Letter – Nicholas Walton to William Corbett – 24 Feb 1741

      Ravensworth Castle. February  24. 1740

To Wm. Corbett Esq.



      We reced. some time agoe from you, a Petition from the Revd. Mr Werg relating the small tyths of Needless hall, & since we have made all the Steps we have in our power, to lay before the Board the Clearest state of the affair. Mr Wrangham was Mr Woods Proctor at Durham, & as he was privey to every step that was taken, we thought it proper to have a State of the Whole from him which you have Inclosed herein. We have examined it as to the Tracts which Came under our Coginizence [sic] & we think them right, so we begg leave to referr you to the inclosed, which we hope will be satisfactory. We are making enquiries as to the 2s 6d Modus being in lieu of all small tyths, but we are affraid that will not be made appear & unless it is we doubt the paym.t of these tyths will be unavoidable.

      We reced. from Mr Radley an Advertizement for the Peremptory sale of the Derwentwater woods, which was imediately Inscerted  in the Newcastle papers & we got printed a 1000 Coppys besides, which have been distributed in the Severall markett Towns near where the Woods are. The day limited we think rather too short, but yett we think some people will come from this Countery as Bidders  One Mr Crisup (who has some ptners) has got the p.ticulars of us as to the Nos. of trees & we believe Intends to sett forward this day or tomorrow for London with an Intention to purchase all in Northumberland. The Man has a good Character & is Able.

      Inclos’d is the brick & tyle accot. of J.Skinn the Makers to the 31 Dec. last.

      We are  Sr Yr &c. W & B



[The tile and brick making accounts for 1740 from John Skin of Dilston Park are not transcribed. On ff391-3 of the volume. In 1740 83,500 tyles & 1,900 ‘offal tyles’ and no bricks were made.]