Letters – Joseph Richmond to Isaac Hunter – 13 Apr 1757

To Mr Isaac Hunter at Dukesfield

13 April 1757

Sir

	You say Mr Salkeld, when you sent him to inspect the Mils, br[ough]t you a bad acc[oun]t of Mr Lee. but you do not say whether he was very sick or very drunk. I presume it to be the latter & therefore another Clerk must be looked out for, & as to his brother being employed in the wastes: why is he so if you think it contrary to Sir Wrs intrest. It is your province to regulate these matters as to letting all bargains & not to leave it to Mill Clerks. You mention if Thos.Teasdale had his Dues he wo[ul]d not stand in Arrear in the rental. I do not know what dues they are he wants, nor can I tell what to write him about. As to Jack Lee I see no hopes of amendment & therefore must acquaint Sir Walter that he is incorrigible & not fit to be continued. the first visitation you make at Allanheads let me hear what observations you make about him.

	I must desire you will set on all the Lead Carriage as soon as possible for I have not a pig to sell, occasioned by the triffling work last year at Allanheads & Dukesfield Mills, & you must not depend upon the tenants, but sett on any that will lead it, I am told the Fairlams insist on an advance price, & they only; if others will lead it at the old price, employ them & let the Fairlams mind their Farm, But if nobody will lead without an advance we must be forced to comply. for the Lead must be got to markett with all expedition & that is left entirley to your management to get it as low as you can. Perhaps 2d advance on 10 pieces will please them, the East hand tenants expect 3d advance on 10 pieces But you know their Carriage is a mile longer as it has been measured & they have Apperley bank to climb. So pray act herein according to the best of your judgement but I desire again, that there may be no delay in the Carriage.

	I am sorry for Mr Marshalls death but hope his estate & effects will descend to his Sisters, wch I shall be very glad to hear.  I am etc   JR.