Letter – Henry Richmond to Walter Blackett – 11 Sep 1770

A Mr.   Mr. Le Cher Blackett  Seigneur Anglois                            Newcas.   11th   Sept 1770

chez Mr. Vandenclooster a Bruxelles  p. Ostende



Honrd. Sir      Mr Lambert being acquainted with Dr Black I got him some time ago to send some Coxlodge Water for his Examination; a quantity of Fellen Water was also sent, and inclosed is a Copy of his Opinion of them.  I have communicated it to the Mayor and some of the Aldermen, & when they hear from the Gentleman, whom the Water was sent to in London, both reports will be laid before the Comon Council.   Since the Meeting at Winds, at which they did not come to any resolution about the Mayoralty, the Recorder has given it as his Opinion that the High Sherif of Northumberland is not compelled to serve as Mayor of Newcastle; so Mr Simpson as well as Mr Peareth being passed by, Mr Bell, who was at a Meeting held yesterday, was pressed much to take the Office, but he stood firm to his resolution, tho’ unsupported by the reasons he at first alledged.  Mr Ridley, therefore, tho’ reluctantly is to be Mayor; but Mr Blackett writes by this post more particularly than I can.  The Recorder has had an Inflamation in his Eyes wch. has prevented his writing to you; but he desires his Compliments and will write as soon as he is able.   The Advertisement for a Meeting at York on the 26th of last month, which was a Sunday, is said to have been a Mistake; but another is published for the 25 instant: Copy of which is inclosed.  The Spirit of the party is almost dormant here at present, having produced nothing for some time past but the inclosed Letter - but I wish it may not shew itself at Michas .  Mr Aynsley is not at home - he was at the Mayors Entertainment in the Assize Week & seemed pretty well - only he declined having any venison - not chusing he said to Engage Company.  Lady Loraine & family - Mr & Mrs Ellison & Mr & Mrs Swinburn are all very well & much obliged to you for your Enquiry after them.  Mr Simonds haunch of venison was sent last week.  he has had two presents of pine Apples, as you ordered, & the third will go as soon as any are ripe.  The B[isho]p of Chester, Mr Carr of Etal, Mr Scott, Sir L. Allgood & Sir Edwd. Blackett have each had half a Buck: Sir Edwd. would not have more, neither has he been yet at Wallington.  Mr Avison the organist is dead -  his two Sons propose continuing the Concerts, and people seem disposed to Encourage them.  You were a Subscriber  for two tickets - if you chuse to continue, please to give me direction.  Mr Ridley desires his Compliments, & says he wrote you on the 25 August to Spa; but will defer writing again till Michs. as he is not able yet to tell you anything that will be agreeable.  My last Letter was dated the 25 August, which I hope you have received.  P.S. I could wish to know what would be agreeable to you, as to West Ord Fishery which will be to be let at Michas. or soon after.  Whether to let the Tenants have it at the present rent for another Year, or let it to the best bidder, & for what term?  & am etc    HR