Letter – Henry Richmond to Walter Blackett – 20 Jan 1770

To Sir Wr. Blackett Bt. MP, in Half Moon Street                           Newcas. 20 Janry 1770

          Piccadilly London



Honrd. Sir        None of the persons in the inclosed Lists are provided for; their applications, and I believe, their fitnesses too, are nearly in the order they stand in the List, indorsed No. 3.

Mr Blackett approves and says he will recommend the proceeding, in the dispute with Mr Anderson, upon the plea as Conservators of the Soil between high and low water mark antecedendently to that of the usage of getting sand, water Etc at the Skinnersburn.  

    There have been some meetings of the Fitters within these few days, about the Keelmen’s bill; the result whereof Mr Blackett says he will write you in a post or two. They have appointed Mr Davison Solicitor but have postponed other things that deserved determination and do not seem inclined to a compromise on any Treaty with Mr Harvey. - Copies of all the papers that have passed between the Fitters and him & of the deed of Settlement & everything else that can inform the house of a Mature & probable consequence of this intended Bill of Mr. Harvey’s and how unfit he is to be director of such a body of men, are ordered to be sent up; that it may be considered in London how much of them may be proper to be published.  No doubt but upon the Face of the Keelmen’s petition, it will appear to many in the House, as a reasonable thing that men who earn their money so hardly may dispose of part of it into the hands of such persons as they choose and for the purpose proposed.  But when it is considered on the other hand, that these men by having such a Fund as this Collection will raise; capable, if not <invariably> appropriated, of maintaining them for four or five months, will have it in their power, by lying Idle, to distroy all connected with the Coal trade; &   particularly   the Navigation & the City of London; it becomes a matter of political consideration how far it may be prudent to grant their desire, except it be well restricted.  In this Light I understand some of the Coal Owners see it, and intend to oppose the Bill; in whatever form it may be offered.  But the Fitters in general would have no objection to the provision desired by the Men, if the Money to be raised was to be intrusted in proper hands: & I do not find they are at all desirous of being Trustees.  Mr. Peareth thinks the  Sunderland Keelmen will not come into Mr Harvey’s Scheme.         

                                                                              I am etc                                HR