Letter – Nicholas Walton to William Corbett – 3 Jul 1737

To William Corbett Esqr

                                                                                  Ravensworth Castle  July 3d 1737

Sir 

      We were favoured with yours with the Boards Minutes of the 22 June last in Course which we duely Observe.

	The Ballance of our last Cash Accot in favour of the Hospital we have remittance for, ready to be Sent you pursuant to the Boards Commands, but as we have a demand made upon us for the Interest & Annuity due to Lord Petres & Lady Catherine Ratcliff at Lady day last, we have presumed to reserve these Remittances for that purpose & hope the Board will approve thereof.

	The best Information we can give the Board of the Settlement mentioned in ours of the 17th Ulto is that we apprehend it to be in the hands of Mr Radcliff the present possessor of Amble Estate, & as Mr Radcliffs shewing his right would be the easyest way of ending the dispute, we humbly think he can have no objection to share the Settlement mentioned

	We have given the Moore Master Orders to acquaint the Board pursuant to their command, what methods are observed in the preservation of the Lords dues in the Manour of Alston moore wch as he has before informed us are; to attend the Weighing of all Oare at the Bingsteads or Washing places, when the Lords dues are laid Separate & preserved from Embezilment by the Lessee, for Such time as is Covenanted in his Lease.

	Tho’ we have made all the enquiry we cou’d into the Affair of the Keswick Rents; we have not yet been able to Clear it up to the Boards Satisfaction, yet we hope we are now furnished with Materials to do it by next Post or that afterwards.

	It would be very proper Sir if the Board think fitt to Send us an Accot what Fee Farme Rents payable out of the Derwentwater Estate were Claimed at the Forfeiture, as Severall Persons to whom they are due say they made Claims, & in Such Cases where Claims were made, by our refusing Payment Suits may be Commenced.  These Claims may we apprehend be had at the proper Office where they are recorded

	We have been this Week in Alston moore viewing the Lead Mines in wch we think Colll Liddell & Partners have made great progress, & are proceeding to win in an effectuall manner & with the utmost expedition all such Mines as are believed to be hopefull,  They have made a pay which amounts to near £900 ending at Midsummer last, of which in Lead Charge £679.2.73/4 exclusive of raising Oare by Bing & exclusive of what has been expended by the Lead Company & Mr Hally.                        N Walton   H Boag