Letters – Joseph Richmond to Walter Blackett – 28 Sep 1732

To: Walter Blackett Esq.

Honrd Sir, 

I desire you will be pleased to let me know how you Intend your Intrest for the County & Town of Durham, Mr Hedworth, Mr Bowes & Mr Vane will be for the County & Mr Shafto, Mr Lambton & Mr Talbot, as reported for the Town, Mohope grove continues good, On Monday I expect the Draught of the Disputed ground in order to get a Bill to be filed next Town, On the other side you have a Copy of a Lre  from Jn Armstrong to Mr Allgood ab[ou]t the person wch I reced the morning, & I find Mr Allgood intends at the Pay wch is fixed for the 11th of next month to give Mr Waltons possession agreeable, as he says, to your Order, I find Intrest is making for the Dr to continue, or Jn Armstrong's son to succeed in the Publick House both of wch I think inconsistent wth your Intrest, Aldn Ridley will be chosen Mayor on Monday next it being his turn, its talked this morning that Aldn Johnson is a dying at Bp Auckland, if he dye before Mr Ridley is elected Mayor, I think there will be an attempt made in your favour if Mr Reay & Mr Fenwick think it likely to succeed, but if not till afterwards, I conclude it will be in vain to attempt it, for his authority then over the Electors will be superior to all others, I am just going to Wallington amongst the Tenants, who here never so put to it to get up their Rents from the very low prices of Corn, Cattle, Butter etc. I fear unless amend we shall have a bad accot wth many of them. I am etc J.R.