Letter – Nicholas Walton to Richard Horne – 25 May 1740

      Ravensworth Castle May 25.  1740

To Mr Richd. Horne



Dear Sir 

	We reced. yours of the 15th inst in due Course which woud have been answered sooner, but that we have not been together since we reced. it before this day, so we take the first opportunity of Joyntly answering it. 

	As to the observations which have been made by the board on the valuation of the woods in the Derwentwater estate, we are at a Loss to know whether you Intend we Shou’d Clear it up to them, by Letter to Mr Corbett or that we shoud to you. but as it is no way taken notice of in the Minutes, we Incline to think it Improper to mention it to the Board till they require it.

	We can Explain the affair no otherwise than by acquainting you as the board that the trees in many places where they are Valued so low, are such as either are decayed of Dwarfes which render them of so small Value, & it may be no hard matter to peck out some Thousands of that kind, many of which are of a much Less value than you mention. If this be a proper thing to mention to the Board we desire you will, or that Mr Corbett will be so kind as doe it if he thinks proper, & withal to acquaint them that rather than there Shoud be any Jellousie of us it woud be verry Agreeable to us that the Board woud order a valuation by Indifferent Persons to be made in the most pticular manner, for tho’ the necessary care has been taken by us in the late Valuation, & tho we apprehend they are very exactly done, yett we cannot pretend to say they are Computed at the Exact Value and Consequently that they may on a Second be found too high or too low.

	We are much obliged to you for all your kind favours & will be more so if you will draw a Minute from the Board requiring an Explanation of the above Affair provided you think it not proper to Explain it to them your self. & we are Dr Sir

      Yr most Hble & Obliged Serts

      Nich Walton Hugh Boag