An historically important letter from Virginia, detailing the development of the coal mining industry in the state. The owner of a Richmond mine writes to a mining engineer in England, imploring him to come to America to oversee the operation: "The coal business us but little understood in this country and although appearances are promising...". It includes a description of slave labor and building a canal. While the 4pp letter is undated, the information in it indicates an early date of coal mining at Richmond - perhaps in the opening few years, c1750. The first production of coal there was reported as 50 tons in 1748. A canal was built along the north of the river. After this letter was written, Patrick Henry gave his speech at Richmond "Give M Liberty or Give me Death." The letter was written to "Th. B.", and the writer appears to have a partner in Richmond, John Dobson, who may have been the man of the same name very active in the tobacco trade through the 1780s.The letter appears to be the writer's personal copy. Virginia