Letter – Henry Richmond to John Bell – 5 Sep 1769

To Mr John Bell at Mr Ellis’s in Hexham                                         Newca[stle] 5th Septemr 1769

Sir

Yesterday I saw Mr George Robson about the Tithe of the Allotment, w[hi]ch Sir Ralph Milbank got, of Hexham Common; and find he claims an Exemption from Tithe by reason of a Modus, w[hi]ch he says extends to the Allotment.

I wish you would let me know if there is such a Modus, and how much it is, & what Sort of receipt is given for it, and also that you would make a State of the Case, setting forth that the Allotment is in one parish and the Estate or Estates, for which it was made, is in another.

Messrs Walton & Smeaton say they have not any power to agree to their Tenants taking the Watch back from the Serjeant, nor to admit the Summons to be sufficient, till they receive Orders from the Commissioners; which they will write for. Mr Wilson is in Yorkshire, so this Matter must rest till his return; which will not be these three weeks. P.S. Pray has Mr Marriott done the plan of Westburnhope & has Mr Heron got the Testimony of Green of Piersbridge. I have seen Mr Robson again and he says there are two Modus’s, one for Wharmley and the other for Ulmers & Garmondhill; and that they got Allotments for each of these Estates. Pray how says the Award? I don’t remember that I have a Copy of the Award. I think there should be a Copy for this office notwithstanding the original is in Sir Walter’s Court. I am etc    HR