Letter – Henry Richmond to Walter Blackett – 30 Mar 1776

Sir Walter Blackett Barot   Half moon Street                                  Newcas  30th March 1776

        Piccadilly   London



Honrd Sir

	Isaac Walton, your Clerk at Rookhope Mill, died last Sunday; & inclosed is a List of the several Persons who have offered to succeed him.  it is of great Consequence to have an experienced, skilfull man in that place; as the greater part of your Ore is smelted at that place Mill.  Three pieces of your Lead have been stolen from Allanheads Mill lately: if you think the inclosed Advertisement proper you will please to insert the reward.  We have no Lead trade yet, & but a bad prospect: so you will be obliged to borrow the £1000 for Lady Loraine.  Mr Maughan has met with a good Grove in Middlehope Fell; & Allanheads & Coalcleugh are doing very well: therefore only a good price is wanting.  In case Mr Bacons Mines are to be sold, it might be advantageous, considering your Connections with them, to give One Thousand Pounds for them.  the seven Years Arrears due from his Extors amount to £198. 16s. 6d; for which I should suppose you have a right to distrain; but this is a Subject for Mr Fawcett, when you please to consult him.  Ralph Forsters Estates are advertised to be Sold on the 4th April - None have yet offered as Laundry Maid but Peggy Morrison, who was formerly in that Station, but was dismissed for being with Child.  It is now Sunday [“Sunday 31st “ written in the margin] & Mr Hunter of Dukesfield, who I wished to see about the inclosed List, is not yet come - So, as a Mill Clerk should be appointed soon & as Mr Marshall is by much the fittest I shall not postpone my Letter any longer.

	I hope you are well & am etc             HR





Same Day - Wrote Sir Wr Blackett that Mr Westgarth of Coalcleugh died the 31st instant