Letter – Henry Richmond to Thomas Maughan – 26 Feb 1765

To Mr Thomas Maughan at                              Newcas[tle] 26 Febr[uar]y 1765

Newhouse 

Sir      You will see by our newspapers that a meeting is advertised to be held at Stanhope on the 7th of next month about Bollihope Comon and another at Wolsingham on the 8th about Wolsingham Comon. Now you know Sir W[alte]r has aright on the former of these Comons for his Estate at Woodcroft and on the latter for his closes at Wolsingham let at 6d a year to Geo Stobbs But besides This Sir Walter is considerably interested in both these Commons as Moor master, By that office he has a right to work the Leadmines there without making any satisfaction for damage and care must be taken to have this priviledge preserved to him at all Events. Therefore as the Gentlemen who busy themselves about the Inclosure of these two commons have not given Sir Walter a copy of the Bills nor any of his Agents the perusal of them tho[ugh] they have presented petitions to the House of Comons for the Inclosure of them.

I must desire you will attend at these meetings and take care that this priviledge is preserved by a proper clause to be inserted in each of the Bills. For it is certain Sir Walter will not make himself liable to damages by working the mines either now opened or hereafter to be opened; and unless this is provided for in the bills they must expect an opposition.

Sir Walter did upon Mr Westgarths application to him, sign a deed to pay his proportion of the charge of the Act and division of Bollihope Comon. But that certainly was never meant to subject him to an improper Bill. Whether the intended Bills are drawn consistent with the Priviledge, I am speaking of, neither Sir Walter nor any of his Agents know.

I have wrote to Mr Hunter to be at the meeting about Bollihope Comon, because he is concerned for Woodcroft Estate; but the Moormasters rights are under your case.

I hope you have received my Letter about Mr Rutter’s appointing the partnership pay to be made on the 27th next month. I am etc    Hen Richmond