Letter – Nicholas Walton to Edward Nicholson – 10 Dec 1758

To Mr. Edwd. Nicholson                                           Ravensworth Castle Dec  10th 1758



Mr Edwd. Nicholson

           By this Bearer you will receive nine Bushels & a half of Acorns which we desire you will take great care of, and lay them in a midling dry place, so as they may not Sprout, or be too Dry kept till next march, at which time they must be dib’d into the Ground so as not to be above an Inch and a half or two Inches within the Surface, and this to be done in open Fresh Weather.  The places where these Acorns are to be Planted are the Island Deer Close Calf Close and Waterage bank, in the open part of the Ground where there is no spring from the Stoves, and where the Wood is all Cleared & Free from Cattle of all Kinds.  We shall send you a great quantity of Beach Trees to plant with the Acorns in the Island & other places which you will take care to have Carefully done in March by a Skillful Gardner or Planter, which you will provide for that purpose, as we suppose that will cost little more than a common Labourer’s Wages   We will be glad to hear from you after you receive this, and to know what Number of Beach Tree you think necessary & whether any can be got in your Country and at what Rate; The Acorns we think will Ly well in the Court Loft, turn’d out of the Sacks.  The Sacks you will sell to the best advantage for us, the Carriage we will pay & are

      Yours etc.

      Nichos. Walton Hugh. Boag