Letter – Henry Richmond to William Darwin – 2 Apr 1768

To Mr Darwin Greys Inn London                                                          Newca[stle] 2d April 1768

Sir

Sir Walter bids me write you that if Mrs Idle’s representatives are willing to take four p[er] Cent[u]m he will give his bond accordingly with a Clause in it if they please that it shall not be paid or called in for the Term of four years. I have wrote to Mr Wilson of Leeds about Mr Freeman’s wanting his money & will let you know as soon as I hear from him but I am as much a Stranger as you to what he is about & wonder he does not get forward with the Conveyances. I have also told him of the half Year’s int[e]r[es]t that will be to be paid soon to the Mortgages of the Estate. I am obliged to You for your News about Mr Wilkes. We have had a general Stop of our Keelmen for about a Week but they are gone to work again. We are now alarmed with a Stop of the Sailors at Shields who absolutely refuse to work except their Wages are mended – they have been very riotous I hear but as reasonable offers have been made them by their Masters I hope they will soon be calm again.

P.S. I find Mr Hill has sent the dozen of hams & Cheeks since I wrote you. When you write to me pray inclose your Letter & then direct it to Sir Walter as I mentioned putting the Word free under the word Tyne as you have done That being the best distinction I can think of & besides Sir Walter knows of it. I am etc    HR