Letter – Nicholas Walton to Thomas Simpson – 31 Jul 1738

To Mr Thomas Simpson 					Ravensworth Castle  July 31. 1738



Sir

	When we were last at Alston Mt Richardsons Son, who Claims the Common near Cleargill in Alston Moore sent five Persons to Burn Mr Whitefields peats, which sd. 5 Persons came and were taken in the fact and brought before Lawyer Gilpin who bound them over to the next Sessions besides the punishment which these Fellows are Liable to, Mr Richarson has as we are Informd made himself lyable to an Action of Trespass which we are told will be an Effectuall way to Strengthen our Title as we shall gain Judgment , and this will be a short way and at an easy Expence, but it must be done in Mr Whitefields Name whose peats it was that were burnt, in which we have promised to joyn as to any expence that shall have Accrewed or that may Accrew in anyt proper proceedings for Supporting our Title. Mr Whitefield has sent me a Copy of a Letter from Mr Richardsons Son desiring the matter may be made up, and I have given him for Answer, that as we do not know the Hospitalls pleasure in that Affair we Cannot tell whether they will be pleasd to have it made up or not, but as it is an Offence to him Particularly he may if he Chuses it make the Matter up provided Mt Richardson will do it to his liking and Acknowledge the fault in writings under his hand in which I sho’d be glad his father woud joyn as he is in Actuall Possession, but you will judge how farr that may be necessary as I have desired Mr Whitefield to Apply to you to Draw the Instruments, in the doing of it of which you will have a Regard to the Hospitall Title and you’ll  much oblige Mr Boag and Your most Humble Servt

      N.W.