Letters – Joseph Richmond to Walter Blackett – 19 Dec 1755

To Sir W[alte]r Blackett Bt  M.P. London

Newcastle 19 Dec 1755

Hon. Sir

	The dispute between Wray & the Ropers is at present suspended for he has got one Stephenson a free Roper & carries on the Business in his name; but how long this Expedient will keep Matters quiet among them is very uncertain. Cramlington's men have been very riotous, & the Mayor has granted Warrants ag[ain]st them; wch he co[ul]d not refuse to do & this is w[ha]t they complain of , & want the Magistrates to countenance them in a Matter not to be justified. Wray married Wm.Sissons the Roper's wid[o]w & on that pretence took upon him to carry on the Business in his own Name to the prejudice of the Co[mpanie]s in general and of Sisson's son in particular. Wray is but an idle sort of a body, & not able to dispute this point with the Co[mpanie]s. They applyd to Mr Ridley & he sent for Wray & Lecturd him upon the case, wch pleased the Co[mpanie]s tho it had no Effect upon Wray. And with submission I think yo[u]r best answer wo[ul]d be that the Ropers & other free Co[mpanie]s in Newcastle may always  rely on yo[u]r assistance tow[ar]ds the support of their respective priviledges.

	Lady Balckett is now here. she has not said anything to me about the time when she intends to move So[uth]wards. But I find f[ro]m Mrs Elmes that Monday or Tuesday senight is the time talked of; if her Ladys[hi]p finds you are not for coming down before that time. I do not know of any call you have to take th[a]t trouble, either on the Corporation's or y[ou]r own business, unless it suit yo[u]r own inclinations.

PS  : Mr Robson writes you this post in relation to Lucker, & w[ha]t ans[we]r he has for f[ro]m L[or]d North[umber]l[an]ds Agents on th[a]t head - this matter seems to require some imediate step being taken in it, for it is two y[ea]rs since the moor was inclosed - I think Mr Forster has not considered yo[u]r intr[e]st in this affair. The Agents this Morning charge the whole affair upon him & promise the Matter shall be inquired into & that you shall have right done you.  I am etc  JR

[ note in margin :]  PS I have just now receivd advice that Gabriel D. Vebre on whom I sent you Mr Thos.Aireys bill in my Lre of the 25th ult. for £357.19.7 has stopd Payment, but Mr Airey desires the bill may be sent to Messrs Hyde & Lawson & Co. Merchants in Cornhill, who has orders to pay the Bill when due.