If the viewers shall decide in favor of locating a public road, or to make any change in the location of the public road which they were appointed to review, it shall be the duty of the viewers to endeavor to procure, from the persons through whose lands such location may be made, releases for all claims of damages that might arise from opening the same; and in every case where said viewers shall fail to procure such releases, and it shall appear to them that any damages will be sustained, it shall be their duty to assess the damages and make report thereof, signed by a majority of their number, and return the same, together with all releases obtained, to the proper court of quarter sessions.