Transcription of letter
Kennetpans (by Alloa) 26th Oct 1786
Gentm
I wrote you by yesterdays post of Mr Meickles being returned home, What he was of opioning Mill should have been a larger power and for you to suspend ordering any part of the Materials before I again wrote.
Mr Meickles is of opinion my Engine should have a power fully equal to the power of sixteen horses. I have four pairs of stones, two pair 4 feet 6 in diameters and two pairs of 4 feet stones, one of these last to be cullen stones, all of the stones I will order my self, as I find part of them can be got in this country .
I expect from the power of sixteen horses that the Engine will be able to drive three pairs of the stones at one time. I have come to a resolution of founding my Mill house thirty six feet square with and in the same manor as laid down in your plan, therefore let me have with all possible (
) Speed all the materials for the Engine and draughts for the House & Machinery what part can be sent by the way of London will be still more convenient, than by Hull river.
The boiler I will make the bottom & under part of sides of plate iron shoulders & top of copper. The iron spindles & wooden work for the Matchery can be made here.The situation for the door in front of Mill will answer best on the side B & also any number of windows on that & the side where the boiler is to be placed that is on the ground story. The second & third story windows may be got all rounded.
As I before wrote, I cannot finish any part of the building. The under storys all therefore requires to be 18 feet 6 in to the top of the second floor 10feet 6 in to the top of the third floor & six feet to the levelling of the walls but of the additional size of the Engine should make any alterations in the height of the house be pleased to make the drawings accordingly. I am with regard
Gentm
Your mo obe Serv
John Ste
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