Letter – Ralph Grey – 19 Dec 1673

Newc[astle]Desember th 19 1673

Hond Sir 

       yours of the 14th currant came to saife hand wth the enclosed; wch I showed our consell; who would be satisfied in the grant ; In what kings raine and buy whome granted to Millar and Quaretis; and whether a grant from the king or a lease as Bowes pretends granted by his anchestors; we had much adoe <whend.l> a tryell last assizes for 10 yrs rent paid yew and your predissesers; I hope yow will secure hus if the sute goe against hus; and be at the cha [rge]s of the tryall; in the courts of Durham; for he hath from tyme to tyme sealed leases of ejectments and pretends he will maik hus acct for the meane profitt I perceive by our counsell his clame is under Lynley and Starkey by a grant the 4th of King James [ie.1607] to Sr Henry Lynley and John Starkey gent of Kent; wth sundry other lordships granted and they to Maidelin Bowes; The landes  his in wch the mindes [mines] Lyis ; 

       Pray give hus full instrikons and that you will secure hus from <Mr> Bowes and your rent shall be paid you; and we shall treat wth yow for a new lease; the minds [mines] hath proved soe bad that thay have not paid charges this tryal how ever we would venter [venture] a little more in making anew tryall provided we may be secured; the Lady Vane hath also sealed a lease of ejectment but what their title is I know not; there hath likewise be a jury for the king upon the bounds of the forrest and thay have the grase wthin the bound[ar]y of that forrest it was by order of the Duke of Newcastle who with the Earll of Ogle is bow bearer to his Majsty  When your hoy comes for coles shall use him very kindly for your saik or any freind of yours wth the best coles and wth the chepest; Pray bestow 2 or 3 lynes upon mee and <pretend> to keep up our harts for these great persons think for to rune hus downe; and my <porely> hart doth faill fearing thay shill be forsed to pay thure rent over againe that wth my humble sarvis

       I rest yrs &c  Ra Grey.