Letter – Henry Richmond to Richard Wilson – 5 Jul 1767

To Richard Wilson Esq in Leeds Yorkshire                                            Newca[stle] 5th July 1767

Sir

Inclosed is a Copy of Thomas Pearson’s Indictment of Edward Milburn for obstructing the highway leading from Slatyford to Denton bridge on the Carlisle Road, in that part of the said highway called Silverhill. The Evidence Mr Pearson has to support his Case as I understand is only his own Oath of the Obstruction and the testimony I sent you of the several old people as to its being a highway. I cannot procure you a brief in the Cause, as only Attorneys are pleaders at our sessions. I waited upon Mr Shafto as you directed, who desired his Compliments – said he should be sorry to have any difference with you – that he would examine his Witnesses & would then be better able to judge of his right to the Way, which he understood to be a private one. I have not heard further from him, but Mr Pearson tells me to day that he has had notice served to

upon him of Tryal at our next sessions, on Wednesday se’[ve]night. You will please to let me know in what proportion or in what manner you intend to contribute towards Mr Pearson’s Expence that I may know how to conduct myself. Inclosed also, for your approbation, is a Copy  of the Article signed by Thomas Harle & Wm Cramlington for letting to them the freestone quarry in the North Oxpasture. Mr Cramlington is a very sufficient Security for such an undertaking & with two Cutters no great consumption can be made of the Stone, especially as you have it your power at the End of any three years to determine the Contract. As to the price of  2d <.> a fother which Mr Cramlington paid for the Stones got last year at this Quarry, it is as high as is usually paid here for such stones by the fother, which contains only about  17 hund[re]d weight & is not above half the weight of a Cubic Yard.

Mr King does not yet offer to pay his rent tho I have sent to & spoke to him about it – he says he wrote you for forbearance and is to pay you interest for it. P.S. Your Clerk directed your last Letter For Mr Henry Richmond to the care of Sir Wr Blackett M.P. in Newcastle – so I paid six pence. I think you mist [missed] a good purchase in not giving the money Sir Walter asked for his Estate at Kenton – one of the farms is advanced £20 a year, & others will advance when the Leases are out, I make no doubt.

I think I mentioned formerly that Mr Pearson’s Attorney is one Mr Adams of Alnwick, who is a Man of Ability, but whom I have not yet spopke to about this business, waiting your more particular directions. I have only told Mr Pearson you will contribute something towards his Expence. I am etc    HR