Journal entry – John Grey – 29 Jan 1835

Thursday 29th January 1835



       A second Affidavit in the extent against Johnson, being found necessary on account of the arrears extending beyond a years Rent, Mr Dickinson proved the same before an Exchequer Commissioner which was returned to Mr Fenwick, to whom I also handed a Pro. Note for £70 due by Messrs Dinning, & an account of £48 likewise for Parcels of Wood sold to them at different times within the last year, with instructions for him to take immediate steps for their recovery, as I have heard an unfavourable account of their circumstances.  Had a long explanation in the Office with that troublesome Man old Thorburn, about the state of his Arrears, which it is impossible to make him comprehend, or acknowledge, arising from his ignorance, his long habit of being in Arrear & his partial payments first to the Account of one of the small Farms & then another.  I drew an Agreement which he signed, binding ourselves to abide by the Award of Stokoe & Charlton, in fixing the value of his Machine previous to its being repaired by the Hospital, to both of whom its position was known.

       Having obtained two estimates for Allerwash Mill, which though differing materially in amount, came to more than I anticipated.  I thought it right before submitting them to the Board, to apply to the Tenant to know whether he would for the remainder of his Lease, allow interest upon the Outlay, as otherwise, I had doubts whether the Commissioners would consent to it or not.  I think it only fair that he should do so, as his Mill would become so much more efficient, as well as locally improved by its contiguity to the Railway.   I dispatched a Letter to him on the subject.  I spent the remainder of the day among the Woodmen, felling old Trees & the Workmen making Pits for planting young ones.