Letter – Arthur Mowbray to Shute Barrington – 25 Nov 1798

      Sherburn, 25th Novr. 1798

My Lord,

      I was a little surprised to find by Mr. Bernards Letter which I received yesterday, that he had <delivered> the Draught of the Bill for the Weardale Inclosure on the first Instant; I informed Scruton who immediately went in Search, and found it at Mr. Castles office. This has protracted the Business and how such a parcel has so long <laid> unnoticed seems surprising. I find Mr Castle did not see the Case before it went up, however, I have no Doubt of its being a true Copy of what Mr. Bernard settled, but in a thing so momentous I thought it better to procure it and with a Copy of the Opinion, send it to Mr. Bernard, which I have done today that he may look both over.

      A day is fixed the next Week for Scruton to come to Sherburn, we we are to go over the whole of the Weardale Bill before <it meets> the Reading, if any thing <………> I should be glad to be informed. Would your Lordship wish me to call upon Coln. Beaumonts Agents as to the Enfranchisement of what they hold in Weardale, and to find how they are disposed?

      Sir Thos. Liddell seems pleased with the Idea of an Inclosure on Blackburn Fell, and wishes to see me shortly on the Business.

      I observe what your Lordship says as to Mr. Castle and Mr. Williamson.

      Daily I hope to have the Bedlington Report which shall be sent with the Borings to your Lordship.

      I’ll be sure to attend to the Hay Barns having soon to be at Doncaster. I hope then to be fully informed.

      I have not heard <a Word> of any thing being done in Howdenshire as to the Land Tax, We must I think my Lord defer doing any Thing. _ indeed we cannot do much until after the 25 Decr. _ then I really should see <…….> the best way will be for each Lessee to give an Acct. of their Land Tax. I never saw any Thing more difficult to <procure>. The Tax of the Demesne Lands may be redeemed when your Lordship pleases, but Castle has not yet got an Acct. of the Stockton Tax.

      As soon as the School begins at Kensington I am ready to come to Town with my Child. I presume it may be some time in January. I am sorry to give your Lordship and Mrs. Barrington so much Trouble. for such Marks of Kindness Mrs. Mowbray and myself are truly sensible and believe me

      My Lord Your Lordships very faithful and obliged hble Servt.

      Arthur Mowbray



The Honble. & Right Revd.The Lord Bishop of Durham