Letter – James Graham to John Grey – 10 Oct 1833

Private								Cowes 10th October 1833



Dear Sir, 

	I am informed that the agreement with Mr McAdam as Surveyor of the Turnpike Roads under the Alston Trust expired in November.  I have always been led to believe that the bargain made with him was improvident, that his Services been of a doubtful Character and that the allowances to him and to his Assistants have been continued on an extravagant Scale. If the bargain be open in November, the Time has arrived, where it would be expedient carefully to revise the whole arrangement and to consider whether this important Trust may not be placed in safer hands and under more economical management. The subject will have not escaped your attention but you will excuse me for thus reminding you more especially of it, because in the County which I represent, the whole transaction of the original appointment of Mr McAdam was viewed with jealousy as a flagrant job; and since the influence of the Hospital thus contributed largely to its perpetration.  I am anxious that it should now be used effectually to the correction of the past error. A man of the name of Christopher Hodgson, who had been extensively employed on the Turnpike Trusts round Carlisle, informed me that he is an applicant for the situation of Surveyor on the Alston Trust, he has been long known to me as a Road Maker and Surveyor. I think him intelligent and trust worthy and quite competent to the adequate discharge of the duties: but I suspect he looks to a Salary like that enjoyed by Mr McAdam; when as I hope a large reduction will be effected; and the appointment should be only during pleasure; a Surveyor for a Term of Years is a strange Anomaly.

	I hear with great pleasure how satisfied your whole Conduct is to the Trustees of the Hospital: and I was therefore gratified in consenting to an arrangement for building you a House, which I know was an object desired by you.

	I have the honor etc

		JRGG



Coll Grey