Letter – Abraham Bunting to Joseph Ledgard – 15 May 1735

S[i]r/

I sent you two Letters before this and has not had a Answer; which makes me think thay have not comed safe to hand, or yours to me have Miscarri[e]d, I have Continued to make Enquiry into that affare, and Still discovers More and More Reedhead has built three houses and Imployed two Men to Cutt him oak for to build his houses, in Thornbrough Wood thay Cutt the Wood, in the afternoon, and brought the Wood home in the Night this I can prove and I am told there was Wood Cutt with Candle Light, Likewise there is Severall oak trees Cutt beyond Haydon bridge since May day and it can be Made appear that there is Wood Cutt Lately and brought of the Stoves and hid in the Wood and but this Last Week there has even More Cutt I told you in my Last that Sr Wm. and two More Justices was to have a hearing of that affare but there was but five came that would declare what they know about it I belive there Will be More <fall by> then Redhead When it comes to be Examined into and it will be Made appear that there has been More distruction than can be Immagened the Tanners cryes out that it is a great Loss to the Common Welth that so much Wood should be cutt and the Bark Lost I desire to know if I must Continue to Make Enquire it is a great pitty there should not be a Stop put to there Wast if you empower me in any way you think fitt I shall take care to execute it faithfully <sev…ly  …ly> on your <friendship> in this affare your Answer will oblidge your Most 

humble Serv[an]t

      Abrm. Bunting



Hexham May 15 1735



[on verso:] 14. May 1735 Mr. Abram. Buntings to Mr. Jos. Ledgard. That Readhd. had Wood for building three houses out of Thornbrough Wood