Letter – Henry Richmond to Walter Blackett – 23 May 1770

To Sir Walter Blackett  Bart.  at Messrs Hope                             Newcas.   23 May 1770

    & Compy in Amsterdam



Honrd Sir            Your Letter from Brussels came in six days, & I was glad to find by it that you were better.   It is Opportunity rather than Occasion that prompts me to write now: for nothing material has happened since my Last.  Our patriots indeed have sent a Remonstrance in haste to the Throne; which is but a poor production and signed only as the Instructions were by the Stewards of the Companies.

     Mr Ward has not yet paid the Money for Woodcroft; being disappointed he says in borrowing it: but promises to pay in ten days.  this mismanagement of his has almost nonplussed me yet I think I shall not fail to remit the Thousand pounds in July to Messrs. Simond & Hankey for your Use.  The £1200 for Hexham Ferry is not yet paid, neither - but as the Deeds are not compleated, my inability to perform is not manifest and I hope Mr Ward will prevent its being so.  The Builders of the Bridge are going on briskly with their work.  The Butler is here bottling the two pipes of port bought of Mr Reed & Mr Wallis - half of which will be sent to Wallington.  So there will be a good Stock of That Liquor at both Houses.  You have a pipe of Madeira, got of Barber, that will be bottled soon.  As to Hock you have 16 dozen of it; but if I hear of any that is old & good I will buy some.  Two hogsheads of Claret will be sent from hence to Wallington, which the Butler thinks will be sufficient.

   The Coach Man & twelve Horses are at Hexham.  the rest of the Servants and Horses are at Wallington.

     I heartily wish you Health   & am etc    HR