Letter – Henry Richmond to Ralph Forster – 24 Feb 1769

To Mr Ralph Forster at Cambo                                                           Newca[stle] 24th Febry 1769

Sir

I have a Letter this post from Sir Wr Blackett in answer to that I wrote last Saturday about the Hare; & he says the part of the penalty, which by Law is forfeited to the poor of the parish, he cannot give up; & therefore you are to take Shafto to Mr Ward of Morpeth & when you have made the information, Shafto will prove the Truth of it. & when the penalty of Five pounds is paid, Sir Walter desires you will see that half of it goes to the poor of the parish, and that the other half is returned to Mr Marshall and Mr Turner. & he further desires that you will give Two pounds ten shillings to Shafto (& place the same to his Acco[un]t) after the conviction is over. As you heard what Mr Wilson said, it is not material to send you the particulars of his opinion, the Substance is that Marshall and Turner are to be informed against for using Grey hounds in killing the Hare in Harterton grounds – the rest must be left to the Justice, who will see what the Law is in this Case. I am etc    HR  p.s. upon 2d thoughts I have sent you a Copy of the opinion; that if you should find it of any use you may not be at a Loss for it.