Letter – Henry Richmond to John Bell – 24 May 1768

To Mr John Bell at Mr Ellis’s in Hexham                                             Newca[stle] 24th May 1768

Sir

John Johnson has been again with Sir Walter about Benson of Yarridge turning Jane Bell off her part of That farm which Johnson took; desiring Sir Walter will write to Benson to let her continue and have peaceable Enjoyment of her Share, which he says is 1/8th part. The complying with this request may prejudice the Lease as it will shew Sir Walter’s privity to the Assignment of it to Benson and that he takes Benson for his Tenant; which I have told Sir Walter of. Yet he inclines to have something done in the Case; and desires you will draw up a Memorandum for Johnson to sign or execute Reciting the lease and the Assignment of it that it was so assigned without Sir Walters privity – that Johnson had requested Sir Walter to intercede with Benson to let Jane Bell have her Share being 1/8th part of the farm during the remainder of the Lease – that  Sir Walter was inclined to do so on Johnsons covenanting that He his Ex[ecu]tors etc should nevertheless remain and be subject to all the Clauses and covenants contained in the said Lease as much as if no such Application had ever been made to Benson & that the said Johnson doth Covenant accordingly etc. Now if you can draw or get drawn up at Johnson’s Expence such an Agreement as this and he will sign or execute it, if necessary; you may, on his doing so, try whether you can prevail on Benson to let the old Woman remain on the farm or some way to compromise this Matter for her. I am etc    HR