Letter – Nicholas Walton to William Corbett – 6 Oct 1739

      Ravensworth Castle  October 6. 1739	

To Mr Corbett Esqr. 



Sir

      I was att Alston receiving the Small Rents Due on Michaelmass Day last, when the Agents (Mr Harrie & Mr Simpson) belonging the Company of Mine Adventerours came there in order to View the mines Advertized to be lett.

      They came there on Thursday Evening & the moormaster Attended them on Saturday to Such of the mines as they had time that Day to view & they were to view the rest the Monday  following. I had a Good deal of Conversation with them About the future prospect of the mines. & in regard to the price of Labour materials &c. the latter of which they gave me in writing  Amounting to 26 Queries which I answered in Writing Also A Coppy of which you have Inclosed. Mr Harrie Seems to be an Experienced Miner and from the Informacon I gave him with the help of the Moor Masters, I think they will engage in some of the mines; those, they seam fondest of are Ganggill, Cowper hole head Dowpott Syke, CornRiggs & Cashburn, but I apprehend they will Engage in more.

      Collonell Liddell has now a tollerable prospect at Rampgill Mine, but the rest are but very Indifferent, tho he has expended a very great sum; & he has too much Reason to believe the open Miners [sic] have been too much Exhausted, & Consequently that he Cannot hope for that Success  which he hoped for. He is therefore desirous of making Tryal of some new veins in hopes that they may turn better out and has desired to know in what way we would Lett. I therefore thought proper to acquaint you with it as to be sure all new discoveries must I apprehend be lett on Tack Note (without any advertizement ) For in this Case the discoverer makes all things of the kind a Secret till the tack Note is granted & then he names his vein for Mr Boag & Self I am Sir your most Obed. Servt,

      Nich. Walton