Letter – Henry Richmond to John Bell – 18 Aug 1767

To Mr John Bell at Mr Ellis’s Hexham                                        Newca[stle] the 18th Augst 1767

Sir

Sir Walter Blackett would have the Judges accomodated when they come to Hexham with the Beds at the Abbey as they have been for two or three Years past and desires you will give Orders for the rooms & Beds & Linnen to be aired for them & that on their Arrival you will wait upon them with his Compliments & acquaint them that he will be glad if They & a Couple of Servants will lodge at the Abbey – that there is no family there, so that good Beds is all he can offer their Lordships. Sir Walter thinks if Peter Bell’s Daughter, or any other you approve of, could be got to assist the old Folks it would be right. Sir Walter desires you will speak to Mr Wray, or if not at home write to him for the key of the Closet in the Stewards room at Wallington and when you have got it you will seal it up & send it him.

The bill you send me is refused Acceptance; of which I wrote Mr Smith, and he desires me to keep it, and says when it is due that he will send somebody with the Value of it. I am etc    HR