[Coal mining in early Victorian Wales.] Manuscript copy of agreement 'for the Coal Lease' between Mrs Williams of Pen y Van, Bedwellty, and Messrs. Powell and Williams, with Autograph Letter Signed from Robert Waters to Usk solicitor Henry Mostyn.

Copy agreement: 2pp., 4to. Letter: 1p., 4to. The two on a single bifolium, with the agreement on both sides of the first leaf and the letter on the recto of the second. The reverse of the second leaf is addressed, with Penny Red stamp and Newport and Tredegar postmarks, to 'Henry Mostyn Esq | Solr | Usk'. In good condition, lightly aged and worn. The agreement begins: 'Mrs Williams to let to Mr Powell and Mr William Protheroe her Coal under lands at Pen y Van Bedwellty, whilst any Marketable Coal remains unworked paying 1s/- Royalty 2520 lbs to the ton weighed at Court y bella or any other public machine. [...] Mr Powell and Mr William Protheroe are to work the Coal belonging to Sir H. Protheroe's representatives under the undivided lands held by them with Mrs Williams as well as some other adjoining lands.' Other topics include the 'Usual covenants', 'Way leave', 'rubbish room'. In the letter (signed 'R. Waters') Waters explains that he is sending 'a copy of the agreement which was entered into by Mrs. Lawrence & Messrs. Powell & Protheroe as the basis or instruction for the Coal Lease entered into between the parties'. While conceding that the agreement 'was not signed by Mrs. Lawrence', Waters explains that it was made 'with her sanction & approval & in the presence of all the parties interested therein.' Bedwellty Pits coal mine was sunk in 1850 by the Tredegar Iron & Coal Co.