Letter – Martin Morrison to Thomas Fenwick – 3 May 1826

      London 3rd May 1826

Mr Thos Fenwick (of Dipton) in London



Sir

In consequence of your interaction that it was the wish of the Bishop of Durham to receive an offer, in money payment, for the Lot Ore in Weardale; I beg to inform You that having communicated this morning, with Col & Mrs Beaumont, I am authorized by them to give Four Thousand Pounds per Annum in lieu thereof; provided Dr Phillpotts, as Rector of Stanhope, agrees to accept the same Sum for his Tithe Ore; and with this clear understanding that on the death or removal either of the Bishop or Rector, the payment of this Composition is then to cease with both. – When it is considered, that the protection which the Legislature has hitherto guarded the Interest of the [struck out: British] English Mines, has by an Act of last Session, been withdrawn – the consequent large importation since, of foreign Lead & Lead Ore, and the great depreciation in the price of English Lead arising out of that measure, it will, I trust, be admitted that this offer is made in the spirit of perfect fairness and liberality; and also, as it really is with an anxious desire, to be enabled to afford continued employment to a numerous & increasing population, who depend upon the Mines alone, for their support. – I beg to add, that no advance will be made upon this offer, and that it is desirable to ascertain his Lordship And Dr Phillpott’s determination, as soon as it accords with their conscience.  	

I am etc MM