Letter – Nicholas Walton to Richard Horne – 14 Feb 1758

To Richard Horne Esq.                         		Ravensworth Castle   Febr. 14th   1758



Sir

      Last Post I recd. a letter from Mr Simpson Attorney at Law Penrith (who is one of the Derwentwater Court keepers & Transacts the Business of the Law in that Part of the Country for the Hospital) acquainting me that the Bailiff at Keswick had been served with a Copy of a Writ at the suit of on John Cape for Levying an Amercement of 13s/4d Imposed on him at the last Court Leet at Keswick for Selling Meal in Houses without bringing the same into the Publick Market to be sold, and thereby depriving the Commissioners of the Hospital of the accustomed Tolls.  This Amerciament was occasioned by a Complaint which came before the Court as we thought very properly from the Inhabitants, against persons selling Meal in Houses & not exposing it to Sale in the Publick Market, thereby depriving the Commissioners of the Hospital of the Tolls, shewing a Scarcity in the Publick Market, at a time of general Calamity Enhancing the Price.  Mr Simpson I find ordered an appearance to be entered for the Bailiff, which was accordingly done, Since which he has been Served with a Notice, that a Declaration is filed, which I suppose will bring this Matter to Tryal, with which be pleased to acquaint the Board.  I have wrote to Mr Everest to whom Mr Simpson has also wrote, & doubt not but every Step will be taken to Justify the proceedings of the Court in Espousing the Hospital’s right to the Tolls.

     I am for Mr Boag & Self

            Sir      Your most Obedt. Servt.

      Nichos. Walton