Letter – Henry Richmond to Walter Blackett – 17 Feb 1766

To Sir W[alte]r Blackett B[arone]t MP in half Moon Street

Piccadilly London                                                                     Newcas[tle] 17th Febr[ua]ry 1766

Hon[ou]rd Sir      Mr Grey says he received the inclosed anonymous Letter by the Post on Fryday last, but makes no conjecture of the quarter it may have come from. If I do not mistake the author, he is more dissatisfied with the Colliery than the advertisement. Mr Brown thought enough was inserted to excite those, who might want such a Colliery, to look into it and its situation themselves; and that they certainly would do so and not trust to any particulars given thereof in the advertisement.

I had a Letter last post from Mr Westgarth about the advertisement for the sale of Woodcroft, expecting against mentioning the 8s.8d for the fine certain on admittances to the copyhold part of it. he says there is no fine payable, only fees, but I think he is wrong, however as Mr Darwin has the deeds of this Estate he can see what is right. And when Mr Chr[istopher] Johnson compleats the Title of the copyhold part there will be further evidence as to this point, and If there should be a small and invariable Fine payable on Admittances I should think it would be better to mention it in the advertisement.

I hear Mr Stokoe of St. John Lee is very ill, & that it is believed he cannot recover: the living is thought to be better than £100 per year.

I have wrote to Mr Robson to Mr Robson for some particulars and as soon as I get his answer will send a Rental of Ord Estate with the names of the Tenants and may then be able to send or say something about bills.

As to the Fitters defence against the Ship Masters petition I hear Mr Colpitts and Mr Baker are to set out for London on Wednesday or Thursday to support it. But before Mr Baker sets out I suppose he will be acquainted of what is intended in case Mr Stephenson should not arrive in London in time for Mr Mayor to hear from you by the post on Tuesday the 25th for it will be necessary to proceed to Election on Wednesday the 26th at farthest.

It is now near six o’clock and the post wch should have come in yesterday afternoon is not arrived. P.S. I have not seen Mr Peareth but hear he will not vote for Mr Baker: tho perhaps he may think better of it before the time. I am etc        HR