Letter – Joseph Richmond to Walter Blackett – 18 Apr 1760

To Sir Wr Blackett Bt MP at his house in Pall mall London                            Newc 18 April 1760



Honrd Sir 

     Inclosed herewith is the Rental of Wallington Estate, vouched I hope to Mr Savages satisfaction, but I am sorry you should have any occasion to deal with so tedious a person. there is a small alteration upon the rental you had before wch I wish he may not stumble at, tho the amount is the same There is £379.15.0 due to Mr Lascelles for the yrs interest on the 26th Febry last wch I cannot get a bill for here at present therefore if you cannot settle with him otherwise I must send up the money by the carrier.

     Herewith is also inclosed a memorial to be laid before the B[isho]p if you approve of it, wch is a true state of the case to the best of my knowledge but if you think there is any thing in it too particular or had better be left out, you will please to let Mr Darwin new model it. That part of the 4th clause wch mentions what your lead costs you and the latter part of the last clause relating to Bp Chandler are the only articles that in my opinion require your consideration tho they are both strictly true. I hope the B[isho]p at the worst will accept of 200 guineas fine. 

     Lead is now rather upon the advance, I presume on the expectation some people have of a peace and I have sold as much as I hope will enable me to make all the pays, Weardale included before Midsummer next and I have given all the stewards notice to get ready, for the workmen grow very impatient for their money, as their wages have been much lowered. Weardale Groves have raised a great quantity of ore in the last year, wch has cost you very dear, and you will get little by it, unless we have a peace soon and lead advance considerably. 

     Mr Scott being dead you will please to consider whether Mr Forster or Mr Widdrington is to be employed as sollicitor in the country, when you think it may be proper to proceed in the cause with Mr Ord, they are equally acquainted with the case, having both been comissioners. I have delivered your directions to Mr Hay and Robin the gardiner. 

     PS Aldmn Eden shut up shop yesterday and I believe a comission of bankruptcy is sent for by this post. His debts already known are between £5 and 6000 and if they are no more its believed he may divide 10s in the pound at least. The Bp of Chester drew a bill on you payable to Mr Eden for the last half year composition for the tithe oar in Weardale wch I paid him the second installment and I question whether his Ldsp may not be a sufferer. At that time nobody had any suspition of Mr Eden's failing But you are in no way concerned in that matter. The memorandum pinned to the memorial about Mr Wilkinson’s lease Mr Darwin must have a due regard to and I hope he will get that affair settled with Mr Halhead without troubling the Bp about it I am &c JR