Letter – Henry Richmond to William Darwin – 12 Jun 1769

To Mr Darwin Greys Inn London                                                         Newca[stle] 12th June 1769

Sir

I have shewn Sir Walter Blackett your Letter about the Tithes of Wallington Rothley etc which the Com[misione]rs of Greenwich hospital are now Claiming; and he desires you will draw out the Case in form, with such Queries as you think proper, and lay it before Mr York, Mr Dunning & Mr Blakiston for their opinions and that, as soon as the Case is drawn out, you will send me a Copy of it to take the opinions of a Council or two here whom he is inclined to consult with upon the Matter.

Mr Silvertop is working away the Coal very briskly in his Estate at Ash tree; which he cannot have a right to do, without accounting to some of the Lords for some part of it as I mentioned in my Letter of the 11 April last. Indeed, if his Ancestor bought this Estate as a Freehold of the Family of the Earls of Westmorland in or before Qu. Elizths reign, he may have the Entiarty of the Royalty therein, but not else: for I have heard, tho’ I do not recollect how, that Chas Earl of Westmorland sold the whole Manor of Winlaton sometime in that reign to Hodgshon, Selby and Anderson in the same proportions or Shares as it is now enjoyed in by Ld Widdrington Sir Wr & Sir Edwd Blackett and Mr Simpson and partners – so that any Sale subsequent to that Reign could only convey the Share of the vendor. It is difficult to bring proprietors, that are so far asunder, to a determination on Matters of Business, and so Mr Silvertop goes on without Interruption; but certainly an Injunction might be obtained, upon proper Allegations, till the cause could be tryed. As you understand this Affair very well I should be glad of your thoughts on it, that I may communicate them as occasion offers to Sir Walter and the other Lords or their agents that blame may not hereafter be laid where it ought not. I hope you have heard of the salmon sent to Mrs Darwin. Sir Walter asked me if you intended to visit Newcastle this Year? I hope you do, and assure you, I shall be glad to see you. I am etc    HR