Letter – Henry Richmond to Walter Blackett – 18 Jul 1767

To Sir Wr Blackett Bt at Hexham                                                              Newcastle 18 July 1767

Hon[ou]r[e]d Sir

Mr Newton says no opinion can be formed of the reasonable or Unreasonableness of Mr Gotts estimate without first knowing the quality of the stone, the distance of the quarry & the price of leading: & seeing the plan & the place where the bridge is to be built. So he comes to take your directions as to the informing himself of these particulars.

The Wood at Kenton stands all in the hedge rows, except for some tall but slender trees in the two Nurseries & a few in the Yards: & has not been taken Notice of in the sev[era]l valuations that have from time to time been made of this Estate, further than as an Ornam[en]t or Shelter to it. Whether the value of such part of this wood as can properly be cut is considerable, I cannot judge. I wish Mr Wray was well enough to give his opinion of it. If he is not I shall endeavour, if you please, to get it valued, that you may know what it amounts to. I am sorry I wrote to Mr Wilson last night, agreeable to what passed at Wallington – tho considering how often this Estate has been offered for Sale & the backwardness of people about it It does not look as if it were cheap at £24000. I am etc   HR