Letter – Henry Richmond to Isaac Hunter – 27 Nov 1762

To Mr Hunter Dukesfield                                                             Newcastle 27 November 1762



Sir/ Joseph Angus & John Angus junr Have been here today abt. Woodcroft Farm wch the old man wants to be clear of at Mayday next & recommends his 2 sons as tenants for the same in a Lre they brou[gh]t me. But as we have not agreed upon the Terms, it is proper that you acquaint the old man that he must keep the Farm till Mayday 1764. They agreed to give the £90 a yr, & we agreed to build them a drawkiln, to allow them £8 for seeds when they laid the Ridding hill & to make them a piece of a pavement & to repair the wall next the common & the thing we have differed abt. is the building a cottage house with a hemmell & a barn over it all upon the Dodd’s Close wch might cost fm £60 or £80 for anything we know to the contrary; & is too great a draw back out of the rent to be agreed to till we see what another year may bring forth. As to the coalpits Farm a Lease or at least an article sh[oul]d have been drawn & executed according to the terms wch Mr Robson let it to the present tenants who you say are now for quitting it. As that was not got done you cant stop them if they will go. But I hope they will be wiser for times are going to mend & the Division of the Comon will be of great advantage to the Farm, as Sr. Wr. will certainly inclose his part as soon as possible. If the Tenants will not keep the Farm any longer you must let it as well as you can. You said after Mr Robson had let it; that you co[ul]d have let it considerably higher; so now try your skill! I am etc   HR