Letters – Joseph Richmond to Walter Blackett – 23 Jan 1756

To Sr.Wr.Blackett Bt London

23 Jan 1756

Hon Sir

You will no doubt have many Lres this post, w[i]th an acct. of Mr Cuthbertson the Town Clerks death, who died at Scorton of a Fever last Wednesday night; this place is in the disposal of the Comon Council, & I find many of them are inclined to shew all the favour to the family th[a]t can be done consistent with the late regulation, by wch the Corpora[tio]n is only obliged to pay 1000 Guineas being 1/2 of the money Mr Cuthberston p[ai]d for the place. Some seem inclineable to let Old Mr Cuthbertson enjoy the place for his Life for the benefit of his Sons family, if it can be done, he finding a P[er]son to act in the Office, th[a]t will be agreeable; others think it will be better to make a Complim[en]t of some P[ar]t of the other 1000 Guineas & to dispose of the place imediately to the proprest p[er]son th[a]t offers; but nothing will be concluded without your approbation.

Mr Wm Gibson is solliciting the Comon Council today to become the purchaser, if they do not think proper to transfer the Office to Old Mr Cuthberston; wch I imagine will not be done; & tho nobody else yet stirs about it, Mr Jno. Richardson, Mr Hen. Wilkinson, Mr  Jos. French & Mr Wm. Lowes, its beleived will all be Candidates for the place; it is reckoned to be worth better than £300 a Year to any P[er]son that's well qualified & will give constant attendance.  

I am etc  JR