Letter – Henry Richmond to John Bell – 13 Jul 1764

To Mr John Bell at Mr Ellis’s in                                 Newcas[tle] 13th July 1764

Hexham



Sir      Mr Lowes is certainly wrong in expecting to have his client John Lidell’s claim, to William Richardson’s Estate, decided at the Court Baron on the 19th inst[an]t for it will be more properly and judicially done at the Head Court in Octo[be]r by the Steward than it can now by the Bailiff : Being a case of consequence, and of difficulty too by reason of the different claims. And this I find will determine Mr Ord not to meddle with it. Moreover, Mr Collingwood tells me it must be postponed because the East & West Allan Jury, within whose district the Estates lye are dismissed.

As to your Question about discharging the Tenants that have attorned to Mr Lowes’s Client; It may be very proper to warn them against paying any Rent to him till he is admitted Heir: For if he should not be intitled to his admittance they will have to pay their Rents over again notwith standing their attornment.

Sir Walter agrees to John Stobbarts proposal of £3 a year for leave to win Limestones on Keenley Leazes and for the use of the Kiln there; but he requires that he shall pay something as an acknowledgement for what he has already won; He will be satisfied with 12d a year or some such small matter. Stobbart should find security for the Rent; as I am told he is a very loose Hand. P.S. You mention the Evidence of Sarah Lee and Ralph Wallis pray what is it; for I have not seen it? Mary Gallon calls Jane that was her Mistress W[illia]m Ritson’s 2nd wife. Pray does it appear by any Registers who his first wife was and whether he had any issue by her? Do you know how Mr Lowes makes out his Clients pedigree from W[illia]m Ritson? Will not the Court Rolls afford some light by surrenders, settlement, levying of Fines etc ? And has all the proper parish Registers been searched? For if it is likely as you think it is that these Estates will Escheat Sir Walter should not be unprepared to combat with sham Titles as Mr Lowes may set up. I am etc HR