Letter – James Graham to John Grey – 18 Oct 1833

To John Grey Esq Alston Trust Octr 18th 1833 

[in a different hand] <Qu..> 22nd Octr 



(Copy)

Private									Cowes 18th October 1833



Dear Sir,

	I have derived the greatest satisfaction from the perusal of your letter. The Principle which you announce as regulating your conduct in the very important and responsible situation which you fill, and the objects, which you have in view, are precisely such as I anticipated from your high Character, and such as I should have desired to inculcate.

	With respect to the Alston Trust, I am glad that you are duly impressed with the importance of this concern as bearing on the Interests of the Hospital; and nothing can be more judicious than the conduct which you have adopted. Representing the Hospital you are fairly entitled to exercise a dominant influence, which I am sure will be directed to the extinction of all the Jobbing, which has hitherto been at the root of the management of this devolved Trust at the same time I am equally sure that you will court the cooperation of the resident Gentry; and Mr Ord is a Gentleman of such Character & Merit that it is of importance you should carry him along with you in your principal reforms.

	I by no means with my accommodation of Mr Hodgson in the least to sway your judgment: on the contrary I think your plan of advertising for a Surveyor quite correct; and the proposed Salary appears to me ample and the Condition of Residence indispensable. The Election will of course depend entirely on the comparative merits of the Candidates

	I hope your new Residence will be comfortable and that you may long inhabit it, so as to restore the welfare and prosperity of the fair Estate, which is confided to your care. I am aware of the difficulties, with which you have to contend, but they will only enhance the merit of your success, and I am persuaded you will realise all the hopes which led me to appoint you.

      I am Dear Sir Yours very faithfully

      JRGG