Letters – Joseph Richmond to Walter Blackett – 18 Apr 1758

To Sir Wr. Blackett Bt. MP. in St James's Street London

Newcastle 18 Apr 1758

Hon. Sir

	Mr Fenwick writes me th[a]t Mr Ward agrees to convey, say[in]g they will settle ab[ou]t the Ann[ui]ty between themselves; He also says he will leave £2000 in your hand on proper security. I desired to know if he meant any more by proper security than yo[u]r Bond agreable to the Article wth Mr Jennison; to wch he only answers th[a]t he has given Mr Douglas full instructions. I have not yet seen Mr Douglas, but if he sho[ul]d put Mr Fenwick upon requiring anything more than yo[u]r bond, please to let me know what I am to say: for as to paying the whole 4000 Guin[ea]s at this time I find it will disable me f[ro]m making the pays this y[ea]r as Lead is dropping everywhere.

	Mr harrison gives a bad acct. of their managem[en]t in Weardale, but says he hopes Mr Maughan will follow his directions, & conduct matters in a better manner. But in the main he looks on those Groves as very poor. 

	He says he intends a tryal at Yarridge as soon as the corn is off the ground where he thinks there is a very fair prospect And that as to Old Martin who wrote to you; he p[ai]d him far more than he deserv'd ; for he deviared from the first information he gave & when he came to be examind by the refferees sais more in Mr Ord's favour than yo[u]rs; for it appears they had him at Whitfield, where his two bro[the]rs are tenants.

	You ordered my son to remind you of sending some Tares for the Pidgeons at Wallington.

	I hope this will find you well after your journey.  I am etc   JR

PS. I have just now seen Mr Douglas, who says Mr Fenwick writes him that Mr Ward will not convey, unless (as you are a Member of P[arliament]) somebody be join'd with you in the Bond. I told him I did not beleive you would submit to that, but would rather pay in all the money, but that he said would not do for Mr Ward in his Opinion. Please to let me have your Directions & if you agree to any Person being joind in the Bond, to let me know who you choose.