Letter – Hugh Boag to William Radley – 23 Jun 1741

      Ravensworth Castle , June 23d. 1741

To Mr Wm Radley, Atorney at Law, Greenwich



Sir

      I rec[eive]d you favour of 13th inst. And have inclosed the Draft of Brokenheugh Colliery which I hope will come safe.

      As to the Woods cannot tell what to say we have used our Endevour to Spirit up the bidders, but whether any more will be bid or not we are not certaion but hope their will and to be sure the longer they are kept open we have the better chance, so as it but consist wth the Rules of the Court. 

      I have never heard anything of one Stephen Elteringham & Ptners bidding for the Northum[berlan]d Woods. He promised to bidd and had prepard £500  to lodge as the Court directed. I was told that the same person that employed Mr Hall to bidd for the Comberland Woods would bidd more against the [Speelding], pray inform us if he has.

The Lease for Throckley Coll[ier]y I mean the Draft will come to your hand by Next post thinking the Inclosed & it would be to[o] bulkey at one time. I am for Mr Walton & Self, 

      Sr Your very Hble Servt 

      Hugh Boag



PS  Can any Court confine these Ten[an]ts that Refuse to sine their Leases as they are under Nothing but a verball contract besides its my opinion these that Refuse the Termes will let for as much & perhaps more.