Letter – Henry Richmond to Nicholas Halhead – 18 Jan 1762

To Nicholas Halhead Esq in Durham                                                           18 January 1762

Sir       

Those who are placed in different Stations see objects in different lights; and so you think Sir Wr Blacketts Agents are blameable for what they think they are justifyable in. For my part, I acknowledge, I cannot see that any opportunity of renewing the Lease for years upon reasonable Terms has yet been let slip. Nor do I think such an opportunity could ever present itself while your declaration remains “That the Fine is to be computed upon a supposition that Sir Wr Blackett may hereafter gain £4500 a y[ea]r” by mines wch my Father shewed Sir Wr had only gained £218.10s.0d a y[ea]r by, at a medium for 30 y[ea]rs past. Neither do I think such an opportunity co[ul]d offer while you insisted that Sir Wr sho[ul]d allow all the stinted pastures to belong to this Lease for y[ea]rs by wch nothing wo[ul]d be left under the moor masters Lease, except three Fells; Or at least insisted that Sir Wr sho[ul]d shew what Inclosures did belong & what did not belong to the said Lease. A Description not at all in his power to make. But as you now say, in your Letter of the 15th inst, that you are able from indubitable authority to remove all doubt what Those mines are, one great step seems to be made towards an Agreement. And as I dare say it will be a satisfaction to Sir Walter Blackett to find that you can show This, & you are so good as to say you will do it when I come to Durham: I shall make it my Business to wait upon you there very soon. & in the mean time assure you I shall be very glad to find that the apprehensions wch I had, that the uncertainty of the Boundary between the two Leases might’ upon the supposition I put, occasion continual disputes, were groundless: & consequently that any conjectures about any prejudice which might arise there from to the Revenue of the B[isho]ps of Durham were so too I am etc  HR