Letter – Henry Richmond to William Darwin – 20 May 1771

To  Mr Darwin Greys Inn London                                           Newcas.   20th May 1771



Sir      Inclosed is Sir Walter’s Bond to Mrs Gordon for Two Thousand five hundred pounds executed this day.  & also Sir Walter’s Order upon the Accountant of the Free British Fishery for Three hundred & Seventy pounds ten Shillings for <9 & ½> years dividend due 22nd Ulto.  Sir Walter desires you will lay out Two Thousand pounds of the Money to be received on the Bond to Mrs Gordon in the purchase of India Bonds and reserve the rest of that Sum together with the dividend of the Fishery in your hands till further Order.    Bella <Groptys>  intended Marriage with John West.  Sir Walter says he will have nothing to do with   -  when the Money due to her is called for, you may pay it, and tell her not to write any Letters to Him - or if she does, not to expect any answers.     As to Betty Cotesworth Sir Walter leaves it pretty much to your discretion what her annual Expence is to be; provided the whole, including her Weekly Allowance, never exceeds Twenty pounds a Year.    Sir Walter has a Letter from Mary Harris about her distress, and is willing that you should let her have, towards her relief, any Sum you should see necessary under  Four pounds.  But desires you will tell her, that whatever her wants may be for the future she must expect no more from him than her yearly Allowance.   Sir Walter had a very indifferent night last Night  - & has had Dr Shaw to visit him this Morning who Thinks there is no danger & that the Gout will abate in a few Days.               I am etc    HR