Letter – Jonathan Hilton to Charles Atkinson – 3 May 1776

A Copy of a Letter sent Mr Chas Atkinson Esqr		Alston May 3d 1776



Sir,

I have received yours and take the most early opportunity of writing to you, when I was at Newcastle you agreed with me that in case I could send Lead to Swalwell to the Value of what I wanted you would assist me in getting that Sum in order to make Stanhope Pays. I wrote you 27 last Month that I made no doubt of delivering 3000 pieces of Lead & a Cake of Bullion before the time I proposed coming to Newcastle which I thought of more than full Value to £2600 as such would be in Newcastle on Monday the 13th May Inst. But from the words of your Letter I am apprehensive of a disappointment in case I come down, as such I trouble you with this in order to know clearly whether I may expect the Money at the time proposed or no; I have given notice to the people that the Pay will be on the 15 & 16 Inst and if I cannot get the Cash contrary notice must be given but I hope the expression in your Letter of not daring to raise the Money has been made too hastily as my Son says he saw you yesterday and from the conversation he understood you that you would be prepared with the necessary Money and would be glad to see us at the time fixed therefore the reason of this is to know if I may be assured of having the Money on Monday the 13th May as upon that depends not only my performing according to promise but also the Credit of the undertakings. I therefore beg your Answer by return of Messenger, and will then be enabled to acquaint Mr Gregg more clearly as to the probability of the Time of making the Pays.