Letter – Henry Richmond to John Bell – 19 Dec 1767

To Mr John Bell at Hexham                                                        Newca[stle] 19th Octor (sic) 1767

Sir

I am sorry Mr Malabar and Mr Wilson should have been so warm as you say – there was nothing meant to offend them. Sir Walter certainly agreed to the Terms of their proposal with the Alteration only of 17 years from Mayd[a]y next instead of the 21 years which the[y] required and that the Fother should be fixed by Mr Wm Brown and that they might be at Liberty at the End of the 5th and 12th years on giving Notice. These were all the Terms that were talked of; further than that they should be subject to proper Covenants for Working the Colliery. Therefore such alterations may be made in the draught as are Consonant hereto, and to the copy of Mr Wilsons proposal herewith inclosed you and the rest we can talk over when I have the pleasure of seeing you on Wednesday Evening next.

Upon second thoughts the less you say to them the better till I have an Opportunity of talking the Matter over again with Sir Walter; which will be, I expect, before you come to Town. P.S. I think I gave you their present Lease. I am etc    HR