Letter – Arthur Mowbray to Shute Barrington – 3 Jan 1799

      Sherburn, 3rd Jany. 1799

My Lord,

      I was on Monday last at Newcastle with Scruton, and we called on Mr. Williamson and fixed the Meeting in Weardale for Reading the Bill on Monday the 14th Inst. Mr W will be with the Rector of Stanhope on the Sunday Evening and endeavour to bring him round. I take the Liberty of inclosing some Minutes I have made as to Tithe for your Lordships Correction, and I will be obliged by your advice whether I ought to shew them to the Rector in this or in any other shape your Lordship may please to point out. We also called on Mr. Blackett (Coln. Beaumonts Chief Manager) and shewed him the Bill, when I told him the great advantages that must follow from the Liberties your Lordship had consented to, as to planting and Enfranchising - he seemed to think highly of both. The latter I told him certainly loosened the Hands of all who hold Leases of every description under your Lordship as it gave a fair opportunity for any that wished to have their Interest in any of the Leases made a freehold on fair Terms.

      We also saw Mr. Heron who I was informed by a Friend had expected we would shew him the Bill and had expressed his surprise that he had not seen it before, however we were I think perfectly in Time as he seemed much pleased with the Call, and is to have the Bill to look over on Saturday next, so that the whole I think now is in Train.

      I am, My Lord Your Lordships very much obld. & most obdt. hble Servt

      Arthur Mowbray



The Honble. & Right Revd The Lord Bishop of Durham