Letter – Henry Richmond to Walter Blackett – 29 Jan 1770

To Sir Wr. Blackett Bt. MP, in Half Moon Street                           Newcas. 29th  Janry 1770

          Piccadilly London



Honrd. Sir     Charles Browell is the Son of Stephen Browell, a free Smith, and was Master of a ship in the Coasting trade, which was lost about a year ago  -   he was brought up in All Saints Charity School in this Town and is about 25 Years of Age  -  but his father and he having resided many years at Greenwich I cannot learn any further particulars about him than that he is married & has two or three children.  

    As to what Margt. <Mensies> says about her husband’s misfortunes, and lowness of Spirits, I am told it is true; but, tho he is a deserving man yet there is not any likelihood of his succeeding in his Application for a place there not being any Intention at present of appointing such an Officer; perhaps if a Ballast Assesor’s place shod. become vacant he would stand a good chance for it.

    Mr Harvey could not prevail on the Sunderland Keelmen to sign his petition - which, it is now said, contains a request for many Things more than are in the deed of Settlement: so the Fitters think it best to do nothing further till they receive a Copy of it.  They have resolved on a Tax of Coals exported between Midsummer last and the 1st instant, toward carrying on the Opposition to any Bill for establishing the deed of Settlement. For as to any treaty with Mr Harvey, or any overtures to be made to the Men as some of the Fitters had proposed, they have been deemed friendly because the Men will not, nay many say they dare not, depart from the deed they have signed.  Neither do I suppose any departure from it can be admitted above: but that there must either be a Bill Consonant to it, or a Resistance found in the Execution of the Act; so that it seems the best way to avoid, if you can, being a party either for or against the Keelmen.

    Mr Peareth says the Tryal with Mr Anderson about getting Sand, Water etc at the Skinnersburn is to come on as he understands it, at the next Assizes; but he doubts it will not be possible for the Town Clerk and the Recorder to bring Matters to such a Composition against that time as to try then the Conservator’s right to prevent the Inclosure of that Shore.

   Lord Errol and Mr Case are in this Town now, on their way to London, where they propose being on Thursday.                          

                  I am etc                   HR