Letter – Henry Richmond to Walter Blackett – 4 Mar 1767

To Sir Wr Blackett Bt MP in half moon street                                    Newca[stle] 4th March 1767

Piccadilly London                                                                                

Hon[ou]r[e]d Sir

Capt[ai]n Blaigdon required four guineas as Satisfaction for the provision and Accommodation he had provided for Robson’s passage to Virginia; which I have paid him.

The building a Bridge over the Tyne near Hexham would secure a comunication between that Town and the North, & North West parts of Northumberland; and would of course enlarge the Fairs & Markets, and in general the Trade, of that Town very considerably: and consequently tend directly to the improvement of the Estates in the Neighbourhood of it. Therefore it seems reasonable that the Comm[issione]rs of Greenwich hospital, who have very large Estates at Dilston and elsewhere on the south side of Tyne, should subscribe towards the proposed Bridge. Besides they have some Estates up North Tyne which amount to above £300 a year; and expect a very considerable Allotment of Wark and Broadpool Commons on the division, which is now making of them: for which Estates this bridge would secure a Markett at all times. Moreover if any advantage is desireable to the Leadmines belonging to the Commissioners from the intended Turnpike road between Alston & Hexham; to which I understand they have subscribed handsomely, a proportionable one must arise from an Enlargement of the Fairs & Marketts & an increase of the Trade & populousness of Hexham, by this Bridge. I am Sorry you Complain so much of your Spirits: too much thought about Matters, either disagreeable or difficult, will unavoidably hurry them, & prevent your Rest.  I am etc  yrs etc HR