Letter – Henry Richmond to Isaac Hunter – 5 Mar 1771

To  Mr Isaac Hunter at Dukesfield                                         Newcas.   5  March 1771



Sir      I think the meeting you propose to have on the 20 instant with the East hand Wainmen a very proper Measure and hope they will Engage on the Old terms  - it has been said that Greenwich Hospital intend to bring their Lead our Way this Year & That perhaps makes Mr Reynoldson suppose the Carriers will be difficult to deal with - if they should be so and should ask an Advance price I think it should be very well considered before we Comply with it.  I suppose the price Sir Walter gives is, considering the length of his way, proportionable to what Mr Errington and the Quaker Compy. give for theirs - And if so, our advancing would be an Example they would immediately follow and then no good would be got by it.  As to paying them as you propose from the 12 Augst. for what Lead they shall then have brought to Blaydon I have no objection to it if you think, when you have reconsidered it, it will answer any purpose.  You know the other proprietors will do the same, & if they find we one year get their men from them they will try another year to get the Advantage of us and so we shall have a fighting trade and you know the Winlaton Tenants will be little moved by this offer, as they will only thereby pay Sir Walter his Rent the sooner & besides the Rookhope Lead will come the slower for this measure except by those that bring it quite thro to Blaydon & the Allenheads Lead will scarce get to the Stob before that day.  On the other hand it may be supposed the prompt payment will tempt people to set on new Carriages or bring them from other works.  therefore I leave it to your Judgement to make this offer or not as you think will be for the best.  Only I should have liked it as well if you and Mr Reynoldson had met here before the day to have talked the Matter over.

    The last piece of Silver you sent is not admitted by the refiners in London to whom I sent it to be so much by half an Ounce as I wrote you I made it so you will charge it only Eleven hundred and ninety seven ounces.  

    I am desirous of having your pay this year as soon as you can get ready for it.   & am etc    HR