Letters – Joseph Richmond to Walter Blackett – 26 Jan 1759

To Sir Wr Blackett Bt MP at his house in Brook Street Grosvenor Square	

      Newcas 26 Jany 1759

Honrd Sir			

      I herewith inclose the rental of Kenton estate but have not yet got matters settled with John Donkin, because Mr Robson thinks it will be more agreable to you to lay out £30 or £40 more than was at first intended, in taking in the Waste ground in the Street before the slate row of houses; for wch I believe Mr Donkin will be willing to pay 10 p[er] Cent, wch will be a further addition to the Rental & I desire to know if you approve thereof. – I have talked with Jno [John] Weatherburn about his farm & he is willing to take a Lease for 12 or 15 years f[ro]m next Mayday at £10 a yr advance, wch I think is the most Mr Robson & I shall be able to make of him, please to let me know if you chuse to agree thereto, or let his term run out – I do not see how the security can be divided between the two parties that are to raise the £14000, as the Estate is all under one title, unless they can settle the matter between themselves but if you agree to Donkin & Weatherburn’s proposals the yearly value of the Estate may be equally divided according as the farms are marked A: & B:.

      On Wednesday I reced of Dr Robinson £1000 on that bond sent me down the last post & I shall still want 2000S to make Weardale pay & 3000S more to make the Lead Mils pay, if you design to make it in March : Bank post bills for £300 & £400 will be the best way of returning the money hither, as I expect the Duke of Portland & L[or]d Tankerville’s agents will furnish me with the money the latter end of March – I find Messrs Bewick & Craister intend to try their title to Mrs Windsors estate at our next Assizes & that the Stotts  design to do the same.  As you are to defend the Kirkheaton tenants that have attorned to you I think you sho[ul]d have at least one able Council, that comes the Circuit, engaged to support your Claim.  for I believe Mr Craistor has been with Mr Wynn, but whether he has retained him, or not I do not know.  Mr Collingw[oo]d Forster sho[ul]d also be wrote to in time least he be engaged ag[ain]st you as Attorney.

      Robt Scott says you spoke to him, ab[out] getting the So[uth] Wall next the <Feyers> lined with brick 4 yds high above the border & a cape put on the top of the lining to project two inches.  Our bricklayers say a Wall that hight will not stand under 15 inches thick unless its fastned to the stonework with iron Ss every two y[ar]ds square or less.  I desire to know wch way you chuse to have it done the expense will be £50 or upwards –   Mr Bell tells me to day, he has bought L[or]d Cranston’s estate so desires his £1000 may be p[ai]d in as soon as possible – I sent imediately to Mr Edwd Coates, but have not yet heard f[ro]m him – Mr Mayor says he will acquaint you this post what was agreed in Comon Council this morning about the Lamps – That the Corporat[ion] will pay the expence of the bill & putting them up & also support the 4 lamps at the Mayor’s door & that the Tax on the inhabitants shall not exceed 4d in the pound wch its calculated will be quite sufficient.  The petition will be signed I believe by most of the principal people & sent up be express or by Tuesdays post. I do not imagine the Malecontents will agree in making any Opposition –

      At Stockton there is now 30000 Pieces Lead at Market & they offer to sell at £12.15s 0d the Newcastle fodder. wch is near what all your Lead has cost you, besides the intr[es]t of your money & it will certainly be still lower unless we have a Peace this year wch I fear there are no hopes of     I am &c              JR