Letter – Arthur Mowbray to Shute Barrington – 30 Oct 1797

      Sherburn 30th October 1797

My Lord

      Since I last wrote your Lordship Mr Lockwood has been at Durham when I made an Affidavit as to the proceedings at <Walkington>, which was examined by Mr Pearson, he also looked over Mr Lockwoods, and made some alterations. As I proposed, Lockwood had procured an additional Affidavit from the persons who purchased the Wood and obtained others from those who had formerly declared, drawn up in the <May> I observed, leaving out a great part of the Matter, and introducing other Observations just, and more favourable to the Cause, the whole will be filed, I believe, this day, and your Lordships Solicitor, as Lockwood promised, furnished with Copies.

      I find, My Lord, that the Stints in Weardale belong in several Instances, to persons that have no Inland, or Inclosures, and that they are bought, sold, and conveyed by separate Deeds, or Instruments.

      I have had another Letter from the people in Weardale as to a division, and I think the Business in its present Stage requires a Meeting, when I suppose a tolerable competent Knowledge of the Estates &tc, &tc may be had. Since I last wrote your Lordship, I find the whole of Bollihope is Common said to contain 8000 Acres.

      I am going this day to Morpeth, and will look over the Bedlington Estate. I am sorry to say I have not yet received from Buddle his Report, however, I will try to get it as I pass Newcastle, nor Have I got any further as to the Grants of the Wastes to your Lordship. _

      This Morning I have wrote Mr Pearson to know if I can do any thing when in Northumberland with any of the parties to the purchase deeds &tc. We get slowly on. I only can assure your Lordship, that no Endeavours of mine have been wanting, nor shall they be slackened.

      I am My Lord 	Your Lordships very much obg, & most obt. Servt.

      Arthur Mowbray 



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