Letter – Nicholas Walton to William Corbett – 2 May 1746

To Wm Corbett Esqr.						Ravensworth Castle  May 2d  1746



Sir      

      We rec’d yours with the Boards Commands of the 19th Ulto. which we duly observe. We have fix’d with Lady Middleton to Wait upon her at Belsay next monday when Mr Airey will accompany us thither, & we propose that day to make only a generall Inspection into the Boxes in order to see whether any of Sir Jno. Swinburn’s Writings be intermix’d with those of the Derwentwater Estate & then we will proceed to take a Schedule and Abstract as the Board has been pleased to direct.  But in case it should appear that any writings or papers belonging to Sir John Swinburn are in the above mentioned Boxes we wou’d be glad to have the Board’s further Orders whether some person on Sir John’s behalfe should not attend the perusal of them, when we come to take the Schedule and Abstract.  We also think that the taking this Schedule at Belsay will make the Expence of doing it run high as it is about 14 miles from Newcastle, & besides it will be giving a good deal of trouble to Sir Wm. Middleton’s Family; if therefore the Board approve it we wou’d propose to bring the Boxes to Newcastle to Mr Airey’s where they will not only be safe, but where we can give such assistance as will lessen the Expence Considerably.  We will Informe ourselves as to the Petition of Thomas Robson, & acquaint you with Such Facts as appears to us very soon.  All we can say upon it at present is that we know the Man was usefull in the dispute about Highgreen Colliery

      We very heartily congratulate you upon the great Successes we have had in Scotland, by the prudent & Brave Conduct of the Glorious Duke of Cumberland.  We have had many Particulars but as the Accots. which by express reach’d you sooner than any thing cou’d do from us we have not troubled you with them.  Every Day makes us more sensible of our great Deliverance, as an Insurrection was certainly intended in this part, had the Rebells prevailed over our great Deliverer at Inverness.

      Inclosed are the Quarterly Accots. of Lead Mines Ending Ladyday last & we are 

      Sir,  your most obed’t Servts

      Nicholas Walton,   Hugh Boag