Letters – Joseph Richmond to Walter Blackett – 16 Mar 1759

To Sir Wr Blackett MP London 			Newcastle 16th March 1759

Honrd Sir		

Mr Harrison says Jno [John] Rutlidge, whom the inhabitants of West Allan have recommended to succeed Edw[ar]d Coates, is not qualified to be a SchoolMaster for he cannot teach English or Writing, so does not chuse to appoint him without further directions.  He says their Minister Mr Lancaster tells him he knows a young Man about Penrith that is a good Scholar, who wo[ul]d be glad to accept the School, wch with your allowance of 10 <g[uineas]> a y[ea]r is worth £16 or £17 a year.  I find Mr Harrison’s Son in Law takes care of the School for the present but he designs to send him abroad in a little time – I delivered yo[ur] message to Mr Jno  Hare about his son, who said he was much obliged to you, but tho[ugh]t his son would not chuse a Comission in the Marines.  – Robt Dover, whom Mr Ridley recommends for a place in your new hospital, was one of his single votes.  You ordered me to put down Jno Richardson Upholder, for the first Vacancy that offers – The expectation of the ports being opened for the Exportation of Corn has already raised the price of Wheat 18d a boll, & other grain in proportion   If it should not be under proper Limitations & the next Crop should not prove good the Country may be under as great difficulties as in the year 1757.

What you are pleased to mention this post of the inhabitants refusing to name Comissioners at the sev[eral] vestries is no doubt a material Objection against the Lamp bill, as the Magistrates naming them may seem too arbitrary, But whatever is done as to the bill it will be impossible to satisfy all parties – If the matter had been better considered & the tax would have answered the intended design the opposition does not appear to be of much consequence, but if the bill is dropd no Body can blame you & Mr Ridley    I am &c      JR