Letter – Joseph Richmond to Walter Blackett – 13 May 1760

To Sir W Blackett Bt MP at his house in Pall Mall London		13th May 1760

Honr Sir 

    I received the enclosed letter from Sir Edward Blacketts steward, if you approve of retaining Mr Norton, you will please to order Mr Darwin to do it imediately lest the tenants get him engaged on their side. They say they have taken Mr Rudds and Mr Gills opinion, which is clearly in their favour, tho Mr Fawcetts opinion is the contrary. The cause will be tryed in the County of Durham and the <Retainer> I apprehend should be <Doe> on the joint and several demises of Sir Walter Blackett Bt and Sir Edward Blackett Bt ag[ain]st <Roe> In a post or two we hope to get the case distinctly stated for Mr Nortons opinion. Mr Fawcett as advised Sir Edward to serve notices on three of the tenants to quit their houses on the 12th inst which has been served accordingly, so that no time should be lost in bringing Ejectments, if the cause is to be tryed at the next assizes, and if you think it proper to employ Mr Witherington as your agent in this business you will be pleased to order Mr Darwin to correspond with him about it. 

    As Lord Chief Baron Ord is in town you will be pleased to consider whether it is not right to ask him if Lord Carlisle will join you in defending ag[ain]st Mr Craister and if he will give Mr <Robt> Lisle Directions to join Mr Forster in making the proper Enquiries for that defence. I am very sorry to find you are the least out of order, I hope this will find you better and that you will not let any business interfere with your peace and tranquility. We have fine seasonable weather, and the change has come in good time for the County of North[umber]land PS I hope the Bishop will not be very unreasonable in the fine, as matters stand I think it will be the best way to make matters up with him on the best terms you can. I will send you the two bills for £500 and £400 in a post or two

I am etc JR