Letter – Nicholas Walton to William Corbett – 21 Jan 1739

      Ravensworth Castle  Janry  21 :  1738/9

To Wm Corbett Esqr



Sir

	Inclosed we send you our cash accot ending the 31 December last when there remaind a balance of £292.19.8½ in favour of the Hospital, and as we are prepairing the Gen[eral] Abstract for the whole year we hope to be able to send it soon as usuall, in order that it may be settled accordingly.

	We reced the Boards Minutes of the 10th January Instant which we duely observe and beg leave to acquaint the Board, that it never was Intended to make use of any p[ar]t of Dilston Hall Except the Brewhouse and Old Barn as a common Brewery, but as it is their pleasure to have it otherwise it shall be our Care and Endeavour to Lett the House on Better terms or continue  the present Tenant at the present rent.

	Inclosed we send you Mr Stephenson Moor Master Accot. of Ore raised in the Derwentwater  Estate from Michaelmas to Christmas last, showing the Number of hands imployed, the Mines at work and those yet lying unwrought; as also an Abstract of the whole years quantities showing the Amount of the Dues payable at lady day next, from George Liddell Esqr and Partners  Amounting in the whole to £ [left blank].

	You have likewise Inclosed a Copy of a Letter we have had from Mr Rutherford and partners relating Berwick Colliery by which you will please to observe that Colliery has been on fire about 50 years; and we are apprehensive before she is on a good footing a new Levell must be Drove, therefore the sooner the Lease of the same is granted the more it will be of advantage to the Hospital an we are  Sir &c

Nicho Walton

Hugh Boag



[accompanied by the usual quarterly moormaster’s accounts, and duty ore account for 1738, transcribed in spreadsheet form elsewhere]