Letter – Henry Richmond to Richard Wilson – 13 May 1769

To Richard Wilson Esqr in Leeds Yorkshire                                        Newca[stle] 13th May 1769

Sir

Inclosed are two parts of my Account of Kenton rents for the half Year ending Martin[ma]s last; with my bill on Plumb & Browne for Six hundred & forty seven pounds fifteen shillings & sixpence halfpenny for the balance of it. You will please to advise me, by the return of the post, of the receipt of this bill; and to sign and return me one part of the Account, as I have signed the other.

Inclosed also is Mrs Hh Headlam’s receipt for her intrest, w[hi]ch you will please to acknowledge.

The Slates in Harle’s quarry in E[as]t Kenton, were not, when valued by two indifferrent people, found to be either in quantity or quality what he represented – so I thought it best to take the 12d a fother. The Lease of Mr Gunn’s quarry expired at Mayd[a]y last – he desires to have her another Year at the same rent to work up some stone he has bared; and which the water would not allow him to win last Year. After that is done he reckons she will not be worth any Thing till a drift is brought up to drain her; which will cost £40. this sum he says is more than the Quarry can afford, but that there is such a Want of Materials for the Turnpike road that it is probable the Com[missione]rs will in a little time find it necessary to contribute, at least, to the draining this quarry.

The Surveyor tells me every field in West Kenton, but four, has been altered since the former Survey, so that the two plans are quite useless, and he has been obliged to resurvey, the whole all but those four fields – he has made a rough plan & desires to know what he is to do more – whether you would have two new plans and a field Book? Many of Mr Kings hedges are going to decay and in the East part several are in Want of cutting and dressing. Sir Wr Blackett used to lay out 4 or £5 yearly and allowed one of the Tenants 40s a year for looking after them. this I submit to your Consideration against next Season.

The Roof of Pattison’s & Currys Barn Bier & Stable will want some reparation this Summer; I shall get a valuation made and let you know what it comes to.

You got of me the Abstract of Writings relative to the general Title of Sir Wr Blacketts Estates, which is wanted & which, if you will please, when you have done with, to return, it will save Sir Walter the Expence of another. I am etc    HR



Newcastle 13th May 1769 £647. 15. 6½ 

Thirty days after date pay to Richard Wilson Esqr or order Six hundred and forty seven pounds fifteen shillings & sixpence half penny, value in Account & place the same to Acco[un]t with Sr W. Bt by advice from    Hen Richmond.

To Messrs Plumb & Browne Goldsmiths Foster Lane London