Letters – Joseph Richmond to Walter Blackett – 11 May 1756

To Sr.Wr. Blackett Bt. MP. London

11 May 1756

Hon Sir

	Inclosed is Peareth & Sorsbie' bill on Stainbank & Freeman for £500.0.0 wch I desire you will be pleased to advise the rec[eip]t of. I co[ul]d not get a bill at a shorter date.  The 26 last month was a rent day at Wall[ingto]n, when I never knew so poor a rec[eip]t, for there was not money enough got to pay the workmen & w[ha]t Mr Robson wanted; wch I am surprised at as the Tenants get good prices for everything they have to sell.

	Here are some Lres by the last post wch say the Governm[en]t intend to prohibit the exportation of Lead for the pres[en]t, there never was any such prohibition during the two last wars & I hope will not be now, but if there sho[ul]d I doubt not but all the Lead Owners will join in their Endeavours to get it taken off or they had better lay in their mines till it is done; for as the summer is the time of exportation & the new stocks will soon be down at all markets any stop in the trade now must inevitably bring down the price to nothing.

	We expect to get the workmen out of the <...> in 3 weeks.  I am etc  JR





To Messrs Stainbank & Freeman  Merchants in London

Newcastle 7 May 1756    £500

Forty days after date pay Mr Joseph Richmond or order Five hundred pounds, the value in acct. with Sr.Walter Blackett, place the same to acct as by advice from Peareth & Sorsbie