Letter – Nicholas Walton to Simpson – 21 Jun 1737

To Mr Simpson  Attorney at Law

                                                               Ravensworth Castle  June 21 1737

Sir

	The Tennants of Thornthwait (a part of the Estate of the Late Earl of Derwentwater) have growing upon their Respective Farmes Birch & Alder Wood and Oakes in their HedgeRows some of whom Claim a Right to Sell all and others only to that in the HedgeRows.  As I rememember when I acquainted you with it you were Clear in opinion that these Tennants had no right to Selling any Wood at all, but they had a Right to any of these sorts for Repairs on the Estates were such timber is was growing

      Mr Boag & I are pretty much Strangers to the Customs of these Arbitrary & Customary Estates in these parts for which reason I take the Liberty to give you this Trouble desiring you will by Return of the Post Informe me what you apprehend the Right of the Tennant to be in any of the Customary or arbitrary Estates of Castle Ridge Derwentwater & Thornthwait wth respect to the Cutting of wood of any kind for Sale or for their own Use and by what right it is that the Lord Can hinder them from so doing.  I begg Sir you will be particular to me on this head, for we wd not putt a hardship upon the Tennant, nor can we see the Lord have any Injustice.  Your Compliance herein will greatly Oblige Mr Boag & him who is Dear Sir   Your Very Hble Servt                        

      Nichos Walton