Letter – Arthur Mowbray to Shute Barrington – 4 Nov 1798

      Sherburn 4th Novr. 1798

My Lord,

      I duly received your very obliging Favor of the 28th October on the 29th at Newcastle. I had a long Conversation with Mr. Williamson on the Weardale Business. Some days before he had seen Mr Tweddell of Threepwood who is a Landowner in Weardale and who seemed highly offended in not having been more consulted (as he seemed it) as to the division; he also declared that he would in every shape and Stage of the Business oppose it _ He has in many Instances given much Trouble in similar Cases._ In Consequence Mr Williamson advised that a Meeting by advertisement should be held at some convenient place in Weardale, and that the principal Nonresident proprietors should be wrote to, when Mr. Scruton should hint that he had only thrown a few Heads together for a Bill and after sounding those whom attend endeavour to obtain their permission to have another Meeting to read the Bill when Mr. Williamson will attend to explain and giveOrd[er]> in the proceeding; and when we hope the Rector will comply with what Mr. Williamson may Devise. At present he is very unsteady, by a letter Mr. Williamson shewed me, that he had lately rec’d from him. He seems quite wavering. Mr. Williamson has heard he is guided by his Wife, and we are now endeavouring to find out who furnished Mrs Harding with Ideas, and endeavour to check the Current. I wrote Scruton fully from Newcastle, and desired him to give it every dispatch _ your Lordship may rest assured Nothing on my part shall be wanting._

      I feel truly sensible in your Lordships Goodness as to the Education of my Child. I shall be extremely happy in sending her to any School Mrs. Barrington or your Lordship may please to recommend. It fully meets the Wish of Mrs. Mowbray, the Child and myself. She was nine years old last June healthy and active; as a Child has got pretty well forward in Music and dancing acquired some Knowledge of the English and writes a tolerable Hand. I take the Liberty of troubling your Lordship with this Acct. and to ask whether your Lordship supposes she is forward enough to enter one of these Schools. Should it be thought she is, I’ll send her up any Time your Lordship may please to appoint, if not, I will endeavour to get her forward and send her at any time your Lordship may think proper.

      I am highly obliged by your Lordships Nomination as deputy Lieutenant. For these and numerous Marks of your Lordships Kindness I hope none is more truly sensible than 

      My Lord Your Lordships very much obld. & most obdt. hble. Servt.

      Arthur Mowbray



The Honble. and Right Revd. The Lord Bishop of durham.