LETTERS TO FORBES OF CALLENDAR

The Forbes of Callendar Papers which are held within the Falkirk Archives at Callendar House contain items relating to William Symington. Within the correspondence and personal papers of William Forbes 1743-1815 are to be found a number of letters from William Symington.

This correspondence records William Symington securing a lease of the Callendar Coalfields at Pirley Hill from William Forbes, his underestimation of the costs entailed in fitting out the mine, and his subsequent straitened circumstances. In letters of a personal nature, William Symington congratulates Forbes on his marriage and on the birth of his son; he reports the death of his son John Symington in 1807.

CATALOGUE OF LETTERS FROM WILLIAM SYMINGTON TO WILLIAM FORBES

A727.794 (8 Jan. 1804-28 May 1804)

William Symington, Park house and Grange, Bo'ness, Items 1,2,4,30

A727.802 (12 June 1804-27 Sept. 1804)

William Symington, Park house, Items 9, 13, 22

A727.806 (4 Oct. 1804-31 Dec. 1804)

William Symington, Park house, Items 31,32,35

A727.808 (4 Jan. 1805 to 31 May 1805)

William Symington, Park house, Item 27

A727.823 (3 June 1805-25 Dec. 1805)

William Symington, Park house, Item 29

A727.839 (10 Jan. 1806-29 June 1806)

William Symington, Park house, Items 12, 13

(With a valuation of the produce of the Callendar Colliery)

A727.853

William Symington, Westquarter, Items 10, 25

A727.857 (25 Oct. 1806-6 Nov. 1806)

William Symington, Westquarter, Item 7

(On the birth of Forbes's son)

A727.869

William Symington, Westquarter, Items 7,16,36,38

A727.882 (1 June-4 Oct. 1807)

William Symington, Westquarter, Item 1

Announcement of the death of John Symington

A727.884 (2 July 1807-21 Dec. 1807)

William Symington, Westquarter, Items 1,2,29

A727.897 (7 Jan. 1808-24 June 1808)

Mr. Symington, Westquarter, Item 1

A727.1023 (1 Jan. 1813-24 June 1813)

William Symington, Falkirk, Item 32

A727.1070 (3 Jan. 1815-7 June 1815)

William Symington, Falkirk, Item 4

TRANSCRIPTION OF WILLIAM SYMINGTON'S CORRESPONDENCE WITH WILLIAM FORBES OF CALLENDAR

In transcribing these letters, I have made no corrections or alterations to spelling or style:

A727.794/1

Park house 8^th Jany. 1804

Sir,

Having heard that it is your intention to give a lease of your Coal in Rig head to the west of Pirleyhill, if such be the case, would be much disposed to make you an offer for it, and glad to enter into an agreement upon reasonable terms.

I am,

Sir,

Your obedt. St.,

William Symington

A727.794/2

Grange, Bo"ness, 12^th Jany. 1804

Sir,

I was favoured with your letter of 10^th Inst. this morning; will wait upon you at Callendar House, Saturday first by 10 Oclock forenoon.

I am,

Sir,

Your most obedt. St,

William Symington

A727.794/4

Park house 17^th Jany. 1804

Sir,

If convenient for you, Mr. Cadell ^[1] and I propose to wait upon you tomorrow afternoon by 2 Oclock, at Callendar House.

I am

Sir,

Your most obedt. St.,

William Symington

A727.794/30

Park house 24^th May 1804

Sir,

If agreeable to you, I propose waiting upon you tomorrow, Friday by 2 Oclock afternoon, either at Callendar House, or Craigburn which ever may suit your convenience most, to talk over the Coal matter and proposition.

I am

, very respectfully,

Sir,

Your most obedt. St.,

William Symington

A727.802/9

Park house 25^th August 1804

Sir,

I beg leave to mention that it would be exceedingly obliging if You would be so good as per the Bearer, signify to me, or put me in possession of the proposed Coal Lease, that I may understand whether or not there is a likelihood of concluding a Bargain, as the issue of which does materially affect my other designs-

I am,

, very respectfully,

Sir,

Your most obedt, st.,

William Symington

A727.802/13

Sir,

Having considered the draft of the proposed Coal Lease, would be desirous to meet you upon Thursday first at Callendar House, or upon any other day and hour convenient for you, to fill up the Blanks, and settle other matters for final arrangement-

I am,

Sir,

Your most obedt. St.,

William Symington

Park house

3 Septr. 1804

A727.802/22

Sir,

Last evening I received the favour of your Card mentioning the Coal Lease could not be ready before Tuesday 18^th Inst., upon which day, by 11 Oclock forenoon, we will wait upon you at Callendar House-

I am,

Sir,

Your most obedt. St.,

William Symington

Park house

14^th Septr. 1804

A727.806/21

Letter from James Miller to William Forbes dated 22 November 1804

Sir,

Mr Symington has just brought me a ….. copy of the lease which we have carefully perused and with which I am satisfied you can therefore get it extended as soon as you can as Mr Symington is anxious to get some people set to work that has been waiting on for some time

I very respectfully am,

Sir

Your most ob sevt

James Miller

Craigend 22 Nov 1804

A727.806/31

William Forbes Esqre. of Callendar

Mr. Symington has just now the favour of Mr. Forbes's Card-

Mr. Miller has been these two days in Edinr. and is expected to be in Falkirk Tomorrow pr. the Coach; should such be the case, and it not interfering with Mr. Forbes's arrangements Messrs. Miller and Symington would gladly wait upon Mr. Forbes Tomorrow, if not, upon Friday at the hour mentioned by Mr. Forbes-

Park house

12^th Decr. 1804

A727.806/32

Park house 17^th Decr. 1804

Sir,

Having to go below ground this day at Pirleyhill, beg leave to send you, under cover, Nine Guineas, from which you will please take payment of the Charge for the Coal Tack, and acknowledge receipt thereof-

I am,

most respectfully

Sir,

Your very humble st.

William Symington

A727.806/35

William Forbes Esqr.

Mr. Symington presents his most respectful Compliments and has pleasure in mentioning to Mr. Forbes, that what Coal is wanted for Callendar can now be got at Pirleyhill.

Park house

31^st Decr. 1804

A727.808/27

Park house 16^th May 1805

Sir,

I have pleasure in being able to inform you that our Coal operations have hitherto succeeded to our most sanguine expectations, and entertain no doubts of it's turning out a very good concern. We have designedly laid out a great deal more money in the way of fitting than we had any reason to expect could arise from the Work in its present state, and before completed, a considerable sum more must, this season, be advanced. Mr. Miller is at no loss to furnish his part, but I am sorry to say, from late circumstances, it is otherwise with me.

From what I have already experienced of your goodness, presume upon your friendship so far, as to take the liberty to say, were it consistent with your conveniency, it would be unspeakable relief rendered me, were You so very kind as accommodate me with the loan of £200 for 6 months, to be laid out chiefly upon your own property, which sum I would endeavour punctually to repay at that time.

The favour of your opinion on this subject would be esteemed a singular favour done me who am,

Sir,

Your most obedt. humble St

William Symington

A727.823/29

Parkhouse 9^th Octr. 1805

Sir,

upon my return home from Edinr. on Monday last I received your Favour of 24^th Ulto. addressed to Mr. Miller & me-

I shall with pleasure wait upon you on Tuesday next week to settle the Coal Rent agreeably to your request- I am-

,very respectfully,

sir,

Your most obedt. humble st.,

William Symington

A727.839/12

Park house 22d Feby. 1806

Sir,

The evening I was favoured with your Card of the 6^th. Inst. I was taken very ill with a violent headache which distressed me very much for several days and prevented me from waiting upon You next day as intended, but being now got almost well again, I shall, in a few days hence, with much pleasure, call at Callendar to pay the Coal Rent due at Martinmas last. ^[2]

To give you an idea of the present state of the works, I have enclosed an abstract of the produce from 17 to 31^st Jany which we think is tollerable (sic).

I am happy to inform you that upon Thursday last, in a trial Pit opposite Leckies, Hall Glen ^[3] we pierced a good firm seam of coal, which by the bore, seems not to be less in thickness than 4 feet 6 In. which we value as a great acquisition to the Coaliery (sic).

Please accept of my most urgent solicitude that you & Mrs. Forbes may long continue, uninterruptedly, to enjoy all the happiness a married state can afford in the possession of your Princely Fortune. ^[4]

I am,

Sir,

, most respectfully,

Your most obedt. humble st.,

William Symington

A727.839/13

State of Works Summary: Produce of Callendar Colliery from 17^th. To 31^st. January 1806

A727.853/10

Westquarter 23d August 1806

Sir,

On account of me being unavoidably from home all this week, except today, was prevented from waiting upon you with Coal rent as I intended, but will do so upon Monday or Tuesday first, forenoon.

I am,

, very respectfully,

Sir,

Your most obedt. humble sevt.,

William Symington

A727.853/25

Westquarter 20^th Decr. 1806

Sir,

I beg leave herewith to hand you Copy Abstract of Callendar Coaliery Sales, with vouchers, for your perusal.

I am providing for payment of the Rents, which, tho' not made for a few weeks, will, I hope, be no great inconveniency to such indulgent and kind master as you have been to me.

We have just got through the Coal at Hall Glen Engine, which will open up a large field, and promises to be of good quality.

, I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedt. humble sert.,

William Symington

A727.857/7

Westquarter 28^th Octr 1806

Sir,

It is truly gratifying to me to learn, that a Son and Heir is born to Callendar, ^[5] and it is equally pleasant to know that both Mother & Son are doing well. It is also my most earnest wish that both you & Mrs. Forbes may see the Young Laird arrive at the age of maturity, and have an opportunity to inculcate those principles of humanity, which may become an ornament to himself, worthy of his parents, and beneficial to the Country as a leading Member of Society.

, I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedt. humble Sert.,

William Symington

A727.869/7

Westquarter 14^th Feby 1807

Sir,

For some time before I had the honour of receiving your Card of 31^st Ulto. Till within these few days I have been closely confined to the hous (sic), in consequence, I was, very much to my mortification, prevented from waiting upon you, the day mentioned, at Callendar with payment of Rents. Being now almost recovered, I hope to have that pleasure some day end of next week.

Your forebearance to us has been great, which does not pass unnoticed, with our highest considerations-

I have the honour to be,

Sir

Your most obliged humble sert.,

William Symington

A727.869/16

Mr. Forbes of Callendar

Mr. Symington's most respectful Compliments to Mr. Forbes, has had the honour of receiving his Card of this day, and has to mention, that he is making provision for a payment of Rent, which he hopes to be able to make within a few days of the time mentioned by Mr. Forbes-

Westquarter

6 April 1807

A727.869/36

Sir,

I am truly sorry to say that in consequence of the late affliction which existed in my family I was prevented from paying that respect due to your card to me which I could have wished, but will in a few days attend to its purport-

I am

, very respectfully,

Sir,

Your most obedt. humble sert.,

William Symington

Westquarter 5^th June 1807

A727.869/38

Westquarter 13^th June 1807

Sir,

I am sorry that having several unexpected sums to pay this week rendered it out of my power to make good a payment of Rent this day which I trust your goodness will excuse and hope that a delay of a few days will occasion no great inconveniency to you

I am

very respectfully

Sir,

Your most obedt. sert.,

William Symington

A727.882/1

William Forbes Esq. Callendar

Sir

The favour of your Company on Wednesday the 3d Curt. at 4 Oclock P.M. to attend the Funeral of my Son John Symington (who died this Morning) from my house to the Church Yard of Polmont will much oblige

Sir

Your Most Ob. Sev

Willm Symington

WestQuarter

1 June 1807

A727.884/1

William Forbes Esqr. of Callendar

Sir,

I am sorry that I was from home Monday morning till late last evening when I had the honour of receiving your Card of 29^th Ulto.

I shall with much pleasure call at Callendar upon Saturday first to make a payment of Rent.

I am

, most respectfully,

Sir,

Your very humble St.,

William Symington

Westquarter

2d July 1807

A727.884/2

William Forbes Esqr. Callendar

Mr. Symington's most respectful Compliments to Mr Forbes; begs leave to acquaint him In as both yesterday and today inquired as to his arrival at Callendar, which he understood had been this afternoon, and confirmed by Mr. Forbes's Card of this day. Mr. Syn. intended to wait upon Mr. Forbes Tomorrow, and will call at Callendar in the forenoon but should Mr. Forbes be from home, will, with great pleasure, see him upon Thursday first, as mentioned.

Westquarter

7 July 1807

A727.884/29

Mr. Forbes

W. Symington's most respectful Compliments to Mr. Forbes, will be happy how soon he receives Mr. Forbes's intimation when it may be convenient for him to have conversation about Coal, as proposed when he had the pleasure of last seeing Mr. Forbes.

Westquarter

Monday 8 …

A727.897/1

Mr Forbes- Callendar

Mr. Symington's respectful Compliments to Mr. Forbes.

If the Coaliery Pay Books, which were sent to Mr. Forbes at Martinmas 1806, are still at Callendar House, will be much obliged if Mr Forbes will take the trouble to give them to the Bearer as the accountant may require them in Edinr.

Westquarter

Thursday (1808)

A727.1023/3

Falkirk 5^th June 1813

Sir,

I have the pleasure to inform you that upon Monday evening first we expect to have the whole of the South wall of the garden corrected; as the apparatus & the men are now on the spot my opinion is, the whole of it needing repairs, should now be done, for which I only wait your concurrence.

I have the honour to be

Sir,

Your very obedt. sert.,

William Symington

A727.1070/4

William Forbes Esqr., of Callendar

Falkirk 20^th Feby. 1815

Sir,

As the Season now approaches most suitable for correcting the Bias in your Garden wall (being now at home) to accomplish which, I would be ready to obay (sic) your commands.

I am,

Sir,

your's most respectfully

William Symington

^[1] William Cadell 1737-1819., a proprietor of the Grange Coal Company. With his father, he was one of the founders of the Carron Iron Works.

^[2] Martinmas falls on 11 November

^[3] OS Name Books 1850-1861, Stirlingshire, OS1/32/11/137 Hallglen, a small farmstead to the south of Callendar Wood, owned by William Forbes

^[4] SRO OPR Falkirk 479/90 Page 97 William Forbes married Agnes Chalmers on 22 December 1805

^[5] William, the first child of William Forbes and Agnes Chalmers