Journal entry – John Grey – 19 Dec 1833

Thursday 19th December 1833



Robert Hunter of Newlands Town Farm came to give me a Pro[missary] Note at three months for his Arrears of £35 in which he is to be joined by his Brothers.  Andw Thorburn also came and tried every manoeuvre to obtain the ploughing of land to which he considers himself intitled, but I do not, on the ground that having exceeded his quantity of Corn in former years with impunity, he must hold with less this year, as I will not allow him to sew the same land a second time in succession.  He engaged at length to be very reasonable and submissive, promising to give a good offer for Gairshield, as he cd not think of parting from the Hospital, having been so long time a Tenant!!  His Son who occupies Bagraw, a miserable place on the top of a cold hill, came also on the like errand.   He is more civilized than the Father, & has his land in much better condition and might have done as well as anyone could be expected to do in such a place, had the rent been moderate.  Being in arrear of rent, I did not treat with him, as with others, thinking it adviseable to take the chance of getting a better tenant, but should we not succeed in doing so, we shall still have him to resort to, for he has little chance of being selected by any Landlord for a better farm.  Was engaged most of the day in arranging & filling up the Agreements for farms to send off to Greenwich and with Mr Parkin who has now completed the marking & valuation of the several lots of Wood, which must now be advertized for sale, a copy of which advertizement shall be sent to the Board.  The river being very high I went with Mr Hunt before dark, with some anxiety to see the state of our embankments, as yet no harm is done, but it is rather threatening.