Letters – Joseph Richmond to Walter Blackett – 20 Mar 1759

To Sir Wr Blackett Bt MP. London					20 March 1759

Honrd Sir	

I defer’d writing last post, that I might the better inform myself, what the Sentiments of the Town are on the Lamp bill being dropt.  I find that several on both sides the Question are dissatisfied – Those for the bill seem to blame you & Mr Ridley for not carrying it in, because they are not yet acquainted with the reasons you give for not doing it.  & of those aga[in]st the bill some say ‘tis dropt because the Corporation was affraid of having their managem[en]t of the Revenue appear before the house, but I think all their passions will subside by little & little – however I think the true reason for dropping the bill ought to be communicated to the people, whatever use they may make of it, as it wo[ul]d be fixing the misconduct of the Whole Affair, where it ought to be fixed & removing all Censure of you & Mr Ridley, but I question whether the Mayor & Magistrates will think proper to do it   I am &c      JR