Letter – Henry Richmond to Collingwood Forster – 1 Jan 1760

To Mr Collingwd Forster Attorney at Law					Newcastle 1st Janry 1760

			Alnwick

Sir

	We were much surprised to find by Mr Burns lre to you, that upon the best enquiry he co[ul]d make he cannot find that that Mr Kettleby has more than one ring net stand in Sir Wr Blacketts liberty of Ord and that even Mr Todd, who I understand is employed for Mr Kettleby knows of no more than one.

	I was at Wallington on the 28th ulto when I talked this matter over with Mr William Robson before Sir Walter.  Mr Robson then said he had made a strict enquiry into this matter and was satisfied Mr Kettleby had two ring net stands on the shore of Middle Ord grounds, tho' indeed he has not I found been able to learn the name of more than one called Hobbs Hole.  But he affirmed that the difference in value between Sir Walter ring net stands and Mr Kettlebys (either one or two) was very trifling and therefore Sir Wr, in order to keep clear of any further dispute, desires that the Exchange may nevertheless be made.  And he and Mr Robson think it may be done, if you approve of it, by Sir Wr giving up all rights to fish with ring nets in the waters adjoining Mr Kettleby's estate and Mr Kettleby giving up all right to fish with ring nets in the waters adjoining Sir Wrs estate of West Ord Middle Ord and East Ord. Therefore if you think this a proper method of concluding the affair my fa[the]r desires you will take the trouble of acquainting Mr Sam.l Burn of it and if he has no further objections to the exchange than he has already made, that the dra[f]t may be prepared accordingly.    I wish Mrs Forster and you many happy years    I am  &c       HR