Letter – Joseph Richmond to Isaac Hunter – 4 Nov 1728

Newcastle 4 Nov 1728

To Mr Isaac Hunter at Dukesfield



Sr, I had answer’d yours of the 24th ult before this but that as Mr. Allgood was then coming over to Hexham I thought you would take his directions about the new hearth. I am apprehensive still that it would do better for the Master then the Workmen find it will do for them which make them all protest against it, & therefore as we have been at no small charge in erecting it am of Opinion it will be most adviceable to have a tryall faithfully made by some other workmen (if possible) who are not concern’d about our own Mills. If you could get that fellow of Mowbrays & keep him from being byas’d he would give you satisfaction whether it will be advantageous to continue it or not. As you are upon the spot must leave it altogether to your Discretion how to Discover the truth of this affair. I think you Ought not to give it up till you are convinc’d it is not for the Masters Interest to Continue it. I hope you are now in great forwardness with the Acco[un]t w[hi]ch I Beg you will forward me as Soon as Possible.

	I sent Mr Robinson last weeke to take an Exact acco[un]t of What lead was in the way in Order to enable me to Settle how matters Stood at the time of Sr Wms death. I find that Rudd and Dickinson are still in A wood out of w[hi]ch I fear they’l not early find the way it is to me unaccountable that they cannot keep A true acct of What lead is Smelted & Deliver’d in 12 months. I am yrs &c  JR