Journal entry – John Grey – 26 Jun 1833

Wednesday 26th June 1833

	Received a letter from Mr Bainbridge with £60 due by the Trustees of the Alston Roads on the 24th Instt – also one from Mr Dickinson of Spency Croft asking me to send him £40 on account of payments he is authorized to make for the Hospital, and informing me that the Lessees of the Dowke Burn Vein, wish to hush the Mine, which in his opinion they ought to be allowed to do, as no damage can ensue, the whole district of £1699 [sic] acres being let for only £10 a year – I have sent him the money and written to him to say, that under the circumstances he describes I think he need not hesitate to grant the permission applied for by the Tenant of Dowke Burn Vein.

	I have also received a Letter from Mr Ruddock, Clerk to the Trustees of the Hexham road enclosing a Check for £63.6 (the sum required by Mr Hooper to be paid at present) and a copy of the Minutes of their last meeting, in which it is ordered ‘that the claims of the Hospital be acceded to’ – But on referring to Mr Hoopers Letter, addressed to Mr Ruddock, on the subject, on the 8th June, & finding that he therein stipulated not only for immediate payment of the £63.6 but for an undertaking from the Trustees, that £70 shall be paid on the 12th May next, & £70 on the same day in each succeeding year until the whole debt be liquidated, I have written to Mr Ruddock, acknowledging the receipt of his Cheque, but begged him to state explicitly, whether their compliance with the stipulation respecting the annual payments of £70, is understood to be comprehended in the Minute of the meeting of the Trustees, which he has handed to me, considering it proper to place the matter beyond the chance of future controversy.

	Engaged most of the day in the Office writing Letters etc and in the afternoon, walked up the riverside to ascertain the mischief done by the late floods, and consider of the best mode of making a stone breastwork, which is indispensable in some parts to prevent greater inroads upon the land & plantations.