Letter – Nicholas Walton to John Salter – 6 Dec 1771

To Mr John Salter						Farnacres 6th December 1771



Dear Sir

      Some time ago it was usual for the Receivers of the Derwentwater Estate to make presents of Mustard to the Brother Officers but on account of the badness of the manufacture that was dropped our old friend at Greenwich Mr John Maule has however often reminded us of their want of Mustard. It now happens that a new Manufacturer of this Comodity is begun at Hexham at which they so far excel their neighbours that they have a great run and we are therefore induced to make another Tryal and have sent you, who, tho not immediately connected with Greenwich Hospital, we look upon as one of our best Friends, a small parcel which you will oblige us in accepting. It comes directed to you to the care of Mr Prime in a small Box on Board of the British Queen Captain Shipley.

      We have had dreadful havock made by the late terrible Flood and more of the Newcastle Bridge is falling daily there are now four Arches compleatly gone; one standing with an Arch gone on either side of it, which is expected to fall, or must be taken down; and another on the Gateshead side so ruinous that it is feared it will fall in a little time. The Rubbish lying in the River is a great detriment to the Navigation at present but steps are taking to remove it without loss of Time and a Temporary Bridge is to be erected with as much expedition as possible.

      As Ralph Bresseys Recet for Bone Ash Casks is not Signed we take the liberty of returning it and desire youll get him to Sign the Rect. under the Note and Mr Finch to Sign the Recet. on the Backside of it & that youll be kind enough to send it any convenient time under Cover to Mr Walton Senr.

      For the time to come when you are do obliging as do, this friendly Office of getting Bone Ashes for us would it not be well to have it understood that the Person who furnishes the Ashes is to furnish Casks too at 2s P Cask and then we have only the Bone Ash Man to deal with which would prevent both you and us the trouble of having two Receipts.

      We are etc

      Walton & Smeaton