts. 6d. Mixed 111 „ 281 „ „ 14s. 6d. do. 120 „ 29 „ „ 14s. 6d. Blew 50 ., 23 „ Ts. 6d. Mixed 91 » Mf „ „ 7s. Id. do. 82 „ 23-t ? . 8s. 6d. Black 30 25 9s. altered to Ss. 6c. 198 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF 1202. As to what is represented by George Home anent weavers apovnts it to be propossed to the Company against tomorrow. 1203. Orders that three shillings be allowed upon the head end of the pice No. 91 for Rowes. Robert Broune. Edenbrugh, 28th September 1688. Present John Littell ; Dean of Gild Nicolsone and Robertt Blackwood. John Littell, Preces. 1204. Robertt Blackwood and George Home being apoynted by the generall meeting of the Company the 26th September to agree with the toune for ther souldiers cloaths quhich accordingly they have setled with the toune Treasourer, for twenty seven shillings sterline for the made coat, the toune paying for the makeing by and attour the said twenty seven shillings sterline. 1205. Therfor orders George Home to give of cloath and furnitur for the same. Edenbrugh, 2nd [October 1688]. 1206. Ther being ane uther referance of the Companie the said day to the said Robertt Blakwood and George Home to agrie with the stoking weivers what they shall pay weeklie for each fram after they ar recruted and lykwayes to agrie with the fram smith for reparing them which they have acordinglie don and agried with the stoking weiveris for five grots for each fram per week and hes agried with the fram maker to repar the wholl seven framis and mak them compleit for sixtie pund sterlling which we aprove of. 1207. Order George Horn to give out William Blakwood three peec of cloath and tak the said Williamis bill upon Mathow Cuming in Glasge acceptied for the sam paymentt at twa monthis with annual rent after the term of payment. 1208. Orders a roop tomorrow at nvn acloak. Jo. Littill. Edenbrugh, oth October 1688. Present John Littill and noe more. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 199 Edenbrugh, 10th October 1688. 1209. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone ; Baillie Menzies ; and Robertt Blackwood. Mixed No. 123 q* 27J at 14s. 6d. 126 „ 29i „ 14s. 6d. 109 „ 27J „ 14s. 6d. 78 „ 26i „ 7s. 6d. 388 „ 22J „ 8s. allowed 2s. 6d. for chang yearne. 350 4*25 at 7s. 382 „ 291 „ 14s. 379 „ 27J „ 15s. allowed 3 shillings for chang yearne. 1210. Orders the dying of the Cairseys a sad cloath collour and to cause knap them. Ja. Nicolson. Edenbrugh, 10th October 1688. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone ; Baillie Menzies ; Robertt Blackwood ; John Littell ; and Robert Broune. Dean of Gild Nicolson, Preces. 1211. It being represented that Mr. Spurroway hes taken the house of Newmilns for erecting a cloath work ther, and we being all satisfied of the great inconveniencie it will be to the Company to have another work ther ; wee order George Home to writt to hime, and let hime know the said inconveniency, and the necessity we have for that house to James Rowe's family and desire hime to keep up that good understanding hes bein betwixt hime and the Company ever to this day, and if he cannot be prevailled with in a fair way to pass from it, to tell hime the Company will take ther oune way to prevent his entering ther, and will reakon themselves very much dis- obledged by such methods quhich they hope he will prevent. 1212. Orders that the managers that goe first out to New- milns take inspectione of the old whyte cloaths and cause dye them such are for blacks dye them black and the coursest of them dye them ride. 1213. Orders George Home to writt to David Maxwell to inspect the scarlet cloaths that are lying in the ware-house here and to indeavour to recover in the collour and dress them up. Ja. Nicolson. 200 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edenbrugh, 16th October 1688. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone; Robertt Blackwood; John Littell and Robertt Broune. Robertt Broune, Preces. 1214. This day valued the cloaths following viz : — Mixed No. 377 q* 27^ ells at 15s. 67 27 1 ,- „ „ 15s. 6d. 43 „ 29" „ „ 15s. 6d. o7 ,, 2d ,, ,, los. 54 „ 24 „ „ 15s. 231 „ 28 „ „ 14s. 6d. 200 „ 29f „ „ 15s. 1215. Orders that the pices of stone grey, No. 139, 144; 373; 148, 370 made for souldiers breaches and valued at six shilling and eight pence be reduced at six shillings per ell and ane ell allowed upon the whole pice that is five ells. 1216. Baillie Brand haveing often tymes complained to severall of the Company of his loss of three pound fiftein shillings taken of his principall stock, besyde the loss of interest for all the tyme he did lye out of his stock, the managers are of opinion then rather then he should grudge it should be allowed hime and orders it to be represented to the Company for a warrant therfor. 1217. Orders the writting to George Archer for ane hundred stone of wooll or two hundred if it be good and cheap. Robert Broune. Edenbrugh, 2d November 1688. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone ; Robertt Blackwood ; John Littell ; and Robert Broune. Robert Blackwood, Preces. 1218. This day valued the cloaths following viz : — Mixed No. 358 27} at 7s. 6d. 391 „ 18 „ 7s. 390 „ 20 „ 8s. 6d. 389 „ 27} „ 14s. 6d. Black 233 „ 28 „ 15s. 207 „ 31} „ 15s. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 201 Ride No. 69, 40. 71, 58, 63, 64. 59 and 69 at 6s. 8d. per ell. Scarlet No. 204, 230, 193, 241, 249, 284, 199, 251. 245, 246. 243: in all eleven pice at 20 shillings. Ro. Blackwood. Edenbrugh, 12th November 1688. Present Baillie Menzies, Robert Blackwood, and John Littell. Baillie Menzies, Preces. 1219. Ordered that sixpence per ell be added to the prvce of No. 275, 334, 306, 323, 323, 315, 315, formerly valued at 4s. 6d. new at os. and No. 212 and 193 formerly at 4s. new at 4s. 6d. per ell. The other No. 334 valued at 5s. and No. 270 black con- tinued at 4s. 9d. 1220. Ordered that the French men be paid two pence per ell for knaping 11 pice of Carsey q l 233 ells. 1221. Ordered that the three ells of Raw cloath sent in by James Row to be valued by the managers that he might take the same for his oune use be charged upon hime at sixtein pence per ell. W™ Meinzies. Edenbrugh, the 29th November 1688. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone ; Robertt Blackwood : Baillie Menzies ; Robertt Broune. William Meinzies, Preces. 1222. Alowes George Home to proposs to John Drumond the gifting of hime as much cloath as be a suit of cloaths upon his makeing payment of what remaineth of Livetenant Generall Douglas bill and of the bill drawen be David Buchanan for the ride cloath got by Claverhouse and of the bill drawen by Robert Blackwood. 1223. This day valued the cloath following viz : — Mixed No. X 356 q* 25 ells at 9s. per ell. X 381 „ 27i „ „ 14s. „ X 387 „ 25i „ „ 14s. „ Blew X 79 „ 35 „ „ 9s. „ Mixed X 118 „ 29J „ „ 14s. 6d. X 142 „ 26i „ „ 14s. 6d. X 125 „ 29i „ „ 14s. 6d. 202 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF X 129 q* 27 J ells „ 4- i at 1 Ac HA US. DQ. X 386 51 55 Qc, ys. _L \J\J 2^ „ /£D 55 55 1 o« JDldCK. X 37 n *V~£ 55 55 IDS. X W OK 1 55 55 IDS. lviixeu X 33fi 22 1 55 7e HA iS. DQ. J JlclL K X 137 iV 1 'J 1 23 /CO 55 55 1US. X 119 „ dd 4 55 55 oS. X 23^ 28 3 55 55 IDS. IV T 1 v r> rl IVJLlXcU. X ,3^4 171 55 1 * 4 55 55 ftc flA oS. DCl. X 161 25 1 55 55 OS. X 232 27 9, 55 55 1 ^c xub. X 237 55 55 55 ius. oa. X 247 12 5n 55 us. oa. X 1 30 1Q 55 55 7« KA IS. OQ. X 239 24 1 55 /6 *2 55 55 Qc ys. X 4fi 33 55 °° 55 55 Qc vs. X 221 231 55 55 55 1 4c AT i v o r 1 X 115 23 55 ^ 55 55 Qc X 159 243- 55 55 55 Qc ys. X 130 26^ 55 ^2 55 55 1 4c fiA Black X 66 55 55 16s. X 125 55 i 55 55 8s. Scarlet X 56 „ 28 55 55 20s. Mixed No. X 119 „ 23* at 9s. X 76 55 23J 55 9s. Black X 22 „ 29i 55 9s. W m Meinzeis. Ride No. 191. 27 at 7s. 6d. 223. 20i n 7 S> 216. 24f „ 7s. 6d. W m Meinzeis. Edenbrugh, the 6th December 1688. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone, Baillie Menzies, and Robertt Blackwood. Robertt Blackwood. 1224. Orders George Home to clire with David Maxwell and take his ticket for the dye stufe upon his hands not made THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 203 use of being sixty two pound ten shillings and eight pence halfpenny sterline more and pay hime the ballance of his accomptt of dying being sixty pound fivetein shillings and ane half penny provyding always the damage of the ride cloaths be first repaired by the said David in caice it be found hes fault. 1225. And if it be found Mr. Debnam's fault the said David to be clired with as above, and the damage charged upon Mr. Debnam and to the effect this may be clired orders George Home to take up the numbers of thess ride cloaths damnified in the dying or dressing and send the same to the mester. 1226. Orders James Row (after examinatione of the above damage) to report it without delay. Ro: Blackwood. Edenbrugh, 10th January 1688. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone ; Baillie Menzies ; Mr. Robertt and Robertt Blackwood and John Littell. 1227. This day valued the cloath following viz: — Mixed No. 117 q* 24 J at 8s. 6d. 158 „ 22 J9 9s. 131 „ m 99 14s. 6d. 128 „ m 99 14s. 6d. 380 „ m 5? 14s. 164 „ 26| 99 8s. Black 128 „ m ?? 8s. 134 „ 23i 99 9s. Mixed 155 „ 23 99 7s. Black 124 „ 30| 99 8s. 236 „ 22 8s. 6d. 244 „ 28 99 14s. 6d. do. 106 „ 34 99 7s. 6d. Mixed 153 „ 25i 99 8s. 394 „ «5i 99 8s. 127 „ 24^ 99 14s. 6d. 392 „ 19| 99 9s. 121 „ 22i 99 8s. 204 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF 393 4*24 at 8s. 147 „ 28f „ 14s. Black 37 „ 29f „ 9s. Mixed 157 „ 28f „ 14s. one the Companie's accomptt. Black 209 „ 23| „ 7s. 146 „ 25f „ 8s. Mixed 89 „ 24 „ 7s. Mixed 152 „ 22J „ 8s. 6d. 151 „ 28~ „ 14s. 143 „ 27 „ 14s. Black 68 „ 32 „ 7s. Mixed 383 „ 27 „ 14s. one the Companies accomptt. 162 „ 24 „ 7s. 6d. 171 „ 24J „ 8s. 150 „ 25f „ 14s. 107 „ 25i „ 9s. Black 141 „ 25i „ 8s. 6d. Mixed 154 „ 22 „ 8s. 155 „ 26J „ 10s. 167 „ 25J „ 7s. 163 „ 29 „ 14s. one the Companies accomptt. Orders the Mixtures : — No. 383, 163, and 157 to be rouped one the Companies accomptt because of ther bad collours and No. 383 being tome and rentered in severall places. Ro: Blackwood. Edenbrugh, the 22d January 1689. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone, W m Menzies, Mr. Robertt Blackwood and John Littill. William Menzies, Preces. 1228. Orders that David Maxwell and James Row be written for to come to Edenbrugh against the nixt week. 1229. Orders George Home to buy sixty ells of unbleached linnen for coverings to the cloaths. 1230. Orders money to be borrowed upon Robert Campble^s bond. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 205 1231. This day valued the ride cloaths following viz: — No. 36 q* 25f ells at 6s. 8d. 73 „ 231 ?? „ 6s. 6d. 49 „ 241 J? „ 7s. 226 ,, 22^ 3? „ 6s. 8d. 229 „ m ?J „ 6s. 8d. 1 „22 ?? „ 6s. 8d. 31 „ 26i 5? „ 7s. 6d. 86 „ 20 „ 6s. 8d. 81 „ 22 J5 „ 6s. 8d. 80 „ m J9 „ 6s. 8d. 34 24f ?? „ 7s. 6d. 82 ?5 „ 6s. 8d. 74 „ 24i 55 „ 6s. 8d. 87 „ «H >5 „ 7s. 242 » 22| JJ „ 6s. 8d. 60 » 22f 55 „ 6s. 8d. 152 »m J9 „ 6s. 8d. 88 „ 22 55 „ 6s. 8d. 238 „ 27J >5 „ 6s. 8d. 227 „20f 55 „ 6s. 8d. 41 „23f J? „ 7s. W m Meinzeis, Preces. Edenbrugh, January 30th 1689. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone ; Mr. Robertt and Robertt Blackwoods and John Littell. Robertt Blackwood, Preces. 1232. Ordered that George Home writt to Mr. Spurroway to desire hime to deliver the Blew stalls to James Marr. 1232 [sic]. Ordered that James Row call for the brushes that are provyded express for blacks and cause cleanse them and keep them in his oun custodie to be made use of only for black cloaths. 1233. Orders that George Home stope drawing doune any bills but that cair be taken to remitt the samen imediatly one way or other. 1234. Orders James Row to agree with James Marr for the 206 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF three thowsand merks due by the Companie to hime that he accept of the eightein hundred merks bond resting by Robertt Campble and his cautioner with the Companie's backbond in caice it be not paid after deligence done, also that he is to have the Companie's bond for twelf hundred merks remainning by it self, and this is not to infer duble security, but only conforme to the former acts anent giveing James Marr security for the forsaid soume. 1235. Orderd Robertt Blackwood and Hugh Blair to treat with James Watsone and what lenth they can bring hime toward a setlement for dying to report it to the managers in order to make ane agreement with hime. 1236. Orders George Home to send thorough the Company too morrow and to requer them to pay in ther twenty shillings upon each hundred pound per week for this and the two weeks preceeding and if they faill to apoynt a roup upon Fryday by nyne of the cloak in the morning. 1 1237. Orders George Home to writt to George Archer to buy Madam Claverons wooll being ane hundred stone provyd- ing he may have it at eleven shillings per stone and to take some littell tyme to receive it and to pay the money. Ro. Blackwood. Edenbrugh, 15th February 1689. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone ; Bailie Menzies, Mr. Robertt Blackwood and John Littell. Baillie Menzies, Preces. 1238. Joseph Ormistoune present and haveing offered sixty pound sterline for payment of our charges and for compositione being threetine pound mor than the Company is out of charges, for both his first and second parcells of cloath seazed, the mana- gers, with consent of Mr. Robertt Blackwood for any thing he does pretend by vertue of the gift he obtained accepts of the said Joseph Ormistoun's offer and ordains George Home to receive the said soume and deliver to the said Joseph his whole cloath upon his bond to export the same and not to transgress 1 It is probable that this order relates to members who had drawn cloth by lots, and who did not remove it within the specified time. Cf. supra p. 36, note. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 207 dureing the standing of the law, he delivereing the Lord of the Theasourie warrant with recept upon it. 1 1239. As also the said managers orders George Home to deliver back to Mrs. Stewart the seven ells and J of cloath was taken out of her house she paying in the money was given to the waitters for seazing the same and obligatione to relieve the Company of the King's pairt by a suficient persone. W m Meinzeis. Edenbrugh, 4th March 1689. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone ; Baillie Menzies ; Robertt Blackwood ; and John Littell. Preces Robertt Blackwood. 1240. Apoynts a roup upon Wednesday nixt at two of the cloak in the afternoon. 1241. Apoynts George Home to give the Duke of Gordon the pice blew cloath made for hime and gett a precept for it. and for quhat he owes formerly mentioneing the value due by hime to us payable in a short tyme. 1242. Orders the said George Home to pay Madam Whyte fourtie pound sterline and gett the managers bond to her for ane thowsand merks. 1243. This day valued the cloaths following viz : — Mixed No. 166 25 ells at 10s. 6d. 177 „ 18 55 55 7s. 172 „ m 55 ?> 7s. 97 n 25* 55 ?) 7s. 146 „ 28 55 5? 13s. 4d. Black 55 „ 28 55 5? 8s. 59 „ 33 55 8s. 252 99 32 55 ?? 15s. 92 * 27 55 55 15s. Mixed 183 „ 25 55 55 9s. 169 55 ^ « T 55 55 7s. 6d. Blew 250 55 55 18s. Mixed 176 „ 241 55 55 8s. 6d. Blew 75 „m 55 55 15s. 1 This and the following section relate to seizures of cloth under the Act of the Privy Council of 1685. Vide Introduction, Part iv., supra p. 85, note. 208 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF 68 q* 27J ells at 16s. Mixed 184 „ 26 55 >j 9s. Black 103 „ 25 55 5? 7s. 70 „ 29f 55 ?> 14s. 6d. 61 „28f 55 55 13s. 6d. 222 „ 24f 55 5) 14s. 6d. 70 „ 35 55 55 7s. 6d. 90 „ 34 55 •5 7s. Mixed 175 „ 19J 55 5? 7s. 6d. 170 „ 25i 55 55 9s. Black 76 „ 27 55 55 15s. 85 „ 26i 5) 55 15s. 21 „ SOh 51 8s. 6d. pice Black Cairsey No. 248 q 1 15| at Mixed do. 334 „ 181 5, 4s. do. cloath for knaping 48 „ 29 „ 7s. 6d. 181 „23f „ 9s. 6d. 165 „ 25 „ 9s. i 75 „ Hi „ 7s. 6d. 1 2 75 „ 16J „ 7s. 3d. becaus of chang yearne. No. 182 q fc 27 at 10s. 174 „21i „ 7s. 173 „ 211 „ 7s. Black 72 „ 30f „ 15s. 84 „ 26i „ 15s. Mixed 186 „ 27 „ 8s. 188 „ 25 n 8s- 100 „ 241 „ 9s. 190 „ m „ 8s. 1244. Ordered that the pices No. 163 and 157 formerly valued at 14s. be reduced to 13s. Id. and casten lotts for. Ro. Blackwood. Edenbrugh, the 19th Aprile 1689. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone ; John Littell ; and Robertt Blackwood. Dean of Gild Nicolsone, Preces. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 209 1245. This day valued : — Black No. 33 q 1 31 ells at 9s. Mixed „ 185 » 20J 9? 33 8s. 6d. 187 >5 26J 33 33 9s. 6d. 189 >5 23i 33 33 9s. Black 107 5? 281 3) 33 15s. 6d. Sad dyed 73 >? 31 33 33 9s. Mixed 1 33 281 33 33 7s. 6d. Black 100 >5 27J 33 53 14s. 6d. 163 or 103 >1 30 33 33 14s. 6d. 104 >9 28 33 33 14s. 6d. 112 J 3 32 33 33 15s. 102 5? 281 33 33 15s. 6d. 91 >9 26 33 3? 12s. 6d. 116 5? 28 33 33 14s. 6d. Mixed 191 JJ 26 33 33 9s. 21 33 31 33 33 15s. 4 >3 26i 33 33 15s. 15 J3 28 33 33 15s. Black 65 JJ 341 33 33 16s. Ja. Nicolson. 1246. Orders George Home to provyde linnen, stockens and fingarrine for Leaven regment, the cheapest and best way he can. 1247. Orders hime lykwayes in caice that Mr. Row doe not agree with Mr. Spurroway for his wooll that he writt to George Archer to buy wooll for the Company. Ja. Nicolson. Edenbrugh, the 22nd Aprile 1689. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone; William Menzies; Mr. Robertt Blackwood and John Littell. Mr. Robertt Blackwood. 1248. This day valued the cloaths following viz : — Mixed No. 7 q* 24 ells at 8s. 6d. 5 „ 261 „ „ 14s. 6d. 19 „ 33J „ „ 15s. 8 „ 28f „ „ 15s. Black 77 „ 31 „ „ 16s. 1249. Orders that George Home make a finall end with o 210 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Major Whyt's relick assingning her to Robert Campble and George Sandry's bond and John Bell's ticket and pay her the superplus in money. 1250. Orders that Dean of Gild Nicolsone, Theasourer Menzies and Samuell M c Clelane examine George Home's accomptt for this last years and give report to the Company. 1251. Orders that the Dean of Gild Nicolsone, Mr. Robertt and Robertt Blackwood's and George Home goe to Newmilns and take up inventer ther. R. Blackwood. Edenbrugh, the 7th of May 1689. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone ; Mr. Robertt Blackwood ; and John Littell. Preces Dean of Gild Nicolsone. 1252. This day valued the blew cloaths following cam in the 25th of Aprile last :— No. 8 q* 24f at 7s. 6d. 16 „ 27J „ 7s. 6d. 9 „ 24^ „ 18s. 13 „ 33 „ 13s. Black remnant 9 q* 2f „ 14s. 1253. Orders George Home to pay Mr. Spunvay for his charges in the law suit about the house of Newmilns quhen the samein was taken away, quhich was agreed to then, being twealfe rix dollares. 1 1254. Orders George Home to treat for passadge to Deb- nam's wyfe and family at the easiest rait possible, and to pay Mr. Debnam his suit of cloathes and his wyfes goun as befor being ten dollares. 1255. To call the meiting of the wholl Company to morrow at tuo cloack precisly in the afternoon for choiceing new manadgers and other affaires. Ja. Nicolson. Edenbrugh, the 30th May 1689. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone ; Theasourer Menzies and George Home and James Boudin, Theasourer Menzies. Preces Dean of Gild Nicolsone. 1 Cf. §1211. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 211 1256. This day valued the Blew Cloath following viz : — No. 190 q fc 29i at 10s. per ell. 91 „ 26 „ 9s. 8d. „ „ 94 „ 27 „ 9s. 6d. „ „ 1257. Orders that Dean of Gild Nicolsone, and Samuell M c Clelane goe out to Newmilns once the nixt week and take the charge of James Howe's bond and give it to James Dick and that James Marr come in and clire his accomptts. 1258. Theasourer Menzies haveing offered his oyle at twenty two pence the Scotts" pynt, ordered the takeing of two pypes at the same pryce or more as they have occassione. Ja. Nicolson. Edenbrugh, the 22nd June 1689. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone; Samuell M c Clelane, James Bowden ; and George Home. James Bowden, Preces. 1259. George Home haveing aquainted us that he hes agreed with Major Arnot for fourty suit of cloaths to be furnished to hime as the Earle of Leiven is furnished and at the same pryce aproves therof. 1 1260. Lykwayes the said George Home haveing mad bargone with the Earle of Annandale and Lord Ross for ther troupes viz: — ther coats lyned with Aberdaines flngarrins, dyed ride with eight dozen of buttones for threty five shillings the mad[e] coul, 2 payable \ at delivery the other half betuixt and the day of and aproves of the same. 1261. Orders Adam Loch to have as much course cloath as be hime a suit of cloaths. James Bowden. Edenbrugh, the 5th July 1689. Present Dean of Gild Nicolson ; William Menzies ; James Bowden ; and Samuell M c Clelane. Samuell M c Clelane, Preces. 1262. Apoynts a meeting of the whole members of the Companie against too morrow at ten a cloak in the morning to treat of the great concerns of the Companie. 1 Cf. §1246. 2 ? Coat. 212 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF 1263. That the Earle of Leiven's money being seven hundred fourty and nyne pounds sterline, be made use of for the paying Sir George M c Kenzie five hundred pounds sterline, and two thowsand pounds Scotts owing to Arnot of Easterrind with the annual rents theron due by the Company to them. 1264. To take the Companie's opinion whither they shall take out the two first years interests and this last years or not. 1 Sam: M c Clellan. Edenbrugh, the 13th Jully 1689. Present James Bouden ; Samuel M c Clelan ; George Home ; William Menzies ; Dean of Gild Nicolson. Samuell M c Clelan, Preces. 1265. Mr. Debnanfs famley being now com to toun in order to their transportation to London and finding there passage will be dear which the Company is oblidged to by contrack with Mr. Debnam we apoynt George Home to give them ten pounds in order to their transportation and to pay Mistres Debnam ten dollars for her gown for this currant year and to clear his daughters all their by past weadges they have to crave any manner of way that they have no just cause of complaint. Sam. M c Clellan. Edenbrugh, 30th Agust 1689. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone ; James Bowden and George Home. Dean of Gild Nicolsone, Preces. 1266. Orders George Home to clire with the Earle of Leiven and take bills for the ballance payable at London exchange at two per cent, the ballance being about five hundred and fifty pounds of quhich orders hime to remitt to Mr. Spurroway ane hundred pounds sterline rebateing the exchange and the rest is to lye in his hand till Mertimes nixt for paymentt of my Lord Advocat. 1 It would appear from this entry that dividends of ' legal interest,' i.e. 5 per cent., were paid during the first two years, 1682 and 1683, and for 1688, cf. §§450, 475, 1 153, 1216. It should be noted, however, that it is to be con- cluded from the second series of minutes dividends were paid on resolution of the general meeting without having been proposed at the sederunts of the managers. The minutes of the general meetings were kept in a separate book, which is not forthcoming. As to the financial position of the Company, vide Introduction, Part IV., and note on the meeting of 20th January 1703. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 213 1267. This day valued the cloaths following came in since May conform to ther severall daits viz : — May 4th. Mixed No. 12 q* 24i ells at 8s. 9d. 11 „ 28| „ „ 8s. 6d. 33 „ 33i „ „ 9s. 6d. Black No. 117 „ 28 „ „ 15s. 110 „ 26 „ „ 8s. 6d. Mixed 10 „ 26J „ „ 8s. 6d. 13 „ 25 „ „ 8s. 3 „ 25J „ „ 7s. 6d. h quherof was for the toune officers. May 8th. Mixed No. 18 q* 28 J at 15s. 6d. 14 „ 23 „ 8s. 6d. 6 „ 23J „ 8s. 3d. 17 „ 26 ) at 7s. 6d. for the toune 2 „ 22 J oficers. 9 „ 24 „ 8s. 9d. May 13th. No. 29 q* 20| at 7s. 32 „ 28^ „ 15s. 6d. 20 „22 „ 8s. Black 178 „ 23 „ 8s. May 21st. Mixed No. 192 q 1 24 at 9s. 6d. 40 „ 29 „ 7s. 6d. Black 106 33^ }; 15s. 20 „ 36J „ 15s. 6d. 114 „ 29 „ 15s. Mixed 37 „ 30J „ 14s. 6d. Black 193 „ 26 „ 7s. 6d. Mixed 22 .. 33 li)s. May 23rd. Black No. 28 q 1 34 at 7s. 6d. 28 „ 25 „ 8s. 9d. 214 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF 15s. „ 15s. „ 15s. May 30. Black 105 q* 27 ells at 9s. Mixed 16 „ 32 „ „ 14s. 9d. 42 „ 31| „ „ 15s. June 6. 45qt31 ells at 15s, 6d. 30 „ 30 38 „ 29 35 „ 35f May 8th. Ross ride No. 75 q l 34 at 12s. 6d. ditto 25th. Ride No. 32 q* 26f ells 35 „ 27| 36 „ 26 38 „ 351 ditto 28th 30 „ 251 31 „ 36i 33 „ 36 34 „ 26i ditto 30th. „ m 26| 16 pice at 6s] 8d. 8 pice at 9s. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 215 ditto 19th. No. 55 q* 24 61 „ 26J 49 „ 35| 53 „ 35J 50 „ 26 67 „ n\ 45 „ 35 59 „ 37 ditto 22nd. j 15 pice at 6s. 6d. 51 „27 68 „ 35J 63 „ 25} 66 „ 34i 47 „ 36 62 „ 26 48 „ 26 33 „ 25} ells at 9s. Black No. 12 q* 29 ells at 9s. 6d. Mixed 168 „ 271 „ „ 9s. 6d. 34 „ 23f „ „ 10s. 3d. 31 „ 351 5j ?5 8s. 9d. July 15th. Mixed No. 41 q* 29 ells at 15s. July 20th. No. 43q fc 28 „ „10s. Black 253 „ 26J „ „ 8s. Agust 5th. Mixed 44 q* 27 ells at 9s. 47 „ 38} „ „ 15s. 6d. 46 „ 30J „ „ 10s. to be rouped one June 29th. MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF July 6th. ) 101 q*26} 54 „ 36} 26 „ 24} 73 „ 34 July 22nd. No. 87 q* 26} 74 „ 26} 24 „ 27 ditto 24th. 74 „ 34 ells 80 „ 36 76 „ 26 86 „ 34 66 „ 36 6 pices at 9s. at 6s. 8d. \ 3 pices at 9s. 5 pices at 6s. 8d. Agust 5th. Scarlet No. 83 q* 26 ells at 15s. „ 16s. 8d. „ 30s. 26 „ 27} 21 „ 11} Agust 7th. Ride No. 98 q* 28 ells 94 „ 26 85 „ 34 3 pice at 9s. 102 „ 26J ditto 13th. 78 „ 36i 90 „ 26 95 „ 26 92 „ 34 69 „ 27 68 „ 36 73 „ 26 64 „ 36 THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 217 ditto 17th. 79 q* 27 100 „ 38 89 „ 26 99 „ 37 96 „ 26 84 „ 27 70 „ 35i 16 pices at 6s. 8d. \ 88 „ 34£ at 9s. ditto 21st. 85 25 65 „ 27 at 6s. 8d. Blew Ride 97 „ 26J J No. 93 q* 321 a t lis. 6d. 23rd Agust. 91 „ 35 109 „ 25i | at 9s. Blew 105 „ 35 „ at 7s. 6d. lis. 6d. Rid< 7 pices @ 6s. 8d. 82 „ 341 „ No. 107 „ 25 110 „ 27 104 „ 35 103 „ 34 101 „ 35 106 „ 35 71 „ 25, 1268. Orders No. 22 and 37 to be returned and redressed allowes 3 change yearne in the letter end. Mixd No. 3 allowes s. in the head end. No. 46 to be rouped one the Companie's accompt. Ja. Nicolson. Edenbrugh, the 9th of September 1689. Present Samuell M c Clelane ; James Bowden, and George Home. James Bowden, Preces. 218 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF 1269. Orders George Home to clire with David Maxwell his accornptt of dying preceeding this day quhich is only since May last and to pay him the ballance. James Bowden. Edenbrugh, the 23rd November 1689. 1 Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone ; Baillie Home ; James Bowden ; and William Blackwood. Dean of Gild Nicolsone ; Preces. Orders the paying to James Row, fourtein shillings sterline depurssed by hime at the Littell Captaine 2 and Tapeing's doughter ther mariage. That Dean of Gild Nicolsone goe out to Newmilns and clire accompts with James Marr and doe any other thing neidfull. That dye stuffs be written for to England and Holand conforme to David Maxwell's memorandy. That the standing out debts be sought in and persewed and that ane agent be imployed for that end. That ther be a meetting of the Company against Monday morning at eight of the cloak. This day valued the cloaths following viz : — Scarlet No. 132 q l 25 130 „ 24 3 pice at 16s. per ell. 137 „ 24J Black 21 „ 26 at 15s. per ell. Remnant 5J at 8s. to be rouped one the Companie's accornptt. Ja. Nicolson. Edenbrugh, the 13th December 1689. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone; Baillie Home; James Bowden ; and William Blackwood. James Bowden, Preces. 1 It will be observed that after 9th September 1689 meetings were not held regularly, the following one being on November 23rd. Hence this and the following orders are no longer numbered. 2 Cf. § 933. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 219 This day reduced the pryces of the cloath following and ordered to be casten lotts for : — Mixed 383 q* 27 ells at 14s. reduced to 13s. Id. 46 „ 30J „ „ 10s. „ „ 9s. 6d. 34 „ 23J „ „ 10s. 3d.,, „ 10s. Black 2 „ 26^ „ „ 7s. „ „ 6s. 6d. This day valued the cloaths following viz : — Mixed No. 39 q* ells at 7s. 6d. 36 „ „ „ 7s. 6d. Black 194 „ „ „ 7s. 6d. Orders the given up of Robertt Cruickshanks bonds granted for his fidelity not to import cloath. James Bowden. Edenbrugh, 21th January 1690. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone; William Menzies ; James Bowden ; and George Home. Preces Baillie Home. This day valued the cloaths following viz : — Blew No. 170 q* 23i \ 167 „ 23 L Three pice 69J ells 153 „ 23 J @ 7s. 6d. 149 „ 23 at 12s. 6d. Edenbrugh, 5th February 1690. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone ; Samuell M c Clelane ; and James Bowden. Samuell M c Clelane, Preces. Orders the dyeing of six pice of Scarlet and six pice of Blew of the fynest English wooll cloaths in the work and six pice of course blewes and two pice of grein and that swatches 1 of the most fashionable collours be sent to David Maxwell that he may dye them conforme therto and that the scarlets be listed after the English fashione. Edenbrugh, 25th February 1690. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone ; Baillie Home ; Theasourer Menzies; and James Bowden. Black No. 169 q 1 25J ells at 9s. 123 „ 26" „ „ 9s. 6d. 1 i.e. patterns. 220 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF 147 q 1 23| ells at 9s. 6d. 173 „25^ „ „ 9s. Orders the delivereing up to Robertt Campble all his bonds quhatsomever and that Baillie Home grant hime a full discharge of all owing by hime to the Companie, lykwayes aproves of the draught of the said Robert Campble's discharge to the Com- panie. Orders the given up of John Chatto and Hery Mein's bonds for ther fidelity not to import cloath. Orders Baillie Home to goe out to Newmilns to clire James Marr's accomptts and other affairs and take all the money he can gett with hime and indeavour to take James Row alongest with hime. Orders the delivereing to Theasourer Menzies about two hundred fyfty ells of ride cloath upon his bond payable in three moneths at six shillings and eight pence sterline per ell and in caice he pay readie money that the three moneths annual rent be rebate hime. Ja. Nicolson. Edenbrugh, the 23rd Aprile 1690. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone; Baillie Home and James Bowden. Dean of Gild Nicolsone, Preces. This day valued the cloaths following viz : — Yellow No. 191 q fc 24 181 „24 183 „ 24 Grein Blew - 3 pices at 7s. sterline. 157 185 171 158 23 26 25 24 187 „ 27 136 „ 26 150 „ 26 Scarlet 177 q l 27 148 „ 25 161 „25 I 2 pices at 7s. 6d. | per ell. at 7s. per ell. „ 8s. „ }2 pices at 9s. per ell. at 10s. 6d. per ell. 3 pices at 14s. sterline per ell. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 221 141 q* 25 at 15s. per ell. Blew 165 .,23 1 % pices at 7s. 176 „ 24 j per ell. Grein 175 „ 25 ells at 8s. 6(1. per ell. Mixed 57 „ 24 ells at 7s. 6d. per ell. Mixed 60 q* 25 } 2 pices at 8s. 58 „ 23 J per ell. 61 „ 23 ells at 7s. 6d. per ell. eight pieces for Heriots work at 7s. sterline per ell. Ja. Nicolsone. Edenbrugh, the 29th May 1690. Present Dean of Gild Nicolsone ; James Bowden and Baillie Home. James Bowden, Preces. This day haveing perused and examined David Maxwells accomptts from the 9th of September last till now, orders the paying to hime the ballance therof being threetein pound nyn shillings and 3d. sterline and take his discharge therfor and also to take ane partt obligatione for the dye stufs in his hand, which with the ordinarie profitt amounts to eighty two pound lis. Id money forsaid. James Bowden. Edenbrugh, 1st September 1690. Present att a meeting of the managers. Dean of Gild Nicol- sone ; James Bowden ; and Samuell M c Clelane. Preces, Dean of Gild Nicolsone. This day valued the mixed cloath following viz : — Thir three one \ No. 62 q 1 28 ell at 8s. the ell the Companies V 66 „ 21 J „ „ 5s. 6d. „ accomptt. J 56 „ 24 „ „ 6s. per ell 159 „ 24 „ „ 7s. 6d. „ 65 „ 26 „ „ 8s. 64 „ 27 „ „ 8s. 63 „ 23 „ „ 8s. Ja. Nicolson. 222 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edenbrugh, the 21 March 1691. Present at a meetting Mr. Robert Blackwood; William Blackwood ; George Home and Samuel M c Clelan. Preces Mr. Robert Blackwood. This day valleued the cloaths following viz : — Blew No. 210 q* 27 ells 138 „ 22 „ 203 „ 26 „ 188 „ 28 „ 184 „ 28 „ 166 Black . 25 213 „ 27 215 „ 29 212 „ 25 208 „ 27 6 pices att 7s. 2d. 12' 25 1 Remnant 164 „ 24 182 „ 26 216 „ 17 3 2 5 att Sarge No. 292 q* 16 ells Whyt 29 „ 29 27 „ 26 15 „ 21 So vallwed. 2 pices att 7s. 2d. 5 pices att 6s. 6d. 5s. 6d. 6s. 6d. 6s. 12s. att 2s. 3 pices att 3s. 6d. R. Blackwood. Edinburgh 1st January 1701. Att a meeting of the Manadgers. Present John Marjoreibanks, William Blackwood, George Clerke. Receaved from Neumilnes per David Maxuells letter of the 25th of December last 6h cloaths in 15 ends viz : — No. 1628 Mixt 27*, att 7s. 6d. valued att 9s. 4. 1622 do. 31 J att 9 : 6. valued „ 11 : 6. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 223 1629 Mixt 28J att 6 : 4. valued att 8 : 0. 1601 do. 29J att 6 : 4. valued „ 7:9. 1661 Mixt 36| att 15 : 6. valued att 18 : 0. 1660 do. 361 att 15 : 6. valued „ 18 : 0. 1583 do. 16J att 6 : 4. valued „ 8:0. Approves of the sales folloueing since last sederunt. To Earle of Leaven 17 ells Black att 8s. 6d. ,£7:4:6 John Kippen and partner 15 J do. do. 7:6 5 : 16 : 3 George Lind 27J Black and Mixt 17 : 12 : 6 John Hepburne 12 J Mixt att 18s. 11 : 5:0 Francis Brody 27J Mixt att „ 19 : 15 : 6 William Blackwood 15f Mixt att 11/6. 9 : 1 : H William Hopkirk, 12 do. att 18/ 10:16:0 Walter M c Gill 30 ells Mixt 17 : 13 : 7J John Carss 12 J do. att 18/ 11 : 0:6 George Lind 17i do. att 7/4d. 6 : 9:4 John Kippen and partner 16f do. att 8/4 6:19:7 14 ends. 204f £123 : 13 : 11 Approves of the payments folloueing since last sederuntviz: — Payd Robert Hoy for wooll per recept and David Maxwells letter, ..... £104 : 5 : 6 Fayd or sent out to James Dunlop for use of the work, . . . . 50 : 0 : 0 £154 : 5:6 Orders that David Maxuell be wrott to signefyeing that the Manadgers complaine that he hes not sent in the Blacksclothes, and that he does not send for the fullers earth. Orders David Maxuell to make up more fyne blacks then MaxueiHor 3 ™ these he hes already, as alsoe midling blacks, and to send in a £}ack s ngfyne cart for the whyt cloaths. The Manadgers desyre to know what oyll David Maxuell hes lyeing by him, and how long it may serve. Orders to delay useing dilligence againest John Hepburne fcutiorfalainst and George Livingtoune untill Candlesmes next. J ohn Hepburne & & n m 1 and George Ireo: Clark. Livingtoune to Candlesmes Edinburgh, 8th January 1701. next. Att a meeting of the Manadgers this day. Present John Marjoreibanks, Preses. John Hay, George Clerke, William Blackwood. 224 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Receaved from Newmilnes per James Dunlop and David MaxuelPs letters of the 3rd current 5§ pieces black in seaven- teen ends viz : — No. 1782 Black 37i att 15s. 6 valued att 18 : 4. 1777 do. 4ll att 15 . 6 valued n 18 . 4 1783 do. 33 att valued „ 12 : 6. 1779 do. 39f att 15 : 6 valued „ 18 : 4. 1780 do. 381 a tt 15 : 6 valued „ 18 : 4. 1781 do. 39 att 15 : 6 valued „ 18 : 4. Approves of the sales folloueing since last Sederunt viz : — Lord Thesaurar Depute No. 1576 15 att 8/9 neat £6 : 4:9 James Wauchope No. 1574 15£ att 8/9 p. B. 6:13: b\ James Graeme No. 1782 12J att 18/4 p. B. 11 : 9:2 William Blackwood 1782 12 att 18/4 p. B. 11 : 0:0 Patrick Craufurd 1782 12| att 18/4 p. B. 11 : 13 : 9 Walter M c Gill 1777 13J att 18/4 p. B. 12 : 2:11 Robert Smith 177714 att 18/4 p. B. 12 : 16 : 8 William Graeme 177714 att 18/4 p. B. 12 : 16 : 8 John Hepburne 1779 13f att 18/4 p. B. 12 : 12 : 1 George Lind 1779 12J att 18/4 p. B.] do. Lind 177913f att 18/4 p. B- J 24 : 1:3 John Carss 1780 13 att 18/4 p. B. 11 : 18 : 4 James Bouden 1781 13J att 18/4 p. B. 12 : 2:11 John Kippen 1781 12± att 18/4 p. B. 11 : 9 : 2 Thomas & William Mirries 1781 13J att 18/4 p. B. 12 : 2:11 John Hay & Company 1780 13J att 18/4 p. B. 12 : 2:11 16 ends 214 ells. i?181 : 6 : 9i Approves of the payments followeing since last Sederunt viz : — Payd David Maxuell in further part his balance at May 1700 . . . . . ^25:9:11 Payd or sent to James Dunlop for the use of the work . . . . 80 : 0 : 0 ,£105:9:11 Orders to buy biiisjor £2000 Orders Alexander Weir to buy bills for i?2000 or more to to Messrs. be remitted to Messrs. Drummond and Vannderhoyden. Drummond.etc. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 225 Orders to wryt to David Maxuell anent the fullers earth at Leith, that the Manadgers think it straing that he hes not sent for it to report the goodnes of it. Orders to warne the Comittee apoynted to consider the con- stitutiones againest 5 of the clock at night. John Marjoribanks. Edinburgh, 15th January 1701. Att a meeting of the Manadgers this day. Present John Hay of Aderstoune, Preses. George Clerke, John Marjorei banks, William Blackwood. Receaved from Newmilnes per David Maxuells letter 8th current, 3 cloaths in eight ends viz : — No. 1611 Mixt 28J a tt 9/8 valued 11/6. 1670 do. 36 att 17/6 valued 19/10. 1667 do. m% att 16/ valued 18/6. In this he desyres the Manadgers would send out the seall to putt upon the cloaths to distinguish them from others, and recommends to the Manadgers to gett back the 3 scriblers viz: — Thomas Bilbury, William Boll and George Kilpatrick that sometymerunn away and are entertaind at Hamilton and Glasgow. And that he hes taken in house for spinners and will take more, and desyres he may be supplyed with mony for that effect for caryeing on the work. Desyres 40 or 50 ells of Dudistoune harne to be sent out. And anent the last Spanish wooll receaved from Messrs. Drummond etc. Receaved alsoe from Neumilnes per David Maxuell's letter 10th current, 3 cloaths in six ends viz : — No. 1617 Mixt 29J att 6 6 valued 8/2. 1633 do. 28J att 6 6 valued 8/2. 1579 do. 27 ~ att 6 6 valued 8/4. Orders A. Weir to send out the above seall and to gett a Orders to A. recept thairof, and to buy and send out the above Duding- Weir - stoune harne, and to send to James Dunlop for the use of the work i?100 sterling. Recommends to Mr. Cunninghame to wryt to Hamiltone Recommenda- anent Thomas Bilbury and William Boll tuo scriblers inter- CunnLghame. p 226 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Recommenda- tion to Aders- toune. Orders to Bailly Marjoreibanks to commission 8 balls Spanish wooll. teaned there, and as George Kilpatrick the other scribler in Glasgow to speak to Ochiltrie. Recommends to Aderstoune to get a skilfull persone who with another that David Maxuell shall name are to value the dyeing loombs at the work at May last, and to gett a recept of the valuatione thairof under said David Maxuell' hand that the value be added to the £60 sterling already charged. Orders Bailly Marjoreibanks to wryt to James Mureisone in Amsterdam for 8 balls best Sigovia wooll for a tryll with first opportunely. Orders A. Weir to remitt to Allan and Stuart thair ballance deduceing ane abatement for the badness of the cushianeill. Approves of the payments following since last Sederunt viz : — To Patrick Craufurd per bond of loan by the Company to Mr. William St. Clair assigned to said Mr. Craufurd of principal £35 annual rent due thairupone £8 : 17 hide ..... ,£43:17:0 To Patrick Craufurd as assigney forsaid by said William St. Clair principal £10 Annual rent dew thairupone £2 . 12 : 0 : 0 To George Bell in part his balance of wooll . 20 : 0 : 0 £75 : 17 : 0 23 11 23 14 8 0 6i 1 0 Approves of the sales following since last sederunt viz: — To George Lind No. 1780 12 ells at 18/4 p. B. £U : 0 : 0 Bailly Blackwood 1670 12i „ „ 19/10 Do. 1667 12i |f m is/6 William Black wood 1670 11 J „ „ 19/10 William Graeme 1670 12 „ „ 19/10 Do. 1667 12 „ „ 18/6 George Lind 1667 12J „ „ 18/6 Do. 1611 14 „ „ 11/6 William and Thomas Mimes 1611 14J „ „ 11/6 Hary Hathorne 1778 13 „ „ 26/ Do. 685 14> „ „ 16 1 19:12: 8 8: 3:10| 28 : 14 : 10 THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 227 William and Thomas Mirries 1617 14 J ells at Do. 1579 131 8/2 8/4 Ends 13 168J ells p.B. 11 : 8: 10J =£137: 2 Orders Alexander Hereot to cary up any articles mentioned in James Ritchie's Scroll book that are not caryed foruard by him before his death conforme to ane particular account thairof viz : — To Andrew Carmichaell No. 1591 17f To George Lind To Thomas Mime To John Campble To William Hopkirk To Do. To Charles Gray To Do. To Alexander Gibsone To James Murray To Mr. Stuart No. 400 12 1393 1SJ 1302 15 1389 13J 1444 16J 689 16j 1432 16 No. 1629 17 1633 16* To Mr. Robert Blackwood 1702 14 ells att 8/ £7 „ „ 17/6 £10 „ „ H/6 7 „ „ 8/6 6 » n 7 55 55 8/ 6 „ „ 10/ 8 8/4 „ 6 8/2 „ 7 „ ,5 12/ „10 ,5 „ 10/4 „ 8 „ „ 17/6 „ 12 ?5 55 55 55 2 : 0 10:0 15:3 7:6 15 : 3 12:0 7:6 13:4 9:0 4:0 10:6 5:0 i6 99 . Jully nth. 28th. August 3rd. September 18th. 30th. October 7th. 1699. December 5th. November 7th. December 19th. October 1st. 1700 April 16th. Ends 12 186J ells £99 : 11 : U Delyvered to Mr. John Buchannan ane end cloath No. 1713 q* 13} ells at 17/6 per ell which article is not incert in any book of James Ritchie's keeping bot John Wright desyred the same to be booked for he knew the delyvery therof ^12 : 0 : 7\ To Hary Hathorne 1 end cloath No. 809 q* 19 ells at 12/6 extending to ^11 : 17 : 6 quherof allowed for damadge as per Scroll book £1 soe bond quherof . . ^10 : 17 : 6 Orders Alexander Weir to pay to John Gourlay a doller for his handsel 1. 1700 August 14th. Edinburgh, the 22nd January 1701. Att a meeting of the Manadgers, Present Bailly George Clerke. William Blackwood. 228 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Receaved from Newmilnes per David MaxuelTs letter 17th January 1701 six ends of cloaths viz : — No. 1607 Mixt 29i ells att 6 6 valued att 8 2 1632 do. 25f „ „ 7 4 valued „ 9 2 15S9 do. 29 ., „ 6 6 valued „ 8/2 There is receaved alsoe from Neumilnes per David Maxuell's letter datted the 20th January 1701 three pieces of broad cloath in six ends viz : — No. 1642 Mixt 28f att 8 4 valued att 10 8 1588 do. 29i att 6 6 valued „ 8 2 1647 do. 29} att 6 6 valued „ 8 2 Approves of the sales folloueing since the last sederunt viz : — To William Hopkirk No. 1552 15 ells att 8/4 £6 To a^gree with Lord Rrvne anent the fullers ea.-;i. D : To John M c Ilurath 1573 16 To Do. 1646 15J To John Kippen and Company 1552 14J To William Huttone To Do. To William Beat tie To Do. To John Osburne To Margaret Pearsone To Do. 1601 Uh „ 1638 15 n 1399 16 n 1386 10f „ 1778 13 „ 1646 16 „ 1625 15 mm 13 5 11 o : , 8 81 . 8 4J . 8 4 . 7 91 , 8/ ] .7 101 , 9/ J 1A ,26 16:18 . 8/41 U: 5 .102! A *' 0 9 18: 9 O:\0h 2 1 0 10 ^8:16: 8) Ells 160J Orders my Lord Boyne to be aggreed with for the fullers earth in the termes of David Maxuell's letter of the 17th current bot as much loner as cann be gotten, and to use argu- ments that the said Earle sent to Holland, was unfitt for them, and farr different from the English ; recommends the same to Bailly Marjoreibanks and Bailly Gierke. To desvre David Foullis to wryt to his father to send noe fullers earth and to hasten the strae uald, and to tell him of some few thine pasboards gott out of the Custome House which James Law gave in there in place of the calfe skinn parchments advysed sent per him, which pase boards though THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 229 they had not been damnefied, and to know the cause therof James Law being now at London ; and to know by quhat warrand they cald up for Mr. William Hamiltone's mony of profeits at London and of their payeing out the same without his warrant to any he desyreing the same to be wryten forsaid as said is being now present. 1 Orders Alexander Weir to send out to the work £100 sterling. George Clark. Edinburgh, January 29th 1701. Att a meeting of the Manadgers this day. Present George Clerke, John Marjoreibanks, William Blackwood. Receaved from Newmilnes per David MaxuelPs letter 23rd instant three cloaths 7 ends, viz : — No. 1604 Mixt 14 att 6/8 valued att 8/4 1604 do. 14 att 6/8 valued „ 8/4 1653 do. 13Jatt 6/8 valued „ 8/4 1653 do. 141 a tt 6/8 valued „ 8/4 1676 do. 11| att 17/6 valued „ 20/ 1676 do. Ill a tt 17/6 valued „ 20/ 1676 do. Ill att 17/6 valued „ 20/ Receaved from Newmilnes per David Maxuells letter 24th instant 3 cloaths in six ends viz : — No. 1636 Mixt 14f att 6/8 valued att 8/4 1636 do. 15| att 6/8 valued „ 8/4 1631 do. 14 att 7/4 valued „ 9/2 1631 do. 16 att 7/4 valued „ 9/2 1594 do. 141 att 6/8 valued „ 8/4 1594 do. 14 att 6/8 valued „ 8/4 Receaved alsoe from Neumilnes per David MaxuelPs letter 27th instant 3 cloaths in seaven ends viz : — No. 1787 Black ISf att 15/6 valued att 18/4 1787 do. 14 15/6 valued att 18/4 i The Newmills Company had stockholders resident in London, and books were kept both there and in Edinburgh. In early companies it was not uncommon for the members not to draw their dividends immediately these were payable. Thus during the first years of the East India Company the same amount of stock was sold on the same day at varying prices owing to the different amounts of accumulated profit due to the parcels of stock. 230 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF 1787 Black ISh 15/6 valued att 18/4 1788 Scarlet 171.-- . , uacl 1788 do. 16/ 47 i valued att 26/ 152 dalSH 21/6 valued att 26/ Orders to remit Orders the bills to be remitted to Mr. Drumond etc. and btiiarS™ 0 " 0 S that George Clark and William Blackwood provyd bills to be sent them to Holland against Saturday next. Orders David Maxuell to send to Leith for the Cusheaneill lving there and as to the strae uald he wryts off to try if John Moir's ship be aryved at Leith. Orders A. Weir to call at John Wright and take up from him quhat instructiones of recepts of mony he hath paid out by James Ritchie and to make ane inventar therof and A. Weir to give recept thereupone. Commission to Orders to wryt to Mr. Drumond and partner to ship 12 for i2 > baiis n0nd ' 3a gg s Des t Sigovia wooll. for our Company'' account with first Spanish wooll. occasione for Amsterdam or Roterdam. Orders William Blackwood 1 letter to James Foullis to be coppied in the Coppie Book of letters and to be sent forward with the Thursdayes post. George Clark. Approves of the sales folloueing since last Sederunt viz : — To Francis Brody No. 1783 16J att 12/6 £10 : 6 : 3 William Hopkirk 1642 Id" att 10/8 £8: 0:0 .James Wauchop 1642 13f att 10/8 £7: 6:8 John Hay and Company 1700 15 att 24/6 18: 7:6 JohnKippenand Company 1267 llj att 6/4 3:14:5 John Hay and Company 1676 11£ att 20/ 11 : 10 : 0 John Hepburne 1676 1H att 20/ 11:10:0 William Hopkirk 1676 11$ alt 20/ Charles Stuart 1616 14J att 11A Do. 717 21 att 12/ [neat £25: 9:5 Do. 1629 14} att 8/J JohnKippenand Company 1726 16 J att Alexander Broune 1787 13J att 18/4 £12 : 12 : 1 Francis Brody 1787 14 att 18/4 £12 : 16 : 8 Laird of Houstoun 1628 14} att 10/ neat 7 : 2:6 THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 231 Mr. Robert Blackwood and Company Do. ' William Beattie Do. Walter M c Gill Do. 839 16 att 8/4 neat 6:13:4 1478 11 att 1579 13| att 1631 14 att 752 18£ att 1607 15 att 8/ 8/4 9/2 7/8 8/2 Ends 21 303 ells. This and all former sederunts paid. 1 4: 8:0 5:12:6 6: 8:4 6:19:4 6: 2:6 Geo: Clark. Edinburgh, 5th February 1701. 2 The Manadgers have perused the coppie of William Black- wood's letter to Messrs. Drummond and Vanderhoyden datted . 1st instant quherof there is commissioned to buy 10 or 12 balls best Sigovia wooll, and alsoe said letter advyses that there is bills remitted them for <^3000 which commissione and re- mittance of the said i?3000 is approven of. Messrs. Drummond and Vanderhogdens letter of the date Booked L. f. 66. 4th February instant directed to the present Manadgers being presented and read advyseing of there being to send 500 spinnells and £%0 worth of the wood the spinnells are made of with some quantety of soap, itts remitted to William Blackwood to give ansuer to the said letter. Mr. David Craufurd's letter from Hamiltone with ane ex- Mr. Craufurd tracted declaratione from these tuo servants Thomas Bilbury Hamihone and William Boll the same is heirby ordered to be sent out to ane " t the J .... scriblers runn David Maxuell to peruse and to returne with his opinione away, thereupon. To desyre David MaxuelTs reasones of his dyeing any course reid cloath seing he hath noe order for the same, and that the 1 This refers to the fee divisible amongst the managers for attending the meeting. 2 From this date until the end of May 1703 (for reasons explained in the Intro- duction, Part I. ) excisions have been made in the Minutes. These include the list of managers present at each meeting, the detailed inventory of cloth sent from Newmills, and 'the sales approved.' Otherwise the original is printed in full. 232 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF accounts of dyeing ought to be six moneths runn after the dyeing be dew be the Company. As alsoe to discharge the dyeing of any more reid cloath untill ane express ward be given for that effect. Commission for Orders tenn bago-s teassells to be wrvten for from London tenn baggs „ , &D teassells from in ail heast. Orders William Blackwood to clear with Mr. Cample and David Foullis anent the assignments made to seaverall bonds for the payment of loans lent by the Englis partners. Orders to proceed in dilligence against Sir William Hamil- ton of SilvertounhilL Orders A. Weir to give to Mr. William Black, 1 advocate, a guinay and to his man a doller for the draught of ane petitione and act was presented by the Company to the parliament. Da^TseDar* Orden A. Weir to clear John Hunter, officer to the hall for '* preceedings and to give him for ane quarter in advance. This and all former Sederunts mony paid. Geo : Clark. Edinburgh, 12th February 1701. Orders to wryt to James Foullis for 12 baggs best teassells to be sent for Leith or Prestounpanns. Orders Alexander Herreot to enter the folloueing articles in the books viz : — To give cridet to Mr. Drumond and partner for the folloueing articles conteaned in ane account current sent by them to September last. 1 William Black was himself a woollen manufacturer. He owned a factory known as Gordon's Mill or Xorthmills, near Aberdeen. The method on which the undertaking was conducted is worth quoting : 1 By the constitution thereof the sen-ants are bound to work for any of the country who shall happen to employ them in any sort of manufacture, and work only for the petitioner when they have nothing else to do — yea, when any work comes from the country his is laid aside.' It is not surprising to learn that Black was sole owner of his factory, 'since,' as he quaintly expresses it, 'a society would not so unani- mously agree in running such hazard' {Acts of Pari. xi. p. 81). Black was the author of The Privileges of the Royal Burrows, Edinburgh, 1 707. Possibly the Act referred to in the text was that summarised in the Introduc- tion, Part iv., which recapitulated certain proclamations of the Privy Council prohibiting the importation of foreign cloth. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 233 12 balls Spanish wooll sent per William Bells ship 17th May 1700 extendeing with charges to <£4048 : 3 the same appears alsoe per coppy book of letters 1st June 1700 ..... ^4048: 3: 0 16 balls do per John Matheis ship 12th July Booked in 1700 which lykwayes appears per copy Journal p. 6i book of letters 13th Jully to amount to ^4868 : 5 : 0 Ane article of loss on £6520 remitted on Roterdam at \ per cent, per said account current . . . . . 1:6:6 Postage of letters . . . 12:10 2 protests on Sir Robert Hamiltone's bill and postage letters . . . 6:15:0 Interest of ^3300 from 1st March to 1st May J per cent. . 28 balls ^8951:19: 0 To give credet to James Foullis for the 2 parcells of goods sent which are not as yet booked viz : — 10 boxes of Castile soap with ane peaper parcell of ane journall and leidger amounteing to with charges as per book of p n 6l letters 11th May 1700 . . . £16 : 12 : 8 6 casks of Gallipoli oyll shipt aboard the Croune of Leith, James Whyt, master, for Leith about 5th June 1700 with com- missione and charges as per coppy book letters 22nd June last extending to . 178 : 5:8 ,£254:18:4 Orders to notice the protestatione putt up at the instance of Anna Keith againest the Company or any other. Orders to lay befor the next generall meeting that the Spanish wooll is rysing and therfor that at least ther be comissioned 40 balls Spanish wooll. Geo: Clark. Edinburgh, 15th February 1701. uell's report anentthe David Maxuell reports that the Company's contract with cardmaker. 234 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF David Maxuell' report anent the letter from Hamiltoune from Mr. Crau- furd. Davide Max- uell' report anent the cop- pers etc. Orders to Mr. Herreot anent the coppers etc Booked in Jour nal page 62. William Steedman, cardmaker, being long expyred, and others indeavoureing to gett him disingadged from our service, and in regaird the work is increassing its fitt to have him under contract for some years which will be of great advantage to the Company, and that he thinks he may gett him ingadged for a few years for £35 sellary per annum. Alloues said David Maxuell to ingadge said Mr. Stead by contract, at least for seaven years and wee will sie to gett att the first generall meeting there allouance of said £35 per annum. Mr. Maxuell alsoe reports that after haveing read the letter and attestatione from Hamiltoune anent the tuo scriblers that runn away from Neumilnes, declares the same to be altogether false and forged and offers to disprove what they attest by a great many witnesses, and that if the Manadgers neglect to raise a councell summonds againest these persones and there masters the Company may lose the best of there servants. Orders that furthwith there be ane Counsell summonds raised againest the saids scriblers and ther masters and Trotter who seduced them, and alsoe against George Kilpatrick a scribler now in Glasgow and his present masters. Mr. Maxuell does lykuayes report that he thinks it veriy advysable that 50 or 60 balls Spanish wooll (besyds the last 8 and 12 balls formerly comissioned) be provyded for befor it ryse abroad. Orders that the same be layd before the first generall meeting. Mr. Maxuells does alsoe report that seing by contract betuixt him and the Company he is obleidged to take the coppers and ayr dyeing lombs, he desyres the Manadgers or Company would send out to the work ane fitt persone on there account to value them, and it being proposed that he may take them (to save charges to him and the Company) as valued in last Mays inventar he accepts of the same accordingly. Orders Mr. Herreot to charge said coppers and others belonging to the dyhouse to said Mr. MaxuelFs account amounting to £60 sterling. Reports alsoe that there is a charge of horning given for the feudeuty of Neumilnes. Orders that Mr. Herreot look the books for the last payment THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 235 of the feudeuty and that A. Weir pay quhat is resting upone a discharge. Orders A. Weir to delyver up David MaxuelTs bond of 0rders to deiy- J ' ver up David subscriptione for i?100 in the additionall stock of the Manu- MaxuelTs bond factory and alsoe quhat recepts he hes payed him and con- subscription^* teaned in the stated account subscribed be the Manadgers this day. 1 Approves of Alexander Hereots makeing cloaths account debitor to the Manufactory account for 9 ends cloath was receaved in the 23rd August last intrometted with by A. Weir and not conteand in the inventar taken up at James Ritchie's death quherof the dyeing is included in Mr. MaxuelTs account of dyeing preceeding 1st February 1701 years viz : — No. 1574. Mixt. conteaning 3 ends 40 ells. 1732. do do 3 „ 39i „ 1757. do do 3 „ 39} „ valued at principal coast att 17s. 6d. Orders a generall meeting to be called Wednesday next at tenn of the clock at which meeting David Maxuell is ordered to be present. Geo : Clark. Edinburgh, 19th February 1701. Approves of the payments folloueing by A. Weir since 15th January last viz : — January 15th. Payed or sent to James Dunlop for the work ,£100: 0: 0 January 22nd. Payed to Do for the work . 100 : 0 : 0 do 25th. Payed to Robert Hay in part a parcel of wooll . . . . . 30 : 0 : 0 1 Evidently sometime between 1690 and 1701 the capital of the Company had been increased. Such new issues of capital were described at this period as an 'additional' or 'engrafted stock.' The original capital appears to have been ^5Ckdo sterling {vide ' A Memorial concerning the Cloath Manufactory,' printed in Introduction, Part v.), but all this had not been called up at first. A com- parison of the payments for wool in 1701 with those from 1681 to 16S9 shows that at the later period a larger working capital was required. Apparently, however, the Company was suffering from a scarcity of ' liquid assets 5 owing to the general stringency throughout the country after the collapse of the Darien Scheme, for it will have been noticed in the previous paragraph of the text that the feu-duty on Newmills was in arrear. 236 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF February 1st. Payed to James Ninimo as value i?3000 in billsremitted to Messrs. Drumond and Vanderhoyden att 24s. 2d. per £ 1 . 302 : 1 : 8 Paid for tuo 2 pieces Dudingstoune harne for the work ...... 16 : 8 Payed to Andrew Cockburne per precept Alex- ander Brand on the Manadgers, payed to him for the bond of loan to said Alexander Brand, principal £70. Annual rent of said £70 from Whvtsundav 96 to Lambas 1700 . . . . £6: 6:5 Do. of— ^20 of said £70 from Lambas 1700 to Candlemas 1701 11:6 76:17:11 February 6th. Payed or sent to James Dunlop for the use of the work . . . . 60 : 0 : 0 do. 11th. Payed to do. for do. use . . . 20 : 0 : 0 ^689:16: 3 Paid this and all former sederunt money. John Marjoribanks. Edinburgh, 26th February 1701. Approves of the payments folloueing since last sedaruntviz: — February 19th. Paid or sent to James Dunlop for the use of the\vork i?50 : 0 : 0 Payed to David Maxuell in full of dyeing etc. dew to him preceeding 1st instant per recept and account . . . . 71 :10 : 5 J February 25th. Paved to John Bell in full of all wooll and skinns furnished by him or the deceast Thomas Kerr preceeding 1st instant per account the Manadgers order and recept i 3 30:16: 0 Payd to Mr. David Dalrmyle and Milne Craig consulting anent Collonell M c Kartney 1 For an explanation of the rate of foreign exchange, vide Introduction, Part I. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 237 and other business of the Company each Sdollers . . . i?46: 8:0 Mr. David Dalrymple's 2 men doller . . . 4:7:0 Milne Craig's tuo men 2 dollers and his footman 14J . 6 : 10 : 6 Spent with Ballindalloch . 7:0 Given to Ballendalloch to give Sir Thomas Moncreefe to give account of quhat cloathing mony etc. is dew- to the regiment of guards a guinay Scotts . . 14 : 6 : 0 5:19: lOh £11:18:6 £158: 6: Sh Orders that Bailly Marjoreibanks wryt to Mr. Mureisone in Commissione Amsterdam to buy for the Company's use 14 balls of the best spantshwooii. Sigovia wooll and that Messrs. Drummond and Vanderhovden be comissioned to buy 30 balls of the tuo sorts last sent att 43 and 45 styvers, bott non of the sortts att 36 styvers. Orders that Mr. Alexander Stuart in Edinburgh be advvsed Anent the pype 1 • i i *n li i l 0 ,, of oyll vat dam- to wryt to his brother and Allan in Holland that one ol the nefied. pyps of oyll last sent is not worth any thing and noe better then the dirt of the streets, and that Mr. Maxuell be wrott to to try the conditione of the other pype of oyll sent. Orders A. Weir to buy 60 ells of strong harne about 7d. or 8d. per ell to be sent to the work. Geo : Clark. Edinburgh the 5th March 1701. This day aggred with James Guthrie for his seller in Leath Aggreement sett by him to the Company, and that for bygaines and in Gmhrkfor his tyme comeing for £29 Scotts per annum. seller in Leith. Orders A. Weir to pay said James Guthrie 2 years rent of said seller in Leith preceeding Whytsunday nixt 1701 years being £58 and to take his discharge. The postscript of William Blackwood's letter to Messrs. Drumond and Vanderhoyden the 27th February last aproves thereof and orders said William Blackwood to wryt for 4 butts 238 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Orders to David Maxuell for makeing several cioaths con- forme the num- bers and sua- thers viz : — Comissione to Mr. Drumond for buying 16 balls more Spanish wool!. sueet oyll lyke the Gallipoli oyll the Company getts home, and 800 Spanish Reids long lithed for broad lomb sleas. Orders to wryt to David Maxuell that the Manadgers are informed that in Holland and at the Manufactory at Mussel - brugh they make use of rapp oyll for course cloath and lists and quhat quantety of that he may take. 1 Orders David Maxuell to make 3 piece No. 84 and 3 piece No. 86 fvne cloath and 3 piece midling, and 3 piece course of each of the numbers 85 and 87 and that A. Weir send him the patrons with there numbers, and that Mr. Maxuell advvse the Company of the numbers he is makeing and of quhat sorts that they may give orders accordingly. David MaxuelFs letter of the 27th past being read, and as to what he wryts therin of the quantety of Spanish wooll he proposes that he cann work up in a year viz: — from Whyt- sunday 1701 to Whytsunday 1702. Orders that Messrs. Drumond and Vanderhoyden be wryt to, to buy up 16 balls more of the Spanish wooll formerly comis- sioned for the Company's accompt in caice the same be to be had at reasonable rates. Geo : Clark. Edinburgh, 12th March 1701. Approves of the payments folloueing made by Alexander Weir since last 26th February viz : — Paved Robert Hay in full a parcell wooll bought from per David Maxueirs precept and recept . . £65 : 12 : 10 Paved for 60 ells thick harne sent to the work 7Jd. per ell 1 : 17 : 6 Paved to George Bell in part for calfeskinns per recept . . . . . . 9:0:0 Paved or sent to James Dunlop for the use of the work 50 : 0 : 0 Paved James Guthrie 2 years rent of his seller at Leith to Whytsunday 1701 per discharge, 10 dollers per year . . . . . 4:16:8 1 The Musselburgh Cloth Manufactory was founded by Gilbert Robertson of Whitehouse, who, in 1695, petitioned Parliament for privileges similar to those enjoyed by the Newmills Company {Pari. Papers, 1695 — 'The Petition of G. Robertson'). At this date he proposed to form a company, and by 1703 * a considerable stock had been adventured,' and 1 many hundreds of workpeople' were employed {Memorial concerning the State of Manufactures). THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 239 Paved to Arthur Broune for £2400 bought from him and remitted to John Drummond and partner in Amsterdam att 23s. lOd. per £ 238 : 6 : 8 Payed or sent to James Dunlope for the use of the work . . . . . . 65 : 0 : 0 £434:13: 8 Orders Alexander Herreot, Book keeper to book the fol- Booked loueing stated accompt betuixt Sir Robert Hamiltone 0 f Apnll/ Silvertounhill and the Company that the books and said accompt may aggree together. Viz : — To charge Sir Robert Dr. to cash in James Ritchie's hands viz : — Payed Sir Roberts bill to Eduard Broune for £313 : 0 : 0 Payed Sir Robert himselfe . . 300 : 0 : 0 Payed more for which William Blackwood is credit . . 120 : 0 : 0 £738 : 0 : 0 Payed by William Blackwood to Sir Robert for which said William most have credet . 4] 3 : 0 : 0 Payed by Alexander Weir to him for which his I?OIi I( accompt of cash most have credet. March. This accompt of £366 Scots is already booked ^ ota fra Alexander Weir's Cash book . . 366 : 0 : 0 £1512:0:0 Sir Robert is to be made Dr. to Profeit and Loss for damadges upone his tuo former bills returned protested from Holland . . 120 : 0 : 0 £1632 : 0 : 0 Sir Robert hes gott credet already in the leidger book for mony paid by him . . . 600 : 0 : 0 £1032 ; 0 : 0 Rests for which Sir Robert and Captain William Maxuell his cautioner have given bond payable 1st Jully next bearing annual rent from 10th March instant £86 sterling. 240 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Orders to reteir Orders Alexander Weir to retier from William Blackwood Blackwood quhat recepts said William hes of the deceast George Clerk or he hes ofGeor^e ^ ames Ritchie's granted to him in part his bonds to the Com- cierks or James pany and to discompt said recepts with bonds said Alexander Ritchies and to , . , . ■• give up bond hes m his custody. therefor. George Clerk reports that he hes bought from James Gordone Oyii bought be g butts sueet oyll att 31d. per pynt. Clerk for the use . J i • i i • i i Orders that the same be weighed in order to make a com- of the work. nai° k p d 97.^ OUr putatione how many pynts is therof and that the value be paid to George Clerk and that David Maxuell be advysed of its being bought. Mr. Mureisones letter with invoyse for 8 balls Spanish wooll amounting with charges to i?2459 : 18 : 0 styrling being read. Orders that bills be bought and remitted Saturday next for said ^2495 : 19 : 0 styrling. Mr. Drummond and partner's letter with invoyse of 12 balls Spanish wooll amounting to £3696 : 5 : 0 styrling with charges being alsoe read. Orders the ballance dew thereof to be remitted them, and that Messrs. Allane and Stuart be wrott to for 4 butts rapp oyll of the best sort. Laurance Scott's accompt of weight work being read extend- ing to i?4 : 5 : 0 Scotts. Orders Alexander Weir to pay him upone his discharge therof £4. Mrs. Ogstounes account for books for the Company's use being alsoe read extending to i?ll :9:0 Scotts, orders the same to be paid her upone her discharge. Payd this and all preceeding sederunt mony. Sir Robert Hamiltone of Silvertounhill produces a letter of this dayes date acknouledgeing that he is debtor to Robert Curry tennent in Bacleugh £1400 Scotts which he desynd may be payed out of his bills for 1000 ducattonncs which he is to draw payable to the Manadgers upone William Sycoma, advocat at the court of Freizland, and that soe soon as advyce comes that the bills are good and accepted and desyres to reteire his bond granted to said Curry with all dilligence thereupone and a discharge. John Marjoribanks. p. 97. Booked 12th March 1701. Remittance to be made Mr. Mureisone. Booked 12th March 1701. Remittance to be made Mr. Drumond. Orders to pay Laurance Scott's and Mrs. Ogstones ac- counts. Anent Sir Robert Hamil tone of Silver- tounhill. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 241 Edinburgh, 19th March 1701. Approves of the payments folloueing made by Alexander Weir since the last sederunt viz : — Payed or sent to James Dunlop for the use of the March 12th. work £50 : 0 : 0 Payed to James Nimmo for <£ J 2400 bought X 8th. from him and remitted to James Murei- sone in Amsterdam quherof i?1400 att 24J per £ and ^1000 att 24s. 4d. per £ 1 244:6: 1J Payed or sent out to the work to James Dunlop 50 : 0 : 0 <£344:6:li Sir Robert Hamiltoune of Silvertounehill haveing sent from Glasgow the first and 2nd bills for 1000 ducatdonnes on Mr. Sycoma advocat at Freizland in Lenarden payable to George Clerk which he is indorse and send to Messrs. Drumond and partner in Amsterdam for accompt the Company. Orders the said bills to be remitted to said Drummond and Bills draune by Vanderhoyden, and that they be wrot to, to gett the samyne §amStone to be accepted. remitted to Mr. George Clerk haveing gott seaverall snatches of course cloath in order to send some of it abroad for a try all. Orders that the said Bailly George Clerk gett what of these To sell course course he buyes for the use forsaid att 2d. per shilling for aeri^at^d^er incouradgment for report. shilling. Orders that Alexander Weir cause send out the wooll at Leith and one of the casques of oyll to Neumilnes, and that he wryt to Mr. Maxuell the gross weight of the wooll and alse of the oyll, and that Mr. Maxuell quhen he empties the casque of oyll weigh the casque and send a noat of the weight therof. Orders Alexander Weir to give recept for the bill of 1000 Warrand to ducatdonnes framed by Sir Robert Hamiltone one Mr. Sycoma to^vereceptof at Freizland at the rate 23d. per £. g r R ° bert , 1 . , Hamiltone s John Marjoribanks. bill of 1000 ducatdonnes. 1 For an explanation of the rate of foreign exchange, vide Introduction, Part 1. Q 242 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edinburgh, 26th March 1701 years. Approves of the payments folloueing since last sederunt viz : — To Johne Cunninghame of Ballendalloch to give to Hugh Cunninghame to make moyen with Thesaurar Depute anent Colonel M c Kartneyes affair ^1:3:9 To Robert Hoy in part a parcell of wooll bought from him per David MaxuelPs letter and precept . . . . . 25: 0:0 Said freight 8 balls wooll in Thomas Osuald. . . . ,£1:10:0 Charges at Kirkaldie and Leith . 1:0:7 2 : 10 : 7 £28 : 14 : 4 Orders Alexander Weir to accept and pay that bill of Johne Drumonds and partners upone the Manadgers for £2000 att 24d. per cent, payable to the order of Mr. Gilbert Black. Orders Alexander Weir to send out the soap and spinnells etc. now at Borrostouness when the same aryves at Leith, and Orders said Alexander Weir to wryt to David Maxuell plaint of°° m s ig ne fy e i n g that Thomas Fisher complaines of the unequall- Thomas ness of the collours of the heriotts work cloath not being exactly conforme to the suatch sent out to him and that he want 9 peice or 18 ends which he desyres may be of the collours last sent for the old cloath in the hall will not doe his turne not being of the exact collour. John Marjoribanks. Edinburgh, 2nd April 1701 years. Approves of the payments folloueing since last sederunt viz : — Fayed to James Dunlop for the use of the work £27 : 0 : 0 Payed to Robert Nicolsone J interest £800 to Candlemas 1701 . . . . 44:0:0 Payed to Gilbert Stuart per Mr. Drumond and partners bill on the Manadgers at value £2000 att 24d. per £ . . . 200 : 0 : 0 THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 243 Payed cartage on butt oyll and 8 balls wooll in tuo cartts . . £11: 0:0 Custome at Leith and the panns . 0:13:4 Paid freight 12 balls wooll and six boxes soap and spinnells in John Hodge and bringing doune to Leith . . . 45:12:0 Charges at the Custom House at Borrostouness . . 2:3:6 Charges at Leith . . . 3:15:4 ^69: 4:2 5 : 15 : 4| ^276:15:41 Orders William Blackuood to uryt to William Frazer or Order for Mr. Spurouay at London for 2 or 3 baggs of the best teassells Sssefis^ per first post, besyds those to be gott from Alexander Clerk. Orders David Maxuell to uryt to Hugh Cuninghame by uay of precept to advance to Alexander Weir for payment of the messengers accompt for ceiting seaveral importers of foiraigne cloath and exporters of wooll as the said Hugh promised to Mr. Maxuell. 1 Orders William Blackuood to setle with a fitt persone at Setiing with a London for sending patrons of fyne medling and course cloaths London for of the latest fashions from tyme to tyme. patrons to be J J t tymely sent. Orders Alexander Weir to delyver to James Marjoreibanks what of the whyt cloaths came in this week that lie needs att 2d per shilling profeit and to give him the ordinary abate- ment of 5 per cent, in caice of ready mony. To uryt to David Maxuell to know whither the Manadgers shall come out the last week of this moneth or the first of the next, and to know if the pryces of the whyt cloaths above be the Company's pryce or first coast. 2 1 The ' ceiting of importers of foiraigne cloath and exporters of wooll ' was a consequence of the Act of 1701, which re-enacted the legislation of 1681 with certain modifications. Cf. Introduction, Part IV. 2 'The whyt cloaths above' are enumerated in 'the cloaths receaved,' which information, as explained in the Introduction, Part I., it is necessary to omit. They were numbers 1755, 1 1 56, 1644, valued respectively at 6/, 4/10, 4/10. 244 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Bailly Bouden being deceased Alexander Weir gave in a list of his debt being about i?130, quherof about i?70 payable. Orders Alexander Weir to seek after the same. John Marjoribanks. Edinburgh, 9th Apryll 1701. Approves of the payments folloueing since last sederunt viz : — Apryll 5th. Payd William Andrew Carter for 4 cartts for cariage 12 balls wooll and 6 chists with soap and spinnells . £2 : 0 : 0 Payed or sent out to James Dunlop for the use of the work . . . . . 50 : 0 : 0 8th. Payed or sent out to Do. for said use . . 50 : 0 : 0 John Cunninghame of Ballendalloch, Wryter to the Signet, haveing presented a petitione to the Manadgers craveing ane gratificatione for his paines and trouble in the Companies concernes and affairs espeicially anent Mrs. Donaldsone, James Row, John Curry and Leivtenant Collonell M c Kartney. Orders to pay to Orders Alexander Weir to give to said Mr. Cunninghame ioo merks for one hundereth merks Scotts for his paines and trouble in the toe Companies Companies affairs and to take a recept. affairs. Mr. Mureisone's letter with ane accompt current of the cloath sent to Holland disposed of by him, being presented to the Manadgers, and they haveing considered the same together with the accompt of cloath sent to Holland as stated in the Companie's books, and rinding the same to be verry unclear, To uryt Mr. Orders to uryt to Mr. Mureisone and Mr. Speelman inclose- cioafh^senfto 111 Speelman's letter in Mr. Mureisones, desyreing him to Holland. procure ane accompt of 57 ends cloath sent to Holland. John Marjoribanks. Edinburgh, 8th Apryll, 1701. Att a meeting of the Comittee appoynted by a general meeting for considereing the books and work at Neumilnes, and to forme cheques for securatie to the Company. Present, John Hamiltone, John Cunighame, Walter Cheisly, William Graeme. John Cunninghame of Ballendalloch, Preces. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 245 The above comittee haveing considered the representatione Anent Mr. given in to the generall meeting the 2nd instant by Mr. tone's petitione. William Hamiltone remited by the said meeting to them its their opinione that they cannot condescend to Mr. Hamiltone's demands therein conteaned ; bot as to that of the representa- tione quher he insinuatts that he had been servisable to the Company on all occasiones, and because he is to goe to the country for some considerable tyme, and he demandeing eight pounds sterling, Orders Alexander Weir to give to Mr. William Hamiltone 2^'° s ive & _ Mr. William eight pounds sterling and to take his receipt thereof, and Hamiltone £8 obleidgment to allow the same out of his next dividend of h^next ^ivi- rt profeitts to be made. dendofprofeits. Appovnts John Hamiltone, Walter Cheisly, Alexander Comittee ■n iTixr pi - appoynted to Jiroune and Joseph 1 oung or any tuo oi them to goe out with goe out to assist the Manadgers when they goe out to Neumilnes to take up the 2 e n^keing g up inventar there, in order to consider the books and methods of the inventary. the work at present and to report there objectiones against any thing wrong that further cheques may be prepared against next generall meeting. And to treat and speake with the master of the work to prevaill with him to take apprentises to learne his art of dyeing and all other things relating to the work soe farr as he is capable. Edinburgh, 16th Apryll 1701. James Cleeland, marchant in Edinburgh, haveing this day J ohn Cieeiand's . . ° ryte to two intimat a right which he and his brother John Cleeland hes to bands of tuo bonds of Samuell Pryors for. ^135 sterling. Orders tliefj^^SS same to be payed upone a discharge betuixt and the 16th P al with annual 1 J 1 ° rents. Intimat Jully next. verbally. It being proposed that the fyne cloaths be rouped in regaird Orders anent that when any small parcells thereof come from Neumilnes fy^Soath 6 the marchants cannot weell aggree themselves, nor be all fully satisfyed. Orders that the fyne cloaths be rouped and that the dyetts D yettsfor * r * rouping the for roup are the Wednesdayes from 10 to eleven of the cloak fyne cioath. foirnoon and Frydayes from 3 to 4 of the cloak afternoon one of the present Manadgers being aluayes witnes to the roupes. 246 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Orders Alexander Weir to call for the rvght Mrs. Bouden lies to her husbands share in the Manufactory and to report, sone^s letter 1 James Mureisones letter to Alexander Weir with invoyse with invoyse for and bill of loadinng for 6 balls Spanish wooll amounting to »ooTand Panish » ith charges i*>009. orders to make Orders Alexander Weir to buv bills for the samyne and provision for . ■* J the same. remitt them to said Mureisone. Aprii^oi.^ Orders Alexander Weir to buy £600 from Bailly Marjorei- Orders to buy banks to remit to Messrs. Drumond and Vanderhoyden. 6oo pounds from Bailly John Marjoribanks. Marj ore i banks to be remitted 'Dmmondand Edinburgh, 23rd April 1701. Vanderhovden. 1 ^ ut • _ _. _ _ _.. 1 Orders to Mr. Orders Alexander \\ eir to uryt to Mr. Maxuell to dye aiuh^^neand wna t fyne cloaths he hes both fyne and midlings into black in mjdling whyts a H heast. Orders Alexander Weir to send out this and next week £150 sterling for the use of the work. John Marjoribanks. Edinburgh, 30th April 1701. Mr. Dmmond s Messrs. Drummond and Vanderhoyden there letter of the irayceof 10 26th current N.S. being presented and read with Bill of woon^rdets loading for 10 balls of Spanish wooll, extending to, with Alexander Weir charges £526± : advvseing that he hes bought 26 balls more Si?SrS ri " which amount to about -£8000. payment Orders Alexander Weir to make provisione for payment of thereof. Booked r . 1 J 30th April 1701. the said wooll and in the mean ty me to buy bills for 2 or i?3000 to be remitted Saturday next. Proposaiiof William Blackuood haveing proposed that for the conveni- ^odsTo^emU enc . v of the Company Mr. Drumond be advysed to draw att Holland for ~ t usu ] on tne Com P an y for ^ 500 upone Mr. William Fraser, wooll. marchant in London for the use and behove of the Company whom Mr. Blackwood ingadges will accept the same. Orders that Mr. Drumond be urot to the effect forsaid. Patrons sent to Orders that tenn of the patrons sent now doune by Mr. the work to be r it strukatt. William Fraser from No. 88 to No. 97 be sent to Mr. Maxuell for makeing fyne and medling cloaths as marked in the patrone book. John Marjori banks. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 247 Orders Alexander Weir to allow or discompt with Mr. William Blakuood off his bonds to the Company what advancments of monv he hes made for the Company and for which there is sederunt. Orders David Maxwell to be made debtor for £6 : 13 : 4 sterling and J. F. marchant in London to have credet for the samyne, being the pryce and value of a parcell of Strae uald shipt at London by Do. Foullis and receaved by said Mr. Maxuell about January or February last from aboard ship at Leith. This and all former sederunt mony paid. Approves of the payments folloueing made by Alexander Weir since 9th April 1701 viz : — Payed or sent out to James Dunlop for the use of the work .... Payed James Nimmo for bills remitted James Mureisone being for ^1909 att 24 J d. per £ Payed to John Marjoreibanks as value as bill £600 remitted to Mr. Drummond at 24Jd. per £ Payed or sent to James Dunlop for the use of the work ..... Payed or sent to Do. for use of the work Paved to John Marjoreibanks as value of a bill £600 remitted to Mr. Drummond and partner att 24 Jd. per £ Payed for coall and candle from Lambas to 1st May ..... Payed to John Hunter f years sellary to Whyt 1701 . . . Paved Laurance Scott, uright per accompt, Scotts . . . ^4:0:0 Payed Mr. S. Ogstoune per accompt 11 : 5 : 0 Orders to Alex- ander Weir to discompt with Mr. Blackwood quhat orders he hes per sede- runts formerly advanced by him to the Company. Booked 28 April 1 701. ^80: 0:0 194 : 17 : 6h 61: 5:0 50: 150: 0:0 0:0 61: 5:0 0:0 3: 0:0 April 15. Booked 28th June. Booked 30th. April 16th. 22nd. 26th. April 1 8th. Booked 30th. =£15:9:0 ^1 : 5 : 9 i?606: 13:3{, 248 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF May 6th. Payed Mr. William Hamiltone in part his next dividend of profeits . . . 8: 0:0 ^614 : 13 : John Marjoribanks. Edinburgh, 7th May 1701. Approves of the payments folloueing since last sederunt viz : — Booked ^ Payed to James Nimmo as value ^2600 bought from him and remitted to Messrs. Drumond and Vanderhovden att 24Jd. per<£> . . . . ,£265:8:4 Payed or sent out to James Dunlop for use of the work . . . . . 50 : 0 : 0 Booked 30th April 1701. £315:8:4 Geo: Clark. Messrs. Drumond and partner there letter of the 6th current N.S. being presented with bill of loadning and invoyse for 26 balls Spanish wooll amounting to with charges £8261 : 17 styvers. Orders Alexander Weir to make provisione for payment thereof. Hary Massie haveing compeared and proposed that being ofHaryMassies Company's debitor in a considerable soume, and being verry willing the Company be satisfyed, bot of himselfe being altogether unable to satisfy it bot that if he could prevail! with any freind to procure a part, he hopes the Company will be so kynd to him as to give him ane ease. Orders that the above representatione be presented to the next generall meeting. Geo: Clark. Representatione Cards to be commissioned from London. Anent more Spanish wooll to be comis- sioned. Edinburgh, 14th May 1701. Orders that the cards mentioned in David Maxuells letter of the 5th instant be wrot for as in the said letter, and that William Blackuood uryt for the cardmaker therein named from England. Mr. William Blackuood haveing reported that Mr. Maxuell THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 249 thinks it fitt, that there be 50 balls more of Spanish wooll -comissioned. Orders that the same be laid befor the next general 1 meeting. William Blackuood lykuayes reports that there is 30 ends of whyt cloath at the work which he ordered to be made in Blacks in all heast and to bring foruard more blacks. William Blackwood gives in ane particular accompt of the 3 baggs of Seebaggs teassells formerly comissioned by him for the use of the |here e pr S ime ( cost Company which with exchange amounts to Scotts £161 : 10 : 0 and to give \ J , p i ,i i William Black- As also ane accompt oi depursments depursd uood credet for by him extending to . . . 24 : 13 : 6 - d pursements. Both which extends to . . £186 : 3 : 6 Orders Alexander Weir to give William Blackuood credet Booked and for the above £~[86:3 :6 Scotts. jun^oi* 1 William Blackuood alsoe produces ane ticket of young To give William Boyne s for ^79 Scotts which the said Boyne obleidges him to ^tZ\ allow or deduce off what foullers earth he shall furnish to the ticket of Boynes n , i o for £79 and Use OI the Company. that Boyne be Orders that the same be stoped out of the first end of slmTonT the Bovn's accompt of foullers earth and that Alexander Weir accompt his 1 fullers earth. •credet William Blackuood for the same. Booked ist Bailly Bouden^s relict haveing sent her in her August I?olm name and intimat to the Manadgers her ryt to her husband £100 stock in the Company and her factory from her childreen. Orders that Alexander Weir gett ane extract of the intima- To ane ex tione and pay for the samyne, and alsoe ane extract of the tra ct of Bailly Bouden's dispo- •dlSpOSltlOlie. sitione in Orders that James Dunlop be urot to to come in againest ^]-^ rs of his this day eight dayes, and to bring alongst with him all his .accompts and Day Book together with the card work accompt, and the accompt of rents and sutlery preceeding May 1701. Bailly Simpone haveing compeared to the Manadgers anent that affair of Mrs. Donaldsone and proposes that if the Company will take course with it they may expect ane ease or abatement. That Ballendal- Referrs to Bailly Marjoreibanks to treat with him, and in Bamf simple 250 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Mrs. Donald- sone's peapers and that he reports his thoughts thereof. Comissione for wyre for the card work. Orders for payeing the accompt [of] depursments at makeing the inventory at Neumilnes. the meantime that Bailly Simpsone show the proces to Ballen- dalloch. James Nimmo haveing compeared and desyred that the Man- adgers would order Alexander Weir to take and buy from him ^3000 which the said Alexander desyred him to provyd, ansuered by Alexander Weir that it was trew he had desyred Mr. Nimmo to provyd ^3000, bot that since that tyme Messrs. Drumond and partner to whom the said ^3000 was to be remitted had draune on the Manadgers for ^6000 at 4Jd. 1 per £ and would drau for the remainder of quhats resting them at that rate and perhaps cheaper soe that the Company could not take Mr. Nimo's ^3000. Orders William Black uood to wryt to Mr. Drumond and partner anent tuo samples of wyre which the master of the card work 2 desyres to have exact conforme to the patrons, of each sort ane barrell weell wiped and that there be only three boues in the pound weight. Orders that Alexander Weir cause Alexander Matheisone in Leith make 4 dozen of the broadest syze he useth to make of country broads to be brought to Edinburgh in order to be sent out to Neumilnes. Orders the accompt of depursments depursd by Alexander Herreot for himselfe and the Manadgers makeing wp the in- ventary at Neumilnes be payed him by Alexander Weir. Orders Alexander Weir to reteir from Alexander Campble 1 4^d. should be 24^. i.e. £1 Scots exchanged @ 24^. Vide Introduction,. Part 1. 2 The 1 card-work ' was probably the wool-card manufactory at Leith, which had been founded as early as 1663, and which had a monopoly. The master was Ewan MacGrigor, who is to be thanked for some of the most pungent writing to be found in the petitions presented to Parliament during this period,, and who evoked equally strong language from the Convention of Royal Burghs. The latter having characterised the monopoly 'as an intolerable grievance/ against which there 1 was one universal complaint ' . . . ' even from whole parishes which had been distressed by the masters of the manufactory/ MacGrigor replied that any prosecutions which his company had started had been directed against the importation of 'that rotten stuff of foreign old cards/ which ' though in a manner cast away abroad and bought up for little or nothing, yet are endeavoured to be imposed on this kingdom.' In fact, according to this statement, the whole alledged attacks arose from ' the whispers and complaints of querulous, envious persons.' THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 251 the recept which John Hay granted to him for bonds dew to the Company extending to £%639 : 17 : If sterling and that Alexander Weir give recept in place thereof he haveing receaved from John Hay the mast part of said bonds. Orders that the instructiones of payments made by James That^the in- ^ Dunlop upone the Company 1 accompt for stipends or other- t h e payments at wayes be aluayes put up in a bundell commenceing from May ^ be to May and sealled by the Manadgers to ly in the hall. bundeiis yearly This and all former sederunt mony paid. hall. Appoynts a generall meeting to be upone the first Wednes- £p ^genemlf day of June next at three in the afternoon for choyseing of meeting. Manadgers and others for the ensueing year. John Marjoribanks. Edinburgh, 21st May 1701. Approves of the payments folloueing by Alexander Weir since 6th instant. Payed or sent to James Dunlop for the use of May 8th. the work ..... £50: 0:0 Payed to Bailly Marjoreibanks per James Murei- Booked 28th sons bill on Alexander Weir for Spanish wooll 250: 0:0 J une Payed to the order of Thomas Craufurd per bill draune by Messrs. Drumond and partner on the Manadger ^1225 Scotts . . 102 : 1 : 8 Payed Ronadge 42 balls wooll Scotts £2: 1:0 Cariage to the celler and three bundles reeds . . . 3:14:0 Shoar deus and mark per tunn . 15:5:4 Spent tuo dayes at Leith . 1:4:0 £22: 4:4 1 : 16:3 Payed Alexander Herreot which he depursd for himselfe and the Manadgers makeing up the inventary at Neumilnes per accompt 4 : 17 : 4 J ^408 : 15 : 31 Orders Alexander Weir to pay to Bailly Clerk £138 : 17 : 0 252 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Scotts as the freight of 38 balls wooll and 3 bundells of reids in Glesfoords ship and Turnbulls. Receaved a letter from Mr. Mureisone and another from Mr. Speelman anent the cloath sent to Holland with ane accompt of the sale of the cloath quhairof Mr. Speelman per said accompt acknouledges a ballance of ^1418 : 14 styvers off which there is =£208 : 7 styvers of outstanding debts. To uryt to Mr. Orders that the Manadgers uryt a lyne to Messrs. Drumond Mr U Speelman a "d Vanderhoyden and another to Mr. Speelman by the former senuVHoiian? ^° ^ m P 0Ur sa ids Messrs. Drumond and partner to receave from Mr. Speelman i?1210 : 7/ — which lyes in his hands belonging to the Company and to be charged to their accompt by the letter to advyse there draught on him payable to said Mr. Drumond of said soume, and orders Mr. Herreot to examine Mr. Speelman^ accompt and to report next sederunt. This daye receaved a copy of a summonds of furthcomeing befor the Lords at the instance of William Elleot laceman in London against the Manadgers at any wayes debitors to Patrick Foul lis. Copy of Orders the said copy to be given to Ballendalloch to take Summonds of . t 1 furthcoming at nottice of the same, accordingly Alexander Weir instantly in^Londo^^in- debit him the samyne. John Marjoribanks. stance debitor to Ballendalloch. Edinburgh, 28th May 1701. Approves of the payments made by Alexander Weir since last sederunt. To James Nimmo per Messrs. Drumond and partners' bill on the Manadgers payable ? to the order of Mr. Thomas Craufurd ,£612 : 10/ Scotts 1 . . . . £51:10:0 To do. Nimmo per do. Drumonds bill on do. payable ^ as the former . . . 51 : 10 :0 1 5s, ^d, an( * ws kelow refer to bills drawn at twenty days, fourteen days, and three weeks respectively. Similarly — means 1 at double usance,' or twice the usu period usual at the place where payment was to be made. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 253 To do. Nimmo per do. Drummond's bill payable ? as the former .... ^51 : 10 : 0 as To Bailly Clerk which he payed for freight of Spanish wooll in Alexander Glassfoord and John Turnbull's ship per recept £138 : 17/ Scotts . . . . . 11:11:5 To James Dunlop for the use of the work per 23 rd recept . . . . . 50 : 0 : 0 To do. for the use of the work . . . 50 : 0 : 0 27 th ^264:13:11 Receaved the 23rd instant the coppies of arreistment at the instance of Mr. James Drumond, Advocat against Alexander Stivensone in Paris on in the Manadgers hands the other in Alexander Weir's hands. Orders Alexander Weir to record saids coppies. James Dunlop haveing recommended to the Manadgers that Anent aneerror in his accompt given in the 1st May 99 or thereby, that these lop'saccompt had urot upon the Company's principall books had given him tob^f ay " credet only for £100 paid out by him upone the sutlary accompt in place ^1472:19:8 Scotts quherby he wanted credet for i?272 : 19 : 8 Scotts being the difference as plainly appears by the Leidger book which the Manadgers have now ryply considered. Orders A. Herreot now to give Mr. Dunlop credet for the Booked 30th said ^272:19:8d. Scotts in the accompt current with him April I7<31 ' being ^22 : 14 : llf sterling. Orders Alexander Weir to pay to David Maxuell 30d.for each To pay David day he comes and stayes in Edinburgh on the Company's affairs, ^riin^each Orders William Blackuood and Alexander Weir to uryt to day he is in Alexander Campble anent the bonds of which are now in Company's Arthur Brounes hands that the same be cleared conforme to affairs - the stated accompt betuixt the Manadgers and said Mr. Campble. Payed this and former sederunt monyes. John Marjoribanks. 254 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edinburgh, 4th June 1701. Approves of the payments folloueing by Alexander Weir since the last sederunt viz : — To Mr. William Black per Messrs. Drumond's bill on the Manadgers payable ^ to the order of Mr. Patrick Lesly Scotts £3675 . . £306 : 5 : 0 To do. per bill do. Drummond on the Manadgers payable ^ to the order of Mr. James Black £1225 .... £102:1:8 To James Nimmo per bill do. Drumond on the Manadgers payable ^ to order of Mr. Thomas Craufurd £1225 . . . 102:1:8 £510:8:4 Receaved coppie of sumonds of furthcomeing at Mr. David Drumond, Thesaurar to the Bank his instance against Alexander Weir as cash-keeper. Orders the same to be addebted to Ballendalloch. Receaved coppie of arreistment at John Drumond in Am- sterdam his instance against Alexander Stivensone in Paris. Orders said copie to be recorded. Receaved letter from James Mureisone in Amsterdam ad- vyseing his draught for £398 Scotts as being the ballance dew by the Company to him bot noe current account receaved. Orders Alexander Herreot to state Mr. Mureisone's accompt with the Company to know quhat ballance is resting him. Booked 8th Receaved letter from my Lord Boyne advysing his sending Juliy 1701. g4 firlotts of eearth for makeing up the 200 bushells which are corned to Leith. Orders that David Maxuell sie the said eearth in regain! he complained of the last that was sent. Booked 8th Receaved letter with invoyse and bill loading from Mr. 4 U butts 7 oyii and Drumond for 4 butts oy 11 and 6 chists soap amounting to with 6chistssoap charges £1452:9 stwers which goods are now lying in the from Mr. fo J & J & Drumond. wyniS. Orders that the warrand is gott for the same be sent over to THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 255 the wyms to cause unload said goods and bring them to Leath, and that Mr. Herreot peruse the invoyse and that Mr. Drumond be urot to. It being informed that Captain Charters hes brought home cloath stockeing and other forraigne woollen manufacture, to advyse before quhat court or judicature to persue him, and to consider how long the persuite may be in force in caice of dilatours, and to enquyre anent other transgressours of that nature. 1 Orders that Ballendalloch doe draw the comissione men- ^ orr ^^ s ^ ne to tioned in the generall meeting 28th February last to be given for impioying to David Maxuell impoureing him to imply quhat persones seasSg for^ he thinks fitt and proper for seasing upone forraigne woollen raigne woollen manufacture imported into this kingdome or export of wooll etc. furth thereof and that Alexander Weir to mynd Ballendalloch to get the same done. Mr. Maxuell reports that he hes 18 ends of fyne blacks dyed and bringing foruard as soon as possible, besyds alse many that will shortly therafter come forward and about 50 peice whyt quhat are in the loombs in yearne and dressing. Orders that David Maxuell bring foruard all the above Order anent cloaths into blacks without regaird to any coloured cloaths Sack doathf except midlings and fyne cinamons. Mr. Maxuell reports that there is a necessety to bigg ane toofall for the presshouse which will amount to about £%6 sterling or thereby. And that there be 3 dozen pair weavers shutles comis- Comissione for sioned from Holland and 8 dozen lairge calfe skinns comissioned welders shuttles from Leids for the card work and 10 baffffs more teassells an , ( 5 8 d ? zen 00 t > calfe skinns, 10 besyds besyds those already comissioned, 24 pair of cloathiers baggs and 24 1 • 1 l no nr» • pairs weavers shears weight %o oz. or %y oz. per pair. shears. As to the toofall, the Manadgers thinks it proper to lay the same before the generall meeting and orders the above goods to be urot for. Mr. Maxuell haveing given in his accompt of dyeing from 1 It was frequently shown that the Act of 1681 was partially evaded by persons travelling abroad who returned home with considerable quantities of prohibited goods. Cf. Memorial concerning the State of Manufactures before and since the Year 1700, p. 3- 256 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Rooked 30th April 1701. the 1st February to 1st May 1701 makeing a quarter in which is included £25 for a quarters sellary to said 1st May extending to £%4t7 : 19 : 6h and desyres the same to be booked. Orders Alexander Herreot to examine the said accompt to book the same accordingly. James Dunlop haveing reported that his sellary being taken doune 2 years agoe the work being low craves that the Com- pany would consider his paines and to allow him a part of what was stoped from his sellary these tuo years bygone and for the future that his sellary be constitute as formerly before the said diminutione thereof and a consideratione alloued him for his loss in payeing out the Company's mony which hes been very considerable since any allouance given him that way. John Gourlay craves of the Manadgers that he gett ane coat from the Company or ane allouance therefor as formerly. John Hunter in regaird that he cannot doe another bussiness bot the Company's the same being increassd and that his sellary is soe mean that he cannot subsist thereby that therefore the Company would consider the same and give him quhat small augmentatione they think fltt. Orders the above 3 representationes to be layed befor the generall meeting. This dayes sederunt payed. Orders anent the shuttles, shears, and teassells and calfe skinns mentioned in last sederunt. Edinburgh, 21st June 1701. Orders that William Black uood uryt to London to Mr. William Fraser for the shears and teassells mentioned in the sederunt 4th instant, and that he uryt to John Drumniond and Holland for the weavers shuttles mentioned in said sederunt. And orders David Maxuell to uryt to Leids for the calfe skinns mentioned in the said sederunt. This and all former sederunts payed. Geo: Clark. Edinburgh, the 18th June 1701. Approves of the payments folloueing made by Alexander Weir since the 4th instant viz : — Payed to the order of Peter Bark lay per bill Messrs. Drumond THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 257 and Vanderhoyden on the Manadgers pay- able £ . . . ^802: 7:6 Payed to the order of Mr. Peter Lesly per bill do. Drumond on the Manadgers att g . 1225 : 0 : 0 Payed to the order of Mr. Thomas Craufurd per bill do. Drum- ond on the Manadgers att ^ s 612 : 10 : 0 Scotts ^2639 : 17 : 6 ^219 : 19 : 9J Payed or sent to James Dunlop for the use of the work ..... 100 : 0:0 Payed for freight and charges of 4 butts oyll and 6 chists soap in John Balfour per accompt thereof (freight being ^18) .£31:0:0 2:11:8 Payed Bailly Clerk freight 4 balls wooll omitted formerly . . . . . 1:0:0 Payed James Russell and Mr. Samuel Gray as their fees anent seaverall process 9 dollers and their servants J doller . £10 : 3 : 0 1 : 1:9 Payed John Reid, printer for the list and letters printing for choysing the Manadgers, 3 dollers and to his men 14d. . . 15 : 8J Payed freight 3 baggs teassells, etc. . . 1:12:0 Payed for cariadge the wooll from Leith to Neumilnes and the reeds and cartage and freight of soap and oyll etc. per accompt . 3 : 19 : 7 J £330:15:81 Mr. Chrystie haveing presented ane bill draune 17th instant sir Robert by Sir Robert Hamiltone on the Manadgers for =£509 : 16/ fo*^™* S y m Scotts with interest and charges payable to the order of Scotts payable Gilbert Buchannan when Sir Robert's bill for 1000 ducat- 5k?ch^tie? f dounes on Mr. Lycoma in Freizland is payed. Orders Alexander Weir to mark at the foot of said bill that the same is recorded in this dayes sederunt. Orders Alexander Weir to pay to John Hay of Alderstoune 258 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Order for payment of Alderstoune's sellary as Manadger. his years sellary as Country Manadger from 4th June 1700 except 3 weeks paid per James Ritchie to him being then 49 week att 56s. per week extends £137 : 4/ Scotts without any recept. This and all former sederunt mony paid. John Marjoribanks. Edinburgh, 25th June 1701. Approves of the payments folloueing made by Alexander Weir since the last sederunt viz : — To Mr. David Cunninghame and Mr. Houstoune, advocatts, consulting anent Donaldsones affair James Roues, etc. viz : — To Mr. Cunninghame 8 dollers £23 : 4:0 To his first man 1 ducatdoune 3:14:0 To his second 1 doller 2 : 18 : 0 To Mr. Houstoune 5 dollers 14:10:0 To his man 1 doller 2:18:0 Scotts 47: 4:0 .£3:18:8 June Toth. To James Dunlop for the use of the work . 80 : 0 : 0 23rd. To do. for said use . . . 50 : 0 : 0 To My Lord President per the Com- pany's bond . . £SS : 0 : 0 Annual rent to the second instant 9:13: 9h To 1st per another bond . £10:0:0 Annual rent to second instant 2 : 5:3 44 : 13 : 9£ 12: 5 To Deacon Matheisone for 4 dozen of Country card broads . . . . 8:0 191: 5: ^ Orders Alexander Weir to delyver to William Graeme the Order to delyver pe i ce Q f blew cloath in the hall that is spotted at 16/4 and to Wil iam r /.it it • , ■ « i Graeme a peice quhat thereof he does not sell in a moneths tvme to be dyed u e spoued! hthat black by David Maxuell upone said David's oune charges. David Maxuell in his letter 21st instant haveiner intimat THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 259 that George Bell is dew to the Company for broak of lether being 351 lbs weight troys at ohd. per lb is . i?8 : 0 : 10h And that there is dew bv said George Bell to Booked 8th said David Maxuell as the remaines of the pryce of a horse . . . . 2:0:0 July 1701. £10:0: 10} Orders Alexander Herreot to debet George Bell for the above tuo articles and to credet David Maxuell with the above £2; and Alexander Weir to deteane the above 2 Articles off' the 23 stones of wooll dew to Mrs. Kerr, and to pay the ballance to George Bell he produceing Mrs. Kerr's warrand for that effect. Orders Alexander Weir to chainge the peice green cloath Orders to Captain Hay gott latly out of the hall being all spotted and green cloath give him another peice therefor. gj* 3 ™ Ha ^ Orders Alexander Weir to send out to David Maxuell Booked 8th 2f ell of cloath being a part of the peice cloath No. 1741 - TuiV I701 - which Captain Hay receaved out of the hall there being a pirne in the same and to debet the said David Maxwell there- with att 12 8 per ell and John Hav to get credet for the Comissicne to John Drumond same. f OF 2Q b^is Orders that John Drummond be wrot to for 20 balls Spanish to Mr / * 4u ?*- 11 r sone for 10 balls wooll and Mr. Mureisone for 10 balls, and that thev be wrott Spanish woolL to, not to draw on the Companv at once bot at tuvce. AnentDeiamer Orders that the cardmaker Mr. Delamer be wrot for and e ^ m ' er - that Mr. William Fraser in London be wrot too for that end. ~ ' - Order to David and that he have the =P30 sellarv per annum proposed. Maxwell anent Orders that David Maxwell be wrot to imploy workmen for D ^ fa11 to the toofall and if possible to gett it done for £20 sterling. That James Orders that James Dunlophave his sellarv of £500 Scotts P unl °P have , . . nis sellarv as commenceing for 1st Mav last and in tvme comemg yearlv. formerly of Orders Alexander Weir to give John Gourlay tuenty Scotts " shillings sterling to buy a coat to him for his good services GoiSay ^i** last Year. sterling for a coat to him. Continues John Hunters sellary of £4: sterling for his cloath Adds 20/ ster- and alloues him £5 more in place of the £± of sellary makeing bSJ^^*" in all .£9 sterling commenceing from 1st Maj last. sellary. 260 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Ji^per^himncr Haveing considered the valuatione of the fyne cloaths that putt upone ail they are bot valued at the hall att 2d. per shilling. Orders that heirafter the same be valued att 2Jd. per shilling. 1 Orders Alexander Weir to call at Sir Alexander Bruces o^NeumilneT 5 laC ty S f ° r tlie ke ^ ° f the chist in the hal1 in ° rder to S ett ° ut there the wryts of Neumilnes and to give a recept thereof and delyver said wryts and inventary thereof to Ballindalloch anent Donaldsone's affair. AnentAlex- Orders that Ballendalloch againest next meeting cause nd W d ° ~ Alexander^ an vvr )^ a new DOn d of cautione to be signed Wednesday next Herriott's bands by Alexander Weir his cautioners in the presence of the of cautionry. * . * Manadgers for the ensueing year ; and a bond to be granted by Alexander Herreot for i?100 sterling with a ryt to his stock in the Company as surety and in corroboration thereof alsoe for the ensueing year and to be signed in presence of the Manadgers Wednesday next. This noted in Orders Alexander Herreot to make up the accompt of oyll Apni B i° 7 oi 3 ° th bought by Bailly Clerke for the Company's use the casks Anent oyll quherin the same was being now weighed, the weight quherof bought from ^ o » > © 1 Bailly Clerke. 105 ^ is viz: — L 212J libs troun weight. And that Alex- 2 J ander Weir doe pay for said oyll. Anent ^52:15:0 Orders that Bailly Clerke be spoke to anent £50 principal BaSfy Gierke anc ^ ^ : °^ interest payed by Sir Archibald Stivensone to from Sir Archi- n j m as Whytsunday and Lambas moeties of his bond for his bald Stivensone ipi-»r e j for accompt the subscnptione in the additionall stock of the Manufactory, and Company. a lsoe of ane ticket granted by the said Bailly Clerke to James Ritchie for <£252 : 19 : 0 Scotts datted 20th May 1700. Thesaaccompts Alexander Herreot haveing reported that he hes examined andMurdson's the accompt of sales sent by Mr. Speelman in Holland and the and the accompt of sales sent by Mr. Mureisone in tuo accompts and curants therof finds them to be right calculat excepting i?10 : 17 : 4d. upone june°i7oi d 28th ane article of Speelmans accompt in the pryce of cloath No. 366 quhairof he is to be urot to. 1 This refers to the addition made to the cost price which became the lot price. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 261 Orders Alexander Herreot to book the same accordingly and alsoe the accompt current by Mr. Mureison. John Marjoribanks. Edinburgh, 2nd Jully 1701. Approves of the payments folloueing made by Alexander Weir since the last sederunt viz : — To John Hay of Alderstoune his sellary as country Manadger for a year viz : — from 4th June 1700 to 4th June 1701 except -| paid per James Ritchie att 56s. per week is neat 49 weeks ^137 : 4 : 0 Scotts . . ^11 : 8 : 8 To David Maxwell the ballance his accompt of dyeing and sellarie to the 1st May 1701 . i?116 : 14 : If To Bailly Clerk, Bailly Marjoreibanks and William Blackuood, Manadgers there sellary as such from 21st August 1700 to 4th June 1701 inclusive being 42 weeks att 56s. per week is 14/ sterling per week 1 . . i?29 : 8:0 ^157 : 10 : 9f Orders Alexander Weir to pay to William Drummond Booked 8th wryter in Edinburgh one hundereth pounds Scotts as the pryce ^ uly I?01 ' of tuo hundereth bushells of marrell bought from my Lord For payment < Boyne and fourtie shillings sterling as the freight of the last DoughHrom parcell thereof sent being 20 balls, upone the said William his B °y ne - granteing a recept thereof and obleidgment to procure my Lord Boyn's recept for the samyne quhen requyred. Orders John Cunninghame of Ballendalloch to delyver up Anent Alex- Alexander Weir and Alexander Herreotts former bond of Alexander cautione, they both haveing given new bonds for the ensueing 2naries S year presently signed befor the Manadgers which are dely vered to said John Cuninghame to be keeped by him ; and alloues Alexander Weir to reteine his sellaries as cash-keeper and 1 This entry is of interest as showing the scale of directors' fees at the begin- ning of the eighteenth century. Each manager received just 4s. 8d. sterling a week or just over £12 a year. In pounds Scots the payment sounds larger, working out at ^145, 12s. a year. 262 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF To raise sum- monds of multi- plepoyndeing anent William Blackuood and Stivenson in Paris. For payeing Alexander Weir and Alexander Herriotts bands of cautionry. To imploy fitt persones for hindering the import of forraigne wool- ling manufac- ture, etc. hallkeeper preceeding 1st May last and to pay Alexander Herreot book-keeper his sellarie preceeding said tyme. Orders a summonds of multiplepoyndeing to be reased against Mr. David Drummond, Thesaurar to the bank, John Drum- mond factor in Holland and William Blackuood, marchant in Edinburgh, and that Ballendalloch take care to sie the same done, and that the Companie may be lyable only in once and single payment. Orders to give Mr. Cunninghame sone a gunnay for wrvteing the two above bonds of cautione both now and formerly haveinjr £ott nothing for the former ones. Recommends to Ballendalloch to lay doune quhat rules he thinks fitt and to imploy such persones as he sees proper for stoppeing the import of forraigne woollen manufacture or export of wooll and to consider the tennor of the act of parliament thereanent. This and former sederunts payed. John Marjori banks. 5th Edinburgh, Jully 9th 1701. Approves of the payments made by Alexander Weir since the last sederunt viz : — jully 4th. To William Drummond per order of the Manadgers 2nd instant for 200 bushels off foullers earth £100 deduceing £19 formerly charged or alloued to William Blackuood per the Laird Boyns ticket now up £21 Scotts . . . . . £1:15: 0 To do. to Mr. Drumond for freight of last parcell fullers earth sent . . . 2:0:0 To Robert Hoy for 48^ stons of wooll att 13/4 per bill and recept quhereof payed only now 2: 6: 8 To John Ingrum for 61 stone wooll att 13/6 per bill and recept . . . 41 : 3 : 6 To John Bell for 12 J stone wooll att 15/lOd per do. . . . . . 9 : 17 : 11 To John Cunninghame of Ballendalloch his sone per order the Manadgers the 2nd instant for paying the hallkeeper and bookkeepers THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 263 2 bonds of cautione for this and preceeding years a guineay, . . . . £1: 3: 8 To James Dunlop for the use of the work per recept . . . . 80: 0: 0 £138: 6: 9 There being produced by William Graeme, marchant in Letters of louse- -London letters of louseing arreistment with coppie there- at James upone at the instance of J. Foullis, marchant in London ^ a nce! " against James, Earle of Mortoune and others therein men- tioned. Orders that Alexander Herreot consider said Mr. Foullis his accompt soe that there be noe more payed then quhat is dew to said Foullis. The said Mr. William Graeme haveing alsoe produced ane factory from said Mr. James Foullis to receave his divends of profeits both as cloath and cash yet remaining dew and payable. Orders that Alexander Weir pay the said dividends to Mr. Anent ane Graeme discompting quhat is resting per the books of the Aiexand™ Company. William Blackuood produceing a letter from Campbie de-^ Alexander Campbie datted at Baths 20th June 1701 quherein atArtfur ° Z hedesyres that the Manadgers would call at Arthur Broun e b^Cce^f cash for quhat ballance he hes in his hands of the money receaved dew to the wpon accompt the Company. Company. Orders Alexander Weir to call at Arthur Broune and show him said letter and to report. This dayes sederunt payed. Will: Blackwood. Edinburgh, 16th Jully 1701. Approves of the payments folloueing made by Alexander Weir since the last sederunt viz : — To Patrick Herreot in Fishersraw for timber per David Maxwell's letter and order . . £4s : 0 : 0 To James Walkingshaw of Walkingshaw for charges paid out by him for requyreing some servants 264 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF in Glasgow and Hamiltone Manufactories 1 that had desearted the work at JVeumilnes £23 : 8 : 4 Scotts per recept etc. . . ^1 : 19 : OJ To James Dunlop for the use of the work per recept . . . . 70 : 0 : 0 £15 :19 :0j Several orders Orders to uryt to David Maxwell not to dye any more well. cou[r]se blacks at least quhat is below 8/ first coast to the Company untill farder orders. Orders lykuayes to uryt to him that the brushes for black cloaths be layed up except when makeing use of for blacks in regaird severall marchants complaine of whyt hairs that are in black cloaths. That David Maxwell advyse quhat part of the 10 patrons sent him the 30th April last are put foruard, and when they may be expected in and of the 3 numbers then mentioned viz :— No. 93, 94, and 95. Bailly Marjoreibanks and Alexander Herreot who were conjoyned with the Committee appoynted to inspect the work and books thereto belongeing they report from the work at Neumilnes. Report by That Mr. Maxwell is takeing all possible care to prevent b^ksa^dTiex- the export of wooll and that Mr. Maxwell thinks it fitt to ander Herreot gett back the servant belonged to his work that runn away from the work. ° , . ° J and ingadged in the manufactory at Hamiltone to be ane terror to others to runn away ; and that there are some other servants runn awav and gone to my Lady Harcut to whom Bailly Marjoreibanks and Mr. Maxwell have wrot a descreet letter remandeinj; them back. That there is noe changeing of the long wooll with the short wooll at Glasgow except in wholl fleeces because when they cast all there short wooll together there is at least three 1 Two woollen manufactories had received privileges at Glasgow, the one founded by William Cochrane in 1699 an ^ the other by John Corse in 1700. The former was the more important. It had a large and influential body of shareholders, including William Dunlop, Principal of the University. About this period it is recorded to have employed fourteen hundred hands. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 265 sorts of it courser and fyner and quhen mixt together cannot be againe resorted for the one confounds the other, bot if the master of Glasgow work were in Edinburgh and could be pre- vailed with to come to Neumilnes he and Mr. Maxwell could concert the bussiness better then in wryteing. As to fyne and midling blacks Mr. Maxwell saves that with advyse of the Manadgers he shall keep alwayes § parts of the work for prepareing all whyt cloaths to be ready for blacks scarletts or other heale collours till contrary orders. As to the wooll to be sold to Stirling men, Mr. Maxwell reports that he will lay up what quanteties he cann make and advyse the Manadgers of the quantety and quhen they may come and sie it. As to quhat Bailly Blackuood desyres to be informed of the breadths and pryce of cours reid cloath and scarlet Mr. Maxwell cannot condescend upone the pryce presently seing it seems it uould be too generall, therefor he proposes that it will be safest both for the Bailly and the Company that the Bailly come out to Neumilnes where he shall have first his chovse of whyt cloaths which he may by and take up there numbers which shall be specially dyed for the Baillies accompt, which being done the Bailly will never have reasone to complaine of any, and after the choyse is made Mr. Maxwell sayes he will condescend upone the pryces and advyse the Manadgers thereof and that he will performe the dyeing and all thats needfull therein in ^ tyme after the signeing of the contracts, and is of opinion that the Company cann furnish Scarlet cloaths to Bailly Blackuood at 18/ per ell and if within 70 ells cann doe it in — tyme. Reports that they had considered the seaverall books at Neumilnes and are of opinion that the books there keept could not give satisfactione as to what is past in every speciall charge of the work ; and they had formed seaverall books with speciall directiones to keep the same aright, bot that it was told them by the master of the work that he thought the persones who had a part of the service and keept such accompts could not clossly follow the forme. As to which it was ansuered by James Dunlop that provydeing the Company 266 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF uould allow him ane suitable allouance for one to uryt at his- directione he thought he could be in a conditione to ansuer the demands of the Company as to the cleareing and giveing satisfactione to every accompt of charge in the work. Comissione to Orders that comissione be given to Mr. William Frazer in Frazer at London to buy fy ve balls of the best Sigovia wooll for accompt &£%£tf of the Company. wooll. Orders to wryt to J. Foullis that the ballance dew by him to Mr. James Mureisone on the Companies accompt shall be payed or remitted upone said J. Foullis and Moreisone's discharge. Dispositione by Robert Johnstone, marchant in Edinburgh haveing pro- Wiiham Anchi- d uce d ane dispositione granted by Mr. William Aitchisone in sone in London 1 ^ J deceastto London deceast to him, and Mathew Aitchisone in Glasgow stoneof^ioo qu hereby he dispones to them his share in the Companie with Company which a ^ ^ e P r °f e its past and to come aryseing therefrom, therefor said Johnstone desyres the same to be recorded with pouer to him to transferr ComisYary 0 the said shares, and also intimating that he was to transferr it Pitkame. to Comissary Pitkairne. Orders Alexander Weir to gett the forsaid dispositione registrat and keep the extract as alsoe Mathew Aitchisone's procuratorie to said Robert Johnstone, and to enter the same in the transferr books as alsoe to enter Mr. Johnstone's trans- ferr in favours of the said Comissar Pitkairne being in presence of a Manadger. This dayes and former sederunt mony payed. Jo. Ctminghame. Edinburgh, 23rd Jully 1701. 1701 jully 16th. Approves of the payments folloueing since the last sederunt. Payed John Marjoreibanks per bill James Murei- sone from Amsterdam on Alexander Weir for £398 : 2:6Scotts £33: 3 : 6J Payed to do. and Alexander Herreot there charges goeing to Neumilnes with the Comittee appoynted to inspect the work ami books i?17 : 8 : 6 Scotts . . 1 : 9 : 0J Payed George Bell for 23 stone wooll dew to him and Mrs. Kerr att 17/6 £20 : 2 : 6 THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 267 For 19 dozen calfe skinns att 8/6 £8 : 1 : 6 For 2 dozen do. att 31/ 3:2: 0 ^31:6: 0 Deduceing for broak of lether . . £8 : 0 : 10J and the ballance a pryce of a horse dew to David Maxwell 10 : 0 : 1(U £21 : 5: U Payed to David Maxwell for his years cloath to the 1st of May 1701 per his recept . 5:0:0 Payed Provost for 32f stone wooll bought from my Lord Chancellor att 15/ per bill and recept 24 : 11 : 3 Payed to David Maxwell for 13 stone wooll furnished by him for the use of the work att 15/ per stone . . . 9 : 15 : 0 £i)5: 3:lli James Nicolsone of Trabuorne haveing given in a lyne direct Comissione by to the Manadgers of the 18th instant intreating that they sonTto^he 01 " would cause arreast Lei v tenant Collonell M c Kartney at London, Manad gers de- J 7 synng them to or take any other legall dilligence convenient againest him arreast Collonell untill he pay quhat he oues to the Manufactory as the same at M Kartney more lengh bears. Orders that Mr. William Blackuood uryt to Mr. William Frazer at London theranent, and be advysed by him, whither if the principal contracts were sent being the ground of the debt, would be a document sufficient to arreist him, or if ane affidavit here by the witnesses insert in the contract will be as good or better, and that Mr. Blackuood wryt fully ther- anent. As to what Mr. Maxwell wryts anent the layeing on of ^ t nt Buchans Buchanns stent upone the servants liveing at Neumilnes. Orders Alexander Weir to wryt to him signefyeing that its the Manadgers opinione that Mr. Maxwell should wait upone Alderstoune and requyre him as a Manadger to wait upone the Comissioners of Supplie and represent to them, that as the 268 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Saids 10 balls arrived and booked 8th Jully 1701. Jully 28th. servants are free of the King's stent that they should alsoe be free of Bu charm's. Orders to wryt to Mr. Maxuell, that seaverall doe complaine that the cloaths are not reased weell enugh in the dabbing board, which makes the threed appear in the cloaths. Mr. Mureisone's letter of the 19th instant advyseing his obeyeing the last comissione of the Company to buy 10 balls of best Sigovia wooll, and that the current pryce of the exchange is 24 Jd. per £. Orders Alexander Weir to buy bills for said wooll to be remitted to said Mureisone not exceeding 24|d. per £. Orders Alexander Weir to look the sederunts books to sie quhat tyme the servants att Hamiltone went away or to wryt to Mr. Maxwell himselfe theranent and lykuayes to uryt to Mr. Maxuell to gett the servants names went to Harcus. John Marjoribanks. Edinburgh, Jully 30th 1701. Approves of the payments folloueing made by Alexander Weir since the last sederunt viz : — To Mr. Michaell Lumsden, advocat for lybelling the Counsell summonds againsts the servants uent auay to Hamiltone and to my Lady Harcus a guinay . . £\ : 3 : 8 To his first man a doller . . . 4 : 10 To James Dunlop for the use of the work per recept . . . . . 80 : 0 : 0 ^81:8: 6 Contracts betuixt Bailly Blackuood and the Manadgers. Orders that Ballendalloch draw 2 contracts betuixt the Manadgers and Bailly Blackuood quherby the Manadgers are to furnish 675 ells good and sufficient course reids of the broadest are in the work to be choysen by the Bailly or any he shall appoynt for that effect. Sixty ells scarlet and 40 ells of blew conforme to a patrone for which the said Bailly is to pay six moneths after delyvery which is to be within tuo moneths after the date of the contracts att the pryces folloue- ing viz: — The course reids att 6/6d. sterling per ell, the scarletts att 17/ per ell and the blew att 8/ per ell, or if he pay THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 269 ready mony for all or a part he is to have the ordinary dis- compt att 5 per cent for quhat he payes for ready money. Orders Ballendalloch lykuayes to draw comissione by the Manadgers to Hugh St. Clair to seize and apprehend all forraigne woollen manufacture imported into the Kingdome or export of wooll furth thereof conforme to the late Act of Parliament the said Hugh St. Clair being alwayes bound to find cautione for his faithfull discharge off his office. This and former sederunts payed. John Marjoribanks. Edinburgh, 6th August 1701. Approves of the payments folloueing since the last sederunt viz : — To Provost Home for 9J stones of wooll att lS/4d £6: 6:8 Payed for 100 beating roads Payed for rhim peaper for print- ing bonds . . . 7:2 Payed for printing thereof and drink mony . . 10/7 17:9 Payed to Arthur Broune as value of ^1700 bought from him and remitted to Mrs. Mureisone etc. att 23/10d. per £ 1 . . 168 : 16 : 4f Payed to James Dunlop for the use of the work 60 : 0:0 ^236: 0:91 Approves of Alexander Weir's uryting to Mr. Frazer for Approbation 4 baggs best teassells and of his remitting ^1700 to Mr. wdJwytmg Mureisone. teassdf s g8S Orders that all dispatch imaginable be done by Mr. Herreot and Alexander Weir for cleareing the severall accompts in the books to sie quhat thereof is not rightly documented in order 1 In this case the exchange would work out at 23 '83d. sterling per pound Scots as compared with 244 on July 30th. 270 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF that the persones be persued whos accompts are not clearely instructed. For iron barrs Orders Alexander Weir to imploy a smith for makeing iron windouesTn the Darrs f° r the laigh windows in the hall against the winter, hall. This and all former sederunt mony payed. John Marj or i banks. August 9th. Anent Mrs. Donaldsone's debt dew by the Company. Bond to Mrs. Donaldsone by the Manadgers for £300 sterling. David Max- well's accompt of dyeing for £ to 1st August. Booked 1st August 1701. Edinburgh, 13th August 1701. Approves of the payments folloueing by Alexander Weir since the last sederunt viz: — To James Dunlop for the use of the work . i?80 : 0 : 0 Mrs. Campble haveing produced a peice of sad colored cloath she gott out of the hall latly and the same being moth- eaten in a part. Orders Alexander Weir to give allouance to her of 30 shillings Scotts for the said motheaten cloath. Approves of William Blackuood's letter of the 12th current to Mr. William Frazer. Bailly Simpsone haveing compeared and produced ane dis- positione granted by Agnes Keith relict of wmquhil James Donaldsone in London in favours of the Companie to a debt upone the estate of Newmilnes extendeing with annual rents at Lambas last to Scotts i?12451 : 4 : 8 and demanded payment thereof ; in ansuer quherunto Alexander Weir reported that he could pay it except 300 lib. sterling which he desyred the Manadgers would borrow for a litle tyme. Orders the Manadgers to give bond to the said Agnes Keith for £300 sterling payable 15th September next and that Alexander Weir make up the rest and get the forsaid dispositione and peapers relative thereto from Bailly Simpsone at the sight of the Manadgers, and that said Alexander Weir doe provyd mony for payment of said bond of i?300 sterling againe the same fall dew and payable. Mr. Maxwell haveing presented his accompt of dyeing and sellary due to him for a quarter preceeding the 1st instant amounting to cP223 : 19 : which he desyres the Manadgers would order Alexander Weir to pay in regaird he lies just now come home dye stuffs and other materialls for dyeing to the value of about .-£1700. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 271 Orders Alexander Weir to pay him the said i?1700 or to ^avi^Maxuei buy bills for the value on his account and to get Mr. Maxwell's about £1700. recept therfor in part for said ballance. Mr. Maxwell's postscript anent my Lord Stair's wooll being ^^^Jf^ considered and intimat to the president by Alexander Weir, the said Alexander reports that as to the pryce the president told him that the cheapest Gallouay wooll was now sold for 91:13:4 Payed to Alexander Stuart per bill James Murei- sone on ditto Weir for said accompt £2000 att 24Jd. per £ . . 166 : 13 : 4 1 Vide supra, November 5th. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 287 Payed to James Dumlop for the use of the work £60 : 0:0 Payed to Alexander Herreot his halfe years sellary to Martinmas 1701 (his years sellary preceeding the 1st May last being yet dew) 20 : 0:0 ,£338: 6:8 Orders that Alexander Weir fill up in the act and comis- Orders to fill up sione in favours of Walter Cheisly four hundreth pounds Scotts comiLfoneTn as the proportione payable by the Company of £1200 Scotts ^7°^ £ f heisly presently to be payed in to the Society to be exected anent the soume of export and import, and that Alexander Weir pay in the said ^ 4 °° Scotts * c£400 Scotts and charge the Company therwith. Orders Alexander Weir to buy Alexander Clerk's 3 baggs To bu y 3 baggs teassells from teassells in respect that Turnbull is not yet aryved with the Alexander Company's teassells. Clerk ' Orders that David Maxwell doe not make any course cloaths except quhat the Manadgers and Company specially order under 8/ coast to the Company, and that Alexander Weir uryt to said Mr. Maxwell thairanent. Orders Alexander Weir to transmit to David Maxwell the double of the inventary of the goods belongeing to James Row and Thomas Whyt extending to £579 : 2 : 0 and the warrand by the Manadgers to said David Maxwell for appretiating the goods to the said David Maxwell's letter to James Ritchie theranent. Orders Alexander Weir to get up the decreet sale of the estate of Neumilnes from Alexander Campble and to give his recept therof, which is debeted to Ballendalloch. Orders Alexander Weir to pay my Lord President 8 lb Scotts for each stone of 26f stone wooll bought from him deduceing quhat charges was paid for carriage from Glasgow etc. John Marjoribanks. Edinburgh, 24th December 1701. Alloues to James Wauchope 12d. for a rent of a piece black cloath he presently produced to the Manadgers. Orders Alexander Weir to give to the Lady Chesters £5 288 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF sterling, and to take a recept from her in part her husband's dividends of profeits dew. John Marjoribanks. Edinburgh, 31st December 1701. This booked Messrs. Drum m ond and Vanderhoyden's letter of the 27th ioth December December ther style read with invoyse of Spanish wooll and 1701. J j r other goods amounting to £7830 : 18 styvers. Orders that the Manadgers uryt to said Mr. Drummond that they will remit by way of London as formerly to Mr. William Eraser, and that they draw at tuo usu at tuo tymes for the samyn on said Mr. Fraser. Orders Alexander Weir provyd mony for said remittances and to remit t Saturday next 200 to Mr. William Frazer to compleat said Messrs. Drummond's last draughts on him. Orders to uryt to David Maxwell to come in Wednesday next to assist them at clearing the affair of Thomas Roues and the Lady Chesters with the Company and to bring allongst with him a particular accompt of quhat goods of the sutlary and others belongeing to them are yet at Neumilnes and quhat sold and who receaved the mony and quhat compted and to whom and quhat of the goods sold are yet resting and by whom and quhat may be recovered therof. John Marjoribanks. Edinburgh, 7th January 1702. Approves of the payments folloueing by Alexander Weir since 22nd December 1701. 1701, December Payed to James Dunlop for use of the work . £80 : 0:0 22nd. rp. Q ^ e L a( jy Chesters per order the Manadgers in part her dividends at tuo tymes . 10:0:0 To my Lord President for 26 stons wooll and 12 pounds att 8 lb per stone . . 17:16:8 28th. To James Dunlop for the use of the work . 50 : 0 : 0 To Bailly Cuninghame j annual rent 6000 lb to D . . , Martinmas last . . . . 33 : 0 : 0 Booked 17th April 1702. To Bailly Black uood value of 200 lb remitted to THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 289 Mr. William Frazer for account Messrs. Drumond etc. att 13 per cent extends . £%%6 : 0:0 To James Dunlop for the use of the work . 80 : 0 : 0 1702, January ^496 : 16 : 8 Mr. David Maxwell haveing sent in the assignatione by him to a bond granted by the deceased James Row and Thomas Whyt for 1000 merks the same is instantly delyvered to Ballendalloch who hes the Bond. Orders to uryt to David Maxwell againe to come over at any tyme without respect to a sederunt day anent Thomas Whyt's affair. Orders a generall meeting to be on Fryday next at tuo of the clock in the afternoon. Alexander Weir hes instantly receaved back from Ballen- dalloch the above principal bond and assignatione. Orders to give to John Gourlay and John Hunter each ane doller for their handsell. John Marjori banks. Edinburgh, 14th January 1702. Mr. William Frazer letter of the 8th current to the Com- William pany anent Collonell M'Kartney being read. anSfcolonei Orders Alexander Weir to wait on Ballendalloch to draw M'Kartney. ane ansuer thereto to be signed by William Blackuood. Orders Alexander Weir to inquyre at D. G. Nicolsone anent the consignatione mentioned in the sederunt 29th Jully 98 and quher is the instrument. To get the decreet sale from my Lady Bruce. Recommends to Alderstoune to speake to James Dunlope Recommenda- anent ane assistant to him to keep the books particularly to stoune°t258: 0:5$ John Marjoribanks. Edinburgh, 28th January 1702. Mr. William Frazer's letter of the 20th current being: read quherin he uryts that he had im ployed ane attorney to procure bavll anent M'Kartnev. Ordered that seing its needfull to get probatione to prove the furnishing of the cloathing of the regiment of foot guards THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 291 that William Douglas be spoke thereanent haveing made the cloaths and given recept for the most part of the cloath. My Lady Hoptoune haveing sent a patrone of light sey blew to gett about 26 ells dyed of that collour of about 15s. per ell and 26 ells of 10s. per ell recommends to William Blackwood to gett securatie and bargaine for said cloath. Orders to uryt to David Maxwell to foruard the light blews Orders to David and alse to make 2nd and 3rd cast thereof betuixt 6 and 9 ^akdngilghf ends and that he preserve all the best of the teassell seed for blewetc - Mr. William Blackuood he being to make ane experiment thereof this summer with the directiones of souing and dressing the same, and that said David Maxwell send in the 4 monethly books to be reveised by the Manadgers here the same being to be quikly returned with one of the Manadgers to visit the work. As alsoe that David Maxwell keep ane particular accompt of the charges of the presshouse by itselfe. Notwithstanding of ane former sederunt ordering Alexander Weir to pay to Mr. William Hamiltone eight pounds sterling in part of his dividend of profeits to the 1st May last 1701. Orders the said Alexander Weir to pay to said Mr. William Orders for Hamilton the said years dividend preceeding 1st May 1701 ^^H^ii and to take his recept for the eight pounds sterling in part tone ' s dividend, this current years dividend. John Marjoribanks. Edinburgh February 4th 1702. Orders to call a generall meeting againest Wednesday next at tuo of the clock in the afternoon and to wryt to David Maxwell to be present. Orders that David Maxwell bring the books with him for 2 or 3 dayes, and that they keep a scroll out by at the work whill they be returned. Accompts being stated betuixt Thomas Whyt and the Stated accompt Company he is found debtor in £559 Scotts as the ballance of Manadgers and sutlary accompt and bond of 1100 merks for which he and the Lady ^ John Crightone have instantly given bond payable half att Thomas Whyt. Whytsunday and J att Lambas both next which bond is delyvered to Alexander Weir together with a discharge and assignatione by the said Thomas Whyt to the Manadgers of his part of the sutlary goods etc. John Marjoribanks. 292 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edinburgh, February 11th 1702. Approves of the payments made per Alexander Weir since 21st January last. 1702 January To David Maxwell his charges at Edinburgh 2-th. n 0 per accompt . . . . £1:0: 0 To do. his charges at Edinburgh per another accompt. December la^t . . . 2:6: 6 To John Bell for 25 stone wooll att 16 ^20 : 0 : 0 To do. for 6-j I stone of wooll at 17/8 ~ . . 56:1:10 76 : 1 23th. To James Dunlop for the use of the work . 60 :0 February 7th. To do. Dunlop for the use of the work . 60 : 0 10 0 0 £ J 199:8: 4 James Thompsone and others the Aberdeens marchants that bought 200 stone of wooll extending to 1700 lb Scotts quhairof the first halfe payable att Candlemes last ; there letter to Mr. William Blackuood craveing a delay of the said Candlemes payment till the beginning of April. Continues and delays the seeking the same till the beginning of Appryll next. John Marjoribanks. Edinburgh. February 18th 1702. Mr. William Frazer letter of the 12th current mentioning Messrs. Drummond and Yanderhovden's draughts on him for £300 of the 17 quherof £100 att 2 usu from the 17th and 200 att 2 [usu] from the 10th. Orders Alexander Weir to make provisione accordingly and to remit the same to said Mr. William Frazer. Orders that William Blackuood ansuer Mr. William Frazer's letter mentioned on the other syde and to wryt him anent the wyer and leather to be comissioned and to send the principall unsubscryved and undated letter theranent sent by William Stead the Company's cardmaker. Orders Alexander Weir to wryt to David Maxwell to know of him cjuhat oyll and soap shall be commissioned for. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 293 As to quhat Mr. Maxwell wryts of the Manadgers sendeing Orders to David patrons for him to stryk at for mixt midlings and others, they str yk to patrons referr him to their orders the 5th November last, bot withall ^d^forrner that he dy more midling blacks. John Marjoribanks. orders, ;t No- vember last and to dy more Edinburgh, 25th February 1702 years. midling blacks ' Thomas Fisher, Theasurer, to Herreotts hospitall being present at this sederunt and haveing offered to buy the 14 ends of dark course cloaths in the hall for the Hereotts work boyes. Orders Alexander Weir to give him the samyne one pennie sterling per ell doune of the hall pryce. Orders to wryt to David Maxwell that he send in the course blacks formerly ordered and blews. John Marjoribanks. Edinburgh the 4th March 1702. Exchange att 12 per cent. 300: 36: 0:0 0:0 Approves of the payments folloueing made by Alexander Weir since the 7th February last viz : — To James Dunlop for the use of the work . £60 : 0 To Do. for the foresaid use . . 50 : 0 To Do. for the foresaid use . . 30 : 0 To Do. for the foresaid use . . 40 : 0 To Mr. William Frazer remitted him in 2 bills on draune by Alexander Forbes from Aber- deen on Messrs. Livingtoune and Troup in London for . ^ J 100 : 0 : 0 The other by Robert Bruce on John Campble . . 200 : 0 : 0 0 1702 February 14th. 16th. 20th. 26th. Booked 17th April 1702. To Robert Hay for 32 stone wooll att 18/ To Mr. Andrew Bayne per James Mureisone's bill on Alexander Weir for 1490 lb 14s. Scotts To James Dunlop for the use of the work 336: 0:0 28:16:0 28th. 124 50 4:6 0:0 March 3rd. X719: 0:6 294 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Orders William Blackuood to give directiones to David Maxwell for strvkeing patrouns for dyeing to mixt cloaths fvne midling and course. Orders Alexander Weir to gett the key of the chest againest the next sederunt to putt the rights of the lands of Neu- milnes in. Orders that infeftment doe pass upone the decreet of sale of the lands of Xeumilnes. John Marjoribanks. Edinburgh, 11th March 1702. Approves of the pavments folloueing made by Alexander Weir since the last sederunt viz : — To James Dunlop for the use of the work . £50 : 0:0 To Mr. William Frazer, remitted him for account Mr. Drummond and partner per 2 bills viz : — Bill Hary Baird on said William Frazer pay- able -f for £100 with exchange . . 111:10:0 as O Bill Robert Bruce on John Campble att 8 d.s. for £100 with exchange . . . 112:0:0 £273:10:0 Continues the former orders to William Blackuood anent the ordering patrons for mixt cloaths both fyne midling and course which David Maxwell is to stryke to. Orders Alexander Weir to pay to Mr. George Gordone as assigney by Helen Boullis relict of John Standfeild H years annual rent of =4^2494: 16:2 Scotts remaining of the Com- panie's bond to her and her said deceast husband viz : — from Whytsunday 1700 to Martinmas last 1701 extending to £187: 4:0.! 1 This was interest on a bond due by the Company not on the share-capital. In the first payment approved at the next meeting the interest is stated at ^205, 14s. 6d. Supposing the amount of the bond to have remained the same during the year and a half this would give a rate of interest at 5$ per cent. 1702 March 10th. Booked 17th April 1702. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 295 Edinburgh, March 18th 1702. Approves of the payments folloueing made by Alexander Weir since the last sederunt viz : — Payed to Mr. George Gordone of Sauchen assigney constitute 1702 March by Helen Boullis relict of John Standfeild as 1J annual rent of i D 2494 : 16 : 2 from Whytsunday 1700 to Martin- mas 1701 £205 : 14 : 6 Scotts . . 17:3:8* Payed to James Dunlop for the use of the work 40 : 0 : 0 *7tl* i6tb £b~ : 3 : Sh George Lind haveing made a bargaine for seaverall ends of course stone gray cloath for the Trinetv Hospitall — Orders Alexander Weir to give Id. per ell doune of the hall pryce for soe much as he buys thereof. William Blackuood reports that he hes bought from Bailly Oyii bought Gordone six butts of oyll at the prvce new ovll hes been sold Gordwie!^ at Amsterdam or Holland since the first of February last either by letters or advyee or by the printed pryces current alloueing freight exchange comissione etc. Approves of the forsaid bargaine. Orders that William Blackuood or Alexander Weir wryt to Commissioneto Messrs. Drummond and partner for 20 balls of the best Sigovia ^nd ?™Mure- d wooll, and to Mr. Mureisone for 10 balls ditto, as alsoe that sone for 33 balls Spanish wooll. Mr. Drummond send 2 or 3 balls of the fvne sort he wryts of in his last letter. John Marjoribanks, Edinburgh, March 25th 1702. Approves of the payments following made by Alexander Weir since the last sederunt viz : — To James Dunlope for the use of the work . £50 : 0 : 0 1?Q2 March To Bailly Marjoribanks per bill James Muresone 21i from Amsterdam on Alexander Weir pay- 2 - ;t able att j- s. . . . . 25 : 0 : 0 Booked 17th To Thomas Stewart per bill William Frazer from London on account Messrs. Drummond 296 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Booked 17th April 1702. and partner in Amsterdam payable att s. one Alexander Weir .£110:0:0 £185:0:0 Abatement to Thomas Fisher of 31s. for the cloath for Heriotts work boys. How the Manadgers have ended with the Lady Chesters and Thomas Whyt. William Blackwood reports that he hes wrott Saturday last to John Drummond for 20 balls of best Sigovia wooll and 23 balls of that best sort he writes of. Alexander Weir reports that he wrote to James Muresone for 10 balls of wooll conforme to the orders of the last meeting. Thomas Fisher, Treasurer to Herriotts Hospitall haveing represented that of the cloath being 18 ends he hes goott ther are severall of the ends scrip in the measure and others moath eaten therfor craves a defalcatione conforme. Orders that Alexander Weir give doun 31s. sterling on accountt foresaid. Orders six or seven of the partiners be warranded att the High Coffie House att 9 of the cloack in the morning to goe to my Lord Fisdoes. Orders William Blackwood to answer William Frazers letter of 17th current and annent allowing him provisione for accept- ing of bills. The Manadgers have this day ended with the relick of James Row of Chesters and have ordered Alexander Weir to pav her in £4l : 3 : Oh as ballance dew to her as alsoe have ordered said Alexander Weir to advance hir £$ on her accepted bill. Orders David Maxwell to dispose of the sutlarv goods seeing the Manadgers have now ended with James Row's relick. John Cuninghame hes this day given back to Alexander Weir discharge and assignatione Thomas Whyte to the Manadgers. Item registrate betuixt the Manadgers and James How. Item contract and aggrcenicnt betwixt James Row, Thomas Whytt and David Maxwell. Item assignatione by David Maxwell to the said aggreement. Item obligatione James Row and Thomas Whytt relative to the contract of the sutlary. Item Instrument of protest the Manadgers against James Row and Thomas Whytt. John Marjoribanks. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 297 Edinburgh, Apryll 1st 1702. Approves of the payments following made by Alexander "Weir since the last sederunt viz : — To Patrick Bapty for fraught 10 baggs teassels and Custom I702 March shoar dews and mark per tunn therof . £6 : 18 : 6 To my Lady Chesters as ballance dew to her bv the Companie all past dividends being !■ ^p^ 6 ^ allowed . . . ^4:3:0| J * To Ditto lent hir per order the Manadgers on hir accepted pre- cept payable 1st May next . 3:0:0 7: 3:0£ To James Dunlope for the use of the work . 50 : 0 : 0 28th - ^64 : 1 : 6j Orders to write to David Maxwell to forward 18 ends of cloath for Herriots work. John Marjoribanks. Edinburgh, Apryll 8th 1702. John Cuninghame of Ballandalloch hes this dav produced Obligation , granted bv to the other Manadgers ane Obligatione granted by Hugh Hugh Cuning- Cuninghame wryter to the signet dated the fourth " currant p^eptoTs? 6 obliedgeing him receaveing payment of i?1498 : 4 :0 contained Alexander in a precept upon Sir Alexander Bruce of Broomhall and partiners payable to Major General Ramsay to pay out of the first and readiest therof =£1000 sterling to John Marjoribanks and William Blackwood and him as Manadgers which is given to Alexander Weir. Orders that Alexender Weir give 8 gallons of the oyle Booked 30th to George Livingtoune upon present payment 32/ Scots Apnl I7 ° 2 ' per pynt. Orders Alexander Weir to pay to Bailly James Gordon for Orders to give six butts Sivilia oyle weighted in the weighthouse of Leith per toun?8 gallon account of James Gordone being bought of him for the Com- bo^tftwn panie's Use viz : Eailly Gordone lib att 32/ per 1 butt weights 1108 troy, 1 ditto 1108 „ pynt. 298 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF lib 1 butt weights 1112 troy 1 ditto 1106 „ 1 ditto 1108 „ 1 ditto 1070 „ 6612 The suppossed weight of the tare of each butt is computed to 150: Inde for six butts . . 900 Booked 30th April 1702 in page 211. 5712 lib. which 5712 lib weight att 49 ounces per pynt makes 1865A Patrons ordered py n ts att 2/6 sterling per pynt is . . i?233 : 2 : 6 to be stricken " Payable in 3 moneths after this day. to by William - J Biackuoods Conforme to the orders of the 4th and 11th March last Maxwell. William Blackwood hes ordered David Maxwell to strick to the following patrons viz : — 12 ends of light stone gray of 3d and 4 cast like No. 76. Both waded att least the 10 ends. 8 ends of 2 and 3 light stone grays blewisher. 10 ends all of 2d and 1st and 2nd light stone grays. 9 ends half and whole Spanish light stone grays like the last years or the light stone gray No. 30 in the patrone book. 6 ends do. fyne like the sad stone gray No. 4 and 84. 20 ends course drabbs 4:3:2 and 3 and 2d cast cloaths of No. 80, 81, 85, 87, and 101. 20 ends lighter of said casts Nos. 93, 94, 107, 72 with No. 71 of the fyner casts and like those made for the KingV troope of Gauirds. And of No. 88 : 92 : 94 : 98 : 99 of which there would be 2 peeces of each number and of the brisk cinamon of the said No. 88, 92, 94, 98 and 99 they were formerly ordered but not corned in. This is minuted Alexander Campble marchant in Edinburgh hes this day and'sfo^ck 130014 oe ^ u ^ x ^ nyne a ^d tenn intimat ane Assignatione and Disposi- Leger. tione in his favours granted by David Campble of London THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 299 gentleman in and to the stock of i?100 sterling which the said Assignatione David had in the Manufactory of Neumilnes with all the past, tione David present and future profeits which does aryse or heirafter shall ^^ander 0 fall dew therwpone with pouer to the said Alexander Campble Campbie of his to dispose of the said ^lOO sterling stock or to transferr the stock. S 61 mg same as fully and freely as the said David Campble might have done himselfe befor the said Assignatione. Orders that Alexander Weir doe record the said Assigna- Orders to record tione in the transferr book therby impouering the said Alex- n aUon^m^he g ~ ander Campble to transferr the above ^100 sterling stock, and transferr book - to receave the dividends dew or that may heirafter become dew therwpone and to give discharges therof, and that the said Alexander Weir doe keep the principal Assignatione or ane extract therof. John Marjoribanks. Edinburgh, April 15th 1702. [At this meeting no business was transacted except the routine of approving of sales made.] Edinburgh, 22nd Apryll, 1702. Approves of the payments following made by Alexander Weir since the 28th March last. To James Dunlope for the use of the work . £75 : 0 : 0 1702 April nth. To Gavin Plummer ^ annual rent of ^4000 to Martimas 1701, ^220 Scots inde . . 18 : 6 : 8 To Robert Nicolsone - annual rent of i?800 to Candlemass 1702^ . . . . 44:0:0 To James Dunlope for the use of the work . 50 : 0 : 0 2Qth To James Gordone, senior, for his bill on Alex- ander Gordon att the house of Mr. Johne Gordon, jun r merchant in Roterdame pay- able and remitted att double usance to 1 The figure before 'annual rent ' in this and other places (cf. supra, pp. 279, 280, 288) presents some difficulty. In the MS. it resembles a fraction with either a 7 or a 4 for the denominator ; but if this had been intended, the passage above would read ' \ annual rent of ^800 . . . ^44,' which would give 22 per cent, per annum on the Company's bonds. Since the rate on these obligations at this time was 5^ per cent. (cf. supra, p. 280), it is evident that one year's 'annual rent' is intended, and on the analogy of contractions, such as — , — , the formula has been printed — or — . ds' mo' usu' " y vr 300 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Booked 30th John Drummond and partner in Amster- Aprii 1702. dam for the Companie's accompt £600 att 24d. per gilder .... ^60:0:0 =£247 : 6 : 8 Booked 30th April 1702. To pay several bills draune by David Maxwell payable to Bailly Gordone. Pirne in peece Bailly Black- uoods. Do. in Walter Cheisly's. David Maxwell being a creditor of the Company for dyeing for half a year preceeding the first of May nixt and haveing bought several dye stufs from James Gordone senior merchant in Edinburgh extending to £256 : 4 : 2d. sterling for which he hes drawn upon the Manadgers these three bills viz : — 1st payable the 1st May nixt for i?100 2nd payable the 20th June nixt for 80 I 256 : 4 : 2 3rd Last draught for . . 74 : 4 : 2 J All payable to said James Gordone. Orders Alexander Weir accept and pay the said bills and to debite David Maxwell therwith in his accompt of dyeing and sellary. Bailly Blackwood haveing presented a piece of cloath (juherin there was a pirne desires therfore that the Manadgers would consider the same and give abatement accordingly. Ordered that what pairt of that pirne is putt either in coat justicoat or breeches be taken back and sent out to David Maxwell and placed to his accompt or to allow half dollar for the said pirne and charged to said David Maxwell's accompt. Ordered that the pirne in Walter Chiesly's cloath No. 1692 being a fitt pat rone for a justicoat from the swatch t end that the same be taken back and allowed of the piece or to give 2/ rebate either of quhich to be charges to David Maxwell and to send out this pirned pattrone of Bailly Blackwood's quher of the other peice is like the same. John Marjoribanks. Edinburgh, Apryll 29th 1702. Approves of the payments following made by Alexander Weir since the 20th April last viz : — 1702 April 2ist To Sir John Schaw of Greenock per receipt principal . . . . . ,£150: 0:0 To James Dunlope for the use of the work . 42 : 12 : 4 J THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 301 To ditto for the use of the work . £±0 : 0 : 0 28th. To Alexander Herriott — sellary to the 1st May 1701 . 7 . . 40: 0:0 To James Dunlope for the use of the work . 50 : 0 : 0 =P322 : 12 : 4i Ordered that the two peiee cloath mentioned in the last sederunt quherin ther is pirnes that the same be sent to Newmilnes to David Maxwell to be dyed black upon the said David Maxwell's charges and that Bailly Blackwood and Walter Chiesly have credit therfor. Orders David Maxwell to forward all the middleing blacks Orders for he can being much demanded and that Alexander Weir write blacks, to Alderstoune thereannent. Orders that the fyne drawers be spoken to that ther are several complaints that he does not doe the thing to purpose. Read and con- Orders that Alexander Weir write to Mr. Drummond and ^dSmtsftwo partner to insure f parts of the wooll last commissioned in I5t ^i ay to • • i i 151 Mav I ~° 2 caice it be not sniped and ship sailed. andneidsnot t 1 -» r • 1 1 to look over John Marjonbanks. anv more of them. Edinburgh May 6th 1702. Orders to writte to William Frazer that he buy S gross of Commissione to the best pressing paper that is used att London for pressing JJ^JfjJ^J fvne broad cloaths and that they be cut in the edges and one gross pressing pound weight of the best drawing silk of the several colloures paper " they use att London for that use being for fvne drawing of the cloaths. Allowes to David Ramsay in Dundee for rents and other AHouance to blaemishes in the cloath No. 1312 half a dollar. The foresaid £»J5bbS J No. 19S5 hes a small pirne and therfor orders a rebate of ]2d. reii:etc - and for No. 2020 to allow 20d. Ordered that the end of cloath No. 1S42 sold to Robert Rober: Douglas Douglass, Junior, last week being spoiled both by drawer t ^ r c 0 f7 0 beoatt presser and others that Alexander Weir cutt of 6 quarters ^^mIs^Si. therof that is spoiled and send to David Maxwell and charged 302 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF to his accompt and he to seek his repetitione and that said Robert Douglass have creditt for the same. John Marjoribanks. Edinburgh, May 13th 1702. Approves of the payments made by Alexander AVeir since the 1st May last : — 1702 May 10th. Paid James Guthrie — rent of the cellar att Leith £29 . . . . £2: 8:4 nth. To Baily Marjoribanks as valeu of £202 in tuo bills upon Mr. Lillie att the Hague att 24d. - 20: 4: 0 remitted to Mr. Drummond ,£242:8:0 Scots To James Dunlope for the use of the work this brought in in the moneth of Apryll last . 75 : 0 : 0 £97:12:4 Mr. Mureisones Mr. James Muresone's letter from Amsterdame the 12th A^xfnderWeir M*J derected to Alexander Weir advyseing that he had for £280. drawn on said Alexander Weir for £280 sterling att double usance payable att the house of Mr. William Eraser in London. Orders Alexander Weir to accept the said bill and pav the same when dew and payable and to write to Mr. Frazer to accept Muresons bills. To pay Thomas Orders Alexander Weir to pay to Mr. Drumond as factor ^vnuam endS constitut by Thomas Laick Esq. what dividends are dew to the Drummond. sa id Thomas either in cloath or mony dew upone 400 lib sterling he lies in the Manufactory. Orders Alexander Weir to wryt to James Mureisone to get the agio alloued as Messrs. Drummond and partner does upone the draughts on the Companie. Orders to rebait 18d. on the cloath No. 2023 for the small pirne therin which came in the 12th currant. Orders to wrvt to David Maxwell to come in Teusday next, to clear his accompts. Orders to wryt to David Maxwell to foruard fvne Spanish blews and to advvse him that there are fyne blew and whyt marled cloaths for women at Musselburgh makeing. John Marjoribanks. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 303 Edinburgh, May 20th 1702. Approves of the payments following made by Alexander Weir viz : — To Thomas Breertoune as factor for Earle of Dyssart for 3 x 9 th - vears few dewitv of the lands of Newmilnes viz: — 1698, 1699, 1700 years att £25 : 14 : 0 Scots per annum ..... £16 : 8:6 To James Dunlop for the use of the work this brought in in the moneth of Apryll last . 50 : 0 : 0 To Alexander Herriot as depursed by him and William Blackwood att makeing up the Inventory att Newmilnes per account . 8 : 7 : SJ £59:15 :9h Alexander Herriott represented that there was dew to him Alexander for his services £40 sterling att the 1st May 1701 and findeing p^tadone the Company needed money did let the same lav for there use anent £40 he 1 lett ly in the from saids 1st May 1701 to the 28th Apryll 1702 creaveing Company's annual rent for the same which the Manadgers haveing con- JjJaSor orders sidered are not willino; that he receive annual rent but rather Alexander Weir p, i Ti • 1 n to lend him to have a loan for the like sume and for the like time, therefor 4 o lib on his orders Alexander Weir to lend to the said Alexander Herriott noat ' £40 for the like time and take his obligatione to repav the same. Orders Alexander Herreot to book the 2 boxes bought from Baily Gordone and to give him credite in the book for the weight thereof which is 716 pound weight. From which rebate weight for the weight of the boxes, reckoning the price att £40 per °/ 0 . Mr. Drummond's letter from Amsterdame the 19th instant invoysefrom with bill of loading and invoice of 24 balls of Spanish wooll o^b™™ 1 ^ amounting to £8825 : 4 : St. Spanish wooll Orders to give him credite in the books therefor. ^ss^'^ S t0 Orders Alexander Weir to buy bills from Herrie Baird and st - vvers - Patrick Coutts for £4000 not exceeding 24d. per gilder to be sent with advice to said Mr. Drummond not to draw for the rest untill advised. John Marjoribanks. 304 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edinburgh, May 27th 1702. Approves of the payments following made by Alexander Weir since the 20th currant viz : — - 1702 May 26th. Paid to James Dunlope for the use of the work, this brought in the moneth of Apryll last . . £25 : 0:0 To Alexander Colvill for his bills upon Mr. Patrick Fletcher in Amsterdam for £500 at 23/10d per gilder remitted to Messrs. Drumond and Vanderhieden . . 44 : 13 : 2§ To Patrick Coutts his bills on Messrs. Vangou- ders and Cock in Rotterdam for £1000 att 24d. per gilder remitted as aforesaid . 100 : 0:0 Paied to Harrie Baird his bills on Alexander Car- stairs for £2000 att 24d. per gilder re- mitted Drummond and partner . . 200 : 0:0 To James Gordon, Junior, per bill drawen by David Maxwell on the Manadgers payable 1st instant being in pairt of said David Maxwell's accompt for dyeing to the 1st currant . . . . . 100: 0:0 £474 : 13 : 2f Orders that Inglis of East Barns be wrot to know what right Mr. Inglis his to instruct that Rouck's right of £200 was in trust from Mr. Inglis. Alexander Weir hes delivered Thomas Whytts bond to John Cuninghame to use deligence therupon. Orders David Maxwell doe forward the cloaths for Captain Coult conforme to the minute he gott when last in toune viz : — Course Reid 270 ells att 6/1 Od. Midling do. 14 do. 9/ Course Blew 46 do. 8/ Midling do. 16 do. 10/ Midling Scarlet 24 do. 19/ 376 Ells. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 305 Orders a generall meeting to be called Fryday come eight dayes being the 5th June next to chose manadgers for the ensueing year and other affairs of the Company. Edinburgh, June 3rd 1702. James Dunlope's account of depursements from May 1701 to May 1702 being examined the same ammounts to ^3124:15:5. Orders that he gett credite therfore. Recommends to William Blackwood to goe through James Dunlope's accompts and clear them. Orders Alexander Herriott to ballance up the books against Friday nixt to present to the generall meeting. Allowes Arthour Brown to pay to William Grahame as assigney by Thomas Beerchefe two bonds of loan dew by the Companie to said Thomas Beerchefe on for £70 the other for £%0 and annualrents which shall be allowed to Alexander Campbell in pairt of the ballance dew by him to the Companie. Mr. William Graeme alsoe does intimate ane assignatione be the said Thomas Beerchefe in his favours in and to the said two bonds and the 18, 11, and 10 per cent dividends the stock being £200. John Cuninghame of Ballandalloch haveing presented his Orders to pay accompt of writeings to the Companie extend to £MZ :10:4d. \°^^^oo Scots. Scotts for his Orders the same to be examined be William Blackwood and nT^thVcom 6 - 111 that Alexander Weir pay the samen and alsoe alloues him for sS^e ist May his extraordinary pains in agenting the seaverall process 1701. of the Companie since May 1701 : £100 Scots which they order said Alexander Weir to pay. Alexander Weir haveing represented that he may have bills to remitte to Mr. Fraser for i?280 or thereby to pay and answer Mr. Muresons draught for i?280 for the last wooll commissioned at the rate of 9 or 8 per cent which will be ane great ease in the exchange but that the same will not be drawen payable before the 28th Jully and that he wants cash for about =£100 thereof. Orders the Manadgers to draw upon Alexander Weir and Orders to he to accept and to borrow the said ^100 from the bank and sterifng^om the said Alexander Weir to charge himself therewith. the Bank - u 306 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Approves of the payments following made to Alexander Weir since the last sederunt viz : — 1702 June ist. Paied to Mr. Michall Coulter per bill drawen by William Frazer from London for accompt the Companie upon the Manadgers payable to him . . . £111 : 15 : 0 4th- Paied to James Richardsone per bill drawne by Thomas Kirk from Edinburgh the 3rd June on Mr. John Sheerman, lining drapper, att London payable the 15th currant to the said James and indorsed by him and re- mitted to Mr. Frazer for £50 exchange 9per% ..... 54:10:0 Paied to Do. Richardsone per bill drawn by John Richardsone this day on Mr. John Glessell in London payable the 28th Jullv nixt indorsed by him to Alexander Weir and remitted to Ditto Frazer for i?200 att 8 per cent . . . . 216: 0:0 Paied Discompt of i?100 borrowed from the bank 13 : 4 Sent to Xewmilnes for the use of the work . 50 : 0 : 0 Lent Alexander Herriott per sederunt 26th Apryll last . . . . . 40 : 0 : 0 Paied John Bell for 12 stone wooll at 15/ per stone per David Maxwell's bill on the Manadgers . . . . 0 : : 1 9th. Sent to James Dunlope for the use of the work 40: 0:0 The Manadgers have contracted with Captain Coult in the Castle for the cloathinjr of the souldiers payable when furnished with cloathing. It to be sent to the hall betwixt and the 20th Jullv next. ^ 512:18:4 Edinburgh, June 10th 1702. Proposaii of the In obedience to orders of the last generall meeting direct to anent the bal- the Manadgers anent the ballanceing of the wooll its proposed wooii ng ° fthe that there be P articular accompts keeped of the severall wooll « Sic. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 307 lofts, and every loft to have a particular title and designatione to distinguish one from another. Wherebv when the wooll (in the sorteing or otherwaves) is transported from one loft to another, the generall accompt of wooll mav be still carved on alwaves with regaird to the seaverall waists, and in the beginning of every mav be ballanced. The Manadgers alsoe propose that all the numbers of the Proposan of the cloathes taken up in the inventary May last be insert in a jJJJU^gr" book for that purpose on the debet svde thereof, together with numbering of any new numbers begun too in the padds of wooll or other- waves or to be made: and on the credet syde of the said book that there be sett doune the numbers of the cloaths sent to the hall, that soe in the conclusione of Aprvll or beginning of May next when the inventarv is to be taken up, it mav appear whither there be anny imbaislements : for the numbers not sent to the hall and conteaned in the debet syde most be a part of the inventary to be taken up in May and make up the ballance. The cloath No. 2033 that came in to the hall the 8th current quherin there is tuo pirnes both within 2 J ell of the end. Orders Alexander Weir to rebait to the buyer 4 sterling for the said tuo pirnes and that David Maxwell stop it off the weaver that wrought it. And the other cloath No. 2130 that came in said 8th currant quherein there is tuo furrells, orders Alexander Weir to rebait to the buver 5 on the peice. Orders Alexander Weir to call at Alexander Campble to Orders to gett from him Hary Rankine's bond to the Coin pan ie or any jSSpeaiws other peapers he hes of Mr. Ranken's anent the Companie's to Mr. Rankine. bussiness, and that the same be delyvered up to said Mr. Rankine conforme to tuo sederunts — one the 14th March 99 and the other the 4th day of June 1700 years and that Alexander Herreot give credet to Mr. Rankine for the ballance he was oueing as stated in the books, and this day the Manadorers have siven discharge to Harv Rankin conforme to the above tuo entrances. Ro : Blackwood. Edinburgh. 17th June 1702. Orders Alexander Weir to transmitte to James Dunlope the 1702 Tune 16th. 308 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF proposalls as in the last sederunt annent the ballaneeing the wooll and keeping the aceompt of the numbers of cloath. Orders to David Orders to write to David Maxwell annent ane proposall bv Maswe" . . ■ Lawrance Doun for himself and in name of the Comisars to the army for 7 or 800 ells of red cloath to know how soon he can furnish the same that they mav bargane accordingly. Orders to rebaite to the buyer of the cloath that came in the 15 current No. 2037 for 1 small pirne 2 6d. and of No. 2101 for 2 small pirnes 4 . Orders to John Orders to write to Alderstoune to advise Mr. Maxwell that "Tu-V he forward white cloaths for wholl colours there being a great many mixt in the hall. Jno. Hay. Edinburgh, June 24th 1702. Approves of the payments following made by Alexander Weir since tht 10th instant viz : — 1702 June 16th. To James Dunlope, fore the use of the work . £50 : 0:0 - -~- To Mr. Fergu-sone, advocate, per his bill on John Drummond in London payable att -|s and remitted to William Frazer for aceompt of the Company . 75 : 0 : 0 Exchange 10 per cent . 7:10:0 82:10:0 Paid to the bank per the Manadgers" bill on Alexander Weir . . . 100: 0:0 I £32:10:0 Orders to persue William Cockburne and John Hepburne for the dividend of cloath belongeing to Alexander Stivinsone in Paris delivered to John Hepburne for accomptt James Cockburne and that before some inferior court. Jn' Hay. Folloues the discharge granted by the Manadgers to Henry Rankin ordered bv them to be here recorded and verbatim sett doun. viz. : — Wee John Hay present Bailly of Edinburgh Robert Black- wood late bailly there and John Cuninghame of Bandalloch THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 309 wryter to the signet present manadgers of and for the incor- poratione of the woollen manufactory at Newmilnes as being authorised and impoured by them and bv ane speciall order of the societies company of the said manufactory in favours of Henrv Rankine marchant in Edinburgh the late book, cash and warehouse keeper, datted at Edinburgh the fourth day of June one thousand seaven hundreth years, doe by thir presents for ourselves as Manadgers forsaid and in name and behalfe of the said Societie and incorporatione exoner, release, acquit and simpliciter discharge the said Henry Rankine marchant in Edinburgh, his aires, executors and all others whom it effeirs of the soume of tuentie three pounds nyne shillings sterling mony conteaned in a bond granted by the said Henry Rankin as resting to the said incorporation, and payable by him and his to George Clerke, Junior, Edward Marjoreibanks and Sir Robert Anstruther then present Manadgers of the forsaid incorporation for the tvme as to there successors in office and that upone demand datted at Edinburgh the 13th day of Apryle 1697 years, registrat in the Comissar court books of Edinburgh upone the 24th day of March 1698 years, and of the said bond itselfe registratione thereof, be all heads, tennors, contents and purport of the samvne, and of all dilligence done and letters raised thereon, and of all that hes folloued or may follow there wpone for now and ever, and alse wee the said Manadgers in name and manner foresaid doe heirby alsoe exoner and discharge the said Henry Rankine and his forsaids of ane obleidgment granted bv him to the said Societie and Company for threttie nvne ells and § of cloath, datted at Edinburgh the . . . day of . . . 1697 years, and that in respect the same is satisfyed and fullfilled as appears in the Book of the said Societie and companv conforme to ane report made 14th March 1699, by the deceast Hugh Blair late Dean of Guild of Edinburgh one of the said societv and companv folloueing upone and remit made to him bv the said companv theranent, whereby he finds and declairs that the said obleidgment was granted by the said Henry Rankine upone a mistake to his oune prejudice and therefor aught to be given up and discharged, which report haveing been then represented to the Manadgers by the said Dean of Guild Blair is approven 310 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF and in pursuance therof Alexander Campble the Company therafter is ordered to give up and delyver to the said Henry Rankine his bond and obleidgment for the forsaid cloath, and wee appoynt and ordeane the said bond for the soume of mony forsaids and the said obleidgment for the cloath heirby above discharged to be both given wp and delyvered to him the said Henry Rankine and his forsaids or to his or there orders, with the wholl dilligences folloueing theron when the same shall happin to come to our hands, and in caice he was denunced wpone the said bond for the soume abovewryten wee Manad- gers forsaid in our oune name and in name of the said Company and incorporatione consent to the said Henry Rankine his relaxatione without cautione or consignatione and for the more securatie wee further consent to the registratione hereof in any judges or judicatory books competent therein to remaine ad futuram rej memoriam and for that effect wee constitute our procurators etc. in witness quherof wee have subscribed thir presents (wry ten by Magnus Kennedy servitor to the said Robert Blackuood att Edinburgh the 18th dav of June 1702 years, befor thir witnesses Gabriell Napier and John Scott both servitors to the said John Cuninghame witnesses to his and Mungo Smith and the said Magnus Ken- nedy servitor to the said Robert Blackwood witnesses to his subscriptione and Alexander Weir and Alexander Herriot, clerk and bookkeeper to the said Company sic stibscribitur Robert Blackwood ; Jo : Cuninghame ; Mag : Kennedy ; wit- nesses ; Jn° Hay; Gabriell Napier, witnesses, John Scott, witness; Mun. Smith, witness; Bailly Blackwood; Alex r Weir, witness ; Alex r Hereot, witnes. Edinburgh, Jully 1st 1702. Approves of the payments following made by Alexander Weir viz : — June 24th. To James Gordone per David Maxwell's bill on the Manadgers payable to him being in part his sellery and dyeing to 1st May . . • ■ . ^80: 0:0 To David Maxwell himself in part as said is per receipt . . ■ • ■ 25: 0:0 THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 311 To Richard Chancey per bond of loan per the 26m. Manadgers principle is . . £35 : 0:0. Annual rent from Whitsunday 96 to this day. . . . . . 11:15:0 To Ditto Chancey per his other bond of loan granted by the Manadgers for . . 10 : 0 : 0 Annual rent from Whitsunday, 97, . . 2:4:6 To James Dunlope for the use of the work. . 60 : 0 : 0 To David Maxwell for 13 stone of wooll at 15/. Juiiy 2nd. per stone. . . . . . 9:15:0 To James Dunlope for the use of the work. . 60 : 0 : 0 To My Lord March mount for 33f stons of wooll att 16/ per stone . . . . 27 : 0 : 0 To David Thomsone as fraught 24 balls of wooll from John Drummond att 6/2 per ball . 7:8:0 To James Law, fraught of goods from London shiped per William Frazer for the carde work and C. . . . 14 : 0 ^328:16:6 Orders that in all time hereafter any of the Manadgers who Orders regu- doe not come upon the sederunt davs within J hour of the Manadgers time prefixed that they pay 7d. each for being sero and if the ^Wednes 0 " half hour be runn out they shall loss their sederunt money, the dayes. former to be putt in the sero box and the letter to be devided ammongest the Manadgers that doe not soe forfeite. 1 Hugh Campbell haveing produced ane peice of cloath No. 1679, quherein there is 3 pirnes qt 15 ells att 8/4 allowes rebate of 5/ and to charge the weaver therewith. No. 1841 Mixt quherein there is a small pirne allowes the buyer thereof 1/ sterling of rebaite and that No. 2093 querein there is different collowers allowes rebaite 6/8d. sterling. 1 It is interesting to compare this order with that made on 24th February 1682 {vide supra, §118). At the earlier period the fine for being a quarter of an hour late was only id. sterling, whereas now it was increased to 7d. The penalty for absence from a meeting was 6d. in 1682, subtracted from the amount deposited; but on the introduction of fees the proportionate sum for the meeting (being 4s. 8d. sterling for each) was withheld. 312 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF intimatione of Alexander Weir reports that upone the 1st instant Patrick Jbor^?o?ioan. §tell as procurator for Thomas Deans did intimat 2 bonds of loan granted to the said Thomas Deans for ^87 : 10/ datted 9th September 96, and beareing annual rent from Whjt- sunday 96. The other bond datted 14th Jullv 97 and bearing annual rent from Whytsunday 97, principal £25. And for the former requyred payment 3 moneths after his said intimatione conforme to the tennor thereof, and the other present payment, Orders Alexander Weir to provyd mony for payment of both. Ho : Blackwood. Edinburgh, Jully 8th 1702. direafonesto 1st. Orders to transmitte to David Maxwell the following David Maxwell, d erections viz : — In respect wee find that there is here in the hall sufficient quantities of all sorts of course mixt cloaths therefore to make noe more new numbers of such neither to hasten such course cloaths if only in yearne, but if they be in the milne mens hands may be forward only by litle and litle soe as not to stope other cloaths that is more for present and currant sale and to observe this stope untill wee think needfull to accquaint you thereof. 2nd. As to fvne and middlcn mixt cloaths that he only forward by litle and litle such as are in the milne mens hands and some alsoe that are in the yearne but to make very few new numbers thereof untill such time as wee shall send you new patrons. 3rd. To forward with all haste imaginable the course red cloaths for performeing conditions contained in two separate contracts with Captain Coult in the castle of Edinburgh and with Lowrance Doun as formerly advised, the former betwixt and the 20th current and the other betuixt and the 15th August next, both which were limited by your letters. 4th. In respect there is neither fyne nor middling black cloaths here att present therefore to forward hither with all requisite conveniencie and make a stock of 3 or 400 ends always to lye att the work, and as soon as any quantity litle THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 313 or meikle thereof are dyed black immediately then to make again new numbers soe as the quantity dyed may always be supplied with the like quantities of whytt new made. 5th. In respect that the fyne silver gray cullored cloath for second murning is much demanded att present therefore to forward hether with all convenient speed all these which are given out to your spiners any where since the 20th April last by past. 6th. In regard that the whole old and new quantities of your third and fourth cast be 3rd and fourth cast course whytt cloaths are all already ordered to be dyed red, therefore to take ■care and putt to work people with all requisite conveniencie to make ready a stock of these ordinary course whytt cloaths att least 150 whole peice which may lye ready, to waite orders from the Manadgers how the same is to be dyed and alsoe to take care that when any pairt of the saids 150 are dyed that the like quantities of new whytt cloaths may always be supplied. The Manadgers have been prepareing measures whereby to give orders for keeping just and regular accounts of all sorts of cloath made att the work and how they doe any ways come in to this hall and therefore to prevent the trouble and diffi- culty that may happen do find it expedient that what ever be the numbers of the cloath from the wooll whether it be ane mixt cloath or a whytt cloath that the said number is never to be altered when sent in here, for wee apprehend (only by conjecture) that ye keep up ane number of whytt cloaths which we approve of but when you dye any of these whytt ■cloaths either in red, blew, yellow, green or black, that you are accustomed to alter the number it had when whytt and gives it a new number when dyed, which custome of alter- ing of numbers wee strictly e discharge from this very time and requires that in all time comeing whatever collouer it be dyed that it doe always retaine (without altering) the first number it had when whytt. This day James Wood hes signed a dispositione by him to Disposition the Manadgers corroborating his bonds to the Companie and th™Companie. C which is delyvered to Alexander Weir to keep. Orders Alexander Weir to pay or allow to William Black- 314 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Orders to allow wood £69 : 5 :9h. conforme to a decreet of preference at said Blackwood William's instance againest the Manadgers anent a debt dew £ 6 9-5-9h- by Alexander Stivensone in Paris to him, and to take a dis- charge for the same. Jo. Cuninghame. Edinburgh, Jully 15th 1702. Approves of the payments following made by Alexander Weir since the 3rd current. 1702. Jully 8th. Payed to David Kinghorne, for llf stone wooll att 16/2d. per bill and recept . . . 9: 9:11$ To Robert Hay for 50} stone att 15/, £38 : 1 : 3 To Robert Hay for 52 stone wooll 17/5 . . . 45:5:8 83: 6:11 IIth * To James Dunlop for the use of the work . 50 : 0 : 0 J 4 th - To James Gordon, senior, for his bill on Mr. William Livingstone in London payable A remitted to William Frazer for ,£138 : 7 : 1 Exchange att 12 per cent . 16:12:2 To Bailly John Chancelor for his bill on Mr. William Broune payable g remitted to said William Frazer for . £60 : 0:0 Exchange 13 per cent . . 7:16:0 154:19: a 67:16: 0 To William Blackwood per decreet of preference against the Manadgers for a debt deu to Alexander Stivensone by the Company . 69 : 5 : 9£ £434:17:11 David Maxwell's letter in answer to the Manadgers memoir as in the sederunt the 8th current being: read. Orders Alexander Weir to wryt him that it was there opinione, bot not that he was positively to be tyed to these rules etc. leaveing a great part to his prudent manadgment and recommends to William Blackwood (who is goeing to NeW- milnes Fryday next) to discourse Mr. Maxwell anent the said rules. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 815 Mr. William Blackwood's letter of this dayes date direct to the Manadgers, quherein he desyres that quhat bonds dew by him to the Company quhich he shall happin to retire either this or next moneth, that his obligatione be taken a part for quhat interest may be dew on said bond payable againest a certaine day. Orders Alexander Weir to keep the principall letter untill the Manadgers consider the same and quhat to answer thereto. Orders Alexander Weir to wryt to Mr. William Frazer that he send a particular account with recept thereon of the charges depursed by him in Collonell M°Kartneye , s affair. Jno. Hay. Edinburgh, Jully 22nd 1702. [No business was transacted except checking cloth sent from the works.] [Edinburgh, Jully 22nd, 1702.] Approves of the payments following by Alexander Weir viz : — To James Dunlope for the use of the work . £±Q : 0 : 0 170? Jolly i5th. To David Maxwell in part his sellary and dyeing . ■ . . . . 17:2:0 To James Dunlope for the use of the work . 40 : 0 : 0 21st. £97:2:0 This day Mr. Robert Hepbume, writer in Edinburgh did intimate to the Manadgers ane translatione granted by Elisa- Hepbarne" beth Kerr, relick of James Row of Chesters. in his favours in ^rvterofhis _ . ' rigzi rroni the and to the bygone profits arryseing upon ,£350 sterling which relict of James the said James Row had in the Manufactory to which she had Chester* right which translatione is of the date the 18th Jully instant. William Stivinsone, nottar to this intimatione. Orders that Alexander Weir do pay to the said Mr. Robert Orders for Hepburne as haveing right in manner foresaid, ane years divi- Sn^Sdew^ dend of profits dew on the said £350, sterling from the first to James Row's of May 1701 to the first of May 1702 and that att Martimass nixt deduceing £3 sterling dew bv the said Elisabeth Kerr to 316 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF the Manadgers which was lent hir per hir accepted precept and any other deductions which the books can make appear to be stopt. Alexander Weir hes instantly delivered up to John Cun- inghame the obligatione granted by Hugh Cuninghame writer to the signet to the Manadgers in relatione to Colonel M'Artnev's affair. Jo. Cuninghame. Edinburgh Jully 29th 1702. Approves of the payments following made by Alexander Weir since 21st Jullv last : — 1702 jully 23rd. To David Kinghorne for 11 stons of wooll att 15/ £8 : 5:0 To Robert Hoy for 80 J stons at 15/ per stone . 60 : 7 : 6 25th To James Dunlope for the use of the work . 21 : 0 : 0 To Joseph Vounge valeu of a bill for i?30 drawne from Dundee by George Fair- weather on Mr. George Coning, marchant in London, indorsed and remitted to Mr. William Frazer, exchange att 12 per °/ 0 . 33 : 12 : 0 30th. To James Dunlope for the use of the work . 50 : 0 : 0 To John Bell for 39 stons of wooll att 16/4 per stone . . . . . 31:17:0 To Robert Hav in pavment a parcell of wooll he hes bought . . . . 200 : 0 : 0 T405 : 1 : 6 Orders Alexander Weir to writte to David Maxwell that their meaning in their orders sent to him was not to discharge the forwarding of mixed cloaths already struck too or not to order patrons for new mixtures but that without prejudice of these he would forward all that possible he can in white. Orders to write to Mr. William Frazer annent the bill drawen by James Muresone from Holland on the Manadgers for -£14-99 as the ballance of account of cloath sent to Holland by the Companie wherein James Foulis was concerned in the manadgement to gett Mr. Foulis thoughts or approbatione thereof as alsoe to write to said Mr. Foulis himself and to send THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 317 double of said Mr. Muresorfs letter and account sent by him in relatione to said bill. Alexander Weir hath received back from John Cuning- hame of Ballandalloch the proces which was delivered to him att the Manadgers instance against several debitors before the Commissars which was advocate by Mr. Ritchie in order to persue the debitors thereinnamed before the Commissars who have not as yett deponed in the affair. Alexander Weir haveing reported to the Manadgers that! there are and will be severall considerable demands on him for w f ooll and that he will not be in cash to answer the same therefor that they would please to borrow some out of the bank to supply the defficiencie. To which Bailly John Hay answered that he was not alto- £150 sterling gether willing that such a society should borrow from the Bam>*Hay™ m bank and if £150 could serve for a litle time he would lend it and take Alexander Weir's noat for the same on the Com- panie 1 account. Orders Alexander Weir to grant noat for the said £150 and charge himself therewith and to pay the same when called for with intrest. Jno. Hay. Edinburgh, August 5th 1702. Orders David Maxwell to strick to the patrons of cloath to Orders to stryk be sent as marked in the patrone book this day to the to P atrons - numbers viz :— No. 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114. Alexander Weir haveing represented to the meeting that there being severall considerable demands for money and beside there will be demands for wooll all this moneth and the nixt being the time of provideing English wooll etc. which must be all paied ready money. Orders that the Manadgers doe borrow ^500 sterling till Martimess nixt and give bond therfore in common forme to helpe to answer the said demands and that Alexander Weir notwithstanding be presseing ammongest the customers to gett in all the money possible he can. David Maxwell proposses to the Manadgers that the prices of wooll being some what uncertaine att present and therefore SI 8 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF he designes to goe to Norththumberlane or furder as he finds occassione in order to make the best bargains for wooll he cann and craves the Manadgers concurrance thereannent. Allows the said David Maxwell to goe on in the foresaid designe considering it will be for the Companies advantage that he see the qualities of wooll he is to buy for their use. Alexander Weir rapresents that there are several 1 things defective in the Companie's house which he lives in which would he helped. Allowes the said Alexander Weir 35/ sterling to doe all and if anv more he is to be att the charges himself and to debet the Companie therewith in his accounts. Jo. Cuninghame. Edinburgh, 12th August 1702. Approves of the payments following made by Alexander Weir since the 30th Jully last viz : — --5-._: To James Dunlope for the ok of the work . £iO: 0:0 To Robert Hay for 5Sh stone of wooll att 15/ per stone . . . . 43: 17 : 6 To George Bell of advance monev to buy wooll 50 : 0:0 To Alexander Herriott in pavment his last years sellary to Wh ytsunday . . . 10: 0:0 i;th. To James Dunlope for the use of the work . 55 : 0 :0 To Patrick Coutts per bill Mr. James Muresone on the Manadgers pavable |j to Mr. Thomas Coutts indorsed to said Patrick Coutts for ^1499:4:6 Scots bide . . 124:18:8J To Bailly Gordon in pairt for oyll per recept . 180 : 0:0 To George Lind per his bill on Mr. William Gordon in London for i?100, exchange att 12 per r , remitted to William Frazer . 112 : 0 : 0 To John Bell for 37 stone of wooll att 16 3d. per stone . . . 30 : 1 : 3 To ditto for 64 stone at 14 per stone . . 44:16:0 To James Murray for shoar dews and mark per tunn of 34 packs of wooll and c. per recept 1 : 10 : If THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 319 To Patrick Craufurd per bond of loan principal £%5 : 0:0 Annual rent from Whvtsunday 1696 to Whvt- sunday 1702 . - . . 12: 8:6 P739:12:1J This day John Cuninghame hes delivered up to Alexander Weir bond granted by Sir James Hall of Dounglass as prin- cipal! and George Bailly of Ireswood. cautioner, dated the 27th Jully last for ilOOO sterling payable att Candle mass nixt 1703." Orders Alexander Weir to wryt to Mr. Mureisone anent the 4 ends of cloath not compted for in the sales of cloath sent to Holland, if the same be yet made good, and who is to be lyable for them. Jo : Cuningham. Edinburgh, August 19th 1702. This dav bet^aixt nine and ten of the cloak George Allan, merchant, in Darlingtoune did intimate dispositione and assignatione by Patrick Laury. stabler, burges in Edinburgh with consent of Christian Bruce, his spouse executrix d-eeriei and cod firmed to the deceast John Bruce, felt maker, barges in Edinburgh quhereby he with consent foresaid dispones to him £55 : 14 : 0 sterling with annualrent and that out of the first and read vest of i;100 of stock dew to the said John Bruce. Orders that Francis Bruce writer in Edinburgh be aeequarted therewith. Orders to write to Mr. William Frazer for eight cross of pressing papers such as the last but to lett them be cutt in the edges. Jo. Ciminghanie. Edinburgh. August 26:h 170£, Approves of the payments following made bv Alexander Weir viz : — (since the 13th August.) To James Dunlope for the use of the work . iT£5 : 0 : 0 320 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF 22nd. To David Maxwell as ballance his dyeing and sellary to the first of May last per recept . £192 : 2:2" 25th. To James Dunlope for the use of the work . 60 : 0 : 0 To Mr. James Melvill as haveing ryght by dispositione from Mr. David Scrimsione deceast per bond of loan to David Nairne for .... £U0: 0:0 Annual rent from Whytsunday 96 47 : 15 : 6 To ditto per ane other bond of Loan ^40 Annual rent from Whytsunday 97 . 11 : 9:0 187 : 15 : 6 51: 9:0 £616: 6:8 Jo. Cunine:ham. Edinburgh, September 2nd 1702. There being a proposall presented by the presses given in to him by Mr. Seatone in the Scots foot gauirds quhereby he desires to know how soon the Companie can furnish 1928 ells of course light stone gray for pie coats for the guairds such as No. 1590 valued att the hall att 7/ which he proposses to be sold att 6/8 or att most att 6/9. Orders Alexander Weir to transmitte the said proposall to Mr. Maxwell to gett his thoughts thereupon and how soon he can furnish the said quantity of cloath and whether the same may be sold here att 6/9d. that of No. 1590 being 5/6d. att the work always with regard that the above quantity doe not retard in anv great measure the forwarding of other cloaths and that the said Mr. Maxwell send ane answer per first. Orders to Alex- Orders Mr. Herriott to goe to Newmilnes for 2 or three days togoetoNeir< on the Com panic's charges to waite upon and be assisting to miines. Alderstoune to examine and summe the monethly accounts and to take out the bond for £500 granted to Sir John Shaw to be signed by Alderstoune and to endeavour to putt Alders- toune in such a method as this need not to be done hereafter. Booked 26th Alexander Herriott is ordered to place the charges depursed October !702. Mr. William Frazer in Colonel M c Artney"s affair viz : — THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 321 For law charges and to attornies and baillies . £3 : 2:9 For his owen incident charges and attendance from the 9th December to the middle of April 1702 2:16:0 £5:18:9 Orders Mr. Herriott to give ane answer to the memorandum given in by Mrs. Marrion Carmichell which he immediately did. Jn° Hay. Edinburgh, September 9th 1702. Received David Maxwell's letter in answer to Mr. Seaton's proposall for stone grays for the foot Gauirds which he pro- posses to furnish six moneths after contracting att 7/ per ell. Mr. Herriott reports that he had been att New-milnes the 7th and 8th of this currant and examined the scriblers weavers and sheermen's books the moneth of May John [sic] and Jully viz : — The moneth of May, extends to . . £230 : 0 : 0 J Mr. Hereott t no tz t i er report of the June, .... 2<35:1L:5 monethly de- Jully,. . . . 199 : 11 : U p™ « £665: 2:7| He also reports and gives in ane account of his charges . . . . . 9:3 Orders Alexander Weir to charge himself with the ^500 Orders to Alex- borrowed of Sir John Schaw per the Manadgers bond to him cS^e^rms^e payable att Marti mass nixt beareing intrest from Lambas with bor ~ last which bond is just now delivered up. John Schaw. Alexander Campbell haveing laid on ane arreestment in the Marked in the hands of the Manadgers arreesting any soumes of money dew m °ents° f arreest ~ to Thomas Beerchefe of London, merchant, and therefor recalls that warrand of the Manadgers the 3d June allowing Arthur Brown to pay to William Grahame as assigney by Thomas Beercheffe two bonds of loan one of £10 the other of i°20. Received a letter from David Maxwell with 2 coppies one of reductione and improbatione and the other a charge of horning x 388 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF for reliefe, both att the instance of the Viscount of Tivat which are delivered to Hallandalloch. Orders Alexander Weir to write to David Maxwell annent the Spanish wooll to be commissioned by the Manadgers to know whether 30 balls may serve untill Candlemas nixt and if not what more to commissione. Jn° Hay. Orders to Mr. Partone the presser and to Mr. Coll the fynedrauer. 1702. Septem- ber 3rd. 5 th. Edinburgh, September 16th 1702. There being a piece of black cloath No. 1959 returned by Alexander Cairlile from Glasgow because of the shortness of measure wanting near ane ell, as alsoe ane other piece of light cloath damnified and very ill tine drawn soe as can not be worne except in breetchees. Orders Alexander Weir to cause measure the same black cloath and make up what it wants and repeat the same to said Mr. Cairlile and orders to give five shillings sterling for the damages on the above piece of light. Alexander Herriott reports that he had measured the above piece of black and it wanted | ell of the measure which att 18 8 per ell rebateing 5 per % is £- 13:5ki and which Alex- ander Weir is to pay to the said Alexander Carlyle as above. Orders Alexander Weir to write to Mr. Partone the presser that lie take exact notice to mark the length of the several! ends of cloath seeing there are severalls have been returned bein£ but scrimp of the length thats cutt on the cloath end which is a reflexione upon the work and crcats a great deall of clamour and trouble. Likewavs to write to Mr. Maxwell that he accquant Mr. Coll the tine drawer of the many complents that are made upon his work that he take care to prevent the same for the future. Approves of the payments following made by Alexander Weir since the 2nd September 1702. To John Hell in pairt of wooll he is to furnish per recept .... To James Gordone in full the 6 butts of ov bought from him . To James Dunlope for the use of the use of the work 40: 0 £20 : 53: 40: 0 THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 323 To James Dunlope for the use of the work . £50 : 0 : 0 zzzt. To Robert Hay for 103f stons of wooll att 17 S 91 : 12 : 11 To ditto for 87 stone att 14 8d . . . 49 : 2 : S To Alexander Herriott his charges att New- milnes examineing the books and summing up the depursements the moneths of May. June and Jully last . . . 9 : 3d To Baillv Gordone per bill David Maxwell on zi±. the Manadgers in pairt his ball an ee to the 1st May last . . . 76 : 4 : 2 To James Dunlope for the use of the work . 40 : 0 : 0 ~v~ £420:11: 6 Jr. : H Edinburgh. September 23rd 1702. David Maxwell in his letter the ISth currant advisses that in the end No. 2012 q* 1-3 ells there are severall small pirnes and in No. 2177 q : 12| ells there is a pirne which being vieued by the Manadgers. Order to rebate 30d. for the severall pirnes in No. 2012 and lSd. for the pirne in No. 2177. Alexander Weir presented to the Manadgers a sade colloured cloath No. S27 which is lying severall years in the hall and therebv spoiel'd bv the moeths bot there bein recept ..... £50 : 0: 0 December 1st. To do. Dunlop . . . p. recept 40 : 0:0 To Robert Nicolsone J years annual of ^800 to Lam has last . . . 22 : 0 : 0 To Sir John Schaw as annualrent of £150 bor- rowed from his father per the Manadgers bond reteired viz. from 24th September 1701 to the 23rd April 1702 at which tyme the principal was paid per recept . 4:16: S 9th. To James Dunlop for the use of the work per recept . . . . 50 : 0 : 0 THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 333 To Captain David Livingstoune factor for the Earle of Tiviott as the few dewty payable for the lands of Neumilnes for the vear 1701 £25 : 14 : 0 Scotts . . " . . £2 : 2 : 10 To David Maxwell alloued him for his charges being in toune since 1st May per account and discharge . . . . 1 : 17 : 6 To James Dunlop for the use of the work per recept . . . . . 80 : 0 : 0 To Provost Cuninghame as a years annual rent of ^600 to Martinmas last 1702 . . 33 : 0 : 0 To James Gordone, senior for chists of soap weight neat 641 lb. att 40 per cent, is . 21 : 7 : 4 To Androw Kerr in Chatto for wooll viz : — 720 stone att 15/. . . ^90: 0:0 65 stone 4 lb. att 9/. . 29 : 7 : 3 6 stone att 15/. . . 4 : 10 : 0 123:17: 3 To James Dunlop for the use of the work per recept . . . . 50 : 0 : 0 3oth. <£>479: 1: 2 The Manadgers have upone the 26th current entered into Contract with contract with Patrick Craufurd, marchant in Edinburgh for craufurd for the number of 600 ells reid cloath att 6/10d. per ell all to be ^°°J h lsreid furnished betuixt and the 26th day of March next. Orders Alexander Weir to keep the said contract and to delyver out the cloath to said Mr. Craufurd as it comes in to the hall upone recepts thereof relative to the contract. Bailly Hay is desyred to meet with Alexander Campble anent the accompts betuixt him and the Companie and to report Wednesday next. Upone the 24th instant Patrick Coupar in Neumayns did lay on ane arreistment in the hands of the Manadgers and Alex- ander W eir for a debt dew by William Row eldest laufull sone and heir to the deceast James Row of Chesters and Elizabeth Kerr his relict. 334 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Booked in the Orders Alexander Herreat to book the said arreistment. arreistments. Ro '> Blackwood. Edinburgh, 6th January 1703. Roup of Patrick The roup of Patrick Stell's stock in the Company which was Steeil s shair. ^ ^ . g adjourned to this day eight daves betuixt 9 and 10 in the foirnoon conforme to the conditiones of the roup presented by Robert Waluood who is preferred to the said stock by decreet and act of roup folloueing therewpone. Memorandum Robert Watsone, marchant in Edinburgh being present with Wa^sorfe^of the ^fanadgers presented ane confirmed testament made by Murhousein Thomas Deans deceast sone to the deceast James Deans, relatione to . . _ _ , . Thomas Deans baillie in the Cannongate quherein he is tutor dative to and in name and behalfe of Alexander Deans sone to the deceast Robert Deans nephew to the said deceast Thomas Deans. Orders that Alexander Weir doe gett up from the said Robert Watsone ane signed particle of the said testament in relatione to the debts therein mentioned dew by the Company to the said Robert Deans himselfe or otherwayes by assigna- tione etc., and that the said Robert Watsone doe louse any arreistments laid on in the Company or Manadgers there hands againest the said Thomas Deans or his aires or repre- sentatives quhatsomever. Jo: Cuningham. Edinburgh, 13th January 1703. Arreistments There being seaverall arreistments against James Row of Row^fChesters Chesters his aires, and alsoe againest the representatives of his representa- John Bruce, feltmaker, and processes of furthcomeing intended thereanent. Orders Alexander Weir to speake to James Russell and Mr. Samuel] Gray the Companies procurators to nottice the said process of furthcoming and that John Cuninghame raise ane advocatione of both. John Cuninghame of Ballendalloch haveing reported quhat was done in the proces againest the relict of James Ritchie and his aires befor the Lords. Orders that he goe on in the said proces and that (to THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 335 exoner the Manadgers) the said relict and childreeD be prosecut to the ultimat dilligence in law. The roup of Patrick StielTs share in the Companie which was ordered to be this day was accordingly made conforme to the conditiones underwryten and caryed in favours of BaiLy Robert Blackwood who bad one hundered and one pound* sterling therfor and signed the roup. The conditions of the roup are viz : — Zz-±.'..-.z?- r: 1st. That the purchaser shall immediatly after the roup p=Vfck ? S:eeii*s pay to the directors or Manadgers of the Manufactory the sz ~~ soume of fyfteen pounds sterling vet resting bv Patrick Steell of his share and stock of £100 sterling subscribed for by him with the annual rent of the said 15 lb. sterling from the 1st of October to Martimes both last. 2nd. That the purchaser shall have rvt to the heall profeits of the said share from the 1st Mav last and in all tyme comeing and to all the profeits yet luidivvded. 3rd. That the said share shall be transferred in the said Directors or Manadgers there books in name of the purchaser, they aluaves being obleidged to signe the preamble in the Companies book of subscriptiones. 4th. That the first offerr be not under £100 sterling and that each offerer exceed the immediatly preceeding offer in the soume of 20 shillings sterling. 5th. That the purchaser shall immediatly after the roup pay in to Robert Waluood the soume for which the share shall be acquvred after deduction of the £15 sterling to be paved to the Manadgers with the interest thereof as above. 6th. That the roup shall be made by ane halfe hour glass and that he who offers most, immediatly befor the running out of the said glass shall be the purchaser. Folloues Bailly Blackwood's obleicgment at the foot of the ai this above conditiones of roup. another Edinburgh. 13th Januarv 1703. The above share in the books above Manufactory is falne in the hands of Baillv Robert Blackuood who heirbv obleidges himselfe to full rill the condi- tiones of the roup abovementioned and is to pay £101 sterling therefor sk subscribitur Ro: Blackuood. Alexander Weir reports to the Manadgers that he hes gott 336 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF up from Robert Watsone of Muirhouse the particle of the testament mentioned in the last sederunt and also ane passing from the arreistment at Mr. Walter Stirling's instance signed by said Mr. Walter with consent of his spouse and his spouse herselfe. Upone the 5th January instant Thomas Peacock, fermerer in Nether Liberton arreist in the hands of the Manadgers for a debt deu by Christian Bruce, executrix to the deceast John Bruce feltmaker. Booked in the Orders Alexander Herreot to book the said arreistment. £2L2L*. Ro: Blackwood. arrestments. Edinburgh, 20th January 1703. To make a Orders Alexander Weir to make a scroll of ane transferr PatrickSteeis * n f avours of Bailly Robert Blackwood as the purchaser of s r a , r , e • 5? f ™ ou , rs Patrick Steells share in the Manufactory to be recorded this of Bailly Black- . , , _ . wood. day eight dayes in the Companies books, the conditiones of the roup of the said share mentioned in the former sederunt being alwayes first performed. Booked all this This day Robert Watson of Muirhouse, marchant in Edin- ieg^a^gene- hurgh, tutor dative to Alexander Deans sone to the deceast rai leger book Robert Deans and nephew and executor testamentar nominat excepting the 1 stock of 200 lib. by the deceast Thomas Deans sone to the deceast James Deans, h^/profeits the bailly in the Cannongate, 1 did lay befor the Manadgers the stands in the name of David its not folly ret 1 J ames Deans had started a ropework at Newhaven. This was a failure, and determined. in 1694 Thomas Deans received the 'privilege of a manufacture' under the Act of 1681 on his undertaking to re-start the undertaking. The remainder of this entry is of great interest and importance as affording some light on the profits made by the Company. It should be premised that at this period the stockholder was credited with the dividend and debited with his purchases from the Company. Therefore in some cases the profits standing to a stockholder's credit would not give the total of his dividends being subject to deductions for his indebtedness to the undertaking. In other cases where no purchases had been made the 4 profits 1 would of course be the sum of the dividends not withdrawn, and there might be a considerable amount accrued in this way, since, as in the East India Company, members were expected to apply personally for their warrants. It appears too from previous entries that there had been some dispute as to the ownership of the Deans' holding. Therefore it may have happened that one parcel of stock represented a balance of dividends less amount due to the Company, while another was transferable cum dividends THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 337 said Thomas Deans his confirmed testament testamentar datted 29th December last in which the said Thomas Deans hes of stock in the woollen manufactory of Neumilnes three thousand pounds Scotts with i?1207 : 7/ mony forsaid of by gone profeits. Item given in bv Thomas Pitts to which the said defunct had rycht ^1200 Scotts with £156 of bygone profeits. Item, more given in by David Foullis to which the said defunct had rycht, <£>2400 Scotts with £744 Scotts of profeits. Item stocked in by James Foullis to which the said defunct had rycht £2400 Scotts with £504 mony forsaid of profeits and therefor craved that the said shares and profeits be transferred in the person of the said Alexander Deans and the profeits dew thereunto be payed to him. Orders that Alexander Weir doe enter quhat is above in relatione to Robert Watson of Muirhouse in the transferr book and to take the said Robert Watsone his acceptance thereof in name and behalfe of the said Alexander Deans the minor, and to take his recept for the profeits upone payment of the samyne, all arreistments either againest the said Thomas Deans or the above named persones from whom he had rycht being alwayes first purged. Resolved that the Manadgers goe to Neumilnes Thursday next to inspect James Dunlop's books as to the ballanceing of the wooll and also his other books and visit the work. Jn° Hay. without deductions. Applying these principles to the sums mentioned in the text, we get the following data : — Stock. Accumulated Dividends. Per Cent. Remarks. ,£3000 Scots. ^1207 7 Scots. ^404 10 Evidently an odd amount. 1200 156 „ 13 13 2400 744 >, 31 ? 18% + 13% 2400 504 „ 21 ? 11% + 10% It was recorded on June 3, 1702 that dividends of 18%, 11%, 10% had been declared immediately previous to that date. The annual meeting was in May, and, since the dividend on ^"1200 was an even 13%, this may have been the distribution for 1702. If this were so, the accrued dividends on the two parcels of stock of ^2400 Scots each would be accounted for as being the sum of an 18% and a 13% dividend in the one case and of a 10% and 11% dividend in the other. On March 10th (vide infra) the payment made in sterling was approved. Y 338 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edinburgh, 27th January, 1703. David Maxwell's letter of the 25th January last reeoramende- ing to the Manadgers to comissione more Spanish wooll in caice of warr being proclaimed againsst Spaiyne being read. Ordered that Mr. Drumond and Mr. Mureisone gett neu comissiones for buyeing a quantetie of Spanish wooll. bot as to the quantetie or uay of shipping etc. continues to the next sederunt. Ordered that Alexander Campble be persued upone his subscribit accompt to the Company and for the ballance of his cash accompt, bot first of all that Bailly Hav goe thorough both with Alexander Herreot in order to forme the lybell againest him. Jo: Cuninghame. Edinburgh, 3rd February 1703. Alexander Weir haveiug represented to the Manadgers that there are bills draune {(or the value of the last parcell of wooll bought by John Drummond) on Mr. William Frazer all pay- able begining of March next amounting to i^910 sterling besvds the comissione to Mr. Mureisone, and seing mony cannot be expected from the marchants to answer said de- mands, that therefor the Manadgers would fall upone some expedient to gett bills to remit to Mr. Frazer to the effect forsaid. as to which John Cuniiiiihame of Ballendalloch made offerr to serve the companie in bills payable at London for ^1000 sterling at the rate of 10 per cent exchange upone payment of readv mony for the value, i j a Orders Alexander Weir to call againe at Sir James Hall for -. : c wment of his bond to the Companie for i?1000 sterling and ~- -v. that the monv therof be annlved for payment of these bills x'-zz :: Mr. Cuninghame is to procure. )r°iz C r The Manadgers have upone the 30th January last given Commis^oc to comission to Me->rs. Drummond and Vanderhoyden to buy up ^fSf^tJ^ 1111 threttie balls Spanish wooll such as the last they were eomis- : : - - sioned to buv, for which besyds the pryce thev arc to have h per cent, per moneth soe long as they keep the same by them, after sendeing the bill of parcells. Ro : Blackwood. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 339 Edinburgh, 10th February 1703. Orders Alexander Weir to wryt to Mr. William Frazer that he give the Manadgers ane accompt j>er next ^LaT the best Si go via wooll gives att London at present, and lykuayes that he give the computatione of the difference of the weight betuixt Holland and England. Dely vexed to Bandalloch the accompt foxmed a^ainest Alexandex Campble in order to make a lybell against said Campble with Alexandex Campble's backbond which was de- I wered to the procurator. Orders that Ballendafloch meet with Mr. Sam u ell Gray, procurator, and imploy him thexeanenL Jn Hay. Edinburgh, 17th Febxuary 1703. Alexander Weir rer.-^rts that he bes been with Six James Hall anent his bond to the Companie fox £1000 sterling, and ^ did receave from him £700 thereof which he del wered to John Cuninghame of Bandalloch together with the bond it selfe to receave the remainder with interest dew on the said principal sum since 27th Jully last, maikeing in all £1 889 : 15 : 10. and that he hes given to said John Cuninghame his noat payable on demand for £90 : 4 : 2 sterling, all which being to clear James Hamiltone of Pen kait land and said John Amtm *r Cuninghame their bill on James Gray in London remitted to frj; " William Frazer on the Companie's accompt for XI 000 sterling exchange att 12 per cent- bot that the said James Hamiltone : zf hes 2-iven his word of honour to gett on[e] per caeat. donne when mv Lord Blantvxe comes home being discharged by said Mx. Gray to drau under 12 per cent, and notwithstanding of the report in the last sederunt by said Mr. Cuninghame to gett the said 1*1000 at 10 per cent, yet Penkaitland absolntly refuised it. there being noe wryt to that effect, and they being discharged to drau under 12 per cent, as said is. Orders Alexander Weir to wryt to David Maxwell to fomard Bailly Black uood s fyne stone gxav cloaths contracted for. being all to be del wered betuixt and the 1st March next Jo : Cuninghame. 340 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edinburgh, 24th February, 1703. Receaved from David Maxwell, James Ainslie^s tack with the Company anent the sutlary upone which he is resteing tuo termes rent at Martinmas last being 800 merks per annum. Anent James Orders Alexander Weir to delyver the same to Bandalloch sutiSie. ° f to rease a horning thereupone and that the said James Ainsly get a charge which was accordingly delyvered by Alexander Weir. Orders that Peter Hepburne in Abby Milne be ceited before the Companies of Edinburgh for 16 bolls of malt at 14 lb. per boll bought by him belongeing to the Companie and that Alexander Weir doe wryt to David Maxwell thereanent. Ro. Blackuood. Edinburgh 3rd March, 1703. Orders Alexander Weir to wryt againe to David Maxwell anent Peter Hepburne in Abbymilne, and that the proces againest him be carved foruard with all dilligence. Representatione This day Mr. John Douglas second laufull sone to the Douglas anent deceast Mr. Richard Douglas, advocat, did lay befor the Dougias'of 1 ^ Manadgers ane dispositione granted in his favours by the Garvald his 2 deceast Mr. Archibald Douglas of Garvald datted 7th January last and registrat in the books of Counsell and Sessione the 24th February alsoe last wherby he dispones to the said Mr. John Douglas his stock of i?200 sterling which he had in the Manufactory at Neumilnes with all the profitts aryseing there- upone, and therefor craved that the said stock and profeits be transferred in his favours. Booked accord- Orders that Alexander Weir doe enter quhat is above in stock leger 6 relatione to Mr. John Douglas abovenamed in the transferr book ' book, and to take the said Mr. John his acceptance thereof and to take his recepts for the profeits aryseing upon the said stock of £%00 sterling. Jo: Cuninghame. Edinburgh, 10th March, 1703. Approves of the payments folloueing made by Alexander Weir since the 1st January 1703. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 341 9/- 0 4:0 To James Dunlope for the use of the work per recept ..... £100 To Alexander Hereot \ years sellary to Martin- mas 1702 . . . . 20 : 0 : 0 To Captain Osuald for freight of pressingjpeapers etc. from London .... To James Dunlop for the work per recept . 56 : To George Bell for 45 stone wooll 1 att 16/. £36 L 42 : 10 : 0 To do. for 10 att 13/. 6 : lOj To Robert Hay for 61 J att 14/. . To do. Hay for 72 att 15/. . To James Dunlop for the work per recept. To do. for the work per do. To do. for the work per do. To Hary Baird per bill William Frazer from London on Alexander Weir draune by him on the Companies accompt dew said Frazer To James Dunlop for the work per recept To ditto to Alexander Campble per his precept for the work To ditto Dunlop for the work per precept To ditto Dunlop for the work per do. To John Bell for 24f stone wooll att 19/. To Jannet Dunlop for the work per recept To Robert Watsone of Moorhouse his lady by vertue of a factory on accompt Alexander Deans, executor etc. to Thomas Deans his dividends and bonds of loan per recept . 210 : 0:0 To James Hamiltone of Penkaitland and John Cuninghame for there bill on Mr. James Gray datted 11th February payable to Alexander Weir and remitted to William Frazer on the Companie's accompt for £200 exchange 12 per cent. . . .£1120: 0:0 1703 January 0 : 0 1 3 th - 19th. 43 54 50 40 60 43 60 50 60 40 23 38 27th. 1:0 0:0 0:0 0 : 0 February 2nd. 0 : 0 nth. 11:6 0:0 [9th. 0:0 0 : 0 25th. 0 : 0 March 1st. 10.3 10 : 0 6th . £2111 : 15 :9 To William Blackwood per his bill on Mr. William Frazer for £30 remitted to said 342 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Frazer on the Companies accompt. Ex- change att 14 per cent. . . . i?34 : 4:0 ^2145 : 19 : 9 Alexander Weir reports that he hes procured a bond from Mr. Robert Carmichaell doctor of medicine for i?2347 Scotts payable to the Manadgers of Newmilnes Manufactory at Whvtsundav next, which although it be in there name yet the same was trully and reall procured for the behove of Mr. Robert Blackwood and Company, marchants in Edinburgh and therefore he hes given them wp said bond. Alexander Weir alsoe reports that he hes given comissione in the Manadger's name to David Maxwell to cause dv and make ready befor the sitting of the parliament for liveries viz : — 8 ends yellow, eight ends light blew and 8 ends dark blew and eight ends reid and seaverall ends of light stone gray such as last came to the hall which were sold at the hall at 7/3d. alsoe for liveries. Approves of his giveing the said Comissione. Ro: Blackwood. Booked. Nota. That Patrick Steil still stands debtor in t..- books for io lb. subscriptione money, for quhich he ought to have credit in respect he hath James Ritchyes recept thereof which was pro- duced and therefor ther should orders be given to adjust the same accordingly. Edinburgh, 17th March 1703. This day Robert Waluood marchant in Edinburgh hes given a discharge to the Manadgers for themselves and in name of the Companie of the soumes arreisted by him in there hands which was payed in by Patrick Steell vintner in Edinburgh as a part of his subscriptione being £85 sterling in a decreet befor the shirrefes of Edinburgh the fourth day of December 1702 years quherein he warrands the Mannadgers and Companie at all hands and particularly at the hands of any of the creditors of the said Patrick Steell, and the £15 dew on the said subscriptiones is alsoe paid in to Alexander Weir with 2 6d. as interest thereof to Martimes last. Orders Alexander Weir to charge himselfe with the said 15 lb. 2 6d. in his cash book. The same day Robert Waluood hes made ane transferr of the said Patrick Steell his share and stock in the said THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 343 Manufactory in favours of Bailly Robert Blackwood which the said Bailly hes accepted of in the said transferr books. Orders Alexander Weir to give the said Bailly Robert Blackwood ane extract of the said transferr and acceptance, signed by him as clerk to the Companie. James Mureisone's letter to the Manadgers with invoyse and bill loading for 10 bags Spanish wooll bought by him for the Companie" use being read, Orders Alexander Weir to draw a letter to be signed by the Manadgers advyseing him to draw on Mr. William Frazer for value of the said wooll, and to draw another letter alsoe to be signed bv them advvseing Mr. Frazer to accept and pav said bills. To wryt to David Maxwell to cause him dy 16 or 20 ends course blacks for liveries and mournings. Receaved up from Bandalloch ticket granted by William Blackuood to the deceest James Ritchie datted the 12th November 1700 for sixtie pounds sterling with which the said Mr. Blackuood is to be charged and upone payment James Ritchie is to be credeted by the Company. Jn° Hay. Edinburgh, 24th March, 1703. Orders Alexander Weir to get bond or monv from William Blackuood for the 3 ends black extending to £9fl : 1 : 0, men- tioned in the sales in the last sederunt. And to wryt to David Maxwell that the Manadgers com- plaine that he did not nottice the pryces mentioned in Cap- taine Douglas" memorandum anent the cloathing Jedburgh's regiment, and give a particular accompt thereof and if he cann furnish them at these pryces, winch they desyre him now to give them ane account of. Orders that there be a bond of corroboratione draune to be Bond of corro- signed bv James Blackuood corroborating Doctor CarmichaeFs torauone to be ° s signed by James bond granted to the Manadgers and mentioned in t her Blackwood ^cor- sederunt the 10th instant and upone procureing thereof, Camifchae".'. s F V, Orders Alexander Weir to give Mr. Robert Blackwood and bond - Company's up bonds of theirs for value of the said Doctor CarmiehaelTs bond. Jo. Cuninghame. 344 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edinburgh, 31st March, 1703. Orders to David Orders Alexander Weir to wrvt to David Maxwell to cause Maxwell to dy * some ends ross dye of 2 and 3d. cast cloath 4 or 5 ends of a deep ross collour Ihoies. f° r liveries such as William Blackwood got last for Hadding- toun's famelie. Orders Alexander Weir to wrvt to William Frazer in answer to his direct to William Blackwood anent the officers of Marr's regiment. Ho. Blackwood. Edinburgh, 7th April, 1703. &2\fciei Bailly Blackwood and John Cuninghame report that they land for 531 ells have contracted with Samuell M c Clelland to furnish betuixt of doath. and the first of June next 531 elJs of doath at gj quhereof 426 ells to be of Reid and 66 ells of yellow and 39 ells of Ross collour att 18/ per ell all payable at delyvery, and that the said contract is depositat in Alexander Weir's hands to receave payment thereof as the cloath is delyvered. Receaved from Newmilnes per David Maxwell' Letter. Edinburgh, 14th April 1703. Orders Alexander Weir to wrvt to David Maxwell that there is a generall complaint of the leidges of the Companies cloaths, both as to ill mixing and ill burling being full of holes and of the ill milliring which is most of all complained of which makes the Manadgers and others weell affected to manufactories affraid that the parliament may take it under there consideratione and rescind the prohibitory laus and Jo: againe allow of the import of forarigne goods because of the This scored with unsufficiencv as said is. 1 consent. - , _ Cuninghame. [A line and a half scored out.J Orders him alsoe to wryt to Mr. William Frazer to sie if he cann learne out for ane sober man fully seen in the makeing of broad cloath and knoune in all the parts therof, from the 1 The portion of the order scored out was evidently a reprimand of Maxwell the manager, since under the obliteration the following can be read — ' and that some are apprehensive that Mr. Maxwell.' The remaining line is very heavily inked over, so that there is no means of ascertaining how Maxwell had caused uneasiness. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 345 fleece to the chope such as scribling dyeing mixiing burling etc. and quhat such a man may ingadge for to serve in this place. Alloues George Lind for the pirnes in his remnant of cloath SOd. sterling and to charge it to David Maxwell's account. Jo. Cuninghame. Edinburgh, 21st Apryll 1703. Alexander Weir reports that he hes writ to Mr. William Commissione Frazer in London, to buy on the Companies accompt and risque Frazerlo buy™ S or 4 butts of Sivilian or Gallipoli oyll and six or 8 baggs °y n and soa * x of teassells, all to be insured either with or without convoy as he best cann for the good of the Companie. As alsoe that he had bought from Baillv James Gordone for the Companie's use six chists of marble soap weighting neat 1832 lb. weight att 45 lb. Scotts per cent, and for which he had given his obligatione to pav the value. Approves of Alexander Weirs giveing comissione for the forsaid quantetie of oyll and teassalls, and of his buyeing the forsaid six chists of soap and giveing his lyne for payment thereof. Alexander Weir produces ane coppie upone ane summonds of furthecomeing laid on in his hands at the instance of Messrs Drummond and Vanderhoyden and William Drumond their factor to answer to the 2 and 11 dayes of June next befor the Lords. Orders Alexander Weir to deliver the said coppie to Ballen- dalloch and that he may take nottice of the same quhen the summonds comes to be called. Ro. Blackwood, Pres. Edinburgh, 28th Apryll, 1703. Alexander Weir produces ane coppie of arrestment laid on Booked in the in his hands at the instance of Mr. Alexander Broune, doctor ^° fare:;: " of medicine, in Edinburgh againest James Nicolsone of Tra- broune for payment of ^?100 Scotts principal. Orders Alexander Herreot to book the same in the Com- panies minut book of arreistments. Orders Alexander Weir to wryt to David Maxwell that he weigh the seaverall balls of Spanish wooll by themselves singlie 346 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF and to report their weight and numbers to the Manadgers that the same be compared here with the principal invoyse and that he doe not break upone any of the balls untill the inventory be made up. Orders alsoe to wryt to him that the Manadgers design to be out 10th May next in order to make up the inventory, that therfor what wooll or any part of the work which he gives out may be rekoned as a part of the inventary taken wp the 1st Read and May next. As lvkwayes to wryt to him that tuo ends of the sederunt sfrom Reids for the Marques of Lothian aggrees not exactly with the ist May 1702 to pa tron of lleid in the contract and to send out a patron of the 1st May 1703, r r and therfor said tuo ends that he may prevent the rests being soe. a n g °ain°e. retUrn Hay, Pr*. Edinburgh, 5th May 1703. The Manadgers haveing observed in the sales of the last sederunt that ther is cloath sold to tailziours who are not marchants nor partners and which is contrair to ane of the- rules of ane gencrall meeting particularly to Alexander Thome who gott tuo ends of blew cloath and ane discompt, therefor doe repremand the hallkeeper Alexander Weir therfor and doe heirafter discharge him to sell to any tailziour who is not a marchant entered in the marchant hall or ane proprietar or to give any discompt to such except the quantetie bought be upward of threttie pounds sterling in the termes of the said generall meeting which was held the day of 1701 years. 1 Orders Alexander Weir to wryt to David Maxwell to lett him know that the Manadgers cannot come out next week as^ formerly advysed him because that Bailly Hay is necessarly 1 This order is an interesting example of the separation between the different industrial classes. For instance in England, towards the close of the previous- century, there had been frequent disputes between the Levant Company and outsiders in relation to the practice of the former to confine its membership to persons known as ' legitimate merchants,' who were either sons of members or who had been apprenticed to the trade. — Cf. Cuningham, Growth of English In- dustry and Commerce in Modern Times (1903), pp. 250-253 ; A Treatise wherein it is demonstrated that the East India Trade is the most National of all Trade* (16S1), in Somers Tracts, iv. p. 41. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 347 called to the country bot that they will be out of week after the next. Jo: Cuningham. Edinburgh, the 12th May, 1703. William Steed, cardmaker, his letter to Alexander Weir desyreing to cause Deacon Matheisone at Leath make for the use of the work 18 doz. of card boards conforme to patrons sent in the said letter. Orders Alexander Weir to cause make the said card board and pay for the samyne. Orders alsoe Alexander Weir to try if Duchrie Graeme be in toune and if he be in toune that he acquent Ballendalloch therwith that he may commune with him anent ane bargaine of oakin timber that David Vertie made a foirhand bargaine with him for, for the use of the tenterfeild at Neumilnes, and in caice he be not in toune to cause persue him in order that he be obleidged to fullfill his bargaine. Orders lykwayes that Alexander Weir wryt to Mr. Fraizer to heasten the oyll comissioned per first opportunetie, and in the mean tyme to try at the Bow or any other part quher ther may be oyll had. Ro. Blackwood. Edinburgh, the 19th May 1703. John Cuninghame of Ballendalloch his accompt of wrytings and depursments since the beginning of June last conteaning four pages being by Alexander Weir produced and read to the Manadgers they ordered said Alexander Weir to pay the same deduceing three pounds Scotts off that article in first page of £6 Scotts charged for wryting both doubles of Deacon Douns contract and Orders said Alexander Weir to pay to the said John Cun- inghame one hundereth merks Scotts mony for hispaines and agencie in the Companie's affairs since said moneth of June last. Orders that Alexander Weir doe state ane accompt of all the seaverall dilligences againest the Companies debitors that the samyne be particularly charged in the seaverall accompts by Alexander Herreot. Jn° Hay, preses. 348 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF Edinburgh, 26th May 1703. Alexander Weir produces ane coppie of louseing areistment at the instance of David Foullis marchant in London louseing ane arreistment laid on in the Manadgers hands by Alexander Campble marchant in Edinburgh, which coppie was given in by Robert Watsone of Murhouse. Booked in the Orders Alexander Weir to keep the said copie of louseing ments. arreistment to be ane instructione in caice Alexander Campble insist in a proces of furthcomeing. Alexander Weir alsoe produces ane letter direct to him by the relict of John Standfeild desyreing payment of a years annualrent of the Companie's bond to said John Standfeild preceeding Whytsunday last. Orders that the said Alexander Weir pay noe such annual- rent untill such tyme as ane arreistment laid on by clerk in the Manadgers hands be first purged, as alsoe that the said Alexander sie the discharge signed by the said relict befor witnesses and not take it by way of missives. Jo. Cuninghame. Edinburgh, 2d June, 1703. 1 Att a meeting of the Manadgers present, Bailly Robert Blackuood, Preses. Bailly John Hay, John Cuninghame. Approves of the sales folloueing since the last sederunt viz : — No. i 7 o 3 . May 27th. To Bailly Robert Blackwood 2300 Mixt q* ells att 19/ £11:17:6 Ells at To Bailly John Hay No. 2300 Mixt 12J 19/ 11:17:6 David Brody. To Francis Brody 2300 do. 12J 19/ 11 : 12 : 9 Paied ready To Samuell M c Clelland 15 ends Reid cloathl qq e q ^ mony. 2 9 th. being apart his contract q* 243i ells att 9/ j ' " Paied ready To do. 2 ends yellow alsoe al g g , q mony part his contract q* 32 ells 9/ . J 1 From this date onwards the minutes are printed in full. THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 349 To Walter Murray, No. 759 Gray, 16 6/4 . £6 : IS A Alexander Mur- ray. ist Tune. To Samuell M c Clelland 19} ells of ross colloun Pciicd redely and 3 ells Scarlet alsoe a part his contract V 20 : 12 : 6 mony. att 18/9 .... J To Jean M c Clelland 1832 Mixt 16} att 8/8 . 7:5:2 John Edgar, marchant. 4th. ^193 : 16 : 0 6/10d Receaved from Neumilnes per David Maxwell's letter the 5th current 8 cloaths in 19 ends viz : — Valued att No. 2137 Mixt 3 Ends q* 34} ells att 17/ 20/ 2213 Reid 2 „ „ 29J „ „ 5/6\ 2079 do. 2 „ „ 29J „ „ 5/6/ 2283 Mixt 3 „ „ 35 „ „ 16/4 19/ 2181 Reid 2 „ „ 30} „ „ 5/6 6/10d 2048 Mixt 3 „ „ 34 „ „ 9/4 11/8 2164 Reid 2 „ „ 30} „ „ 5/6 6/10 2240 Mixt 2 „ „ 31 „ „ 6/ 7/6 Ends 19 Orders Alexander Weir to wryt to Mr. Maxwell that James Dunlop come in Fryday next to clear his accompt with Alex- ander Herreot, and that said Mr. Maxwell come in himselfe the Munday thereafter that soe the Manadgers may the sooner order a generall meeting. Ro. Blackwood, P s . Edinburgh, 9th June, 1703. Att a meeting of the Manadgers, present. Bailly Robert Blackuood, Bailly John Hay, John Cuninghame, Preses. Receaved from Neumilnes per David Maxwell's letter the 11th current 7 cloaths in 17 ends viz : — Valued att No. 2088 Mixt 3 Ends q* 36} ells att 16/4 19/ 2209 Reid 2 „ „ 31 \ 1741 do. 2 „ „ 32 J I att 7/2 9/ 1800 do. 2 „ „ 32jJ 350 MINUTE BOOK OF THE MANAGERS OF 2227 Mixt 3 Ends 35 att 10 12 6 2069 do. 3 ..41 att 6 4 19 2224 Reid 2 .. .. 31J att 7/4 9 3 Ends 17 Aproves of the sales folloueing since the last sederunt viz : — i 7 o 3 June 4 th. Xo Samuell M c Clelland Xo. 13*11 e o*» j ; 2067 Ross col lour 3 IS 9 £0 . 16 : 3 mony. To do. 2110 Scarlet 3 19 9 2 : 19 : 3 John RKidoch^ Tq James Wauchop 2060 Black Hi 11 4 6 : i : 6 I To Walter Cheislv 2137 Mixt 12i 20 * 12: 5 :0 11 o do. 2283 do. 12 19/ 11 : 8 :0 I To the relict of James Tohn Edrar "i Bouden 2137 Mixt 11 20/ 11 : 0 :0 'To do. 2060 Black 11 114 6: 4 :8 j'To James Wauchop 2137 Mixt in 20/ 11 : 10 :0 TohnRiddoch. l To 2240 Grav 13} i 6 5 : 18 : 1J 'To do. 2283 Mixt Hi 19 10: 13 :9 John Edgar. To relict of James Bouden 2048 Mixt llf 11 8 6: 17 :1 Gecrgc Brcure. To Alexander Broune 2283 Mixt 11} 19 11 : 3 :3 Charles Hoope. Tq y, ymss 2009 Yellow 14 8 7 6: o :0 8th. j To Francis Brodv David Brody. j Tq ^ 20SS Black 13 19 12: 1 :0 2048 Mixt 111 11 8 6: 11 :3 To Patrick Craufurd 2094 Black 13 18 6 12: 1 :6 To James Blackwood 2068 Black Hi 19 10: 13 :9 To Baillv Blackwood 2240 Grav lof 7 6 5 : 18 = U Paied ready To relict of Walter M c Gill 204S Mixt 11 11 8 6: 8 :4 mODJ To George Lind 2031 Black 13i 19 12 : 16 :6 i>172: 1 :4 Orders Alexander Weir to cause call a generall meeting againest Thursday come ei 352, 354- doctor of medicine in Edin- burgh, 345. Arthur, 239, 253, 263, 269, 278, 305, 321. Eduard, 239. George, 352, 354. Robert, 167, 168, 192. William, 314. Bruce, sir Alex., of Broomhall, 297. lady, 260, 289. Andrew, merchant in Edinburgh, 327- Christian, 319, 336. Francis, writer, 319. John, felt maker in Edinburgh, 319, 334, 336. Normand, 61. Robert, 293, 294. Brugh, James, 278. Buchanan, David, 201. Gilbert, 257. John, 227. Bull, Robert, 283. Burgon, sergent, 74. Burling, xx ; burling irons, lxxxviii. Burne, Robert, 86. Burnet, David, 68, 189. surveyer in Leith, 137. Burton, John, stocken weaver, 64, 93, 94, 96, 97, 106, 109, 128, 138, 147, 149. Calfe skinns, price of, 267. Campbell, Alexander, merchant in Edinburgh, 298, 299, 305, 348, 351, 352, 356. cash-keeper, 250, 253, 263, 280, 285, 286, 307, 310, 321, passim. David, of London, 298. Gilbert, 354. Hugh, 311. John, 227, 278, 293, 294, 352, 354- Robert, 174, 204, 205, 210, 220. Candlemakers of Edinburgh, their rights threatened by the White Paper Company, xlii-xliii and Carlvle (or Carrell), Alexander, weaver, 71, 145- in Glasgow. 322, 325. Carmichael, Andrew, 227. Marion, 279, 321, 325, 352. Carmichael, Robert, doctor of medicine, 342, 343- Carss, John, 223, 224, 329, 352. sir Mark, 83. Cassell rope, 14. Cassie or Carse, Thomas, merchant in Old Aberdeen, 271, 272, 324. Catanach, James, 278. Cathcart, William, dyer in Leith, 58, 71 and n, 82, 83, 100, 101, 107, 126, 136. Chancelor, John, 314. Chancey, Richard, 311. Charteris, colonel, acquires the lands of New Mills, lxxxiv. Charters, captain, to be proceeded against for importing foreign goods, 255- Chatto, John, 220. Cheisly, Walter, 244, 245, 287, 300, 301. 35°, 352, 354- Chesters, lady, relict of James Row. See Kerr, Elisabeth. Claveron, madame, 206. Cleland, Alexander, merchant in Edin- burgh, 351. James, merchant in Edinburgh, 245, 351. John, 245. Robert, at Hillhouse, 351. Clerk, Alexander, 42, 92, 93, 243, 272, 286, 287. George, 185, 222, 223, 225, 227, 229, 230, 240, 241, 281, 285, 309. William, 328. an apprentice, 14. Cloth, the cloth trade in Scotland dur- ing the seventeenth century, xxxi- xxxix. proclamation anent the wearing of foreign cloth, 194. method of manufacture, xix, 3-5, 7-1 1, 13, 14, 16, 22-24, 39, 40, 42, 44, 45, 47, 52, 5 s , 60, 62, 70, 73, 74, 83, 87. prices, lxiv, 10, n and 12, 13, 25-27, 39, 44, 5°, 55, 56, 86, 89, 90, 106, 108, in, 137, 161, 164, 179, 188, 268, 348, 349, 352. valuations, 1, lx, lxxxvii, xci, 75 and «, 76, 78-83, 86-92, 94, 95, 9S, 100-103, 106-113, 115, 117-119, 121- 127, 129-133, 136-138, 143-151, 153, 157, 158, 160-179, passim. manufactory at Glasgow, 264. at Hamilton, 225, 264, 268. at Paul's Work, Leith Wynd, 274. at Musselburgh, 238, 274. INDEX 359 Clover seed, 18. Cochrane, William, founder of a woollen manufactory at Glasgow, 264 n. Cockburne, Andrew, 236, 328. James, 308. in Cockene, 23. William, of Cockburne, 284, 308, 326, 327. Cocke, John, 80. Cockettwater, 22. Coinage, xxiv. Coll, Mr., drawer, 322, 332. Collison, Mr., 33, 34, 49. Colne, Richard, drawer, 75, 106, 108, 109, 149, 159-162. Colvill, Alexander, 304. Compeachwood, 44. Coning, George, merchant in London, 316. Cook, James, 272, 278. Corse, John, founder of a woollen manufactory at Hamilton, 264 n. Corser, John, 351. Coult, captain, 304, 306, 312. Coulter, Micball, 306. Coupar, Patrick, in Neumayns, 333. Coutts, Patrick, merchant in Edinburgh, 3°3, 304, 3i8> 35 1 - Craig, Milne, 236, 237. Crawfurd, David, 231. James, 188. Patrick, merchant in Edinburgh, in, 224, 226, 278, 319, 333, 350, 355- Thomas, 251, 252, 254, 257. Crightone, John, 291. Crocquier, Mr., in Stirling, 165. Crop-mather, 97. Crudg, Raf, 59. Cruckshanks, Robert, in Aberdeen, 196, 219. Cuming, Mathew, in Glasgow, 198. Cunninghame, David, advocate, 258. Hugh, writer to the signet, 242, 243. 297, 3i6. sir John, 57, 77. John, of Ballendalloch, writer to the signet, 237, 242, 244, 249, 250, 252, 255, 260, 283, 286, 289, 296, 297, 301, 305, 308, passim. 225. Robert, merchant, 187. Curry, John, merchant in Edinburgh, 244, 352. Robert, in Bacleugh, 240. Curtine, Mr., in Anick, 74. Customs duty, 5 and n, 243. Dalry.mple, David, 236, 237. Dalzell's regiment, lxiv, lxv. Darien company, xxxix, xliv-xlvii, 1, liii, lvi n. Deans, Alexander, 324, 334, 336, 337, 341. Anna, 324. James, bailly of the Cannongate, 324, 334, 33° and n - Robert, 334, 336. Thomas, 312, 324, 334, 337, 341. Debnam, Ann, 163. Jean, 165. Robert, 133, 138, 139, 140, 143, 152, 155, 167, 178, 180, 183, 197, 203, 210, 212. junior, 152, 157. Mrs., 190. Delaxner, cardmaker, 259. Dick, James, weaver, 59, 77, 139, 145, 157, 159, 163, 211. Dictison harran, 8. Donaldson, James, 23, 270. Mrs., 249, 274. Douelas, lieut. -general, lxxii, 148, 164, 186, 201. Archibald, of Garvald, 340. John, 340. Richard, advocate, 340. Robert, 301. Thomas, 24, 26, 33, 41, 50-57. William, 86, 164, 291. Doun, Lawrance, 308, 312. Draper, Mr., 158, 162, 164, 165, 181. Drumlanrig's troop, 73, 76. Drummond, David, thesaurer, 254, 262. sir George, 112. George, town treasurer, 90. James, advocate, 253. John, 1-6, 8-1 1, passim. in London, 308. and Vanderhoyden, the com- pany's agents at Amsterdam, xxvi, 224, 237, 240, 242, 246-248, 250, 254, 262, passim. William, 262. Duncan, John, 24, 37, 38, 57, 167, 182, 189, 328. Dundee, viscount, 201. Dunlop, James, 223-225, 235, 236, 238, 239, 241, 242, passim. Jannet, 341. William, principal of Glasgow- university, 264 n. Dyeing, process of, xxi-xxii ; dyeing stuffs, 97, 105, 181 and «, 182 ; dye- ing vats, 4, 8, 9. Easter Sugar Company, Glasgow, its capital, xlvi ; its membership, xlviii. 360 THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY Edmonstone, baillie, 77, 97 ; gratuity to be given to, 49, 53. Elliot, Tohne, 5S. William, laceman, in London, 252. Enslie. See Ainslie. Eveling, William, shearman, 36, 37, 51, 82, 84, 90, 91, 93-95, 99, 101, 105, 178. ; Exchange rates, xxiv-xxx, lv, 2, 42, 50, 92 and n, 1S1 n, 1S2, 212, 224, 230, 236, 239-242, 246-252, 254, 257, 266, 269 and n. 2JI-275, 275, 2S1-2S3, 2S4-2S6, 2SS, 2S9, 294, 296, 300, 302-306, 30S, 314, 316, 339, 341, 342. Fairweather. George, 316. Falconer, David, 89. Famiconnidigo, 14. Fanandyhuack, 65. Fastick, 44. Fergussone, Mr., advocate, 308. Fiagrams. 45. Fisher, Thomas, thesaurer to Heriot's 1 Hospital, 151, 242, 293. 296, 329. Fisheries and manufactures in the seven- teenth century, xxxi. Fleeming, George, tailiour, 1S5. Flemish weavers in Edinburgh, xxxii- , xxxi v. Fletcher, Adam, 355. Patrick, in Amsterdam, 304- William, 355. Forbes, Alexander, in Aberdeen, 293. Foreign exchanges. See Exchange rates. Fortune, Patrick, 92, 178, 355. Foullis, David, merchant in London, 228. 232, 356, 337, 348. James, merchant in London, 2, 5. 10, 14S, 230, 232, 233, 237, 263, 266, 316. Patrick, 252. Fray, John, 24. Frazer, William. London agent of the company, xxvi, 243, 246, 256, 259, 266, 267, 272, 273, 276, 27S, 281- 283, 288-294. passim. Fulling or milling, xx. Fuliertone, William, 61. Gairdner, George, hi. Gallouway, Hewch, 58. Galls, 44. Gauld, William, 355. Gibsone, Alexander, 227. John, dyer, 9, 164. Glasgow Rope Company, liv ; its capital, xlvi. Glasgow Sugar Company, xxxviii, xli and n ; its capital, xlvi ; membership, xlviii. Whaling and Soap Company, capital, xlvi ; its membership, xlviii. woollen manufactory, 264 and n. Glass manufactory at Leith, xxxviii. works at Morison's Haven, xliii, liL Glassfoord, Alexander, 253. Glen, James, in Borrostouness, 277. Glessell, John, in London, 306. Godson, John, stocken weaver, 24, 64, 67, 93> 96, 10S, 109, 113, 123, 149, 190. Gordon, duke of, 207. George, of Sauchen, 294, 295. James, merchant in Edinburgh, 240, 281, 297, 299, 300, 304, 310, 314, 322, 333, 345. junr. , 304. Tohn, merchant in Roterdame, 299.* Thomas, 52. William, merchant, 172, 318, 329. captain, in Leith, 324. Gordon's mill, Aberdeen, 232. Gourly, Tohn, carrier, 173, 227, 256, 259, 289. Graeme of Duchrie, 347. Alexander, 354, 355. James, 224, 339, 354. John, writer, 355. William, merchant in London, 224, 226, 244, 25S, 263, 305, 321. Graves, John, 120. Gray, Charles, 227. James, 341. John, sheargrinder, 178. Samuell, procurator, 257, 334, 339, 352. Grier, \\ illiam, 355. Grindstones, 71, 74. Guthrie, James, 237, 238, 302. Hall, sir James, of Dounglass, 319, 338 ? 33Q- Thomas, smith in Leith, 167. Hamilton, woollen manufactory at, 264 and n. duke of, 5, 13, 123. Henry, 1 16. James, of Penkaitland, 339, 341. John, 244, 245. sir Robert, of Silvertounhill, 233, 239, 240, 241, 257, 271, 273, 275. sir William, of Silvertounhill, 232. William, 229, 245, 248, 291. INDEX 361 Hamilton's coffee house, 8. Harcarse. See Hogg, William. Harcut, lady, xv, 264. Harne, 237, 238. Hartior, Hugh, merchant, 354. Hathorne, Henry, 226, 227, 329, 352, 354. 355- Hugh, 355. Hay, James, writer, 26. sir John, receives a patent for a glass manufactory at Weems, xxxii. John, of Alderstoune, xiii, 37, 54, | 69, 154, 223-225, 251, 257-261, 267, 289, 290, 308, 330-332. captain John, 259. < corronet Leuis, 277. Robert, 223, 235, 238, 242, 262, ' 286, 290, 293, 314, 316, 318, 323, I 330» 341. Hepburne, Henry, apothecary, 327. John, of Humbie, 326, 327. 223, 224, 230, 308. Peter, in Abby Milne, 340. Robert, writer in Edinburgh, 315. Hereot, Alexander, book-keeper, xxvi, 227, 232, 235, 239, 250-256, passim. Patrick, in Fishersraw, 263. Heriot's Hospital, cloth made for, 151, 153, 179, 180, 293, 296, 297, 329. Hobsone, William, in Congletoune, 283. Hodge, John, skipper in Borroustou- ness, 243, 274. Hogg, William, of Harcarse, lxxxiii, 276. writer, 101. Home, provost, 269. George, storekeeper or accountant, xv > I_ 5> T -10, passim. John, 31, 50, 52, 57, 59. Patrick, writer to the signet, 352. Hopkirk, William, 223, 227, 228, 230. Hoptoune, lady, 291. Horses, price of, xvi, xvii, 31, 35, 42, S3, 63 and n. Houstoun, laird of, 230. Houstoune, Mr., advocate, 25S. Huguenots in Scotland, xliv. Hunter, John, 90, 232, 247, 256, 259, 272, 289. Hutchisone, Charles, 283. Huttone, William, 228. Inglis, of East Barns, 304* Robert, 353, 355. Inglish, John, 66. Innes, Robert, 104. Isles or Ille, Joseph, 181, 195. Jackson, John, scribler, 28. Johns, Mrs., 91. Johnstone, David, 73. Robert, merchant in Edinburgh, 266. William, apprentice, 172. Joint- Stock system towards the end of the seventeenth century, xxxix-lv. Keith, Agnes, relict of James Donald- son, 270, 272. Anna, 233. Kello, Tames, apprentice, 12, 13, 14, 180. " Kennedy, Magnus, servitor, 310. Kerr, Andrew, in Chatto, 330, 333. Elizabeth, relict of James Row of Chesters, 279, 284, 287, 288, 291, 296, 297, 3I5- James, 49, 99, 108. Thomas, 236. Keymor, John, xxxi. Kilpatrick, George, scribler, 225, 226, Kinghorne, David, 314, 316. Kippen, John, merchant in Edinburgh, 223, 224, 228, 230, 327. Kirk, Thomas, 306. Laick, Thomas, 302. Lamb, James, dyer, 46, 50. Lauder, Collin, 325. Law, James, 228, 229, 31 1. Lawrie or Lowrie, Gawine, 5> TI i 3°- Patrick, stabler in Edinburgh, 319. Lawyers' fees. 25S, 268, 275, Leather stamping company, xxxix. Legg bords. 11. Leith, glass manufactory at, xxxviii. linen manufactory at, xli. saw-mills company, lii. Lesly, Peter, 257. Leven ; s regiment, 209, 212, 223. Lillie, Mr. , at the Hague, 302. Lind, George. 223. 224, 226, 227, 295. 318, 329, 345, 350, 354, 356. Lindsay, David, 85, 114. John, 5, 7, 9. Linen manufactory at Leith, xli. Little, John, 11, 21, 23-30, passim. Livingstoune. captain David, 333. George, 223, 297. William, 314. Livingstoune's regiment, 170. Loch, Adam, 21 1. Christian, 47. Lock, James, 67. Lockhart, George, of Carnwath, 327. 362 THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY Logan, John, 24. Lothian, marques of, 346. Loyd, shearman, 32 : dismissed, 36. Lumsden, Michael!, advocate, 26S. M'Clklland, Jean, 349. Samuel, I. 3. 4. 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, passim. M'Clen, Robert. 117. M'Gall, William. 70. 106. M'Gill, Walter, 223. 224, 231, 289; relict of, 350. MacGrigor, Ewan. master of the Leith wool card manufactory, 250 n. M'llurath, John, 22S. M'Intosh, Duncan, 22-25, 28-30, 34, 36, passim. Mack, David, 355. John, 355. Patrick, 355. M'Kartney, colonel, 236, 242, 244, 267, 289, 315, 320, 331. M'Kenzie, Colin, lxix, 103, 112, 117, 118, 132, 174. sir George, 212. Mainard, Richard, weaver, 167. Maitland, Charles, governor of the Bass, 185, 193, 194. Manufactures and fisheries, state of, xxxi. Marchmount, lord. 311. Marjoribanks, Edward. 97-100, 1 02- 1 04, 1 06- 112, passim. James, 243. John, 222. 223, 225, 226, 229, 236, 240. Marr, Tames, book-keeper or secretary, xv, 41, 42, 44, 46, 49, 50, 63, 73- 75. 79, 84, 91. 96, 97, 102, 106, 108, 109, 120, 137, 139. 140, 143, 145, 155. 161, 17$, passim. Marr s regiment, 63, 67 and n, 90, 99, 100, 102, 129. Massie, Hary, 248, 273. Mastertoune, Alexander, provost of Linlithgow, xviii, 27S. Matheis, John, 233. Matheisone, Alexander, in Leith, 250, 347- Mauld, Patrick, receives a patent for a soap manufactory, xxxii. Maxwell, David, dyer, xv, xvi, 97, 108, 120, 126, 127, 137, 146, 154, 157, 159, 180, 181 and «, 195, 196, 199, 202, 204, 218, 219, passim. captain William, 239. Mein, Hery, 220. Mehill, Andrew. 96. James, 320. Memorial/ concerning the Cloath Manu- factory, xii, lvi, Lx », lxxxiv. Menzies, John, 174. William, 26, 36, 50, 53, 54, 57, 58, passim. Mickle, John, copersmith, 8. Midlands, Mr., procurator, 275. Millar, James, 33. Milne, Alexander, provost of Linlith- gow, 113. George, 285. Robert, 112, 113. Mirrie, John, chirurgeon, 356. Thomas, 224, 226, 227, 356. William, 224, 226, 227. Mitchell, James, 70, 72. Moir, John, 230. Moncreefe, sir Thomas, 237. Monopolies in the seventeenth century, xxxii, xxxviii, lii. Morgan, John, 156. Morison, William, of Morison's Haven obtains a monopoly for glass works, xliii, ILL Morrow, major, 58. Mortoune, James, earle of, 263. Morum house, 31, 34, 38, 121, 122. Mure, John, 67. Mureisone, James, in Amsterdam, 226, 237, 240, 241, 244, 246, 254, 259, 260, 261, 266, 278, 281, 2S4, 285, 293, 295, 296, 302, 305, 316, 318- 320, passim. Murray, James, 227, 318. Walter, 349. Musgrave, John, 355. Musselburgh woollen manufactory, liv, 238 and «, 274. Nairne, David, 320. Napier, Gabriell, servitor, 310. Needles for silk stocking frames, 45. Neels, Robert, 43. New Mills Company, lvi and n, Ixxiv ; original capital, xlvii n ; history of the company, lv-lxxxiv ; documents relating to the foundation of, lxxxiv- xci ; the coat of arms, 104 ; pro- posals for general meeting, 18 ; the relations between masters and ser- vants, xiv ; a prison found to be necessary, xiv, 37 ; ' gratifications ' or bribes, lxix and «, 41 and w, 49, 53. 59. 61-63, 70, 72-74, 76, 80, 81, 841 93. 95-97. 102. I0 3» Io8 > 114, 120, 121, 123, 125, 128, 131, 132, 135. U 8 . *45> *59. 163, 174. 187, 196, 201, 244; sale of horses, 31 , 35, 42; employment of the INDEX 363 looms, 47 and n ; negotiations with the privy council, 57 and 59 n ; the importing of foreign cloth, xxxvi, xlii, xliv, lvii, lxvi-lxviii, lxxii-lxxvi, 85 and n y 109, no, 113, 125-176, 243 and n, 255 and «, 266, 269, 274, 277, 278 ; process against Stirling magistrates, 112, 113 ; action against the tailors of Potteraw, 118 ; contract for the teaching of spinning after the Dutch method, 135; rules for the 'masters,' 139-142; Stan- field's tack, 1 58 and n ; stocking work to be discontinued, 184; plant to be rouped, 189, 191 ; action against Hamilton of Silvertounhill, 232; increase of capital, 235 n; process against Hogg of Harcarse, 276 ; summons against Thompson in North Queensferry for exporting wool, 280, 333 ; no cloth to be sold to tailors who are not merchants or partners, 346 and n. New Mills Company : accounts or pay- ments, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 27, 30> 37, 43, 49, 54, 61, 82, 86, 87, 92, 113, 127, 133, 136, 146, 155, 195, 235, 236, 240-242, 247, 248, 251, 252, 256, 257, 262, 263, 266, 268, 269, 272, 275, 277, 279, 280, 282, 2S3, 285, 286, 288, 290, 292, 293, 294, 295, 297, 299, 300, 301, 303, 304, 305, 3io, 314, 315, 3i8, 319, 322, 324, 329, 332, 340. army contracts, lxiv-lxv, lxviii, lxxi-lxxii, 12, 44, 45, 49, 50, 57 n, 58, 61, 63-67, 73, 76, 77, 80, 83, 84, 86, 90, 99, 100, 102, 108, 118, 128, 129, 148, 156, 161, 162, 164, 170, 185, 188, 209, 211, 237, 306, 308, 312,320, 321, 328, 329, 343; contract for the town of Edinburgh, lxv, 162, 164, 166, 198. articles of copartnership, xii, lix, lxi, 1 4, 36 7z, 62 11. bonds, II, 50, 90, 100, IOI, 108, 128, 133, 174, 182, 204, 207, 2IO, 219, 220, 226, 236, 239, 245, 253, 258, 270, 271, 272, 273, 275, 276, j 286, 2S9, 291, 304, 312, 320, 324, 33S, .3 395 3 42, 343, 35 1 - dividends, xlix, lix, 62 and 11, 65 and n, 153, 1S9, 200, 212 and ?i, 229 ;/, 245, 248, 263, 284, 288, 291, 297, 302, 305, 308, 315, 336 and n, 337- transfer of shares, lix, 266, 29S- 299, 315, 3!9, 335 ; rou P of share, 334, 335, 340, 342, 35i- New Mills Company, officials and work- men : — apprentices, xxii, lxx, 7, n, 12, 13, 14, 16, 23, 24, 32, 39, 40, 70, 74, 75, 79, 9i, 105, 115, 120, 131, 135, 142, 160-162, 172, 245, passim. burlers, 93, 141. book-keeper and storekeeper, 2, 5-8, 12-14, 19, 20, 28, 31, 33, 38, 39, .40, 43, 44, 46, 48, 49, 5°, passim. cardmaker, 234, 292, 347. carrier, 173, 184. cashkeeper or treasurer, 2, 10, 31, 34, 37, 39, 40, 54, passim. chairmen, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34, passi7n. clerk, 17, 19, 45. collectors, 5, 131. directors or managers, 1, lix, I n ; fined for absence, etc., xvi, lxvi, 5, 17, 18, 65, 66, 98, 184, 311 and n ; salaries, 258, 261 and n. drawers, xxii, xxiii, 57, 75, 79, 105, 106, 109, 154, 160, 162,322,332. dressers, 131, 140, 176, 178. dyers, xxii, xxiii, 10, 12, 46, 50, 58, 59, 62, 70-73, 75, 101, 102, 157, passim. frame work knitters, 24, 64, 149. master {i.e. the manager), xlix, Ixii, I n, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21-23, 24, 27, 32, 33, 37, 42, 44, 51, 52, 65, 68, 69, 71, 72, 74, 75, passim. master draper, 135, 138. milnman, 159. piper, xiv, n. presser, 322. scriblers, 16, 21, 27, 28, 135, 140, 183, 190, 197, 225, 231, 234, passim. sheargrinder, 178. shearmen, xx, xxii, xxiii, lxx, 13, 15, 16, 21, 24, 32, 33-36, 43, 47, 57, 59, 69, 70, 90-94, 133, I39-I4I, 157- 158, 178, passim. soap boiler, 75. sorter, xix. spinners, 6, 31, 32, 70, 72, 79, 135, 140, 144, 183, 225, 307. stocking weavers, 15, 34, 35, 48, 58, 59, 64, 70, 73, 93-97, 105, 10S, 113, 124, 125, 146, 198. waiters or messengers for the seizing of prohibited cloth, 104, in, 113, 114, 117, 118, 121, 131, 243, 269, 274, 276. weavers, xiv, xxii, xxiii, lxn, lxx, 364 THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY 16, 20, 21, 59, 72, 82, 97, 139-141. 145, 146, 183. New Mills Company : wages, xxii, xxiii, Ixx, lxxxvii-lxxxviii, 10, II, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 28, 33> 35. 4i, 47, 49, 50, 57, 59, 61, 106, 124, 140, 141, 152, 159, 162, 163, 165, 178, 180, 183, 197, 198, 201, 234, 247, 256, 258, 259, 287, 301, 320, 325, 340. Nichols or Nicolas, shearman, 36, 51, 82, 84, 90, 91, 93-95, 99, 101, 105. Nicolas, John, dresser, 131, 154. Nicoll, John, 178. William, in Milnfields, 71. Nicolsone, James, of Trabuorne, 267, 345- Robert, 242, 299, 332. baillie, 52, 64, 167, 170. Nimmo, James, 236, 241, 247, 248, 250, 252, 253, passim. Ogstoune, S., 247. Oil, price of, 211, 281, 297, 298. tessells, 14. Oire, John, skipper in Borroustouness, 274. Ormiston, Charles or Joseph, 32, 56, 122, 124, 126, 206. Osburne, John, 228, 281. Osuald, captain, 341. Thomas, 242. Ovauch, Robert, 117. Parchment skins, 18. Partone, Mr., presser, 322. Patone, Robert, 278. Patterson, sir William, 125, 132, 147, 174, 187. Peacock, Thomas, in Nether Liberton, 336. Pearsone, Margaret, 228. Peebles, magistrates of, resolve to instruct children in spinning, xxxiii- xxxiv. Perie, soap boiler, 75. Perry, Francis, 24. Phesdo (Fisdo), lord, 296. Phipis, Mr., 58. Pike, Edward, 24, 30, 31, 48. Piper, the, of New Mills, xiv, EL Pitkairne, comissary, 266. Pittcairne, George, 163. Pitts, Thomas, 337. Plummer, Gavin, 299. Pompillion, 23. Potteraw tailors, summons against, I iS. Prescot, Mr., 91. Pringell, Walter, 68, 69, 70, 77. Prison at New Mills, 37. Proclamation anent the wearing of foreign cloth, 194. Pryor, Samuell, 245. Pyrie, John, 90. Rae, George, 103, no, 125, 132, 138. John, book-keeper and store- keeper, 12, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 22, 28, 2 9, 3i, 33, 34, 40, 44, 12S, passim. Raeburn, James, 35, 105. Ramsay, major-general, 297. David, in Dundee, 301. Randie, Wm., 280. Rankine, Hary, merchant in Edinburgh, 3°7, 3oS- Rape oyle from Holland, 1 1. Ray, William, in Haddingtoune, his house searched for prohibited cloth, 278, 280. Reid, John, printer, 257, 355. Richardsone, James, 306. John, stocken weaver, 77, 146, 306. Riddoch, John, 354. Ritchie, James, 227, 235, 240, 258, 261, 277, 278, 334, 343. Ritchison, Jo., 54. Robertson, Gilbert, of Whitehouse, 238 n. James, 58, 61, 63. skipper in Borroustouness, 274. Robson, James, 22, 25, 26. Ropework at Newhaven, 336 //. Ross, lord, 67 and «, 113, 211. Alexander, of Nooke, 48. Roup of a share in the Company, 335. Roups of cloth, lx, 65 and 68, 69, 74, 76, 77, 79, 80, 83, S 4 , 85, S7, 88, 89, 93, 94, 98-104, 106, 109, no, 113, 114, 118, 128, 130, 132, 133, 137, 144, 145, 146, 154, 155, l6o » 163, 166, 168, 170, 171, 175, 179, 189, 190, 192, 198, 204, 207, 217, 245, 283. Row, James, of Chesters, 5, 8, 13, 21- 24, 26-28, passim. relict of. See Kerr, Elisa- beth. William, 333. Royal African Company, li. Fishing Company, xxxviii, xlvi, 1, liii. Russell, James, 257, 334. St. Clair, Hary, of Cairlaury, 327. Hugh, 269, 274. I Wifliam, 226. I Sandrie, George, 53, 105, 210. INDEX 36-5 Sandylands, James, 26. John, 26. Robert, merchant, I OO. Schaw. See Shaw. Scots Linen Manufacture Company, xxxviii, xli and », xlvi, L Paper Manufacture Company, xlii ; its capital, xlvi. Scott, James, of Bowbill, 58. John, 164, 310. portioner in Kenmor, 71. Laurance, 240, 247. Patrick Leslv, 254. William, 176. 178. Scottish Staple, xxxi. Scriblers, wages of, 28. Scribiing cards, Ixxxviii, 4, 16, 1 7. Scrimsuer, David, 50, 159, 320. Seatone, Mr., of the Scots foot guards. 320, 321. Serges, Ixiii, lxxiv ; valuation of, 89. Shaw (Schaw), sir John, of Greenock, 276 and n, 300, 320, 321, 332. Shearmen, wages of, 15, 21. Su also under New Mills : officials and workmen ; wages. Sheerman, John, lining draper, 306. Shoemack. See Sumach. Silk, 38, 4 S, 55, S3, 105, 166. gloves, 78, 84, 99, 156. Manufacturing Company, li, lii, liv. stocking frames, 50, 14S. stockings, 34, 35, 43, 46, 4S, 5S, 64, 87, 91, 99. 105, no, 156, 188. Simpsone, baiiiy, 249, 270, 272, 274. Sinclair, sir Robert, 60, 96. Skinners' guild of Edinburgh, 274. Smellie, Thomas, merchant in Edin- burgh, 351. Smert, James, in Leith, 4. Smith, Alexander, xiii, 63, 96, 120, 159, 161. Henry, framework knitter, 149. Margrat, in Hedingtoune, S2. Mungo, 310. Robert, 224, William, stoken weaver, 15. Soap, duties on foreign soap, xxxviii. works in Glasgow, liv ; at Leith, xxxiL Society for the Mines Royal, 1L Sommervaill, James, 12S, 147, 164. Speelman, Mr., in Holland, 244, 252, 260, 271. S pence, David, 354. Thomas, 274. Spinning wheels, Ixxxviii. Spurroway, Humphrey, lxxi, 6, 7, 13, 35, 39, 42, 44, 46, 49, 56, 60, 74, 92, 94, 96, 97, 99, 133-143, passim. ^:a:r, 2;:. Stanfield, sir James, xii, lvi, lix, lxvii, lxx, I n, 2 and n, S-II, passim, 155, 158 and n; his proposal for selling the lands of Xewmilns to the com- pany, 115, 117; disposal of Momm house, i2i, 122 ; his death, 180. John, 294, 295; his relict. See Boullis, Helen. Steed man, William, cardmaker, 234, 292, 347- Steel, Patrick, vintner in Edinburgh, 334, 335, 342. procurator, 312. Thomas, apprentice, 39. mason, 50. Stevensone, Alexander, in Paris, 253. 254, 3°S, 3U- sir Archibald, 260. Hugh, 5a Dr., 2S0. Stewart of Gairntillie, 327. Alexander, 237. Charles, 227, 230. Gilbert, 242. Thomas, 295. Mrs. , 207. Stirling, Walter, writer in Edinburgh, 324, 336- Stocking-frames, lxiii, lxxii, 22, 24. 2^, 1S9. ' " Stockings, xviii, 85, 116, 121. See also Silk stockings : worsted stockings. Sugar works at Glasgow, xxxviii, x!i and », xlvi, xlviii, liv. Sumach, 'shoemake,' xxii, n, 14, 42, 97, 105. Suttie, George, 327. Tames, merchant in Edinburgh, 3*7- _____ Sycoma, W i.liam, advocate in Friez- land, 240, 241, 257. Tarmaxick. 97. Teasels, xx, Ixxxviii, 14, 65, 10;, 232. 243, 249, 255, 256, 269, 2S7, 29;; 345- Tenting, xx. Thome, Alexander, tailor, 346. Thompson. Charles, in North Queens- fern", 2S0. James, merchant in Old Aber- deen, 271, 272, 292, 324. William, merchant in Old Aber- deen, 271, 272. Tiviot, earle of, 27S, 322, 333. Topping, James, 13-15. 366 THE NEW MILLS CLOTH MANUFACTORY Tray, shearman, 32. Trinity hospital, 295. Trotter, John, 66. Turnbull, John, 253. Udward, Nathaniel, xxxii. Yertte, David, 347. Wages. See New Mills : officials and workmen. Walkingshaw, James, of Walkingshaw, 263. Walwood, Robert, merchant in Edin- burgh, 334, 342. Watson, James, student of physick, 147. dyer, 206. Robert, of Murhouse, merchant in Edinburgh, 334, 336, 337, 341, 34s. an apprentice, 14. Watt, Alexander, shearman, 32, 159. Wauch, Robert, 147. Wauchope, James, merchant in Edin- burgh, 224, 230, 2S0, 2S7, 350, 354. Waulk mill privileges, 10. Weavers' shuttles from Holland, 255, 256. wages, 21. Sit also under New Mills Company : wages. Weir, Alexander, cash-keeper and hall- keeper, xv, xxvi, 224-230, 23S-244, passim. John, 354- Thomas, 46. William, 352, 354. Wester Sugar Works, Glasgow, xlvi, xlviii. Whale-fishing, xxxi-xxxii, xxxviii. Whyte, madam, 207, 210. major, 44, 45, 52 and n, 73, 90. James, master of the Croune of L€ith, 233. Thomas, 2S3-2S5, 291, 296, 304. Wightman, William, 26, 27. Wilkie, John, 5S. Williamsone, Patrick, 325. Wilson, William, 26. Win town, earle of, 40, 74. Wood, James, 313. William, 92, captain, 77. Wool, export of, lxxv-lxxvi, lxxx- lxxxii ; export of, prohibited, lxxv, 274, 277, 280. prices, lxxxv-lxxxvi, lxxxix, 26, 27, 39, 5i» 124, 126, 189, 262, 266, 267, 271, 272, 285, 287, 2SS, 290, 292, 303. 306, 310, 3H, 3 X 6, 3 J 8, 3 2 3» 3 2 5» 33°, 333» 34 1 - provision of, lxxx-lxxxi, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15-17, 21, 22, 25, 32, 40, 45, 49, 5°-53» 5 6 -5 8 > 6 5» 6 7. 7 1 , 73» 74, 92, 104, 114, 116, 119, 127, 138, 161, 191, 200, 206, 209, 226, 230, 231, 233, 234, 237, 238, 240, 246, 249, 251, 259, 266, 268, 269, 273, 250, 285-28S, 295, 296, 303, 327, 330, 332, 338, 343- manufactory at Glasgow and Hamiltone, 264 and n ; at Mussel- burgh, 274. card manufactory at Leith, xxxviii, liv, 250 n. cards, xix and », 4 and w, 16 and «, 17, 120, 122, 123, 24S. Worsted stockings, 60, 63, 64, S2, 87, SS, 91, 99, 105, 125, 128, 147. Wright, John, 227, 230. Wymss, David, 350. Yeoman, captaine George, in Dundee, 277. York, duke of, encourages the cloth manufacture, xxxvi, lv. Young, Abraham, clothier in Leyden, Joseph, rvu, 70, 72, 73, 7^, 97- 102. 104, 106, 107, 109-112, passim. Robert, 9. Prl-.ted by T. and A. Constable, Printers to His Majesty at the Edinburgh University Press REPORT OF THE EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SCOTTISH HISTORY SOCIETY The Eighteenth Annual Meeting of the Society was held on Saturday, the 19th November 1904, in DowelFs Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh, — Mr. C. J. Guthrie, K.C., presiding. The Int. Hon. Secretary read the Report of the Council, which was as follows : — The Council have, with deep regret, to report the great loss the Society has, since its last meeting, sustained in the death of the Hon. Secretary, Dr. Law, which occurred on the 12th of March. A special meeting of Council was held on the 29th of that month, when the following resolution was adopted and recorded in their Minutes : — The Council unanimously resolved to place on record in their Minutes an expression of their sense of the great loss sustained by the Society through the death of their Hon. Secretary, Dr. Law, and of their appreciation of his accurate and extensive learning, his critical acumen, and the unvarying tact and courtesy which he brought to bear upon the work of the Society as its Secretary during the eighteen years of its existence — work to which the Society owes, in a large measure, its continuous success. The Council further desire to record an expression of 2 their sincere sympathy with Mrs. Law and her family in their bereavement, and direct an excerpt of this minute to be sent to Mrs. Law. The above resolution was gratefully and courteously acknowledged by Mrs. Law on behalf of herself and her family. At the same Meeting the Council arranged that Mr. J. T. Clark should act as interim Hon. Secretary till the end of the current year. Mr. A. Francis Steuart consent- ing to continue to superintend the passing through the press of the two publications then in progress. The changes in the membership during the year amount to eighteen — eleven by death and seven by resignation. After the vacancies thus caused have been filled up there will still be forty-three candidates for admission. The libraries on the list now number eighty. None of the publications due for the current year have yet been issued ; but two of them, viz. : The Wardlaw Manuscript, edited by Mr. William Mackay, and The Minutes of the New Mills Cloth Manufacturing Company, which is being brought out under the editorship of Mr. Robert Scott, of St. Andrews University, are practically completed, and will be in the hands of Members in a few weeks. The third volume for the year, being Volume i. of the Justiciary Court Records, 1661-1678, which is being edited by Sheriff Scott Moncrieff, is so far printed off that in all likelihood it will be issued before the end of this year. The publications which the Council have decided to issue to members for the year 1904-1905 will be taken from among the following: — 1. A volume of the Statuta Ecclesiae Scotti- canae, which is being brought out with a translation and Notes by Dr. David Patrick. 2. A volume of Macfarlancs 3 Topographical Collections, edited by Sir Arthur Mitchell from the MS. in the Advocates'' Library. This MS. has all been transcribed, and the first portion of it is now in the printer's hands. 3. The Records of the Baron Court of Stitchill. These Records, which extend in an unbroken series from the 8th January 1655 to the 21st of November 1807, were transcribed from the original in Stitchill House, Roxburghshire, by the late Rev. George Gunn, minister of Stitchill, and they have now been offered to the Society by Dr. Gunn of Peebles, who has also undertaken to edit them. The work is all ready to go to press. 4. Volume n. of the Justiciary Court Records ', 1661-1678. The Council hope that with the funds at their disposal they will again be able to issue three of these works as the publications for 1904-1905. The Members of Council who at this time fall to retire by rotation are Sir Arthur Mitchell, the Rev. Canon Murdoch, and Professor Lodge. It is proposed that Sir Arthur Mitchell and Canon Murdoch be re-elected, that Mr. A. Francis Steuart be elected in room of Professor Lodge, and that the present arrangement with regard to the Secretaryship be continued for another year. The annexed abstract of the accounts of the Hon. Treasurer shows that there was a balance at 24th October 1903 of ^588, 10s. 4d., that the income for the year 1903-1904 had been ^540, 13s. 8d., and the expenditure £591, Is. 5d., being an excess of expenditure over income of £56, 7s. 9d. The balance in favour of the Society as at 31st October 1904 is £532, 2s. 7d. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the Report, said it was with great although melancholy satisfaction that they remembered that they did not allow their late Secretary to leave them without an expression last year in that room of their gratitude for his services as Secretary of that Society, and their 4 admiration for his brilliant abilities and his profound learning, and — what probably he valued much more than all — of their sincere affection for the man himself. Dr. Law's was a unique per- sonality, formed by a unique experience and a unique career. He was a remarkable combination, so able, so learned, and yet to the very end he retained the simple-heartedness of childhood, and the chivalry and enthusiasm of youth. He had left a great monument in that Society in those remarkable forty-five volumes of theirs. A number of them would never have had an existence at all but for him. and there was not a single one of them that did not owe a great deal to his encouragement, his sympathy, and his generous and unremitting labour for other people. Speaking of the publications of the Society, he said their books must be considered remarkable when they thought not only of the sources, home and foreign, from which they were drawn — even from the Vatican — but when they considered the various men, Roman Catholic, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, who had been got to do their work. Of the three volumes to be put immediately in their hands, he was bound to say The Wardlam Manuscript inter- ested him most. The man who wrote it — the Rev. James Fraser, was one of the most notable of Scotsmen. He was no ordinary parish minister; he served for a year in the Pope's Guard at Rome. He was able not only to write in English and Gaelic, but in French, German, Italian, Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, and he had travelled in nearly every country in Europe. He wrote fifty-three books. None of them had been published, but one of the manuscripts was now to be put in their hands by Mr. William Mackay of Inverness. The second of their publications, The Minutes of the Netv Mills Cloth Manufacturing Company, had a valuable introduction dealing with the whole history of trade in Scotland. Many of the Minutes of the Company were delightfully quaint. The New Mills Company did a large business in military uniforms, and he saw the order was given by the Privy Council to this manufactory to make the uniforms to distinguish the "sojers" from other vagrant and skulking persons.' The manuscript also brought out that these were the delightful days for the supporters of Pro- tection against Free Trade. It was not a mere question of a tariff upon outside cloth — English cloth — but any person found in the possession of English cloth had to hand it over, and it was burned by the common hangman ! These were the good old 5 days for the makers of cloth ; whether for the wearers might be another question. The last book they had was Justiciary Court Records. The dates were quite enough to suggest its quality — 1661-1 678, the killing times. Sheriff Scott Moncrieff informed him that the book would contain a full account of the trial of that uncanny person. Major Weir. The report was a very satisfactory one ; and he was sure they all felt that their Society was rendering a very special service. It enabled people to form their own opinions on historical matters. People professed to have opinions on historical matters, but generally speaking they simply repeated opinions of Mr. Froude or Lord Macaulay or Mr. Andrew Lang ; and it was only by going through the original manuscripts that one could really come to have what one could honestly say was their own opinion. Their only regret that day was that they had not in the chair that great man, Professor Masson. Mr. D. W. Kemp, Leith, seconded, and suggested that the Society should look into the Parish Records of Scotland. The Report was adopted. 6 ABSTRACT OF THE HON. TREASURER'S ACCOUNTS. For the Year ending &\st October 1904. I. Charge. I. Balance in Bank from previous year — On Deposit Receipt, . . £550 0 0 On Current Account, . . 38 10 4 £588 10 4 II. Subscriptions, viz. — (1) 400 Subscriptions for 1903-1904, . . . £420 0 0 6' in arrear for 1902-1 90S. received, . . . 6 6 0 1 in advance for 1904- 1905, . . . . 1 1 0 Less 3 in arrear for 1903- 1904, . (2) 80 Libraries, 3 in arrear for 1902-1903, advance for 1903-1904 £427 7 0 3 3 0 . £84 0 0 3 3 0 2 2 0 £89 l 5 p 3 3 0 424 4 O 86 2 O (3) Copies of previous issues sold to New Members, 14 3 6 III. Interest on Deposit Receipts, . . . . Hi 4 2 Sum of Charge, . .£1129 4 O II. Discharge. I. Incidental Expenses — (1) Printing Cards, Circulars, and Reports, .... £19 15 0 (2) Stationery and Receipt Book, . 2 14 3 (3) Making 1 - up and delivering Publications, 32 16 5 (4) Postages of Interim Secretary and Treasurer, _ 1 u o y (5) Clerical Work, Charges on Cheques, and Miscellaneous, . 3 19 3 (6) Hire of room for Annual Meeting, .... 1 1 0 Guppyi \1 nrn cotttst) ^tsrorp Society. THE EXECUTIVE. 1904-1905. President. The Earl of Rosebery, K.G.. K.T.. LL.D. Chairman of Council. David Masson, LL.D., Historiographer Royal for Scotland. Council. Rev. Alexander D. Murdoch. Sir Arthur Mitchell. K.C.B., M.D., LED. A. Francis Steuart, Advocate. Sir Thomas Gibson Carmichael, Bart. John Rankine, K.C.. LL.D., Professor of Scots Law in the University of Edinburgh. Sir James Balfour Paul, Lyon King of Arms. The Rev. Robert Flint, D.D. P. Hume Brown, M.A., LL.D., Professor of Ancient Historv and Palaeography in the University of Edinburgh. Right Rev. John Dowden, D.D., Bishop of Edinburgh. Charles J. Guthrie, K.C. John A. Trail, LL.D.. W.S. J. Maitland Thomson, Advocate. Keeper of the Historical Department, H.M. Register House. Corresponding Members of the Council. H. Firth, LL.D., Oxford; Rev. W. D. Macrav, Oxford ; C. Sanford Terry, Aberdeen. Hon. Treasurer. J. T. Clark, Keeper of the Advocates Library. Int. Hon. Secretary. J. T. Clark. Keeper of the Advocates* Library. RULES 1. The object of the Society is the discovery and printing, under selected editorship, of unpublished documents illus- trative of the civil, religious, and social history of Scotland. The Society will also undertake, in exceptional cases, to issue translations of printed works of a similar nature, which have not hitherto been accessible in English. 2. The number of Members of the Societv shall be limited to 400. 3. The affairs of the Societv shall be managed by a Council, consisting of a Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, and twelve elected Members, five to make a quorum. Three of the twelve elected Members shall retire annually by ballot, but they shall be eligible for re-election. 4. The Annual Subscription to the Societv shall be One Guinea. The publications of the Society shall not be delivered to anv Member whose Subscription is in arrear, and no Member shall be permitted to receive more than one copy of the Society's publications. 5. The Societv will undertake the issue of its own publica- tions, i.e. without the intervention of a publisher or any other paid agent. 6. The Societv will issue yearly two octavo volumes of about 320 pages each. 7. An Annual General Meeting of the Society shall be held at the end of October, or at an approximate date to be determined bv the Council. 8. Two stated Meetings of the Council shall be held each year, one on the last Tuesday of May, the other on the Tues- day preceding the day upon which the Annual General Meeting shall be held. The Secretary, on the request of three Members of the Council, shall call a special meeting of the Council. 9. Editors shall receive 20 copies of each volume they edit for the Society. 10. The owners of Manuscripts published by the Society will also be presented with a certain number of copies. 11. The Annual Balance-Sheet, Rules, and List of Members shall be printed. 12. No alteration shall be made in these Rules except at a General Meeting of the Society. A fortnight's notice of any alteration to be proposed shall be given to the Members of the Council. PUBLICATIONS OF THE SCOTTISH HISTORY SOCIETY For the year 1886-1887. 1. Bishop Pococke's Tours in Scotland, 1747-1 TOO. Edited by D. W. Kemp. 2. Diary and Account Book of William Cunningham of Craig- exds, lb'7o-10'80. Edited by the Rev. James Dodds, D.D. For the year 1887-1888. 3. Grameidos libri sex : an heroic poem on the Campaign of 1689, by James Philip of Almerieclose. Translated and Edited by the Rev. A. D. Murdoch. 4. The Register of the Kirk-Session of St. Andrews. Part t. 1559-1582. Edited by D. Hay Fleming. For the year 1888-1889. 5. Diary of the Rev. John Mill, Minister in Shetland. 174u- 1803. Edited by Gilbert Goudie. b". Narrative of Mr. James Nimmo, a Covenanter, 1654-1709. Edited by W. G. Scott-Moncrieff. 7. The Register of the Kirk-Session of St. Andrews. Part ei. 15S3-1600. Edited by D. Hay Fleming. For the year 1889-1890. S. A List of Persons concerned in the Rebellion (1745). With a Preface by the Earl of Rosebery. Presented to the Society by the Earl of Bosebery. 9. Glamis Papers: The ' Book of Record/ a Diary written by Patrick, first Earl of Strathmore, and other documents (1684-89). Edited by A. H. Millar. 10. John Major's History of Greater Britain (1521). Trans- lated and edited by Archibald Constable. 4 PUBLICATIONS For the year 1S90-1S91. 11. The Records of the Commissions of the General Assemblies, 1646-47. Edited by the Rev. Professor Mitchell, D.D., and the Rev. James Christie, D.D. 12. Court-Book of the Barony of Lrie, 1604-1747. Edited by the Rev. D. G. Barron. For the year 1891-1892. 13. Memoirs of Sir John Clerk of Penicuik, Baronet Ex- tracted by himself from his own Journals. 1676-1755. Edite s d by John M. Gray. 14. Diary of Col. the Hon. John Erskine of Carnock, l68S- 16S7. Edited by the Rev. Walter Macleod. For the year 1892-1893. 15. Miscellany of the Scottish History Society, First Volume — The Library of James yl, 1573-83. Edited by G. F. Warner. — Documents illustrating t atholic Policy, 1596-98. T. G. Law. — Letters of Sir Thomas Hope, 1627-46. Rev. R. Paul. — Civil War Papers, 1643-50. H. F. Morland Simpson. — Lauderdale Correspondence, 106O-77. Right Rev. John Dowden, D.D. — Ti'rnbull > Diary, 1657-1704. Rev. R. Paul. — Masterton Paper-. 1660-1719. V. A. Noel Paton. — Accompt of Expenses in Edinburgh, 1715. A. H. Millar. — Rebellion Papers, 1715 and 1745. H. Paton. 16. Account Book of Sir John Follis of Ravelston (1671-1707). Edited by the Rev. A. W. Cornelius Hallen. For the year 1893-1894. 17. Letters and Papers illustrating the Relations between Charles ii. and Scotland in 1050. Edited by Samuel Rawson Gardiner. D.C.L., etc. 18. Scotland and the Commonwealth. Letters and Papers relating to the military government of scotland, aug. 1651— Dec. 1653. Edited by C. H. Firth, M.A. For tlu year 1894-1895. 19- The Jacobite Attempt of 1719. Letters of James, second Dike Of Ormonde. Edited by W. K. Dickson. 20, 21. The Lyon in Mourning, or a Collection of Speeches, Letters, Journals, etc., relative to the Affairs of Prince Charle- Edward Stuart, by Bishop Forbes. 1746-1775. Edited by Henry Paton. Vols. i. and (L PUBLICATIONS 5 For the year 1895-1896. 22. The Lyon in Mourning. VoL iil 23. Itinerary of Prince Charles Edward 'Supplement to the Lyon in Mourning). Compiled by W. B. Blaikjx. 24. Extracts from the Presbytery Records of Inverness and Dingwall from 163S to l6SS. Edited by William Mackay. 25. Records of the Commissions of the General Assemblies {continued:) for the years 1648 and 1640 Edited by the Rev. Professor Mitchell. D.D.. and Rev. James Christie. D.D. For the year 1896-1897. 26. Wariston's Diary and other Papers — Johnstok of Wariston's Diary. 1639. Edited by G. M. Pa-il.— The Honours of Scotland; 1651-52. C. R. A. Hodden. — The Earl of Mab's Legacies; 1722. 1726. Horn S. Ersldne.— Letters by Mrs. Grant of Laggav. J. R. N. MacpLaiL HiwfiJ to the Society by M&r*. T. and A. Constable. 27. Memorials of John Murray of Broughton, 1740-1747. Edited by R. Fnnmr Bell, 28. The Compt Bute of David Weddzrsurxe, Merchant of Dundee, 1587-1630. Edited by A. H. Millar. For the year 1897-1898. 29. 30. The Correspondence of De Monteretl A3 De Bellizyre, French Ambassadors in Eng land, 1645-1 04 S. Edited, with Translai FoTHERINGH AM. 2 Vols. For the year 189S-1S99. -31. Scotland and the Protectorate. Letters and Papers relating to the Military Government of Scotland, from January 1654 to June 165Q. Edited by C. H. Firth, M.A. 32. Papers illustrating the History of the Scots Brigade in the Service of the United Netherlands. 157-2-17S2. Edited by James Ferguson VoL l 1572-1697. S3, 34. Macfarlane s Genealogical Collections concerning Families in Scotland ; Manuscripts in the Advocates" Library. 2 vols. Edited by J. T. Clark, Keeper of the Library. Prt*tnied to the Society by the Trustee* of the late Sir WUBam Fraser, K.C.B. D AND 5COT- , by J. G. 6 PUBLICATIONS For the year 1899-1900. 35. Papers ox the Scots Brigade in Holland, 1572-1782. Edited by James Ferguson. Vol. n. 1 698-1782. (Nov. 1 899-) 36. Journal of a Foreign Tour in 1665 and 1666, and Portions of other Journals, by Sir John Lauder, Lord Fountainhall. Edited by Donald Crawford. (May 1900.) 37. Papal Negotiations with Mary Queen of Scots during her Reign in Scotland. Chiefly from the Vatican Archives. Edited by the Rev. J. Hungerford Pollen, S.J. (Nov. 1901.) For the year 1900-1901. 38. Papers on the Scots Brigade in Holland, 1572-1782. Edited by James Ferguson. Vol. in. 1. Rotterdam Papers: 2. The Remembrance, a Metrical Account of the War in Flanders, 1701-12, by John Scot, Soldier. (July 1901.) 39- The Diary of Andrew Hay of Craignethan, 1 659-60. Edited by A. G. Reid, F.S.A.Scot. (Nov. 1901.) For the year 1901-1902. 40. Negotiations for the Union of England and Scotland in 1651-53. Edited by C. Sanford Terry. (March 1902.) 41. The Loyall Dissuasive. Memorial to the Laird of Cluny in Badenoch. Written in 1703, by Sir .ZEneas Macpherson. Edited by the Rev. A. D. Murdoch. (July 1902.) For the year 1902-1903. 42. The Chartulary of Lindores, 1195-1479- Edited from the original MS. at Caprington Castle, Kilmarnock, by the Right Rev. John Dowden, D.D., Bishop of Edinburgh. (July 1903.) 43. A Letter from Mary Queen of Scots to the Duke of Guise, Jan. 1562. Reproduced in Facsimile from the Original MS. in the possession of the late John Scott, of Halkshill, Esq., C.B. Edited, with historical Introduction and Appendix of original illustrative Documents, by the Rev. J. Hungerford Pollen, S.J. (Jan. 1904.) Presented to the Society by the family of the late Mr. Scott, of Halkshill. PUBLICATIONS 7 4 4. Misoxilaxy or the Scottish Hi ?tory Society. Second Volume — The Scottish Kixg"* HorsEHOu*. 14-th Century. Edited by Mary Bateson. — The Scottish Ninox in the l~ yTVERsiTY or Orleaxs. 1-!>3< ? -1o3S. John Kirkpatrici. LL.D. — The French Garrison atPi nhar. 1-5SS. Robert S. Rait. — De A>-t3«tttate Reljgioxis apo) Socrros, Henry D. G. Lav. — Arotacnr rat WmuMMm Mj.rrujsT> or Leth: y g to i x . 1610. Andrew Lang. — Letter of Bishop Gsob.se Grjeme. 1602-38. L. G. Graeme.— A Scottish JootyiE. I'o4l. C. H. Firth. — Xajuurms iLLrfmA ttx g the Dure or Hajextvx's Expetitiox to England. 1C4S. C. H. Firth. — Bamar-LnoBran Paper?. 1<54S-H38-. H. C. Fox-croft — Papers or Robert Erskixe. Physician to Peter the Great, H577-1720. Rev. Robert Paul. — Will or the Dr chess or Albany. 17S£. -A Francis Steuart (Feh. 1904.) 45. Letti?.? :t John Cocreirn or OnMisTorx to his Gardexer. 1727-1743. Edited by James Colyille, D.Sc (March 1904.) Ferine y.ar 1 90S- 1904. 41). MlXCTE BOOK OF THE MaXAGERS CT THE NlW MlLLS ClCTK Maxcfactory, 16S1-1690. Edited by W. R Soott, Lecturer on Political Economy in St. Andrews University. (Jan. 1905.) 47- Polichroxicox sec Policratica Temporum. or, the true Genea- logy of the Frs.se.rs. By Master James Ph aser. Edited, from the origins". MS. known as The Warila-w Manuscript, in pos- sess.:,-:: :•: the Trustees of the late Sir Win. Augustus Frsser. Bart., by William Macxay, Inverness. 4S. The Records of the Proceedings of the Justiciary Cocrt FROM 29TH JaX. 1661 TO THE EXD OF 1678. Vol. L l66l-l669. Edited, from the MS. in possession of Mr. John Weston, by Sheriff Scott Moxcrieff. For l\c'ucar 1904-1905. Records of the Barox Cocrt of Stitch ill. 1 6 5 5-1 SO". Tra::- ser.bed f rc :n the original in St.: ;::.'.". House. Roxburghshire. by the Iste Rev. George Gvxx. Minister of Stitchill. Edited by Clemext R Gcxx, M.D., Peebles. M \c r arlaxe's Topographical Collectioxs. V oi . t. Edited, from t h e M S. in the Advocates* Library, by Sir Arthur Mitchell, K.CR Statvta ElCLEsle Scotk an.e. I~!i5-155r. Vol. 1. Edited. -with Translation and Notes, by Damd Patrick. LL.D. cS PUBLICATIONS In 'preparation. Justiciary Court Proceedings, 1661-78. Vol. n. Macfarlane's Topographical Collections. Vol. 11. Statuta EccLESiiE Scotican^e, 1225-1556. Vol. II. The House Books of Accompts, Ochtertyre, 1737-39. Edited,, from the original MS., in possession of Sir Patrick Keith Murray, by James Colville, D.Sc. Sir Thomas Craig's De Unione Regnorum Britannle. Edited, with an English Translation, by David Masson, LL.D. Records relating to the Scottish Armies from 1638 to 1650. Edited by C. Sanford Terry. Analytical Catalogue of the Wodrow Collection of Manu- scripts in the Advocates' Library. Edited by the Keeper of the Library. Charters and Documents relating to the Grey Friars and the Cistercian Nunnery of Haddington. — Register of the Monastery of Inchcolm. Edited by J. G. Wallace- James, M.B. Records of the Commissions of the General Assemblies {con- tinued), for the years 1650-53. Edited by the Rev. James- Christie, D.D. Register of the Consultations of the Ministers of Edinburgh, and some other brethren of the ministry since the interruption of the Assembly 1653, with other Papers of public concernment, 1653-1 660. Papers relating to the Rebellions of 1715 and 1745, with other documents from the Municipal Archives of the City of Perth. A Selection of the Forfeited Estates Papers preserved in H.M. General Register House and elsewhere. Edited by A. H. Millar. A Translation of the Historia Abbatum de Kynlos of Ferrerius, together with some inedited Letters of the Author. By Archibald Constable, LL.D. Rentale Sancti Andrew. The Household Book of Cardinal Beaton, 1539-1545. Edited, from the MS. in the Advocates' Library, by D. Hay Fleming, LL.D. DATE DUE BOSTON COLLEGE 3 9031 01211684 4 DA 750 S25 7 0 W Scottish hist-ozy society, Bapst Library Boston College Chestnut Hill, Mass. 02167