Journal Entry – William Hooper – 23 Jan 1833

Wednesday 23rd Jany 1833



Saw Mr Scott Tenant of Thornbrough Farm, who wanted the Hospital to be at the expense of bringing water to his Thrashing -Machine, which might be done at a moderate expense – Informed him that I would see it as soon as I could do so, but that he must not expect it to be done, unless I saw some very strong and substantial reasons for it. Accompanied the Wood Inspector to Capons Cleugh Wood, and conferred with him as to thinning, weeding etc, - the Young Larches require to be very much thinned, and it appeared desirable to fell nearly one half, to be done in the spring as the sap rises, and then peeled, and sold by tender – The value of the Bark will but barely pay for the peeling, but the Wood will be better for it.



Heard of an intended Meeting to-morrow of the Alston Road Trustees, and immediately wrote a private note to Mr Bainbridge expressing disappointment that the promised payment of interest and instalment had not been made, and that much as the C. of G.H. would regret any measures that might be embarrassing to the Trustees, or prejudicial to the interests of the neighbourhood, they were determined to enforce the conditions on which they had decided, under a full conviction that the Trustees could comply with them, and yet maintain the Roads, even under the expensive system of management now pursued.



Had another interview with Mr Jobling, who is very anxious to treat for the Ores and Mills, but he wants longer Credit than six months – I told him, however, that altho’ I had objections to extending the period of payment, yet if he offered larger security of a bone fide character, and his prices were in proportion, his proposal would have consideration, provided the Commissioners had not previously entered into any agreement. – Received a communication from Mr Bewcastle that the Meeting on Monday had unanimously resolved on accepting the offer to make over all the Estates of the Arkindale Company, on the payment of 9/-in the pound, on the 5th of May next, and 3/- more by Bills at 12, 18, and 24 months, bearing interest at 5 per cent.