Letter – Henry Richmond to Thomas Maughan – 28 Jan 1762

To Mr Thos. Maughan at Newhouse Weardale                         Newcastle 28 January 1762

Sir

Mr Fenwick of Bywel, or some person properly authorized by him will, I expect call upon you soon about taking the Tack of a Leadmine; but they don’t chuse to mention the place where it lyes, tho’ I think they ought at least to mention the Fell. This is so Loose a way of letting a Tack that I think it will be necessary for you to insert such limitations as the following, to wit In any place in Weardale belonging to Sir Wr B]lacke]tt as Moor Master, except Kilhope Fell; provided the said Leadmine or vein has not been wro[ugh]t hitherto nor cuts off nor interferes with any Leadmine or vein hitherto wrought; & if you also limit them to so many yards in length f[ro]m the first shaft they sink & so many yards on each side of the vein, & restrain them from hushing except with the Licence of Sir Wr Blackett or his chief agent for the Leadmines in Weardale.I think they cannot any way prejudice Sir Wr. These are such provisions as occur to me; but you can judge better what is necessary in this case than I can. You know that 25s. a bing is the highest price that is to be given then & that only when lead sells at £15 a fo[the]r, & so to fall in the proportion as inserted in your common Tack notes.

I shall be glad to know whether you have any pastures or inclosures in Weardale known by the following names, to wit, Hunshelford pasture, Burnthills, Hollin hill Smallbourns in Rookhope & Wolfeclough foot & Green clough sheil also taken off Rookhope pasture  I am etc   HR

PS I have rece[ive]d yours & Mr Harrisons opinion wch I think is very right