Letter – Henry Richmond to Walter Blackett – 4 Apr 1769

To Sir Wr Blackett Baro[ne]t MP in Half Moon Street

Piccadilly London                                                                                    Newca[stle] 4 April 1769



Hon[ou]r[e]d Sir

The four Boxes of Sperma Ceti Candles are come & put into the pantry.

Yesterday I received the fifteen hundred pounds on your bond to Mrs Mary Loraine & have charged the same in my Cash Account.

The Mayor and many others incline to have the opposition to the Coventry Canal repealed in the house of Lords, if it be only that they may not be found without Witnesses of having done all in their power in a measure so detrimental to the public. Agreeable to this Sentiment a petition of the Masters & Owners of Ships here & at Shields is signing & will be sent directly, to be presented to the house of Lords. At the Guild yesterday the Mayor was desired by Mr White and some other patriots to allow them the Guild hall to meet in, to instruct you and Mr Ridley, which he declined doing – they seemed a good deal dissatisfied with the refusal & hinted they could hire Parker’s room but I do not suppose they will proceed in the Business. The Cloth & the Lace are ready for the Servants Liveries.

Major Carr says he will not trouble you about executing a Bond for his £100 till you come into the Country. I am sorry you are detained so long from it, & by such disagreeable Business; But hope you preserve your Health.

P.S. The further consideration of Mr Lodge’s petition is postponed by the Common Council till Thursday & considering the temper of the time it may perhaps be prudent to put off Resolving for the present. The printed paper is attributed to Dr R__m.  I am etc    HR