Letter – Shute Barrington to Arthur Mowbray – 30 Dec 1797

      Mongewell Decem. 30 1797

Mowbray,

      In answer to the two material points on which you wish to have my opinion, I reply. 1.  It will be much better that the proprietors of Lands in Weardale should consider what they will propose as the Allotment for tythes; an 8th, or (at the expense) a 9th would be the least that could be offered; and it would be sufficient. 2. A payment of nine years purchase, would amount to a very large sum; but whatever the compensation for my reversionary interest in the leasehold may be (whether in an Allotment of Land, a money rent, or a payment in gross) it had better be proposed by them, and made a matter of request to you. The mode does not appear to me to make much difference. Suppose that Compensation in a money rent would have been £2000 a year; if it came in one gross payment w[hi]ch was placed in the funds, it would produce more than £2000 a year; - if an allotment in land it would probably produce at present much less, but at a distant period much more. I think on the whole, it will be most advisable that you should help the proprietors in discussing the question, and then let them decide what proposition they will make.

      As to Lawson’s wish to have the £1000 on the Bedlington Estate paid, he must be sensible that these are not times in which Mortgages can easily be paid off. You will therefore signify to him that there is but little probability of his being gratified. If I discover in the course of the year that the thing is practicable I will give you notice.

      I shall be glad to hear the result of Buddle’s examination at Bedlington.

      I am, &tc

      S.D.



Let me know what I am in your debt for Lawson’s interest.



Arthur Mowbray Esqr.