Letter – Henry Richmond to Richard Wilson – 21 Jul 1766

To Richard Wilson Esq[ui]re at Leeds                                                Newcas[tle] 21 July 1766

Sir            Mr Pearson tells me that at the sessions last week at Hexham he indicted a man belonging to Mr Shafto of Benwell for making a cut cross the public bridle road from Slatyford to Denton bridge; being the communication between the two great high roads- that the bill was found – but that Mr Shaftos Attorney threatens that the matter shall be removed into the Kings bench: of the charge whereof Mr Pearson is rather affraid yet being a man of spirit he desires to know whether you think if it is to be tried at Law, it would not be better for him to remove it and so bring the matter to issue at our assizes. Or whether it will be equally the same thing if the defendant removes it? perhaps if Mr Shafto knew that you interested yourself in the preservation of this road he would not think of a removal but this you are the best judge of.

P.S. I find one Mr Adams of Alnwick was Mr Pearsons Attorney : and that he is reckon’d a man of ability. I am etc HR