Letter – Benjamin Johnson – 11 Feb 1824

                                    							Feb 11th 1824

[struck out: ‘Your sister has this morning acquainted me that Lord Tankervilles Agent is leaving his situation’]  I am much obliged to you for your early and kind communication relating to Lord Tankervilles Agency. It is a situation I should be glad to  <...>  and in a part of the country I should like to reside in, but before I can take any steps in the affair, it will be necessary for me to obtain, if it can be got at, what the situation is likely to be worth and this must be done if possible without it being generally known that I am an applicant for it.  I will state to you what advantages my present situation and you probably through Mr Alder can compare it with the situation at Chillingham.    My present salary is £300 per annum a house and coals found and £20 for all riding expenses upon the business of the estate when I am not detained from house all night in which case I extra expense incurred.  To this you may add Mr B's promise that he will advance the salary when he is in <….> of the property he will come to at the death of Col & Mrs Beaumont.  On this little value can be placed as Mrs B enjoys good health and the benefit to me is in all probability at a great distance.  The very unpleasant unsettled way in which Mr B and his mother live makes a change desirable to me but against this I must be <....> that I can obtain an equally or more lucrative situation it would be bad policy to move and secondly I consider myself bound until <....> it was materially to the advantage of myself and family to stand by Mr B until existing circumstances and not desert him now that the storm lours around him, I feel sincerely and hold the obligation you have placed me under by your kind communication and if you think you can obtain any information as to the value of the situation I shall be obliged to you to communicate it. I am happy to inform you that your father is much better and has obtained his old look.  I have a message for you from your sister but fearing I might make any mistake I have sent my letter than she may insert it herself.