Letters – Joseph Richmond to Walter Blackett – 4 Feb 1758

To Sir Wr. Blackett Bt. 

Newcastle 4 Feb 1758

Dr. Sir

I have this moment been talking wth the Kirkheaton tenants, who seem to me to be an Artful set of People, tho' ignorant; but not so ignorant as not to have been apprized th[a]t they may continue in possession without attorning to anybody; till a proper owner can be found for the Estate. They say Minican has promised in a post or two to procure them an Indemnity & if so they seem inclined to continue tenants under the indemnity. Whether th[a]t will happen or no is quite uncertain but I do suppose Stote will imediately serve Ejectm[en]ts , if he be well advised & have a title, & whether the method will induce them to attorn to him or the contrary is not quite clear to me  -  I must therefore submit to you to be advised Whether it wo[ul]d be right to you to push the Crown to a Commission of Escheat, or what other steps, whether by Ejectm[en]t or otherwise it may be proper for you to take as I own I am at a loss how to advise you to proceed; & I realy fear there will be no certain dependance on the pres[en]t tenants attorning to you, unless they be drove to it by necessity. however there can be no harm in your  sending down a proper authority to empower some person to receive their attornm[en]t in case they sho[ul]d alter their opinion.  I am etc     Ed. Collingwood