Letter – John Stephenson to Nicholas Walton – 4 Oct 1736

N Walton & H Boag

                                                                               Nentberry  [October] 4 1736



	Yours dated Sepr 29 Came to my hand the Friday evening after - this morning I went to peatstackhill & viewd under ground can only tell you At present the forefield workg is but poor yet in a little driving may be Better, that grove alters verry much in Cutting a little ground, for sometimes when has verry good base to work at in 3 or 4 Days wll work verry much & so when is poor in a little time will mend again being a verry uncertain Mine in my thoughts who ever gets the above Sd Mine must be at the Charge of a lower Levell or Else will not be a lasting grove.  The ore in the Forefield is very much mixt wth Stone at that time abt 4 fingers wide someplaces rather better so you may Judge is not Rich, yet getts part Oare  As Michalmas is past we are now hoping that Tack Notes & Leases of the Lead Mines in Aldston Moore in a little time will be granted, & does not Doubt but Care wll be taken to Let them Into Gentlemens Hands wch is able to make Effectuall Tryall good pays wch will be much advantage to the Hospitall as well as our poor Country & as the mines is laid of workg the Sooner lett the better for the poor people here cannot live unless they be set to work in a little time when all is set forward I hope the mines may Flourish again  I am Gentlemen

      Your very Hume Servt    Jno Stephenson



P.S It’s talked here some of our Neighbours has been makg Offers at ¼ Duty but I think they are not to be minded  you have heard of the man before     J.S



There has been Oare raisd <out in> peatSk. Hill Since Christmas Last to [October] 2 1736                      PS  no grt Quanty for a Rich grove 219  bings : 02 horse