Letters – Joseph Richmond to Isaac Hunter – 18 May 1731

Mr Hunter 						Newcastle 18th May 1731

Sr, 

We have only got this Year to Blaydon 200 ps of Allenheads Lead, tho there was above 3000 ps at Beldon the 10 of last Month, & from Rookhope, we have not received one Pigg but 206, part of what was laying in the way over the Year, I have now only 400 pigs at Markett, & the Refining Ho[use]s stand still, This is therefore to desire you will forwd the Lead to Markett with all Expedition, I could this Day have sold 2000 ps if I'de had it ready, the sail whereof is actually lost, for  the Merchant was limitted to ship it in 5 days, I cant promise it him as our Carriage goes on in 20, As this is an Affair of the utmost Consequence at this juncture, I doubt not your Imediate care in it, how are wee to pay either the Mines or the Milns, if we cant get the Lead down while the Market calls for it, I am etc   J.R.