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Corbridge Dec 12th 1833
Sir
I am sorry to say that the accounts I hear of Mr C. Hodgson are by no means favorable to his appointment by the Alston Trustees. Mr <Maunslay> informed me that he has been dismissed, or the determination of it, has resigned the Surveyorship of the road from Carlisle to Hesket, as also that from Carlisle on the Newcastle line, and is likely now to be dismissed from his situation of Bridge Surveyor from incompetency. You may perhaps have heard that a bridge at Alston fell lately, soon after the arch had been cast.
Mr <Gale> has been good enough to write to me respecting a Mr Wood who seems to possess most respectable testimonials. After seeing who the candidates are, we must endeavour to exercise due discretion in our choice.
I am glad to be able to report considerable improvements in the price of Lead. Beaumonts affected have sold a large quantity at £15 per ton. Last year at this time the price was only £13.
I am much occupied at present in valuing & reletting a number of farms that are out of lease or the leases of which have been relinquished upon the change of system newly adopted, from public tender to private negotiation with such tenants as are deserving.
I anticipate from this change great improvements in the condition of the property. Formerly every tenant took advantage of the land toward each end of his lease in every possible way, knowing that two pounds more offered by another, would displace him. And so it was that at every letting the tenants shifted about like men on a draft board leaving every thing in the greatest disorder & entailing a great deficit for repairs to the Hospital. Now a tenant will have the inducement to manage well to the end, knowing that in that case, he will have a renewal of his lease on fair terms, but if otherwise, that he will not be treated with at all.
I have the honor to be your faithful & obedient servant
John Grey
