Letter – Henry Richmond to Walter Blackett – 5 Apr 1762

Sir Walter Blackett Baro[ne]t MP at the Cocoa tree in Pall Mall      Newcastle 5th April 1762

[Honourd] Sir    

The price given for Standard Silver by Refiners, & other large dealers, is variable like that of the stocks; but like that may be known at the Exchange or by Lloyds Lists every day. And I should think Messrs Plumb & Browne, for their own characters sake would give you the market price. But probably after they had bought the Silver at that price they would not retail it out to Silversmiths without a profit of 1 ½ or 2d an ounce which is only about 3 p[er] cent for their trouble. This may Acco[un]t in some measure; for a Silversmith’s paying a Refiner 5s.10d p[er] oz. sometime ago for Silver; and I remember Standard Silver Sold last year as high a price as 5s.8½d an oz. at the Exchange to which the refiners profit of 1½ or 2d an oz. being added, makes 5s.10d or 5.10½d p[er] ounce, for the retail price. I shall endeavour to get Lodging for Mr Leake against the 24th inst. Inclosed is a List of such of the trees, you bid me buy, as I could meet with at Calendar’s Garden & I have sent directions about them to Jos. Thompson, pursuant to your Letter. Mr Robson tells me Lady Loraine has disposed of her money, & that he has wrote you so. My Sister cannot meet with so large a set of China in the shop’s here as you want; & thinks you will get them more to your satisfaction in London than by telling our Dealers send for any on your account. I am etc HR