Letter – Shute Barrington to Arthur Mowbray – 5 Feb 1800

      Cav[endish] Square Feb: 5th 1800

Mowbray,

      The first thought which occurred to myself on the intimation which you gave of much indisposition to a Chapel in Weardale, I confess excited a disposition to proceed no further. But on cooler reflection it appears to me from the magnitude and importance of the inclosure: Both to the country and the See of Durham, that it’s objects should be attained at any rate. On this ground I conceive it better to get what is proposed by the Proprietors, even for a Chapel, if that cannot be made part of the Bill, it may of a future one. Make every exertion therefore at the next meeting to carry this point; and I hope that Col. Beaumont and Mr Tweddel will give their assistance. But should you fail, leave the Proprietors to make their own arrangements and when all other matters are settled, I will offer a certain proportion of my allotment as part of a fund for one or more Chapels, if they will add an equal allotment. If accepted, the point is carried: if not it will remain with me to decide whether I will do anything else, and what.

      I have seen Mr Bramwell, who thinks the clause of the 2/3rds in the Division of the Durham Commons requires attention, as he apprehends the thing to be new. There would be no occasion for its being introduced earlier than the sitting of the Committee. You will therefore proceed with it. Petitions will be received till the middle of next month. You have probably heard from him on the subject of the Bedlington Leaseholders.

      I am, etc, 

      S[hute] D[unelm]

      

P.S. You will decline with the greatest civility to Sir Thomas Liddell, through his agent, my agreeing to the terms on which he proposed to take a Lease of Blackburn Colliery.