Letter – Henry Richmond to John Sharp – 29 May 1764

To The Rev[eren]d Dr Sharp at                                                  Newcas[tle] 29th May 1764

Hartburn near Morpeth



Sir                  The inclosed dra[ugh]t of a Letter of Attorney, to be executed by Sir John Eden, for Surrendering the piece of Ground for Ninebanks Chapel Yard was sent me by Mr Bell on Sunday night , & Yesterday I laid it before Mr Fawcett, who says no surrender can be made to Churchwardens : for they, by the Statute of Mortmain, are not a Corporation to purchase or take lands of any kind; and that the regular way is to surrender the Ground to some person and his heirs, in Trust for the uses intended & which are to be expressed in a Deed, to be inrolled ; &

that there is no other safe way of proceeding in these matters. Accordingly he has inserted your name as Trustee; which if agreeable to you please to return the dra[ugh]t & I will forward it immediately to Sir John’s Agent at Durham.

Mr Dodds proceeds slowly in making out the Title of Mollersteads but Mr Fawcet seems to think he will get through the Difficulties, in a little time. As soon as it is settled by Mr Fawcet  I shall send you his Opinion upon it to transmit to the Gov[eno]rs of the Bounty for their approbation. I am etc               H R