Letter – Nicholas Walton to William Corbett – 5 May 1738

To Wm Corbett Esq.					Ravensworth Castle  May the 5th. 1738



Sir

	I hope before this reach your hand , the Derwentwater Bill will have pass’d the two Houses of Parliament, otherwise I should not have given you the trouble of the Inclosed Agreements; which I have made for Building & repairing Housing, which is in the greatest necessity. You will observe the agreements are Conditionall & not binding unless they are approved by the Board.

	You will Observe that all the Tennants refuse to Lead the Materials for this Reason, that as they are new Tennants they are not in any respect liable. Mr Reed of Chipchase for Buteland injoyed that Farm a very Small time before his present terme commenced. John Ridley of Westwood the same, Wm Dixon of Aydon Shields is a new Tennant, Thomas Humble the same George Dixon & Robert Johnson  the same, & it is for that reason that they all alledge they ought not to Lead Materials. If what I have here said be not so Intelligable as I intend it, Mr Boag will explain it, & I beg Sir as the Season advances that the Board will give their Orders so as no time may be lost, for there is many more places that must be repaired and built  this Summer.

	If the Board have power to Cutt down Wood for Repairs their Orders should be as speedy as possible, as the Bark will otherwise be lost & I am Sir Yours &c

      N. Walton