Letter – Shute Barrington to Arthur Mowbray – 24 Aug 1798

      Auckland Castle Aug. 24 1798

Mowbray,

      Mr. Harding was here yesterday & informed me that he shd. wish in any arrangemt. to be made as to his rights & claims to be advised by Mr. Hopper Williamson. This is the Man agreeable to me as Mr. H.W. is the person to whom, in point of character, I, probably & almost all the parties wd. have the most satisfaction in a reference. It is therefore very material that he shd. be consulted before the meeting on Thursday next, as to his sentiments in this business, & on a proper outline of terms between all parties; & particularly that he shd. be made aware of, & be able to explain to Mr. Harding the great & almost immediate advantage that the Rector’s estate wd. secure from an allotment from the Commons &tc in lieu of tithes of them, & the impossibility of any inclosure & improvement of that country taking place, if the Rector is to retain his right of tithes over the land to be enclosed; a supposition wch. Mr. H. seems to have adopted on the suggestion of Mr. Curry.

      You will consider whether this shall be laid before Mr. H.W. as a case with a professional fee, or in conversation, or how. The sooner it can be properly done the better. If as a written case, Mr. H’s supposition as to the tithes shd. not be inserted.

      I am &tc

      S.D.