Letter – Henry Richmond to Walter Blackett – 14 Dec 1770

To Sir Wr Blackett  Barot.  M.P.  in Half Moon Street                       Newcas.   14th  Decr 1770

     Piccadilly, London



Honrd. Sir      Last post I received the letter from Mr Douglas of which the inclosed is a Copy.  Such an Accident at this time is particular and suspicious but I shall see Mr Brown tomorrow and learn his sentiments about it.  I wrote them on the 11th  instant according to Mr Fawcetts advice that “I am well assured Sir W  Bt. expects every article in the Colliery Lease to be strictly performed by the Lessees & that neither any of the Covenants therein Nor the Lease itself, shall be avoided but by a Compliance with & performance of the requisites set for it in the Lease.”  The Grove Stewards were here last Monday for the Money & carried away with them £18850 in Specie, over and above what I had paid for Gunpowder Candles, etc.  & all the Subsistence Money advanced them in the Year.   They had nothing new to tell about the Mines.   As to those in Weardale I have desired them to be careful of misusing any considerable Lead-charge till the disposition of the new Rector is discovered.  I wish you a good Journey hither and  am etc    HR