Letter – Nicholas Walton to Thomas Corbett – 23 Jan 1736

To Thoms Corbett Esqr

      Ravensworth Castle  January the 23d 1735’6

Sr 

	I had the honour of Receiving yours of the 3d, 6th & 17 Inst to which Mr Boag and my Self have a due regard, & you will have answers thereto With all Convenient Speed, but being just come of a very Troublesome Journey cou’d not possibly do it this Post

	Mr Stephenson Moor Master met us at aldston and gave us an acct. of the Quantity of Oar Rais’d in Aldstone Moore from Christmas 1732 to Chriss 1735 With the Names of the present possessers, & we have taken from him Such Minutes as will be of Use to us in making a report to you of the Circumstance & Situation of all the Lead Mines or Vanes in Aldstone Mannor Wch Shall be Sent you Next Post.

	I have paid Mr Thompson Surveyor Ten Pounds on acct of what Shall Become due to him for Surveying the Estates now belonging the hospital & have given him Directions to begin at Dilston which he has promised me he will doe next Monday.  Aldstone moor I perceive was Intended by the Hospitall to be Surveyed first, but it is in Such a part of the world as to render it very Difficult if not impracticable at this time of the year; & besides sir it is a Tract of ground so extensive that the Expence of it will be very great  The Inclosed Lands are most Necessary to be done first, as we wou’d be glad to have as much time as possible in putting a Value upon them and the more time we have to do that & to Let the same more advantagious will it be to the Hospital but it’s being done before Mayday Next is unavoidable to prevent damage in grass or Corn 

      I am Sirs   Your Most Obedt Servt

      Nichos Walton



Since I Finished my letter I recd one from Mr Ralph wood of Needless Hall wth a Coppy of Mr Moores Libel against him for all manner of Tyths as well great as Small for Seven Years last past wch Mr Moor Aledges are due to him in rights of his having in these Seven Years farm’d all the Tyths in the Vicaridge of hartburn altho: Mr Wood Says there were none paid in the late Vicars Time nor he does not believe ever as Sir those Tyths are a Matter of Consequence to the Hospital I Should think it proper to Stop Mr Moores proceedings.  If the Law will alow of it and Should be glad of your own thoughts by return of the Post  If you Cannot have that of a generall Court you have Inclosed a Coppy of the Libel and I am 

                                                                                              Sr Yours etc  Nichos Walton