Letter – Nicholas Walton to Richard Horne – 4 Aug 1758

To Richard Horne Esqr                                       		Ravensworth Castle Aug 4th 1758



Sir

      We have rec’d a letter from Mr Everest with a Copy of a precipe for a Writ of ad quod damnum for inclosing several Bridle Roads in the parish of Hartburn which we do not see is any prejudice to the Estate belonging to the Hospital, provided proper roads are opened in Lieu therof, but as no provision is made for new Roads, we beg leave to Recommend an intire stop being put thereto till these Roads are fully described and Explained.  Mr. Denton who Solicits this affair for some of the Gentlemen must be informed that it is necessary to have all parties consenting named in the writ and as there are several whose Lands the New Intended Roads are to pass thro’, that which is now delivered by him is very Defective. We have consulted Mr Stewart, the Hospital’s Solicitor here, who will write to Mr Everest by this post on this head, & we will endeavour to have him meet the Solicitor in the Country in order to have the Writ settled with all the discription and parties proper to be to be inserted therein.  The new intended Roads are intended to made at the Expense of the respective Gentlemen thro’ whose Estates the same pass.   Ande these Gentlemen hope and expect the Commissioners of the Hospital will be at the expense of the Road in theirs which we compute will Cost about two Hundred Pounds including the Reparation of the present Road thro’ Hartburngrainge Estate which in the Winter Season is generally passable with Great Difficulty.

      We had a meeting with Mr Allgood last Wednesday when several Council were named as Referees to determine the dispute with him about Shittlington and we have agreed upon two as proper, but the third we cannot agree upon.  The two we agree upon are Percival Clennel Esqr. and Edward Collingwood Esqr. & Mr Allgood names Mr Rudd or Mr Fawcett as a third person, but to this we object as these two last mentioned Gentlemen have (as we apprehend) been consulted by Mr Allgood and given their opinion upon the point in Dispute.  How far this may be a reasonable Objection we submit to the Board to Determine, and beg leave only to say that if the Board of Directors are of opinion Mr Rudd or Mr Fawcet are proper persons, we recommend the latter as being more active and mor at Leisure to attend the Business.  We are 

      Sir your most obed. Servts.

      Nichos.  Walton  Hugh Boag