Letter – Richard Scruton to Arthur Mowbray – 11 Dec 1797

Dear Sir,

      I could not meet with you on Saturday last, altho’ I frequently call’d at <Fairests>, I was told you were at Shotton’s. _

      I attended the Meeting as advertised & communicated to the Persons who attended, the gracious Intentions of My Lord of Durham, to favour the Measure of a Division, which you had enabled me to do, & in Consequence only found one Sentiment amongst them _ The Inclemency of the Weather (which was beyond all description) occasioned the Absence of many Proprietors, but those who attended signed a Resolution expressive of their Wishes for a division & appointed a Committee, of which I am one; to meet you on his Lordships Behalf on any Day that you will have the Goodness to appoint for the Purpose._

      I hinted distantly at the Circumstances mentioned by you respecting the Chapel & Schools, & as to my own part (independent of the Question of Right) I shall be happy by every Means in my Power to forward that Plan whether the Division goes forward or not _ They directed me to prepare the Draft of a Bill for his Lordship’s Approbation, in which I have made some Progress, but of course the finishing Hand cannot at present be put to it ‘till his Lordship’s Sentiments are fully known _

      As the Post goes from hence to Weardale tomorrow Morning, if you could name any early Day to meet at Wolsingham I could inform the Committee accordingly._

      I am Dr. Sir Yr. very obedt. Servt.

      Rd. Scruton



Durham

11th December 1797_