Letter – Thomas Westgarth to John Sharp – 24 Dec 1770

      Unthank 24 Dec 1770  nine at night



Dear Sir

      I should have sooner acknowledged yr favour  of the 15 ulto but waited the break of the great storms the snow <went in> drifted <that> a horse could not cross the high moors. It [missing] and blowen all this day, and continues the same still. so that I fear we shall be in the same  <obstruction> still. I see no prospect the company have to make a mine at the trial in the <share>. I fear if they give over and nothing be doon that it will make their claim or title stronger. The little ore they have got is not washed up but expect they will so soon as the weather will permitt. Would it be advisable to stop those looking it <away> or to do some act of ownership. They will take [missing] discharge. I shall act <as> you and the <gellemen [sic]> <give> me orders. When I had the pleasure [missing –of your company?] and the other trustees you gave me [missing] protect the game in Blanchland lordship. I published a reward . Find one Wilson (who's a tennant and keeps a public house in Blanchland) keeps a Grey Hound and do’s execution amongst the poor hares. And Robert Dixon another tennant at D[itt]o with his gun spares nothing. He was under a prosecution by Sir Thos Clavering and the <Fermacens> never to use a Gunn [missing] Mr <Witherat> of both those men but have had no [missing] 

      I also took the freedom to remind him about looking for the title deeds of the share <also> Burntshieldhaugh and agreed upon by you gentleman, if it were a <parchas> and not a part of Blanchland then there is an end of the companys claim on the right to work. I wish you and family many happy returns of the season I am <....> Sir 

Yr most obed svt  Thos Westgarth



To the Rev Dr Sharp. Hartburn near Morpeth