Letter – Henry Richmond to William Westgarth – 28 Aug 1770

To Mr William Westgarth at Coalcleugh                                   Newcas.   28th  Augst.  1770



Sir     You know Sir Walter Blackett appointed Additional Game keepers to preserve the Game on his Moors, & gave positive Orders to prosecute unqualified persons offending against the Law; & that the Game keepers had orders to acquaint all Gentlemen, that were qualified & came upon his Moors, how desirous he was of preserving his Game, & that he hoped they would not shoot any there.  I do not doubt but Thos. Craig acquainted Mr Heron of Ninebanks’ Son & Mr Kirkby the parson there, of this desire of Sir Walter’s; and therefore I should not have supposed, as Gentlemen, they would have interfered, much less that young Mr Heron would have behaved so very much amiss, as Mr Ra. Heron writes me he did, to Craig when he discharged him - I am sure his Father will not countenance him therein; nor even in interfering with Sir Walter.

     I do not suppose either the parson, or young Mr Heron, are qualified & therefore they would have come within the General Order given by Sir Walter for prosecuting unqualified persons - but as I believe it will be more agreeable to him that the Order should be dispensed with in this Case, provided the Gentlemen do not offend again, I beg you will wait upon Mr Heron and Mr Kirkby & communicate this Letter to them; & that I beg they will not be an Example to others in this way.            I am etc    HR