Letters – Joseph Richmond to Isaac Hunter – 16 Nov 1756

To Mr Isaac Hunter at Dukesfield

Newcastle 16 Nov 1756

Sir

Your not sending the lead away from the mils this year at the proper season was certainly a very great neglect, fo wch Sir Wr. orders me to require your reason as the sale of it is lost for 7 or 8 Months. At Allanheads Mil there were only 45 pieces sent away in Aug.  tho there were 1000 p[iece]s at the Mil & in Sept. only 126 p[iece]s sent away tho above 1500 p[iece]s at the Mil, & when I sent to John Lee to know his reason his answer was he had your orders to deliver no lead to any that did not bring your tickett. At Dukesfield Mil there was 3735 p[iece]s remaining 30 Sept. & when you were abroad & I wrote to Fra. Salkeld to know why it was not sent away his answer was he had your orders to deliver to none but the tenants, which certainly cannot be right; for if the tenants will not lead it, some others should be employed & not let the Lead bekept at the Mils over the year, when we want it to be ready for the market. What you have sent away in Oct, if it can be got into Blaydon we must pay the Winter price for; so pray send away no more till the Spring, & send to see that all the lead is got to the Stob that's sent away, that Rennison may make up his tickett, for Sir. Wr. will have your pay made before Christmas; So that you must send in all your Accts as soon as possible.  I am etc    JR