Letter – Henry Richmond to John Bell – 28 Oct 1769

To Mr John Bell at Mr Ellis’s in Hexham                                           Newca[stle] 28th Octor 1769

Sir

The Receivers of Greenwich hospital tell me they apprehend Sir Wr Blackett has cut some Wood in Sams Island that belongs to the hospital: for they say, as Sir Wr pays a Rent he cannot have a right to cut wood for Sale, except he has it by Lease or deed – I should be glad to find that you know, or have any papers that can inform you, how the Rent of 40s a Year has become payable to them. Three quarters of this Island did antiently belong to Anick grange, & the rest to Dilston, & now I suppose Sir Wr enjoys the whole, on paying this rent. so the matter in question is what sort of Tenure the Dilston quarter is held by?   I am etc    HR