Journal entry – John Grey – 4 Apr 1834

Friday 4th



Heard from Mr Johnson that he had appointed Mr Walton to value Capons Cleugh Wood on the part of the Rail way Co. I wrote to him to suggest that to prevent any delay which might arise from a difference of opinion between Mr Walton & Mr Parkin, they two had better take a third man with them at the first, as Umpire, provided the proceeding should obtain the sanction of the Board.  Rode to Scremerston & looked over Mr Thomsons extensive farm.  He complains of the great loss he must sustain by it this year, which is indeed unavoidable.  And one cannot but regret that such should be the case, with a farm in such a creditable state of cultivation. I then proceeded to Mr Hogarths, & found that the man who had undertaken to fill up the large Quarry & restore the land in a Field near Mr Hogarths House, had discovered what I foresaw from the first that his Offer to do it for £25 was very inadequate, & that having received that amount by instalments from Mr Hogarth, & become liable for £5 more to his men, had determined to relinquish the job, unless he could be paid by days wages. I therefore agreed to remain all night that he might be sent for and meet me in the morning.