Letter – Isaac Hunter to John Bell – 19 Mar 1774

       Dukesfd. 19 March 1774

Mr. Jno. Bell N.Castle							



Dr. Sr.

       The Ash Wood cut at Broomhaugh for the use of Sr. Wm’s Smelt Mills is 22 Trees wch. were then Marked, but not measured, was the reason of my not acquainting you of it till I could give you an Accot. of the No. of feet they contained; wch. you shall have before its taken off the Ground I order’d the Men that cut it to give an Accot. to the Tenant of the No. of Trees they cut & the Mark put upon them   I have just let the Slate Quarry you speek of to the Sons of the late John Currey of Gareshield (who first discovered it) for one year at 15s to commence at Candlemas last past there has been some small parcels of good Slates got out of her, but f’m the present appearance she makes I think she’ll not be any thing capital, tho you are certainly right to have her wrought by one Person, as he will Work her with less wast than when everybody comes to serve themselves

       I am &c IH Jr.



I ordered Robt. Currey who took the Quarry, to discharge those that were working in her, he tells me that they are for taking up what they have uncovered before they will leave her.  Pray can he hinder them?