Letter – Nicholas Walton to Christopher Bell – 23 Apr 1770

Part of Messrs Walton & Smeaton's Letter of 23rd April 1770 To



Mr. Chrisr Bell

      The Lead Carriers seem to be throwing out that they expect more price, or they will not carry any more Lead, be this as it may we are determined not to make the least alteration in our prices, and if we are driven to alter the Channel in which our Lead comes to Markett the Hexham Carriers may possibly wish they had continued carrying on the present footing. The Hospital have Tenants in the Neighbourhood of Hexham and they will insist on being assisted by them if that should become necessary. We would not have you say a Word to the Carriers without you hear them say anything and then speak as from yourself and not having directions from us. We are not now in any hurry at all and if another Pig does not come from the Mill this Season we are resolved not to alter the Terms. The first time you have convenient opportunity you may let Mr Mulcaster see this.

      Pray inform Willie Laybourne that he is to set forward with two Cottages at Langley Mill Housing immediately. They are to be built at the South End of the present Row of Cottages and one above the other, that is two Rooms under one Roof, and a Stone Stair Case must be fixed on the Outside to get into the upper Room. The sizes of each to be 18 feet by 15 inside measure.