Letter – Henry Richmond to Walter Blackett – 11 Dec 1768

To Sr Wr Blackett Baro[ne]t MP 

Half Moon Street Piccadilly London                                                    Newca[stle] 11th Decr 1768

Hon[ou]r[e]d Sir

I have sent to Mr Steels to go by the Fly that sets out to morrow morning a parcel sealed and directed to you containing the duplicate of the Settlement in 1753 & Copies of the fines and recoveries relating to it. Also the Assignment of the two terms by Mr Allgood and chief Baron Ords minutes concerning the Title of Ord Estate & also all the papers I could find in your <Scrutore> relating to Mr Allgoods Election. I have paid the Carriage of the parcel to prevent any unreasonable demand at delivery on Account of its Contents. I think it would be right if you please to ask Mr Darwin if he know where the other part of the Settlement in 1753 is lest this duplicate which is so material to the Title of Ord Estate should be lost. I should be glad to know that you receive it safe. Mr Baker has paid his three fourths of Mr Underhill’s bill for the Claret with the Charges of freight and porterage.

We are alarmed here a good deal with the Coventry bill apprehending if those Coals are conveyed to London such a declension of our trade as will be felt by all ranks of people. It may in some Judgements seem of little consequence whether we flourish or Warwickshire; but in an Island whose defence is principally by shipping it is an Object of greater importance to the Legislative to breed Men for Ships upon a difficult Sea than for Barges upon a Smooth Canal. Mr Bell has agreed with Mrs Jurin’s tenant at 16s a Week while a temporary bridge is used. I am etc    HR