Letter – Henry Richmond to Walter Blackett – 22 Feb 1769

To Sir Wr Blackett Bt MP in half moon street

Picadilly London                                                                                 Newca[stle] 22d Febry 1769

Hon[ou]r[e]d Sir

As soon as I have an Opportunity I will enquire why James Oliver was discharged at Wolfcleugh. As to his charge against Robert Allgood for engrossing farms, it is the same that John Pringle made, who said he co[ul]d reckon up £300 a year that he had got including your’s at Redburn: but he could mention only James Olivers & one Mary Leachy’s farm; which last is found to be part of what Robt Allgood has rented of Mr Hopper for about 12 yrs past. The farms he has taken, I am told, are grazing Farms; but yet they will I doubt engage Mr Allgoods attention too much on the Surface to allow him a full Application to Minery.

I have wrote to Mr Forster about valuing Lucker farm & Mr Bell will go with him and try to get the £105 18s 6d which Mr Thomas Forster has admitted he has received for the Tithes of the Moor to Mayday last.

The Mayor says he and several of the Aldermen concerned in the Coal Trade had a Meeting last Saturday on the proposition of allowing the Warwickshire Coals to come to Oxford and no further by Water & that he wrote Mr Ridley their Sentiments.

I have spoke to my Brother abo[u]t borrowing Money here are 4 p[er]Cent[u]m & he will try what he can do.

Mr Bell has been enquiring when he may depend on his Money. I am etc    HR