Letter – Hugh Boag to William Corbett – 11 May 1739

      Ravensworth Castle  11th May 1739

To Wm Corbett Esqr



Sir

	Inclosed is 4 Affidavits made by four Severall persons in relation to the Dispute likely to happen between Mr Blackett & the Hospital, about high Stublock Colliery, as also an Eye Map of the Colliery & Common in dispute for the Boards better Information. The Affidavits are Originals, and therefore Care shoud be taken of them as they will be wanted if there is a Tryal; Mr Blacketts Lessees are working now in the Ground in Dispute and will not take any Discharge .

      I have seized by Distress the Goods of John Corbett of Allerwash, some of which I have sold; and for the remaining part, he has given Security for Payment of what he owed the Hospital to be paid 6 Months after, & he has also quitt possession, so that we are now quite Clear of him, & that Dispute is at an End.

      I Seized also the Goods of Bridget Horsman of Corbridge, who held over against the Hospital on pretence that she had her House and Garth given her, by some of the Derwentwater Family, and she now Offers to Attorn Tennant to the Hospital, if they will be pleased to forgive her all the arrear to last Mayday which is £10.5s, and will pay annually 10s for the said House & Garth. I have postpon’d the Sale of her Goods till the Boards pleasure therein be known. The House & Garth was in the old Rentall £1.10s a year but at the general Leasing which Commenved Mayday 1737, it has been only in the Rentall at £1 a year there having only been that sum bidd for it upon the Advertizing.

      This Woman is poore and I verily beleive , had the Estate continued in the Derwentwater family, they wou’d not have taken any Rent of her, she is a great Zealott in that Communion, please to lay her Case before the Board to know whether I shall accept on there behalf the 10s a year, and know also if they will  please to abate her sd Arrear of £10.5s.   This House & Garth was confirmed to Abra. Bunting for £1 a year from Mayday 1737. She is the last we have any Dispute with about holding over.

      I have reced. no Minute about paying the Interest due Lady day last. I am Sr Yours &c

      Hugh Boag