Letter – Henry Richmond to Walter Blackett – 18 Feb 1769

To Sir Wr Blackett Bt MP in Half Moon Street

Piccadilly London                                                                                 Newca[stle] 18 Febry 1769

Hon[ou]r[e]d Sir

Mr Forster brought Jno Shafto yesterday & inclosed is Mr Wilson’s opinion; which I have got this Evening how the penalty is to be recovered against the Men that killed the Hare. Mr Wilson says, as no Inconvenience can arise from postponing the Conviction a Week, I should ask how you would have the half of the penalty that is to go to Mr Forster as Informer, disposed of? because That may better be done before the Justice, than otherwise. He gives his reasons for prefering the Conviction for keeping Grey Hounds to That for tracing & killing the Hare. Mr Forster says these are two substantial Men tho’ not qualified and that they have been with him to submit, & make what Satisfaction you please for the offence. When I receive your answer I will write to Mr Foster to proceed.

I do not hear of any Amendment in Allanheads tho’ told they are in daily expectation of it. When I see Mr Westgarth I will acquaint him of your desire about that Grove. I have not rec[eiv]ed  the Letter from you about Rt Allgoods monopolizing farms. I told him pringle charged him with it, but he said his Salary of £20 a y[ea]r was too small to live upon.

I have wrote to Dr Sharp about the £100 for Bingfield and to Mr Forster about your usual Charity in the Neighbourhood of Wallington.

In the inclosed News paper of this day is a sort of Invitation to your Constituents to send instructions. I believe it is of low Extraction but there is so much Enthusiasm in the present times that one cannot tell how far the Epidemical disorder may spread only it is pretty certain it will not affect the Corporate body.

It seems to be the general Sense of the Magistracy not to have an every days Markett for Beef. The Morpeth Butchers, who are very considerable ones, would be laid off by It and the Inhabitants wo[ul]d be then liable to the prices the piemen should set.

Please to accept my Thanks for your Enquiry after us. My little boy, who was inoculated in Decemr had the small pox favourably. My wife & I are well & joyfull in your health & I am etc    HR