Letter – Shute Barrington to Arthur Mowbray – 13 Jan 1798

      Mongewell Jan: 13th 1798

Mowbray,

      Whatever may prove the event of The Weardale Plan, the failure, if it does fail, will not be ascribable to you. The Proprietors, if they do not proceed will be their own enemies, and the enemies of the County. My object is the benefit of both.

      You will assure Sir John Eden, with my compliments, that I shall readily consent to the inclosure of [blank space] Common on any terms which he as a man of honour shall say are a fair Compensation for my rights as Lord of the Manor. I would have you deliver this message, unless you are apprehensive that the precedent may be injurious to the See on similar applications. If you think so you will then inform Sir John that I shall agree to any allowance per acre which shall be settled by you and any person appointed by him. If my recollection be accurate Bramwell’s bill amounts to £47. no to £43. in either case the difference is not very material; but I have directed Messrs. Drummonds to answer your Draught for £80.0.0. lest there should be a further error.

      Buddle’s delays are indeed very vexatious. I hope however that your activity will infuse a little into him, and that I shall ere long have from him a <….> considered opinion on which I can depend. As soon as further concealment of my name as purchaser of the Bedlington Estate appears to you unnecessary, you will appraise me, that the proper Deeds may be prepared under Mr. Bernard’s direction. I hear nothing of Lockwood’s money from you or from him. If he received it in May there can be no plea for deferring payment.

      I am, &tc

      S.D.



A. Mowbray Esqr.