Letter – Nicholas Walton to William Corbett – 15 Mar 1741

      Ravensworth Castle. March 15. 1740/1

To Wm. Corbett Esq., Pay Office



Sir

      We Reced. yours of the 7th March Inst. with the Boards Minutes of that date whiuch we duly Observe and will take care to procure Such a Security in the roome of Colonel Liddell deceased as the Board shall approve of.

      The Tennant of Greenhead Colliery whose name was Dodds has been ever Since the taking it so much disturb’d by the Freeholders who Claim a right that we have not got any Rent. Dodds is now Dead & the Coll.ry is in possession of his Widdow and Severall other Freeholders and as nthge Widdow tells us they cannot pay any Rent, we have Lett it to John Reed Esqr. to be Enterd upon at Next Mayday for one year who proposes to take it for 21 years. He is a Gentleman of fortune in that Nighbourhood & of Such Intrest among the people who claim a right that we do not apprehend any of ‘em will make any atempts after he is in possession, so that by this means we think the Hospital intrest will be Established. The Rent he is to pay for the year 1741 is £5 which we hope the Board will Approve of, & if they have no Objection the Coll.ry Should be Advertised about Ladyday in order that it may be lett for 21 Years. Mr Reed likwise propopses to take Greenhaugh Colliery at £5 a yr for 21 Years so that it will likewise be proper to advwertise it at the same time

      Richd. Potts of Corbrige who Stands in the Rental Sixpence a year being Dead that House reverts to the Hospital as it was a Lease from Sr Francis Radcliff for Lives of which this Potts is the last. We have taken possession of the House and have Lett it at Twenty five Shillings for one year which we hope the Board will Approve of.

      We have this day Sent the Treasurer Mr Wood a bill for £500  and are Sr Your most Obed, Serts

      N.W & HB