Letter – Henry Richmond to Walter Blackett – 14 Jul 1769

To Sir Wr Blackett Bt at Wallington                                                     Newca[stle] 14th July 1769

Hon[ou]r[e]d Sir

Most of the proprietors of Fisheries below Norham, or their Agents, were at the meeting on Wednesday: but little was done save the agreeing upon a Close time from the 10th Octor to the 10 Janry and fixing another Meeting on Wednesday the 16 of August at Cornhill.

Lord Hume Mr Blake & Mr Carr Agent for the Duke of Roxburgh obstructed the business of the day as much as they could setting forth the necessity of a more general meeting, at which more of the proprietors of fisheries above Norham might be present and insisting as a Sine qua Non that a Stop day, or another day of rest besides Sunday, should be allowed; that more Fish might pass to the higher Fisheries – as otherwise there would not be a Sufficient Inducement for the proprietors of those fisheries to Act as Conservators of the Fry & Enforcers of an Act that would be so disagreeable to the Common people of their Neighbourhoods. This requisition was looked upon as an Unreasonable Thing, and therefore peremptorily refused. The Value of the fisheries below Norham amount to above £5200 a Year and those above to only £400 a Year at most. So it appeared strange they should require a day in six, which might amount to £850 a year, to be given for their friendship to the Bill while they could not deny but their benefit by the Regulations proposed in the Bill would be proportional to their Situations. However the proposed meeting at Cornhill was agreed to in hopes these Gentlemen may discover the Impropriety of their Demand before that time. Willm Archbold has executed his Lease; previously giving up by a writing signed by him the little Close, that lies between the West ford road & Lone End burn, in which the Cottage house stands: for w[hi]ch Close you are, if you please, to allow him 30s a year. Mr Douglass and Mr Lambert both say this will be Sufficient for the horses. As to the haugh he said he could not part with it, or any part of it, for any Consideration.

Mr Ord’s Incroachment is pulled down in such Way as Mr Forster and Mr Grey who was there thought was Justifiable.

I do not think there is any reason from any Thing I have heard to alter your Intentions of Advertising the letting your Fisheries by way of proposal in writing.

I should be glad to know, if Dr Sharp has given the Answer, whether the Bishop is patron of Hartburn Vicarage. P.S. Lord Ravensworth is at Ravensworth, but not well of a Rheumatic Complaint and declines seeing Company. The hams and heads are come from Mr Hills. I am etc    HR