Letters – Joseph Richmond to Walter Blackett – 18 Nov 1759

To Sir Wr Blackett Bnt MP at his h[ou]se in Brook Street Grosvenor Square London												18th Nov 1759

Hond Sir

I have sold only about 6000 Ps Lead this year wch amounts to no more than about £4500 but this has cost you near £5000 so that it frets me to sell at so much loss and yet I must dispose of 3 or 4000 ps more to pay off Allanhd and Coalcleugh to Xmas next for the people there cannot want their money, but as to the workmen in Weardale they are in better circumstances and may be put off the next year with a little subsistence.  If the war continue ano[the]r yr as it is likely it will nothing but loss can be expected from the lead trade and therefore the less you are oblidged to sell the better       Mr Fenwick writes me that he will continue his £2000 if you please to send a note order in 14 days that you will pay him 4 ¼ percent from 12th May otherwise he expects the money to be then paid in.  And I wish that money was paid off if I could tell how to do it.  As you are likely to get the money to pay off Mr Lescelles you will please to consider whether it will not be better, if you can raise £30,000 wch will enable you either to pay the lead mines and preserve your lead for a better market or pay off some of your bonds that are at a higher interest especially those that you think are most likely to call in their money.     I desire you will please to let me know your resolution to Mr Fenwick that I may give him an answer.  You remember that he refused to take your own bond and that Mr Peareth is joined with you in it.  I am hon Sir yours &c JR