Letter – Henry Richmond to Walter Blackett – 14 Feb 1766

To Sir W[alte]r Blackett B[arone]t M.P. in half moon Street

Piccadilly London                                                                     Newcas[tle] 14th Febr[uar]y 1766

Hon[ou]rd Sir          I am not certain but expect to be able to send you bills for £1800, to become due about the 20th of next month, and Also to make the Mills pay, and other payments as far as Midsumer. And I hope that, before that time, there will be a good demand for Lead; though indeed none that are dependant on demands for that article will know how to regulate their hopes or expectations, if many such importations as you mention can be made from America! If the Leadmines there should prove considerable they will diminish the value of what are here, & consequently your income, so much as will deserve Reflection. The last sale of Lead here was at £15 a fother for the common sort, & £15. 5s.0d for the refined; but none has been sold since Decem[be]r, nor are there as yet any enquiries.

Mr Johnson talks of getting the copyhold part of Woodcroft settled in a little time. He has this week got Mrs Widdrington’s Affidavit of the death of S[i]r W[ilia]m Blackett, and that Major Allgood survived the other Trustees, and dec[ease]d leaving Mrs Rastal his only child and heir at Law.

Mr Russel, who was struck last Sunday with the palsy, is better and likely to live a while longer.

Dr Askew is just come from Etal; and Major Carr, who desires his compliments, tells me he brings a very indifferent account of Mrs Carr, and that it is feared she cannot hold it long. I am etc  HR