Journal entry – John Grey – 9 Oct 1834

Thursday 9th



Set out early to Hartburngrainge, & was employed in walking over & valuing the Farms from 7 in the morning till 4 in the afternoon. After which, I drove to Dilston, 20 miles. This is an unsatisfactory Property & will not easily find good Tenants in these times, on which account it would be advisable to treat with the present ones, should they be inclined to do so on fair terms.  I met Crile at Hartburn by appointment and found him only inclined to give £40 a year certain rent for the Colliery, but on telling him that the Commissioners had fixed on £60 & that I have other applicants, he consented to give that, provided that he could have the use of some Cottages, & a little refuse Wood to aid in sinking the Shaft. Upon examination I think we could spare him the old Woodkeepers house without encroaching upon the Farmers, or building new ones,, which would hold two families.  I referred Crile to Mr Foster, for fixing the Terms of an Agreement, subject to the approbation of the Board, as he is more conversant with such matters than myself.  And I shall instruct Mr Foster on all the points I think needful for guarding the Hospitals interests, before Crile waits upon him.