Letters – Joseph Richmond to Walter Blackett – 16 Mar 1731

To Walter Blackett Esqr.                                    Newcastle 16 Mar 1730



Honourd Sir

      I acquainted you in my Lre of the 5th that I had sent for Mark Bowman to give Mr Ord an acct of the Persons he complain’d of for destroying the game, But he did not come, having no proof against any, I was last week at Wallington, where being told that severall hares were kil[l]ed at Fallowlees & Leighton in the last snow, I took Fenw: Bowman, who is Constable and by threatening the <hind> & Tenants there to bring before the Sr. Wm. Lorraine, they discovered that Robt. Snowdon of Newbegin & James Robson a tenant at Fallowlees were the Person[s] guilty, They were both with me & being sufficiently terrified for what might be the consequences decided me to acquaint you, they beg you will please excuse this first offence & promise never to be guilty again, I believe they will be as good as their promise & hope you’l excuse my proceeding against them till I receive your further orders being both poor men.

      The Reason of not paying Mrs Reed demand for <Ribbons> is my want of an order for so <doing> knowing nothing of their being delivered, I was ordered by Sr. Wm. to put a stop at most of the shops in Town, to the delivering any Favours the last Elec[ti]on, the charge thereof having been so extravagant at the Elec[ti]on in 1722. Mrs Reeds order was from Mr Fenwick who had paid her <55s> the half of <b……r..> & I shall wait your orders for the payment of the remainder 

      I am       JR