Letter – Henry Richmond to John Bell – 29 Jul 1769

To Mr John Bell at Mr Ellis’s in Hexham                                               Newca[stle] 29 July 1769

Sir

I did not want any Thing particular with you on Wednesday, so did not send after you. You did very well to attend the Tryal between Genl Clavering and Lord Crews Trustees about the right of Com[m]on on the parcel of Ground called the Middle; and I am glad to find by your Letter that the Bounder of the Manor did not come at all in question, agreeable to what you wrote me of the pleadings in the Suit on 20th instant. But my Brother has told Sir Walter this Morning that he understands from Mr Wallace and Mr Fawcett that ’tis likely it will not rest there, but next Year the Bounder of the Manor will be brought in Question. So you will be Collecting as diligently as you can all the proofs that are to be had of this Grounds being within the Manor of Hexham; and even extend your Enquiry to the old disputed Ground between Hexham and Blanchland, as to the present Manor of Enjoyment of it, & any Acts of Ownership done therein by Sir Wr; or by the Trustees: either antiently or recently.

I desire also that you would get Mr Jno Greenwell, who was employed about the Exchange between Sir Wr & Mr Errington, to make a Survey of the ground that was antiently in dispute between Hexham and Blanchland and also of the adjacent Grounds that are now in Contest and get proper people in the Neighbourhood; together with Mr Caleb Hunter Mr Richd Allgood and others that are acquainted with the Names and places to help in inserting in the plan all that is requisite. Pray did you get a Mill Stone of your diminsions; or did you leave any directions about one? P.S. I desire you will send me the Christian Name & proper Addition if you can, of the Mr Fenwick that has the house in Stamfordham, w[hi]ch is Mortgaged to Mr Armstrong, & who I understand is a Minor. I am etc    HR