Journal Entry – William Hooper – 5 Jun 1833

Wednesday June 5th 1833



Received the Lease and Counterpart for Stubblic [sic] Colliery, and the Bond for the due execution of the Covenants on the part of the Lessee; - the Lease I dispatched to Greenwich for execution by the Commissioners, and the Counterpart and Bond I gave to the Lessee with Instructions to get them executed.  I received yesterday a letter from Major Johnson desiring to know how he was to dispose of the £250 allowed for Buildings at Scremerston, whether the whole was to be paid to the Tradesmen, or part withheld for his own expenses – I reminded Major Johnson that the allowance was made upon his own representation that the whole expense which he had incurred, and for which he is liable, was £254 – That in the agreement to allow him £250, we recognized no third party, and in the settlement with his Tradesmen he must exercise his own discretion and judgement.



Mr Pringle the Tenant of Scremerston Fishery came to me to-day, in consequence of having been summoned to appear before the Magistrates to answer an information against him foe illegal fishing: he brought with him the Act regulating the Tweed fisheries, and it is quite clear to me, and Mr Grey concurs with me, that he is liable to conviction, and no doubt he will be convicted. The Man, notwithstanding my persuasion to the contrary, persevered in his determination to proceed immediately to London to lay his case before the Board, altho’ it is perfectly clear that the Board can in no way interfere or relieve him, in the face of the Act of Parliament. – I shall so soon have the opportunity of stating the whole case to the Board, that I must not enter further upon it here.