Letter – Henry Richmond to Richard Wilson – 25 Sep 1770

To  Richd. Wilson Esqr    at Leeds, Yorkshire                                        Newcas.   25  Sept 1770



Sir      I am sorry to have to return you the Duplicate of my Rental for Martins. last which you have not signed.   I shall be obliged to you if you will please do so and return it.   I have had Sir Walter Blacketts Land Steward viewing Bryan & Wm. Lowry’s farm and he is of opinion it is let at its full worth, but that in Consideration of a Lease of 15 or 21 years a Tenant may give some Advance.   I sent for the Lowry’s to day and all I can prevail on them to give is £170 a Yr.  that is £10 a year advance - but then they require a Lease of 21 Years, or at least 15 years, from Mayday next - & to have their Bier new covered with pantiles, as we were proposing to do - to have 13 new, 5 bar Gates with Stone posts - to have 3 pillars of the hemel walled in for a Stable; with Rack and Mangers - & to have a pair of Barn Boards allowed them when the present pair fails which they reckon may be the Case in 3 or 4 years time.  I desire your direction in this Matter, that is, wh[ethe]r you accept of their proposal or not or would have me publish that the farm is to be let - possibly some people may offer more if that is done but of what Ability or Character they may be it would be a Risk for you to try.  I have a good Opinion of Mr Forsters the Stewards Judgement in these Matters and that is all I can say, except that the two preceeding Tenants broke on this Farm.  I shall wait for your Answer being  etc    HR