Letter – Henry Richmond to Walter Blackett – 23 Mar 1771

To Sir Wr Blackett  Bt.  M.P. Half Moon Street                  Newcas.   23rd  March 1771

  Piccadilly, London



Honrd. Sir      The Trustees of Hexham School have not yet had a Meeting to chuse a Master; but Mr Bell says they intend having One soon, & thinks there is no doubt but they will chuse Mr Busby.  Some of them had a notion of postponing the Election and having the School taken care of for the benefit of Mrs Rumney; and thought the Curacy might be managed so too - But Mr Busby, if chosen, will scarce be able to remove to Hexham before Mayday, and she proposes quitting the house against that time; & therefore Matters may easily be settled between them.

   I have wrote to the Tenants of Unthank Colliery according to your directions; having first taken Mr Fawcetts advice how to express myself.             I am glad the Tweed Fishery Bill is agreed and hope your Estate will be benefitted by it.

    All continues quiet at Shields & the Two Men that were taken up there have been admitted to Bail. 

     It seems allowed by all the Sober Patriots here that the house of Comons has always had & ought to have a power to compel a Witness, or other person, to come before It;  otherwise they would soon be as useless as the Convocation.  But some of the Extravagant ones have published an Advertisement, in the inclosed paper, for the Support of the printers - which I think will come to nothing.  I have delivered your Compliments to Mr Blackett & Mr Mosley.   I am etc    HR