Letter – Nicholas Walton to John Ibbetson – 2 Feb 1779

To Jno Ibbetson Esqr                                        	Farnacres 2nd Feb'ry 1779



Sir

      It is now nearly Six Months since the Biddings for the Derwentwater Estate were closed and the distress of numbers of the Bidders by not being acquainted with the  fate of their Proposals is very great and will be more so every day. On this Account it is necessary there sh'd not be a moments delay in issuing full orders relative to the General Letting but it is materially requisite to be as expeditious as possible on Account of Greenwich Hospital as there has already been a Defection of several responsible bidders who have taken Farms elsewhere and others are daily doing the like and more undoubtedly will do the same by which the Hospital will be prevented having an opportunity of fixing upon the most eligible ones which may occasion considerable loss to the Revenue. For those Reasons it is most earnestly desired that the Boards immediate Commands respecting this Business may be sent into the Country.

      You receive herein a Proposal from Bacon Wm. Wastell Esqr. for the colliery in Highwood Coastley and Heckford Farms which you are desired to lay before the Board. The Directors will remember that the Receivers reported upon a Proposal of Mr.Wastells the 14 May 1775 and the Board rejected the Offer then made but as a Rent of Twenty Pounds p annum is now offered & all Damages to be made good, it is recommended that Mr.Wastells Proposal be accepted.

      Inclosed you receive our Cash Accounts from the 21 Nov. to and with 31st Ulto. which you are desired to lay before the Board. We are 

      Sir Yours &c 

      N W. Junr.	J. C. T.