Letter – John Watson – 22 Dec 1732

Extract of a Letter from Mr Watson to the Lords of the Treasury, Dated at Goswick near  Berwick on Tweed 22d 

      The country people having shot & destroyed most of the Deer, and would also cut & destroy the woods; to prevent any further damage to the Estate I have appointed two or three people as bailiffs to preserve the timber, deer, pheasants and young springs of wood which I hope may be agreeable and any small allowance of about 7 or 8 £ a piece pr ann, or what your Lordships will please to permit me to make, will be an Encouragement for them to do their duty in preserving the springs of wood &c which otherwise would be destroyed for their have stript the very lead off the Cupola of the Lead Mills

      I have permitted the late Steward (a Papist) to live in Dilston Hall, and to burn the quantity of coals that was allowed by the family for the benefit of the house, to keep it in repair until such time as I receive your Lordships Pleasure & Commands.