History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

1863-1868.] LEAD DISCOVERED—MINING OPERATIONS. 369
came possessed, to the "Hampton Mining and Smelting
Co." of Boston, for $450,000. This company proceeded to
open the mineral lands, having obtained control of both
mines, commencing operations in 18G3. Ninety feet of the
adit still remained to be completed, and the work was carried
on upon a much larger scale than ever before. About
one hundred fifty men, mostly French Canadians, were em-
ployed. Two powerful steam engines were put into operation,
machine and blacksmith shops were erected, and an
efficient crushing machine brought into use. The business
was managed by Thomas E. Hastings and C. W. Elton,
and for two years or more, work at the lead mines was
much more lively than at any time since their discovery.
Mingled with the lead was a sprinkling of silver, and a few
specimens of copper, as well as coal, were found. The out-
put, however, was limited, and after an expenditure of con-
siderable money, the corporation became bankrupt in 1865.
The last transfer of these mines that has been discovered
was that of December, 1865, when the Manhan Silver Lead
Mining Co. deeded to the "Manhan Lead Co." this property,
excepting that portion of it previously sold to Thomas
E. Hastings, for the sum, as named in the deed, of
$950,000. In 1868, this estate was advertised to be sold by
the tax collector for delinquent taxes. It is evident that
fictitious values were placed upon these mines, as the product
did not at any time warrant the considerations named
in the several deeds. This was the final attempt at mining
in this vicinity. During the last thirty years the adit has
become filled up, and the buildings have gone to decay.
A few timbers, and the remnants of the iron work at the
mouth of the shaft, are all that now remains of the many
thousands of dollars expended in developing the lead mines
discovered by Robert Lyman more than two hundred
years ago.