Letter – Henry Richmond to Christopher Johnson – 18 Jan 1769

To Mr Chrisr Johnson Attorney at Law in Durham       Newca[stle] 18 January 1769 Wednesday

Sir

I have rec[eiv]ed the favour of your Letter of this Date acquainting me of the intended Application to Parliament for a division of Wolsingham East Town fields. Mr Alder mentioned this to me last Saturday, which was the first time I heard of it. I was then upon Change, and told him that before I could give any answer or could write to Sir Wr Blackett about it I must write to Mr Maughan to whose Care Sr Wrs Estate in that part was Comitted.

Mr Alder said Mr Milburn should go away directly for Mr Maughan’s opinion and said if he would call upon me I wo[ul]d give him a Letter as soon as I got home; but Mr Alder thought it was not necessary, and that it would occasion too much delay. Mr Maughan’s Letter which I received on Sunday Evening, by Mr Milburn, is so general and unsatisfactory that I can neither mention it to you nor write to Sir Walter upon it. I can only say in answer to your Letter that I have always known Sr Wr Blackett very ready in Concurring in any Thing that is for the General Good; but then this Answer is too general for you to proceed upon and I could wish time wo[ul]d allow you to wait for the Answer which I expect to receive from Mr Maughan in a little time upon this Subject, having wrote to him Yesterday by an Opportunity that offered and believe he will get the Letter this Evening. P.S. I wish it suited your to pay your proportion of Weardale rents and Compositions in a little time. I am etc    HR

P.S. The direction to Sr Wr Blackett is in Halfmoon Street Piccadilly.