Letter – Henry Richmond to Walter Blackett – 1 Dec 1772

To Sir Walter Blackett Bt. MP. at his house                                           Newcas. 1 Decemr. 1772

in Half Moon Street   Piccadilly  London



Honrd. Sir

	I hope you are well after your Journey - The Wallington Tenants paid their Rent last week better than usual; but the payments and Allowances out of the Money received amounted to above £700 for Masons & Carpenters Work etc for repairs and <Imers> & what Mr. Forster had got of the Tenants in Oats leading Ploughing etc - Mrs Hudson has sent a Ring which I shall send you the first opportunity - Mr. Willis says it is the Lower Class of Excise Officers who have only £50 a Year Salary that are for applying to Parliament for an Addition - the great Addition of Business laid on them & the Alteration in the prices of Things since the first appointment of their Salarys are their Reason for petitioning.  But they do it I am told without the Concurrence of the Excise and Treasury boards - I do not hear any News but what Mr. Darwin writes that Messrs. Bayles & Gibson are trying to have their Cause heard at York Assises - but the Recorder does not approve of it thinking it most proper it should be tryed in Northumberland which is the adjoining County - P.S. It is expected that the Offenders against the Custom of Hexham Mills will all submit , pay Costs & make Satisfaction to the Miller - Inclosed is the Ring that I hope you will receive safe - Mr. Willis has sent to me desiring his name may not be mentioned                                                            I am etc      HR