Letter – Nicholas Walton to William Radley – 15 Nov 1741

      Ravensworth Castle Nov 15, 1741

To Mr Wm. Radley



Sir

      In a Letter you wrote Lately to Mr Airey which mentioned your draught of an Affidavitt in which you had made us parties we beg Leave to Observe that we Cannot Swear to one tittle of that part which Relates to us it being quite Contrary to matter of fact, for altho Matthew Robson some time ago complained of Greenhaugh Collierys being too dear, it was never Lett by us to Mr Reed nor did he ever attempt taking possession of it that we know of. The Colliery which he took of us is called Highgreen or Greenhead otherwise <Tarretburn> Colliery and was in the possession of James Dodds whose Widow delivered up the quiet and peacable possession of it to Mr Reed.

      We are Concerned to find the <Seale> relating the Ovingham Estate goes on so slowly & that after so many years spent in the Law we are got no further than the Desmission of one bill & amending or rather filing another to make Mr Ansley a Witness. This affair goes so slowly on that every Well wisher of the Hospitall are ashamed of it & we are realy afraid a representation will be made by some of the principal Gentlemen in this Country ahainst us all on that Accot.  We tho[ugh]t proper to give you the Intimacion and beg you will hasten the affair which may Probably put a Stop to the Intended Complaint in which you will do great service to the Hospitall & Oblige

      Sir Yours &c

      Walton & Boag