Letter – Henry Richmond to Edward Fairless – 13 Nov 1765

To Mr Edw[ar]d Fairless Attorney at Law in

Bishop Auckland                                                              Newcas[tle] 13th Nov[embe]r 1765

Sir       I find it is thought that I am the promoter of the division of Keenley Comon; so far from that, I most sincerely wish that none of the Comons within the Mannor of Hexham were to be endeavoured to be divided during my Life: for I am content, and like peace & quiet much better than any advantage which can arise to me through so many disputes & difficulties as I know will ever be arising in matters of this kind. So that I only enter into the consideration of any proposal made to me, because people may think it not right in me to put a stop, by my negative, to their plan for improving their Estates.

But to keep clear as much as possible of the difficulties I foresee, I shall give my Consent upon the following terms.

That I shall not be at any Expence in the Act of Parliament, nor have any trouble about it: nor be at any expence in any point relating to the division.

That the Act shall give me sixpence pr acre annual rent in lieu of a sixteenth part for my consent to the division for so much Comon as shall be divided.

That the Allotments shall be titheable from the date of the award.

That An acre of Ground shall be laid to my Tithebarn for a stackgarth.

That a sufficient quantity of the Comon be left for freestone and Limestone quarries for my use and for the use of the Copyholders; provided they do not sell any stone, nor erect any drawkilns.

That I be not liable to any damages on working the Royalties, in any case, except of working freestone or Limestone quarries in any of the allotments: & then to make reasonable satisfaction for spoil of Ground occasioned thereby. I am etc  W[alte]r Blackett

NB This Lre was sent by Frydays post the 15 Nov[embe]r 1765 instead of the Lre of the 29th October last.