Letter – Henry Richmond to John Bell – 24 Feb 1764

To Mr John Bell at Mr Rich[ard] Ellis’s                                      Newcas[tle]   24 Febry   1764

In Hexham



Sir      I am sorry  that Allendale petty tithes cannot be at the old Rent of £100 a year. I do not see any reason for it except the Scarcity of Fodder last Spring has lessened the number of lambs, calves etc. But tho[ugh] the old Tithes may have suffered by that calamity there is now a better prospect for new ones. Seven pounds a year is a great abatement, without any assignable

 Cause ; & therefore, unless you are satisfied that the ninety three pounds is as much as these tithes are likely to be worth I should think it right for Sir W[alte]r to draw them : if you can procure him proper Agents for the purpose ; especially as you seem to suspect that there is a kind of confederacy among the people about Allendale not to bid for these tithes : to the end that they may have them the cheaper. But as to this matter, Mr Ellis & you together can tell very well what judgement to make; & Sir W[alte]r Blackett I dare say will readily acquiesce in what you shall think best to be done. With my complim[en]ts to Mr Ellis. I am he          H R