Letter – Nicholas Walton to Richard Peck – 12 Apr 1744

To Mr Richd Peck & Mr Amos Barnes				Ravensworth Castle April 12th 1744



Gentlemen

       We are Commanded by the Directors of His Majestys Royal Hospitall for Seamen at Greenwich to call into our assistance proper persons Skilled in Winning & working of Colliery, to Inspect & view the Colliery called Scremerston in order to discover whether the winning of Scremerston Colliery might not have been done at such a Distance and in such a manner as to have effectually prevented the Draining of Berwick hill Colliery into it.  We therefore desire you will be at Berwick next Sunday Evening, that you may the next morning proceed to make the proper discovery in which you will have all the Assistance from us that we have in our power or can procure for you.   And that you not omit on Pticular relating this Enquiry, be pleased to observe.

       That it will be necessary for you to descend the pitts in Scremerston Liberty and there view and Inspect the workings thereof and the Levells carryed up or drove for the effectual winning that Colliery in order to judge whether that Levell has been perform’d in the most proper place or whether it might not have been perform’d at some other place so as to prevent Effectually the Draining of Berwickhill Colliery.  Give your opinion therein fully & clearly with all such pticulars as you think proper for setting this matter in a Clear light to the said Directors.

       It will also be proper for you to Examine the workings of Scremerston boundering upon Berwickhill Colliery in order to discover whether any out strokes or holes have been made from Scremerston Colliery into Berwickhill Colliery & by whom such out Strokes or holes have been made whether by the late Tenn. Stephen Redpath & Ptners the late Tenn. Mr Stokoe or the present Tennant Mr Armorer.  And in case you find any such Outstrokes or holes you will pticularly be informed whether any damage & what the Colliery of Scremerston has sustained thereby with the advantages to Berwick hill.

       And lastly it will be proper for you to examine whether any winning have been attempted to be made at Berwick hill Colliery if Compleated & what benefitt that Colliery has thereby & if you shall find the winning at Berwick to have been begun & not compleated it will be proper for you to show when it was begun when discontinued & what more time would have been necessary to compleat it in, with your opinion, whether it would have been a Compleat winning for Berwick Colliery or not.  Give your opinion herein and show what quantity of Coal would have been drained by this winning & how long you apprehend the Colliery of Berwick hill would have been a Current going or working Colliery.

       We will we hope reach Berwick on Sunday Evening and meet you at Mr Humphreys in Tweedmouth and are

       Gentn. Your most Hble Servts

       Nichos Walton Hugh Boag