Letter – Martin Morrison to Diana Beaumont – 22 Sep 1820

Mrs Beaumont Bretton 					NewCastle 22 Sept 1820



Madam

Nothing as yet has transpired, of who is to succeed the late Mr Hardinge to the Rectory of Stanhope. – Lord Barrington is talked of, but all is conjecture, the Bishops determination not being publickly known. – Whatever I hear, tends to confirm me in the opinion, that the Views entertained by the Clergy of the Diocese of the value of the Living are of the most exaggerated description, and that they are impressed with the idea that Mining (both Lead and Coal) is the source of exhaustless wealth to the possessor. – The Dean and Chapter of Durham have lately received from Lord Stewart £40,000 for the renewal of the Lease of his Colliery which the late Sir Henry V. Tempest allowed nearly to expire, & which has had the effect, I am told, of that Body <setting> no bounds to the benifits they expect to derive from their Mineral property. – With such dispositions collectively & individually entertained, I beg to recommend that whatever agreement is made for the Tithe Ore, that it may be entered into for the Bishop’s life only; unless, which is hardly to be expected, the Rector is moderate in the <Sum> he demands for a Composition. – The Year for the settlement of the Mine Acc[oun]t ending the 30th inst directions have been given to have all the Ore taken out of the Workings; and that none more be wrought till that is done, and this proceeding will have the two-fold result of avoiding any dispute respecting the Tithe, and of letting it do forth into the Country, which will soon be known at Durham, that we are working less Ore

      I am etc MM