NOTES FROM THE B.M.R.R. MINUTE BOOKS
These notes
pertain to the acquisition of locomotives and to the activities of Hopkin
Thomas.
The Minute Books for the Beaver Meadow Railroad are
housed in the Penna. State Archives, Harrisburg, Pa.
Ed. The minutes are recorded in
cursive writing and are difficult to transcribe accurately. Unrecognizable word
and phrases are highlighted in yellow in this document. JmcV. December 2006
Updated January, 2007
1830 –
1837 Minutes Book
Page 43, Jan 12, 1835
The successful economy with which our undertaking
has thus far progressed, cannot fail to render it even more advantageous than
has heretofore been anticipated.
The consumption of coal will only have
reached its ???
condition of increase when every family & public work within reach of it
upon the same terms with any other shall ? this as their only fuel.
New Hope Jan. 12, 1835 S. D. Ingham, ?
(probably President))
From
the Engineers report it appears that $17,650 would be required previous to the
transportation on the Rail road - viz
1 Locomotive
engine $5000
110
coal cars at $100 each 11000
18 mules at $80 each 900
Weigh
house & scales 750
17650
And for transporting 10,000 tons of coal from the B.
M. mines to Mauch Chunk basin $6639. Viz
Recovering
& mining at 35 cents per ton 3,500
Expense
of locomotive 3 months at $7.50
per day 585
4
Men at landing 4.50 per day
351
6
men at planes 6.50 per day 507
Weigh
master & assistant 195
Car
tenders $12 936
(continued
& not recorded)
Ed. The above is the first reference
in the Minutes Books to Locomotive Engines.
Page 63,
September 6, 1836
On Motion Resolved
That the services of George Jenkins be employed by this Company at a
compensation of Fourteen hundred dollars per annum.
Resolved
That the monthly statement of expenditures forwarded by the
Secty at Beaver Meadow be referred to the Executive Committee.
That Mr.
G. Jenkins be empowered to procure an Engine of such capacity and power as he
may think be sufficient for use by
the Mines.
(Continued)
Ed: The first locomotives, built by Garrett & Eastwick, were delivered by Hopkin Thomas
and Andrew Eastwick in October 1836
Page
67 Dec 23, 1836
Ed: Geo, Jenkins to go to Baltimore to
purchase an engine.
Resolved, That Mr. G. Jenkins be requested to proceed to
Baltimore or elsewhere to ascertain whether an Engine can be procured suitable
for the operations of the Company and with power to contract for same.
Ed: This is the first mention of
Hopkin Thomas
Resolved- That the
President's Salary be reduced to fifteen hundred Dollars from & after the
first of April last inclusive.
Resolved - That
George Jenkins be appointed superintendent General of all the Company &
Works, and that his Salary be increased to seventeen hundred and fifty dollars
per annum from the first of April last inclusive.
Resolved - That the Salary of A. H. Van Cleve be twelve
hundred and fifty dollars per annum
Resolved _ That Hopkin Thomas
Salary be increased three Dollars per Month and 20 Dollars in lieu of fuel -
from the 1st April instant.
Page 79,
May 15, 1837.
15 May 1837
Board met Present G.
Scull. Chm.
Levis
Weatherly
Toland
Macalister
Livezy
It
was
Resolved That the division of superintendence at the Works as
arranged by the President should be adopted. Viz.
1 "Cap" Geo Jenkins will take
charge of all the business of the Beaver M. Company in Northampton County as
Superintendent.
2. Aaron H. Vancleve will perform the
duty of principal assistant to the superintendent.
3. James Scott will continue in charge of the mines as Mining
Engineer.
4. Hopkin
Thomas will take charge of the workshops as principal machinist.
5. James D. Gallup will take charge of
the repair and improvements in the coal and water stations - also procuring
fuel & such other duties as may be assigned him by the Superintendent.
6. All the officers in Northampton Co.
will receive their directions from Cap. Jenkins, the superintendent, and in his
absence, from his principal assistant.
7. The Superintendent will from time to
time, make such arrangements in the various departments of business as will
best promote efficiency and economy in the Company's affairs with a due regard
to the comfort and convenience of those under his direction.
Page 94,
Dec 5, 1837.
5 December 1837.
Present C.
Macalister, Chm.
Levis Livezy
Toland Scull
Weatherly
Resolved - That the Secretary write to Mr. Vancleve to
ascertain as far as he can have the quality of the Eng. Iron sent up last for
cars. As will answer our purpose and to inform the board what time is necessary
to build a coal car when all the materials are on the ground.
Resolved That a contract be entered into for two engines similar
to the Beaver provided that two of the small engines now at B. Meadow can be
sold or bartered in part payment for them and that Mr. Toland & Levis be a
committee to make the contract.
Resolved That iron be ordered from England of the edge rail
sufficient for the double track above determined on & that Mr. Livezy and
Scull be a committee for that purpose.
The secretary was then directed to send
H. P. Becks deed for land to W. Ingham this opinion be requested, respecting
the propriety of accepting it for a conveyance by the Co. of the land formerly
granted for Rail Road.
1838 Minutes
Book
The following are notes in the Minute Book that are not found in the printed version of the Annual Report for the Year 1837:
It
was
Resolved that the pres. Be authorized to employ
an engineer to locate a double track from the planes to the mouth of the
Quakake.
Resolved
That a four-wheel locomotive engine (called Beaver
engine) be forthwith commenced at the Co.'s shops at B. Meadow - the
cylinders and boiler to be made in Philadelphia.
Resolved That one of the 6 wheel engines be sold
as soon as can be spared.
Resolved That the Committee contract out with
the Hazleton Co. for transportation be discharged.
Resolved That H. I Levis be appointed Treasurer
Resolved That John Ecky be appointed Secretary
Page 34, Jan 9, 1839
Ed. Most of the following
excerpts are from the minutes used to generate the Corporate Annual Report for
the year 1838.
Ed. Chilled wheels and improved lubrication..
The
repairs of engines and cars, will always be a heavy item of expense. Efforts
have been made to reduce this as much as possible, by improved construction of
them, with the means of prompt and vigilant attention to this branch. Among
those improvements, that of chilling the solid nave of the car wheels. In a new
method invented by H. Thomas, with conical hardened axles, promises to be of
great advantage, as also the oil cup in the pedestals of the axles, by which
much waste is avoided in lubricating their journals.
Ed. The building
of the Nonpareil
The
Company have now five locomotive engines. Three of them have one pair of
driving wheels. One of them (the Beaver) has two pair; and one (the Nonpareil.)
built by H. Thomas at the Company's shops, has three pair of drivers.
The
last is of great adhesive power, and more than double the traction of the three
former engines. One of the light engines might now be sold; and if another of
them was replaced by an engine similar to the Nonpareil, it would greatly increase
the Company's means of transportation, and improve its economy.
Ed. Improved draft for burning anthracite.
All
the Company's engines burn coal with the greatest facility; no difficulty
occurs in raising and keeping up `steam. The apparatus for improving their
draft, was introduced into the United States, by the Company's machinist, H.
Thomas- The whole expense of it is not more than twenty dollars, including the
labour of attaching it, which can be done in one day..
Ed. The benefits of the Nonpareil
The efforts of the Board have been earnestly directed to improvements in the economy of the various branches of their operations. A new locomotive engine with six driving wheels, has been built at the Company's shops, of great power, and better adapted to drawing heavy loads on undulating and curved roads, than any heretofore used by the Company. The success of this engine, aided by the eight-wheeled engine used last year, furnish an enlarged means of transportation, sufficient for a considerable increase of business.
Jan 21, 1839
Resolved: That Hopkin Thomas come to Philadelphia to examine W. Wynans Engine on the Columbia road, offered for Sale.
Jan XX, 1839
Resolved That Hopkin Thomas be requested to come to Philadelphia as early as possible to examine the Locomotive Engine factories with a view to the purchase of a large Locomotive Engine for the use of the Company and to report the result of his 'engineering ' to the board.
April 5, 1839
Resolved That a contract be made with James Brooks for building a locomotive engine of large size according to the terms of his proposal that the É. withÉby J. Ecky, 19 February, 1839.
Resolved That the President write to Mr. Van Cleve requesting the presence of H. Thomas in this city without delay for the purpose of conferring with the builders regarding the stationary engine.
4. Resolved That the President be authorized to fix the Salary of Mr.. Van Cleve at 1500 dollars per annum and to occupy his house free of charge for Rent and also receive his coal fuel free of charge. Salary to count from the 1st April last.
5. Resolved also That the Salary of Hopkin Thomas be at the rate of 1000 Dollars per annum from the 1st June next. That he receive his coal fuel free of charge.
6. Resolved That the Salary of a bankman at the mines be fixed at 600 Dollars and that W. Vancleve be instructed to engage a suitable person to fill that position.
7. Resolved also That the President be authorized to render to Mr. Ingham the services of an engineer and fireman to test the use of anthracite coal on locomotive Engines on the Columbia Rail Road.
Page 99
March 7, 1840
Philadelphia Board met at the office this
evening agreeably to adjournment. Present: Messrs R. Pearsall, A. R. Wharton,
Henry Budd, James Rowland, Joseph Perot, and S. Scull.
Resolved That for the economical working of the mines, this Company advertise for
proposals, for mining from 30 to 60,000 tons of coal, to be delivered free from
slate and other impurities into the companies cars at the mines: also for
transporting the same to Parryville.
The company to furnish cars and motives Engines. Said proposals to be
sent to the office at Philadelphia by the 25th of March.
Resolved That from and
after the 1st of April next, the salaries of all Officers at Beaver Meadow and
the Weatherly Shops (excepting those of Messrs. Vancleve and Van Hagen) be reduced 20 percent.
Resolved That the
establishment at the Weatherly shops be reduced by discharging one-half of the
workmen of each grade, and that those remaining shall be paid, from and after
the 1st of April next, at the rate of 20 percent less than the present price of
wages.
Resolved That A. H. Vancleve be and he is hereby
directed, to carry the above the resolutions into effect.
In accordance with the first resolution the
following form of advertisement was agreed upon.
Proposals for mining Coal
The Beaver Meadow R. R. and Coal Company will receive proposals
for mining and delivering 30.000 to 60,000 tons of their Coal, free from slate
and other impurities, into the cars at mines during the coming boating season;
and also for transporting the same to their landing at Parryville, the company
to furnish the cars and motives Engines. The Contractors to keep the car is
endanger is in good running repair, supply fuel oil, etc. Sealed proposals will be received for
either the old or new mines or both. They must be sent to the offices in
Philadelphia by the 25th of March. Persons desirous to contract will
receive further information at the CompanyÕs office in Beaver Meadow & at
Philadelphia.
Adjourned
John McClintock, Treasurer
Page 101
March 28, 1840
Resolved to they Committee of three with the president
that the appointed a half, to proceeded to Beaver Meadow and contract with Messrs. van Cleve and
company or others, one the best
possible terms they can obtain: not exceeding those offered by them in
their letter dated Beaver Meadow
the second. If they should, after an examination of old ground, the other data
and if what to be to the best interest of the company: case being taken in
contract, do guard the property
our company from loss by carelessness, or bad many, transportation, etc.. The company to retain the possession of
the property and its to remain 100 their own of the direction.
Whereupon Messrs. Scull, Seeger, and Budd were
appointed.
Page 102 -
106 April 7,1840
Resolved That the President be authorized to
carry into effect the Contract made by the committee (appointed last meeting)
with Vancleve & Co. for the mining and transporting of Coal to Parryville,
except that the part which relates to the stock of goods that may remain on
hand at that close the season which is to be reduced to twenty five hundred
dollars.
The specifications and articles are as follows.
Specification. For the letting of the mining and
transportation of from 30,000 to 60,000 tons of coal at the Beaver Meadow mines
free from slate or other impurities. The proposals may embrace both the mining
and transportation; either Collectively
or Separately.
The Contractor for mining and delivering into
the Rail Road Cars will be required to find all materials and labor for
repairing of mine Cars, road, Wagons Carts and ?, feed for horses, mules and oxen and ? for same: also to keep the sercons of every
description in repair, to cut the proper timber, cart it to the mines, and prep the mines in such
manner as the mining engineer may direct. Also to find all powder candles, oil or other
material and Implements which he
or they may require for mining any number of tons less than 30,000 or
more than 60,000 tons during the boating season of 1840. They will be required
to have in the mines as many lineal feet of drifts or levels as he or they may
find available at the Commencement of the Contract, or pay the cost per foot
for driving as many feet as he or they may be deficient of the amount that the Commencement of
said Contract. That contractor will also be required to drive airways, or
shafts which the mining engineer made deem necessary for the safety of the
mines. The Company will furnish the Contractor with all the mules, horses and
oxen necessary to carry on the work, said horses, oxen and mules to be weighed
at the Commencement of the Contract, and returned at its close as: each mule,
horse and ox to weigh as many pounds when returned as when received or the
contractor to pay 25 cents per pound for all such deficiency one each and every
animal, and to return the same without broken bones or limbs; in case the leg
of any animal shall be broken the Contractor will be required to pay the price
at which said animal was inventoried when received by him (natural decay
excepted).
The company also agrees to furnish an outfit of the following
articles on hand ? Wagons, Carts and mine Cars, all of which shall be returned
by the Contractor or Contracts in as good order and is when received by him or
them. The company also agrees to furnish whenever drills and picks or other mining
implements which they may have one hand at the Commencement of the contract.
The same to be returned at the expiration of contract as many pounds of each
respective kinds has there were and found previously received. The Company will
also furnish the use of their sawmill to saw such lumber as may be required for
use of the mines. The contractor to pay the cost of repairs to the mill and the
delivery of the lumber at the mill and the mines.
7000 tons will be required from Slope
No. 3 (new mines) subject
to the foregoing regulations and restrictions. Proposals for continuing Slope
No. 3 to the bottom of the basin
will be accepted. The Company will put in the pump and remove it when the
mining engineer shall decide that it is
expedient. The Contractor will be held responsible for the rent of all
mine houses occupied by his workmen. (The Company reserves the services of the
Stationery Engineers and the rights of paying their wages.) The Contractor will
be required to furnish all fuel and oil and repairs to the Stationery Engines
for the whole of the mining operations to be subject to the discretion of the
mining engineer.
The proposition for the transportation must
include all expenses of taking the cars from the mines after they are loaded
and delivering those cars to the loading dock at Parryville, to include the following items viz:
Repairs to Locomotives, to include labor and materials, or in other words, any
expense necessary to keep a moving
train in repair, together with the necessary workmen (except the Locomotive
Engineer, who will be kept in the pay of the Company, also the ? at Weatherly Shops).
The repairs to ? to
be at the expense of the Contractor. The company will furnish the requisite
number of Locomotives and Cars, mules and horses for the planes, horse wagons and carts
necessary for the ? of transportation, the whole of which must be fed and kept
in order at the expense of the Contractor as in the foregoing regulations. All
material which the company now has on hand it will be furnished to the
Contractor and its cost on the ground where it now lays.
The conveyance of ? and merchandise over the road will be as per
official agreement with the Company. The percentage to be reserved to secure
the faithful performance of the contract to be agreed on by the parties. The
Company also agrees to furnish the Contractor with the use of a shops and
Weatherly together with the stock of tools now in use. The same to be
inventoried at the Commencement of the Contract and to be returned at its
termination, in good order ? to inventory as to both quality and quantity. The
Contractor will be held responsible for the collection of the rents of all
houses belonging to the Company which the men in his employee may occupy.
ARTICLE OF AGREEMENT made and concluded this 4th
day of April 1840 between the President ? and Company of the Beaver Meadow Rail Road and
Coal Company of the first parts and A. H. Vancleve, Hopkin Thomas, Jacob
Thomas, and William R. McKean , all of Beaver Meadow doing business under the
firm of Vancleve & Co. of the second part.
Witnesseth,
That the party of the
first part and agree to accept the propositions of the party of the second part
agreeably to the specifications and proposals here to annexed and made part of
this Contract to mine and transport coal subject to the following additions,
modifications and examplifications, to wit
1st.
A ton of coal shall be two hundred and forty pounds. The agent of the Beaver
Meadow company at Parryville shall keep an account of all clean coal cargo
& ? delivered there that will pass over a three-quarter-inch screen and
also of the Limeburners Coal
(which is that coal which will pass through a three quarter inch and
over a one quarter-inch screen) and render a statement as thereof to each party
weekly. For the Limeburners Coal
the Company agrees to page 90 cents per ton for what is made at Parryville for
mining and transportation.
2nd.
The coal dust, slate and dirt Vancleve and Co. are to carry off from the mines and
deposit as heretofore.
3rd.
Vancleve & Co. are to deposit the Coal as directed by the Beaver Meadow
company or its agents at Parryville, at the Bank at the mines or any intermediate
points on the R. R.
4th.
Vancleve & Co. shall keep an accountant of all Coal sold at the Borough of
Beaver Meadow and shall pay the Company all the amount of said sales over 100
ton ten cents per ton of 2000
pounds, and render an account monthly thereof to the company.
5th.
The Wharton Vein Slope shall be driven down by Vancleve & Co. at 25 dollars
per linear yard as the proposed by them until the 1st day of December next; the
company reserving the right to stop said work at any earlier date.
6th.
Vancleve & Co. agree to pay the wages of all the Engineers and for so doing
the Company agrees to pay them seven cents per ton on all merchantable Coal
mined and transported by them, but the charge of seven cents not to be made on
the companyÕs Coal now stocked at the mines.
7th.
The payment for mining and transporting of coal shall be made as follows.
37-1/2 percent of the amount as it becomes due shall be paid at the end of each
month and 37-1/2 percent in four ? after the end of each month for the amount then due, that
balance of 25 percent shall be retained in hands of the Company to the amount
of 6000 Dollars until this Contract shall be fulfilled, when it shall be paid
in three equal payments that sixty and ninety days he is hand at ? from the termination of
the Contract. The amount due for driving down the Wharton slope one and
one-half at the end of each month and the other in four months.
8th.
Should the Company wish other Coal then that from their own mines transported,
it shall be done and by Vancleve & Co. on the same terms as for the
CompanyÕs own coal.
9th.
An account of the stock of all material which the company now have on hand
shall be taken as soon after the Contract is signed as can be done and before
any of it is used by Vancleve & Co. and be charged to them so money paid
for mining and transportation and in five monthly payments, and what may not be
used by the 1st of December next to be returned to the company at the same
price.
10th
The Company agrees to rent the Weatherly shops to Vancleve & Co. until the
first day of December next for the sum of one hundred Dollars.
11th.
It is further agreed that Vancleve & Co. shall transport all merchandise
that may offer and pay the company 50 cents per ton for expenses of loading it
at Parryville and the tolls as now
fixed. The CompanyÕs Agent show furnish bills thereof to Vancleve & Co.
12th
The Officers, Directors and and men employed by the Beaver Meadow Company shall
have the right to pass on the cars up and down the Rail Road free of charge and
that the passenger Cars shall run has heretofore, the passage money to go to
the benefit of Vancleve & Co.
13th.
Vancleve & Co. shall open a store, the stock of sound goods that may remain
one hand at the close of this season, the Company agrees to take of them the at
cost exclusive of transportation, to an amount not exceeding four thousand
Dollars.
14th
All work of the Company now in progress or unfinished, Vancleve & Co. agree
to direct and oversee without charge to the company, also to furnish workmen
for the purpose, and an account of their wages which the Company are to pay.
15th
The Company agrees that no more than one active train and 12 cars shall be
retained at Parryville by them.
16th
The coal used for repairs of their old and for their unfinished work, the,
Company will make no charge, but for that which may be required for new work,
and what Vancleve & Co. may sell at Weatherly, they are to credit the
Beaver Meadow Company with, at the rate of one dollar and 12-1/2 cents per ton
of 2000 pounds clear of mining and transportation, and what may be delivered at
other places in the same proportion.
17th.
Anything herein continued shall not be construed as to impair the right of the
Company and all times to the full possession and control of the mines, Rail
Road and all the other property of every description belonging to the Company.
18th
This agreement shall not go into effect until the same shall be ratified by the
Directors of the Beaver Meadow Company at their offices in Philadelphia and
notification their of given to Vancleve & Co.
To the President and
Directors of the Beaver Meadow R. R. and Coal Company:
Gentlemen:
We the undersigned
propose to mine and transport to the trestle work at Parryville 30,000 tons of coal subject to the
regulations set forth in the specifications filed in your office in Beaver
Meadow and for the sum of one dollar and 60 cents per ton for all coal processed from the mine
wagons over the Chute into the Rail Road Cars. For all coal mined and stocked at
the mines and then loaded it into the Rail Road Cars one Dollar & 68 cents
per ton; or we will mine and deliver over the Chutes into the Rail Road Cars
30,000 tons for 96 cents per ton and for so much of the said 30,000 tons as may
be stocked at the mines, ninety cents per ton for loading from the stock into
the Rail Road Cars nine cents per ton and for transporting to Parryville sixty
four cents per ton after it is loaded into the Rail Road Cars. For all coal
transported to to any intermediate point two and a half cents per ton per mile.
For all coal delivered at Beaver Meadow one Dollar and eight cents per ton. We
also propose to drive down the Wharton Vein or Slope No. 3 for the sum of 25
Dollars per yard, provided the company furnish a sufficient pump to keep the
slope free from water and pay the expenses of moving said, whenever the same
should be considered necessary by the mine Engineer. The company also to
furnish screens and fixtures to clean and load the coal at No. 3 slope. We also
agreed to deliver the animals, tools, etc. in good order as per specifications. Damages
by fire, tempest and flood and natural decay only excepted.
Respectively yours, A. H. Vancleve, Hopkin
Thomas, Jacob Thomas, William R. McKean.
Beaver Meadow March 24th 1840
Unknown
page, April 1840
Resolved That the offer of Vancleve & Co. to
build mine cars (as noted below) be accepted the number to be built at present
not to exceed 25.
Beaver Meadow, April 21st,
1840
Robert Pearsall, Esq.
Dear Sir
We the undersigned propose to build any number
of Mine Cars which the Beaver Meadow railroad company may require at the
following rates.
For Wharton Vein or
Slope No. 3 at 63 Dollars per car
For Old Mines or Slope
No. 1 at 67 dollars per car.
For all plain Iron
Castings the said Company may require for the sum of 3-1/2 cents per pound.
For all Cone and Pipe castings
3-5/8 cents per pound.
For all Axle Castings 35 cents per pound and
all wrought work 11-1/2 cents per pound except nails. Provided the
Beaver Meadow R. R. Company agree
to furnish the Circular Saw, Boring Machines, Mortising Machines, Screw Cutter, and ?.
Yours Respectfully
Van Cleve & Co.
& G. Van Hagen
Items for Mine Cars
required
0.9 Feet Lumber @
160 $4.70
Framing 5.25
162 ft of wrought iron @
11-1/2 18.63
4 Wheels 88lb each @
3-3/4 13.20
Axles 105 lb each @ 6 1.30
Smith work per set of
axles 2.50
Boring wheels 2.42
For Wharton Vein $53.00
For old Mine Cars
add 4.00
Total 57.00
Page
112 May 18th 1840
Resolved
That the Treasurer is directed to pay to
Samuel D. Ingham, the five hundred dollars due him, also interest from
May 28, 1839 to April 1st last $3,934.91 cents. And the President
and Treasurer are authorized and requested to sign and seal for bonds to him
all to the dates April 19th with Interest annually.
One for one thousand
dollars payable April 1st ,1841.
One for one thousand
dollars payable April 1st, 1842.
One for one thousand
dollars payable April 1st, 1843.
One for four hundred
thirty four 91/100 dollars payable April 1st 1844.
Said bonds being for the balance due said Samuel D. Ingham on the ? property, now called
Weatherly shops has per agreement of June 13th 1839 and deed of
himself and wife dated the 16th of May 1840.
Page 115
August 18th 1840
The
special meeting of the board was held stay at 11 o'clock. Present: Messrs.
Pearsall, Weatherly, Wharton, Scull & Houston The committee who visited the
mines made a record as follows
Report Of the committee
consisting of measures Messrs. Perot, Rowland and the President of their visit
to the Company's mines & R. Road from the 4th the through the 12th of
August inclusive.
The
Contractors Van Cleve & Co appear to be conducting their operations
agreeably to our understanding of
the agreement with them. The Rail Road is generally in good order, the five
miles on the Quakake, in consequence of twenty trains running over its daily
with Locomotives requires constant attention.
Of
the 5 Bridges over the Quakake, the middle one has been put in order to stand without
props, all others are propped to and will stand ? fall, but previously to winter they will have to
be strengthened, so to stand alone; or immediate preparations must be made for
building new ones. If the latter she'll be decided on by the Board, we recommend
that they shall be constructed for a double track.
The
propriety of a double track for the five miles from Weatherly to Penn Haven we
refer for consideration of the Directors. The repairs of the lower ? Bridge is in proposal.
The lower Bridge of the Lehigh requires the string pieces to be strengthened,
for which ? have
been given and the timber got out. Directions were given our Vancleve to have a
roof put over the screens at the Wharton slope. They estimate the cost at 50
dollars for this slope. 20 more mine cars are wanted, the lumber for them was
requested to order. The only place
on the Lehigh River belonging to this company that appears entirely suitable
for a coal landing or a shipping port above Mauch Chunk is just above the
Turnhole house ???
. Mr. Lathrope has finished the map of the mines at the old workings; it is
here where if presented, also Mr. FisherÕs report of his examination of
them and opinions . Mr. Stubbs states to us he was likely to be ? to expenses by his neighbors, in relation to
moving the road. In consequence of which we agreed to obtain an 25 dollars in
the price ??.
Expenses amount to so much. The lot was sold (originally) to him for $200
payable $50 every two months. The boilers of the Stationery Engine at the Wharton
Slope, made by Mr. Merrick, have been only ten months in use, and are out of
order; it will cost three hundred dollars to repair them.
Philadelphia August 14th 1840
Joseph Perot
James Rowland
Robert Pearsall President
David Weatherly
Resolved That the above report
be accepted and it together with Mr. FisherÕs, be entered in the minutes.
To
the President and Managers of the Beaver Meadow R. R. and Coal Company
Having been requested to examine the mines at
Beaver Meadow and reports upon their condition, how much available Gangway was
driven at the expense of the company, at the time that Contractor took
possession under the contract, and generally upon such matters as should
occurin the course of my examination, suggestions for the benefit the company;
I respectfully report that I have given the mines a careful examination and
find them well secure, in good working condition, and well ventilated. The
contractors had the driven some length of Gangway before I went into the mines
but Mr. Thomas states that there was 130 ???. (There follows the completion of this
report which was not recorded during the November 2006 visits. It would be
useful to record and document of this report at some future date.)
Page 120
October 27th 1840
Tuesday evening half past four, October 27th 1840. Board met
to agreeably to adjournment.
Present Messrs. Pearsall, Dulls, Wharton, Scull,
Budd, and Weatherly..
They committee whom was referred the proposals
of Van Cleve & Co.
relatives in mining, transporting coal, etc. made reported as follows.
The executive committee to whom was referred the
proposals of A. H. Van Cleve, Hopkins Thomas, William
R. McKean and Jacob Thomas, for mining and transporting coal, etc. for next
year dated October 22nd 1840
Report that they have carefully considered said
proposals and have concluded to advise the board not to accept the same, but in
place thereof to offer for the acceptance of said Van Cleve & Co. the following.
First. That they should mine and transport to
Parryville Fifty Thousand Tons of Merchantable coal from the mines of the
Beaver Meadow Company between the first day of December next and the closing of
the boating season in next year, say on our after the first a of December 1841,
for the Sum of One dollar and Sixty Seven cents per ton and eight cents per ton
additional on coal from Stock, and to be subject to all the privileges,
restrictions and regulations set forth in the specifications given by us and
the contract entered into between this company and the same Van Cleve & Co.
on the 4th day of April 1840 for the Government of both parties. The
Company to pay for Limeburning
Coal made at Parryville the Sum of Ninety Cents per ton and for Lineburners Coal made at
the mines and transported to Parryville
One Dollar and Six Cents per ton. Van Cleve & Co in addition to the
other requisitions and included in the amount above named are to keep them
repair the Water Stations, Locomotive houses and the Engine houses, Machine and
other shops at Weatherly and Plane houses
– or in other words they shall furnish all materials of every
description, all feed for animals, and pay all expenses of Labor incurred in
mining and transporting said60,000 tons of coal and do said repairs.
Second. The Beaver Meadow Company are to build
four bridges over the Quakake and repair the Lattice Bridge.
Third.
Van Cleve & Co. agree to repair the CompanyÕs
railroad and bridges and furnish materials and keep them in order during the
aforementioned time for mining and transporting coal, for the Sum of Ten
thousand four hundred & twelve Dollars to be paid to them as they may have
to pay it - and should the cost of said repairs not amount to said sum the Beaver
Meadow company are to have the
advantage of any saving in the expense from the estimate as above. Rail Road
Iron & Spikes are to be furnished by the Beaver Meadow Company for said
repairs of the road without charge to Van Cleve & Co..
Fourth. The Beaver Meadow company IÕve to have
the right of passing over their road One Hundred Thousand Tons the five miles
along the Quakake in addition to what may be transported from my in their own
mines and on all ?
of coal that may be transported besides our own and Said 100,000 Tons - we to pay Van Cleve & Co. one-third
of our regular rates of toll.
Van Cleve & Co. shall pay this company for the use of the Weatherly Shops
during the continuation of this contract, that is until December in 1841 the
Sum of $150.
Van Cleve & Co. shall pay for all damages by lapses incurred in consequence
of any defects in the railroad & bridges while under their care.
Is further proposed that Van Cleve & Co.
shall drive the tunnel (about Eleven chains) from the deep cut in the
perpendicular run to Slope No. 4 proposed to be made by Mr. Fisher and timber
the same in a good and substantial manner for the Sum of $1200 - the earth excavated is to be carried
off and deposited in the swamp by them.
It is proposed that this shall not affect any
arrangements that the Beaver Meadow R. R. Co. may here after make with the
Summit Coal Company for the transportation of their Coal.
Resolved. That the president be requested to
make a contract with Van
Cleve & Co. agreeably to the above report. See copy of article
of agreements next page.
Resolved. That the Treasurer is authorized to
accept the drafts of Van Cleve & Co to the amounts of
ten thousand Dollars generally at Six Months, in anticipation of Coal to be
mined and transported by them under the Contract intended that to be made with
them.
Minutes of the Executive Committee blank the President in
the agreements entered into with the Van Cleve & Co , as follows, which was
approved.
First. Articles of agreement made and concluded
this 28th day of October (1840) Eighteen hundred and forty, between
the Beaver Meadow Rail Road and Coal Company of the one part and A. H. Van
Cleve, Hopkins Thomas, William R. McKean , and Jacob Thomas of the other, (unrecognized text), that
the said party of the Second part shall mine and Transport fifty thousand Tons
of Marketable Coal from the mines of the Beaver Meadow Railroad and Coal
Company to Parryville between the first day of December next and the closing of
the boating Season in the next year, say on our after the first day in December
1841 for the Sum of one dollar and sixty-seven cents per ton and eight cents
per ton and additional on coal Stocked at the mines by them, and be subject to
all the privileges, restrictions and requisitions set forth in the specifications
given and this contract entered into between the same parties.
On the 4th day of April last past, for the
government of both parties, The Beaver Meadow company are to pay for Limeburning
coal made at Parryville, this Sum of ninety cents per ton and for Limeburners
Coal made at the mines and transported to Parryville the sum of one Dollar and
six cents per ton – Van Cleve & Co in addition to the other requisitions included in the amount
above named are to keep in repair all the water Stations Locomotives, houses
Engine houses, Machine and other shops at Weatherly, and the plane houses, or
in other words they shall furnish all materials of any description, all feed
for animals, and pay all expenses, any labor incurred in mining and transporting
said fifty thousand times of coal, and do said repairs.
Second.
The Beaver Meadow company are to build four bridges over the Quakake
Creek and repair the lattice Bridges.
Third. The party of the second part agree used
to repair the Beaver Meadow CompanyÕs Rail Road and Bridges and furnish
materials and keep the same in order during the before mentioned time, (say not
less than one year from the first of December next) for mining and
transporting: Coal, for the sum of
$1200 to be paid to them by the Beaver Meadow Company as Van Cleve &
Co may have to pay it, and should
the cost of said repairs not amount to the said some, the Beaver Meadow company
are to have the advantage of any saving in the expense from the estimate has
above. Rail Road Iron and spikes are to be furnished by the Beaver Meadow
Company for said repairs of Road without charge to Van Cleve & Co.
Fourth. The Beaver Meadow Company hard to pay
Van Cleve & Co. one-third of the regular rates of toll on all Coal that may
pass over the said Rail Road over and above what shall be transported from the
Beaver Meadow CompanyÕs mines and any one hundred thousand tons in addition
thereto for five miles along the Quakake Creek.
Fifth. The Van Cleve & Co. shall pay the
Beaver Meadow company the sum of 150 dollars for the use of the Weatherly
Shops during the continuation of
this contract, that is until December 1841.
Sixth. Van Cleve & Co. shall pay for all
damages or loss incurred in consequence of any and every defects in the Rail
Road or Bridges whilst under their care or charge.
Seventh. Van Cleve & Co. agree to drive the
tunnel (about 11 chains in length) from the deep cut in the perpendicular run
to Slope No. 4 as proposed to be made by Mr. Fisher a and timber the same in a
good and substantiall manner for the Sum of twelve hundred and ten Dollars. The
earth excavated is to be carried off by them and deposited in the Swamp.
Eighth. It is agreed that this article of
agreement shall not affect any arrangements that the Beaver Meadow R. R. Co.
may hereafter make with the Summit Coal Company for the transportation of coal
from said CompanyÕs mines..
Ninth. All property belonging to the party of
the first part committed to Van Cleve & Co. is to be delivered up to the
Beaver Meadow R. Road and Coal Company is as good order as when recÕd. by them,
damage by tempest, fire and flood only accepted.
Robert Pearsall, President of the Beaver Meadow
Rail Road and Coal Company.
A. H. Van Cleve, Jacob Thomas, Wm. R. McKean,
Hopkin Thomas.
Page
130, December 19
Resolved, That the proposal of Van Cleve &
Co., as stated in the following letter be accepted, provided that they keep the
houses in good and demonstrable repair.
Beaver Meadow, Nov. 18,
1840
To the President of the Beaver
Meadow Rail Road and Coal Co.
Dear Sir
We the subscribers
propose to keep the mine dwelling houses, the two houses at the Saw mill and
the house on the Prattt tract in repair and pay you the sum of five hundred
Dollars for rent for the Year ending December 1st 1841 the payment
to be made at the Close of each mo.
We also propose to keep
the mine dwelling houses at Beaver Meadow in repair for the sum of seven
dollars per annum for each house which may be occupied. We further propose to
keep the dwelling houses at Weatherly in repair and pay you this sum of 126
d0ollars for the year ending December 1st 1841 payable as before. Provided that
the above propositions shall in no way be so construed as to hold us
responsible for damages to said houses by tempest, fire or flood.
Page
131 Late 1840.
A special meeting of the Board was held this
evening at 7:oÕclock. Present Messrs. text, Wharton, Weatherly, Budd & Rowland. Mr. Pearsall, President in the
chair.
A proposition below of Van Cleve & Co.
dated 16 text for
building us 28, rail cars and
three dump cars, for straightening slope No. 5 and for ten timbering the
seven foot run under where the proposed Engine and Plane houses are to be built
for text has been
this severally considered, were on Resolution accepted, with the understanding
that text and suitable timber are to be used.
Van Cleve & Co. proposals.
We the undersigned proposed to build 20 Rail
Road coal cars with double breaks in every way to conform to those now on your
road for this sum of 146 dollars per car and five cars without breaks for the
sum of 130 dollars per car, three dump cars at one hundred dollars per car, all
them payable as follows. One-half in 90 days after one-half of the cars are
completed, the balance in 90 days after the whole number is finished.
We propose to straighten slope No. 5 and re-lay
the Rail Road on the slope, do all the timber rain and all other work necessary
to complete the slope for 330 dollars,
one-half to be paid in 60 days after one-half of the work is finished,
the balance in 60 days when all is complete.
This supporting of the roof over the six and
seven foot vein where the coal has been worked out on which the Stationary
Engine for Slope No. 4 will have to be placed
together with the Plane house at the head of the plane leading to No. 1 the slope number for will have to be
placed will cost as follows, for a space of 55 by 60 feet square for Engine house
and 20 by 50 feet for the Plane
house 55 x 60 x 2 = 6600 text 1/5 for space in which timber cannot be
placed leaves 1280 cubic feet in the two veins required to be text for the Engine house
and 20 x 50 x2 = 2000 cubic feet (under plane house) deduct 1/5 leaves 1600
feet plus 528 = 6880 / 36 feet the square of one law of
pillar we have 191 pillar. For the building of the each
pillar and filling in with text
we have to pay the Miners $7 x 191 = $1337, Cutting, hauling and putting in the
Mines 536,640 feet
of logs at $3 for 1000 = text, add $1337 dollars = $2946
The above named prices are as low as we are
willing to undertake the works for, payable one-half in 90 days after one-half
is finished and one-half 90 days after the whole is completed.
Very respectfully
Van Cleve & Co.
C. E. von Tagen
Philadelphia, December
16th 1840
Page
143 February 2nd 1841
(Ed. These notes appear at the end of the damage report
associated with the flood day of January 7th and 8th, 1841.)
The committee appointed Capt. A. H. Van Cleve
Superintendent of the Railroad and Bridges and repairs thereof with the salary
to commence the 8th next at the rate of $1500 per annum until the road can be
put in the running order to such place as the board may wish. Afterwards his
salary to be whatever the Board may direct until the 1st of next December.
The contract with him Van Cleve & Co. for
keeping our road in order and approved November 23rd last was
canceled. The expenses on the road since December 1st to be charged to the
company, and also lumber, etc. for it contracted for by them. We ordered
temporary bridges to be built over the Quakake to facilitate the repairs the
below them to remain until permanent ones can be got ready to be erected. That
there may be as little delay as possible in getting our coal to market, the
committee made examinations along the line of the railroad for a shipping port.
They found that none so desirable as Ruddles Garden on the left of bank
opposite Mauch Chunk which we think he can be made had to accommodate the
Sugarloaf and Hazelton Companies as well as ours. It belongs to The Lehigh
Company of whom it can be no doubt be had for a small annual rent by our making
a tow path for them on the outer bank of their navigation to be connected to
the present tow path by horse bridges. An estimate of the cost of making a
shipping port at this place will be had from Capt. Van Cleve in a few days.
Robert Pearsall, James
Rowland, and Henry Budd, Committee
Page 155
August 6. 1841
A
special meeting of the directors was held this day at 12 oÕclock.
Present
werePearsall, Rowland, Weatherly, Houston, Scull, Dulles.
Resolved. That J, H.Dulles and the President be a
Committee to visit our working,
and to discharge A. H. Van Cleve as Superintendent of repairs of
damages, under appointment of Committee, see report 23 January last. To examine
our road, bridges, mines, etc. and to direct the operations of the Company as they made judge best for our
interest. To fix Prices of coal at Shipping Port, and to grant a lease for ten
years for a lot for a public School house at Weatherly, if it be asked of us.
Resolved. That Van Cleve &
Co. may draw on up five thousand Dollars in drafts at 60 or ninety days, which
drafts are intended to be discounted at the Bank in text.
Page
159 September 28th
1841
Board met agreeably to adjournment. Present
Messrs. Pearsall. Wharton, Smith, Budd, Rowland, Dulles and Houston.
Resolved. That the agreements of September 7th
with Parrish & Johnson for an Engine for Slope No. 5 for one thousand four
hundred and sixty dollars, six
months credit, be approved.
Resolved.
That the agreement with Van Cleve
& Co. of September 3rd for preparing the Engine of
No. 3 slope for future use be approved. (Fixtures & gearing - $596; 18-in
cylinder - $300).
Resolved. That the mining operations be stopped
for the present has recommended in A. H. Van CleveÕs letter of the 20th,
last.
Page
161 October 20, 1841
A special meeting of the board was held this
evening at 7 oÕclock. Present Messrs. Pearsall, J. R. Smith, James Rowland,
David Weatherly, J. Dulles, Henry Budd, T. R. Wharton, Gideon Scull
A letter of Proposals to the Company for mining,
transportation of coal, etc. dated Beaver Meadow, October 23rd 1841,
of A. H. Van Cleve, Hopkins Thomas, Jacob Thomas, and W. R. McKean having been
read on motion.
Resolved. That the basis on which we form a
contract with Van Cleve & Co. for mining and
transportation of coal for the ensuing year (if we make one with them) be for
Fifty Thousand Tons of merchantable coal and the Lineburners made therefrom.
Resolved. That the proposals of Van Cleve &
Co. for mining, etc. be referred to a Committee of three under the president
whereupon Henry Budd, J. R. Smith, and T. R. Wharton were appointed, who are to
report the results of their proceedings to the Board. Adjourned. Signed John McClintock.
Page
162 November 2nd, 1841.
At the special meeting of the board held at
4-1/2 oÕclock. Present David Weatherly, T. R. Wharton, J. R. Smith, James Rowland, Joseph M. Dulles, and the
presidentÕs.
The committee to whom was referred the proposal
of Van Cleve & Co., report the following articles of
agreement which were tread on motion.
Resolved. That said agreement be approved and
signed by the president.
Article of agreement made and concluded the
second day of November, 1841 between the Beaver Meadow Railroad and Coal
Company on the one part and A. H. Van Cleve, Hopkin Thomas, William R. McKean,
and Jacob Thomas, trading under the firm of Van Cleve & Co.,
on the second part.
Witnesseth
that the said that Van Cleve & Co. shall mine and
transport for the Beaver Meadow Company from their mines to Shippin Port on the
trestle there Fifty Thousand Tons of Clean Egg and Lump Coal to be passed over
the screen there for the sum of One dollar and fifty three cents per ton ($1.53
) and the Limeburners Coal that
may be made from it the sum of of Ninety two cents per ton from after
the close of business of the boating season of this year to the closing of the
boating season on the Lehigh River of next year (1842). Said coal to be free
from slate and other impurities and for what may be delivered at any point on
the road above Shipping Port two & half cents per ton per mile less than
the above prices. Eight cents per ton to the paid for coal that may be stocked
at the mines and afterwards loaded to the cars. For the above prices, Van Cleve
& Co. are to keep in repair all Stationary and Locomotives Engines, all
Engine houses and water stations, all shops and machinery contained therein,
and other buildings except dwelling, all railroad iand mining cars, all screens
at the mines, all wagons, cars, horses and other implements and tools in their
care and belonging to the Beaver Meadow Company, also Machinery in plain houses
and repairs to ropes. They are to feed and shoe all mules, horses and oxen
entrusted to them, and are to supply at their own cost what other animals and
other power may be necessary to mine and transport the coal agreed for as
above. The mines are to be operated in a substantial and safe manner by them.
They are to find all oils, powders and other materials and implements for
mining and Van Cleve & Co. are to have the mines in as good and valuable a
condition as when they took charge of them in April 1840. The animals and tools
then received by them to be returned to the Beaver Meadow Company as agreed for
under the contracts of that dates.
2nd article. Van Cleve & Co.
are to have the use of the saw mill at the mines and at Weatherly to saw the
lumber required by the mines. To cut to the props and other timber for the
mines from the Beaver Meadow CompanyÕs land and also the wood for the engines
as far as it will go and what other timber is needed the Van Cleve & Co.
are to furnish at their own cost. They are to have the rights of using what
coal may be needed for the engine in raising and transporting the companyÕs
coal and for the repairs of cars, engines and other work to keep up the
companyÕs stock.
3rd article. A ton of coal shall be
2240 pounds. The agents of the Beaver Meadow company at Shipping Port shall
keep an account of all clean lump and egg coal delivered that will pass over a
3/4-inch screen, long mesh, and also the Lineburners coal, which is that coal
which will pass through the ¾-inch screen and over a ¼-inch long
mesh or ½-inch square mesh rolling screen and a statement thereof to
each party weekly.
4th article. The coal dust, slate and
dirt Van Cleve & Co. are to carry off from the Mines and
deposit as heretofore at their own expense.
5th article . They Van
Cleve & Co. are to deposit the coal as may be directed by the
Beaver Meadow Company or its agents at the Bank, at the mines at Shipping Port
or at any intermediate point on the railroad.
6th article. Monthly bills for mining
and transporting to be due as follows; 3/8 at the end of each month, 3/8 in
four months thereafter and 2/8 at six months, but the payments to be made at
the convenience of both parties.
7th article. It is further agree that
Van Cleve & Co. shall transport all merchandise that may offer, and pay the
company 37-1/2 cents per ton for loading and also the tolls as text. The company agent
to furnish bills to Van Cleve & Co. as usual.
8th article. Then Van Cleve & Co.
are to pay the Beaver Meadow Company for what coal they may use or new work on text at Weatherly one
dollar and twelve & half cents per ton and for all sold at Beaver Meadow
Sixty five cents per ton.
9th
article.
Van Cleve & Co. are to superintendent the repairs of the rail road bridges etc.; make the necessary
purchases, and contract for timber and employ at their own cost suitable
competent supervisors of the road for the sum of one thousand dollars. They are
also for said sum to pay all check rolls and bills of timber etc. and exhibit
satisfactory vouchers for same. The Beaver Meadow company paying the amount of
said bills.
10th article. Van Cleve & Co.
agree to keep to the miners dwelling houses and maintain the two dwellings at
the saw mill all and the houses on the Pratt tract in repair and pay the Beaver Meadow company rent for the
same for one-year ending December 1st 1842 Five hundred Dollars, and will keep
the five dwellings at Beaver Meadow in repair for Seven Dollars per year for
each house while it may be occupied. They will keep in repair four dwelling
houses now erected at Weatherly and pay the said company the sum of one hundred
and twenty-six dollars rent for the said year and for the use of the Weatherly
shops one hundred and fifty dollars for the same year. Provided that no
accident by fire, flood, or tempest injures said property.
11th article. Van Cleve & Co. are
to furnish all plain iron castings ordered by the company of them for the sum
of three and half cents per pound
and pipes and core castings at three and five-eights cents per pound all to be
good quality, and for castings of brass or composition metal Thirty Three cents
per pound, and for all wrought iron work of best quality iron Eleven cents per
pound.
12th article. Van Cleve & Co.
promise to deliver safe to the Beaver Meadow Railroad and Coal Company at the
expiration of this contract all property committed to their care in as good
order as when acquired by them; damage by fire, flood, tempest only accepted.
Signed . A. H. Van Cleve for self and partners. Robert Pearsall, President
of the Beaver Meadow R.R. & C.
Co..
Page
168 December 27th 1842
Resolved. That Van Cleve
& Co. be allowed the use of a lot of
ground at Weatherly, 50 by 200 feet, for five years or such part of said time
as they remain contractors (for erecting a storehouse thereon) with permission
to remove the same when they cease to be contractors with this company for
mining and transporting Coal.
Resolved. That Van Cleve & Co. may have the
use of from two to five acres of land of our Pratt tract to to clear and fence
the same for their own use for five years as they may continue contractors with
this company for mining and transporting Coal.
Page 193
September 12th 1842
A
Special meeting of the Board was held this evening at ½ past 7
Present
: Robert Pearsall, Pres., Francis R. Wharton, J. R. Smith, David Weatherly,
Henry Budd, J. W. Oldenheimer, and James Rowland.
The
minutes of the last slated meeting and of the Special meeting of the 5th
last, also the minutes of the Executive and Finance Committees of August 25th
were read and adopted.
The
committee on mining & transporting coal report progress and were continued.
Resolved. That the cost of pumping and keeping
the mines clear during the partial suspension of operations at the mine be
charged by Van Cleve & Co to our account.
Resolved
that Van Cleve & Co have permission to finish the contract of September 3rd,
1841 for making a cylinder and gearing for the Engine at Slope No. 3 and to
have the foundation laid.
Adjourned
John McClintock, .Jr.
Page 197 October 29, 1842
Articles of agreement made and concluded the 29th
day of October 1842, between the Beaver Meadow Rail Road and Coal
Company all the one part and A. H. Van Cleve, Hopkin Thomas, W. R. McKean, and Jacob Thomas
trading under the firm of Van Cleve & Co. of the other part.
Witnesseth
1st The said Van Cleve & Co.
hereby agree to mine and transport coal for the Beaver Meadow Rail Road and
Coal Company from the mines of the company to their Shipping Port opposite
Mauch Chunk, to be delivered on the trestles, and to be passed over the screens
there by the company, where the different qualities shall be ascertained and
weighed, for prices to be governed by average sales of coal at Bristol
Pennsylvania for this year ending at the close of the boating season on the
Lehigh River, 1843, at which time this contract shall cease. The quantity mined
and transported to me not less than fifty thousand tons nor
more than eighty thousand tons of merchantable coal. And if during the
continuance of this agreement, which, it is agreed shall be from the end of
this boating season of this year to that of 1843, the Beaver Meadow Rail Road
and Coal Company shall not be able to receive and sell over fifty thousand
times of merchantable coal agreeably to the foregoing,, the regulations of
prices shall be as follows:
2nd If the sales of coal at Bristol
during the year stated shall have reached three dollars and fifty cents per ton
or less, the price per ton for mining and transportation shall be one dollar
and forty cents. If the average as before mentioned shall be three dollars and
sixty-two and half cents per ton the price for mining and transportation shall
be one dollar and forty-five cents. If the average amounts to three dollars and seventy-five cents per ton,
the price for mining and transportation shall be one
dollar and forty-eight cents per ton; if the average be three dollars and eighty-seven and half cents
per ton, the price for mining and transportation shall be one dollar and
fifty-one cents per ton. And if average should be four dollars or more per ton,
the price of mining and transportation shall than the one the dollar and
fifty-four cents per ton.
For the Limeburners coal, which is considered a
distinct article the sales of which do not influence the foregoing
average, the Beaver Meadow Company
hereby agree to allow one dollar
and twenty cents per ton now, without reference to the sales at Bristol.
3rd One half of the quantity of coal
mined under this contract shall be taken from Slope No. 3, unless some
occurrence should render it impractical, and all the coal: to be free from
slate and other impurities and for what coal may be sold or delivered at any
point on the railroad above Shipping Port two and a half cents per ton per mile
shall be deducted from the average price.
4th Should the demand for coal induce
the Beaver Meadow Rail Road and Coal Company to
require the quantity to be mined and transported to amount to sixty thousand
tons, three cents per ton shall be then deducted from the average prices for
mining and transportation for the year, provided that according to the previous
rates it would amount to one dollar and forty-five cents per ton. And if the
quantity acquired should amount to seventy thousand tons or upwards, the rate
for mining and transportation shall be one dollar and forty cents per ton
without regard as to the sales or prices at Bristol – the price for
limeburners coal to be continued and one dollar and twenty cents per ton.
5th. Van Cleve
& Co. hereby injury to keep in repair at their own expense all
Stationary and locomotives engines, all engine houses and water stations, all
shops and the machinery contained therein and all other buildings except
dwellings, all rail roads and mine cars, all screens at the mines, all wagons,
carts, pumps and all other implements and tools in their care belonging to the
Beaver Meadow Rail Road and Coal Company. Also all machinery in plane houses
and plane ropes, the company supplying the new ones as heretofore. They are at
their own expense and cost to feed and shoe all mules, horses, and oxen
entrusted to them and to supply what other animals and other power may be
required to mine and transport the coal agreed for in this contract. They further hereby agree to prop the
mines a safe and substantial manner and to keep them in perfect order for
working in every respect and to do the repairs to the pumps etc. at their own
expense, and to find all the oil, powder and other materials and implements for
mining and leave the mines in as good and valuable condition as when they took
charge of them in April 1840; and to return all animals, tools, implements and
every other description of property belonging to the Beaver Meadow Rail Road
and Coal Company received by them and placed in their charge at the close of
this agreement if required an agreeably to the Contract of 1840 mentioned
above.
6th. The Beaver Meadow Rail Road and Coal Company hereby agree that Van Cleve & Co. shall have the use of the Saw Mill at
the mines and at Weatherly to saw the timber required by the mines and the
privilege to cut the props and other timber for the mines from the companyÕs
lands, and also the wood for the engines as far as it will go, and what other
timber may be needed, Van Cleve & Co. are to furnish at their own cost.
It is also agreed that Van Cleve & Co. shall
have the right of using what coal may be required for the engines in raising
and transporting coal and for the repairs of cars, engines and other work to
keep in order the property of the Beaver Meadow Rail Road and Coal Company.
7th A ton of coal shall weight twenty
two hundred and forty pounds. The agent of the Beaver Meadow Rail Road and Coal
Company at Shipping Port shall keep an accounts of all clean lump and Egg Coal
delivered there, that will pass over a three-quarter-inch screen, long mesh,
and also of the Limeburners Coal which is that coal which will pass through the
three-quarter-inch screen and over a quarter-inch screen, long mesh, or a half
inch square mesh,, rolling screen, and render a statement thereof to each party
weekly.
8th Van Cleve & Co. hereby agree
to carry off from the mines the coal dust, slate and dirt at their own expense
and deposit them as heretofore.
9th Van Cleve & Co. agree to deposit
the coal are agreeably to the directions of the Beaver Meadow Co. or its
agents, at the Banks at the mines, Shipping Port, or at any intermediate points
on the Rail Road.
10th The bills for mining and
transporting shall be due as follows: three-eighths at the end of the month in
which the work is done, three-eighths in four months thereafter, and
two-eighths in six months, the payments to be made during the year to the best
advantage of both parties, and at the close of the season any balance unpaid
after a fair adjustment of the accounts, referring to the contract of 1840,
shall be settled in the following manner -- three eighths cash, three eighths
at four months and ttwo-eighths in six months.
11th It is further need that Van
Cleve & Co. shall transport all merchandise that may offer and pay a the
Beaver Meadow Co. thirty-seven and a half cents per ton for loading it, also
the regular tolls. The agent of the Beaver Meadow Co. to furnish Van Cleve
& Co. with the bills when the goods are sent.
12th Van Cleve & Co. agree to pay the Beaver Meadow Rail Road and Coal Company
one dollar twelve and a half cents per ton for what coal they may use for new
works or sell at Weatherly – and for all coal sold by them at Beaver
Meadow sixty-five cents per ton.
13th Van Cleve & Co. agree to
superintend the repair of the Rail Road, Bridges, etc. and make the necessary
purchases and contracts for timber and employ at their own expense a competent
and suitable supervisor of the road and attend to the payment of all check
rolls and bills of timber for account of the Beaver Meadow Rail Road and
Coal Company and render
satisfactory vouchers for the same, for the sum of one thousand dollars that
time and existence this Contract.
14th Van Cleve & Co. agree to keep the main dwelling houses and
the shanties, the two dwellings at the Saw Mill and the houses of the Pratt
tract in repair and pay the Beaver Meadow Co. five hundred dollars rent for the
same for one year ending December first 1843, and keep in repair the five
dwellings at Beaver Meadow for seven dollars each per year as heretofore. They
further agree to keep in repair the four dwellings now erected at Weatherly and
pay said company the sum of one hundred twenty-six dollars rent for the said
year, and also one hundred fifty dollars for the same year for the use of the
Weatherly shops, also one hundred dollars rent for the boarding house at
Weatherly for the same time and keep it in repair – provided that no
accident by fire, flood or tempest injure said property.
15th Van Cleve & Co. agree to
furnish all plain iron castings ordered by the Beaver Meadow Rail Road and Coal
Company for three and a half cents per pound, and pipe and core castings that
three and five-eighth cents per pound, all to be of good quality; and castings
of brass and composition metal thirty-three cents per pound; and for all
wrought iron works of best quality iron eleven cents per pound.
16th Van Cleve & Co. hereby agree
that the Beaver Meadow Rail Road and Coal Company
shall not be called upon to make any repairs or expenditures at the mines
– Beaver Meadow or Weatherly during the year 1843.
17th Van Cleve
& Co. do hereby agree to deliver up and return to the Beaver Meadow
Rail Road and Coal Company at the expiration of the date of this contract all
property of every description committed to their care by this agreement, and
also own by another bearing date of April 1840, made between the same parties,
in as good order as when received, damages by flood, fire and tempest excepted.
Continuing in full force and hereby adopting the 17th section of
said contract of 1840 as part of this agreement.
Signed A. H. Van Cleve for Van Cleve & Co
Henry Budd, Pres. pro
tem B.M.R.R.&C. Co..
Page 200 plus November 28th
1842
Resolved. That the president is hereby authorized
to contract with Van Cleve & Co. for breaking into Egg and Nut sizes, as
nearly as possible, one half of each kind, to the extent of not over 25,000
tons or less than 15,000 tons, at not over 20 cents per ton, to be free from
dust, slate and other impurities, provided that if any machinery to be erected
the for this purpose, the Beaver Meadow Co. shall not incur any part of the
expenses, nor shall they, except at their own option, be required to receive it
from Van Cleve & Co at the conclusion of this
agreements.
Page
200 plus December 14th 1842
Resolved. That the annexed form of contract for
breaking coal be submitted to Van
Cleve & Co
It is hereby and agreed between the Beaver Meadow Rail Road and Coal Company
on the one part and A. H. Van Cleve, Hopkins Thomas, Jacob Thomas, and William
R. McKean of the other part, that the party of the second part to increase to
prepare from the Merchantable Coal contracted for, in an article of agreement
between the said parties dated the 29th day of October 1842, not
less than 15,000 tons nor more than 25 thousand tons, at the option of the
party of the first part into Egg and Nut sizes, fit for sales in market, free
from slate, dirt, dust and other impurities, as nearly as possible one half of
each size for which the party of the first part will pay the party of the
second part 20 cents per ton. The Egg coal to pass through 2 in. by 2-1/4 inch
and over 1-3/8 inch square mesh; the nut coal to pass through 1-3/8 inch square
mesh and over 7/8 inch square mesh. It being further agreed that the Limeburners coal made in this operation shall be taken by
the party of the first part agreeably to the contract before alluded to,
provided it shall not this exceed the usual percentage produced in breaking and
preparing coal in any former and ordinary manner. Should, however, the average
of Limeburners coal be
greater than usual the party of the
second part hereby agrees to deliver what may be desired any surplus at
Shipping Port for 92 cents per ton for whole cost of mining and transportation
as per contract of 1841.
About
The Hopkin Thomas Project
Rev.
July 2010