In this note, a few comments from Alexander Spotswood are given. They are taken from his correspondence with people in London.
15 May 1712, to the Board of Trade: "(There is a) general Opinion, lately revived that there are silver and gold mines in these parts towards the Mountains, . . . (need) a Declaration what her Majesty expects out of them . . ."
11 Jun 1713, to Col. Blakiston (in London): "I wrote to you about 2 Months ago about the discovery of another mine in which I am concerned . . . the Gentlemen concerned with me, depend very much (upon) your prudent management of this affair . . . we cannot proceed till we know what we have Trust to."
17 Aug 1713, to Col. Blakiston: "I am embarked in a new project about the mines . . . if any resolution be taken by the Queen and Council in relation thereto . . . you will not let it be neglected for want of paying the necessary fees to the Clerks, which shall either be repaid to you Out of the public revenue of the Colony, if it be a general Benefit, or by the person engaged in the Design, if it be Only a private Order."
15 Mar 1714 (NS), to Col. Blakiston: "About the beginning of January I received yours of the 3rd July, 20th of September, and 10th of October, which gave me an Account of your proceedings in relation to the Mines, as well as your sentiments of what the Baron [Graffenried] had proposed about transporting his Miners, but by your Letter of the 9th of December, which I received the other day, I perceive you have altered your opinion by sending over these People, partly at my charge. This makes me believe you have now greater hopes of her Majesty's Concessions in that Affair . . ."
21 Jul 1714, to the Lord Commissioners of Trade: "These Germans were invited over, some years ago, by the Baron de Graffenried, who has her Majesty's Letter to the Governor of Virginia to furnish them Land upon their arrival. There are generally such as have been employed in their own country as Miners, and say they are satisfied there are divers kinds of minerals in those upper parts of the Country where they are settled, and even a good appearance of Silver Ore, but that it is impossible for any man to know whether these Mines will turn to account without digging some depth in the Earth, a liberty I shall not give them until I receive an Answer to what I represented to your Lordships concerning the Ascertaining of her Majesty's Share . . ."
1 Dec 1714, to Col. Blakiston: ". . .my hearty thanks . . for your endeavor in relation to the Affair of the Mines. . . . I hope you will please to renew your instances to His present Majesty . . . they will be a vast charge without any prospect of benefit till they can be set to Work . ."
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