Letter – Thomas Bernard to Shute Barrington – 31 Oct 1798

      Foundling 31 Oct 98

My Lord,

      On my arrival in town last night I found the Dra[f]t of the Stanhope Inclosure Bill, with a Note from Mr Castle, requesting that it may be returned within 10 days to a fortnight from that time at the most. _I looked into the draft last night enough to convince me that I should do Injury to your L[ordshi]p’s Interests if I perused it at present; as there are objections which I could not help making at present, & which would embarrass the business now; but which I trust will be done away by the Parties, <or> by Circumstances, before I see the dra[f]t again on your part. _ Fortunately the draft is a very long one (116 folio Sheets) & could not be exam[ine]d by me as it should be & returned in less than 10 days or a fortnight more, which is incompatible with the time limit[e]d by Mr Castle. I have therefore made use of these Circumstances to return the draft without any Observ[atio]ns on my part.

      When the other Parties are agreed, & Mr H. Williamson has approved the dra[f]t which he has not as yet done, it will then come as a proper Subject for Consider[atio]n & <discretion> what, either in words or <Essence>, should be conceded on your part for a general benefit & where any Alteration should be suggested. At present it appears to me to be premature.

      Your L[ordshi]p will allow me to suggest this in Confidence, & to add that there is nothing at present that requires anything said or done on your part, or that will not but remain in total Silence.

      I am with unfeigned respect & Esteem, Your Lordship’s obliged and obedt. Servant

      Tho. Bernard



The Lord Bp. of Durham.



P.S. I fear Mr Cammidge will think I have neglected his Commission; but I have not, tho I have not as yet anything to communicate.

      I have sent Mr Burgess a Copy of my preface in Mr Castle’s Parcel; so that I need not trouble your Lordship to send one.