Biography:
1. James White was employed as the Foreman of Labourers in the Engineers' Department earning 2/-d per day. Between August and September 1790 he worked within the Manufactory, with his wages submitted by William Spry, Colonel commanding the Royal Engineers, and paid by the Storekeeper, James Wright. He signed for his pay "with a firm hand." (WASC 1382).
2. His name appeared in an unsigned Report to "His Majesties Hon Board of Ordnance" which recorded "men whose work was very dangerous were frequently found in public houses neglecting his Majesties duty and whose names ought to be reported." A note dated the 7th February 1792 stated that the matter should be referred to Major Congreve, and that he was to "cause an enquiry to be made and report the result to the Board." (Supply 5/190 dated January 1791). The third and last name in the Report was Mr White's, who was described as, "very troublesome & scorns to use those well which are placed under him a general murmer reigns throughout the yard." Winters, in his Centenary Memorial (pp.34/35) also refers to these incidents, and recorded that the complaints were without foundation and White was described as "Foreman of the Labouring Hands".
3. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that James was working as one of the Labour Foremen earning 2/-d per day, that he was a married man, and that he had no children.
4. List of Officers and others Employed (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804) confirmed that he was still a Foreman Labourer in the "Engineers Department Established", earning 2/6d per day.
5. In a letter dated 16th July 1806 (Supply 5/197) it was stated "Mr. White, Foreman of Labourers, should retire from that situation upon 6/-d per week, which would be borne upon the Charity List in consideration of his service." The letter went on to say "the vacancy in the appointment of Foreman of Labourers ... is not to be filled up for the present."
