Letter – Nicholas Walton to Peter Mulcaster – 31 Aug 1772

Mr Mulcaster							Farnacres 31st Aug 1772



      I inclose you a Plan of the Ground as divided & set out for yourself and the Workmen at Langley Lead Mill as also an account showing the Rents set upon each Farm and I desire you will immediately on Recet. hereof or as soon after as your convenience will permit Shew the Men both the Plan and Account and let me know their resolution. It is proposed to alter the Cottage and Helm into Four Byers and to inclose the several Fields which will cost about Fifty Pounds, whatever it costs the takers must pay Five pCent as interest by way of increase Rent in proportion to the following Sums.



Mr Mulcaster   £1  5

Farm No 1       3  4

Farm No 2       3 10

Farm No 3       3  6

Farm No 4       3  9      



              £14 14



for instance suppose the expence to be Fifty Pounds the Interest will be  50s for one year   Then say if £14.14. give 50s what will be the proportion of Rent for £1.5..



[laid out as  long arithmetic in original:] £14.14 x 20 = £294

£1 5s x 20 = £25 x 50s = 1,250  4s 3d the additional Rent to your Farm in that case and is in proportion for the other Sums 

1,250 – 1,176 = 74 x 12 = 888  3 [s?]  -882 = 6 



      The Cottagers must agree to give up bringing their Cows into the Ground where your House stands and they must also agree to keep the Fences and Housing at the Helm in repair & in case of any leesses being laid up in the Farms they must make good that Sum by paying a Rent equal to the Tax in addition but it is expected by us that Thomas Brown will pay all Taxes to the end of his Term.   

      I have reced your Letter with the particulars of Lead last Refined and expect to meet with the Bullion this day at Newcastle.   I am

      Your hble Servt

      N W Junr 



PS.  The Refiners etc who propose taking the Ground must cast lots for their choice of the Eight Closes the 2 Nos. 1 to go in one lot No 2 in another Nos 3 in a third and Nos 4 in a fourth Lot.