Letter – Nicholas Walton to William Corbett – 4 Oct 1737

To William Corbett Esqr

                                                                                  Ravensworth Castle  Octor 4th 1737

Sir

	We reced yours with the Boards Minutes of the 28th Ulto which we duly observe.

	The late Alderman Ramsey who wrought Tarrettburn Lead mine in partnership with Alderman Morton both of Newcastle has been Dead many Years, the former whereof was Succeeded by his Son, who was also an Alderman in Newcastle, the papers of both which after the Death of the latter came into the hands of William Colesworth of Gateshead Park Esqr & afterwards into the hands of Henry Ellison now of Gateshead Park Esqr   Mr Alderman Morton has been also long Dead & his Estate & papers descended to one Mr Robt Durham in whose hands these papers now are.  We have made Enquiry of both Mr Ellison & Mr Durham who have both Searched their Papers and Accots, and cannot find any thing relating the said Mine.  The State of this Enquiry might have been Sent by us Sooner, tho it is verry lately wee gott it finished as we were obliged to take it from the Gentlemen who did us the favour to make Search in Such Manner as was agreeable to them selves, & the Board may be Assured we have not been dilatory in it, tho the Information we have gott is of no real use and upon that Accot it was that we did not think it proper to trouble the Board with what Steps we had taken in that Affair, Still hopeing to discover something in some other way, and we now have some information in View from Mr Blackett Agents, being Informed that the Lead Mine Tarrettburn was wrought before Alderman Ramsey by Mr Blacketts family, but this we must wait for till Such time as they are pleased to give it us.  Upon the whole we do assure you we have not been negligent in this Affair, and the Board may be assured nothing in our power shall be awanting to make all the enquiry and discovery we can, and as Soon as we can find any thing out they Shall be immediately acquainted therewth

	We have wrote to the Tennants of Scremmerston Colliery, to know what Advance Rent they will give in Case they win the Colliery themselves & as Soon as we have their Answer the Board Shall be acquainted with it, & also have our Computation of the Expence.

	We cannot Sell the Deer belonging to Dilston Park upon any Terms as the neighbouring Gentlemen take the Liberty of Hunting & killing them within the Park at their pleasure.

	We have Sent to Mr Stephenson the minute relating to him & are Sr Yours etc

                                                                                                               Nichos Walton

PS  We are Setting out upon a Collection of the                                   Hugh Boag

Mayday Rents and it will be about a Month

before it; and holding the Courts be finished