Letter – Henry Richmond to John Bell – 16 Mar 1764

To Mr John Bell at Mr Rich[ar]d Ellis’s in            Newcas[tle]  16th March 1764         

Hexham 



Sir     Rob[er]t Bell may be very easy as to the trespass he has committed in going into Mr William Erringtons grounds: tho[ugh] it would have been better if he had not meddled with the Corfrods there; because it seems by your Lre that there is no proof, yet obtained, of this being all cut in Anickgrainge Estate. He should have brought you the person’s name that cut them; & then information might have been made before two Justices, and they would have apprehended him, & he would have been punished. But, as these Corfrods are taken and brought to you, you must keep them for the present; till we see whether Mr Will[ia]m Errington will interest himself or no in the Matter. And in the mean time you should try to see the offender, by going quietly to himself if he does not live too far from you & learning of him who set him to work? And how many of these 19 bunches were cut in Anick grainge Liberty? If he will not satisfy your inquiries you may tell him that he will most certainly be prosecuted for cutting Sir W[alte]r Blacketts Wood. After this let me hear from you further for Sir Walter will by that time probably be come into the Country and then I shall take his directions what to do in this Matter; either as to prosecuting the Man, or talking to Mr Errington as his Employer which I expect he will be found to have been.  I am etc                                          HR