Letter – Hugh Boag to William Radley – 24 Mar 1741

      Ravensworth Castle. 24th March 1740/1

To Mr Wm. Radley



      We reced. yours of 27th Inst. about the sale of the Woods, & are indeed Sorry that they have not been better bidd for ; However  have got Mr Ambrose Hopper a man well skill’d in Woods, & who assisted in the Valuing the Derwentwater Woods to make an Affadavit that they are in greater Value then £8100 and have this day inclosed it to Mr Corbett (with a letter) which will Sett the bidings aside as you Desired.

      This day there is a proposal gone from one Mr Cuth. Hunter of Medomesly in the County of Durham for all the Woods in the County of Northumberland, who by Mr Airey who is now in Town will Offer £4500 for them. To have 12 Years to Cuttin & Carry of the Timber 

      To pay the Money in Seven Years at Equall Paym.ts The first payment to be made Christmas 1742. He to have usuall liberty of making Sawpitts, digging holes & Cutting up Earth for burning Charcoal. This is a fine advance. We have made Some Stepps Towards advancing the Cumberland woods Also & hope further offers will be made for it.

      We do asure you nothing shall be wanting on our parts to Premote the sale of these Woods to bring them up to what we think they are worth.

      I am for Mr Walton & Self Sr. Your very Humble Servts.

      Hugh Boag 



P.S. when you direct for us call Rav Castle neare Durham & not in Northumberland