Journal Entry – William Hooper – 19 Mar 1833

Tuesday 19th March 1833



In my Journal of the 5th of January last, I mentioned that Mr Wailes claimed Office rent at the rate of £32 a year, until May 1834; and his plea was that he had taken a Lease of the premises, and could not surrender until then.  A short time afterwards, however, some circumstances came to my knowledge which led me not to feel justified in paying this amount.  The situation in which Mr Wailes stands with the Hospital made me feel much delicacy in disputing his claim, but I could not compromise my duty, and I frankly told Mr Wailes what I felt about it.  He was by no means disposed however to yield, and a somewhat unpleasant discussion with him, and afterwards with his son the Lawyer, resulted from it but as my motives were strong, and I am sure just, in first questioning it, so I refused to give way without first laying all the facts of the case before the Board, and I definitively told him that if he would be satisfied with £20 a year, I would pay him up to May 1834, without further question, but otherwise I would do nothing until I had taken the pleasure of the Board.  I have to-day a letter from him, acceding to these terms, and I am glad to leave the matter without further comment.  



Wrote to Mr Martin requesting him to sell the old presses for whatever he can get, they are quite useless and not worth above four or five pounds.