Letters – Joseph Richmond to Richard Ellis – 7 Sep 1759

To Mr Richd Ellis at Hexham                                                        7 Septr 1759

As you have Sir Wr often at Hexham I wonder the millers have not been with him complaining of those that grind from the mils The question is whether it is most eligible to file a bill or try the  antient  method of seizing there horses wch I fancy has been looked upon of a late as a thing that cannot be supported I send you inclosed an extract fm the Black Book for your consideration But I do not take upon me to say it is advisable to put it in practise but it may be referred to the proper judge of the case . I do not find the Dotland division is likely to go forward for Mr Mills says Coll Clavering will not execute the division deed    I am &c JR



The Extract mentioned in the foregoing Lre is taken frm the first folio in the Black Book.   And the following mem[oran]d[u]m was added at the botttom of the s[ai]d Extract vizt Sir Wr Blackett has the above mils and all the right wch the Archb[isho]p of York and the priory of hexham had .And the s[ai]d Black book has always been admitted as evidence by the court of chancery in other matters. Therefore Quere whether it may not be of service in supporting the right to seize the horses &c of such tenants within the town of hexham as grind from the mils  Especially as the custom of seizing such horses &c has been kept up till within these few years. The only hazard seems to be in the variation of the moulter taken by the priory and what is taken at this day. How, or when this alteration was made, no way appears by any writings we have: most probably it commenced when the possessions of the Archbp and the priory were in the hands of the town.