Letter – Nicholas Walton to William Corbett – 3 May 1741

      Ravensworth Castle. May 3. 1741

To Wm. Corbett Esqr



      We have used all the means in our power to procure a Ship of 150 & another of 130 Cha[lde]rs to Load for the Use of the Hospitall, but have not been able to gett one of Either of these Sizes under Seven Shillings a Chal[de]r . We have therefore Ventured to exceed the Boards Comission, having agreed with a Ship which we Expect will make out near 200 Chal[de]rs and at 6/6d Fraight with one Guinea in Lieu of all port Chargers which the Master is to pay. I herein cover you a Coppy of the Charter party the Bill of Lading & the Invoice of 104 Chal. Newcastl;e Measure of Coales  which are 12d each Newcastle Chal. under the price we Computed upon, & yett are of such quality as I will venture to <recommend> not Inferior to any the Hospitall have used for many Years. The Ship The Thomas & Eliz: of Scarbrough John Withenson Mas[te]r Sailed <this port> Yesterday, is Consigned to you & tho she is of a Larger Burthon than what you ordered, yett does not draw more water than many of a much smaller sizes 

so that I hope no Inconvenience will be had in laying her to Greenwch Key but sh[oul]d the Mast[er] be obliged to lighten he is to be at all <man.r of Exp of Lighterage so as the delivery may be Clear of all Charges at the Key.>. Please to Signifye to us whether <we are to Charge the amount of> this or the Invoice of any other Loading we shall in future send in our Cash Accot. & draw upon the proper person at Greenwich for the Money as each Loading is sent away. I wish the Ship a good voyage & that the Coales may Ans[wer] Expectation as to qualityt and price & I am for Mr Boag & self

      Sir. Your most Obed. Servt.

      Nich. Walton