Letter – Henry Richmond to John Bell – 12 Feb 1768

To Mr John Bell at Mr Ellis’s in Hexham                                           Newca[stle] 12th Febry 1768

Sir

Inclosed is an Extract from the Lease of Rispy Grove; by which you see Sir Wr Blackett has not any right to Featherstones house while these Leadmines remain in the possession of Mr Rogers etc and the Lease is so loosely worded that a discontinuance of working will Scarcely be deemed a forfeiture of them and till then as this house was allowedly build for the use of these Mines the rent of it will go, I suppose to Mr Rogers Representatives. But as to the Additions which I understand are designed to be made to it to fit it for a public house they cannot be allowed of; As they are not necessary for carrying on the Mines; at least at present they are not, while these Mines are not Working.

I shall write to Mr Maughan for some particulars concerning these Mines – and then shall talk with Mr Widdrington about this house – In the mean time No Assurances should be given Featherston, I think, of Support for the non payment; only, if any Additions have been made to the house since the groves were left off working, he may be discharged paying rent for them, to the Lessees of the Mines, for the present.

Pray who is the Tenant now of the Farm at Yarridge that John Johnson had; for by a Letter from him to Sir Walter it looks as if he had assigned it to one Banson, who he complains is using one Jane Bell unjustly? and was this Assignment made with the privity of  Sir Walter or You? for 

Johnson wants Sir Walter to write to Banson to let Jane Bell have peaceable Enjoyment of her share of the Farm which he says is an Eighth part of it. I am etc    HR