Letter – John Bearl to John Bell – 23 Mar 1833

Re Hunter Deceased



Sir

      The papers and documents connected with Mr Scott’s claim as the representative of Mrs Hunter against Mr Anthony Surtees as the representative of his Father Mr Robert Surtees have been placed in my hands and from them I have prepared the Statement sent herewith –

      As you have already taken upon yourself some little trouble on behalf of the present Claimant I should feel obliged by your perusing the Statement and making such additions to it as you may deem proper –

      I have no doubt that Mr Robert Surtees acted a fraudulent part towards Mrs Hunter – but I fear that length of time and want of proper evidence will be productive of much difficulty in establishing it.

      Your letter of the 1st instant to Mr Fonblanque afforded much valuable information – A Bill would charge Mr Robert Surtees with a fraudulent conversion of the £7536.18.1 and Mr Anthony Surtees in his answer would I should imagain be compelled to set forth an account of and distribution of the assets – I wrote to his Solicitor Mr Surtees of Lincolns Inn Fields proposing a reference but this is declined and I am anxious therefore to obtain all the information I can as instructions to Counsel to prepare a Bill –

      I regret that the memory of Isaac Hunter the Son is so much impaired as he would no doubt have been enabled to furnish us with much valuable information, but I feel assured that you will devote some portion of your time to the inclosed statement and returning it to me at your earliest convenience.

	I remain Sir Your very Obedt. Servt.

		Jno. Bearl

		

25 Tokenhouse Yard 23rd March 1833