Letter – Nicholas Walton to Richard Horne – 30 Nov 1753

To Mr. Horne                                     			Ravensworth Castle  Nov. 30th 1753



Sir                

      There is a Demand made on us of Fifty Pounds for this years Poor Sess for the Lead Ore Dues in the Manor of Alston Moor laid on in pursuance of a Petition to the Board upon which they gave their Consent.  This is what we are told, but having never heard any thing on this head from you, I have this day wrote to the Moor Master, not to pay the Cess till we have the Boards Commands.  I apprehend the Lead Ore Dues have never been rated to the Poor, however this I know that they never have been rated in my memory and I apprehend ought not to pay in the manner they are rated at least; that is I suppose the Tennant who is occupier & not the Hospital ought (if at all) to be rated.  You will be pleased to Consider that the Dues of the Lead Ore is a Rent and if in Case it can be taken to be a Rent on a footing with Rents of Lands, then the Tenant might pay.  And besides in the Lead Mine Leases the Tenant have Covenanted to deliver the Duty Ore [rest of sentence underlined] Free and Clear of all Charges & Deductions whatsoever.    I have desired to have an Account of the whole Rate to see the Equality of the Assessment & shall be able more particularly afterwards, to lay before you a true and perfect Account of this whole matter, but in the mean time be pleased to Acquaint me whether the Board have given any Consent which has produced this Extraordinary demand; because we would not take any steps in Contradiction to their Orders, which may be founded on facts which we are strangers to.   I am for Mr Boag & Self

      Nicho’s Walton