Journal entry – John Grey – 17 Jan 1835

?Saturday 17th January 1835



Heard to my great disappointment that Mr Stephenson whose offer for Dilston New Town Farm, I considered a fair one, & who I know to be a substantial Tenant, declined any further treaty, having been invited to take one nearer his Fathers residence.  In these times, good tenants are so slippery that if not taken at the moment, there is no dependence upon them - and those who took by private treaty, are now dissatisfied, saying that if they had allowed them to be advertized, they would have got them lower.  Mr Scott of Thornbrough came to enquire about it for a Son, but must defer his inspection till the melting of the Snow.  Had another meeting with the Lessees of the Saw Mill here and finally concluded a bargain with them for the Lots of Wood Nos 1 and 2 in Dipton Plantation at £263. a Copy of the Agreement for which I enclosed to the Secretary.    The Purchasers incur all the expense of cutting & removing & are bound to have all the ground cleared by November 1836 for replanting.   Rode along the Tyne Banks to see that all is safe & proceeded to examine the draining I had lately set out in a part of Corbridge Farm, where I found the greatest run of Water coming off the Limestone that I ever saw in a Drain four feet deep before.  It will effectually lay all the Field dry at very little expense.  Mr Todd who disappointed me yesterday came today, bringing a Brother with him and both signed an Agreement for Highwood Farm at the Rent of £222.   Had he not come today, I should have written to Nicholson offering him the Farm, who would have been I suspect a better manager.