Letter – Henry Richmond to John Bell – 23 Aug 1767

To Mr John Bell at Mr Ellis’s Hexham                                              Newca[stle] 23d Augst 1767

Sir

Yesterday I saw Mrs Jurins old Admittances in 1616 & 1654 and it appears from them that the Boathouse & Chamber’s Close and Appart[ment]s are held under the rent of 2s a year and that the Ferry boat or Boat rake are held at 10s a year. so I apprehend they are distinct things. Sir Walter says he agreed for no more than the Ferry or Boat rake; so he thinks he has not any right to the Materials belonging to the Boat as mentioned in your Lre to him or the 11th instt; and as to the old records touching the Boat being delivered up, as they relate I see to other Matters besides the Boat I doubt we cannot have them But if you have no Copies of them at Hexham it will certainly be right to have attested Copies of them taken before the writings are settled and this is all I fancy we shall be intitled to.

As to there being two Boats Mr Ord says they might under the Grant have employed two Boats or twenty if they pleased. but that if Mrs Jurin and the others interested sell the Boat rake within the Limits described in the Admittances all the Boats pass of Course.

If any material objection to what I have here said occurs to you I should be glad to hear from you by Tuesdays post about it, as Sir Wr has bid me write to Mr Darwin to get the Articles engrossed, which I shall put off doing till that day.

I suppose you are clear that there is not any Custom in your Manor to examine the <Fine> Coverts out of the Manor by deputation from the Steward or Bailiff.

I thank you for receiving the instr[uction]s of Mr White & inclosed is a receipt, which you will please to give him for it. if you have not an opportunity of sending the Money before the 6th of next month I may happen then to receive it of you myself, as I expect to be on that day at Hexham. I am etc    HR