Letter – Nicholas Walton to William Radley – 3 Sep 1742

To Mr Radley                         				Ravensworth Castle    3rd of Septem. 1742



Sir,

      I recd. yours of the 28 Aug last acquainting me that the King has granted a Comission to Severall Gentlemen to inquire whether any and what Man’rs Lands and Hereditements at Amble devolved to the Crown as an Escheat on the Death of William Radcliff Esqr. & that they intend to sitt on Monday the 20 Inst. to Enqr into that Affair & Execute the sd. Comission.  I observe the Witnesses who have been Examined have proved that no part of this Estate ever belonged to Jas. Earl of Derwentwater or was any part of the Estate forfeited by his Attainder which I believe we Cannot disprove for James was never in possession as I believe.  I apprehend that in case the p’mises in Question did not pass by the Will of William Radcliff that then the Crown is intitled thereto as Standing in the place of James Earl of Derwentwater who was the undoubted Heir at Law to Wm Radcliff Esqr.  Mr Bulman has not taken any notice to us that he is Concerned for the King in this Affair but I have wrote to him this post that we will be ready to doe all we Can, in the meantime I should be glad to know what point it is apprehended it will turn upon that we may provide Evidence accordingly.  It happens very unlucky that the Comission ag’t Matt Robson touching Highgreen Colliery will be opened the 20 Septr <Sys.r pit>   I am for Mr Boag & self

      Sir Yours etc

      Nichos. Walton