Letter – Henry Richmond to John Bell – 15 Dec 1767

To Mr John Bell at Mr Ellis’s in Hexham                                          Newca[stle] 15th Decer 1767

Sir

Inclosed I return to you Peter Bells three Bills, no part of which I can find charged in any of those paid him by Mr Robson or Mr Wray. As to the reasonableness of the Articles in the Bill for helping in the Kitchen and Stables I cannot judge of them. I should think, if the family was there and he had his meat, a shilling a day is over much; I never pay more that 6d a day, for that work when they have meat in the house. But you should make as good an End of such ravelled reckonings as Mr Robson has left us. and afterwards clearer and perhaps more reasonable bargains may be made.

I apprehend Peter Bell owes £4 10s 0d for a Cow bought of Sr Walter; which money he should lead in your hand for Mr Forster, for I don’t suppose Mr Wray has received it of him. I hope Mr Wray is doing something at his Acco[un]t and can settle the List of Debts standing out. that I may know certainly what to charge Mr Forster with. I hope you will be able to come hither on Wednesday the 23d instant in the Evening; because the Beef is to be bought the next day for the poor, as I mentioned to you. I am glad Sir Walter has settled Matters with Mr Heron about the deputy Clerks office & am etc    HR