Letter – Henry Richmond to William Darwin – 15 May 1769

To Mr Darwin Greys Inn London                                                        Newca[stle] 15th May 1769

Sir

I have received your Letter inclosing me Mr Savages receipt for four hundred and Ninety five pounds for his half Years intrest due f[ro]m Sir Wr Blackett on the 6 of this month, and have given you Credit for it in the Account between us.

As to the Copy of the Appropriation in 1252. I do not see that it contains any Thing that will be of Service to Sir Walter; & wish you may find any Thing of use in the inclosed Copy of the papers which Dr Sharp has sent me, as he promised Sir Walter he would. When you have considered the Case I made out, together with these papers of Dr Sharpe’s, relating to the dispute Sir Walter is likely to have with the Com[missione]rs of Greenwich hospital I should be glad to have your opinion what Sir Walter should do; for as yet no other person has been consulted.

As to Rothley I hope we have firm ground to tread on, and as to the other part of Wallington Estate I fear Sir Walter must pay Tithe except so far as the Modus’s he pays the vicar will preclude both the vicar and the hospital, that have the Rectory.

With regard to the Sando and Greenwich hospital Suitors, That matter is to rest for the present & till Sir Walter comes to London again – it is certain the loss of a Suitor or two at Hexham Courts is not as great a loss to Sir Walter, but there are so many similar cases in that Manor that the point must be tried ee’r long or there will be none to serve on Juries in it.

The reason of my Enquiry after Mr Rivets Character was my hoping he was able to judge of these points better than our Councill here, who think differently from him upon them – but tho I made that Enquiry I did not mean a proceeding, till Sir Walter was not only satisfied of the expediency of it but also of the probability of success in it. and that the Trust Estate could some how be made Chargeable with the expence of it.

Mr Fawceett give me his opinion verbally something similar to Mr Rivets but since he came from London and has had time to Consider the Case he has given it otherwise. I am etc    HR