Letter – Henry Richmond to Walter Blackett – 13 Dec 1761

To Sir Wr. Blackett Bt. M.P. to be left at the Cocoa tree in Pall Mall London 13 December 1761

Hon[ou]rd Sir        

The poll for the city of Durham ended last night when the number for Major Gowland was 775 & for Gen[era]l Lambton 752 so that the former will be returned. As Major Gowland has polled 214 of his honorary Freemen it will certainly occasion a petition to parliament on behalf of the General. But whatever may be the fate of this return, those here, who wish well to our Constitution, wo[ul]d be glad to have the door shut, by an Act of Parliament, ag[ain]st any further practices of this sort, as they will apparently make the representation even of great Cities & Towns corporate depend on the sentiments of a Few.

I am endeavouring to procure the best ultimatum I can in respect of Edward Fenwicks claim. Mr Roberts of Hexham & Dr Robinson of Ponteland both died on Tuesday last. I have not yet heard of any parson who wants a curate, but probably in a few weeks I may. I have been asked if Mr Leake is in orders & whether he wo[ul]d accept of a curacy of £30 a year if no better should offer. Parson Dockwray has got the Living of Stamfordham on the resignation of Dr.Baker. Mr Brewster is soliciting for Sandgate Chapel, but I apprehend he is too late, & that it will be given to Mr Wilson of Gateshead a warm friend of Sir Thos Claverings, as Mr Ridley interests himself in his behalf. P.S. past 7 o’clock. I have this moment rec[eiv]ed your letter & will take care of its contents. The common council will be held tomorrow senight, the 21st inst I am etc  HR