Letter – Henry Richmond to Walter Blackett – 26 Jul 1767

To Sir Walter Blackett Baro[ne]t at Wallington                                    Newca[stle] 26th July 1767

Hon[ou]r[e]d Sir

Mr Halhead was abroad, but I saw Mr Wilkinson and Mr Johnson; the former knew little or nothing of the dispute; but I acquainted him of the whole, & he thought if I was subpoenaed I sould bring the papers and hear what the Arbitrators had to say to me, but not produce them or answer any questions till I took advice. I found Mr Johnson was perfectly master of the Case and had taken a good deal of pains about it, in searching for Evidence and Acts of Ownership for the Bishop & the Wolsingham people; but he said he had obtained nothing of consequence and that the long Enjoyment of Fleakbridge groves would in his opinion satisfy the Arbitrators, that the ground in question, or most of it, belonged to Mr Hutchinson. He said he was very sensible and so was Mr Halhead, from the papers he had got from your office & had communicated to him that you had done all that could be expected from you in the dispute about that grove. He thought as Mr Wilkinson did as to the Subpoena. I have wrote to Mr Halhead, acquainting him that I had come to Durham by your directions; to wait upon him about this matter & have referred him to Mr Wilkinson & Mr Johnson for the particulars.  P.S. Inclosed is Mr Walker’s Lre who Mr Aubone says is a Quaker; and that the direction to him is to Captn John Walker at Whitby. I have no letter yet from Mr Wilson so shall write to him next post. I am etc   HR