Letter – Nicholas Walton to James Todd – 1 Jun 1742

To Mr James Todd 						Ravensworth Castle   June 1st 1742



Sir                                           

      We were favoured with yours of the 28 May last in due <Course> with a Coppy of the Assignment from Rutherford & Gibson of their Coale Debts which we are sorry to see amount to the Sum of £66.1.10d  only exclusive of what Rutherford & Gibson are indebted to the Colliery

      We would have you call upon the severall persons mentioned in the Schedule, for the Debts due from them, and such as does not pay after a reasonable time we desire may be recovered as the Law directs, and you are hereby Impowered to bring Action or take whatever steps is proper for receiving the whole.  Mr Rutherford & Gibson must likewise be Called upon, for what they owe the Colliery, as they & Stephen Ridpath must for the remaining Arrears, and in this we must not only beg you will assist us by Calling upon them, but that you will informe us what Steps can be taken to Compell them to pay in case they are able & doe not give you a Satisfactory Answer.  There is some Colliery Materiall which belongs to Rutherford & partners  which Mr Boag seized when he Entered upon the Colliery, & shoud have been included in the assignment at a Valluation, but as that is not done we think they shoud be sold for the most that can be gott for them; & as probably a person will Come from hence & be with you about next Friday, we desire you will give Notice for the Sale of them on Saturday, as the person who comes will probably buy a good part – We have let the Colliery to Mr Stokoe, & you may acquaint Stephen Ridpeth that we have made some provision for his Continuing as an Overseer  & we are Sir                         

      Your most Hble Servts.

      Walton & Boag