Letter – Nicholas Walton to William Corbett – 9 May 1740

      Ravensworth Castle May 9th  1740

To Wm. Corbett Esq.



Sir

	Having just now reced. the Inclosed Letter from John Lowther esq. we observe that he proposes on behalf of himself and Partners to take the Lead Mines which have been advertised to be lett on Terms which are better than any proposal which has yet been made that we know of.  These Gentlemen have been very fair Adventurers & Continue to Work briskly, altho’ we are certain they are a very great Sum in disburse, & as such we believe none will be more likely to work those now to lett, than they for the benefit of the Hospital. we are 

      Sir Your most Obed. Servts

      Nicho’ Walton Hugh Boag





A Coppy of Dr Lowthers letter to Messrs W & B of original sent the Board the day of its date.



      Newcastle May 9th 1740

Messrs Walton & Boag



Sirs

	I have this day made the following proposal by Letter to Mr Corbett, and think it proper to do the same likewise to you viz. that my Partners and Self will take a Tack Note for one year of all the open mines in Alston moor, which have reverted to the Hospitall, and have been Advertized to Let, and to pay one Seventh Duty, for the Veins call’d  Dodberry Dykehead, Clargill Cleugh head, and Clargill Meadows, and one Ninth Duty for all the rest, The Form of the Tack Note being to be made as usual, with a Liberty for my Partners & Self to demand a Lease under the Same Covenant in the present Lease to us, Except that of Expended as Certain Sum.

	I desire you will lay the above proposal before the Board and am Your humble Servt. &c

      John Lowther