Letter – Nicholas Walton to William Corbett – 17 May 1741

      Ravensworth Castle. May 17. 1741

To William Corbett Esqr



Sir

      We received yours with the boards Minutes of the 29 Apr last which we will have a due regard to. & hope to give you a full Answer to that part relating the Amble Estate in a post or two.

      Those Tennants who refuse to Sign their Leases are such as are Apprehensive their Farmes are two dear, and give that as a reason for their Refusal. These Farmes we believe are pretty nearly lett to the Value, but we do not Apprehend any Hazard in Lessening the Rents Suppose they are again advertized to be lett. If the Board have no Objection we will give them another Offer of Signing & then if they Refuse acquaint them that they must quitt at Next Mayday. You will be pleased to lay thgis before the Board & give us their Sentiments as soon as you Conveniently Can for our Goverment 

      We will be able in a little time to Examine into Mr Stephensons Claim & hardships as to Hartside Colliery & to give you a p[ar]ticular Accot. as to the Circumstances of that Colliery Winning.

      The Biddings for the Dertwentwater Woods are Still verry much under the Value and Indeed we are much Surprised that Five Hundred pounds more has not been offerd for those in Northumberland. This Years Cutting is Now Lostr so that we Cannot help thinking it the Interest of the Hospital to postpone the Confirmation of the Sale as long as possible, for unless the Severall bidders have all Combined together Stephen Elleringham & Ptnrs Agent will yett bid £500 more.

      Inclosed we Send you our Cash Accot. whereby you will observe a Ballance in our hands of £1928-14-2 ¾  Since which we have remitted Mr Wood the Dep[uty] Treasurer one bill for One Thousand pound. We will [pursue] the Boards Directions as to the Draught on Mr Bell for the Loading of Coales  which we wou’d be glad to hear are come Safe to hand and to your Satisfaction

      & we are Sir Your most H.ble servts

      Nich. Walton  Hugh Boag