Letter – Martin Morrison to Henry Phillpotts – 31 Oct 1820

The Revd Hy Phillpotts Durham			Newcastle 31st October 1820



Sir

I am by this morning’s post favoured with your letter of yesterday’s date; and if I have not referred to the estimation of Value of your Tythe Ore & the deductions you had made therefrom, it was because in our conversations I had before urged that it could only be upon Compo[sition]s with the Bishop and Rector for the Lot & Tythe Ore that the Weardale Mines could be worked to advantage by the Lessee; and also that I might avoid a discussion which in its tendency could not be admitted to apply conclusively to the subject of Negotiation: precisely for the same reason did I decline noticing the remarks you were pleased to make on the Sum paid to the Bishop for a new life, as a ground for demanding more for your Tythe, than was accepted by his Lordship for his Lot Ore, notwithstanding the price of Lead and the situation of the

Mines at that time, were placed under much more favourable circumstances, than at present; nor could I admit the validity of the distinction you drew, between the Bishop and the Rectors right. - I am very sorry to observe what you state respecting a duty of one seventh, being strongly commended by me for its liberallity; an expression, without intending offence, I declare I could never use in reference to the Weardale Mines, leased of the Bishop. The remark I made on this topic was to reply to your observation that you had ascertained a duty of one Sixth had been paid in other Mining districts; to which I replied, the duty was various according to Agreements; and (..) the Dean & Chapter of Durham, being paid one seventh and on the expression of some doubt by you, Brandon Walls Mine was pointed out where that duty was received. This discrepancy of recollection, in the application of our conversation has caused me much pain and regret, for by it, I am exposed to imputations which I am convinced, I do not deserve. - The modification of your former proposition, which you now propose to accept for your Tythe Ore, I candidly at once state cannot be agreed to by Col. Beaumont, but actuated by an earnest desire to arrive at an amicable adjustment between you and him, I am ready to take upon myself the responsibility that you shall receive Four thousand Guineas a Year as a certain Rent for the Tythe Ore during the Bishop’s life in order that discussion may be closed and the agitated state in which the minds of the Inhabitants of the Dale are thrown may be appeased; by accepting this offer the question of Poor Rates and all angry dispositions will be set at rest. Your own and the interests of all parties will be most effectually secured and you will enjoy the satisfaction resulting from the blessings of a population hitherto industrious and happy. –