Letter – Martin Morrison to Diana Beaumont – 15 Sep 1820

      Newcastle 15 Septemr 1820

Mrs Beaumont Bretton Hall



Madam. It is with great concern I announce to you that the Revd Hy Hardinge, Rector of Stanhope, died at Ketton near Darlington last Saturday (the 9th Inst) – This event so important in it’s consequences to your Interest I was only acquainted with last night, and have no information yet who is to be his Successor; the probability is that Lord Barrington will obtain the Living, <on> the compromise of the Chancery Suit with the Bishop, attempts were then made by Lord B. to induce Mr Hardinge to resign, but which He declined – I shall take the earliest opportunity to inform you of the occurrences that may arise out of this unfortunate event and adopt no step in any arrangement respecting the Tithe Ore without your sanction and first obtaining all the information and advice which so momentous a transaction requires. It is seriously to be apprehended that the future Rector whoever He may be, will not accept a less Composition for the Tithe, than what the Bishop now receives for his Lot Ore. Perhaps He may demand more, or insist upon drawing the Tithe in Kind, and if such should unfortunately be his determination, the consequences will to You, be most disastrous. – When more is known it will be my duty to submit for your decision the conditions upon which it may be proper, to found the basis of a future agreement

	I am etc MM