Letter – Henry Richmond to Walter Blackett – 8 Jul 1764

To Sir W[alte]r Blackett Baro[ne]t at                                           Newcas[tle] 8th July 1764

Wallington



Hon[our]d Sir    If Mr Isaac Hunter had not been assisted by his son Mr Isaac Hunter jun[io]r you would have been obliged sometime ago to have appointed another in his place. The young man I believe is sober and diligent and may do as well I that station as any other, if you do not think him too young, being about eight and twenty. He has acquitted himself very well both last year and this, tho[ugh] the Carriage Men have been very difficult to deal with. The salary is £80 a year.

As to John Ritson’s Estate, Mr Collingwood told me that nothing could be done on your part till the next head court when proclaimation will be made  for the Heir to come in. And then the Judge of the court will determine the pretensions of Mr Lowes’s Client, or of any other; and if no one is able to prove himself the Heir of John Ritson, the Homage Jury must find the Escheat. After that, you may proceed to obtain possession. Mr Lambert acknowledges he cannot make a legal proof of his kinship to John Ritson.

I shall come to Ponteland on Tuesday next, to the meeting of the Trustees. I am etc        H R