Letter – John 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 <shire>. 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 <locking it away> or to do some act of ownership. They will take a 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 more [missing word] Mr <Witherall> of both those men but have had no [missing word] 

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

      Yr most obed svt  Jno Westgarth



[on reverse:] To the Rev Dr Sharp. Hartburn near Morpeth