Letter – Nicholas Walton to Peter Mulcaster – 13 Jan 1787

Messrs Mulcaster 						Farnacres 13 January 1787



       You will observe that we have taken the first opportunity of being advised respecting the Information we rec’d from you as to Abram. Fawcett. We think it will be proper to proceed only upon that of the piece of Lead being supposed in his Custody, but we cannot help thinking that the Brother of Abram. Fawcett may be as likely to have the piece of Lead as Abram. We therefore cannot but be of opinion that there is sufficient Ground for suspecting that it is in the Possession either of the one or of the other, and consequently it is a desirable thing to have Informations made so as that searches may be made of the Dwelling places of each of the Brothers; but at all events you must endeavour to get information made before a Magistrate so as to have a Search Warrant applying itself to Abram. Fawcett, and in case the lead sh[oul]d be found that Magistrate will of course proceed in consequence of the Discovery of the Property, and commit or otherwise, as shall appear to him to be proper. Our Reason of suspicion upon Abram. Fawcetts Brother is that he came to Peter Mulcaster and seemed as if he wanted to treat with him ab[ou]t the Delivery of the Pig of Lead which Abram. Fawcett has been said to be possessed of, and therefore it is plain that he is a Confident at least in this Business, and may possibly have the Pig of Lead in keeping for his Brother, under this idea.

       Messrs Bell & Wilson, upon being informed by Mr Peter Mulcaster as to what passed between him and Abram. Fawcetts Bro[ther] may think as we do and if they sh[oul]d do so, they may safely make information of their Information respecting both Brothers, and we apprehend that if either sh[oul]d make information that they do suspect both, a Search Warrant will of course be issued. All that we have to say further upon this occasion is that we must recommend the Business to be gone upon with as little Bustle as possible so as not to give any Alarm to the two Brothers, because if they sh[oul]d have the least intimation, there will be a total End of the Business, and the Pig of Lead will be lost, and therefore perhaps Mr Bacon Wastell of the Spital seems to us to be the most likely man to be applied to because Mr Bell and Robt. Wilson we suppose both of them live very near to Hexham, and the causing them to go to Threepwood where otherwise we sh[oul]d have been glad to have had this matter to have gone, might occasion Alarm, and besides after the issuing of a Search Warrant, you will be enabled to proceed immediately to Corbridge and in a short time after the issuing of the Warrant be enabled to make the Search. The sooner you go upon this Business the more agreeable to us, & we have directed this Letter to be sent to you by a Special Messenger from Mr Thos. Jones. We are Your Humble Servants

       Walton & Turner