Letter – Arthur Mowbray to Shute Barrington – 26 Dec 1798

      Sherburn, 26 decr. 1798.

My Lord,

      It gives me pleasure that my proceedings in Weardale met your Lordships Approbation. As I hope we may meet soon, it seems better to defer any detail as to Soliciting the Bill; Castle is I believe a very Honest Man, I am afraid he cannot quite clear himself of the Charge, yet I presume Dixon received what passed from him in private, at least so Castle says and I apprehend the young Men have handled the Conversation they had with him to its fullest Extent: I have talked a good deal to Castle since the Meeting and told him if he cannot clear himself the Matter had better drop.

      I am afraid it is hardly probable to get such Information as really to be depended upon as to the Lead Monies. I was talking to Mr Emm and telling him what I heard rather surprised me, but he tells me that Mr Hall of Newcastle gave him an Acct. some Time since pretty much to the same Effect which rather strengthens the Acct. I had received. Your Lordship may depend on what Information I can procure shall be forwarded and that every attention will be paid. _ I think I had better go to Newcastle and converse with Mr. Williamson before the Meeting for Reading the Bill, if the Rector is not quite fixed (and I have some Reason to suppose he is _ Mr. W has heard Mrs. Harding is his adviser) I hope with Mr Williamsons assistance to bring him round.

      Dixon and Ryman is by public advertisement calling Meetings and proposing to divide certain parts without an Act.

      I find Mr. Castle has not got any Thing done as to the Chester <Corner> and Lanchester Collection. I told him your Lordship was desirous; he will sett about it, he tells me. The Copyhold Audit has been pretty well attended, and I have told the Collectors the propriety of keeping up the Collection and have desired The Depty. Auditor to make out an Acct. of the Arrears and if they so not come in at the Leasehold Audits I will send the Exchequer Bailiff into the different districts with directions to act coolly and civilly, finding Nothing less will do.

      I think your Lordships Directions were that I should remit 500£ to drummonds after the Audits.

      I have given the directions to Buddle as to the Bedlington Colly. agreeable to your Lordships time.

      I am obliged to your Lordships further Attention to my Child and am My Lord

      Your Lordships very much obd. & most obdt. hble Servt.

      Arthur Mowbray



The Honble. & Right Revd. The Lord Bishop of Durham