Letters – Joseph Richmond to Walter Blackett – 19 Oct 1759

To Sir Wr Blackett Bt M.P. In Brook Street Grosvenor Square London

      Newcastle 19 Oct 1759

Sir

Mr Foster and Mr Robson will acquaint you with what has passed at Berwick with regard to your tithe at West Ord and the ways to the Coll[ier]y  to whom I refer as to those particulars.

Messrs Burns declare they have lost £340 by the fisheries in the last six yrs and are therefore not willing to give more than £290 a year for them frm Mich[aelmas] next, wch is an abatement of £80 a yr, too great to be submitted to if it can be helped; therefore I desire your directions whether they are to be advertised, for I hope they may be let at £350 a yr at least.     The dispute about the Ring net stands I conclude is settled as Mr Kettleby is willing to make the exchange.   As you have thoughts of selling the Berwick Estate I think Mr Forster of Lucker sho[ul]d be advanced; for he certainly has that farm far under value.    Of £920 due for rent at last May and no more co[ul]d be got than £320 and of that sum £170 has been allowd the tenants for manure, hedges and buildings.

I cannot get any rent of Mr Swinburn or Mr Featherston for Kenton Hall stables and Stoneclose please to let me know whether I must give them warning at Mart[inma]s to quit at May day unless they will pay up the arrears, wch at Mart[inma]s will be £75 

I am        Hond Sir &c JR