Letter – Joseph Richmond to Richard Wilson – 17 Nov 1761

To Richd. Wilson Esq: at Leeds                                                            17th November 1761

Sir   Wee have heard nothing further from Mr Brown about Kenton Colliery I am apt to believe that his proposal was on the behalf of a Gentleman in this Neighbourhood, who if Sir Walter & you were to engage with would give you trouble enough. Mr Brown hinted to me as if Mr Ald[erma]n Bell was to be concerned, who would have been a very good tenant but when I mentioned it to him he declared he knew nothing of the matter. Sir Walter Before he went to London ordered me to take the opinion of some able viewer & on the other side you have copee of Mr Wm. Newtons opinion who I look upon to be the most experienced viewer here a very honest & disenteressed man. & is well acquainted with the nature of the coal, & all circumstances relating to Kenton Colliery Sir Walter is very desirous of letting her, if any person of ability & character would offer any reasonable terms, She has been advertised some years ago, & it may be done again now if thought proper but is so well known, that when any of the Colleries that lay nearer the River are wro[ugh]t will Let to much better advantage, I saw Mr <King> this morning, & he desires me to let you know that he can’t conveniently pay his Rent till the beginning of next month       I am etc    JR