Letter – Nicholas Walton to James Todd – 22 Dec 1746

To Mr Todd  Attorney at Law                      	Ravensworth Castle  Decem.  22d  1746



Sir       

      Mr Wilkie of Berwick has wrote a Letter to our Board acquainting them that at a Meeting of the Freeholders it was proposed on Accot. Of the badness of the Roads to apply to Parliament for an Act to carry on the Turnpike from Bucktonburn to Berwick Bridge & from thence along the West Road as farr as the County Extends, & desiring the Boards concurrence thereto & that it is hoped in case the Act cannot be obtained, that every Freeholder will Contribute to the Charge of the Application, according to the Vallue of their respective Estates.

      We are therefore Order’d to make Enquiry into this matter and to report whether the same be attended with any Inconveniences to the Tenants of the Derwentwater Estate; and as the Gentlemen who have transacted this Affaire have not thought proper to Inform us of any proceedings therein, I must desire you will acquaint me with the intended Scheme & that you will call the Tennants together & know if they have any objection.  But in order to give us a right Judgement of the thing we must be Informed particularly where the Toll gates are Intended to be fix’d lest the Tennants be made liable to Toll, (tho’ they don’t use the Road) equally with those who have the Sole use thereof.  As to that of Contributing to the Expence we think it highly unreasonable unless it shall appear to us that the whole intended Scheme is reasonable & therefore ‘till we hear from you we cannot give the Gentlemen any hopes of the Derwentwater Estates bearing a Share of the Expence.

      You will be so good as to expedite this Affair with the Tennants and as soon as we hear from you it shall meet with no delay.   I am for Mr Boag & Selfe

      Sir    your most h’ble Servt.

      Nichos. Walton