Warrington 30 Sep=r= 1778 Sir Iames Iolley of this place is possessd of a small tenement held for 2 Lives und{o}r M %Legh which will be sold for the benefit of his Creditors in a %few days, I shall esteem it [^corrected from "if"^] a %favour if You will inform me im{e}d{i}atly the lowest fine for exchanging 1 Life & putting in another that I %wou'd take out (if I %purchase) i{s} about 63 or 64 & those I %woud substitute are just 50 & 40 which I %presume wou'd be a less fine than for Younger Persons. the rents of Cottages as the{s}e are, are generally ill paid. I %am Sr Your most Hble St Sarah Abram please to mention every expence attending Leasing. M=r= Rich=d=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

D=r=. S=r=. I have received an answ=r=. from M=r= Iames Naylor of London, he informs me he has waited upon the Steward of the Blind Charrity who has promis'd his request being comply'd with the next Month — — I %should be obliged to you if youd give my duty to M=r= Keck and inform him that the moment I receive the Petitions I %will wait upon M=r= Batridge and file up the queries and transmit them to him — I %hope you wont forget that business I %last mentioned to you as the time is at hand for giving the Tenants (Namely) M{a}ther & Sutton Legal notice I %am D=r=. S=r=. Y=rs= Resp=y=, E=d= Ackers Newton 19=th= Sep=r=, 1779 D=r= S=r= Upon Perusing part of a Letter of yours sent to M=r= Grimshaw, I %find it is your wish that I %write to M=r= Legh concerning the small quantity of Timber I %had from Haydock, for the use of the intended Parler at the end of my House — But as I %cannot think of troubleing him with a Petition so trifling in its nature, I %have given up my Intention of Building, & the Timber shall be returnd in the state I %receiv'd it — I %did not apprehend at the time I %apply'd for a little Timber, for the above purpose, that it w=d=. have been a %greater Crime in me, then an other, to have been accommodated with it; but I %find I %was mistaken, and as the whole human race are liable to errors, I hope this will not be an unpardonable one in me — It is not my wish to secret any part of my Conduct in this business; nor that of my friends; therefore shall give you a brief account of it — I %apply'd to M=r= Rigbey for a little Oak Timber, for the aforesaid purpose, to accommodate my friends. he said he was sorry to deny my request, but it was much wanted at the Coalpits, and he thought it could not give offence, if I %made use of a little Dale, as a substitute — Thus S=r= have I %given you a %faithfull account of

this mighty business, which I %should have made you acquainted with the last time I had the pleasure of seeing ^you^ but it ship'd [^"slip'd" presumably intended^] my memory — And I %cannot help observing, that this alarm came with the worst Grace from Shaw Alanson, of any man in the neighbourhood — You will pray be so obliging to inform your Dairy Maid her mother is very bad indeed; but she is proper care taken of — she has Eliz Croft to attend her — I %am D=r=. S=r=. Y=rs= Sincerely E Ackers Newton 21 March 1788 P.S. Had I %made use of the Timber, I %might have bought 1/3 more to it to have built a Parler, {&} a Room over it; therefore you may Judge of the quantity I %had — And as to the Brick, which is spoke of by my friend Shaw, as intended to be brought from Haydock —, I am well assurd he alone is the fabricater of that falsehood — as I %have cast Clay for that purpose long ago — M=r= Orford. How Lane near Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Manchester^]

Dear Sir I %reseaved a %letter from mr Iohn Orford your brother at neuton dated October 25=th= whitch men{s}hened that you have had some conversation with my brother abought the divi^si^on of the prop{e}rty my father left by will and that my brother is willing to have the matter setteled upon honest terms and i %do ashouer you i %desire nothing but what is honest and i{u}st i %am grately Oblig{o}d to you for the trouble i %have given you and must stil beg a %grater faver from you and beg you will be so kind as to take upon you the manigeing of Ouer afairs with my brother for thear is no Outher person i %so Earnistly wish to settel the said affair i %was not unwilling to let things stand til now so thay are {p}roperly Ordered at last so if you can make it convenient pleas to faver me with a %line of the time that i %may write to the board for leave to be abstant from busines a %few days for i %could wish to give you the meeting at newten i %am sir your most Obedient humbel servant Iohn Achers manchester November 29=th= 1790 M=r= Richard Orford Haydock

{Liverpool} 19 April 1779 M=r= Richard Orford Sir Agreable to your request you have here enclosed two Bills for £70. the dates of which [^"which" crossed out^] we hope will be agreable as m=r= Manley inform'd m=r= Drinkwater he cou'd not {pre}vail at the Bank to get them at a month — from Mess=rs= Geo. & %In=o= Drinkwater I am Sir Y=r= hum=e= Serv=t= Iohn Ag{e}tt Mr Orford Sir The above are forwarded p~ the Old Navig=n=. to the Old Quay Manchester hope you will {**}ceive [^seal^] them safe and the Contents to p{l}e{*}se [^tear in paper^] — I %am for Mess=rs= Peter Seaman & %C=o=. Sir y=r=. m{*} {ob}=t= Serv={*}=. In=o=: Alderson 9 April Sr I can now with great pleasure tell you we have got our great difficulty over in the Sough we have been so long about last night a%bout 6 O clock we got through the place where it fell in and we have got it set with bricks and to%day we shall let the water of its right course the dam we made and the pump was our mean security in the geting it through we by the pump kept the water of while the fall was in going through & seting with bricks Iohn Pimblet has not set the Bricks in the kiln at florida we have had some rain these few days and has done them some damage he has a%bout two days work of kilning [^"to day" crossed out^] to do as yet besides caseing it All at presant from Your Hbl Ser=vt= Shaw Allanson Flo{rid}a 8=th= Sep=r= 1779 PS Mr Rigby has wrote our Master to let him know about the sough (_To_) M=r= Rich='d= Orford Lyme

Sr I have just been with M=r= Penswick, and have fix'd about the plan but have fixed so as to have each side a plan, & also an agreement, their is wanting an addition to what is fix'd already when payment is to stop, at Troughers lane fault, at the next fault, or at Hootons Tenement fault, I look upon it in this light, that if they have not occation to cut any fault through, it ends at the first fault, if we can get our deepest level up before any fault is cut through, I heard to%day that Captain Legh & M=r= Maire will be at Lyme the 25th Instant, [^"maid" rubbed out^] made me rather more antious about geting it forward to%day, as I am going through warrington tomorrow, and Mr Maire may bring the papers with him if he comes the 25th to have the opinion of your%self about it, but their has been an od affair a%mongst us which I thought proper to aquaint you with, as the Captain is comeing if he has got hold of it Might surprise you with it, Iames Atherton & Thomas Lo{w}e two browmen both at one pit, as the report goes has been guilty of Cuting of Coals after the old custom, as was in Practice when Ew'd Cundley was underlooker; which I think it cannot be done but whoever is in that place must have a knowledge of it, and he took pains in the summer to burn Coaks in the night and sell coals in the morning from that brow, Iohn Atherton I mean, Iohn Davies, Ge=o= Cundley sen=r=, Ge=o= Cundley Iun=r=, wm Abbott, & Isaac Athertor son of In=o= Atherton, was five getters in that pit the browmen Mr Rigby has turn'd of but the geters are not because coals are so wanted,

I think a Scheme might be a%dapted to %overtu{rn}e all the brow mens projects, which they have maney if a weighing Machine was Erected near to the pits, so that all the coals might be weighed and paid for at the machine, it wou'd be of Service to the publick and our Master also, To Sell coals at two pence farthing p~ hundred, as it is 28 {hh}=d= for 20 basts to the machine their is at 2Ό=d= p~ hh=d= [^two letters rubbed out^] 3=d= for machine and man at every 20 basts which makes 9=d= p~ work, and is at 4000 works p~ year 150 pounds p~ year but pray consider of it your%self, if this goes on I %wou'd allow the head brow man 16=d= p~ day and the under ones 14=d= p~ day but their wou'd need few under ones but at times when pileing, as they wou'd not neither go to get change nor go to spend their money, besides it wou'd be a Che{c}k to the [^"ma" rubbed out^] other machine & its Carters from Your Hbl Ser=vt= Shaw Allanson Haydock Debr 18th 1783 (_To_) M=r= Rich='d= Orford (_Lyme_)

Sr This morning Iohn Atherton and George Cundleys wife have pack='d= up both their Cloaths and gone of together and left Haydock, their will be an underlooker wanted this strengthens the matter of his sons affair that he must know of the matters being carry'd on in that clandestine manner I %was thinking of going to Rich='d= Sharratt to see if he cou'd recommend a man that has been aquainted with Long work which wou'd be of use at the works I take this oppertunity to aquaint you with the affair as they are comeing up to Lyme I am Inform'd from Your Hbl Ser=vt= Shaw Allanson Haydock Ian=ry= 9th 1784 (_To_) M=r= Rich='d= Orford at Lyme Hall (_Cheshire_) [^Postmaked Warrington^]

Sr M=r= Grimshaw tell{s} me he expects you at Haydock in a few days and as [^"su" rubbed out^] you are a comeing I should be glad you wou'd see mr Gates Holding tells me their is two working barrells, and two pump trees that went from Haydock, to Norbury, now we are at presant want of what we call a foot or wind bove to sink with the presant one we have gives way and the men are afraid it will break as it is honey comby and not so sound as it ought to be I should a Come over to norbury this week but you comeing may answer the same purpose you see below from hole to hole is 14 Inches now youl be kind enough to bring with you if they have any of them things to spare the diameter of the bove and also diameter from hole to hole and we shal know if they will answer or we must get one from Chesterfield M=r= Grimshaw wants the shepherd to C{o}me to Haydock Imediately [^corrected^] from yours at Command Shaw Allanson Haydock Ian=ry= 14th 84 [^Diagram omitted^] (_For_) M=r= Rich='d= Orford at Lyme Hall (_Cheshire_) [^Accounts omitted^]

Sr we have expected you over some days past as youl see by what is wrote to Chesterfiel{d} which you will be kind Enough to forward in the most speedy manner you can as the one thing is so much wanted if you please to look within that for Chisterfield if you have not discharg'd the Iron bill at the foundery you will rec{ive} bills within that you may do so when you please their sum is 63=£=..3=s=..9=d= unpaid which is all at presant from Your Hbl Ser=vt= Shaw Allanson Haydock Ian=ry= 20th 1784 To M=r= Orford Lyme

Sr yours I rec~d this morning and am very much obli^d^ged to you for Shaw, and I was told by mr Orrells brother Saturday last that Hanley Copper works are sold to St Hellin Copper work Company and they are going to Erect new buildings to enlarge the works upon that they will want a great many more coals from Sr Roberts works and will do a great deal more damage to Haydock side in the Lands its much if Mr Penswick dont give us a push to get forward with our Levels as their Consumption will be Considerablely larger if they Ship their share our new Engine pits was but about 12 yds of Mark and is now a%bout 16 yds sunk in red rock and not through it it has taken all the water out of the by pit at side of the lane which shews no fault betwixt them from Your Hbl Ser=vt= Shaw Allanson Haydock Oct=r= 3=d= 85 M=r= Rich=d= Orford at Lyme Hall Cheshire

Sr A fire Engine To raise water about 8 feet high and a working barrell 5 In Dia=r= To raise 30 or 40 Gallons p~ minute will be of a Small Construction A work=g= barrell 5 In dia, Cylinder 8 In dia, a 7 feet Stroak Eight Stroaks in one Minute will raise about 46 Gal=s= in a minute, but the 8 In Cylinder wou'd work a larger bore theirfore do it work in less time whoever is inploy'd to Erect it will follow their own Constructon Bateman of Manchester has fixt a Small Engine at warrington Glass house upon a well that Serves them with house water & turns the Machins for Grinding their Glass, That over warrington Bridge at the Cotton Manufactory will be a patent one and I %am inform'd the patentee is to have 70 pounds p~ year for saveing of fire I expect we shall get up the higher delf coal on wednesday in the pit we are sinking at Edge Green All from Your Hbl Ser=vt= Shaw Allanson Haydock 14th Ian=ry= 88 PS I have been told by M=r= Stubbs of North=wh= That Salt was sold on Saturday 5th Instant at 4{Ό} p~ Bushall and wednesday following it was sold at 3=d= which was a drop of 1/3 of the price what effect it may make with us in the Coal way one Cannot tell (_To_) M=r= Orford Lyme

Sr wm Holding and I have been over at Ravenhead and they have a very great quantety of Coals one the brows M=r= Spakeman says above 1000 works, he says 2 or 3 [^"00" crossed out^] hundred works he does not mind haveing before%hand but these are so great a quantety he wishes they may be lessened, Sr Robts has only a%bout 100 wks [^"only" crossed out^] M=r= Penswick is easy about them Inclosed you have a plan I forgot when you was at Haydock to have had some discourse about it as their is those places now wanting as you see named upon the plan Now I desire you will peruse it over and give me a line a%bout it as we have morter ready as the year is so far gone if we was only to build one bay at presant for the rods &c but as you Order so we shall proceed a%bout it from your very Hbl Ser=vt= Shaw Allanson Haydock 10 Nov=r= 88

[^Text only transcribed of plan^] Back side To Raild road This to lay Leather in for Engine use & make bucket Leathers in &c This to write in flats Notes &c a Stable for basket rods & makeing Tubs &c Carpenters to work in and lay wood in ft ft 7½ 13½ 21 feet 7½ yds out to out 13½13½13½ feet within 14½ yds Long out to out (_For_) M=r= Orford at Lyme Hall

Sr I was with Barrow of Fradsham Bridge at warrington that p'd M=r= Rigby them two Bills of Tomlinsons he says he has seen the person the Bills are drawn upon since the Bills was drawn and he Expects they will be answer'd for at the time as he told him if he wou'd send down Imediately he wou'd pay the money to his father he is a neighbour to fradsham Bridge from Your Hbl Ser=vt= Shaw Allanson Haydock 22=d= May 88 PS he said if you wou'd send them down to Mr Rigby he wou'd answer to them with him that is if they are not paid in London (_To_) M=r= Rich=d= Orford at Lyme Hall Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington?^]

Sr Yours I Rec'd last Night; And Tomlinson as the Report goes with us is dead at London Suddenly rather it is whisper'd as if he should a done it himself, if the bills should Come back to you send them to M=r= Rigby as Barrow told me he wou'd take them up tho he had not Jndorsed them one piece of timber is Come and the other will be best to Come when oppertunity serves I think they will be best under the shade to keep them their then they are wanted as the Engine Beam yesterday was a week broke down quite in two near to the Center and we have fallen two trees for Arches and they answer very well we have sawn the Arches and Slab'd the beam I Expect we shall have it at work by the weeks end i{t} will be best to put of Mr Fletchers Comeing as long as pos{o}ble this misfortune happening, Edge Green is now ready air'd and fit for men to work their if we had them, I Expect the By pit ^men^ at florida will be drown'd out and to have Some of those men to Edge Green till water is got out again In the mean time some others will be droping in to succeed them I expect From Your Hbl Ser=vt= Shaw Allanson Haydock Iune {1th} 88 M=r= Rich='d= Orford at Lyme Hall Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Sr Yours I Rec'd yesterday [^"{day}" added above the line, and subsequently crossed out^] and as such have been with M=r= Rigby this morn=g= and has given him 34=£=..3=s=..6=d= which will make up he thinks for Saturday next if that does not Come from Groppenhall this week it may do something towards the reckoning following he had of me last reckoning 10..10..0 as he was short of paying the men about that Sum, we have at Edgegreen Colliery Coal & Coaks about 280 wks the Carts you See going to their on your return was the throngest day we have had of Carting as the roads was not fit for carting till monday before that, we have only a part of the Carts as they sell their Coals at bottom of the green at 2½=d= p~ bast and will uphold them 9 %score each basket so they are sure to have sale for all they can get; and they tell me their Slag road will be finished down the green in a few days so they will have a winter road for there Coals, they hire all the Carts they can to get it forward Golborn people go very badly on with theirs, a great many Golborn Carts assists Crouchley with his road and lets their own Stand for want of Carts

we have only had about a fortnights sale of our Coals since they cou'd get at us for them and I have paid upwards of 70=£= Cash that I had borrowed to Carry on the works instead of trobleing you for Cash besides that mr Rigby has had if the roads Continue to be good so as that we can sell what we have or most part of them they will make money and I will do my endeavour to Assist mr Rigby with Cash it all depends upon weather there is different bills to be paid such as ropes, powder, Timber, Iron &c the sale on saturday last was much decreased as people gets fited sale drops of I %am Sr your very Hbl Ser=vt= Shaw Allanson Haydock 24 Augt 89 M=r= Rich=d= Orford at Lyme Hall Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Sr their is now wanted at Edgegreen Colliery a waggon road, in the pit that was last sunk in the deep level it must be, to fetch Coals Dam lane side, I have put the men by for Some time, as you mention'd the work being Stopt, they are now got so far they cannot draw them so it must be laid, or the men shifted elsewhere, their is at Hoodin 1704 yds of props which I thought to have come to that work as being next to them, but it wou'd be best to Consider first where to lay them down, so that one Loading may serve, if not laid down at Edge green, florida wou'd be best as they are much wanted their, we have about the Noggin hillock at back side of winwic{k} that will do for stocks Colliery above 3000 yds The sale at Edgegreen has been slack for a week past & more so that we have piled Coals there again as well as at Haydock a great quantety is piled I desire your Answer with speed and it will greatly Oblidge your Hbl Ser=vt= Shaw Allanson Haydock 13th Sepr 89 PS if the work must be stopt, it woud be best to take the men out of the deep level first, and stop wind=g= water, and keep shiftg higher as the water rises, and get as long at them as they can, so that the coals on the brows may be Lessening as their is to many on the brows at this time of the year (_For_) M=r= Orford at Lyme Hall (_Cheshire_) [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Sr I expected to have had an answer from you as to%day about Edgegreen affairs but not haveing one have wrote these few lines to you to let you know I %intend to be over at Lyme on sunday next god willing as things stand on so critical points amongst us I %mean to lay down at the makeing up of our years accts which wont be long to as I %suppose but when I %see you shall aquaint you more about this matter I %am Sir your very humble Ser=vt= Shaw Allanson Haydock Sep=r= 20th 1789 M=r= Rich=d= Orford

Sr as our Loading place is very bad and the pond we ship our Coals in is to be let of to%night for us to repair our Loading place theirfore we shall have it to bottom & pile and plank the sides to hold them up its the Bank I %mean that slips in so that flats cannot come under of frame to load so we shall be oblidged to work sunday also to get it done {as} mr {Or}rells pond is to be let of at after we have done ours for mr Ashton to put down a %frame for to load of so it will be sunday following before I %can come to Lyme I %am Sr your very Hbl Ser=vt= Shaw Allanson Haydock 25th Sepr 89 To M=r= Orford; att Haddock Lodge; near Newton Lancashire

(_S=r=_) As I expected you would not be returned from Lyme, whilst I stayed att Liverpool, adjouned giving you a Line till y=e= Day on my return home; I found Pedleys Family well, but in distress I beleive indeed, & thank you for all Favours particularly y=r= last, by which assistant I left their house with some provition in itt, I {L}ay att his house sent home, my man & Horses, & return in y=e= stage, M=r= Davenport, & Others were very civill to me, I dined with M=r= Davenport by {str}ong invitation, att the George Coffee House, he went on Friday to [^"Capen" crossed out^] his nephew att Capestone, & when he return will do all in his power for poor W=m= Pedley, M=r= Drinkwater, & Others hath promised y=e= same, & some I hope will be soon, if he can but wheather out a while, tho if not soon something happens to keep up his spirits, he must fall into his Grave. I have some thoughts att present of returning soon to Liverpool but if I do it will be in view of succeeding in an affair much to my own advantage by y=e= Death of a friend, & if so will give you a Line, & hope will be in my power, if called on in any respect to be able to serve you, or yours, was sorry to leave my worthy friend in Bed, but expected it would be a short fitt, & y=e= Person with him, more able & happier in assisting him; however tho with regret then to my%self was on y=e= above account, rather I hope, fortunate, than otherwise {to} Sr truly y=r= Oblidgd Serv=t= Iohn {Am}son Warrington Iune y=e= (_27_) (_79_) [^Different hand^] M=r=: Orford Lyme {Hall} Cheshire /{S}: Legh [^Postmarked Liverpool^]

(_D=r S=r=_) Y=rs= dated y=e= 23 instant, I have y=s= moment receivd, but yr formar One not reached me; Had I been able, should not have been so long absent from returning to my Friends, Tho' I hope to reach Lyme almost as soon as these Lines, least an unexpected disappointm=t= was willing to send you a few Lines to satisfy you I am very well in health, have been in y=e= Posture I now am, with my Legg before me, since y=e= 13 of Augt, butt now so healed, as with safety, to be able to take a journey; so have fixt to set off monday next in y=e= manchester Coach, & reaching Lyme either that Even=g=, or Tuesday; As you say nothing of my Old valuable [^corrected^] Friend y=r= old master, hope he & y=e= Family are well to whom, I beg my best respects, & am D=r= S=r= truly yr Oblidgd Friend & Servt In=o= Amson Liverpool Sep=r= y=e= 27 (_82_) [^Different hand^] M=r=: Orford Lyme {Hall} Cheshire /{S}: Legh— [^Postmarked Liverpool^]

Liverpool {Dec=r=} y=e= {2} 8{2} (_Good S=r=_) I att last got well home, on my arrival att manchester, I waited on M=r= Wright, who hath since seen M=r= {White}, who refuses y=e= sight of y=e= note given by me for y=e= Legacy, which makes my Opinion y=e= Stronger, that it is in y=e= form, M=r= Wilbram advised me to give; have y=s= Post answered m=r= Wrights Letter, wish you could see m=r= White yrself & see how he is disposed, & to satisfy him I never expressed any dissattsfaction, nor a design of giving him trouble, but a Curiosity to see y=e= s=d= note, tho' what he now or is likely to enjoy of y=e= Amsons Estate, had a Promiss & know was intended for me, so [^"perhaps" crossed out^] no one I beleive but might have expressed y=e= hardship of all being otherwise disposed off, this property ^{disposed off}^ by you as an Acquaintance, ^{with} m=r= White^ might produe a good [^word crossed out^] ^effect^ as I wish no Other then [^word crossed out^] {to} be in good terms with m=r= White, & {w=d=} if in his situation & he in mine, [^"but" crossed out^] ^w=d=^ moderate y=e= affair, with him, rather then have a quarrell; have sent y=e= enclosed, & informed y=r= master of as having lately been so good to have given me his opinion; {I} was informed by a Passeng=r= on y=e= road hither, that lately a Soldier was acciently quartered att y=e= Swan, & proved to be a husband of mrs Dixons, which much alarmed y=e= family. I wish you w=d= see m=r= Wright with m=r= White, or m=r= White himself & say what you think proper on y=e= head, & it shall be fully acknowled, & you fully satisfyed in all respects, by S=r= y=rs= Iohn Amson Dec=r= y=e= 2 82 I could wish you to see m=r= White soon, & will fully satisfy you for all trouble; if you think it necessary to see m=r= Wright he lives in {*...} [^torn off^] Street [^Different hand^] M=r=: Orford Lyme {Hall} Cheshire /{S}: Legh—

D=r=. (_S=r=_) Yrs with Three Bills in value 30-{1-0}, I received save Fryday last, & hope y=e= enclosed will be both to you, & M=r= Wilbraham satisfactory, & approbation, if not shall att my time be willing to alter [^"to" crossed out^] as you shall further derect. m=r= jump I seldom meet with, W=m= Pedley had att hand, so [^word crossed out^] for y=r= immediate Satisfaction of being informed of y=rs= coming save to hand employed Pedley: I though^t^ on Affair of this kind, no Interest had been p=d=, but shall comply to Custom, & further talk on y=e= subject when we meet; but now beg to acknowledge myself greatly oblidged to you for y=r= application to m=r= Bootle, assuring you it give me satisfaction greatly as I hope now not to know y=e= same Distreses, but look more to numbrs; & to live giving you, or yours, full satisfaction for all trouble of all kind you have had on my account; Do you think it adviseable for me to give M=r= Bootle a Letter of thanks for his present assistant; I had a while since a Letter from M=rs= Keck, but I purpose very soon answering it, so take what notice of y=s= you please. shall always rejoyce att yr M=r= Leghs being in health, & M=rs= A Leghs mending; how answers Foreign Countrys to poor [^{Tom} crossed out^] ^{C=y=}^ Legh. Beg now m=r= Grims=w=, to send my Goose to London when convenient to him. when Plenty beg a Hare, & Woodcock for me; & beleive me truly yr Oblidg=d= Servt; In=o= Amson Liverpool Nov=r= y=e= (_30_) (_83_) How are M=r= Legh Masters, & family, & where is y=e= Old gentleman, & what becomes of his american affaires [^Different hand^] Mr. Orford Lyme Stockport /{S}: Legh [^Postmarked Liverpool^]

Liverpool Dec=r= y=e= (_23_) (_83_) D=r= (_S=r=_) As I had no Cover for y=r= mas=r= have herein enclosed this for him; M=r= Grimshaw was so kind yesterday to call on me was glad to see him, he came I find on some private busyness of his own, so no more of that. you see by y=e= Papers y=e= great Changes att Court, doubt not, but y=e= Country in that may be effected. should be glad to hear what Acct yet from poor Cholm=y= Legh; about ten Days since I rememb=r= to leave with m=r= Drinkwater y=e= note you gave me for him to deliver up to me mine of 5={££}= receiv=d=, he could not then give me, [^word torn off?^] promised calling again w=ch= I did, not yet met since wi{th} him, nor receiv=d= [^"y=r= note" crossed out^] my acknowledgm=t= for y=e= above Sum tho desired he w=d= send it me, as its uncertain of meeting w=th= him, I do not think it signifies betwixt as our last settling will shew it, but thought proper to acquaint you of it, as I now had Pen to Paper: I hope y=r= Mast=r= continues well, & as I imagine y=e= young Kecks are att Lyme he is in Spirits. As last year y=e= Corporation here had no feasting for y=e= {b}est part of Brown mayoralty we have ^weekly^ Two Days of feasting y=s= year, Sunday as usuall, & Thursday by y=e= present mayor. I wish y=r=%self & Family y=e= happiness of y=e= approaching season & am with complim=ts= yrs Iohn Amson [^Different hand^] M=r=: Orford Lyme {Hall} Cheshire /{S}: Legh— [^Postmarked Liverpool^]

(_S=r=_) The satisfaction I enjoyed a while since, by receiving a Letter [^"from" crossed out^] from under y=r= masters own hand, could not slip acknowledging y=e= favour which I was willing to do under a Cover to you as I had none for him. I hope he escapes y=e= Gout; m=rs= Keck I understand is gone; but my fears, tho' I know your master is ^a^ small family in y=e= Parlour dare not face Lyme, was much out off order since I left %you, but now for some time past have been as well as for severall winters, but oblidged to keep close, Colds very brief here, as well as sudden Deaths. hope yr Family continues well; I should be glad to hear of a good accont from Lisbon & am S=r= truly yrs In=o= Amson Ian' y=e= (_15_) (_84_) Drinkwater hath not yet sent my note for y=e= 5=££=, according to your order by note M=r=. Orford; att Peter Leghs, Esq=r=; Lyme near Dissley; Chesshire By way off Manchest=r=

D=r= (_Friend_) As no newes is said to be good hope y=r= next account of my old friend m=r= Legh will be of his continuing as well as One of his age is expected: when nearer & his good sist=r= should be absent, my inclination to shew him, or any of his Family, ^respect^ will remain y=e= same: It being now some time since I last wrote to you, on acc=t= of being in hopes off an immediate answer, & anxious for y=e= time being fixed of our meeting to settle Creditors affair{e}s, occationed my repeating giving you this trouble, & do immagince y=e= Tenants not performing his promise of paying his money in may last, hath kept you from writing; W=m= for some time was in y=e= Channel & since in y=e= Dock, so busy being y=e= Book Keeper att Present to a large {v}essell he is aboard of night & Day, & y=e= La^nd^lord [^letter crossed out^] from Chester calling for his [^letter crossed out^] years Rent, with other unavoidable necssaries both for %him,

& myself; so that one Guinea now only left, [^two letters crossed out^] my anxiety is for settling, in hopes a sum suffient to assist me till my Tenant can pay me part of his Rent due Lady Day, will be left me att our Settling; if not must as you know, when I may reasonablely expect it from my Tenant, tho' I have so often been oblidged to you for yr kind assistance, beg your now repeating it, & yr, by an immediate Order on some%one here; or cannot get into y=e= Country for a little fresh air, tho' hitherto deferred it sometime past in hopes weekly expecting yr Order of my meeting you, &c; So on acot of that, & present supply, & enabling me to move for fresh Air, shall soon hear from [^"m" crossed out^] you a full satisfactory answer, & further Oblidge yrs till deat{*...} [^piece torn off^] n Amson

Iuly y=e= (_2_) (_85_) M=r= Orford; Lyme Hall, near Dissley, Chesshire By way off Manchester [^Notes in other hand omitted^]

D=r= (_S=r=_) yrs dated y=e= 4 instant came to hand y=s= Day, which, I assure you was both a great releif, & satisfaction to me, & must own I am greatly Oblidged to you on my applications you have sent y=r= frequent releif; I think, yr last to m=r= Sherratt was a proper step, & as he ^is^ wholley concerned for Whitters, let him Supply my Tenant, & you Oblidge him now to keep to y=e= Day fixt hoping nothing on y=r= side will now prevent {y=r=} meeting on Fryday, & enabling you immediately proceeding so, as wholly to finish with all Parties, that when that is done, shall ^not^ again {*...} [^torn off^] myself, to be in y=e= same past difficulty, & shall then seek out for a Friend to take to y=e= Estate, allowing for trouble, & paying me Quaterly; this makes me anxious to have y=e= whole compleated, & shall wish for a line after yr meeting Sherratt, & Whitters, & [^two letters crossed out^] att pres=t= have put off through y=e= Contents of ^yrs^ a journy into Chesshire, but ready to meet you, where & when I receive y=r= Order, & either

get you to write to my Bond Creditors, concerning their lenity in y=e= Interest, or write myself, as you shall hereafter derect me, wishing this to reach you before you see my Tenant; yesterday was surprized by m=r= Ormrod, calling here, being then out went to him, saw 'em both with their Daughter who' is much bettered by Bathing here, & was as this Day to leave Liverpool, for Golborn. She informed me m=rs= Keck, & Co' being att Lyme, am glad m=rs= Legh, & c, are soon expected to joyn you there, & that my Old friend continue, as well as years will admitt off, & all y=r= own family are in health; rememb=r= me to m=r= Barber, & m=rs= Crew, & beleive me truly y=r= Oblidg=d= serv=t= (_In=o= Amson_) Liverpool Iuly [^"7" crossed out^] (_6_) (_85_) M=r= Orford; att Lyme, near Dissley; Chesshire; By way off manchester; A Single Sheet

Good (_S=r=_) This Morning was surprized with y=r= account of my Affaires still being adjourned, as I understand through Sherrat, & my Tenant; I must repeat what I have often told you, if you regard Whitters, you'le never be certain of performing y=r= promise to Others, doubt not off Sherratts abilities in assisting Whitters; but its my Opinion, & not without reason, that whilst Sherratt hath views off further self Advantages to be reaped, from my Tenant, who' att his Fathers Death, is entitled to Land, he will, or may be supplyed, with money, and fine Speeches, but that, I assure you, will no longer {**}cuse [^torn off^] Whitters from paying y=e= R=t=, he promised to discharge, march last, & keeping me from Settling y=e= Creditors Account, which you know hath been my long anxiety to do; now I must ^insist^ of a demand to be sent my Tenant immediately, to pay you y=e= money by y=e= latter end of this month, as now fixed by y=r= last letter, or distrain; for {s}etting it, I fear not, as I now know an undeniable Tenant for it, [^"that" crossed out^] ^who^ coming from that Country is anxious returning into it, to spend y=e= remainder part of his Life: I hope now a Post or two will bring me yr account of y=e= Day of you & Whitters, with y=e= neighbouring Creditors meeting, & without further advising, or regarding Sherratt; I hope in y=e= same Letter to hear of M=rs= Keck being returned, & esstablished in her Health, or it will greatly effect my Old Friend, to whom best respects, from him that att all opportunities shall be glad of a good account off him; Let me know as soon as you can, of y=e= %afores=d=

meeting, which I could wish to be att middlewich, [^"as" crossed out^] if convenient to you, as perhaps by then my friend [^"s" crossed out?^] in that Country may be able to appear, who hath been some time very ill, & fear often now will be, but if fit, to see a friend will give me a desire off going into Cheshire for a short airing before Winter approaches; I cannot conclude without acknowlidging my great Obligation for the trouble you have had in my Affaires; & being sometime I hope in my power of further acknowledging it, as you are entitled; & that immediately w=th=%out further regarding Sherrat; or trusting to Whitterses Promises, you will bring affaires with Creditors to a Conclution, as it will be eas{e} & satisfaction to S=r= truly y=r= Oblidged humble Servant I Amson Liverpool Iuly y=e= (_{1}9_) (_85_) M=r= Orford; Lyme, near Dissley; Chesshire By way off Manchest=r= [^Postmarked 204 Liverpool^]

(_D=r= Friend_) I was in hopes by this time to have received a Line from you, & y=e= Deed off Trust given up, or myself put in Power of my Estate, that I might think of a Person convenient, [^"too" crossed out^], & wd agree with me to look after y=e= Premises, receive Rents, paying all yearly expences, allowing me every half year, clear, & punctually a certain Sum, this is my present wish, & on y=e= Footing you some time ago advised me to proceed on, & if y=r=self or one of y=r= recommendation will act for me, did not care how soon, such an agreemt was settled by myself & Party, & could soon wish to hear from you in answer to this, on that Head, & likewise to know, if any money in hand, likely to come to me, & from what R=t= Day, my Demand will be just, & Due from my Tenant; Have you yet known what my Bond Creditors will expect in regard to y=e= Interest due to them, if you have not yet made tha^t^ [^"m" crossed out^] motion or enquiry after their disposition on that Head, do you approve yet of my sending a Line to each on y={t}= head, that a final & whole accounts may be p=d=, or brought to a certainty what further Sum I shall have to pay, for till then, I [^"look on myself" crossed out^] shall be uneasy in my mind, so hope, you'le soon, give me y=e= full satisfacton of hearing verberly y=e= full contents of this: was glad in m=rs= Kecks last to me to have so good an acount of my old friend, y=r= master M=r= Legh,

hoping to hear he continus so; I have but lately heard of m=r= masterses having been in England & returned again to America, I hope he fully settled all his Affaires before his return, to y=e= Satisfaction of his Family & friends; mrs Keck hath informed me of her return to London, hope it will not {l}ower my old friend her Father. very Cold & wet wheather now here, but as yet, have been so farr in y=e= Winter as ^well as^ I have been for Winters past, I have drank a good deal of Butter milk, which I think hath been of %Service to my Breathing; I hope y=e= Family remain=g= att Lyme are well, to whom, & M=rs= Crew, with yr own family I beg my service, when you send to Lees, order Rob=t= Whitters to get me a Hare & Wood Cock, to come by y=e= Coach; & it will Oblidge Sr, truly yr Obedi={t}= humble servt I, Amson Liverpool Nov=r= y=e= (_29_) (_85_) If you see M=r= Grimshaw before we meet, be pleased to pay him, for Fowles sent me %&c. I am now afraid y=e= Cap=t= will forget assisting poor W=m=, who' now hath his lame Child re{te}rned from his Fathers, added to his Family y=e= Child hath had what y=e= Faculty of Surgeons here can do for him, w=ch= is a half Boot, fixed with Iron to his Legg; M=r= Orford, Lyme near Dissley; Cheshire

Dear (_friend_) I am now att Somerford, & if M=r= Old Friend M=r= Leigh is pretty well, & you think it would be agreeable to him now I am so near will endeavour, to reach Lyme once more for a few days, which you ^may^ let me know by y=e= first Post, by a Line [^corrected^] for me to be left att Charles Buc{l}worth Shaherley Esq=r= att Somerford, without saying anything, or more, to y=e= family, off my intentions, then you think proper from yr Oblidgd Serv=t= (_Iohn Amson_) Somerf=d= Augt y=e= (_10_) (_88_) M=r= Orford, Lyme Hall, near Dissley, Chesshire

Dear (_S=r=_) y=rs= had not lain so long unnoticed, that came safe to hand when I was att Somerford, but was willing to deferr it till my return hither, whither I am lately come, indeed have seen most of my Old acquaintances in that neighbourhood, & met with a deal of Civilities, & seeming friendship, both from my Relations, & Old acquaintances, & should have stayed longer, but expect y=e= family will not stay now long att Somerford, & thought y=e= mornings and Evenings began to be cool, & y=e= Contents of yours, tho' friendly did not encourage my mounting y=r= hills, tho' I assure you, I much wished to have once more spent a few Days with my Old friend, y=r= worthy master, who' I shall att all times be glad to hear how he goes ^on^, tho' well in health myself, find my Legs failes me greatly lately; & Age to creep fast on me. I was in hopes as their is Duplicates for all y=e= Creditors signing, before this time, you would according to promise have returned one of them, with y=e= Old Deeds of y=e= Estates, now remaining in yours, or some of y=e= Lawyer's hands; which I hope soon to receive, or acquainted where to find. I beg my best & sincere respects to all att Lyme, [^letter crossed out^] to whom acceptable, not forgetting me to y=r= own & m=r= Barbers family & beleive me to remain truly Affect=y= y=rs= Iohn Amson Liverpool Sep=r= (_22_) (_88_) Old Doc=r= Green dead in deed very Riddely. I do not forget y=r= Old master of Limes past favours, & must begg to be remembred to him, when & in what manner you think (_proper_) A %line from you soon will be acceptable, & as often as you can to hear of my Old friend M=r= Orford, Lyme near Dissley (_Cheshire_) Post {Pd}

Dear Orfords Letter tho not sooner noticed, came regularly to hand, & for which you now have my best thanks, & whenever you reach Liverpool hope not to be deprived of y=e= pleasure of seeing you; or living yet to repay you some acknowledgemt for past favours & trouble you had on my Acct; & when convenient %to you or you, come hither, y=r= delivery of M=r= Derbyshire note & M=r= Bootle Wilbrahams, will be satisfactory to me met him att Somerford on his {visit} there, when I was last in Cheshire, with his usual expressing of Ioy to see me. My {*}eice & family now returned home, {*} [^blot^] & when I last was with m=r= Shaherly he readily came into y=e= Proposall I once made you, but something further [^paper torn off; a short word could be missing^] by allowing [^"{me}" crossed out^] Whitterses full Rent half yearly, but y=e= Rents during my Life, to be P=d= him, & y=e= [^"Rent to be given in m" crossed out^] Receips from Withers P=d= him in my name as by me, so now I think myself fully easied from a good deal of trouble, & more to my own Satisfaction. I was not not a little pleased with y=e= account you gave me of my Old Friend your master, as well as surprized att so wonderous a recovery, he will always have my since wishes of length of Days, & good heal{th}

had you given me y=e= least encourage{m}mt when I was in Cheshire last would have then made a {push} according to my promise to m=r= Th{o's} Legh to have seen lyme, & now do not give up those pleasing thoughts next Summer, tho' since my last my As{ha}maticall disorder hath been very bad, & now a worse {F}ootman then you ever knew me, which I fear will be a great confinemt to me hereafter; when proper my best respects to M=r= L, m=iss= L, & y=e= Golborn family, & glad m=rs= Keck is better, did not, hear but by yrs, she had been att Lyme, & ill, & if I could from her, or m=iss= Leigh, & yrself hear how my old friend goes on it will be great pleasure to me as often & by what hand most convenient. Some time since to my surprize met Speakman, he informed me he expected soon to come to fix in Liverpool, but neither where nor in what line of Life; I hope y=r= own, & Barbers Family are well remembr me as usual to all, & while amongs y=e= Living wish to remain truly y=r= oblidgd friend & Serv=t= I Amson Liverpool {Nov=r=} y=e= (_25_) (_88_) M=r= Orford; Lyme, near Dissley. (_Cheshire_) By (_manchester_) [^Postmarked Liverpool^]

(_D=r= S=r=_) The newes I heard y=s= Day of M=iss= Leghs Death hath not a little concerned, and surprized me, which occationed my troubling you with a few Lines of enquiry after my Old friend y=r= worthy master, who' I fear will be greatly effected & must beg you to remember my sincere respect to [^word crossed out^] him, & mention ys affair to him, as, %tenderly from me me as you think proper, & with true respect, and {***}cern [^torn off^] for him, y=e= Doubts of m=rs= Keck not now being at Lyme, & y=e= uncertainty where to find her made me not write a line to her, to whom, & family I beg to to be properly, & respectfully res{m}embred [^"p" changed to "m"^] t{o}. not hearing from you since my last nor sure how acceptable an Old acquaintance [^"to" crossed out^] ^is^, nor, wd be to my Lyme friend's, to%gether with my own Weakness, & concern for ye remainder of [^"of" crossed out^] my Lyme Friends shall adjourn a visit thither, & content myself with a Line from you, if you be so oblidging to give me a Li{nce}, with y=e= satisfaction of hearing from my Friends, & amongst y=e= rest, do not forget me to y=r= own family & m{r} Barbers;

tho better now then have been, continue weakly, & doubtfull wheather I shall be able to accept of my nephewes invitation y={s}= summer again to Somerford, tho' y=e= great Changes in Life may deterr us from meeting, do let me know how ^all^ are that remain of y=e= Lyme family, as it will be to me to have a godd account, a satisfaction, & Pleasure to ever yr affec=t= Serv=t= Iohn AmsonLiverpool Iuly y=e= (_25_) (_89_) Thursday Evening mr Richard Or{o}ford Sir I %Received a Leter from you Concerning the Water Corse belonging their%to and l{a}ne head Which William Swindell{s} has Turnd the B{a}y Waters into the Same Water Corse and it is not fit for Eney person to {youse} nos im%ploy [^corrected^] for House Service and this is to let you nowe if you think Proper to Come Over and Sel{et} the water Well and good or Els Wee Are to troy Who must be m{aster} Thomas Ardern [^Skipped the three letters from John Arrowsmith & Co. Very short, and formulaic^] M=r= Rich=d=. Orford Lyme. Hall [^Postmarked Manchester^]

Sir, J am sorry you oblige me to write so many D{unn}ing Letters about a Trifle — As it is customarry to pay readey money for shop goods can make no objection to an allowance of Interest ... There was not Som Shilling profit upon the whole amount I %am your %Hum Servant William Arrowsmith Manches={r}= 8. Sep. 1775 For M=r=. Orford at Lyme Cheshire [^Note in different hand, presumably Richard Orford's^] M=r=. Ashley ab=t=. his Fixing [^word crossed out^] ^Groppenhall^ Court rec~ed Nov=r=. 17.62 Ans~. D=o=.

Frodsham 13=h= November 1762 (_Sir_) I had the favour of both yours and had fixed on holding Groppenhall Court the Tuesday after the Day I received your First but as by it I found you coud not conveniently attend till after y=e=. Sixth Instant I put it off and since have not only been holding sev={l}=. Courts but also have been from home all this week 'till to%Day on a Iourney into Shropshire so coud not well fix Groppenhall Court till my return besides as the Nights are at present so very dark I had a Desire to put it off 'till it woud be Moonlight and therefore have now fixed it to be on Friday the Twenty Sixth Instant if that day will be convenient for you if not please to let me know in time and I'll alter it to your Satisfaction if I %can and am Sir Your most hble Serv=t=. {D}. Ashley P: S: If you have the last Suit Roll and presentments please to remember to bring them with you Dear (_Sir_) I %have received your Letter inclosing M=r=. Bellases draft on Harrison Value £40- which shal{l} be presented this Evening for Payment. I %hope we shall be able to get you the Money tho' I must own I %have some doubts J am D=r=. %Sir your %most obed=t=. hble %Serv=t= Fra' Ashley Frodsham 26=th=. June 1779. M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford of Haydock at the White Bull Warrington [^Postmarked Frodsham^]

Dear (_Sir_) Pray have you given M=r=. Bellases possession of the premises in Goulbourn which I mentioned to you at Warrington when I last %saw %you %there and have you prevailed on M=r=. Leigh to consent to M=r= Ballases's assigning this Estate to M=r=. Rob=t=~ Cheshire, Harrison (Bellases's Tenant) promised to %be here Yesterday but was not %so good as his Word I %hope he will be here on Thursday, if he is will acquaint you by %that days Post J %am D=r=. %S=r=. your most obed=t=. h~ble Serv=t=. Fra' Ashley Frodsham 13=th=. July 1779. M=r=. Orford at Lyme near Stockport

Dear %(_Sir_) I received your Letter, and inform you that my Brother is now in London, but I expect him ^back^ before the 9=th=. of next Month, when either him or me will attend you at Groppenhall J %am D=r= %Sir your very Obed=t= %hble Serv=t=. Fra' Ashley Frodsham 20=th=. Nov=r=. 1783. [^Note probably in different hand, presumably Richard Orford's^] Nov 22.83 fix'd Court for 9=th=. M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Frodsham^]

Dear %(_Sir_) Pray did you take the last Groppenhall Court Roll and Papers with you from that Court, If %you did I beg you will bring them to the next %Court, If %not I %beg you will acquaint Dear {*}ir [^paper torn^] your very h~ble Serv=t=. Fra' Ashley. Frodsham 22=d=. Nov=r=. 1788. M=r=. Orford Haydock Lodge Lancashire [^Postmarked Frodsham^]

(_D=r=. S=r=._) I am fav=d=. with yours and as we are chiefly upon rack rents in Groppenhall I am afraid that y=e=. Tenants woud not be prepared to pay so early as y=e=. times you fix for holding that court but as you say any day after y=e=. 5=th=. of Nov=r=. will be agreeable to you I woud propose Tuesday the 15=th=. of Nov=r=. and will give Notice acordingly if that day suits your Convenience which I desire you'l let me know by a Line to S=r=. Your most hble~ Serv=t=: Rob=t=. {W} Ashley. 16=th=. Octo=r=. 74 M=r=. Orford Haydock Lodge Lancashire

(_D=r=. Sir_) I %was from home when your last L~re was brought here or shoud have answ=d=. it by y=e=. return of y=e=. Serv=t=. and have in pursuance thereof acordingly given Notice for Groppenhall Court to be held on Tuesday y=e=. 15=th= Nov=r=. next and remain Dr Sr. Your most h~ble Serv=t=: (_Rob=t= {W}. Ashley_) 23=d=. Octo=r=. 74.— M=r=. Rich=d=... Orford Haydock Lodge Lancashire [^Postmarked Frodsham^]

(_D=r=. Sir_) As I think it is your Turn for holding Groppenhall Court I expected to have heard from you before this time and that you woud have fix'd a day for that purpose; and as this Moon is now too' far advanced coud wish it was postponed till y=e=. next and if Tuesday the 5=th=. of Dec=r=. woud be agreeable and convenient to you woud be glad you'd fix it on that day; I beg the fav=r=. of your answer acq=g=. me whe={r}=. you'l appoint that day or not and am Sir Your very obe~t h~ble Serv=t=: Rob=t=. {W}. Ashley 10=th=. Nov=r=. 1775. M=r=. Orford at P=r=.. Legh's Esq=r=. Lime Cheshire [^Postmarked Frodsham^]

[^Numbers omitted, probably in different hand^] (_D=r=. S=r=._) I wrote to you some %time agoe desiring you woud fix Groppenhall Court for Tuesday the 5=th=. of Dec=r=. but as I have not rec=d=. any ans=r=. to it am afraid you never got it and as I wish to be at a certainty ab=t=. it beg y=e=. f{av}=r=. of your answer by return of post inform=g=. me wh=r=. that day will be agreeable or not I am S=r=. Your most h~ble Serv=t=: (_Rob=t=. W. Ashley_)Frodsham 25=th=. Nov=r=. 75. M=r=. Rich=d=.. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Frodsham^]

(_D=r=. Sir_) I am fav=d=.. with yours of y=e=. 25=th= Inst: and approve off the time you fix on for holding Groppenhall Court being Tuesday the 18=th=. Nov=r=.. at which ^time^ I propose to have the Pleasure of meeting you and am in haste D=r=. S=r=. Your most %h~ble Serv=t=: (_Rob=t=. W. Ashley_)Park Place Frodsham 28=th=. Octob=r=. 1777.— M=r=. Orford at P=r=. Leghs Esq=re=. Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Frodsham^]

(_D=r=. Sir_) As I think it is my Turn to hold Groppenhall Court and the time for doing it draws near I shoud therefore wish to fix the same for Fryday the 4=th=. of December next and hope that time will be convenient and agreeable to you I desire you'l be kind en{o}' to let me have a Line in answer that I may give notice and am S=r=. Your most hble Serv=t=. (_Rob=t=. W. Ashley_)Park Place Frodsham.— 17=th=. Nov=r=. 78.— M=r=. Orford at P=r=. Leghs Esq=r=. Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Frodsham^]

(_D=r=. Sir_) My L~{r}e left this Place y=e=. Night before I rec=d=. yours and therefore I do suppose they met on y=e=. road but were not so civil as to ask e{a}ch other how they did; how=r=. I've fixed Groppenhall Court for Fryday y=e= 4=th=. Dec=r=. next when I hope the Writers will shake hands and that very cordially I am in g=t=. haste S=r=. Y=r=. most %hble Serv=t=.. (_Rob=t=. W. Ashley_) 27=th= Nov=r=. 78— M=r=. R=d=... Orford Haydock Lodge near Warrington [^Postmarked Frodsham^]

(_D=r=. Sir_) I duly rec=d=... yours inclosing me y=e=. accp=d=. Dr={t}=.. Bellases on Harrison for 40={*}=.0={s}=.0=d= to y=e=. lat=r=. of whom I sent but coud not seem him till this Morn=g=. and ^he^ seem'd much surpriz=d=.. and informed me that some %time agoe he went to Warrington and took 20={*}.0=s=.0=d= of th{e} money he intend'd to have paid you with him where he met with M=r=. Bellases who told him y=e=. money was to be paid to him and acord=ly=.. he paid him it and aft=ds=.. 5={*}=:5={*}=.0=d= more; when Harrison accepted y=e= D={rt}=.. I told him as plainly {&} as convincely as I %cou'd that he was to pay y=e=. Money to you or your Order only so he can't plead Ignorance and I think he will not set up Inability; he hath promised to go to Warrington on Sunday and get back if possible what he hath {pai}'d M=r=.. B: and I've promis'd him y=e=. matter shall rest till {*...} [^torn off^] time is expired, but I thought it best to give ^you^ this short history {*...} [^torn off^] Business presuming you might see Mr B: tomorrow I am Y=r=. most %hble Serv=t=: (_Rob=t=. W. Ashley_) Park Place near Frodsham 29=th=. June 1779.— M=r=. Rich=d=.. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Frodsham^]

(_D=r=. Sir_) I have sent Notice to Groppenhall and fixed that Court for the 5=th=. Dec=r=. next as ment=d=. in my former {L~re} when I hope to have the Pleasure of seeing you I thought it safest to write again that you might know I had rec'd your {Lre~} and am D=r=. Sir Your most %hble S=t=: (_Rob=t= W. Ashley_)25=th=. Nov=r=. 1780.— [^Notes omitted^] M=r=. Orford Haydock Lodge near Warrington Lancashire If at Lyme it is desired it may be sent to him there [^Postmarked Frodsham^]

(_D=r= Sir_) The time now drawing near for our annual Meeting at Groppenhall and it being your Turn to hold that Court [^"and" crossed out^] if agreeable to you shoud be glad it might be fixed for Tuesday the 4=th=. Dec=r=.. next I beg y=e= fav=r=. of a Line in answer and am in g=t=. haste Your very obe~t hble S=t=.. (_Rob=t=. W. Ashley_)12=th= Nov=r=. 1781— M=r= Rich=d=. Orford (_Haydock Lodge_)

S=t=. Hellens 11=th= Feb=y=. M=r=. Orford S=r=. The Road from near M=r=. Orrells, up to M=r=. Leghs Farm in Parr, tenanted by Iohn Twist, being very much out of repair; & being informed by M=r=. Orrell that the repairs are or ought to be done by the Owner of the said Farm — I send this to request you to order the said Road to be effectually amended, to enable me to pass with safety up to ^an^ estate lately purchased by me from the Assignees of M=rs=. Clayton — I am S=r=. Your %H=l=. Serv=t=. Nich=s=. Ashton

[^Draft of Richard Orford's reply^] Lyme 3 Mar. 1789 (_Sir_) I was duly favor'd with your Letter of the 11=th= Ult={o}=. to Haydock, which I have laid before my Master, M=r=. Legh, who has order'd me to View the road you complain of, on my next going to Haydock [^"& report the s{am}e" crossed out^], and is willing to have the same sufficiently repaired for a Bridle Road — I %am Sir Your most ob=t=. Ser=t=. Ri, %Orford [^Attached paper^] With free Entrie outgate wa{n} & passage with carte cattle & other%wyse i{n}to & from all and everie the said closes & closures by & through all that Lane & entrie adjoininge to some of the said Closes calld Leughogge Lane as well towards & from {W}indle as also towards & from Newton in the said County — [^Diagram on the other side of the paper^] M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Lyme near Stockport [^Postmarked Liverpool^]

Woolton near Liverpool 10=th=. March 1789 S=r=. I had the pleasure to receive your Letter of the 3=rd=. Ins=t=. mentioning M=r=. Legh having given you directions to view the Road from M=r=. Orrells at Black Brook, to the Land at Laffogg, lately purchased by me from the Assignees of M=rs=. Clayton; & that he is willing to have the same sufficiently repaired for a Bridle Road. You will oblige me by presenting my best respects to M=r=. Legh, & acquainting him that I have no other road to the above Land but this complained of, & therefore of necessity, the Road should be repaired, so as to permitt carriages to pass with safety, — M=r=. Legh's tenant at Laffogg, passes with his Carts & Carriages thro his Farm, & therefore can avoid this bad Road; & this I apprehend is the reason it has been so much neglected — if the Ditches be

scoured, & the road be ca{s}t up, I think it might be gravelled with Copper Slag broken small at little expense, the Copper Work being very near; & I believe nothing charged for it; there is an old Cart pavement I am told in M=r=. Leghs fields, nearly parallel to this wanting repair, w=ch=. has formerly been a Coal road, but now appears useless; if those materials were removed, it would be a short distance to Cart, & they would I apprehend effectually repair it. I am S=r=. Your very hb=l=. Serv=t=. Nich=s=. Ashton M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Haydock Lodge near Warrington [^Direction change to "Lyme Cheshire" in different hand^] [^Postmarked Liverpool^]

Woolton near Liverpool 16=th=. Sep=r=. 1789 M=r=. Orford S=r=. As I am now going to bore & prove my Coals in the La Fogg Land, adjoining to M=r=. Leghs Estate there; I shall be obliged to you to present my Comp=ts=. to him, and to acquaint me, if he pleases to Lett his Crop Coals of those Delphs to me at a Lords part? & to mention what he, and you, think it reasonable for me to pay for the same, together with the Coals w=ch=. may be found under the Laffogg Lane should any be found there? I am S=r=. Your very hb=l= Serv=t=. Nich=s=. Ashton [^Draft of Orford's reply^] (_Sir_) Your %favor to me of the 16 %Ins=t=. only came here by this post owing to it being directed to Haydock — I have [^"have" crossed out^] communicated your request to M=r=. Legh about the Coal that lies under Laffack Estate on the run you are now geting off who returns his Compliments to you, And as he is under some engagements with the Gentlemen Coalpropriet{o}rs on the Sankey Navigations, it is not in his power to set any Coal on that Navigation on a Lords part at this time. I %am %{&c} [^signature^] Mr. Orford [^At different angle^] Richard Ashton of Warrington respectful Comp'ts to M=r=. Orford would have called on him had he not heard he was from home at %Lyme. M=r=. Orford will oblige RA, if he will receive £3.17.0 ^of R. Higg{e}nbo=m=^ for ale due to Mess=s=. Orrett %Lyon and Greenall had from Lowes of Stockport

Lowes sold the Ale upon Commission so that all debts uncollected at the time they stop payment, belongs to the person those goods came from — But to my astonishment G. Lowe has received several %sums since that time: this will will exasperate M Lyon & C=o= — as well Tho=s=. & %Richard Greenall of Eccl{es}ton — to the latter they ^owe^ upwards of £500 ^for Twist{s}^ to the former about 300=£= for Ale — pratty doings! but (_say no more on %'t._) Marple Red %Lyon 5 'Clock monday {evn}=g=— M=r=.. Orford Lyme

D=r=. Sir The covers you sent I rec=d=. and have herewith returned them, D{i}rected for you, and hope you'll rece{i}ve them safe and in Due time . . M=r=. Gwillym has directed me to inform you, that the Paym=ts=. you used to make to his Father on Acc=t=. of M=rs=. Gwillym's Fortune, are for the future to be Paid to him . . . I can from my own knowledge say, that M=r=. Orford was %always a Welcome Guest at Atherton, and for the futur{e} he himself can have no doubt of it — for my own part, I must confess it afords me no little

satisfaction to find that we have acqu{i}red such a substantial (_Banker_) &c &c — You'll excuse me and believe me with the Greatest truth Your sincere Freind & Humb=l=. Serv=t= I. Ashworth Atherton Nov=r=. 11. 1778 Comp=ts=. to (_all_) Freinds at Lyme &c M=r=. Orford Lyme Dissley Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Dear Sir A Letter this mom=t=. Rec=d=. informs me that M=r=. Atherton is now Laid up with the Gout at the Hot %wells. this Addition to his misfortunes is truely distressing. such a Situation in my opinion, must Melt the most Obdurate Heart. You will readily see the Necessity I am under of Requesting the favour of a remittance from you as soon as Posible. I am exceeding sorry to trouble you on this Occassion, but the Expences of a Sick Family Like M=r=. Athertons you know are not easily supported. The distressful accounts I have rec=d=. from Bristol for ten days Past, have almost sunk me into the Earth How or where it may End God Almighty knows who alone knows what is best for us all. It may be said that

my regard for the Family I serve carries my fears and Ideas too far. but I know that I am now writing to one who is a Father & a Husband, and can feel for the distresess of the meanest of his follow Creatures, that you may never [^word crossed out^] Exper{i}ence what M=r=. Atherton now suffers both in body and mind is the sincerest wish of your friend & Humble Serv=t= Iam=s=. Ashworth— Atherton Sep=r=. 12. 1779 M=r=. Ric=d=. Orford Lyme Dissley Cheshire [^Postmarked Manchester^]

Atherton Sept=r=. 26. 1779 Dear Sir You was kind enough in you last to say that you woud Assist me with every%thing in your Power therefore I flatter myself you not take it amiss that I request a farther remittance. M=r=. Atherton being confined to his Bed, his Poor little Daughter Down of the small Pox and two of them at Home under Preparation for Innoculation added to the Expence of bringing my Poor Mistress Down ^&c.^ are c{i}rcumstances of such a Nature as must of course require Large Sums of (_Ready Cash_). therefore I hope you'll not fail afording me Early Assistance which will very much oblige your Freind & Humble Servant Iam=s=. Ashworth [^Different hand^] 30 Sep. '79 sent a Bill Value £100 M=r=. Ric=d=. Orford Lyme Dissley Cheshire

Atherton 1=st=. Oct=r=. 1779 D=r=. Sir I am this moment fav=d=. with yours of the 29. Sept=r=. Inclosing a Bill, Athertons & C=o= on Denison & C=o= Value £100. for which you have my sincerest thanks. I have this day rec=d=. a Letter from M=r=. Atherton informing me that his dear Harriot is likely to do well, but that his Gout continues to Tease him exceedingly. his situation is truely Pittiable indeed. his little Girl down of the small Pox, his other two Little Daughters Innoculated Yesterday, & he confined to his Room with the Gout Added to the Loss he has had, of one of the Best of Wives, are misfortunes that few exper{i}ence and fewer are able to support . . Poor M=r=. Atherton Arrived here on Monday Evning, & on Tuesday we took her to her final resting Place — she was brought down & interred in a manner that does Credit to her & her Family & Freinds. & I will add that she has left few such Wives Mothers, & Mistreses behind her. the Children here are all very well but my heart Bleeds for Em Every time I see them Poor Little creatures some of Em will never

know that ^the^ evn had a mother. the Youngest Poor little Boy is sent to Hulton to be out of the way while his Sisters are Innoculated he is as sweet a little Boy as ever you beheld not quite ten months Old. the Eldest I have had here during this Melancholly Period & he has beheaved more like a man than a Child in every %respect [^"during" crossed out^] on this Occasion . . . . . I have, on a bit of Paper, inclosed a rec=t=. Immagin{i}ng that such a thing must ^be^ produced as a Vaucher and this Letter is of too serious a nature and too Incorrect to bear inspection Especially with an {Au}dites of {Au=ly=} That you & yours may enjoy Health & Prosperity is the sincerest wish of D=r=. Sir Your Freind & Humble Serv=t= Iam=s=. Ashworth M=r=. Orford Lyme Dissley Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

D=r=. Sir Having given up all Hopes of seeing you here am under the necessity of Troubling you with this, which I do by order of M=r=. Atherton, who bids me say that you have put ^him^ to great inconvenience. as the money he shou'd receive from M=r=. Legh he always meant to Pay to M=r=. Fazakerley, who is (as you may reasonably suppose) grown very Impatient and much out of Humour, this is therefore to request an Early and (_Substantial_) remittance which I hope you'll comply with now you are acquainted with the Necessity of it. M=r=. Atherton has been confin'd to his Bed five weeks & upw=ds=. but is (thank God) much better

and the little folks are all very well. I shall be very happy to hear that you and yours are all well & you'll believe me most sincerely your Freind and Hble Serv=t= J. Ashworth Atherton Aug=t=. 19=th=. 1781 To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Lyme M=r=. Orford Lyme

Atherton Dec=r=. 10=th=. 1781 D=r=. Sir Your fov=r=. of the 8=th= Past, covering your State of M=r=. Legh's account with M=r=. Atherton, now Lies before me — I have compar'd it with (_my_) Cash acc=t=. and find it Perfectly right, the Bills I rec=d=. on the 17=th= of Aug=t=. 1780 amounting 175=£=.. and on the 25=th=. of same Month my Book informs me that I rec=d=. from you 25=£=. in cash which makes the 200=£= as %stated by you. but how I, who had rec=d=. and enter'd the 25=£=. in my Cash Acc=t=.. & you who was in Possession of a Rec=t=. for the whole Sum, cou'd make such a Blunder seems rather extrordinary. However I'm glad it is so soon found out & regulated it shews very pourfully the Propriety of the Old Proverb which says that (_short Recconings, make long Freinds_). — I hope you found all your family & Freinds in good Health & that they & you may remain so is the Sincerest wish of D=r= Sir Your Oblig'd & Obed=t= Hbe Serv=t= J. Ashworth M=r=. Orford Lyme near Dissley Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Atherton Sep~. 20. 1782 D=r=. Sir As M=r=. Orford was so obliging as to say that he wou'd make a remittance to M=r=. Atherton in the month of July, I flatter %myself [^"that," crossed out^] he will not take it amiss that I Just put him in mind that it is now Sept~. and how Welcome a remittance wou'd be at this Period M=r=. Atherton is Just recovering from a Long & tedious fit of the Gout, the Young Ladies are all very Well, & the Young Gentleman I left about 3 Weeks ago with D~. Glass very well & I think happily situated — this I hope will ^find^ you & yours very Well, & you'll believe me most sincerely Yours &c &c I Ashworth M=r=. Orford Lyme near Dissley Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

D=r=. Sir Some %time ago I wrote to you to remind you of a Promise you made me of a remittance in July but having rec=d=. no answ~. I begin to fear that my Letter has m{i}scarried, I therefore write this in hopes of Better Success and am Sir Your Fr{ei}nd & H~ble Serv=t= J. Ashworth Atherton Oct=r=. 13=th=. 1782 M=r= Orford Lyme Dissley Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

D=r=. Sir As soon as M=r=. Taylor returnd from Lancas~ I acquainted him with the orde{r} in yours respecting the 100=£=. & upwards you expected he had of Yours. his Ans~. is that he is very much at a loss to know what it is you Alude to, having never rec=d=. nor been Instructed to receive any Sum of money on your Acc~. — — M=r=. Atherton as so exceeding Poorly that I have not time to Add more at Present but that I am Your Obed=t= Serv=t= J. Ashworth Atherton Nov=r=. 17. 1782 M=r=. Orford Lyme n~. Dissley Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

D=r=. Sir As you requested I have desired M=r=. Tayler to see M=r=. Jam={s}= Sale about the Cash you mention to be due from him to you, & his ans~. to M=r=. Tayler is that the Ballance betwixt Sale & you does not am~. to 20=£= how this affair is I cannot Judge neither have I any right, all I can say is that it does not appea{r} that there is anything to be expected by M=r=. A. from that Quarter we have been in Dreadful Apprehentions for this last fortnight on M~. Athertons Acc~. on Saterd. was a senn=t=. we had D~. Brandreth of Liverpool to see him & he remov'd in a very short time a most Alarming Symtom indeed since that he has appear'd better evry Day till Friday evning when he was Seizd with a Violent

Sickness. & Pain in his Bowels which continued till midnight (last night) since that he has been Better his Sickness and Pain is abated & the medicine used on these Occasions has happily made its way thro' him. he had a good night afterw=d{s}=. & is better this morning so that I hope all Danger is over. M=r=. Rawsto{m}e is here came on Wednesday Morning M~. R. is in London I'm so unfit for Bussness that I fear you'll not be able to make this out not having had a nights rest for the last 3 Weeks therefore You'll Excuse me & believe me most truely Y~ &c J Ashworth Atherton Dec~. 1=st=. 1782 M=r=. Orford Lyme

Atherton Dec~. 5=th=. 1782 D=r=. Sir I am this moment fav=d=. with yours of this days Date & am happy that I have it in my Power to say that M=r=. Atherton is much Better & I flatter myself quite out of all Danger, but as M=r=. Rawstorne writes to M=r=. Legh by the Bearer need Add nothing farther on that subject. when I hear any-thing [^"-thing" on next line^] of M=r=. Sales Bussness will inform you till then you'll believe me most truely Yours &c I Ashworth P.S. I was to have fetched Mas~. Atherton from School{e} (During the Holl{i}days) next week. had not my Mas~. Illness prevented me, therefore M=r=.

Rawstorne who happend to be in Town brings him down with him & is expected here begining of next Week — the Young Ladies are all well & I hope this will find your {fireside} well & happy — once more Adieu IA M=r=. Orford Lyme

D=r=. Sir Your Fav~. Inclosing Bank Notes & Drfts to the Am=t=. of 86=£=. 16=s=. _ I have rec=d=. together with Cash 13=£=. 4. _ which Makes the Sum of 100=£=.. .. .. I %have Sign'd & inclosd the rec=t=. as you desired & at any future time shall be ready to Sign any farther Rec=t=. you may think requisite — & that will be [^"on" crossed out^] on (_Stamps_) I dare say very soon I am D=r=. Sir Your Obed=t=. Hble Serv=t= I Ashworth Atherton Dec~. 1=st=— 1783 M=r=.. {R}=d= Hofford How %lane Near Disley

Haughton Moorside May 28=th= 1789 (_Sir_) we shall Take it as a %porticler favour if you [^"will" crossed out^] will Make it Conveaniant to Com over & look at the house as raer={h}=.. has left it in %a %verey {E}runias Ccondicion and he is in a %vere bad state of helth at this time —.— NB I beg you will not fale to Come as we want a %little of your advice before we begi{*} [^seal^] the work . . your Complyan{c} Sir will Much Ob{*...} [^seal^] your vere Humble Servants James Ashworth & sons To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Peter Legh's Esq=r= at Lyme near Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Liverpool?^]

Walten near Liverpool 1=st= March 1774 Sir I wrote to you some time about Christmas, & enclosed my letter under Cover to M=r= Legh, concerning the Life I intended to add to the two Lives in being, in Burton Wood the Tenement of the late M=r= Gaskell. I proposed to add his third Son Henry. I had received M=r= Legh's Proposals, in which it was said he would be so kind to make some abatement, prior to my writing that letter. As I have not received an Answer to that letter, & am going from home in a short time, I should be glad to hear from you soon & to know when the Lease will be ready. A Letter directed to M=r= Lachary Barnes Merchant in this Town the other Executor, will answer the Purpose if I should be absent. I am Sir Your most humb=le=: Serv=t= Iohn Atherton Henry Gaskell is six Years old M=r=: Orford Haydock Lodge Warrington Lancashire. Free R.A. %Gwillym. [^Numbers in different hand omitted^]

(_Sir_) I have inclosed you half a Dozen Franks directed as you desire and hope soon to follow them. I should have been down by this Time but am arrested by the Gout, it has not however hitherto been very violent and am in hopes it will prove only a slight Fit. I could have wishd the Coal Affair might have been determind before my Coming as I wish they may%nt plague me when they have me down with them. I begin to think Town as disagreable as you %did, & every%Body I see loo{k} [^following s possible^] as Ugly as the Lords did to you. Believe me your={s}=. always R. A. Gwillym. London. Ap: 28=th=. 1775. (_To_) M=r=: Richard Orford (_Haydock_)

(_Sir_) Being prevented from going to Buxton till the latter End of the Week I propose to attend the Turnpike meeting at Leigh on Thursday, & shall be glad to join you in any%Thing that will be of Service to the Road. Particularly in having the Ba{s}s set, and in putting out to Interest [^corrected^] the money which shall appear to be in the Treasurer={s}=: Hands. I am Sir your={s}=: R. V. A. Gwillym. Atherton Tue{****} [^seal^] night. M=r=: Orford.

Iuly 29=th=. 1779. (_Sir_) M=r=: Atherton=s=. State of Health making it necessary ^for us^ to go to Bristol immediately we are upon our Road to Atherton in Order to prepare for our Iourney. And as it will entail a great Expence upon me, & we really are in great Distress for money I hope you will be [^"able" crossed out^] ^be so good^ as [^changed from "to"^] to furnish us with a Couple of Hundred Pounds. We set out on Monday next & I shall be happy to hear from you before that Time. I am yours &c R .V. A. Atherton M=r=: Orford Lyme Disley Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

(_Sir_) My Desire [^"to" crossed out^] not to give M=r=: Legh any Trouble makes me address myself to you, & I assure you I should not apply at all upon the Subject did I not find it absolutely necessary. Iames Ashworth told me you had given him an absolute Promise to pay in the Arrears of the Annuity on Old Micha^e^lmas Day, it is now november & we have not heard a Word from you. We are got so behind hand with M=r=. Fazakerley, as to oblige me to undergo the Mortification of receiving Dunning Letters from his Agent, & I expect to hear every Post of his calling in his Money or making me pay five p=r=.Cent. I beg therefore you will contrive to let us have the Money as soon as possible & believe me your's & R.V.A. Atherton. Atherton Nov=r= 4=th=: 1781. M=r= Orford

M=r= Orford Warrington Oct=r=: 7. 1789 Sir. I have sent y=e= remainder of your kind order. I shou'd have sent it sooner, but waited for an account of y=e= Rabbit act. which our Correspondent informs me did not pass. your future favours will be thankfully received — I remain for Mother Sir. Y=r= much obliged hble Serv=t=. Ger=d=. Bancks M=r= Orford Peter Legh Esq=r=. Lyme Cheshire P. P=d=. [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Warrington Nov=r=. 12. 1789. M=r= Orford Sir. I this day received a Bill from M=r= Tho=s=. Gaskell of Manchester on your Acct, which is plac'd to your Credit. Mr G— desired me to acknowledge y=e= Receipt but as he does not inform me how to direct have taken y=e= liberty of sending it to you I %am very much obliged to you for this & many other favours, & remain for Mother Sir [^corrected^] y=r=. obliged & humble Serv=t=. Ger=d= Bancks [^"U" below "Mother"^] M=r= Orford Sir. Have sent you y=e= enclosed pins which are the nearest I %cou'd get to the pattern I %went to all y=e= shops in town but cou'd not get any like y=e= other so left it at y=e= Pin makers to get 2 sheets made — I %have sent you 2 Cookery books one by Raffald — y=e= other by Mason. I %had not any Cocoa shells in y=e= shop but expect some down in about a week but as I thought you wanted it very ill I %got y=e= enclosed pound in town. but will send y=e= other as soon as ever it comes togeather with y=e= Al={k}= from Y=rs= &c Iane Bancks PS I %sent an elegant Al=k=. y=e= same to M={r}s= A Legh's [^corrected^] last Week by y=e= servant Warrington Dec=r= 24=th= 1783 M=r= Orford Lyme

(_Sir_) The day I received your order I sent of the tea and am surprized you have not as %yet received it & have now sent the Bohea tea as p=r= order viz to of Soucho{r}y. @ 8/ & to ^{Pd}^ of Soucho{r}y @ 6/=s= — I %enclosed in the first parcel an Almanack for M=rs= Crew, so suppose she will not want one put in the Case she has sent from Sir Yrs &c Iane Bancks NB The Parcel was directed as under M=r= Orford at P=r=. Legh Esq=r{s}= Lyme to go by Ardern Disley Carrier from Ship Salford Manchester M=r= Orford Peter Legh Esq=r{s}= Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

M=r= Orford Sir. I %received your letter on y=e= 8=th= Inst. and applyd to M=r= Crossley who informd me it woud not be in his power to draw under a Month and does not know wether he can then or not — I saw M=r= Grimshaw who inform'd me there wou'd not be a Waggon going 'till the 16=th= or 17=th= & will then take care & send of your order — If it wou'd not be inconvenient shou'd esteem it a favour if you cou'd let me have a Bill Sir Yr obliged & hble Serv=t=. Jane Bancks Warrington May 10. 88 M=r= Orford

Warr=n=. {**}y. 4. 89 M=r= Orford Sir. As I %expect some Teas in the next Week have only sent as under & will send y=e= remainder as soon as it comes to hand — I have sent one Pound of Patent Cocoa if it is approved of or not you will much oblige me by a line p=r= Post & I will [^"get" crossed out^] ^send^ some of %it or Cocoa Shells whichever is approved of most. I remain Sir yr hble St. Jane Bancks 5={Pd}= Superfine {*}yson 12/ 12={Pd}= D=o= _ 8/4 4={Pd}= Turkey Coffee 1={Pd}= Patent Cocoa — 2/ 1 Court Calendar 1 Ream of Paper [^At different angle^] P.S I will pay y=e= Carriage of y=e= remainder of your {k}ind order [^Tomas Bancks acc. to archivist^] To M=r=. Rich=d= Orford Newton [^Accounts omitted^]

Newton Aug{us}t 2 1779 M=r= Orford I Recid yours this morning as such have waited on You till Eight O Clock Elizabeth Shay Chu{se} th{e} lase to be made in her name and her%self and two Daughter are the lives she fixis on, there Ages as under what is from Your {Sr} Tho=s= {Manck} Elizabith Shay is 42 Year's Old last Ianuary Her Daughter Ann Shay was 13 year's old last Deember 21~ Her Daughter Jane Shay 11 Year Old the 15 of Octob{er} last To M=r=. Orford at Lime [^Postmarked Macclesfield^] [^Note in different hand: "a Bottle"^]

Wincle Febuary y=e= 2 1789 Sir this is to let you know that I have bene with my ouldest Brother and inquard of him Consarning the Land that M=r= Dantrey and we Could not make of) that was over Hoglogh He tould me how far the Land of yours Came it gose a [^some letters rubbed out^] Distanc throo the wood where there grose sevral oke trees. I have ^bene^ with M=r= Brindle and Iohn Shaw which are varey Impatient Consarning of you %not Coning over to set them out som timber) so I Desior you will faver me with a few lines when you Can Come over or other%wise Let [^"{Let}" rubbed out^] me know when you are at Lime and we Desine to Come %over mr Brindle Desiors you will not fale sending so no more but my Coind respects to you from your H St. Joseph Barbor Direct for me to be laft at green Dragon Macclesfild To m=r= orford at Lime

Wincle march y=e= 30 1789 Sir thise are to Let you know that m=r= Brindlye Desiors you to favor us with a few lines which Day you in%tend to Com over for fere [^word crossed out^] ^hee^ should not be at home from your Humble Sarvant Jo=h=. Barbor To M=r=. Richard Orford at Lyme Cheshire Single sheet

Dear Sir Your kind letter gave me great pleasure, but I cou'd not soon determine to make my application to the Collector, knowing his Brother an Officer here, to have the same thing in veiw; from which circumstance I thought I had great cause to doubt availing myself of his assistance, as he might imagine it wou'd interfere with their Interest, but this being thought requisite, have at last ventur'd to sollicit that favor, which was readily complied with, and when I told him I %had for some time defer'd asking him on that acc=t=. he blam'd me, the Coll=or=. does not know who is my freind, nor has he address'd what he has wrote to S=or=. Iohn; as it wou'd rather have appear'd as an application from him, which I %am told is contrary to the rules of the Board. How to speak my gratitude to you, and your worthy Master, (being already indebted to you for my present bread,) am totally at a loss, all I can do is to tender you my most unfeign'd thanks, and am Sir. Your mo. Obed=t=. & mo. Oblig'd H~ble Ser=t=. Edw=d=. Barker Northwich 28=th=. Feb=y=. 1772 M=r=. Richard Orford at Lyme near Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Stoxford?^]

D=r=. Sir At our last interview, it was propos'd to make the addition of my Sons life, in (_Bakers_) tenement, the {f}fine mention'd was 60. Guineas, nothing farther was to be done, untill my Brother had been consulted which I apprehended might happen about the time of your annual visit at the (_Borough_), and which, by a Letter from him the beginning of Sept=r=. 1787.; I %found took place — and that his consent was then obtain'd — the next measure to be taken, was that of preparing the Lease — for what other (_Act_) cou'd be done prior to that, I cannot conceive — Yet (_behold_) the space of 18. months has elaps'd, and no advances made in the promisses; — I have incur'd censure — but for what I cannot discover — I %was at that time, dispos'd to have accomplished the transaction in question — and shall be so at any time, whenever you may be (_pleas'd_) to prepare the Lease — I am well aware, that if we secure the propos'd interest — we must unavoidably sustain, the Loss of the {R}ight of Com~on — whenever it may be inclos'd — and therefore have to request, that you will not loose sight of that, but for the {f}fine, (as it is totally in your power,) agreeable thereto, which I hope may not exceed £60. at the utmost —

Pray indulge me with a Line, when you have prepar'd the needfull — and I will by Return of post, remitt the money to my Brother, to whom you are requested to deliver the Lease. I am D=r=. Sir. with great Esteem. Your very Hble Ser=t=. E Barker Oxon~ 12 April —1789.— P.S. M=r=. Hulme of our Cott. presents his Respectfull Comp=ts=., to you & {f}family. M=r=. Richard Orford at Lyme near Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Oxford^]

Dear Sir This mornings post brought me your kind favor, by which I am greatly oblig'd, Now be pleas'd to permitt ^me^ the indulgence, of setting you right respecting the application to my Brother, (the which you seem to fancy, has retarded this bussiness,) the circumstances being strictly as follow, Viz. that at the time you mention, certain I am, that I told you, he had long before, repeatedly given his consent, for the addition of my Sons Life — that it was then, (notwithstanding) your own proposal to apply to him personally, for that purpose — and in which you succeeded, about a month afterwards — therefore, as the terms held out, had been already acceded to, on my part, I %was led to conclude, that ^you^ wou'd proceed to make out a Lease — this being the truth of the pr{e}m~isses, suffer me to observe, that I %think the only tax against me is, neglecting to importune ^you^ in the interim, but which, at that time, I apprehended wou'd have been unnecessary. As I %have the money laying by me useless, shall esteem it a particular favor, if you will bring this matter to a

conclusion, as soon as possible. It was M=r=. C_y, the Gent. you supp'd with at the Star, who is elected F_w, and the M=r=. Holmes you mention, to a Scholarship, at Corpus Christi Coll., these are advantages, of which young men endeavour to avail themselves, soon after they come to Coll., and what your friend M=r=. Hulme, has long ago enjoy'd; I have com~unicated, your attention to him, and am desir'd, to present his respects to you, and family. M=r=. Barker joins me in Respects to you. and am. Your mo. Obed=t=. Hble Ser=t=. E BarkerOxon~. 21. April 1789. To M=r= Orford at Lyme

Kenyon 16 July 1774 Sir I have acquainted my Brother with your proposal at Newton; and not long ago I received a Letter from him, in which he informs me, that he is entirely of my opinion, which is, that in our present circumstances, we have not any sufficient motive to add a life. I have waited some time to send you this intelligence by the bearer M=r= Tho=s= Richardson. My Complements to all friends. I am Sir Your most Obed=t= Servant R Barker M=r=. Rich=d= Orford at Dissley near Stockport [^Numbers omitted^]

May 18 —89. Sir Several months ago, at your request, I wrote to my Brother, about a particular affair, and I since inform'd you, at Newton, that I had not been favour'd with an answer. I heard nothing of the matter until I arrived at Oxford, the 1=st= of this month in my way from London. He then told me that you had corresponded upon the subject that he apprehended [^"that" crossed out^] a Life woud be added on the terms you propos'd, and desired me to bring down ^Bank^ Bills for the payment of the money. What progress you have made with the old Gentleman he cou'd not inform me; but hoped you woud loose no time for obvious reasons; especially as you seem'd so desirous that the opportunity shou'd not be neglected. The signing of the Lease is the (_main_) (_point_): the money is ready. I am Sir Your Obed=t= Ser=t= R Barker

I intended to have paid my respects to you this afternoon, at the Borough (according to custom) but was informed, just before I intended to set out, that you are detained at home, by a genteel Disorder. M=r= Holford Stuart to Sir peter Lee Es=r=. at Lime Hall near Dishley Cheshire [^possibly different hand^] post paid

(_Sir_) I Being informed that Sir peter wanted a servant, in the Capacity of a groom; and as my present master is in a Bad Stait of helth and Likley to Deceline hunting, or keeping so maney horses as he have Deen: it obliges me to Look out for another place; I have been in The Capacity of a groom for 14 years where I have had the Care of Race horses and maney Capital hunters, and hopes my Carracter will bear The Strictes Examanaishon for the under%Taking of such. — Sir if such a person should be Wanted. he may be met with by a line derected To Thomas Barker to be Left at M=r=.. Chest{s} butcher in mansfield. Nottinghamshire. S=r=. I am your Most obedint & Humb{le} Serva=t=. T. BarkerMansfield {*=*=} Feb=y=— 1781 (_Sr_) Please to order the Disley Carrier to call on Grundy the Wigan Carrier at the Red Lyon Salford for the Jack Saturday next, as I intend to see you that Day or [^"on" crossed out^] Sunday the farthest, I went to Haddock last Sunday in hopes to have seen you there. I am Sr, y=r=, Hb=le=. Ser=t=. W=m=. Barker Wigan y=e=, 7 Aprill 1772 M=r= Orford in the High Lane

Stockport Nov=r=. 29=th= 1779 (_Sir_) as I %am informed Rob=t=. Cheetham hath been at you to Take the seat in stockport old Chu^r^ch that belongs to your Master which I hold and that he hath Let sittings in it desire you will call of me when you Come to Town and you will o{*****} [^torn off^] your Most Humble serv=t=. Iohn Barlow (_NB_) I dont know what Cheetham means by Takeing so many seats he has stockport {El~c}hels Quire and sittings in other seats M=r=.. Richard Orford How-Lane [^Accounts, probably in different hand, omitted^]

Sir As I have not the pleasure of Knowing you personally, the following Application may perhaps appear rather extraordinary; yet when I inform you candidly of my intentions, I flatter myself you will excuse the Freedom & give me that Assistance the nature of the business will admit of. — which is simply this — Having formed a Partnership in this Town in the Fustian Line, & being under the necessity of advancing a small Sum of Money on the Houses which my Mother & I hold under S=(_qre_)= Leigh; shall be much obliged to %you to %furnish me with a Counterpart of %the Lease granted my Grandfather, & a Copy of the one granted my Uncle of %the {D}ank- Meadow, & I will chearfully pay every Expence attending the same to any Person you may please to point out. If you send the said Copies to Rob~ Travis of Blackley, or addressed to me at M=r=. Iames

Barlow's they will be faithfully deliverd to me I am very respectfully Sir Your most hble Serv=t= Richard Barlow at M=r= Iames Barlow's Smithy Door Manchester the 9=th= Augt 1788 M=r=.. Richard Orford How-Lane M=r=.. Rich=d=: Orford How-Lane

M=r=.. Rich=d= Orford Manchester 11=th= July 1789 Sir I am requested by M=r=. Rob=t= Travis of Blackley to desire you will send the Original Lease of Rich=d=: Barlow's Estate to M=r=. Ridgway's office & you will much oblige Sir Your most obed. hble Serv=t= Rich=d= Barlow To M=r=: Richard Orford at How Lane Nere Dishley [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

Ashga{t}e Decn={*}= 7={t}= 1776 Dear S=r= J Rec=d=: your Favour. and as to Drables Allotment J am of your way of thinking it shud be Set out as you have Drawn the Red line. the line Drawn by M=r=: Nutall is very Much out of the way and it wold be Verey un%Reasnable to give the Cold Spring to So little a piece your Seting this to Rite is Verey Comendable and am S=r= Your Most Hm~ Serv{a}nt John Barnes To M=r=: Richard Orford at How lane Near Dishley Cheshire [^Postmarked Bakewell?^]

Ashgate July 7=th= — 1777 Dear S=r= J See M=r=: Owtram on Saturday last who tells me he hath lately been with M=r=: Nuttall who Saith he Offerd M=r=: Chatterton to Set him out all the Cold Spring provided Drable Might have leave to take a Suf to Carrey Som water to his a%lottment [^across line boundary^] but as M=r=: Chatterton Refused and wold let Drable have no water he M=r=: Nutall hath Set it out a%Cording to all our Order and he hath Sertom^ly^ d{o}ne right and as the Award is Signed its not possable to Alter it with%out both Chatterton and Drables order and Consent — J have wrote to M=r= Jacson to let M=r=: Cha{t}erton now if hele not pay his Sh{a}re ^of the Ch{a}rge {a}nd Expence^ we will without furdor not{ic}e bring an Action against him for Recovery of Our wages and J Desired M=r=: Jacson to let you now if you Refused to Joyne M=r=: Owtr{o}m and J we wold do it our%Selves for J find you are a kin to M=r=: Chatterton and J Sopose wold Rather Give him your Share then Sew him which is all from Your most Hm=l=: and mst obdnt Servant John B{a}rnes

N:B: when J Rec~=d=: your Letter Relative to this affare J did not apprehend you Jntended M=r=: Chatterton to have the Cold Spring and Drable to have hired his water on Cha{t}erton or have watred aney%thing he {E}ate his lands with on the Turnpike for J %will Remember it was all our Mindes when we Set it out that Drable Shud have water to his peece all which J thaught you Cold well Remenber and have Satisfied M=r=: Chatterton when it was Set out and the A%warde Signed it was not in our power to help him J am Sorey J have a%Casion to aqu{o}int you that Sevrall of the proprioters Saith M=r= Chatterton Hath the Best allotment and he %is Still not Easey beliving its in your power to help him and if it be youl pleas to proseed and put an End to all Diffrance and Disputes (_To_) M=r=.. Orford at Lyme Near Disley Cheshir

(_Si=r=_) I Reced yours {p}=r= favour of M=r= Cook & have to the best of my power fullfild your order the goods set of on Saterday last by pickfords waggon hope thay will Cum safe & Meet with approbation the Ketchup is in pint bottels as it will be less liable to Spoil by being long open.. M=r= I Hancock Signd the Bond in the presan{ce} of M=r= Cook & My%Selph he said he should have an opertunity to send it down Soon I was glad to hear miss Orford was Mutch better & that you & the rest of the famerley was well I had a vary plesant jurney to town & had the happyness to find all my little people well & blessed be god we contineu so — the talk hear is all war. so that the spring is likeley to prove a busey one .. pleas to favour me with a line o{n} recept of the goods .. with respectfull thank to you M=rs= Orford & famerley I Remain yours to Command I={o}= %Barrow Oct=r= 11 90 25 fetter Lane For M=r= Orford [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

(_Si=r=_) Agreable to your request have sent you the an account of the Sauceboats & cup So that you may act as you think proper M=r= Wakelin said if their should be ½ an oz he would not charge it you will See by the card What the new duty cums to .. Royle is at Tarperley We had a pleasant Jurney to town & I found my little famerley full as well as I Expected ... hope M=rs= Orford & famerley are well ... I have Sent Miss Orford a few paterns hope thay Will be Exceptable to hir ... I Believ before you hear from me again I Shall have left my Shop which will make at Least a hundred & fifty pound a year differance to my dear children. I believ Royle will Su{c}ceed me if it dus as well for them as it has for me it will do well. hope M=r= Legh keeps in good helth ... M=r= Lowton is {*...} [^torn off^] shire as Sutch hope M=r= Marsden will See him & Sett{*...} [^torn off^] business I am with true respect & Regard your to Command I={o}= Barrow Oct=r= 30 Southwark London the 18 Janu=y= 74 Sir I have the Pleasure to informe you that I arrived Safe in Town on Saterday night had as pleasant A Iurney as the Wheather Would admit only 4 Passengers one a female Was vary Agreable have Sent M=rs= ann Legh Bill as desird hope this Will Find you & All Frinds Well as it leaves me & all my Brothers Famerley he joins me in kind Respects to you & Wife & all my Old fellow Sarvants & Frinds in Cheshire & Lancashire Will Take the First opertunity of Seeing M=r= Burchal I Remain Sir your Obliged Frind at Command Philip Barrow [^Omitted notes/draft to do with the will of Thomas Gaskill on the reverse side of the paper in a different hand^] (_To_) M=r= Orford Lyme

Russel Court April the 30 .74 (_Si=r=_) Being informd that M=rs= Hall Says the Swetmeets are Spoild for Whant of Carefull Packing I Must beg leave to tel you that the W{e}t Was tied down With bladder & Lather & that Most [^corrected^] of the drops & Cumlets Ware in A band box pleas to git Hir to let you know What Was dammaged & I Will Send some Other in%Sted or deduct What is spoild from the bill as I Should be sorrey any%thing M=r=. Legh Was Pleasd to order from Me Was not as good as anothers — yes thay Should if possable Be better — but I fear or at Least believe M=rs=. Miss Legh & M=rs= Hall are so near of an Opinion that thay not only dislike Me but any%thing I may Send I hope you like the Seting of the Seat Which I beg your Excepttance of M=rs= Legh beg M=r= Burchals Pardon for makeing So free With his Charrectter the Last time she Was in town & for Calling him as She did for takeing hir maid from hir & I hope (Nay) I am sure she has as great a Right [^corrected^] to do so by me hir treatment to me has been infamous but god forgieve hir — hir smiles I do not Expect & With gods Blessing I Need not fear hir frowns but may god Reward hir the Revurs of What She has Rewarded me What Ever orders I may Reciev from the Famerley shall be obayed to the utmost of my power but have little hopes of pleasing th{o}t part of the Famerley My Wife joins me in gratefull thank

For the trouble you have had on our Accounts With Complements to M=rs= Orford & Famerley We Remain Sir your Obliged Frinds At Command Philip & Martha Barrow Russel Court May 19 Dear (_Si=r=_) I take the Liberty to Send you the Bill of the things I have sent down as you Will Readyley believe that to A yong beginer like Me Who has Sunk more than his all Whant his Little Returnd Mutch Sooner than an Old Standard And Shall Esteam it A Favour if you Will let us kno When We may Expect the money out of M=r= Cooks Hands it Has thrown Me grateley A%bout As I have Been obliged to trouble my Frinds Hear For Whant of it Which Bills is now Vary near d{eu} as I thaught to have Rec~ed it before this & My Trades men must be Paid I Sent your Little bill in A Former Letter My Wife & I Shall be glad if you at the Same time Will Remit hir Wages We are Sir With good Wishis For your [^"and" rubbed out^] helths & Fam{o}rley your Obliged Humble Sarvants Philip & Martha Barrow Russel Court Iune the 14 74 Dear (_Si=r=_) I Rec~ed yours On Tuesday last am Grately Obliged to your Remittance as it is now frost Season With us Should Have Answerd yours by Return of the Post but Was Busy B{o}ttleing Go{r}sbarys for Winter Have Agreable to your Request Signd the Bills And Returnd them inClosed Hope M=r= Cook Will let you Have the Money Soon Or I Shall be Obliged to by the Rest of my Froot at Sacendhand but I leave the Whoal to your Management tho the not haveing it is of grate disadvantage to me & Puts me grately about Hide or his Wife Wrote to me to by them Some Lemens thay are Settled in Birmingham My Brother {T}omey informd me of the Deth of Pore Pears Legh for Which I Am vary Sorrey as I am sure he Will be grately miss=d= My Wife joins Me in gratefull Respects to you your Wife & Famerley & Remain Sir your Obliged Frinds at Command Philip & Martha Barrow M=r= Orford [^At different angle: "(_D=r=_)"^]

Russell Court Sep=r=. 22 1775 D=r= Sir M=r= Barrow being busy to%night I officiate as his Clarke we both think our%selves very much obliged to you for all Favours especially for the trouble you have been at in this last affair of mine I call it so because it has been a troublesome one I wish it may ever be in our power to return it but whether it is or no we shall be glad to serve you as far as lies in our Power and shall always be much {*}bliged [^seal^] to you when you will give us an {*}ppurtunity [^seal^] of doing it I am astonished at the Behaviour of M=r= {C}ooke and {Salter} I never knew before that the could make an Orphan discharge a fathers Debpts I am entirely ignor^ran{t}^ of every Circumstance except the Release wh{**} you sent [^"down" crossed out^] ^uss^ to segn even the Guinea whi^ch^ is charged to me but I intend to write to M=r= Sa{l}ter in regard to that it is hard to pay for what the do not know my husb{a}nd has no con^cern^ with what my father owed nor has he a right to pay it M=r= Salter I think may be ashamed of his Cloth the other it is his Business the

mostly make there appearance by defrauds but there is an Impartial Iudge and one that will relieve the injured not the Injurer not that ever I wish him to suffer on my account I only wish that when honest men make there Wills the would Chuse proper People for Executors at least honest ones M=r= Barrow will be much obliged to you for the Proposal you made that is the Draft on M=r= Burchall as we are distressd for money at this time being the dead time of the year we have been in all the dead time but lives in hopes the time is Coming for Bussiness we both join our best Respects to M=rs= Orford and family not Excepting your%self and I Remain Dear Sir your very much Obliged Humble Servant Martha Barrow [^Accounts omitted^] (_To_) M=r= Orford at Haydock Lodge Near Warrington Lancashire

Russel Coart Oct=r= the 27 — 74 Dear Frind you Will Purhaps think me Vary Remiss in not thanking you for your last favour — it Was not for Whant of a true Sence of it — but Willing to See What I Could Mak of my Affairs — find my%self not Withstanding the addishenal Custom to have a %hard bargan So am detirmind to quit the shop as soon as I Can Capt I Hayward informd me Willkins is to quit nuton beg if their is any%thing in it that you Will gieve me your opinion how [^changed from "now"^] it mite sute me as We must try Something or go to Sarvis and not Eat the bread of idleness I intend Writeing to M=r= Legh the next Week My Wife joins me With Respectful Complements to you & M=rs= Orford I remain Sir your Vary obliged frind Philip Barrow To M=r= Orford

Russel Coart Nov=r= the 12 —74 Dear (_Frind_) I Reced yours on Wedensday night after my return from the Cyty whare I had been prepareing Dinner for some of the gut{l}in aldormen it being the day m=r= wilks was sworn in to the office of lord mayr I am mutch obliged to you for your kind inf{e}rmation — I waited on M=r= Evins on thursday but Could not see him but see him to%day being the {t}hird Time he says he knows nothing a%bout it but if thay did thay should not have a married man — [^some letters rubbed out^] as m=r= Legh is out of Parlement am not willing to trouble with letters as sutch if you think it Right when you see him to give my duty to him and return him my respectfull thank for his letter and that I hope I shall allways miret his good opinion I am sorrey to say it but I have had brotherley love anough I have not as yet advertised the house but think to do it in the cours of next week maney thinks I shall never see my money again some think I Shall — I care not how soon [^some letters rubbed out^] it is the brisk time so hope their is some%one or other will ketch at it soon My wife joins me in gratefull Respects to you M=rs= Orford and famerley I am Sir your Obliged frind to Command Philip Barrow (_To_) M=r= Orford

Dear (_Frind_) I this day Rec~ed yours in Which you infor{e}m me of your Calling on M=r= Salter and Cook as things are as thay be and thay have behaved as thay have to me With%out the least Reason or Grounds {o}nley the dirty falls and Malicious letters M=rs= Legh has sent them to be their gide to hinder Me from Makeing the person I hope I Shall allways have an unabateing love for and Who I believe Will have the Same for me She purhaps thaught by that to [^"pr" crossed out^] make Use hir ill and slighted hir for the usage thay treated me With but I Was Ever Sure hir love Was Eaqual to that of Mine So that I should have and shall {be} a Villian to Ret{o}rt their usage on hir have sent the Cirtificate hope My {u}nt Will Send it to you and that you Will let M=r= Salter and Cook see it if thay Will not Cum to tirms th{er} if thay Will not let ym have the Will to tak to a %Council beg you Will git from Chester a Coppy and Send it me for if good nature Will not do the law Shall I have A Relation an Aturney Who Will take it in hand I only Whant What is Right and honest as to the Checanery {of} law I dispise but Since their usage has been sutch as it has I Will have my Right if Possable that is all I Whant My Wife joines me in good Wishis for your helths and famerley With our gratefull thanks for Past favours togather With your promisis for fute{s} ones We Remain Dear Sir your Mutch obliged Frinds Philip P.'S Mine [^Changed from "My"^] and my Wifes best Respects if you pleas to your Brother and Sister and M={*}= H Richardson the latter of Whome I Will Write to soon Russell Court Iune the 20: 1776 Sir M=r= Barrow not being at Home only of a Sunday I have got the things you desired hope you will get them in time I %shoud be greatly obliged to you if you will let me have the Money as soon as you possible can as M=r= Atkinson has left of business so I was obliged to lay out the Money for them and as it is the time of year for laying in our fruit and business being dead you may judge how we want it I %shal be much obliged to you if you will send me the price of Cranberrys ^per Gallon^ if the will answe{r} our purpose and pay the the carriage [^corrected^] of them th{ee} [^corrected^] shall want a good Many for we have not had any for some time nor any of the trade any%thing that either M=r= Barrow or I can do for you Comand at any time and we shall do it with Pleasure I remain Sir your H{u}mble Servant M Barrow M=r= Ooford [^Accounts omitted^]

(_Si=r=_) I have the pleasure to inform you that We had a pleasant gurney to town & found our little famerly prity well the Chees will Set of on munday as you desird — poor Sanders {in} [^corrected^] is burnt out and all the houses belonging to M=r= Masters is down with near twenty more I hope m=rs= orford & famerley are well I am Sir yours to Command Philip Barrow M={*}=. Orford in Marple

(_Sir_) Sam=l=. Heywood of Kettleshulme comes to me & says the Inhabitants of that Town are very abusive to him on a supposition that he gave me information respecting several Houses that were last Year left out of their Window Assessment & which I caused to be surcharged & says this has been reported very much to his disadvantage & that he suffers not only by the loss of your good opinion of him but in that of his Neighbours & desires me to satisfy you that I had no such information from him w~ch I can assure you I never had nor do I know the Man I was told about two Years ago that that Town w=th=. some others were very pa=r=.tialy & improperly assessed w~ch I ment=d=. to the last Years Assessor & told him withal{e} that if he did not Send me a

Proper assessment I sh=d=. think myself obliged to survey the Town upon w~ch he sent me one charging some that were before omitted but I can assure ^you^ Sam=l=. Heywood acted no part nor had he any concern in the business I am sorry to hear the Man's story as I believe nothing wrong was meant or intended either by him or any other Person I am (_Sir_) Your very h~ble Serv=t=. Ja={s}=. Bartlett Knutsf=d=. 29=th=. April 1788 To M=r= Orford att Lyme Cheshire [^Accounts omitted^]

September ={th}=2 1773 Stanley Sur i am not accustomed to Trespas upon the good natur of my frend yet in this as in others afares of the World [^corrected from "Word"^] sometimes necessity Constrains us to put you in remembrance that you would stand my frend at This Time If posabl it can be don To make me a Leashe for my Sun as we heare it is to be %sould Sur Ii hope [^corrected^] you will Concider That me and my famely {h}as been on It for this Hundred Yeare and upwards From Your most obdent Sarrant Arthur Barton M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Manchester^]

Bury 22=d=. Oct=r=. 1783 Sir Y=r=. L~re of the 4=th=. Inst=t=. I rec=d=. a fiew Days since & in answer am sorry to aquaint you that it is at presant unconvenient for me to Pay you y=r=. demand Christmas being just at hand & Money so scarce that it is difficult to procure sufficent to answer the calls of Business had you been at Warrington on the Day I mentioned to you when I saw you at Disley I would with pleasure have settled with you ^now^ as you did not attend there then & had been so long silent I was in hopes that you had forgave me the Demand. ^h^owever I trust in a while to have the pleasure of aquaint=g=. you when it will be convenient for me to Pay you in the mane time I remain S=r=. Y=r=. Most Obed=t=. Ser=t=. Sam=l=. Barton (_To_) M=r= R=d= Orford at Esq~ Leyghs at Lyme or at His House in the Hew Lane Near Dishly [^Accounts omitted^]

{*...} [^torn off^] Orford Burton 16 march 1772 S=r= the Inclosed is Esq~ Leyghs a%Count if any%thing Rong I will alter it I Should a Com my%Self. but Have been Ill for Som time if Convenant to Send mee a bank not Or Cash wich is most a%Greeabel will much Obl{i}g your ["'s" rubbed out^] Sarvent W=m=: Bass [^"a" and "o" very hard to distinguish^] (_To_) M=r= R=d= Orford in the Hew L{a}ne Near Lime

Burton 26 april 177{3} M=r= Orford S=r= yours Rec=d= & I am very S{o}rrey my sarvent Sh=d= be So Imprudent to dr{o}w 10 Horses down Hill wich is Quite Contrary to my orders the Person that Keeps the t{o}al bar tould mee that you wood Sto{o}p the Hills and direct when to take {o}fe and where to Set on if n{o}t So and you dont a%Low any more than 8 Horses my Sarvent Shall not Have any more Horses with Him the toal is very High and I am Sartin my Wagon das not travil Over your R{o}ad not 6 t{i}ms in the year with a mesheen Load as to the wheels beeing Ruff at Som time it C{a}n{o}t be Heelpd thay are S often Repared if you new the Expence that a%tends Wagons and the Small Pr{o}f{i}ts that Rise from them you w=d= be S{o}rrey for thos Consarned in them if any Expence Sh{oa}d a%tend the mens dr{o}wing more Horses then a%Low=d= tis very Hard and the wagon Shall not ofend any more it shall

{**}ther [^torn off^] Go a%nother Road or I will Leave ofe as to your mension a Information I no you are not a %person of that Sort I no no person Should ^wish to^ Leave my%Self to as your%Self this from your Humbel Sarvent W=m=: Bass To m={*}= orford at Lime

Burton 1 agus=t= 74m=r= Orford S=r= yours Rec=d= and Have Sen=t= back the bills and Rec=ts= and am much obliged to you from your Humb=l= Sarv{e}n={*}= W=m=. Bass (_M=r=_) Orford Sir It being near the time you have the Poor Cloth, we take the liberty of Reminding you of it, — and if favourd with your order may depend of our best attention. . We are Sir Y=r= (_M=o=._) oblig'd (_Obt_) hble Serv=ts= Bate & Ellam Manchester Nov=r=. 11. 1790 [^Accounts omitted^] M=r=: Ri Orford Lyme

Manchester 2. Feb=y=. 1788 (_Dear Sir_) In reply to your esteemd favour — I %woud compleat & %fix up a Engine, with a Rotative motion thereto, ready to turn any kind of ma{c}heenery required, the same sise as that at the Glass houses at Warrington for 250£, provided it was at no greater distance from my works — if it is, it woud be something more on Acc=t=. of carriage — this sum is exclusive of any Brick work or building — what is understood to be done for the above sum is the Engine compleated & %fixed up — also the first mooveing powers which consists of 2:Dble cogged Iron wheels with Shafts Headstocks Steps &c — the{se} we also fix up ready to Join or fix to any sort

of Macheenery what%ever that may be wanted — shud you or any of your friends be wanting any%thing of this sort, I %am certain I %cud compleat it to there int{ie}r satisfaction, I am very respectfully (_D: %Sir_) Y=r=: Obd: Serv=t= (_James Bateman_) P:S. Warrington Engine is a 20 In: Cylinder the Brick Work for Engine only is very triffeling. other Buildings for works will intierly depend on the nature of the business to be done M=r=: Orford Lyme

Manch={*}=. 25 May 1790 — (_Dear Sir_) I have rec=d=. yours, & will {e}ndeavour, to get the meeting on M={*}=: Wilson & Burchalls business, if possable at this place as it will sute me much better — I wrote last week to M=r=. Burchall, telling him, this place woud sute both you & me to meet at best — & %hoped he woud get M=r=. Worsley to con{c}ent to come here — I am therefore willing to hope they will fix to meet here — I %am with much respect — D=r=. (_sir_) y={*}=. Obd={*}=. Serv={*}=. James Bateman M=r=: Orford Lyme

Manch=r=. 3. June 1790 — M=r=. Orford (_sir_) I shall be at home on Sunday morning & ready to attend you to any place that may be fixed upon to settle M=r=. Wilson & Burchals business — I %am very respectfully (_sir_) Y=r=. obd~. Ser~ Ja: Bateman [^accounts omitted^] Leiester — Iuly ye 11 Sir this whith my Best respeits To you and thanks for all faviours thank god I bear the Ionney much Better then I Expetid I should But Po{o}er haner Can scarce stur her%self as the Roads Grod better I was glad to go by the stag as resting all Day and traveling all night was verey Expenciv and verey {l}oncom Pray [^"E" crossed out^] Except of my Best wishes [^"i" and "s" merged^] for your and your family and remane your much abligd humble Serent Sarah Bavin To M=r=. Orford at Haddock Lancashire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Arley Sep=r=. 30=th= — 1774 Sir I trouble you with this to let you know we shall leave Arly much sooner then we Intended they have fix=d=. themselves with a Butler and Housekeeper & therefore tould me Last week my Wife and I were at liberty the {2}8=th= of next month tho Lady Betty has more then {onest} Insested on a quarters Warning on our side but as soon as shee fitted hir%self lets us know we must Leave as above mentiond. nor did she ask Wheather it would sute us to Leave hir at that time I beg You will Acquint M=r=. Leigh of this. and if he can get Either the new or old George emty for us we shall be ready to come when%Ever he pleases if not we Intend Either to board in Warrington or go see our Relations tell the begining of December and then to come to Newton I %shall take it as a favour if You will let me have your Answ^er^ as soon as You possable can Which will much Oblige Your Vary Humble Sar=t=. to Com=d=. Ia=s=: Bayley To m=r=. Orford at Lyme Near Disley Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Newton Iuly 23=th=— 1777 Sir I am vary sorry to Trouble ^you^ on this Occasion but can by no fair d{e}mains Get into y=e= Stable opposit my Hous belonging to y=e= Old Georg which I took{e} from You together with Darbyshires field{=s=}. which Butcher Ellam will not give up the key neither — to m=r=. Grimshaw nor I — but has a%bused me and Call=d=. me wors then a Chimney Sweep in y=e= site & hearing of m=r=. Grimshaw he and Shaw Ellison came on purpose to Newton this morn: to perswaid ^him^ to give up y=e= key or wors would be the end of it. but all in vain I put a Hanging Lock on the Door with 2 Great stables and the was burst of and tooke a%way [^across line boundary^] the first night I %would a come over to Lime but m=r=. Grims=w= thought it better for me to wright and what%Ever orders You gave he and Shaw: would Execute immedieatly we would a forst y=e= Door op{e}n and throwen his things out but thought it better to acquint you first. but there will be Nothing els to be ^don^ with him I dont know what to do in this case my Hay is now down in those fields and I have no%whear to put it for want of Those ba{u}ks and Stable — which I beg your

immedieat Answar by the Return of the Post as the {F}air is near at hand. and it will much Oblige Sir Your Sincere Friend and Humble Sarv=t=. Ia=s=. Bayley my Wife Ioins with me in Comp=s=. to y=e= Ladys and Gentlemen in {St}ewards Room [^Thomas Beard's letter omitted^] Peter Legh Esq=r=. Lyme Stockport Cheshire

[^Accounts omitted^] Sir By the Direction of M=r=. Fazakerley I wrote to M=r=. Orford on the 6=th=. December to request he would pay the Interest due on your Mortgage at farthest within three Months after every half- year became due who wrote me for Answer that he hoped you would give directions for the Payment as requested; but not having heard from him since I wrote again in February last to which I have received no Answer therefore trouble you with this to beg you will be pleased to make me a remittance immediately for the year's Interest which was due on the 24=th=. December last amounting to £720. as I %am to settle my Accounts with M=r=. Fazakerley the first week in April next I beg Pardon for giving you this Trouble and am very respectfully, Sir your most Obedient humble Servant John Beardsworth Lincolns Inn 18=th=. March 1789

[^Draft of Orford's answer^] Lyme 21 Mar 1789 Sir Your favor of the 18 Ins=t=. is duly rec~ed by my Master who directs me to Answer it, as the Gout is so much in his hands he cannot write himself, and inform you [^corrected^] that you may depend of a remitance on the 15 or 16 of April for M=r=. Fazakerley's Interest, and that you may depend for the future it shall be paid as you have requested I %am Sir &c [^Orford's signature^] R.O. is much obliged to M=r=. %B. for his Letter to P %Legh %Esq={*}=. as he hopes it will settle due payments for the future but desires RO last letter may not seen %or spoke off M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Lyme Stockport Cheshire

Sir As the Time mentioned in mine of the 17=th=. Feb=ry=. last for settling Accounts with M=r=. Fazakerley is approaching I shall esteem it a Favor if you will give me an immediate answer to it. I am Sir Your most Obed=t=. Servant John Beardsworth Lincolns Inn 13=th=. March 1789 [^Draft of Orford's answer^] Lyme 15 Mar. 1789 (_Sir_) I was duly favor'd with yours of the 17 Ulto & this moment with yours of the 13 Ins=t=. As I am not personally acquainted with %you, [^word crossed out^] am almost fearful to give you this Letter, but as a %Gentleman and one who I doubt not w=d=. Act a %friendly part to any person, who in an open way on hono^u^r request [^two letters crossed out^] it, {I}d put my confidence in you so to do [^"it" crossed out^], — M=r=. Legh is now more than Eighty years of Age, and has been very much afflicted with the Gout, and he at present is not free from it, has took it into his Head, to detain the %Bank Rents from me for the last year, which has distressed me no little, now I beg you'll be so good as not to mention this to him, but that you w=d=. immediately Write him that you had wrote me in Dec=r=. last by M=r=. Fazakerleys orders, that he requested his several mortgagers to pay their [^corrected^] Interest within three months after each half Year became due to which I had Answer'd that I hoped my Master w=d=. give orders that M=r=. Fazakerley sh=d=. be paid as he requested, that you had wrote me again in Feb=y=. requesting immediate pay for the year

due in Dec=r=. last, to which you had not had an Answer, which was the reason of you giving him the trouble of that Letter, and desired that immediate payment might be made for the last years Interest, and add what more to %this you please but desire you'll not mention this Letter to any person, as I really do this for the best and to bring M=r=. Legh about ^to^ do what is right, I sh=d=. be thankful of a Copy of your Letter to M=r=. Legh & when I at any time have the pleasure of meeting with you will make it agreeable for your trouble & goodness, and remain Sir your faithful and Ob=t= Ser=t=. [^Orford's signature^] [^John Beardsworth has signed the letters, but the main hand may well be different^] M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Lyme Stockport Cheshire

Sir By M=r=. Fazakerley's direction I wrote to you on 6=th=. Dec=r=. last to request you wo=d=. pay the Interest due on M=r=. Legh's Mortgage at the farthest within three Months after half a year became due, and which you promised me in your Answer thereto sho=d=. be complied with, as there was one year due the 24=th=. Dec=r=. last beg you will remit the same in Time as I am to settle ^my^ account with M=r=. Fazakerley the begining of the Month of April next. I am Sir your most Obed=t=. humble Serv=t=. John Beardsworth Lincolns Inn 17=th=: Feb=ry=. 1789 M=r=. Orford M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Lyme Stockport Cheshire

(_Sir_) By M=r=. Fazakerley's direction I write to the several Mortgagors to request they will pay the Interest due on their Mortgages at the farthest within three Months after half a years Interest becomes due, there is half year's Interest due to him on 24=th=. June last I therefore request you will make a remittance in compliance therewith, and I am Sir Your most Obedient humble Servant John Beardsworth Lincolns Inn 16=th=. Dec=r=. 1788 To M=r=. Legh

[^Draft of Orford's answer^] Lyme 21 Dec. 88 (_Sir_) I %am favor'd with yours of %the 16 Ins=t=. by the last post and observe the Contents. — As the Year will end in a few days for M=r=. Legh's Interest being due to M=r=. Fazakerley you may depend on it being paid within the time you fix for to have it paid halfyearly which I have not a doubt but M=r=. Legh will give directions to be complied with, but as this Information has not been %sooner given, am sorry to %say that I have not it in my power to remit immediately, and hope M=r= Fazakerley will excuse it. I %am Sir Your's &c [^Orford's signature^] M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Lyme Stockport Cheshire

Sir In your's of the 21=st= march you say I may depend on a remittance for M=r=. Fazakerley's Interest on the 15=th= or 16th April. As that time has some time been passed, you'll excuse my reminding you of it. I am Sir Your most obedient servant John Beardsworth Lincolns Inn April 28. 1789. To M=r=.. R=d=.. Orford, at How Lane near (_Stockport_)

(_D=r=: Sir_) The purport of these Lines is to acquaint you that we shou'd be glad if you wou'd come over to Fairfield; as the Proprietors desire the Commiss=rs=: will divide Conningdale and the Mean {P}ieces; we shou'd be glad to Oblige them in this Affair; but shou'd like to have your approbation at the same time; as we by no means mean to transact any Business without your conc{urrene}; If you cannot possibly attend at this time, we will lay the Allotments, (in Cunning dale) out upon the Plan, and leave the Plan at M=r=: Frosts at Fairlfield where you may call and View them between this and our next Meeting, and if you disaprove of any part, we can omit staking them out 'till the next [^"Meeting" crossed out^] time we meet together on the contrary if you approve of them you may %order them to be staked out, as M=r=. {S}medley will be at Fairfield Measuring Nu{m} [^"Green" crossed out^] ^Field^ Farm belong={g}=: to M=r=. Foxl{o}we and M=r=: Swinsca{l}, as they have agreed the Commissioners shall

Divide it for them as soon as convenient — Please to let us know what time will sute you to meet at Fairfield and we will make it agreea^bl^ to you — we have expected to see you at Fairfield every Moment since we came here, as we have rece{i}v'd Inteligence that M=r=: Leighs Family and you came to Lime the other day, if we shou'd not hear from you we will [^corrected^] send you a Line to acquaint you of the time we adjourn the Commission too, — We are with the Compli={mts}=.. of the season (_Sir_) Your most ob=t=.. Hum{=le=}: Serv=ts=: Tho=s=: Long{s}don I %Beighton Fairfield 8=th=: Jan=y=: 1772. P:S I %have sent you an Jnkhorn by the Bearer For M=r=: R=d=: Orford

(_Sir_) The purport of these Lines is to acqu{u}nt you that Fairfield Commission is adjourned to Mondy the 20=th=.. day of this Jnst Jan=y=.. then to meet at M=r=: Frosts I %am Sir Your most ob=t=. Hum={le}= Serv=t=: I %Beighton Fairfield 9=th=: Jan=y=: (_1772_). [^"To Peter Legh Esq. (M={*}=..) Lyme Cheshire P=r=: Buxton" crossed out^] For M=r=.. Rich=d=.. Orford

D=r=.. (_Sir_) I have Adjourn'd Fairfield Commission to Monday the 20=th=.. of this Ins=t=: April at which time (if Health permits) intend to meet you at M=r=. Frost{s} in fairfield — M=r=.. Lawe Inform'd me you was return'd back from London, hope the time fixed will be convenient for you to attend I am Sir Your most Ob=t=. Hum=le=: Serv=t=: I %Beighton Hazlewood 6=th=: April (_1772_). P.S. I did not go to Fairfield according to the time fixed as you did not say in your L~re that you coud attend To M=r=.. Rich=(_d_)=.. Orford To be left at M=r=: {S}medleys The Sign of the Tiger in (_derby_)

(_D{e}r Sir_) The favour of your's finds me Valuing the Lands in Rolleston Liberty — am sorry to inform you that I cannot Possibly leave this Commission till Monday the 20=th=.. ^In=st=..^ at w=ch=: time if health permits will certainly be at Fairfield, the Act of Parliament under which we Act is so Absurdl{e}y drawn; that it expires very soon, in consequence of which we are Obliged to go forward, J shall be at Derby in my way Home on Satur%day, will call at the Tiger about 3 'o %Clock at w=ch=: time shou'd be extreamly glad to se you I am d=r=: Sir in haste y{ou's} to com=d=: I Beighton Rolleston Friday Noon (_10=th=: April 1772_) Pr{e}y excuse the Paper as I have at this time no other To M=r=: Rich=d=.. Orford at How Lane near Lime (_Cheshire_)

(_D=r=: Sir_) Iohn Frost has been with me at Buxton this day says it is impossible we can do any Business on Monday or Tuesday in the Wake Week — Am of Opinion we had much better meet on Wednesday which is the reason I send these Lines to Inform you that I %will take care to Adjourn the Meeting to Wednesday [^"after" crossed out^] the 1=st=: day of Iuly [^"if" crossed out?^] will acqua{i}nt M=r=: Longstone with the Alteration I %am Sir Your most Ob=t=. Hum=l=: Serv=t=: I %Beighton Buxton May 30=th=: 1772 P.S. If you can send me the {Suff} for the Breaker on or before the next Meeting It woud very much Oblige Your Hum=le=. Serv=t=— To M=r= Orford at Peter Leegh Esqr at Lime Cheshre [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Sir J Recevd. ys & in %answer our Little matter may be as well Differd Then {Pinsweek} & J Beats up your {Q}uarter in our Roade to Buxton or when you Com Down to hadock — J hope you & mrs. orford get well %home & ^/ond^ your Li{ttle %}ons To. & am Sir yr %most humble Srvt Jn=o= Bellases Augst 16 1772 To M=r= Orford at Peter Leegh Esqr. Lime (_Cheshire_) [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Octr 7 1772 M=r= Orford Sir yours J Recevd yestarday & Comunecated The Contents to mr Horraben The Tenant & he Seemes as a Destracted Bodey having given his Landlord notes of his Leaving wheare he n{a}w is & The Landlord as set the house To an other for %Six pounds per yeare advan{c}d Rent Therfore The poore man if hes no{*...} [^seal^] ad{***}led [^torn off^] as Tenant at your house in nuton Says it w{i}ll be verry Detrimentell to him & indeed J Dont Know what well becom %of him & His family as he intirley Depinded on it otherwise he Says he Should not have Deliverd up his Contract which he ad for S{i}x years To Com The man Desires me to Comune{c}ete This to you So as you may Lay %before mr Leegh the poore mans Sit{i}uation for from ^what^ you Tould him your%Silf Boath he & my Self Cald it a punctual Bargen & hopes youl Cons{e}der it as its ment by Boath who am S{i}r yr most humble Srvt John Bellases To M=r= R=d=. orford Haydock

Sir The Two Lives J whould have Exchanged in Ransons Tenement is a El{e}={*}= Case & wm Evenson ^&^ put Ja{cc} a Bellases Eagd 13 & Robrt Bellass Eagd .11. J wish you & yr Better half a good Jorney & am yr most humble Srvt Jn={*}= Bellases [^Part of draft answer? In different hand, probably Richard Orford's^] (_Sir_) I rec~ed the %above & by what little talk we had last night To M=r=. Rd. Orford Eagant To Peter Leegh Esqr at Lime near Stockport Cheshire

Warrington May 19 1774 (_D{i}r S{i}r_) This is to Say as J ad not the pl{i}shere. to. See you N{e}ther at Nuton Nor at warington J hope youl Excuse my Freedum in Telling you J am Equely Disopenteded in not finding you This day at Hadack as Such as you was so {a}blidging to Tell me The Last Time J Sawe you That J might Depend of haveng the needfull on The 16 or 19. Jnstant, J must Beg by Retorn of Bearrer youl Rem{i}t me as J onestely Tell you J have Borrowed of my nebhour mr w{a}tson to Suply my wants Then yours Coms to hand — as J Tould you for w{a}t it was wanteed J hope youl Conseder The matter as it Reley is & am as J Shall Ever be yr Verey humble Servt Jn={*}= Bellases [^Written at different angle of paper^] Jan=y= 30 1774 (£ s d Renderd an Cou{u}nt 247.6.9 Recevd in Two Bills 150.0 0 {D}{***} 97.6.9 Sent by Bearrer Cash 2.14.0 100 8 9 if you Send your own Drafts be Plesed to Drawe Two 50=£= To M=r= Orford at Peter Legh Esq=r= Lime Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Octr 31. 1774 M=r= Orford Sr My aCount stands a%genst P.L. about 230=£= To M{i}chalmass J am Sorry to Dun you on That aCount But J Shall J %beleve allways be Poore from Two Frequently Parting with my Goods To those That J %be%Live [^line break^] Never Jntended to Pay for Them — J have been So unhappy to be Concarnd with one That is Broke a Bo{k}e fore hundard pounds in my Deat a%bout a month ago This and other Disap{i}ntement Lays me under The nese{a}ty of Saying what%Ever you Could Speare me Towardes the above Sume whould much Help your Desterest Humble Srvnt John Bellases To M=r= R=d= Orford at Peter Legh Esq=r= Lyme Cheshire a Single Sheet [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Dir Sir J %Recevd ys & heare with you have the Inclosd as you Rote for which is as it Stands with me which J hope youl find Right, & am w{e}shing you & yr %feamely The Complements of Thees Good Times & Shall allways be what J Stile my%Self yr most humble Srvt Jn={*}= Bellases PS J was Tould as a Surate a Tue Days ago That The popr{i}tores of The Sankey navegation intended to p{i}tt{i}sion to have Tunedge up on Limestone if so Should not mr Leegh be %tould So as he may Prevent Such averes & imposision M=r= Rd. Orford Eagant to Peter Legh Esqr at Lyme Chesh{ir} Carrage Paide

manchester June 28 1777 Dr Sir as J have Bisines That Cal{e}s me to Stockport on monday The [^"1 of J" rubbed out^] f{e}rst of July next Should be Glad if you (_Could_) make it Convent to have the Leases Readey wheare James Foxs nam %is in & am Sir w{i}th Compl{i}ments to Self & feame{r}ley your Very humble Srvnt Jn %Bellases Wa{**}ington [^torn off^] Aug{s}t 8 1777 (_Dr %Sr_) I %hope youl Bring with you when you Com to nuton feare The Leases That James Foxs is name is in as J want to Settle matters with him in The manner J Tould you — & am Sir with Best wishes to Self & feame{a}ly yr humble Sr{v}nt Jn %Bellases M=r= Orford at Peter Leegh Esqr Lyime Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Warrington Octr 2 1778 Dr Sir The %porpose of This is to Desire of you in James Jolley name to give him Leafe to Sell his Cottedge & all%So what will be the Laest Price an%other must give to put a %fresh L{i}fe to hit & all%so to Exchange The wifes Life for an%other of much The Same age Sr yr answer by Retorn of Post w{e}ll oblige Sr your humble Srvt John Bellases Be %plesd to give your answer as we propos{e} Sell{e}ng it on wemday for the Benifet of his Creadatores the B{i}lding of the house in in Poore Condi{s}ion (_Missent to Chester_) M=r= Orford at Peter. Leighs Esqr Lyime Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Nov=r=. 25. 1778 Dr %Sir This day mr Grimshew Cald on me, for The money Due to you, for the Ground Bt in ashton J Gave him for answer J whould Right to you & it is to Beg your indulgane Then Towards Candlm{a}ss when J Shall Receve a %fue hundreds fron a Smale a%State [^corrected^] J have Sold behind Boltan for what Little money J Recevd of my Tenants from mr Remmer be{m}ing feald. Everone J owe a %pound To as been upon me & Sevearal ar verry hill Nea{t}erd in 6 month to Com J hope J Shall have it in my Pouer to Treate Those That as usde me hill To Treate Them with Contemp For J Do ash{u}re you That if J was to Leave this Life to%morrow J Leave behind me above Eight Thousand{*} besedes paying Every man to Sh{i}llings — J have Trubeld 5 persons within th{i}s 3 month past that is in my Deat above a%Levenhundred [^line break^] pounds & as not ^got^ of them one Shelling but They all as Given Beale This old frend is the neeked Truth & hopes youl not be angery as J well pay you Verry Justely booth Sl{a}ck & Intrest & am as J shall allwa{*}yes be yr humble Srvnt Jn={*}= Bellases M=r= Orford at Lyme hall Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Warrington august. 17. 1779 Dr Sr as J am Verry Shure J Shall have it in my Pouer to pay The 40=£= on friday or Sattarday moring Pray must J Pay it to meare ashely or mr Grimshaw or J have Sum bisines with Robes{t}on & m{i}lls of Stockport wheare J Shall Com the next Tusday when J whould Com over with it to you my%silf but if youl feavor me with a word to who & in what maner you whould have it ashure your%Self it Shall be complyd with by Sr your humble Srvnt John Bell{*...} [^torn off^] M=r= Orford at Lymne Hall Neare Stockport Cheshere [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Warrington: o{*}tr [^torn off^] 26 — 1779 Dr %Sir J only hard This Eving That you ad been in our Cunterey by mr James Leigh who Tould me you ad Cald on him in your Retorn to Ly{i}me J have Sum Bisines That Cales me to go to Sheffild That J Can make Convent from this Day Fortnight to Go & as your house is in the Roade if you a%Prove of me Caling on the Bisines J was at your house Last Should aSteeme it a Favor if you whould feavor me with a word of The Time you Judge it most Sutoblest for me to Cale on you Sir your Complesene will much ablege your Verry humble Srvnt John (_Bellases_) M=r= Orford at Lime Hall Chishire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Warrington Nov=r= 4. 1779 M=r= Orford S=r= it whould be a%Steemd a feavor if you whould be So a%Bliging to Drop me a word when It will be convant for me to weate on you at Lime to inspect in%to the Bills deliverd to you on mr Leigh a%Count wheare it appeares an omision of Corn as not Been Charged by my Bookeper Sr your Complesene will a%Blige your humble Srvnt John (_Bellases_) PS J have Bisines That Cales me to Sheffeld in a%Boat [^line break^] Ten %days if it w{e}ll Shut you for me to Cale J %Shoud be glad to Do So — M=r=.. Orford at his House in High-lane

Whaley Sep: 28=th=: 1772 (_S=r=.._) Being informed that M=r=. Drinkwater has discharged his last Debt to Nature, devoled himself to the Grave, & refus'd long to partake of this World's bitter Cup; I again presume to offer my humble Service, as his Successor at Disley School, hoping you will be so kind as to befriend me at this needful Crisis, so if you please to make Choice of me I shall be ready to attend whenever you think proper, & a Line to inform me of your Pleasure will be most gratefully acceptable, & engage me inviolably to remain Your most obd=t=. humble Serv=t=. Ab=m=.. Benne{*...} [^torn off^] To M={r}= Orford at How Land near Stockport Cheshre (_This_)

S=r= the bearer John Stavevely has a son whom M=r= Godard recomends as a fit person to teach a scho^o^le and as m=r= Dinkwater is dead hopes you will be so good as to make triall of him J know his father very well who allways behaves himself well {**}d [^torn off^] honestly and as to the young mans caracter I befieve m=r= ^Godard^ will give him a trewe one who is as cretdite^able^ a gentleman as any we have in the peake of Derbyshire and hath had him under his care and has taught the free grammer school at Tidswell a great many years and is reput^ed^ to be the best master in all our country and If you pleas to make use of him you'l very much oblidge your friend and Humble Servand, Thos Longsdon Little Longston Sep=r= y=e= 28 (_1772_) [^Note in different hand^] M=r= John Stavely Tidswell To the Honourable Peter Leigh of Lime Esq=r=. Honoured Sir We whose names are here under Writen being willing to give all possible incouragement to Literary knowledge, do recommend to your choice for Dishley school, the bearer hereof Henry Wyld as a person very proper to be intr{u}sted with the charge thereof he being truly Qualified for that station, and a person of good morals and behaviour, and one who has acquited himself with great honour ever since his comming into this place %and we should be unwilling to part with him upon any account whatever were not we perswaded it [^"would" crossed out^] will be for his advantage, to engage himself with you, and we doub{t} not but that he will give the country content if he meets with your approbation, as he has an easy and commendable method of instructing youth in all the most essential parts of knowledge such as Reading Writing and the most useful parts of the Mathematicks with Geography and Astronomy

as far as is taught by the Globes, and he having acquired some classical knowledge under M=r=. Hadfie^l^d which he teacheth with great success and [^"that" crossed out^] what is [^added letters above line crossed out^] here inserted may not appear spurious we averre all of us to have particular acquaintance [^"there" crossed out^] with him either thro. having children under his inspection or personal knowledge of his understanding and good behaviour. given under our hands this 4 Day of October 1772 at Mellor school John Hadfield Min=r= of Mellor In=o=. H{e}gginbotham Thomas Woodruff Jool Ratcliffe Samuel Marsland George Fern Iohn Fern Ralph Fern Anthony {H}erenshaw Daniel Thornaly Sam=l=. Shuttleworth W=m=, Tomlinson Randle Hibbert Ioseph Hibbert To M=r=. Richard Orford Steward to M=r=. Peter Legh Esq=r=, At Lyme.

Disley 29=th=, Sep=r=. 1772 (_Sir_) As Disley School is now Vacant, I shou'd be very Glad to succeed M=r=. Drinkwater there, If M=r=. Legh pleas'd to Accept me, & shou'd return my Sin^cere^ Thanks to his Worship if he was so pleas'd, If you was so Inclin'd, I cou'd have the most Part of my Neighbours Request, In a Letter of Petition if his Worship was to Request it, As to any Extraordinary high Learning I do not pretend but do not all doubt but I can Improve myself in a little while, And as I am now a Teacher & have 50 Pupils Committed to my Care, And some of the Parents say the would rather give me double Wages, than I shou'd give over Teaching, But You know, Sir; a good many Petty's wages rise to a little Wages & some peoples Wages come very la{tl}y for A Man to Maintain a Familly with without some Benefaction; So I wou'd not be willing giving Over; For to betake myself to other Buisiness I am rather afraid of, When I grow In Years, tho At present, It does not harm me, When I was a Child I had my Knee broke And that was one Reason made me begin of Teaching School All at Present, but remain Your, Humble, Servant. James Swindells M=r= Orford (_Sir_) Please to settle with the bearer for three Half years. rent for the Water Course at Whaley Mill and you will much oblige your Hble Serv=t= Robert BennettManchester June 4={th}=: 1788 Warrington Saturday Eve: S=r=: — M=r=: Keck desires you to Inform Taylor the Horse dealer — that the mare he sold him this morning is so Very lame that he will Certainly return her as soon as he returns to Lyme — and have his own Galloway Back again — as she is by no means Suteable for our Business — I am S=r=: — Your Very Hum=le=: Ser=t=: — I: Bent I Beg my Comp=ts=: to all friends at Lyme — To M=r=. Richard Orford at Lime Hall Cheshire

S=t= Hellens the 18 Dec=r= 1788 My dear old Friend I make bold to trouble you with the following. — S=r=. M=r= Ashton has bought the p{ie}ce of Land late M=rs=. Claytons that lyes between Laffock and m=r=. orrels and is for opening the Collery, he wants a man to superintend the same he woud have one that understands somthing of the bottem as well as the Top and can be trusted with the money to pay the men, he is not for seling any coales unles to a perticular Flat and no money to be reciv{e'}d. He order'd m=r=. Berry to get me to enquire for such a man, and as I go {none} from home does not know of any. now I desire you if you know of any such you will let me know and m=r= ashton will take it a particular favour, he will likewise want a Carpenter but that will be easier found I am dear Sir your most humble Serv=t= Tho={*}=. Billinge please to direct for me to be left at Rich=d= S{h}anetts S=t= Hellens near prescot Lancashire For M=r=. Richard Orford at Lime Hall Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Winwick 6 Iuly 1778 M=r=. Rich=d=: Orford Sir the inclosed shoud have been done [^"before" crossed out^] sooner but not thought on before sunday the 21=st= I desire you will some opertunity shew it to your master not doubting but you will say somthing of the reasonableness of the Petition . . . . . . I have not heard marcus say any%thing of receving the order you and I fixed for him receiveing the Wharfage on newton Common; It woud be well for him to have it to shew not only to the persons to pay the wharfage, but to the freeholders if any shoud say any%thing about the inclosure and likewise it woud be proper for him to have his Lease for if any%thing shoud happen to your master or you it woud likely not be so good for him as he has Laid out his money, I expect to see you at Newton Fair. I am sir your most humble Serv=t= Tho=s=. Billinge To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Lime Hall Cheshire [^Postmarked Manchester^]

Dear Sir I forgot a fo{a}l shirt it is pin'd in a Cheque handkichar and in the furtherst drawer in the Buttlers Room; I desire you will take it into your Care and if you can send it by a safe hand to leave it at our Turnpike, or bring it with ^you^ when the family comes to Haydock, I am sir your most humble Serv=t= Tho=s=. Billinge Saturday at manchester M=r= Holford Lyme near Disley Cheshire [^Postmarked Manchester^]

Manch=r=. Aug=t=. 5. 1778 — Lyme M=r=. Holford Sr I wish you would send me M=r=. Legh {S}ub={*}=. of £5:5:0 to our Infirmary ending at Med{/=n=}. 1778 that I may not be obliged to return it in arrear in my accounts which are now printing — I %am S=r=. yr. mo. ob. Serv=t=. Iosiah Birch Cheshire To M=r=.. Orford at Lyme

Ashton, Ian=ry= 27=th=. 1771 (_Sir_) I rec~ed your kind favour of the 22=d= Instant, I wrote to M=r=.. Russell soon after I saw you at Haydock, and let him know that I would not give any more than what I had bidden, that is, 690=£=. for on more serious thought, I think it is as much as the Estate is worth. I desire you will send me a line by the Bearer to let me know whether this last Order from M=r=. Masters, be over and above, that is, to be added to the [^"{last}" crossed out^] order you sent me some time since for Nails; the Nails I am afraid cannot be completed in a short time, for all the Nail Masters are full of orders, but when I hear from you will get as many as possible. The Grind stones are now all ready to go to Liverpool. I am, Sir Your Most Obed=t=. Hble Serv=t=. W=m=.. Birchal W=m=.B W=m=..B. W=m=.B For M=r=.. Orford at Lyme

Ashton, {F}eb=y=. 27=th=. 1772 — M=r=.. Orford Sir. I have herewith sent you the Acc=t=. which you have Examined, also the Vouchers, Hay Grass Acc=ts=. from 1766 to 1770. Rentals for 1769 & 1770. the Years before being entered as they were received; the [^"y" crossed out^] Hay Grass in 1771 is not entered, as I have not received it, thought I had better send to the persons who have not paid, and so enter it all in one Sum. I did not know whether you [^"want" crossed out^] would have the Day Books, Score & Edish Book, and Rental Books sent you to Lyme, so have not sent them; but if you will want them, please to send a line and will immediately send them. which is all from Sir! your most Obed=t=. H~ble Serv=t=. W=m=.. Birchal To M=r=.. Orford at Lyme

Ashton, April 9=th=. M=r=. Orford, (_Sir_) Enclosed have sent you a small Bill, due from M=r=. W=m=.. Parker, which he said M=r=.. H Richardson would pay, but have ask'd M=r= Richardson, and he said that M=r=. Parker owed him money; therefore should be very much obliged to you, if you can get me the Bill, and will do as much for you, if in my power. I am Sir Your very h~ble Serv=t=. W=m=.. Birchal M=r=.. Orford Lyme

Ashton, Aug=st=.. 28=th=. 1778. M=r=.. Orford, (_Sir_) Two years ago you had some thoughts of Speculating a little in the Hop Trade, and this Year they are expected to be very low, and very good; for there was never finer season for plucking. — I think of doing something in them, and if you chuse to venture any%thing, I thought I would let you know; therefore should be glad of a line whether you will or not, that I may know how to give my Hop-Merch=t=. Instructions. I am, Sir, yours most respectfully W=m=.. Birchal P.S. the best Hops are [^"thought" crossed out^] expected not to exceed 70=s=/ p~{*}. W={t}=. & from that down to 50=s=/— p~{*}.W={t}= — M=r=.. Orford at Lyme near Disley: Cheshire Per Manchester [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Ashton, Nov=r=.. 21=st=. 1778 M=r=.. Orford, (_Sir_), I was favour'd (dated the 11=th=. Instant) with yours. — I Rec~ed the Invoice of 50 Pockets Hops, on the 7=th= Inst=t=. but [^"have" crossed out^] expected to have had the pleasure of seeing you before this at Hayd~k — Total Am=t=.. 206=£=..1=s=..9=d=. I shall be much obliged to you if you'll send me a draft for 105=£=. and will return you what it is over the half, when you come over. I should be glad you'll send as %soon as convenient, as I have waited for your coming two weeks. When I see you, will inform you of all particulars; in the mean time must remain, Sir, your most obdt h~ble Serv=t=. W=m=.. Birchal [^Accounts omitted^] Mr Orford Lyme (_Cheshire_) Post p=d= 3=d=— [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Ashton, Dec=r=.. 17=th=. 1788 Dear (_Sir_) I must beg your pardon for troubling you with this, and hope you will grant it. I was mentioning to you when at Haydock last, about the expence of erecting a Machine for weighing Carts &c, — Now it being agreed to have one erected, I shall be much obliged to you, if you will give me directions how to go about this business on the most frugal plan, and think you told me of one that was on a better ^construction^ & cheaper [^"construction" crossed out^] than yours at Haydock. If you can recollect where that was, and that we may be admitted to see it, I shall be much obliged by such information, and will return the favour (if in my power.) I am, Dear Sir, your most obd~t h~ble serv=t=. W=m=.. Birchal P.S. Your earliest intelligence will ^be^ esteemed a peculiar favour Mr Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Ashton, Dec=r=.. 23.1789 Dear (_Sir_) yesterday (by appointment) I met Mr Walter Wilson of Lymm, at the red lion Inn in Warrington, to fix upon an arbitration to settle and determine the dispute between him and me, (now depending in the court of Chancery) and make a final end of that disagreeable business. After some discourse about the matter, it was mutually agreed by both the parties to leave the determination to Mr Iohn Worsley of Lowton, Mr Iames Bateman of Manchester, and Yourself; hoping you will be so obliging as to lend us your kind assistance in this affair, as I apprehend it will not be attended with any mighty trouble; the matter appearing so very clear to every impartial eye. I hope, D=r=. Sir, you will agree to make one of the three; and p^r^ay excuse us not [^"letting" crossed out ^] acquainting you before we made choice of you, as the time would not admit ^of^ us writing to you, or seeing you personally, it being but a few days since I had notice thereof; only I knew Mr Wilson's Counsel had [^corrected^] moved the court for an arbitration — My Wife joins in compliments

of the now near approaching season, and waiting your obliging answer with consent to assist us, [^"{on}" crossed out^] I remain D=r=. Sir, your most obdt h~ble serv=t=— W=m=.. Birchal P.S. You shall be perfectly informed of the matter in dispute, some time before [^"any" crossed out^] the parties meet. Mr Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Post Office, Warrington, Oct=r=.. 15. 1790. Dear (_Sir_) The enclosed draft was (last night) brought to me for non-payment, as there is no such person to be found; therefore have returned to you, and must beg the favor of your sending me another in lieu thereof. The person whom I paid it to has been at a deal of trouble to find out the person whom it is drawn upon but without any success. I am, Dear Sir, your most obdt h~ble serv=t=. W=m=.. Birchal [^Accounts omitted^] M=r=— Rich=d=— Orford Lyme Cheshire

Newton 10=th=— Oct=r=— 1781 (_S=r=_) I take the Oppertunaty of Writeing to You Concerning puting in a %Life to fill up the Lease which Belong'd to John Houghton and What would be the Lowest price it Would Cost, as I Jmagin You'l be Over at the Court I was thinking then to have Agreed with you, Concerning the same as I shall have an Oppertunaty of haveing thing's {R}eady for that Purpose and Desires Youl not take it Amiss at me Writeing hopeing you will do your Best for me & in the main time Please to give me Your Answ{e}ar & I should take it as a great feavour from your Well Wisher & Hum{b} %st Will=m=— Birchall M=r= Rich=d=: Orford Steward to M=r= Legh at Lyme near Disley Cheshire [^Postmarked Wigan^]

Haigh 26=th= Oct=r=. 1781 S=r= Iohn Peirpoint late Postillion to m=r= Legh, has offer'd to serve me in that Capasity. & says I may know his Character [^corrected^] by applying to you, w=ch=. occasions my giving you the trouble of this Lett=r=.. he says he lived 7 months with m=r= Legh & that a disagreement with the Coachman was the reason of his leaving the Place. I shall be much oblig'd to you to let me know the Character the young man deserves, particularly whether he is Honest & Sober, takes good care of Horses Drives well, & was civil & well behaved in the family. your answer direct'd to me at Haigh near Wigan Lancashire will much oblige S=r= Your Humble Servant S. Blackburne. M=r=: Orford Lyme H{*...} [^Most of adress torn off^]

Post Office Stockport 28=th= Sep=r=. 1779 (_Sir_) I have took the Liberty of Sending to you by Rob=t=. Cheetham A Corect List of the posts Comming in & going out and as you will see by the List it may often hapen that there may be Letters for Lyme that l{ay} [^corrected from "lie", or vice versa^] in this Office a day or two but I think if you was to give de{r}ections to anny of the Servants &c that may hapen to come to Stockport allways to call at the Office the would frequently find Letter for Lyme. I am Sir your Obed=t= Hum=bl=. Serv=t=— Peter Boardman M=r=.. Orford Lyme

(_Sir_) I Omitted to return you Miss Leghs Bill through hurry — you have it Now Inclos'd with my thanks — I am Sir your Obd=t=— Serv=t=— {P} %Boardman Stockp=t=. 9=th=. Aug=t=. 1789 — M=r=. R=d=.. Orford Lyne (_Cheshire_)

[^Printed^] SIR, UNDERSTANDING that Mr. JOHN SNAITH, now in Partnership with me, has engaged himself to form a new House, at the Expiration of our present Term, which ends at Christmas, 1787, an Event I could not have expected, after advancing him to be a Partner in the House, and shewing him my readiness to promote his Interest, by very beneficial Terms, by which himself and Son were to be Partners at the Expiration of our present Engagement. Permit me, Sir, to request you will not engage yourself until you are fully acquainted with every Circumstance that hath occasioned this intended Separation. I think it more respectful to appeal to your Candour, than to any Claim of Preference I may have from having been engaged in the Business upwards of Fifty Years, and which by every tie of Affection I am called upon to preserve to my Family. I beg leave to inform you, that I intend to connect myself and Son with Mr. STEPHEN LUSHINGTON, and another Person, in every Respect unexceptionable: You will please to excuse this Mode of communicating the above, until I have the Pleasure of waiting on you in Person. I am, SIR, Your most obedient humble Servant, Iohn Boldero [^Signature hand-written^] London, July 16 [^hand-written^] 1785. M=r=: Orford Lyme [^At different angle:^] Wine 1779 1782 1783

Stockport Aug={*}=. 23=d=— 1785 (_S=r=._) J hope Your goodness will excuse the liberty I take in troubleing you with this Letter and in solliciting Your Intrest in the Buisness as under recited — M=r=: Edw=d=. Worthington, Ironmongar of this place, who is use'd to Serve Your Worthy famaly at Lyme with goods in that line is Dead his Mother and two Sisters haveing declin'd the Buisness and delivered up the Stock in Trade to one M=r=. — — — Gardiner of Coventry who is an entire Strainger in this Neighbourhood Upon which Account (as no part of M=r=. Worthingtons famaly has anything to do with the Trade) I should Esteem it A %favour if M=r=. Legh whould be pleas'd to grant me the favour of Serveing him with the things wanting at Lyme in the Ironmongary Buisness and other things which the late M=r=. Edw=d=. Worthington had the Honour of Serveing him with And as I have often had the pleasure of serveing that Honarable Famaly in Numbers of things in the white Smith Buisness I should think my%self [^line break^] doublely ^oblige'd^ in conf{e}ring the favour as Above and shall make it my Studdy to serve M=r=. Legh with A Good Article and upon fair & honest tirms who Am S=r=. with the gratest Respect Your most Obedient and Hum={*}= Serv={*}= Sam=l=. Booth [^Direction may be in different hand^] M=r=. R=d=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington?^] {Fr}ee [^Bootle's signature^]

Rode Hall [^"Chesh{i}re" rubbed out^] Iuly 15=th= Sir M=r= Wilbraham Bootle rec=d= your Letter Yesterday with the Draft for 50 due on M=r= Amsons Account, he returns the receipt Sign'd. and is glad to find the poor mans Affa{is} in so good a {T}rain I am Sir Your Humble Servant M W Bootle {*...} [^torn off^] =r= Wilb Bootle hopes M=r= Legh & {*}ll [^torn off^] the Family are well Ormskirk October seventeenth 1788 [^Direction may be in different hand^] M=r=. Orford at Peter Legh{s} Esq=r= Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Ormskirk^] {Fr}ee [^Bootle's signature^] [^Across in red, prossibly in different hand^] Iohn Amson %Esq{=r=}

Sir M=r= Wilbraham Bootle this day rec=d= a bank note for 10 pounds on account of a note of hand from M=r= Amson. which shall be {i}nclos'd to you and returnd when we go to London where it is. {thi}s in the mean time will serve as an Acknowlegement of the same M=r= Wilbraham Bootle desires his Compliments to the family att {L}ymm I am Sir Your Hum=ble= Servant M W Bootle Luthom House Oct 18=th= [^Note in different hand^] Note Rec~ed therefore of no use M=r=. Orford (_Lyme_)

Dear Sir I should take it as a particular Favor if you would take some Opportunity of transmitting to me, by M=r=. Maire the Sum of Money which M=r=. Legh gives to the Chapel of Holy Trinity in Warrington. Whatever is necessary to be done upon the Occasion M=r=. Maire has full Liberty from me to transact. It would be high Presumption [^corrected^] in me to take the same Liberties that my worthy Predecessor did at Lyme more especially at a Time when M=r=. Leghs Health is in a declining State. Not but I could like to see the Good old Gentleman & Family to whom I

am so largely indebted, & for whose Health & Happiness I have the sincerest Wishes. If you think it proper give my best Respects to them, desiring to know how they all are — & believe me to be Your Ob={d}t= H~ble Serv=t= Tho=s=. Borrowdale. Warrington Sep=r=. 13=th=. 1787 [^Note in different hand^] 17 Sep=r=. p=d=. to M=r= %Maire 5=£=— M=r=.. Rich=d=.. Orford How Lane

M=r=.. R={o}=. Orford Sir Your favor I %rec=d=.. and in consequence of your promise was in expectation of hearing from you this Day with y=e=.. (_needful_); but as that is not the case must %beg you will if possible forward it on Monday, or Tuesday at farthest, as I must write to London on Wednesday Morn=g=.. [^"at" crossed out^] which cannot with propriety be done without sending a Remitance. — — Have not yet heard from M=r=.. G— but if he concludes on meeting a %few Friends at your House as proposed, shall inform you in Course — Sir Your Respectful Hble Serv=t= W. Bowden Manch=r=.. 13=th=.. Sept=r=.. 1777 M=r=.. Rich=d=.. Orford How Lane

M=r=.. R=d=.. Orford D=r=.. %Sir Have herewith to acquaint you that your Brother intends himself the pleasure of taking [^corrected^] a Bed with you at How Lane on Saturday next, and on Sunday propose meeting him at your House with a few Friends, agreeable to your kind Invitation, in the interim remain D=r= %Sir Your most Hble Serv=ts= W. Bowden Saturday 20=th=.. Sept=r=. 1777 M=r=.. Rich=d=.. Orford How Lane [^Accounts omitted^]

M=r=.. R=d=.. Orford Sir We rec=d=.. the Cash in Course P~.. Ardern — Enclosed you have 2 %Bills & Cash Val: £(_47..13..6_) which with £(_12..7..0_) overplus sent, makes the ballance, Viz.={t}= £(_60_) You have also annexd Mess=rs=. Bateman Phillips & Birch receipts the difference of that acc=t=. T.G will settle with you when he hath the pleasure to see you — Sir Your Respectful Hble Serv=t=. W %Bowden. Manches=r=. 27=th= Nov=r=. 1777 Tomlinson On %Smith & C=o= 30 — Grinsell {O}n Grinsell 14 — Cash 3.13.6 47.13.6 D=r=. {T}o [^corrected^] Bills sent over Cash in the Cash Acc=t=. 12.7.- 60.-.6 M=r=.. Rich=d=.. Orford How Lane

D=r=.. %Sir Your favour P~. Ardern with Parcel Val. £200 I rec.. safe and at a timely Season — Since I wrote you last I heard from your Bro=r=— who is very well he signifies his intention of being at How Lane on Sunday Sevennight but will be more particular as to that in his next when I shall advise you in Course and am D=r= %Sir Yours most Respectfully W.. Bowden Tuesday Noon [^Scribbles omitted^] M=r=.. R=d=.. Orford Sir Enclosed you have 3 Bills val: together £(_143..13..8_) Should have sent you the exact Sum £150 but there are £6 Guineas w=ch=.. are objected to so shall settle the difference when we have the pleasure to see you; in the interim remain Sir Your most Respectful Hble Serv=t= W %Bowden Tuesday 2 O'Clock M=r=.. Rich=d=.. Orford How Lane

Sir As under you have directions for %the Franks M=r=. Gaskell spoke to you about & %shall be glad if at the same time you could get a few directed for T. Gaskell & Co.. as we are very nearly out of %them — Sir Your most Respectful H~ble Serv=t=. W Bowden Nov=r=.. 17=th=. 1778 Cartwright Morris & A: Bennett London M=r=.. Rich=d=.. Orford How Lane

Sir Enclose'd you{'ve} 3 Bills value £90..0..0 the Ballance therefore remaining is £30..0..0 which youll be so kind to send on Tuesday — We reach'd home without any ill consequences happening about 12 O'Clock — remain Sir Your most Obliged Hble Serv=t=. W. Bowden Saturday One O'Clock [^Note in different hand^] Dec=r=. 1. 1778 Sent Cash 30=£= by Geo Bowden M=r=.. Rich=d=.. Orford How Lane

D=r=.. %Sir Enclosed you've 2 %Bills val: £200 — must request you will not omit to put us in Cash for the Bill advanced in due Season our Exigencies for money exclaiming loudly at this Iuncture remain D=r= %Sir Your Respectful Hble Serv=t=. W. Bowden Manch=r=.. 21=st=.. Dec=r=— 1778 M=r=.. Orford How Lane

Dear Sir Yours I duly rec=d=. & in consequence made the necessary Application for M=r=: Athertons Letters w=h= the Post Mistress informs me were this morning sent to Stockport . . she acknowledges there having been application made for them before & the reason she assigns for not delivering them was her not liking the appearance of the Messenger. — I shall make it my business to attend at the Office on the West Post Mornings in future, & if there be any Letters may rely on their being sent with all speed I am much oblig'd by your enquiry after my Mothers health the loss of whom I have the greatest cause to regret she being dead & buried. — I rec=d=. a Letter from M=r=. G yesterday who mentions he intends reaching Home on Thursday or Friday next With Comp=ts=. to M=rs=. Orford remain D=r= %Sir Yours most Sincerely W Bowden Monday Even=g=. 5 O'Clock M=r=.. R=d=.. Orford How Lane (With a %Parcel)

Dear Sir Your favor I rec=d=.. yesterday & agreeable thereto have forwarded your Breeches & likewise what patterns of %paper I cou'd get that wou'd in any degree match the Furniture, if approv'd the prices are mark'd at the back of the patt=s=.. & if you write me will send you the quantity you want, on the contrary if you send a pattern of the furniture & can wait the making of the paper exact to pattern it will be accomplish'd to come P~ Carrier in about 3 Weeks or by Coach in 12 days We have not a %P={s}. Velveteen by us from w=h=.. I cou'd recommend your having a %Pair of Breeches if a good Velv{ere}tt wou'd suit please to inform ^me^ & I will send your Quantity on Thursday . . . I %am oblig'd by your enquiry of my Mothers health who am sorry to remark is no better With Comp=ts=.. to M=rs=.. Orford &{c} remain D=r= %Sir Yours %most Respectfully W %Bowden [^"Monda" crossed out^] Tuesday 12 O'Clock M=r=.. Orford How Lane (With a %Parcel)

D=r=.. %Sir Both your favours I %rec=d=.. in Course & was exceedingly sorry to hear by the former of the death of M=rs=: Gaskell Agreeable to your request I %sent a Messenger for your Brother who arriv'd here this Morning & will be at So{w earr} this afternoon — P~ the Bearer have forwarded your Cloaths w=h=.. hope will be approv'd, remain D=r= %Sir Yours to Command &{c} W %Bowden Friday One O'Clock M=r=.. Orford How Lane (With a %Parcel)

D=r= %Sir J have herewith sent you the quantity of %paper wrote for with bordering, of the latter presume there is more than will be wanted therefore you'll please to return what is not used. remain D=r= %Sir Yours most Respectfully W Bowden Monday Noon M=r=.. Rich=d=.. Orford Haydock near Warrington [^Postmarked Manchester^] [^Other side of paper up^] August 11=th=..

S=r=.. Enclosd you have 2 %Bills val: Seventy Pounds, our draft settles for the Cash, and shall be much obligd to you %for Cash on your return for the £40 %Bill. M=r=. G— is return'd from Liverpool & desires his respects to you, am S=r=. Your Oblig'd Hble Serv=t=. W. Bowden Manch={*}=. 11=th=. Aug=t=.. 1781 M=r=.. Rich=d=. Orford How Lane

D=r=. %Sir I rec=d=. a Letter yesterday ^from M=r=. G^ wherein he mentions returning to Manch={*}=. on the 18=th= or 20=th=. Ins=t=. but as he purposes crossing to Port Patrick & coming thro' Scotland shoud presume it will be longer, am D=r= %Sir Y=rs= respectfully W %Bowden Thursday Morn=g= M=r=.. Orford How Lane

D=r= Sir Enclosed you have 6 Bills value £200..14..0 which are the shortest dated ones we have by us — I have the pleasure to inform you that M=r=. Gaskell is now with me in the Compting House J %remain D=r= %Sir Yours most %respectfully W %Bowden Manch=r=. 17=th= Octo=r=. 1785 — [^Accounts, probably in different hand, omitted^] M=r=.. Rich=d=. Orford How Lane

D=r= %Sir Enclosd you have 4 Bills val: £(_289..18..0_) and J have also debited you to 14/ sent over the value of the last %Bills — Ten Guineas you will receive back by the Bearer that are short of Weight, have credited you for £(_89..10.0_) & am D=r= %Sir Yours most respectfully W Bowden Manch=r=. 29=th= Nov=r=. 1785 [^Accounts probably in different hand omitted^] (_To_) M=r=. Orford in the How Lane

Stockport 13=th=. April 1771 (_D=r=. %Sir_) One Iohn Wilson who I am told is an under [^"Gar{*}" crossed out ^] Gardener at Lyme [^word crossed out^] owes one Iohn Sephton a Lancashire man and a Sheriffs Bailiff there the sum of one pound nine Shillings and Four pence for which he is determined to [^"{shew}" crossed out^] ^Sue^ Wilson — As I have very great reason to have a high reverence and Esteem for your Master I cannot think of Suing any of his Servants but as I believe this is an honest Debt and Sefton is determined to have it Wilson is certain to be Sued if the Money is not paid Therefore hope you will get it Settled with all Expedition and in so doing you will highly oblige all parties Concerned and particularly Your m=t=. ob=t=. h~bl Serv=t=. B: BOWER (_To_) M=r=. Orford at Lyme [^Accounts and scribbles omitted^]

Stockport 10=th=. Jan=y=. 1772 (_Good %Sir_) I have paid M=r=. Sephton on Iohn Wilsons Account the Sum of 1=£=.9=s=.4=d= Agreeable to your Directions which youll be pleased to pay the Bearer my Tenant Benjamin Gee for my Use and youll much Oblige Sir Your m=t=. Ob=t=. h~ble Serv=t=. B: BOWER (_To_) M=r=. Orford at Lyme

(_D=r=. %Sir_) Agreeable to your desire I %have applyed to Samuel Tennant for the Debt due from him to Matthew Broom and he Acknowledges the Debt to %be just and has promised payment this week — I am D=r=. Sir Your m=t=. Ob. %Serv=t=. B: BOWER Stockport 16=th=. March 1773 (_To_) M=r=. Orford

(_Sir_) Sometime ago my Tenant Benjamin Gee of Wood End in Disley had a Horse Killed thro' the Misbehaviour of one Adam Bennett of Taxall and one David Jacksons ^Son^ of Lyme Hanley — Adam Bennett has been with me and seems disposed to settle the Affair Amicably but David Jacksons Son has not been with me tho' I have wrote two Letters upon the Occasion — I am told that David Iackson is a Tenant to M=r= %Legh and therefore has taken upon him to presume very much at the Instance of M=r= Iohn Richardson — All people that are Honest and wise wish to avoid Law and upon that Principle I shoud %be Extreamly glad to meet you to End this affair Amicably (if possible) but in Case that cannot be done I %am not willing to permit my Tenant to be abused. — Your immediate Answer will very much oblige Sir Your m=t=. ob=t=. Serv=t=. B: BOWER Stockport 3=d=. April 1774 (_To_) M=r=. Orford at Lyme

[^Handwriting looks different and is far neater than that of the other letters from Bower^] Stockport Sept=r=. 17=th=.. 1774. Dear (_Sir_) One William Holford whom I am informed is Employed by you at Lyme, owes Charles Tockington some money, and though I have Wrote to W=m=. Holford he Neglects Paying the same and Charles Tockington was with me Yesterday to Arrest Holford but out of regard to M=r= Legh's Family I dont Chuse to Proceed without Acquainting you, that this Matter may be Amicably Settled If M=r=. Legh thinks Holford a [^probably inserted^] Person worthy of your Notice I am D=r=. Sir Your most h~ble Serv=t=. B: BOWER (_To_) M=r=. Orford at Lyme

[^Looks like yet a different hand^] Dear Sir William Knowles of poynton is now with me and Informs me that there is part of a Lane in poynton which you have {View}ed with an Jntent to Jndict and that such part of the Lane has been repaired formerly by the Occupyars of the Estate now in his Possession owing to their Setting a Gate in such Lane and Enjoying such Herbage but as the Gate is thrown down and he has not the Benefit of the Herbage, he thinks the Town is now by Law obliged to repair the Road. Under these Circumstances I desire that you will ^not^ Indict the Road before Michaelmas Sessions in order to Give all parties Concerned an opportunity of Consulting together to be Satisfyed who ought to repair the Road.

You know I am a Great Enemy to throwing money away unnecessarily in the Law tho' I wish for Right to go forward. Youle please to Consider that if you Indict W=m=. Knowles and he Gets discharged that you will have your own Costs to pay and you must begin anew. I desire to hear from you And am Dear Sir Your m=t= ob=t= Servant B: BOWER Stockport 7=th= July 1775 M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Lyme

Sir. M=r= Rob=t= Bennett is now with me and has produced to me a Letter of yours dated in October 1775 wherein you mention you [^"{was}" crossed out^] was willing to make him a satisfaction (I presume on the behalf of M=r= Legh) for diverting the water in Robert Bennets Lands. Since the writing of your Letter I find that many hundred yards of Land have been washed away by reason of the water being [^"{diverted}" crossed out^] diverted — The Winter is now coming on and more Land will be washed away I therefore desire for the sake of your Master as well as my client Robert Bennett that this affair may be concluded with all expedition to the satisfaction of all parties in order to prevent any expence in Law. I am Sir Y=r=. most Ob=t=. h~ble Serv=t=. B: BOWER Stockport October 9=th=. 1778 Dear Sir I am very Sensible of the Goodness of your Heart and Head and shall be allways glad to Join you in Every%Thing that is worthy, Good natured, and Just to all parties And am Dear Sir your m=t=. Ob={*}= Servant B: BOWER Stockport 13=th=. Oct 1778 M=r=. Orford How Lane Marple

D=r= Sir — I desired you would send me an Account of the Admeasurement of the Buildings at wood end some Parts of which are in good Condition and others not — I did not expect you would have brought a Timbermerchant with you to have Viewed what repairs would be necessary but a Carpenter or a Mason who are the real People to do the Business. The Mason that I brought over expected that there was to have been a further Jnvestigation of what Parts of the Buildings wanted repairing and what not And then to have made an Estimate of Masons work and an Estimate of Carpenters Work and to have formed a Judgment upon the whole and to have Paid you a Sum of money in the Lump and then for you or those who represent you to have done the repairs agreeable to their own wish or desire. This I am very well satisfyed is most for the advantage of those who must succeed me but if that mode of Proceeding is not agreeable to you I must see about Putting the Buildings into repair myself — I think it was not Genteel to bring more Stewards than one to Negotiate this Business, you know I have nothing to do with any%body but M=r=. Legh and his head Steward and I think M=r=. Marsden had no Business to Jnterfere as I have not Covenanted with him to do any%thing. I see you Put down Six Gates at 7=s=. each I hitherto have not Paid so much for Gates and Timber found me and you know it is your duty to

find me Timber, I Perceive you offer to Charge me five Guineas for Fences and Roads, I Apprehend [^"{to}" crossed out^] the Road you mean to refer to is a Publick Road for all the Kings Subjects to Pass and repass without molestation and therefore has nothing to do with the Covenant in the Lease as it cannot be called a Part of the de{m}is{e}d Premises but if it was you ought to have called upon the Tenant every Year to have done it whose duty it was by Law to have done it as Occupant — If agreeable to you I sho=d=. be very glad that a whole day might be dedicated at Hancocks of Disley for you and I and the Tenant and my mason and a mason or Carpenter of yours to settle this Business amicably in the Lump or otherwise to agree to Allot me Timber and for me to do it myself as I wish nothing but compleat Justice on both Hands as I shall do these repairs for M=r=. Legh with the Utmost Pleasure — For my own Part I sho=d=. as soon have thought of bringing King George the Third as a Timbermerchant — I mean to be at Aspinshaw on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday and if you could fix with the Old Tenant who is the Bearer hereof for us to have a Meeting either Monday or Tuesday and let me know at Aspinshaw I will be at your service — and am D=r=. Sir — Your m={*}=. ob={*}=. Serv={*}. B: BOWER Stockport 2{4}=th= June 1788 [^Skipped attached sheet (probably in different hand) with specification of repairs together with their cost^] M=r=. Orford How Lane in Marple

D=r=. Sir — I am favored with yours and Promised M=r=. Marsden that I would speak to my Carpenter to fix a day to meet you at wood end and let him know, I accordingly sent to my Carpenter three times but could not see him however I most certainly will meet you at the wood end on Wednesday next at Ten o'Clock agreeable to your Appointment and bring a Workman with me — I am (with great respect) D=r=. Sir Your m={t}=. ob Ser{v}={t}=. B: BOWER Stockport 24=th=. May 1788 M=r= Richard Oarford at Peeter Leighs Esq=r= at Lyme Neer Dishley Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

M=r= Richard Oarford Warrington 14 Oct=r= 1779 S=r= Sum time since J was Observing to you that wee was Wanting Life in our Place in y=e= sankey streett but Could wish Child of Brother Richard to have y=e= small{e} Pocks that was at y=e= time wee Put two Lives to Jn=o= Caldwells Place in Grapnell about about 8 monthes Ould but wee have now on Tusdey Last Bur{e}d him he Never had y=e= small Pox & J wished he might have had that Place with his Life mi{t} If he had Lived & that for y=e= Other Child is Life is Putt [^corrected^] in at Grapnell but wee have none Left allive [^punctuation mark or letter crossed out^] but my Nifew John wose Life is in Grapnell Place and shall be Obliged to you as soon as you Can to Lett me have your ansure wat J must give for y=e= Child Life to be aded to my Brother Rich{a}rdes & myne y=e= Lad is about six Yers Ould J am With Best Respect Your Obed=t= humble Servant John Boyer P:S J have Planted sum Popler s{e}tts since y=e= Lese at Grapnell was filled up & have sett y=e= Last spring in my garden about 500 one Yers su{t}is that are Now 7 foott high which J Entend to sett there M=r= Richard Orford at Peeter Lees Esq=r= Lyme Neer Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Northwich?^]

[^Accounts in different hand omitted^] Warrington 18 Feb=y=, 1788 Deer S=r= J have maid y=e= Nesserey Enquirey about y=e= Name & age of y=e= Life J fixed to ad to the Lese of mine in Grapnell & find his name to be as J tould you Ralph Boyer & about 18 Yeres Ould his father Left his Counterey before y=e= Lad was Boarn & as Not been hard of since & y=e= Lad is aprent{i}s to a taylor in Over Neer y=e= forrest of Dalemore from which Plese J rite this Letter at youle plese to gett y=e= Lese foward as M=r= Lee is so hasurtus for helth J Beleve J am my%self 60 Yeres Last October you have the Needfu^l^ Noted Down & as the money is t{we}ntey pounds more then Duble y=e= sum the Last Life in y=e= ould Lese Cost as you say Buter was then 3=d= po{un}^d^ & now 10=d= or 11=d= [^word crossed out^] weate which is the Onley thing is not twice the price & in the ould

Lese no {I}oy for tillege hope youle Consider to allow me as meney Ackers should Ever my Lives be redused to one as you Can you have onley No{u}d six wen it may Come to one Life but wat may Chuse to plow wen two in you my Deer friend & me are [^"to" crossed out^] Note to be heer allwayes & as J am Going to Jmprove most of all y=e= Estate as it is at y=e= Lowest Ebb at this time no Marling as Been Don for about 40 Yeres past & plowed out houlles J am to marle Emedetley hope youle youle Do all you Can for to give me Libertey in tillege as my my first agreement with you was to have free Endependant Lese J shall be Obliged to you for Line wen the Lese is redey & which way J shall have it that J may remitt y=e= amount to you Your Deer fr{ie}nd John Boyer

P:S youle make y=e= Lese in [^corrected^] my name as wee fixed & to Change the other Life for my Life as you Noted Down for mine J have planted greett meney forrest trees to the Jntrest of the Estate & have greet meney to plant J may Venter t{e} say more the all y=e= par{e}sh of Grapnell besides wen%Ever it may be suvaied as J Expect it w{i}ll in Litt{le} time M=r= Richard Orford at Peeter Lees Esq=r= Lyme Neer Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Warrington 1 Augus=t= 1788 Deer S=r= J receved your favour of y=e= 11 July that said you woud Call on me the Next Day but at that time J was at Liverpoole as soon as J Came home J Called at Charles Crosslys & was tould that you was Gone thorrow Warrington the Day before on return post Desire Line from you to Know If you will be at Newton or Haydock all y=e= faire say which Day or Dayes for J have sum Bissn{e}s at Newton faire & shall see you Jf you are there at the faire you say my Lese is maid out & Sined by M=r= Lee youle Bring it with you J am with Best respect Your Deer frind John Boyer M=r= {O}^r^lford [^corrected^] Lyme to be lelf at M=r= Garsides grocer Stockport [^Postmarked Chester^]

[^Different hand^] Chester may 14=th= Dear Sir I Recived your Letter But not un%till it was tow late to send by the friday men's man But your money is very safe and shall be sent by the Tusdays men's man or som very Carefull Hand Dreted as you have Desired and I Remain Dear sir your very obliged and obedant servant {I}o=s= Boyer [^Could be "To=s="^] Mr Olford Mrs Garside Groser Stockport [^Postmarked Chester^]

[^Same hand as the first address?^] [^Could we be dealing with two different Boyers? Thomas and Jos.?^] Chester July 7=th= D=r=, Sir J Receeved your Letter and Was in hopes J Should have Seen the Bearer again [^corrected^] — but Did not. J ham Verry Sorrow you have had the trobel of Writing the reason of your not hearing J have Bean from home — but you may Depend on Recaving it on Tusday by the newe man Without Fail and remain With Deu Rep{c}etts your O{b}t Humbel Sert [^Written across^] Jos Boyer M=r= Olford to be Left at Mr Garsids Groser Stockport Carg pd

Chester Aug=st= 5 1790 Dear good sir mr Allwood Cald on my Wife to Desire hir to send your money wich aught to have Been Don Long since But Dear sir you may Depend on Reciveng it by george Bunce on Tusday next and Ever full satesfcton for Aney inConvence it may have Been to you be%sides shall all%ways think our%selfs mutch obliged to you and am with Due respets your mutch obliged Humble servant {I}o=s= Boyer it was sixtey four guines wich you Left with my Wife [^Accounts in different hand omitted^] Mr Olford to be Left at mr Garsids Groser Stockport {Car} pd

Chester Augs=t= 9=th= Dear sir I have sent you by Bunce Twenty guines and will the next Time he Comes with%out fale send you forty five guines more I shold have sent the Hoole of it if I had not Been Disopinted of Reciving Large sum of money wich I shall Dow in tow or three Days and you may Depend on the Rest at the Time I stated from Der sir your mutch obliged Humble ser{va}nt {I}o=s= Boyer Mr Olford at mr Garsids Groser Stockport Car{=g=} pd [^Note in different hand across^] Sep=r=. 20.90 Ios=h=. Boyer's

[^Hand of the first address again^] Chester 20 Sept 1790 Golden Lion Good Sir I have Sent you by Gorge Bun{e} [^corrected^] 24 Ginuas Wich I hope you will Recive Safe and Will Sind the Remainde by him when he Comes Next — you may Depend on it with%out fail and ham Sir your Obt Hu{b} Sert Jos Boyer [^Different hand^] M=r=. Woodbrick Cash — was 64 Gui. —.— 67.4.- £ Rec=d=. of M=r= Boyer 21.— Rec=d=. More this day 25.4.- To M=r=.. Rich=d=.. Orford (_{*}hese_)

Derby June 13=th= 1773 [^Changed to or from 1772^] (_S=r=.._) We have your favor of the 9=th= Inst. according to w=ch= we observe you expected that we shoud have Receivd by the middle of May last £150..— of M=r=.. Masters's Tenants, the Account stood as when you was here till this day, M=r=.. Masters's Account has Credit for Sixty Pounds paid in by W=m=.. Hickinbotham I am Sir for Mess=rs=: Heaths Y=r= obed=t= Hble Serv=t= Io=h= (_Bradshaw_) P: S: Mess=rs=: Bolders & %C=o=.. are advised by this Nights post to Honor your Draft for One Hundred pounds agreeable to your favour Septe{n} the 27 1778 {S=r=} I desier you will peay John Willson as much mone as will pay his Ren{t} for he has Bene 29 Dayes of mr Leghs a%Count at Lyme from yo{u}rs Anty Brelsford Duly M=r=. Holford Steward at Lime

Macclesfield Nov=r=. 13. 1783 S=r=. Haveing this opportunity of sending by the baror shoud be glad if its convenient for You to send me a Bill or Cash for Wagstaffs w=ch=. sum is Thirtey thre{e} ^Pounds^ six Shillings & four pence if You woud rather I [^"wou'd" crossed out^] come over to lime Pleas to fix the day and Your Ans=r=. will greatly Obl~g Y=r=. H~b{l} Serv=t=. Iohn Bres{cur} (_To_) M=r=. Richard Orford Haddock

Warrington 12 Iune 1775 (_Sir_) The time being this day Expired for my waiting on you According to Promise came here on Purpose to Acquaint you that the Gentleman whom I rely'd on for the Cash I waited off ^on^ Saturday last on purpose to have brought it with me to%day but he being disapointed told me he could not possibly let me have it till tuesday the 20=th=. Ins=t=. at which time I shall receive it, as it is Uncertain When to meet with you at home shall Esteem it a great favour if you'd be so kind to give me a line by post What day after the 20=th=. I shall waite on you I shewd mr. Io{p}ing the Gentlemans hand writeing that I was to receive it as I menti{e}nd before I am in the Interim — S=r= Your Very hu{m} %Serv=t= Rich={*}= Bressey [^Accounts omitted^] To M=r= Orford Lime [^Accounts omitted^]

W{*****}gton [^seal^] 6 July=th= 1778 Sir I %Shall take it as a %feavour if you=l=. direct this Letter for M=rs= Master & forride it for her & if not tow much troble Shall Be Grad of a derection my%self two [^corrected^] her if you Can Send it me I %hall Be Ob{e}d you I %am Sir your Ob{*}=d= Sar=t= Ann Brint For M=r= Orford at Lyme Hall

Dear Sir I should be glad to know if you have that fifty pound Security that belongs to Son william from the turnpike road, if you have not paid the guinea that belongs to kettleshulme School I should take it as a favour if you will send it to me, as poor ould ned clayton is in great distress and he takes a great deal of pains with them, and really the children learn very well at him, that I think it is a pitty but he must have the money that mr Leigh has been so good as to promise to the School, but if you will be so kind as to send it to me I will take care to give it him, I shoud be glad to know if [^corrected^] miss orford be better, as I am very sorry to hear she is so ill, my compts to mrs orford and remain Dear Sir your Humble Servant A Brocklehurst Sunday morn 18 Gaphouse M=r=. Orford at Lyme near Disley [^Postmarked Macclesfield^]

Macclesf=d=. 26=th= Ian=y= 1789 M=r= Orford I was in hopes of seeing or hearing from you before now But out of Sight out of mind I desire that you will either bring or send my Interest which you know was due 18 Nov=r= last Rents are paid twice a year / Interest once, and shoud be paid regularly. In expectation of hearing or seeing you soon I remain respectfully S=r= Your h~=ble= Serv=t= Iohn Brocklehurst M=r=. Richard Orford at Lyme near Disley [^Postmarked Macclesfield^]

Macclesf=d=. 9=(_th_)= Feb=y= 1789 M=(_r_)= Orford By your last, you hop=d= that it woud be in your power to pay me my Interest soon (It has been a great disapointm=t=) But soon being no time fix=(_d_)=. . I assure you that the old Gen{t}=n= shall soon kno{w} that it is not paid I will not ask M=r= Orford any more From your abus=d= Friend Iohn Brocklehurst [^Attched draft of reply from Richard Orford^] Lyme 13 Feb=y=. 1789 (_Sir_) I am truly Sorry you are not paid your Interest for the last year, so duly as before, I do assure you the fault is not in me, and as I say'd I hoped very soon to do it, and believe it will be as soon as the next week is over, as I am going into Lancashire then, and on my return you assuredly shall hear from me. In regard to any complaint you can inform M=r= Legh of my Conduct; I am not at all aversed to, (_As I have the secret satisfaction to inform you_), that I never yet have done any, thing to any of my imployers, that I am fearful [^"that they shall at any time be made" crossed out^] ^of any person making them^ acquainted with I %am Sir Your most hble %ser=t= [^Orford's signature^] P. S our %Letters only comes here monday Thursday & Saturday M=r=: Orford at Lyme

Macclesfield Ian=y= 17=th= 1788 Dear Sir Your favor we have received inclosing a %Bill and Bank Notes 107=£=.7=s=.0, There was a ^former^ ballance of 1=£=.9=s=.0 in your favor which I intended to have paid You, had I had the pleasure of seeing You last monday. The reason of us returning the Bills by M=r= Marsden was, Cash is so very Scarce here, As to what you have now sent we will accept and are much obliged to You for your trouble the small ballance may be settled when we see you and also the receipt you shall have at that time, as you desire. my Father begs his Comp=ts= I am D=r= %Sir very respectfully Your hum Serv=t=. J Brocklehurst Iun~ PS The Int=st=. my father enters on the back of the bond as received we are glad to hear that M=r= Legh is tolerable well M=r=. Orford at Lyme [^Postmarked Macclesfield^]

Macclesfield Feb=y= 4=th= 1788 M=r= Orford Sir M=r= Lownes called upon the person I paid the Note to this day and says he has Sent to the Gentleman who had it from him but has not had his answer, he will call again next monday and let us know what he hath done I will suspend giving my opinion at present. As to M=rs= A Legh {&} %your bond 500=£= it is not convenient for me to take it at present but as you say [^"s" rubbed out^] you will let me have it any time that [^corrected^] suits my Conveniency, suppose we fix the 19=th= May next for the payment of it which is betwixt three & %four months and if in the mean time I can properly take it I will let you know I am respectfully Your hum Serv=t= I Brocklehurst Iun~ M=r= Orford Lyme Hall With 6 Loads of Malt

Mansfield Sep=r=: 17 1779 M=r= Orford Sir This day received your favor and have observed the contents, you will herewith agreeable to your order receive 6 Loads of malt the price 22=s=/0=d= %p=r= Load, which hopes will meet with your approbation, as the season for making malt is near at hand, if you think this malt too high dry'd, will then dry you some paler, your further orders will be esteemed a fovor by Sir Y=r= most H=ble= Serv=t= Will=m=: Brodhurst [^Bromley's handwriting is difficult to read^] M=r=. Orford at Lyme (_Cheshire_) [^Postmarked Wigan^]

Wigan Feb={y}= 4. 1774; (_S=r=._) I thought I %sh=d=. hav{e} heard from you before this, of the time you propose to be at Haydock, that I %might p{a}y you the m{on}y for Rec{ee}ving the Lease of N{orley} — I shal be glad if you'l favor me with a Line, when you intend to be o{ve}r, I will be prepared for %you, & am S=r=. yo=r=. most h~ble S{e}=t=. Io=n=. Bromley M=r=. Orford at Lyme near Stockport

Wigan Iune 26. 1774 (_S=r=._) I wrote to you about a Fortnight ago, Apprehending from the time you seemed to think M=r= Legh might be then Arrived at Lyme, to beg his Consent for giving a %Security {out} of Norley — The Leasing N{or}ley, & the Fitting out one of my Sons for the East Indies (which latter took more m{o}ny then the former) obliged me to take up 55={l}=. from M=r= {Ho}lt Leigh of this Town — I have only therefore to beg of M=r=. Legh that he will give me his Consent to assign Norley {over} to M=r= {H}olt Leigh as a Security for that mony — Norley alone would not be a %Security for so much m{on}y, but I give him an Additional Security for the mony — Two or three Lines expressing M=r=. Legh's Consent for this purpose, but the Lease requires that it shal be under his hand — J am S=r= y{o}=r=. most h~ble S=t=. Io=n=. Bromley J will be obliged to %you just to favor me with a Line how Soon M=r= Legh is expected at Lyme, if he's not already there — M=r=. Orford Haydock near (_Ashton_)

Wigan April 29. 1775 (_S=r=._) I fully intended to have waited upon you to%day, as J Sent word by the bearer of yr Letter But J was very Unexpectedly Called Out Town upon Some Busines which prevented me — J %m{a}de inquiry a little while ago, when you was Expected at Haydock, & was told, Not before Newton Fair, & therefore Deferred preparing for you till that time, & have accordingly So fixed it, [^"oth" crossed out^] otherwise I sh=d=. have been ready sooner; However then you may depend on %it's being fully discharged — You are named an Arbitr{a}tor to Determine A {%Sued} Dispute between one Martha Sp{encer} & James Haughton of Newton; & it was proposed to Setle it when you Came {over} at Newton Fair But as J find yo{u} are now over, J could wish it might be Setled Sooner, & J will write to M=r=. Niccolson of Warrington to fix a time for a Meeting this Week, or as early as may be in the next; & sh=d=. be gl{a}d you w=d=. think what day will Suit you best this week, (Except Fryday) And if you are Engaged this week, any day the next, except Monday; & we will give you the Meeting at Newton; & {w}=d=. be gl{a}d of a Line by the Post what day you fix on, & will let M=r= Niccolson know — This is a very trifling & Shameful Dispute, & of no Consequence, but what it is made by the Expence attending it — J am S=r=. {Yo}=r=. most h~ble {S}=t=. Io=n=. Bromley M=r=. Orford at (_Haydock_)

Wigan Iune 12. 1775 (_S=r=._) I Understand the Affair between James Houghton & Martha Spencer is not Setled, therefore shal Draw up the Award & wait on you either on Wednesday in the Afternoon or Thursday Morning with it, when J hope you will be at Haydock — J am S=r=. yo=r=. most h~ble S=t=. Io=n=. Bromley M=r=. Orford (_Haydock_)

Wigan Iune 16. 1775 (_S=r=._) I shal be obliged to you, if you'l Send me one of the Awards by the bearer, after you've ex{ecuted} it — The other you may either keep or Deliver to M=r=. Sp{eckman} — J am S=r=. yo=r=. most h~ble S=t= Io=n=. Bromley [^Different hand^] S=r= Houghton paid me the money Some time Since but I forgot it when I Saw you at Newton its rather hard that he Shoud pay this Extra Expence of y=e= award but he must Submit yr %ob %Ser=t= I: Hodson M=r=. Orford (_Haydock_) [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

Wigan Aug=t=. 15. 1775. (_S=r=._) I rec=d=. the favor of yours, & J am realy Ashamed at having been so long in Disch{a}rging the Arrears of Rent due to M=r= Legh But So many things have happened, & J've had So many Calls upon me from the Ex{egencys} of one or other of my Sons, who are just Entring into [^word crossed out^] Busines, that J have Scarce known how to Answer 'em, for these four Months {lad} past — I have had a Draft upon me for near 100={£}=. from a %Son payable to the East Indi{e} Company, & he being in their Employm=t=. it was impossible to Avo{i}d paying it, besides other matters — And J have now at least 30={*}=. to lay out Rebuilding part of the {Barn} &{c} at Norley, forthwith — J therefore must beg of you to lay the Matter before M=r= Legh & to Assure him, that as %soon as J have only a little Recovered these Demands, [^"{he shall}" crossed out^] [^"{not}" crossed out^] the paym=t=. of these Arrears shal %not be Delayed a %moment longer; And they have Come upon me Unexpectedly, or J w=d=. have done it Sooner; And hope it will not, nay canot be, Attended with any inconvenience to him — J am S=r=. yo=r=. most h~ble S=t=. Io=n=. Bromley J find my Tenant has Let two or three Year's Rent Run behind hand tho' I've always Allowed it him in A{mount}— But J will See after it — M=r=. Orford (_Haydock_)

Wigan Sept=r=. 18. 1775 D=r=. (_S=r=._) I forwarded yo=r= Letter on Saturday Evening to Andrews by a Sp~ial Mess={r}=. & J was in hopes of receiving a Line from you by this Morning's Post, about the Meeting on Thursday, which I sh=d=. be glad might take place, whether he said any%thing or nothing to the point, as it will not, J hope, break into yo=r= other Busines — J wrote to M=r= Hodson a Line last Night, & {men}^{*}^{io}ned to him yo=r=. being on this side, & the Meeting on Thursday — J am D=r= %S=r=. yo=rs=. Sincerely Io=n=. Bromley M=r=. Orford Haydock (_Warrington_)

London June 4. 1778. D=r=. (_S=r=,_) I shal be down at wigan about the midle of next Month, when J can better {adjust} the Affair of the Lord's Rent, than here; & it shal be [^"{then}" crossed out^] Setled before J %return — J %am D=r= %S=r=. y=rs= S{incere}ly Io=n=. Bromley M=r=. Orford Haydock (_Warrington_) [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

London Oct=r=. 8. 1778, D=r=. (_S=r=,_) J had reason to expect J sh=d=. have been down before this, but Circumstances of Affairs has prevented me, J must at {all} Events be down the begining of Janua{r}y, & nothing shal pre{ve}nt my Discharging the La{dy} Rent at that time, with {by} Cash, or an indisputable good Bill {to yo=r=} Mind — and {be} {epend}, that m{a}tter shal never run behind hand again — The Tenant will Discharge the Rent for the last year & in fu{ture} — J am D=r=. %S=r=. yo=rs=. Sincerly Io=n=. Bromley M=r=. Orford Haydock (_Warrington_)

London Dec=r=. 25. 1778, D=r= (_S=r=._) I've by this Post wrote to M=r= Leech, with whom J've an Acco=t=. to %Setle, & desired he w=d=. get it done im~edi{a}tely, as J had Some mony to pay you, which was greatly wanted — I hope he will do it very soon — You may Call upon hi{m} ab{u}t it — J wish you the Complim=ts= of the Season &c D=r= %S{=r=}. yo=rs=. Sinc{er}ly Io=n=. Bromley To M=r=. Orford at Lyme Cheshire

M=r=. Orford (_Sir_) My mistress (M=rs=. Downes) ordered me to Acquaint you that she has at last Received the money she Called in, tho' but last Week; & she desires you will call on M=r=. Stafford & he will Pay you M=r=. Legh Master's Legacy, due to him from my late Aunt Eleanor Downes. — I %am Sir Your Hble Serv. Peter Brooke Manchester Ian=y=. 28=th=, 1772 [^Letter probably written by a secretary^] M=r=. Orford How Lane

(_Sir_) I am desired by the principal Landowners in Didsbury (at a Meeting held for the purpose of equalizing the Poor Rates and Land Tax within the Township) to request that you with M=r=. Iohn Seddon of New Barn will survey and value the Lands &c. within the Township which if you will please to do the same [^crossed out by Broome, and replaced with {sooner}^] and the more Agreeable to the Land owners and the expences for your Trouble I will pay you please to inform me if you will Accept of the office how soon you can begin it that I may inform M=r=. Seddon and fix a %day for your meeting I will endeavour to prepare a Book with the Measurement of all the Lands with blank Colums for the Value for you to fill up as you go over the Land to save time and trouble and a %proper person or the Tenants will shew the Lands and I should imagine that the Business may be finished in the course of two days at most — I beg your immediate Answer And am [^Broome's hand^] Sir Your Most Obed=t=. Serv=t=. Ja=s=: Broome Didsbury 28=th=. April 1789— (_Sir_) A few days ago I wrote to you to know if you would with M=r=. Iohn Seddon of New Barn value the Lands in the Township of Didsbury for the purpose of making a new poor Rate — M=r=. Seddon has this Morning sent me word that he will meet you here on Tuesday or Wednesday next for that purpose if agreeable If you happen to be at Stockport at the Fair today you will be kind enough to return me an Answer by the Bearer — I am Sir Your Most Obed=t=. Serv=t=. Ja=s=: Broome 1=st=. May 1789 M=r=. Orford Steward at Lyme

Ashton Ian=ry=. 17=th=. 1771 Dear Sir Inclosed I %have sent you a %Bill Value Ten pounds which I %expect will meet with due honour, and I %have sent by Ios: {All}en Cloth & Trimings f{o}r 2 Shuits of Liverys, & for 2 {F}usti{on} {F}rooks Trimings. and am with Compliments to M=rs=. Orford your Humble Servant Iames Brown M=r= Rich=d=. Orford Steward to Peter Legh Esq=(_r_)= at Lyme p~ Servant to be left in How %lane or at Lyme [^Diagrams omitted^]

Asht{o}n Iuly 13=(_th_)= 1772 M=r=. Orford Dr %Sir I %have sent my ^Man^ Over this Morning with Sheets to Pack M=r=. Legh Wool which he may leave with M=r= John Richardson I %shall be at Lyme to%Morrow about Ten O Clock, the Bearer goes forwards to Gouts {L}ead to Weight and pack up Some Wool which Thom=s= Hibberts Widow as bought for me, I %shall never look or Buy the Sponds Wool whilst Geo: Brocklehurst keeps the Farm which I %think cannot be very long as I %am sure he must Owe M=r=. Legh a long Arrears of Rent, let G{e}o: know that he ^m{a}y^ hawk his Wool all over the Country as he did last year; and he sold it to your Old friend, M=r= Ja=s= Beard of Newmill, for less Money, than both me, and my Servant, at Bid him, I %had three several journeys over to Kettlesome last year, to have bought the Wool, — M=r= Beard says he never ^will^ Buy it again, — Geo. as ruined the nature of the Wool by Buying large Lime Stone Sheep: excuse this freedom from your sincere friend Ia=s= Brown N.B Complimen{**} [^torn off^] to m=rs= O{***}rd [^torn off^] & your %l{i}ttle ones To M=r= Orford Steward at Lyme

Ashton Wednesday Morning M=r=. Orford (_D=r=. Sir_) the Day proving bad, I have sent Henry Lees Mine Apprentice, with M=r=. Legh Acc=(_t_)=, if the wool Acc=t=. is not right please to rectifie it, and I shall be Obliged to you for a %little Cash, as trade is very dull at the present, I %wish you and the Company may have an agreeable meeting at Dinner, for the {C}ourse{*...} [^edge page^] -ing diversion is not likely to prove good, M=r=. Whitle and m=r= Ia{x}on can not come, and am with compliments to all friends, your %very Humble %Servant Iames Brown M=r=, Orford at Peter Leighs Esq=r=: Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Chester^]

Chester 26 Iune 1787 Sir I Am Directed by M=r= Hayward to present his Compliments to you — And is very Sorrey to hear of the Death of M=rs= Leigh — He Desires you will please to make his Best respects to all the Family at Lyme — and wou'd be glad if you wou'd please to Send a line to let him know how M=r= Leigh and Family are — I Am Sir your Humble Servant Rich=d= Buckley (Servant to M=r= Hayward) to M=r= Rich=d= Orford Newton Park

Jany 21=st= 1774 Cussin Orford yours J duly rec=d=.: pleose to lett y=r=. Brother know; J will not dissapoint him; his money Shall be redy against The 25=th= of March; it wod a Shuted me better to a paid it in July or Auget; Aprill May & June are y=e= Cheff months to have yarn to Sell; as he has his p{a}yment to make at {a L}ady day it Shall be redy; J am oblige to you geting Them Covers; when you have Them; Send Them to Smithey Brook; or to y=e= Bears Paw Wigan & am y=r= Respectfull Kinsman Jn=o=. Buller M=r=. Orford Lime Hall near Disley in Chesshire [^Different hand^] by manchester [^Postmarked Warrington^]

(_M=r=. Orford_) (_sir_) Inclosed youll receive one Bill value 25=£= with protest & Expences amount to 26=£=..4=s=..11=d= — which youll place to my Acc=t= and Acknowledge it P=r=. Return of poste, it being the only way I cud Judge to get it you with least Expence I am Your Obedient ser=vt=. W=m=. Buller Newton 10=th=. Oct=r=. 1789 Bill 25 Noting & protest 0.8.- Commission -.2.6 Postage -.4.10 One Months Int. .2.1 To Iurney .2.- for Procuring Cash .5.6 26.4.11 M=r=. Orford Lyme Chesshire [^Accounts omitted^]

M=r=. Orford (_sir_) I %have sent P=r=. the Bearer for my Colt wou'd have sent Money for the Lay only did not know the charge. If you'll be so kind pay it for me — first time you come over to Haddock will replace it — I suppose you have recd my Letter of Yesterdays poste with the returnd Bill value 25=£=. and Expences — if its convenient to you may give the answer ^of it^ to my man — when I put the Letter into the poste did not know of sending so soon for the Colt or woud post%pond %it — Youll plase it to my Acc=t=. & Ackowledge it in your Line I am Your Obedient ser=vt= W=m=.. Buller Newton 11=th=. Oct=r= 1789 M=r= Orford at Lyme

London October 9=th= 1772 Sir I shall Esteem it a favour if You will be so kind to give or forward the inclos=d= to M=r= Burchal have [^corrected^] Not herd from him thiss three weeks have wrote too Lettars to Lanc^ash.^ but No answ{e}er, wass Very Unesey till I re=cd= Yours, Nor Cold I think of Eny Othar Way to send to him as he is going from won place to anothar am with Best Respects to M=rs= Orford & Self Your Oblidged Relation E Burchal will take Care to send the tea Tomor^ro{*}^ [^edge page^] if Possable but of that shall Inform ^you^ if M=r= B hass Left the Country pray burn the Lettar M=r= Orford

Sir I thiss day re{'}d Yours Very safe with the too bills Valu 35=£= I am glad to hear they wass all well at Haydock I beg Youl be so good to give the incloasd to Nely forrest I beg My Most Respectf{u}ll Comp=s= to M=rs= Orford & plase to Except the same from Your Affect Relation E. B{u}rchal London Sep=t= 19=th= M=r= Orford at Haydock {Lodge} Lancash{ire} {P=r= Newton} [^Direction crossed out and replaced in different hand by:^] Return'd, not at Haydock; but at Lyme Cheshire W:B: Lyme Cheshire

Dear Sir I hope youl Excuse this Liberty I take in Writeing to you but should be Much Oblig'=d= if you Can inform Me about the Tedious afairs amongst our friends in Lancas^hire^ as M=rs= Hancock told me when in Town it was very Near being finish^d^ Whenevar that time is, would it be Agreeable to You to Asist me a Little in it, if Not [^"{so}" rubbed out^] beg Youl be kind anuff to say so, I shall Not take it Ill, but Indeed I scar{c} [^edge page^] know whare to look for a friend and the Lawyars I Dread, I think I shal Nevar More be at peace

as to My afairs hear they are Iust Whare they was When first I Came to Town, I hope this will find you & M=rs= Orford well to whome I am with respects am Yours Respectfully E Burchal London Nov=r= 27=th= 1783 plase to direct to me at M=r= Berk N=o= 2 Great Castle Street Oxford Market I hope Your Little family are well M=r= Orford Lyme Cheshire

D=r= Sir I recd your kind Lettar being at that time at M=r= Flodmans as I was so Very Indiffarant [^corrected^], to see if the air [^corrected^] Wold be of Eny Service to Me which it was but being Obliged to return to this place whare No Comefort Can be found am Much as Yousal, and the Weathar Very Hott indeed I was Much Obliged by Your Intention of Sending Me A Sallmon but as it is Not arivd am in hopes it was Not sent as I am afraid it Cold Not be good as the Weathar is so hott I beg Youl Not Trouble Your%self to send Eny%thing as Most Like I shall Not be hear to receve it Ime [^"as" crossed out^] Equally Obliged to You thare was No harm done on acount of M=rs= L. Lettar to M=r= Hall but he is Discharg=d= Much against My Consent I Cannot Describe My presant Situation — — I am Sorry to hear of poor M=rs= Athertons Indisposition

and Very sorry to hear of the dearth of Your poor Sister the Loss of friends is Very hard to bear but we Must Submit, she is ^happily^ releast out of a Troublesom World whare she did Not Injoy a good state of health for sum time past [^rest of line "{& Happily I {**}l not}" rubbed out^] I hope this will find You & Your Family well am with due respects to M=rs= Orford & plase to Except the same from Your Oblig=d= Relation E Burchal London M=r= Flodman desird his best respects to You he has a pritty house and Very Happy they apear to be I was with them a fortnight London April 3=d= 1762 Dear Cousin I hope you will excuse me not Writing by M=rs= Turner tho' I had so long been a Letter Indebted for have made a Resolution never to write by a Private hand, as a %greet many things might Prevent its being Properly deliver'd, have took the earliest Opportunity since of informing you that I flatter myself that my Addresses (to you know who) have met with wish'd for Encouragement, but the Misfortune is, I have no Sooner enjoy'd a %few Visits than she is to be Snatch'd from my Arms, they are going to Wiltshire on Tuesday or Wednesday next, when I shall be left to muse on Past Transactions, & the only Pleasure I can Promise myself will be the Perusal of a few lines but must tell you tho' she is the Person I coud Prefer before any of her Sex for a Partner, yet it is a %thing that so nearly concerns my Welfare, I must not Altogether Indulge my Passion so far as to Involve myself in a Difficulty (by marrying) that I can't Extricate myself out of, so must beg of you to Inform me if you can what fortune she is likely to have, for have been told it wou'd be 500£ which is a %sum I shoud think well of with her Person & Parts, dear Orford as I have [^corrected^] Communicat{ed} my whole Sentiments to you, I hope you will not reveal the Confidence I have reposed in you, have no news to send you but what M=rs= Turner has Inform'd you of Pray my Complimts to her & tell her I hope she has

by this time found the Benefit of the Cheshire Air, must beg of you to Accept my kind respects & to Communicate the same to your Mother Broth={r}= & Sister & am very glad to hear she is better I am D=r= Cousin Y=r= Affectionate Relation & Hble Serv=t= W %Birchal I beg you'l favour me with a line as soon as Convenient [^Note, presumably in Orford's hand^] Cousin Birchall ab=t=. M=rs=. B— R— Rec~ed Apr=l=. 6. 62 Ans~. 9. 62 For M=r= Orford [^Note, presumably in Orford's hand^] Cousin Birchall Rec~ed July 2. 1762 Ans~ 28. 62 [^Accounts, probably in different hand, omitted^]

London June 29=th= 1762 Dear Cousin I am asham'd of my Silence to my best of Friends, it is not owing to any Coolness in my respects to you for ^it^ is Absolutly want of time, Days are so long wherein we are engaged in Business that I can't sit down ever {**} [^torn off^] few minutes to write a letter but am call'd away so often that it deprives me of the enjoyment of Conversing with my Friends by Letter Our Evenings are so short that they will scarce Permit us an hour to refresh ourselves, but the Season is returning wherein I hope to make up the Difficiency of the Present, & now will return you my Sincerest thanks for your kind Informatio{n} in your last, I hope by this time you have had the Pleasure of Wellcoming my best Respects to Lyme, I shoud have wrote sooner only for the Above Complaint & it is a %Rainy afternoon that Favours me with an Opportunity now, to desire you not to take any Notice that you know any%thing of it from me, tho' it is no %Secret in the house for most of the Servants Judges it so, Pray my Complimts to her & M=rs= Turner my kind respects wait on you & am y=r= Affectionate Kinsman & Hble Serv=t=. W %Birchalmy Respects to all y={t}= Family in Lancashire when you write shall be glad to hear from ^you^ very soon For M=r= Orford

Dear Orford I rec=d= y={s}= of the 30=th= last, bill Inclos'd which doubt not but will be duly honor'd the Draft also is fell into my hands Notwithstanding its bearing date at A month, M=rs= Ann Legh calld to buy [^corrected^] M=r= Legh some Shirts & gave it me to pay myself out of it, without any Indorsement at all which you know put a Stop to the Negotiation of it, so it was very well you had sent me Value, till I rec=d= yours I coud not think who was so kind to Remember me with a Hare Neither knowing the Direction nor any Letter however I made so free with M=rs= Pu{ss} as to have her Jugg'd & very good it was for {*...} [^torn off^] am very much Oblig'd to you, & I have also to tell you from M={r}s= Ann Legh that by her Orders I have sent a %piece of Holl'd &c Directed for Peter Legh Esq=r= to be left at the Red Lyon at Bullock Smithies by the Manchester Coach on Wednesday Next, which you Must send for & send it Immediately to Miss Thorleys to be made as soon as possible

Patty Oliver I fancy will give directions to them how they are to be made &c We have here very Severe Weather hard Frost & deep Snow, very likely to Continue, a Cold beggining of the New Year tho' much better Now than in the Spring, I have nothing New to Offer so beg to add my kind Respects wishing you the Complimts of season & that I am Y=r= Affection=t-= W %Burchal Complimts to Cussey Ian=y= 10=th= 1767 To M=r= Orford [^Note, presumably in Orford's hand^] Cousin Burchal's Letter with my Drafts on him — Rec~ed Aug=t=. 14. 68

D=r= Cousin I beg your pardon for not telling you long ago, your last came duly to hand with the Acc=t= Inclos'd which agrees with mine & According to your Request have Return'd y=r= Drafts likewise a Rec=t= to the bill you sent I %am glad to hear so good an Acc=t= of y=r= D=r= Mother & also thank you for th{e} kind mention of my Family at Haydock, Y=r= Old Fr=d= Flodman is still in the same Situation & very well, we frequently Correspond, Yesterday Arriv'd here, Miss Ryle from Macclesfield to great pleasure of my Wife, Wonders never Cease? Mary Marsland with Child! as you say. if we are not so forward in that way, it may happen to be in time at least I hope so, I coud not help Smiling at y={r}= Ranting [^corrected^] Strain as you call it, well good luck to you & I remain y={r}= very Affect— W %Burchal Aug=t= 9=th= 1768 [^At different angle^] shall be glad to hear from you To M=r= Orford [^Note, presumably in Orford's hand^] Cousin %Burchals Letter with my Drafts on him Rec~ed June 23.1769

D=r= Orford I beg y=r= pardon for not Answer=g= you sooner, this I suppose will find you at Lyme, you are very Right in y=r= Observation {**} [^torn off^] the Number of Doyley Towels, those of {*}he first Date in the bill were had in London {**} [^torn off^] two Doz=n= of the Latter Date are likewise left in Town by Mad=m= Ann Leghs Order 4 Doz=n= you have Down to Lyme makes the Whole Number very Right I rec=d= a %bill from you on 26=th= May last which have plac'd to y={r}= Acc=t=, & Inclos'd are y={r}= Voucher{s} which believe you'l find Right have not paid S=r= Tho=s= Rawlinsons bill haveing had no Opportunity, but will do it the first time I go that way. have been very much Confind to Business Thank God [^"d" rubbed out^] it has been much Brisker this Spring than ever I had before have been Obligd to Neglect little Triffles My Wife Joins me in Respects to Cousin Orford & Self & am Y=r= Affect={*}= W %Burchal Iune 21=st= 1769 [^At different angle^] {*...}houd [^torn off^] esteem it a particular Favour if you woud get me 4 or 6 Covers {*...}irected [^torn off^] for my Mother Directed to [^corrected^] her at Newton & enclose 'em to me [^Note in different hand, presumably Orford's^] W=m= Burchal with Vouchers to 2 July 1770

D=r= Cousin In your last I %rec=d= a Draft on Child{s} Value 100£ which is honour'd, the Bills you Orderd to be paid have Inclos'd you, with Receipts, also M=r= Leghs bill for Linen, the former bills did not Contain the Whole, so if you please to alter the Sum £59.13 & in its place put £61..18.3. the Balance in favour of you will be £22.17.1 to the 2=d= of Iuly last, which I Apprehend is right, being Agreeable to y={r}= Acc=t= Curr=t= with Addition you'l find in my Inclos'd bill of parcells, I am very glad to hear you have Rec=d= y=r= Glass Safe & it meets with y=r= Approbation, some time ago we heard that Newhouse & his Wife had left Lyme pray is it so or not, I wonder'd you did not Mention it I wish you woud make my Complimts to M=rs= Smith M=rs= Kecks Woman & tell her I shoud be glad of an Answer About the Corded Holl='d=— Am Complim=t=. to Cousin Orford & self y=r= very Affect={*}= W %Burchal Aug=t= 30=th= 1770 Inclos'd are y={r}= Vouchers to Iuly 2=d=— [^Accounts, probably in different hand, omitted^] M=r= Orford

Dear Cousin Yours of the 18=th= Inclosing two Bank post bill 20 £ each came safe to hand & Since have taken up y=r= Draft, I am Infinitely Oblig'd to you for y=r= kind Intelligence from Lancashire it Dispell'd many Apprehensions that begun to Crow'd about me thought{s} on Acc=t=. of not hearing from thence of some time a %fews Days ago some private Acc=t{s}= Mention a %very fatal Sickness in our part of Lancash{r} I hope it is not true, the Inclos'd you'l find from Captain Hayward he din'd with {*...} [^torn off^] Yesterday a Mighty agreeable Gentleman and what adds more to my good Opinion of him was my great Veneration for the Old Gentleman his Father, part of your Family we expect every Day tho' no house is yet taken for 'em they have employ'd an Accquaintance of M=rs= Smith{s} M=rs= Kecks house keeper to take them a %house who, when he has seen any%thing that will Suit while he is writing to them about it, lets somebody else take it in the Mean While so don't know when they will get one,

before I conclude let me not forget to wish you & y=rs= many happy Returns of this Season & that I %am with the profoundest Esteem Y=r= very Affectionate Kinsma{n} W %Burchal The first Day in the Year 1771 [^Accounts omitted^] M=r= Orford

Dear Cousin I duly Rec=d= yours Inclosing bills to the Amount of 465 £ which have plac'd to y=r= Acc=t=. & hope they will be honour'd you mention'd an Inclosure to Captain Hayward which don't find & Suppose you forgot to put it in, he is not in Town at present, the Ship he belongs to, lay at the Nore, but by this time I imagine he ^is^ fell down to Portsmouth, however he will be in Town when he hears of the Arrival of M=r= Keck & Family they are expected on Saturday Next to Dinner, I am very glad to hear that dreadfull Report of %Sickness in Lanch{ir} is with foundation & much Oblig'd to you, for being so kind to Mention it, I had a Letter from Haydock on Friday last, & now let me beg you'l Accept my Most Respectfull Thanks for y=r= very kind present which came to hand the Day after I wrote to you last, I hope you & your are well to whom my Respects are due & am D=r= Cous=n= your Affection{ate} W %Burchal Ian=y= 15=th= 1771 M=r= Orford

Dear Cousin The Contents of your last Concern'd me much, I hope 'ere you Receive this the greatest danger with Cousin Orford will be over, & a %fair prospect of her perfect Recovery, which shall be very glad to hear & wish you Joy of another Daughter, Y=r= Draft shall be duly honour'd, I have a Small parcell of goods to send to Lyme but am not {y}et Certain of the Day, Y=r= Good [^corrected from "God"^] Governor has honour'd me with two Visits also [^corrected^] M=m= A we seem to Increase in Friendship & I wish it may be lasting, I think you are in greater Favour if possible than ^ever^ before it gives me a Secret pleasure & I may venture to say it is not Unmerited, with every kind wish I beg to Conclude myself Yr very Affectionate W %Burchal Feb=y= 9=th= 1771 M=r= Orford

Dear Cousin I Sincerely Congratulate you on the fair prospect of Cousin Orford, Recovery & hope to hear a %few weeks has fully Compleated it, On Monday last by Bass%s Waggon I sent a %parcel Directed for you there are two papers tied together one Directed for M=r= Tho=s= Legh which I fancy you'l have Orders About, as also for the Other which is Table Linen 1 Dozen Cloths for Breakfast ones, I was Order'd to Direct it to you, the Bill have not time to Inclose shall have it in my Next if they shoud not give you particular Order{s} About M=r= T: Leghs Shirts there is Holl=d= for to make one Dozn the Collars Wrist bands &c are to be taken of the Sleeves there is only an Exact pattern, Y=r= Drafts are all come to hand except Governors & I %suppose he don't want Money at pres=t= Excuse haste & believe me Y=r= Affect W %Burchal Feb=y= 23=d= 1771 D=r= Cousin Your Favours have all come duly to hand & shoud have been Answer'd sooner, only coud not prevail on Y=r= Gov=r= to take his Money, nor has he yet, or woud have Inclos'd you the Vouchers which are all at hand (those Mention'd excepted) Y=r= Acc=t= Curr=t= agrees with mine, I fancy Gov=r= thinks to do me a Service by his Indulgence & so it woud, had I known it, but it like the Unprofitable Servants Talent (laid up in Napkin) be that as it will, he is very kind & Civil in every Respect, I am much Oblig'd to you for y=r= very kind & frequent Mention of my Family at Haydock it is very pleasing to me to hear you say they are all well, it Animates my Affection & next to a Brother no one has a greater Share, pray let me have y=r= Opinion of my Bro Iohns proceedings I have been very Anxious About him, yet am glad he is in some Measure fix'd I hope if he has Conduct it will do well for him in time, my love to Bro=r= & Sister & also to Cousin Orford when Return to How Lane in my Next will Inclose the Vouchers & a %bill of the goods sent am at pres=t= Y=r= very Affect W %Burchal

pray excuse my Ragged paper I %did not pe{*ceive*} it when I begun to Write, I had almost forgot to tell you the last bill you Sent Fielden on Tatlock for 125£ is not Accepted & am dubious of it not being honour'd, I woud not have you take any more bills on Tatlock if you can Avoid it, he is very Troublesome but pray don't mention this, for I shoud be sorry to Injure him, nor woud I say it to any%one else, he has been very Unfortunate in the World, & I believe I may Add very Indiscreet so pray let it pass no farther & Ill say Good Night — March 19=th= 1771 M=r= Orford

Dear Cousin What I hinted to you Relative to Fieldens bill you'l find too true, however, have done as you desired me, & hope you'l be no Sufferer from it, have taken up one of %y={r}= Drafts to M=rs= A %L & Accepted the Other so it is as good as Cash to her, Inclos'd you have an Acc=t= of goods Sent, y=r= Vouchers must defer as they be more then the Cover will Contain I beg y=r= pardon for not Return=g= you my Most Respectfull thanks for the Hare I %rec=d= {*...} [^seal^] you it had Slip'd my Memory when {I} {*...} [^seal^] Writing to you, & Recollection always came too late, my Respects wait on you & yours & am D=r= Coz=n= y={r}= very Affectionat W %Burchal Mar 30=th= 1771 [^Accounts, probably in different hand, omitted^] M=r= Orford [^Note, presumably in Richard Orford's hand^] W=m= Burchal with Vouchers to (_1 Mar. 1771_)

Dear Cousin I believe I can Scrawl a %few lines to you, tho' Confin'd to an Upper Room of a bad Cold, as I have to Inform you of a %paper parcel sent by last Nights Coach Directed for you to be left at Hancocks Disley. it Contains the Napkins you Mention'd. as shall Specify at large in the bill, I was ^to^ charge you to give them to the Housekeeper by Order of M=r= Legh also the breakfast Cloth{s} before sent, which find you had no Orders About, the blame is upon me for not telling you that before, tho' I don't Remember such an Order, however we've got thro' it as well us we can, there is likewise Inclos'd ½Doz=n= handfs for Self the Nighest to those Mention'd we have & the same price, also a %frock for little Cousin Betty which beg y=r= Acceptance of, Poor T: L I had previous Notice of, from a long Detail in the Cabinet one Morn=g= I f{oun}d he was declining, perhaps the Philosophers Adage [^"of" rubbed out^] (Whatever is, is best) may in time be Verify'd — so let us Save our pity for some Other Object Favouritism is a Transient Elysium & when the Glory declines is often Succeeded with a Gloomy Mortification,

You see now I %am Closeted up My pen knows no bounds, first let me Conclude Business y=r= last Inclosure Appears in a %fair light, I Obse{v}e what %you say Relating to the sum Allow'd fr Disc=(_t_)= Expences &c as it happen'd I was not Incommoded by the Disappointment, but that was thro' the Indulgence of y={r}= good Gov=r{*}= who did not take up his Notes till afterwards, tho' that was all an Uncertainty, I suppose they will very Soon leave Town. M=r= Legh has had a Touch of the Gout in his Toe but is so well Recover'd as to Ride out again I have not heard any^thing^ of M=r= Flodman these four Months past, tho' I %suppose he is in being, I have had a Busy Spring & either had not time or some%thing else engag'd my Thoughts, but will Write to him very soon & Mention y=r= Enquiry after him, I have Inclos'd y=r= Vouchers which believe are Right also a %bill of Napkins — let me now Conclude with my kind Respects & that I am y=r= very Affect={*}= W %Burchal April 13=th= 1771 Advise me on the Rec=d= of %parcel

The Table Cloths & Napkins I suppose are to be made with all %the Expedition Imaginable as [^corrected from "{are}"^] they were Order'd to be Sent by the first Coach M=r= Orford

D=r= Cousin Yours of the 29=th= April came safe to hand Inclosing Bills Amounting to £120..16 am Doubtfull of David Halls bill of Macclesf='d= being honour'd at pres=t= will not be Accepted Also y=rs= of 13=th= Instant Inclosing bills Value 60£ which are Accepted, According to y=r= Request have Inclos'd the bill & Rec={t}= [^corrected from "d"?^] for Linen — pray my Complimts to Henry Richardson when you see him & tell him we shall send him a %bill of W=m= Turners Expences i{*...} [^torn off^] Next at pres=t= are not Ready, I hope you are all well am with profound Respect Y=r= very Affect W %Burchal May 23=d= 1771 M=r= Orford [^Pencil markings of Burchal's and Orford's name^]

Dear Cousin I have this moment Rec=d= a Lett{r} [^edge page^] from my Brother, Importing the great Tribulation my poor Mother is under on Acc={t}=. of a %Cutt you are going to make aCross the Only bit of ground of any Value belonging to the house now Dear Sir, if it is in your power to prevent it, you'l do me an Inestimable Favour, I don't mean on my Own Acc=t=. you know as things are Circumstanc'd it is nothing more to me than Satisfaction to the best of Mothers & every Contribution thereto will ever have gratefull place in my Breast, my Brother tells me the Valleys bear off the same Levell as thro' the Meadows, now that is the Favo{**} [^worn off^] desir'd, & what I hope you will not ref{u}{*...} [^torn off^] to throw the Water Course along the Valley you'l perhaps tell me there will be Satisfaction made, I am Sensible of that, but no Satisfaction will be adequate to the Damage Sustain'd as [^"a" corrected from "i"^] it will not only Consist in the loss of the ground & Trespass done upon it, but by Uneasing{s} of mind may bring on, what may hasten the end of my dearest Parent, who has already had her Cup fill'd with the bitterness of this World, & which I have ever Studied to

to Sweeten the last Draught of, if my Resques [^edge page^] can be Comply'd with, let me hear from you as soon as possible on that Acc=(_t_)= — The last bill you sent Value 30£ is honourd also the bill Drawn by David Hall which I told you I had some doubt About — am at all times with kind Respects Y=r= very Affect={*}= W %Burchal Iune 8=th= 71 pray do all you can for me M=r= Orford

D=r= Cousin Pray give my Duty to y=r= Governor & tell him Immediately after the Rec=t= of his Letter, I went to M=r= Whites & order'd the Tea, which woud have sent by last nights Coach, only M=r= White had no Lead large enough to Contain the Quantity but is sent by the Coach this Even=g= & hope will Arrive safe at Disley on Saturday before you get this, the bill & Rec=t=. must Inclose you in my Next, it is no{*...} [^torn off^] come to hand, but will send for it Tomorrow & pay it, have not time to say any%thing more only suppose you'l hear of or see my Wife very soon, she is at Bradbury Green am with due Respects Y=r= Affect W %Burchal pray excuse haste & more in my Next Iuly 18=th= 71 M=r= Orford

Dear Cousin I here sent you the bill of the Tea which by this time hope you have Rec=d= Safe, & be pleas'd to give me Credit for it, I hope Cousin Orford & little Family are well to whom pray My Respects & am %D=r= Cous=n= Y=r= Affect W %Burchal July 20 71 Shall be %glad to hear from you as soon as %possible M=r= Orford

Dear Cousin I %rec=d= both y=rs= Inclosing bill on Hanson & Dyson 23 £ also Bank 50 £ & now let me thank you for y=r= kind Civility to my Wife & glad to hear you say she was very Well, I fancy she is at Macclesf=d=— hav=g= wrote to her thither, but have had no Answer, tho' hope all is well, there are so many engagements on %such an Excursion to divert one from their purpose makes Silence more excusable, tho' am not without anxiety on her exceeding the time I may Reasonably expect to hear from her, by this time perhaps you'l have seen her again, if not, when you do see her pray tell her I was wishing to hear from her. I hope Cousin Orford & y=r= little Family are well my kind Respects to her & %self & am D=r= Coz Y=r= Affect W %Burchal Aug=st= 3=d= 71 W=m= Turner is Very Well M=r= Orford

D=r= Cousin M=r= Friths Lease & Power of Attorney have Inclos'd in two Covers to Haydock directed According to Order, the Inclos'd is a %bill of Tea, Order'd in y=r= last it was sent of by Wednesday Nights Coach so hope you have Rec=d= it, the bill did not Receive till last night am with kind Respect{s} Y=r= very Affect W %Burchal Aug=t= 9=th= 1771 [^Drawing (of house?) and accounts, probably in different hand, omitted^] M=r= Orford

Dear Cousin Yours dated Aug={t}= 30=th= did not come to hand till Tuesday last, which Inform{*} me of y=r= Drafts & Inclosing a small ^bill^ 10 £ I beg y=r= pardon for not Informing you of the due Rec=t= of a Bank bill 100 £, I am much Oblig'd to you for y=r= kind enquiries after my Wife, she got safe home last Tuesday was week, is very well & Joins me in Comp={*}=. to M=rs= Orford & self & am Dr Coz y={*}= very Affect W %Burchal shoud be glad of an Acc=t= Curr=t= as soon as Conven=t= as am about Settling my Books being the Most leisure time of the year M=r= Orford

D=r= Cousin I duly Rec=d= y=rs= Inclosing Bill Amount=g= to £244..9..1 which I believe will all be duly honor'd, have been with Strode the bil man & he will allow nothing for the Waste so I did not pay him till I hear from you again, I think you had better write to him, he seems to doubt the Veracity {*}{f} [^torn off^] it & says he can have no Allowance himself {I} thank my Dear & good Cousin for ^his^ kind & generous behaviour to my Bro Iohn, I hope he has got his Lease secur'd, it was an Offer of such Friendship as will ever have a place in my Thoughts, I hope y=r= Whole Family are well Accept my kind Respects for them & self & am Y=rs= Affectionately W %Burchal Jan=y= 4=th= 1772 I beg y={*}= pardon for not Writing sooner — Many happy Years Attend you & yours pray when does the Family come to Town I re=d= another Box this Day M=r= Orford

Ian~'y 14=th= 1772 — Dear Cousin I rec=d= yours of the 6=th= past from Haydock Inclosing 2 bills Value 30^£^ & half a Bank post 50£ & afterwards you said I shoud have the Remainder by that Nights post, but is not yet come to hand, perhaps you forgot it, I hope it is not lost, I have herewith Inclos'd M=r= Russel [^edge paper; following "s" possible^] bill, & woud have sent M=r= Penningtons but you never Mention'd where he liv'd, so don't know Where to find him Until you send me a Direction, I am much Oblig'd to you for a Hare which came safe to hand & very good, also for being so kind to Mention my Dear Mother, since then, I have had a Most dreadfull Acc=t= of my poor Sister Elin who is at this time down of the Fever I have expected hourly to hear of her Death till this Day, when a Letter from my Bro=r= Informs me there is some hopes of her Recovery, I wish it may Cease there I am in Continual for of its Spreading further, God grant it may not, I hope you & yours are well to whom due Respects y=r=%self [^across line^] Included from y=r= very Affec=t= W %Burchal M=r= Orford

Dear Cousin I have this Moment Rec=d= the Other half of the 50 £ Bank post, I Mention'd in my last was Want=g= — have taken up all your Drafts but was Oblig'd to Discount a %bill of 54..3— on Wim{p}ey & Charg'd to y=r= Acc=t=— I did not Intend to have done it but the Weather has been so exceeding bad of late hurts our Trade — I have this day had a more Favourable Acc=t= of my Sister & hope she will do well again all the Rest were well on Monday hope yours are the {*...} [^torn off^] am with Respects Y=r= Affectionate W %Burchal Ian=y= 16=th= 1772 [^Letter damaged and faded^] M=r= Orford [^Accounts, probably in different hand, omitted^]

Dear Cousin I rec=d= yours of the 17=th= Inclosing an Acc=t= in which we Agree only have paid for some Tea you had no Acc=t= of & also M=r= Russell, have here sent the Acc=t= as it Stands in our Books — that y{o}u may Alter if you please or let me know & I will State it with y{ours}, I have this day Seen M=r= Pennington & w{o}ud have paid him but he said he woud call again, he Understood you was coming to Town w{it}h the Family, he wants to see you, but I told ^him^ it was not Certain when you came that I kn{*}w of, M=r= Strode call'd upon me the Other Day & said if I woud Inform you that if you w{o}ud Return the Cask that was leaky he possibly might get an Al{*******} for the loss {Other}wise he coud not I expect your Governor & the Rest of the Family are Arriv'd in Town this Even=g= & not before I am Rejoicing at the pleasure of seeing you in Town pray let me know how soon — My Respects wait on you & Y=rs= & am D=r= Coz Yr very Affect W %Burchal Ian=y= 23=d= 1772 M=r= Orford

Dear Cousin Your last Favour Inclosing Bank to the Am=t= of 170£ came safe to hand in your next hope you'l Inform me when you Intend coming to Town, I %am Sorry to hear your little Folks are under that Malignant disorder tho' as you say it is not often Fatal but Miserable to behold poor things I hope they will get safe over it Cousin Orford I hope is well, the last Acc=ts= from Haydock Inform me my Sister is Recovering but very {*...} [^torn off^] if my Dear Mother & the Rest escapes shall be very Thankfull, I am by this post writing to M=r= Flodman & Informing him of my expectations of seeing you in Town, I hope no Cabinet Counsels will disappoint my wishes for I %rejoice at the thought Accept my kind Respects & believe me y=r= ever Affectiona{e} W %Burchal Feb=y= 5=th= 72 — I think it will be the best to let alone Sending the Tea till you come that I %mention'd to you when in Count{ry} Dear Cousin Have the pleasure of yours before me, Inform=g= me of y=r= Safe Arrival at Lyme & finding all well at How Lane I thank you for y=r= very kind Visit to my good Mother & for the pleasing Acc=t= of her & the rest of the Family, I rec=d= the Sparling{s} [^corrected^] very safe & very good, but Sorry they came so Untimely as probably they were Intended for some Other, however as I had no Acc=t= of 'em I %made free with 'em, & sent part to M=rs= Tho{rn} & part to Other Friend{s} & the Rest us'd ourselves pray my Complimts to Cousin Iohn with my best Thanks as flatter myself he Intended me a part, & had I known they were design'd for any%one particular, they shoud have been duly deliver'd On Monday last I sent your Box & a Truss of Linen also a parcel ty'd in a Mat w'ch suppose are M=r= Leghs Linen which you are to give to the Upper Laundress, your goods you'l find ty'd by themselves with the Books from M=r= %Pennington also the Ribbons you Orderd to be bought they are all directed to you by M=rs= A Leghs Orders only M=r= Leghs New Shirts that are to be sent to Miss Thorley you'l find wrote upon for that purpose

they are sent by Bass's Waggon & hope you'l get them safe, [^"they" rubbed out^] your Box shoud have been Sent the Monday before only we were exceeding busy & let the time pass, have not sent you any Stockings coud get none but black ones from M=r= Mobbs so woud have none, but will take care to Settle that point when he has got any better, M=r= White tells me the parcel of Tea that went to Chester is Return'd & forwarded to Lyme pray tell me if you Receiv'd it — have just now taken an Acc=t= of y=r= bills Inclos'd this day, & plac'd 'em to y=r= Acc=t=, hope they will all prove honorable, & likewise Observ'd y=r= Drafts which will take care for, & now to Conclude with Respects to Cousin Orford & Self Y=r= very Affection={te}= W %Burchal April 10=th= 72 — P.S I receiv'd a Letter from Iohn Naylor of Newton directed for you, which took the liberty to open thinking it had been to Advise you of the Sparling{,} but found it was to desire you to remind M=r= Legh of a promise he made him when in Lancashire Concerning his Son that is in the Excise, so I enclos'd it to M=r= Legh which I hope was what you wou'd have done M=r= Orford

Dear Cousin Yours of the 3=d= & 5=th= came to hand Yesterday inclosing Bank & Bk post bills for 70£ also 150£ on Crafton, I hope you have Rec=d= mine directed to Haydock inclosing a Noted bill, you did not mention any Oil till yesterday but ^have this day sent^ [^"shall be duly Order'd" crossed out^] to M=r= Strode your Order am much Oblig'd to you for y=r= kind Mention of my Mother & Family — am glad all are well — have seen nor heard any%thing of Langshaw when he Arrives shall endeavour to execute your Orders am with kind Respects to Self & Family y={*}= Very Affectionate W %Burchal May 9=th= 1772 — M=r= Orford [^Other side of paper up^] M=r= Brookes says he has sent the glass sometime ago, & has promis{'}d to enquire after it

Dear Cousin According to your Request have herewith Inclos'd you a Sketch of our Acc=t= as it stands with us. if any error{s} be kind enough to Inform me Immediately, have taken Disct for a Draft on Crafton for 100 £ having no effects in hand when y=r= Drafts became due to M A L — have sent you a Seperate bill of porterage & Carr=g{e}= with a Rec=t=, also a Rec=t= to the bill for goods also the Vouchers, shoud be Oblig'd to you to remit the balance if right, as am desirous of Discounting {*}oods [^torn off^] bo=t= for Credit, the person the Hams are Orderd from has promis'd to let me know before he Send{s} that I %might send the Gown for Aunt if he does not Send soon will send it by the Waggon, it is put by for her, I %am ^glad^ your little folks are come of so [^corrected^] easily with Innoculation. my Wife Joins in Respect to Cousin Orford & Self with y=r= Affect W %Burchal June 10=th= 1772 — M=r= Orford

Dear Cousin Yours of y=e= 16=th= Inclosing a Rec=t=- for 100£ affords me no little pleasure on finding our Acc=ts= agree, last night came to hand yours of y=e= 22=d= Inclosing bills to Am=t=- of 236.1 — which are now out for Acceptance & hope will be honor'd, I fancy you have heard of the dissolutions of Several of our large & very Capital Bankers in this Metropolis & is likely to make Strange havock in the City in putting many houses to the Stand I hope in few days Circulation will have its Course, tho' not without Minute Speculation & doubt, Thank God I %am not Imediately affected by it, but am afraid in the General way it will be hurtfull to Trade — M=r= Willet has sent his Hams that were order'd without Accquainting me as he promisd but on Tuesday last I had a Letter from M=rs= Wood to send M=rs= A Legh a bottle of Arqua{basade} Water to Lyme, so have pack'd up with it, the Gown for Aunt also the Counterpart of M=r= Hea{pys} Leases & Indentur{e}s you Sent to be Stamp'd, They [^corrected^] are in a Small Box directed for you at Lyme

shall send 'em this evening by the Coach to Disley — M=r= Langshaw left Town last Thursday, he only call'd to say Farewell & desire me to take into my care a %piece of Musick for M=rs= Keck, he said he had no Orders from you on any Acc=t=- My Wife Joins in kind Resp=ts= to Cousin Orford & Self & am yr=s= Affect~ly W %Burchal Iune 25=th= 1772 — The Inclos'd be so good to deliver to H Richardson it contains W=m= Turners Acc=t= I had forg{o}t to tell you M=r= Mobbs behav'd very dirtily about your Stock=gs= & woud let me have only black sometime ago I %mentiond to him to let me have a %pair of Spun Silk but that he took no Notice of, so as I must have something for y=r= Money I %took a %pair of Brown Thread as the Season is warm thought they woud be more agreeable than black, they were the largest he had M=r= Orford

Dear Cousin I rec=d= yours Inclosing two small bills Value 43..8.6 — which hope will be honor'd I thought I had told you of the Rec=t= of 4 bank & bank post bills 25 each also a Note Bradshaw for 94.13 by the same date Viz Iune 22=d= — if those are what you mean they came duly to hand, I %am glad the little Box got safe, for was under some concern About, I hope you are {*}ll [^seal^] well at Howe Lane to whom present {***} [^seal^] Respects as also self & am y=r= Affect W %Burchal Iuly 9=th= 72 M=r= Orford

Dear Cousin Yours of the 21=st= [^corrected^] Iuly bro=t= me 4 bills Value (_53..17_)— £ & on the 27=th= D=o=- 2 bank post & 7 bank bills Value 170 £ which have plac'd to your Acc=t=- you have an endless Trouble with L.. M Esq=rs= Affair{s},I suppose you'l not be very sorry to see a Conclusion, we have had Bro=r= & Sister Ryle from Macclesfield in Town About a %fortnight & this Even=g= I %hope they are safe at home again, M=r= Flodman came to see us while they were here, & a joyfull meet=g= between Bro=r= Ryle & him, M=r= Flodman looks as well as ever I saw him, I think he was not pleas'd that you did not call on him I hope y=r= Family at How Lane are Well Complimts to Cousin Orford & Self & am Y=rs= Affectionately W %Burchal Aug=s= 1=st= 72 M=r= Orford

Dear Cousin On Thursday last came to hand the Small Box Contain=g= the pots you Mention'd, they ^are^ exceeding good, my Wife Returns you her best Thanks for 'em is very sorry to be so Troublesome, Yours of the 4=th= Inclos=g= two bills Value 50 £ Receiv'd last Night, & went Immediately to forward your Order of paper & parchment, they have Seldom any by them Ready Stamp'd, but hope shall get ready for Sunday Nights Coach which will be at Warrington on Tuesday Night it is impossible for you to have 'em Sooner My Respects to self & Friends in Lancashi{re} & am y=rs= Affectionately W %Burchal Aug=t= 8=th= 72 — M=r= Orford

Dear Cousin I beg your pardon for not Inclosing this Acc=t= Sooner, especially as am doubtfull whether they have sent you what was right, they tell me they never Stamp any lower priz'd paper than that sent, I hope you got it safe & due time am y=rs= Respectfully W %Burchal Aug=t= 15 — 72 M=r= Orford

D=r= Cousin I Rec=d= Y=rs= of y=e= 15=th= Inclosing 13 bills Amount=g= to (_325.1_)— which hope will be duly honor'd — I hope you Rec=d= the Acc=t= of the Parchment & paper, I sent em to Haydock, but found you had left it before they Arriv'd, I thank you for the pleasing Acc=t= of my Mother & all Fr'ds There are no expences Standing to y=r= Acc=t= Since the balance, only the Gown for Aunt which thought had sent you, if not y=e= Sum is 15/9 — I hope you are all well at How Lane my Wife Joins in due Respects to self & Family Y=rs= very Affectionately W %Burchal 25=th= Aug=t= 72 M=r= Orford

Dear Cousin I have here inclos'd you a poor bit of paper that cou'd not escape the hands of a %public Notary, M=r= Shortho{s}e it seems has been too sparing in his Remittances, I am afraid he is likely to wear shorthose — I hope you are all well to whom due Respects from y=r= Affect={*}= W %Burchal Sep={*}= 8=t{h}= 72 [^Scribbles in different hand^] 72 B By order D=r= Cousin don't be Surpriz'd when I %tell you I hope to make you a Visit at How Lane About the 17=th= on my Road from [^corrected from "to"^] Macclesfd to Stockport, if you coud conveniently be at home shoud be glad to see you, I have no thought{s} of Visiting Lyme therefore beg you will not Mention me there till you have seen me, am with due Respects Y=r= very Affec W %Burchal {S}ep=r= 11=th= 1772 pray deliver the Inclos'd to M=rs= Keck M=r= Orford Lyme Cheshire

Dear Cousin I am much Oblig'd to you for both your favours to this place, On my Arrival here I found my poor Dear Mother in a very indifferent State of health, & at this time very little better, tho' hope she will in time get the better of it. If it pleases God so to grant it in a Week or Ten Days I propose Returning to London about the 12=th= of next Mon^{th}^ being then light Moon which will be more agreeable to Travel the Night over than when Dark, I shoud be sorry to Return without {*}eeing [^torn off^] you, & if you think you will be at How Lane by the 12=th= will endeavour to call upon you there otherwise did propose to have been at Macclesfield before that time am with kind Respects to you & yours y=r= Affectionate W %Burchal Sep=r= 27=th= — 72 Haydock M=r= Orford How Lane

Dear Cousin I am exceeding Sorry I %can't enjoy a %little of your Company in this part of the World, I have made so long holiday that am Wanted at home, last night I came to Manchester & took Coach for Monday being Oblig'd to go thro' Macclesfd home, which Renders my expectation of seeing you, doubtfull, except you do me the favour of riding to Macclesf=d= on Monday {M}orn=g= before Ten OClock if you Return {**}om [^torn off^] Derbyshire on Sunday, I am Writing {*}{h}is [^torn off^] at M=r= Daniels Stockport while M=r= {*}armer [^torn off^] is Waiting on me to go to Dine at Bradbury green Otherwise coud wish to give you a fuller Acc=t= of the exigency [^changed to "exigence"?^] of my expeditious Return, pray excuse haste & believe me with due Respects Yours &c W %Burchal Friday 9=th= Oct=r= 72 M=r= Orford

Dear Cousin I arriv'd in Town on Tuesday Night almost Twelwe oClock a little fatigu'd, but safe & Otherwise very Well, found all at ^home^ the Same, but Since my Wife has had a %very bad Cold & Sore Throat{e}, tho' Thank God she is getting better, I remember you desir'd me to tell Wooloton something but c{*...} [^torn off^] Recollect what it was, I have Mentiond the affair we was talking about, Relative to my Neice, & my Wife says she will do very well, so if any%thing shoud offer of the kind, shall esteem it the greatest Favour you wou'd be so kind to Intercede, if it is agreeable to yourself she thinks she woud Suit the Old Lady the best, being of a grave turn, My Respects to Cousin Orford & self am D=r= Coz={n}= y=r= very Affectionate W %Burchal Oct=r= 17=th= 1772 M=r= Orford

I duly Receiv'd my dear Cousins Letter Inclosing bills Amount=g= to 362..5..6 & coud have wish'd some of them nearer due, for do Assure you Cash is very Scarce in this Metropolis, however will endeavour to raise it somewhere to support honor, & serve my Friend, I am not ^at^ all surpriz'd at y=r= Resolution a Capitulation may perhaps Remove some of those Incumbrances that have Surrounded you of late, employment is good for the mind as well as for Body, & I'll be bound for it, yours will never Suffer you to fall a Sacrifice to the Hypocondria{c}, while in the present Situation, pray has Governor left you, I have been wondering at y=r= Silence on that head, I had a Letter from Bath a %few days ago Which Informs me M=rs= Wood is leaving her Lady, a general Revolution Among y=r= Abigails, I %thank you for y=r= kind Mention of my Good Mother, I hear she is so well as to ride out a little, so I hope she will do again in time, I %dont wish to spare her yet a %while if it please God —

I hope you have Receivd the Tea & small parcel for M=rs= Legh Safe, I sent by Bass on Monday the 21=s{t}= when you write again pray Mention it, am with due Respects to self & Family Y=r= very Affectionate W %Burchal Dec=r= 29=th= — 72 Many happy Returns of the Season Attend you M=r= Orford

I have this moment Receiv'd my Dear & most Inestimable Cousins Letter Inclosg three small bills Value 34..18.8 — which also Informs me of the Vacancy expected, I can't Sufficiently express my gratitude on the Occasion & hope the Inclosd which have wrote to be laid before M=rs= Legh will be in due time for her Approbation, if she shoud listen to it, must trouble you to write to her to Haydock if requir'd to wait on her at Lyme, & I %am goi{m}g to write to Haydock to desire her to be in Readiness, & at the same be so kind to favour [^"her wi" rubbed out^] me with a %line Inform=g= me of y=r= Success — am with kind Respects y=r= very Affectionate W %Burchal M=r= Orford

Dear Cousin last Night I %rec=d= yours Inclosing bills Amount=g= to 194.13. which hope will be honour'd, in my last I told you I had sent a box directed for you by Thursday Nights Coach but the Coach going out a Six oClock the Box came too late, so coud not go till last night so I hope before you Recive this it will be come safe to hand but the Stockings I mention'd M=r= Wooloton was so carefull to leave out — pray Advise me of the Rec=t= of it, as there was some Quibble about it at the Inn — am with due Respects y=rs= very Affectionately W %Burchal M=r= Orford

Dear Cousin Yours of 27=th= last came duly to hand inclosing 100£ Draft on Crafton & D=r= Ackers bill which will take care to pay, I am glad %y={*}= Marketing when in Town met with Approbation the pistols am afraid will prove a %bad bargain for am very doubtfull whether they will change them at all, you may send 'em I'll endeavour to do it for you, the pattern you mention for [^word rubbed out^] Aunts Gown is all Sold, as soon as we get more of it, will take care to send her a gown, inclos'd you have Whites Tea bill, & the bill for Sisters Gown, also a Noted bill, or rather pomissory Note hope you know something of the Indors{e}r that it be no Inconvenience to you am with due {*...} [^torn off^] Y=r= very Affect={*}= W %Burchal M=r= Orford

Dear Cousin Yesterday came to hand your Favour Inclosing Bank 100£ & Rec=t= for 100£, the reason of my enquiry after Governor, I was told he had left you some time ago, tho' coud scarcely think it — I wish every%thing may be Settled to y=r= Satisfaction, be assur'd nothing will ever Transpire on any Acc=t=, I heard from Lancashire a few days ago with the agreeable News of my poor Mothe{*} [^seal^] being still in a mending way she had walkd {u}p to the Turnpike which was Reckon'd a great Journey & no doubt a %pleasing one to her, that had been so long confin'd I hope you are all well at How Lane am with due Respects Y=r= very Affection{te} W %Burchal Iany' 5=th= 1773 M=r= Orford

Dear Cousin I rec=d= yours Inclosing Bank post 50£ & Rec=t= for 100£ which is honor'd this day, I have Rec=d= a Letter from M=rs= Legh desiring me to execute her little Business in Town, I am Sorry to find the Tea is not Arriv'd, I %have sent to the Inn to enquire after it, & either the people there, or my Boy made a Mistake, tho he declares he see it Book'd for Bass{es} Waggon however they say it went by Hawkins Waggon on the same day I [^"n" rubbed out^] inform'd you before, that if it is not Arriv'd, it lays at some Inn on the Road or else gone to Manchester, I am sorry there is such a %blunder, as it may be a %disappointment M=rs= Legh Mentions it in hers, & I have told her I have wrote to you about it, so if it is not come, write me Immediately that I %may make a %further enquiry, excuse haste & belive me Yours W %Burchal Ian=y= 7=th= 1773 M=r= Orford —

I may now say I %am every troublig my Dear Cousin Orford, I had a Letter yesterday from my Neice Forrest who I %mention'd to you sometime ago, wherein she Informs me she is leaving her place, she had promis'd M=rs= Makin to take care of her Child when it came, to dry Nurse it, but it proves so weakly they have got a Wet Nurse for it therefore they have no need of her, except she {*}oud [^torn off^] take the Cooks place, which does not choose, they have Us'd her very ill & quite contrary to contract when they sent for her down from London, now the Reason of my troubling you is to Inform me whether Miss Legh is fix'd with a Maid, as have heard nothing of, I shoud be very glad if she [^"g" rubbed out^] coud wait of either of the Ladies at Lyme Old or Young if you think there is any probability, beg you will let me know, the poor thing is very Unhappy at being out of place, & I shoud be very glad to serve, if Room you may Mention her with great confidence both as to Qualification & Character & you'l much Oblige Y=r= Affect W %Burchal [^At different angle^] Ian=y= 9=th= 1773 — M=r= Orford

Dear Cousin I return you my Sincere Thanks for your very Affectionate Letter & doubt not your good Inclinations when an Opportunity offers, Your Observation was Right concern=g= the Bank post bill 50£ & Bank Note 50£, y=r= Favour Above Mention'd Inclosd a bill 20£, Now am I sorry to Return this little Triffling bill, which have sent several times & the Man was never at home, the last answer was, there was an Acc=t= betwixt Atherton & him, & he had overdrawn him so it woud not be paid, am glad the Tea &c is arriv'd Safe, am with due Respects y=r= very Affectionate W %Burchal Ian=y= 19=th= 1773 M=r= Orford [^Accounts, probably in different hand, omitted^]

Dear Cousin Yours of the 22=d= came duly to hand Inclosing 2 Bk Notes Value 70£ one Bk post 10£ Alsagen on Smith & Co Value 30£ I hear nothing of y=r= good Folks coming to Town as yet when they do & any%thing [^line break^] Occurs you may depend on being Accquainted with it, have at last Inclos'd you Potts Indenture with less Charge than expected, hope you are all Well. kind Respects wait upon you from y=r= very Affectionate W %Burchal Ian=y= 30=th= 73 am sorry for poor Heapy he call'd here the Other day seem'd in tolerable Spirits M=r= Orford

Dear Cousin Notwithstanding the Unfavourable Receptions our Solicitations for poor Nell Forrest met with from a Certain Lady, I am equally Oblig'd to you for y=r= very great Assiduity in the Affair — I have had a Letter from her since, wherin{*} she Mentions how sorry she was my Letter came too late as she had engag'd herself otherwise shoud have taken her on M=rs= Burchals Recommendations, it savors too much of a compliment to be real, you know we are commenc'd Agent which is so great an honor, we have scarcely need of any%thing else, now for Business — Y=r= Rec=t= on Boldero & Co is honor'd & y=r= Drfts to M={s}= Ann are come to hand, I think I %have nothing else to Inform of on that Acc=t=, M=rs= Wood was here this Day & Din'd with us, she tells ^us^ M=r= & M=rs= Keck are gone to Stoughton but hear nothing of Governor coming Town am with due Respects y=r= Affectionate W %Burchal April 7=th= 73 — M=r= Orford

There is no need of Apology my Dear Orford, for the liberties you take, as am truly sensible of y=r= Inclination, therefore make no doubt of due Remittances, I am sorry to Return you the Inclos'd, but have been Tantaliz'd with payment from time to time without effect, that think it not prudent to keep it any longer, for the future I woud advise you not to take these Watch Makers bills they are a %pack of dirty dogs have no ^more^ Regard to honor, than a Levite — I have not yet the pleasure of seeing y=r= good Governor in Town, this day I %rec=d= a Letter from M=r= Keck Advising me of his Intention of Drawing upon me for one Hundred, for which you are to make provision at a Month, Accept my Respects & believe me y=r= Affectionate W %Burchal May 8=th= 73 Oxford Street M=r= Orford

Dear Orford I am thinking you must have left Lyme before mine Arriv'd there to Inform you of my blunder in Return=g= a wrong bill, but hope You Receiv'd both safe Yours of the 15=th= from Haydock with Inclosure Amount=g= to 240 £ came safe to hand [^Rest of letter, except for date, not transcribed because a large part of the right-hand side of the page has been torn off^] May 19=th= 1773 M=r= Orford [^Diagram omitted^]

Dear Cousin I rec=d= y=r= last Inclosing bills Am=tg= to 272 £ & also Informing me of my poor Mothers Indisposition, I have the pleasure of hearing this day she is much better — Y=r= good Governor has Order'd me Collect all his tradespeoples bills in this Town, & tilling me he woud order Orford to Remit for the discharge of them, I have sent 'em down to Bath but have heard nothing from him Since, you have herewith a Sketch of an Acc=t= which believe you'l find Right the bills paid to Ruspini You [^corrected^] have had no Acc=t= of before pray is the Table linen Arriv'd Safe am with due Respects y=r= very Affect W %Burchal May 29=th= 1773 M=r= Orford

Dear Orford Y=r= Favour Inclosing 3 bills Value {3}5 £ came safe to hand, & have here Inclos'd Ruspinis Receipts & bill & Rec=t= for Table Linen, y=r= Drafts Included in the Acc=t= Curr=t= are not all come up, as soon as they do will Inclose them to you, the bills I last Mention'd are paid with those drafts from you in January last & will send 'em to Lyme Directed P L without a %Cross so if you think proper to open them you may, otherwise let them Remain then he comes to Lyme, when I last write to him I desir'd to know if he chose to have them sent to to Bath or to Lyme but in his Letter of Yesterday he does not mention them ^at^ all I believe at last you are likely to have my Niece at Lyme, the Old Lady has [^"at" rubbed out^] condescended to send to me that she shoud like to make tryal of her, my Wife will be at Macclesfield towards the latter end of next week if all be well where I suppose she will Stay a %few days before she proceed{s} any farther she will bring y=r= Tea along with her, I promise you an hours Chat woud be

woud be equally agreeable to y=r= hble Serv=t=— but don't know when that must be enjoy'd I heartily wish Cousin Orford a better time than last, to whom with self Respects are due from y=r= Affectionate W %Burchal Iune 8=th= 73 you have also W=m= Turners Acc=t= which be so good to deliver to Harry Richardson, have not time to add so Adieu M=r= Orford

Dear Orford I heartily wish you Joy of the Increase of y=r= Family & wish you may live to see your Childrens Children in a Numerous Issue, I hope Cousin Orford is in a promising way, perhaps by this time you have seen my better part, & got your Tea, Suppose y=r= last was wrote in haste having no Conclusion{,} I %am sorry you Sent the packet for Gov%=r= to Bath haveing nothing ^in^ it but bi{***} [^torn off^] & Rec=ts= which he has since Order'd {**} {b}e [^torn off^] Sent to Lyme, as Indeed I expected however according to y=r= Request have sent you an Acc=t= of the bills paid here, tho' woud not have you Mention them to him except he does to you, it rather Surprizes me, you did not know the time he left Bath M=rs= Legh is now in Town & so near us, as Newman Street we are upon very good Terms, & proposes taking my Neice Forrest, now I was thinking to Intrude upon you to permit my Neice

to Stop at y=r= house to meet her Aunt Burchal, before she goes to Lyme, by that time I hope Cousin Orford will be up again, as I %fancy M=rs= Legh not be at Lyme this three weeks or Month yet, my kind Respects wait on you & yours & um y=r= very Affectionate W %Burchal Iune 23 —73 M=r= Orford

Dear Orford I am very glad to hear you Say Cousin Orford is in a %promising way & also y=r= little Daughter, my Respects attend you & am y=r= very Affection{ate} W %Burchal Iune 26=th= 73 Harry Marsland desires you will be so good to forward the Inclos'd M=r= Orford

D=r= Cousin Y=rs= of 29=th= Iune came Safe to hand Inclos=g= bill On Welch & Roger{s} 59..2.9 — & also y=r= by Coach w'ch had previous advice of, from Stoughton, in both w'ch Letters am much Oblig'd to you for y=r= kind Mention of ^my^ Wife & also for making her a %Visit, I hope Cousin Orford is ready to go abroad again, y=r= kind behaviour to me at all times perfectly convinces [^corrected^] me of a hearty wellcome to mine & Family & do propose their Acceptance of it — on the Occasion before Mentiond, w'ch I fancy will be towards Monday the 19=th= next I wish to have a %deal of Chat with you but must not enjoy it yet, you'l have M=rs= L in about 10 days, pray let me hear from you soon on particular affairs tho' I am afraid, of what? you'l say, — no %more but that I am y=r= very Affect W %Burchal Iuly 7=th= 1773

this day M=r= Kecks draft came for Acceptance dated Iuly 1=st=— Iuly 8=th= I forgot to ask you if H Richardson said any%thing to you About W=m= Turners bill M=r= Orford

Dear Cousin Your Obliging favour now lays before me, wherein you kindly express a pleasure at seeing my Wife & Niece I thank you for them, & hope you have seen them before this, I hope my Niece will give Satisfaction in her Undertak=g= when she has got the better of a little timorousness she is rather Subject to, Your New housekeeper is an entire Stranger to me, tho' have heard a %day or two ago she had liv'd in Cheshire, & was of that Country, I have paid M=rs= Charlier fifteen pounds but hear nothing of the M=r= Carr as Mention'd on the outside of the Letter directed to M=rs= Charlier, I have Rec=d= from M=r= Rumbold of Salthrop Bank bills 170£ w'ch have plac'd to y=r= Acc=t=, the Acts of Parliam=t= will procure for you soon as possible, excuse me saying more than due Respects to self & Family from Y=r= Affectionate W %Burchal in haste Iuly 24=th= 1773 M=r= Orford

Dear Cousin I thank you for y=r= very kind favour, w'ch Informs me of my Wife & Neice Visiting How Lane & Lyme, I hope my Neice will give Satisfaction in her Situation we are as badly of here for light Gold as you can be I have 62£ w'ch believe shall be Oblig'd to dispose of for its value w'ch is now only 3..17.10 - p=r= Oz — Y=r= Acts of parlm=t= have not yet had time to purchase for you but shall in a %few Days, I hope all y=r= Family are well, excuse haste & believe me Y=r= Affectionate W %Burchal Aug=t= 3=d= 1773 be so good to deliver {the} Inclos'd M=r= Orford

Dear Orford I duly Rec=d= y=rs= inclos=g= both parts of the bank Notes Amoun=tg= to 85£ & 5 £ bill, but have heard nothing from M=r= H Richardson, Yesterday I sent by Basses Waggon a %Small Truss directed to P L Esq=r= the contents chiefly belong to M=rs= Legh only some coarse Huccabk for Servants hall Table Cloths, so woud have ^you^ order the Truss to be deliver'd to M=rs= Legh to take her little Matters out of it, & then Suppose she will give the hucc=bk= to the House keeper, have inclos'd you the bill, there is to be 4 Table Cloths 4½ yards long & 4 Cloths 3½ yards long, a breadth & half to the Cloth{s}, M=r= Heapy is here desiring me to remind you of Return=g= him his lease the Acts of parliam=t= you Mention'd will be publis'd this day, so will send them you as soon as can procure them, pray what is done About Will Turners Acc=t=- excuse haste & believe me y=r= Affectionate W %Burchal Aug={st}= 17=th= 73 [^Note attached to this letter, in Burchal's hand^] Yours Inclosing 4 bills Value 300£ came to hand after this letter was Seal'd, I thank you for y=r= Visit to my Mother & very happy to hear so good an Acc=t= of her, also for y=r= enquiry after M=rs= Burchal who Arriv'd safe Saturday was a week & very Well Joins in Respects to you & yours — Adieu M=r= Orford

Dear Orford I have by the Manchester Coach this Even=g= sent one of y=r= Acts of Parliam=t=, (the Other will not be printed Until Thursday Next,) inclos'd in a parcel to M=rs= Legh & have desir'd her to give my Neice leave [^corrected^] to deliver it to you, also a parcel [^corrected^] to M=rs= Smyth, to whom my Compli{m} & tell her I hope she will Approve of what I %have Sent her, I have not time or wou'd have wrote a %few lines to her on the Occasion I have some thoughts of visiting Lyme Next Month will write the exact time in a %post or two, my love to Neice y=r=%Self [^across line^] & Family & am D=r= Sir Y=r= very Affect W %Burchal Aug=t= 24=th= — 73 M=r= Orford

Dear Orford After a %very agreeable Journey I arriv'd safe at y=(_e_)= haven where I woud be found all very well, & am now fully engag'd taking an Acc=t= of my Stock the Box Arriv'd safe on Saturday Even=g= my Wife Returns Cousin Orford a %great many thanks & sorry to be so Troublesome Y=r= light money is all dispos'd of except=g= {**}hn [^torn off^] Bullocks the 27/piece is Counterfeit not worth more than half value thought proper to Mention it before it was sold so he may do as he thinks proper, there wer [^edge paper^] also three countirfeit Guineas in P. Gs parcel w'ch were sold at (_3..5.0_) p=r= Oz & an (_18/p=s=_) at (_3.17.0_) w'ch reduces the sum to (_47..8.6_) & you make it (_47.16.10_) in P..B{s} parcel was one Counterfeit Guinea & 6/9 — w'ch Reduces the sum to (_11..16.3_) & y=rs= is (_11.19.3_) the Others agree with you & are plac'd to y=r= Acc=t=- am with due Respects to Cousin Orford & self y=r= very Affectionate W %Burchal Oct={*}= 5=th= — 73 [^Note, probably in different hand^] P~ Batty{*} 18½ Guineas 4=Oz=..7=dw=..14=gr= M=r= Orford [^Note probably in different hand, illegible, one word^]

Dear Orford On Friday last I Rec=d= y=r= Favour Inclosing 13 bills Value (_191.13.6_) w'ch have plac'd to y=r= Acc=t=, also y=rs= Inclosd to M=r= Barrow have Rec=d= but not had time to discharge tho' will take care to do it in a %day or two at %farthest, Y=r= favour of p{u}ss also came duly to hand, very good, & many Thanks for it, I am not all Surpriz'd to hear of y=r= discovery Among the Colliers having had previous hints of the kind I am sensible you have been pretty well exercis'd in the detection of such a %Set of Villains, & hope it will be a Check to them for the future, am prevented saying more at present than due [^corrected^] Resp{ts} to Coz Orford & self & y=rs= Affection=ly= W %Burchal Dec=r= 28=th= — 73 Shall write in a %post or two [^Accounts in margin omitted^] M=r= Orford

D=r= Orford You have Inclos'd the bills & Rec~'t=s=, I promis'd you in my last — the same error you committed in Leeches Draft has discover'd itself this day in y=r= Draft to W=m= Gaskell w'ch is dated Nov=r= 6=th= instead of Dec=r= 6=th= as you Advis'd am with due Respects y=r= very Affectionate W %Burchal Dec=r= 30=th= — 73 M=r= Orford

[^In top corner, upside down^] (_16.10_) Dear Orford The Inclos'd bill is Return'd to me, not paid, the person it is drawn upon being out of Town & left no affects [^"a" corrected from {e}?^] or provision for it, & very Uncertain when he Returns, the Answer was in a %few Weeks, but such Shuffling is not to be depended on, so thought best to return it, I have this Even=g= Receiv'd the Turkey, if you please m^a^y present my Duty to M=r= %Legh with many Thanks for his kind present, I duly Rec=d= y=rs= {*...} [^torn off^] bill (_58..15_)— w'ch have plac'd to y=r= Acc=t=. Am with due Respects y=r= Affectionate W %Burchal Jan=y= 4=th= 1774 Oxford Street M=r= Orford

Dear Orford By last post I rec=d= from M=r= Rumboll Bank bills Amt=g= to 170£ wch have plac'd to y=r= Acc=t=, on Tuesday last I had the pleasure of y=r= Bro=r= in law M=r= T: Gaskells company & another Gentleman to dine with me, but coud not prevail on them to stay above an hour after dinner, our little conversation chiefly center'd in Cheshire & its environ{s} be so good to Inform M=rs= Legh the Tea she Order'd from M=r= White I gave charge to be sent by Coach w'ch set of on Wednesday morn=g= last five oClock, & if duly forwarded will be at Lyme befor{e} you receive this, if it shoud not, they will know it is not my neglect — am with due Respect{s} to self & Family Y=r= very Affectionate W %Burchal Ian'y 14=th= 1774 Oxford %Street M=r= Orford [^Accounts, probably in different hand, omitted^]

Dear Orford Yours of the 12=th= past Inclos=g= bill on Atkinson &c Value 40£ came duly to hand, also y=rs= of the 23=d= Inclosing 2 bills Value (_91.19..9_) the same, w'ch have plac'd to y=r= Acc=t=, likewise 30£ paid to M=rs= Legh, have this day taken up a Small draft (_5..5—_) drawn at Sight — The Office pens you mention are Rais'd from one Shilling p=r= hund=d= to 18 pence, if you think proper will endeavour to procure you some, we hear Nothing at present Relative to any Other change in the Gold Coin, to be depended on, the Silver is thought to be in Agitation & great plenty circulates among us, & some I may say a great part counterfeit M=rs= Smyth I find has Receiv'd a Satisfactory Acc=t= of the linen, will be Oblig'd to you to deliver the Inclos'd to My Niece, am with Respects to you & y=rs= y=r= very Affectionate W %Burchal Ian=y= 29=th= — 74 M=r= Orford

D=r= Orford Y=rs= of the 15=th= came safe Inclos=g= bills 71£ also y=rs= Yesterday Inclos=g= bills 328-9 £ am much Oblig'd to you for y=r= Obliging enquire's, am something better & Oblig'd to Attend Business before I am well able, excuse me Saying [^corrected^] more than thanks for y=r= goodness, & further particulars in my next am with due Respects y=r= Affect W %Burchal Mar 24=th= 74 M=r= Orford [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

My Dear Orford will wonder what is become of me, & well he may, that has never yet been Inform'd of his Remittances on the 17=th= Mar for 71 £ & the 23=d= D=o= for 328=£=.9 whch came duly to hand, I am very sorry it was not in my power to Advise him sooner & hope he will excuse me when I %tell him it was owing to Indisposition & hurry of Business, am something better, but not well I am much Oblig'd for the Baskett of Sparlings w'ch were exceeding fine & very good, Iohn Bullocks Gold was Sold for (_1..6.3_) & the Gold sent by M=rs= Barrow 4=Oz=.7=w{t}=..13=gr= 37=s=..8=d= Amount=g= to 16..19..11 £, M=r= Barrow was here this day, have not yet seen his better part hope Coz=n= Orford & little Family were well when you heard from {'e}m also the Family at Newton parks, to whom pray my Repects & accept the same from y=r= Affectionate W %Burchal April 5=th= 1774 M=r= Orford

I thank my Dear Orford for his very kin{d} enquiries, & wholesome hints for a perfect re- establishment of health, did I perceive in myself any dangerous Symtoms shoud readily embrace his prescription, but thank God, am much better, & hope the Approaching Season will contribute to the continuance Business at this time is very Inviting & am very desirous to lend all the Assistance in my Power, I believe I never Inform'd you, I had taken the next house, (w'ch was a Cabinet maker{s}) for a Term of Years & since Michaelmas last have been very busy Repairing, & yet is not ready for Occupation, am going to lay my Shop to it. & Remove to the house, & lett the House we live in, on Acc=t= of Room, & a Commodious {*...} [^torn off^] will make altogether, & tho' very exp{e}{*...} [^torn off^] yet don't doubt but it will be laid out {*...} [^torn off^] Acc=t=, so far concerning myself — When Governor was in Town, it was some time before I cou'd wait on him, being very Indifferent at that time, but hearing his Stay was to be short, & he never calling upon me, was under some Apprehension [^corrected^] all was not right, however the first Opportunity I had when a %little better

I went to pay my Respects to him, he receiv'd me with great complasance & Insisted on my drinkg a Cup of Tea with him (it being morn=g= & Keck not with him) I sat down & we fell into Sociable Chat, he enquir'd after Turner, & glad I was that cou'd truly say he had behav'd very well of late, that I thought what [^corrected^] {H}. Richardson had wrote, had the desir'd effect, he promis'd to call on me, & Accordingly did a %few days after, but saw no more of him, Keck I never Saw nor have heard nothing of them Since, their bill is not paid, nor God knows when it will I find she is to lay In at Stoughton — now to answer yours, if any%thing I can offer will be Acceptable, I wou'd not give my%self the least concern, About either Smiles or Frowns, you have the consolation of having {A}cted as the Just Steward, & done more for them than any before ever did, if they are not content let them Mend themselves, you never will Incurr disgrace in leaving them, the World are too sensible of y=r= performance, & why shou'd you Injure y=r= Family to let hundreds lay dormant Year after Year & no Satisfaction for it, Rouse y=r= Noble courage & let not Silence or frowardness cast you down, you have been too easy

& their demand. on every Side exorbitant w'ch you have been too Anxious to Supply. the Task I am Sensible has been a difficult one, & will so continue while you are too Passive, if he is Silent, let him remain so, he will come about again when the Pet is over, write to him as Usual & it will wear off, I know of no Other Method to keep peace at home, My Respects to Coz=n= Orford & Self & am y=r= Affectionate W %Burchal April 22=d= — 74 P S Governors Drafts are come up I forgot to mention two small bills in y=r= last w'ch receiv'd Safe my love to Niece [^corrected^] write soon M=r= Orford

I rec=d= my Dear Orfords Favour Inclosing 2 Small bills Value (_24..15.._) Bk Note 10£ & part Bank Note 100£ but nothing from him Since, am doubtfull the remainder has Miscarried pray advise on the Receipt of this, if sent of — have only time to conclude with Respects Y=r= Affectionate W %Burchal May 14=th= 1774 M=r= Orford

I duly rec=d= my D=r= Orford{s} Favour Inclosing the Other p=t= of Bk Note & two bills, wch hav{*} [^worn off?^] plac'd to his Acc=t=, have only time to Inform him, a proper Attention will be paid to his other Inclosure when Opportunity offers, be so good to deliver the Inclos'd, am with due Respects his Affec=t= W %Burchal May 19=th= —74 M=r= Orford

Dear Orford I had your favour of 28=th= May Inclosing bill{s} Amount=g= 69..2.9 in due time, have not heard any%thing from M=r= Rumbold, but perhaps may in a %few days The Death of M=r=. Peers Legh I fancy has put the Family in some concern, was very much surpriz'd at them laying him Ba{*...} [^cut off — edge paper^] no doubt they had their Reasons for it, have not time to Chat so pray excuse me saying more than y=r= very Affe{ct***} [^torn off^] W %Burchall Iune 4=th= —74 have got some pens for you w'ch will send in first parcel M=r= Orford

I beg my Dear Orfords pardon for not duly Advising him of the Rec=t= of his favour on the 6=th= Instant. also of Bk bills from M=r= Rumbold Value 170,£ Yesterday came to hand his favour Inclosing Bk 60=£= all wc'h have plac'd to his Acc=t=, Was not certain whether he was Advis'd of the first or not at the same M=r= Rum%bold was Answer'd, sorry to find it Slip'd my memory, have so much Business on hand causes me to be a little forgetfull, I wish much to See my dear Orford, but doubt it will not be this Summer a Serious Chat woud be very agreeable tho' must be excus'd at present time will not permit, hope to hear from him very soon, have herewith Inclos'd the bills of the parcel sent by Basses Waggon on Monday by the time this reaches perhaps will Receive the parcell, am with due Respects y=r= very Affectionate W %Burchal Iune 18=th= — 74 Iune 23. (_1774_) On Saturday last I wrote to my Dear Orford Informing him I had duly Rec=d= his Remittances also from M=r= Rumbold & yesterday ^came to hand^ his favour, Inclosing two small bills Value 22 £. but have never heard a Word of M=r= Leech nor any belonging to him, in w'ch think he uses you very Ungenteely, I observe what you say [^The rest of the letter has been lost^] M=r= Orford

D=r= Orford I duly rec=d= your Favour dated June 28=th= Inclosing 2 bills Value ^£^ (_94..18.._) & Observe your drafts, have made a little Addition to the Acc=t= you Return'd me & have made it out According to y=r= direction M=r= Almon desir'd me to send his little bill & said he thought it had Slip'd M=r= Leghs Memory, forgot to send the bill of the last Tea [^"& C" crossed out, rest torn off^] excuse me adding more than am with Respects y=r= very Affectionate W %Burchal Iuly 7=th= 74 My love to Nelly Forrest tell her I will write her a Journal one of these days I hope she is better [^corrected^] M=r= Orford

Dear Orford Be so good to deliver the Inclos'd to my Niece it shoud have been sent last post but was too late Am y={r}= Respectfull W %Burchal 9 July 74 M=r= Orford [^Accounts, probably in different hand, omitted^]

D=r= Orford Pray be so good to deliver the Inclos'd to H Richardson it contains W Turners Acc=t=, am with due Respects Y=rs= Affectionately W %Burchal Iuly 21=st= 74 hope to hear from you very soon M=r= Orford

D=r= Orford Your favour Inclosing two bills Value (_60..4.2_) came duly to hand — Yesterday Young Masters call'd upon me but being confin'd to my Room, by a Most Malignant fit of the Gravel, was not able to see him, but order'd M=r= Wool{o}ton to pay him 30£ w'ch he did Accordingly & took his Rec=t= as you desir'd. the remain=g= part of y=r= Letter ^will Answer^ as soon as can go out I %am in a mending way & hope it will not be long 'ere I can get down again, pray don't Mention my Illness least it shoud reach Haydock, it might give my Mother too much concern, as the Physician has this day taken his leave of me, I hope there is no danger [^"but" crossed out^] of doing well soon Am with Respects to you & y=rs= W %Burchal Iuly 28=th= 74 — M=r= Orford

Dear Orford I thank you for your very kind enquiry & good wishes toward{s} me I %am a great deal better & hope to continue so, there is a little Note from the person who purchas'd y=r= light Gold of the Weight & Value w'ch have plac'd to y=r= Acc=t= — I had a Letter from Gov=r= last week to discharge some bills for him for w'ch purpose he sent me two 50 £ Drafts the bills Amounted to 98 £ the overplus have put the Credit of y={r}= Acc=t=, have not been Able to go out yet to make enquiry after the person you Mention'd in a %former letter will not forget it, hope y=r= Family are Well to whom Respects & also self from Y=r= Affectionate W %Burchal Aug=st= 4 — 74 My love to Nelly thank her for her Letter will answer it very soon M=r= Orford

M=r= Burchal presents his respects to M=r= Orford begs he will deliver the Inclos'd as directed, he also Inform{s} him, M=r= Wool{o}ton proposes himself the pleasure of seeing him at Lyme about the 18=th= of this Month{,} is now in Leicestershire with his Fr~'ds Aug=t= 6=th= - 74 M=r= Orford

I beg My Dear Orford{s} pardon if I did not Inform him of the Rec=t= of those bills he Mention'd in his last, w'ch came duly to hand & plac'd to his Acc=t= I %thank him for his Obliging enquiry & Invitation & shoud have no Objection if possible to make it convenient but am not yet certain, hope all his Family are well kind respects wait on them & him from his Affectionate W %Burchal Aug=t= 13=th= — 74 M=r= Hayward never call'd to pay the 5 Guines M=r= Orford

Dear Orford By yesterdays post I had a Letter from my Bro=r= Tho=s= — wherein he Acquain{ts} me the Broad Oak Estate in Parr, is to be Sold. & the people in that part conjecture M=r= Legh might probably become the purchaser, shou'd this be the case, My Bro=r= wou'd be glad to have a Lease for 3 Lives ^on it^ or take it to Farm for a Term, woud it be agreeable to you ^to^ Mention it to Gover=r= if he Buys it, or will you be so good to let me know?, & I will either write to him, or if the more effectual, I woud come down & wait on him in person, I am the more anxious to have it, as being a Situation agreeable to my poor Mother, who I too much fear is very unhappy on Acc=t= of moving, & no prospect where to, if my Dear Orford can Assist me in this Affair, I shall ever esteem it the geatest of Favours, by Return of post let me have your Sentiments on the Subject

am with due Respects to you & yours — Y=r= ever Afectionate W %Burchal Aug=t= 16 1774 M=r= Orford [^Accounts, probably in different hand, omitted^]

Dear Orford Yours Inclosing y=r= Acc=t= Curr=t= I duly Rec=d= & have minutely examin'd it, & find it agrees with my books as nr as possible, only I make you D={r}= for the Interest of the Note d{r}awn payable to M=r= Leech w'ch is 8/4 & two porterages one Shilling each from Swan & two Neck{s} in Feb=y= last of two Boxes fr P— L, on the other hand I give you Credit for one Shilling charg^d^ too little in a bill N=o= 57 Sum 17..10 & was (_17..11.._) also for (_2..1..0_) the overplus of pay=g= M=r= Leghs bills as Inform'd in a former Letter, leaves a Balance in my favour of (_£8..1.11_) w'ch have carried to a New Acc=t= & I believe Right, if otherwise tell me in y=r= Next, By this fancy you have seen M=r= Woolloton who told me he had a Sketch of a balance that must be erroneous if he shoud be at Lyme when you Receive this tell him I %am pretty well to make himself perfectly easy I don't mind a %few days to make his Journey Agreeable — hope I shall hear from you soon on the

Subject of my last my kind Respects Attend you & y=rs= & am y=r= truly Affection^{*}^ W %Burchal Aug={st}= 18=th= 74 I begin our New Acc=t= with the bill{s}, Inclosd in y=r= last M=r= Orford

Dear Orford I — Thank you for y=r= early & very Affectionate Letter, cou'd have wish'd it had bro=t= me different Intelligen{ce} Relative to Broad beck, but there is no help for it, so I find all is come to pass that I prophesied concerning an Accquaintance of yours, times will change, & as the Whim is over, may conclude it will be never the Worse — I also thank you for y=r= Civilities to M=r= Woolloton, he is in his Kingdom come Indeed I wish he may have a %pleasant excursion — I have Inclos'd you the Acct of the light Gold sent by my Niece the Six Guineas Inclos'd in the Letter were too light to be taken at the Bank so I order W=m= Turner to Sell them at the same place where the last were, & he has lost the Acc=t= given him but brings me only £(_5..17..0_), Gold is so much fallen, as you'l see by the Inclos'd Acc=t= there was 3 Counterfeits among the ports, you did mention the Draft to H Richardson of 120£ —

We have y=r= Ladies in Town but you may have them home again, & I suppose you will next Week, Your Moo{re}s & Boggs have Strangly effected the Young one, you must get her a Husband, she knows not what to do with herself, but for a little variety she has dischargd Loring so you'l have a New face when they Return if you think it woud be more agreeable to send Gov=r= & Acc=t=. I will do it the first Opportunity but I %think I %told him I plac'd the overplus to y=r= Acc=t=, — N- Forrest is well Joins Aunt & self in kind Respects to you & Family I am y=r= very Affection{at}e W %Burchal Aug={st}= 25=th= — 74 the Small bill you last sent is not Accept{i}d the person is not in Town M=r= Orford [^Accounts omitted^]

I had my Dear Orfords Letter Inclosing three bills Amt=g= to 110 £ & also a %bill in a Letter from my Niece Value 18£ which have plac'd to his Acc=t=, M=r= Woolloton is got safe home again, begs his Respects to M=r= Orford & very sorry it [^corrected^] was not in his power to perform his promise of calling upon him on his Return was tempted to stay longer in Lancas={re}= than he propos'd, is much Oblig'd for the many favours conferr'd on him, we are very busy for the Season having open'd our New Shop, & hope shall find it Answer have plenty of room w'ch before we much Wanted, will take care to procure Some handfs for Cousin Orford whenever can Meet with any, at present is very difficult so great Risk attends them — my kind Respects attend you & yours & am ever y=r= Affect W %Burchal Sep 20=th= 74 M=r= Orford Lyme n=r= Disley Cheshire By Buxton [^At different angle, possibly in different hand^] 20 Port 3 White d=o=. 1 Lisbo{rn} {2} Sweet Moustair

Dear Orford I duly Rec=d= your favour of the 23=d= past, covering 4 Bills Value 65..19.6 also yours on Monday last, cover=g= D=o= 29..13 & Observe y=r= Drafts, the Acc=t= to Gov=r= shall be made out the first Opportunity, a Thous=d=- thanks attend you & Cosen Orford for your good Intentions of sending us Cranbury{s} beg you will not trouble yourselves to send any this Season, nor let the Others you Intended for us, seem any disappointment M=r= Ryle has since sent us a %few, so we are pretty well off, now let me also thank you for your kind Mention of my good Mother & so agreeable an Acc=t= is an Additional Satisfaction to me, my Wish was to have seen you all this Autumn, but Business woud not Admit of it, by this time you have heard we have no Parliam=t= your last was charg'd one Shilling I have not had tim [^edge paper^] to present the bill you Mention'd for Acceptan{c} [^edge paper^] if it is Refus'd must Return it to you, we are equally as Busy as in the Spring, w'ch you'l say is no bad thing —

I must desire you to Inform my Niece I rec=d= her last, & will duly Observe it, present me love to her & accept same for self & better part from y=r= very Affectionate W %Burchal Oct=r= 4=th= 1774 Oxford Street M=r= Orford

My Dear Orford, I %fear will think me Negligent in Answering his Letters of the 1=st= & 8=th= Instant covering bills to the Amount in both 75.15 £ — on looking over his Acc=t= I %find him a little behind in Remittances especially when I %make him D=r= for W=m= Turners bill w'ch expect he has Receiv'd & also for M=rs= A Leghs bill, however am well convinc'd my Dear Orford will Retrieve as soon as in his power, I hope matters are bro=t= to a more agreeable C{ri}ssis, than formerly, at least I wish to hear So, let me not forget to thank my D=r= O, for his kind Mention of my good Mother, time will not permit at present to enter on a Chat, but let not that deter him from sociable Communications when convenient as am ever glad to hear from him, & with profound Respect his Affectionate W %Burchal Nov=r= 15=th= 1774 D=r= Orford I had yours Inclos=g= three bills Value 70£ & glad to find you got well home & found all tolerable, On Monday last I sent y=r= Cloaths left in Town in two Boxes on Acc=t= of y=r= Hatt by Basses Waggon You'l find y=r= bill book in one of the Boxes have Return'd {Prole}s bill with a Rec=t= — you did not tell me What date those Drafts were you sent M=rs= A Legh I shall be at a loss to provide for 'em, I %thought you Mention'd something of Bank Notes being Sent to me from Warrington, I have heard nothing of any yet, I sent yours Whites & got Receipts to each but have Mislaid the bills so must send 'em in my Next Am with Respects to you & y=rs= y=r= very Affect W %Burchal April 13=th= 75 excuse haste Dear Orford I duly Rec=d= yours Inclosing 3 bank Notes Value 300£ w'ch have plac'd to the Credit of y=r= Acc=t=— Since you left Town M=rs= Keck has enter'd on a New Acc=t=, I was in hopes I might have had leave to add it to the Old bill but not comply'd with, however must desire you to place the Old one to my Credit as I have before told you I am a %Sufferer by the length of time, Inclos'd, is your bill for Tea & also the Acc=t= of what you had from me, M=r= Woolloton has not time to draw out the Whole Acc=t= at present will send it in my Next, I %am y=rs= Respectfully W %Burchal April 22=d= 75 Cap=n= Haywards Complimts On the 20=th= past I rec=d= a Letter cove^r^ing bill 250£ from M=r= Orford, w'ch shoud have Advis'd before, & last Night Rec=d= his Second favour Inclos=g= 4 bills Value 90£ w'ch have plac'd to his Acc=t=, Observe his drafts, also the Slip of paper he mentions of M=r= G—s, the error in the Acc=t=, was an oversight of M=r= Woollotons & y=r= own you had advis'd of that Sum to pool before we had the bill w'ch he took to be right without Mention=g= any%thing to me, & I had enter'd the Acc=t= in my book 95.2.6 — you did not Advise of y=r= Draft to Ia=s= Richar^d^ before yesterday w'ch not Observ=g= at the bottom of the Acc=t=, was Surpriz'd with its coming for payment this day, it is of no Signification only beg you will be punctual in Advising, I coud wish you & M=r= Gaskell coud have found any Other person to have kept Cash for him, for my Business is so [^"m" rubbed out^] much encreas'd. I have scarcely time to take care of my own

& find it will be Inconvenient to engage an more Accounts, as have not a leisure hour the day thro', I will honor what are already drawn, but shoud be glad you [^corrected^] or he woud look out in the mean time, — have Inclos'd M=r= Kecks Rec=t= — am D=r= S=r= Y=rs= Respectfully W %Burchal Iune 1=st= 75 [^Note, probably in different hand^] H R at a m=(_o_)= 50 M=r= Orford

I had M=r= Orfords favour Yesterday Inclosing bill 50£ w'ch have plac'd to his Acc=t=, & shall Observe his drfs — The Sequel of his Letter is in such a Stile, that am Apprehensive he did not Understand my Mean=g=, it was not on any Lucrative Acc=t=- I objected to Undertake M=r= T. G's business here, I had no such Motive, A Multiplicity of Business is the case, what bills are already drawn or may be drawn then he can fix with a %person for that purpose am willing [^corrected^] to honor, but can't think of adding to what is already more than can execute with any Satisfaction have enclos'd White & Smith bills am Respectfully Y=rs= W %Burchal Iune 8=th= 75 Shou'd think Smith Wright & Gray the properest people to keep Cash with, their terms are easy — I had M=r= Orfords Letter dated 17=th= Iune in due time Inclos=g= £(_88..1..0_) have heard nothing from M=r= Rumbol{l} yet, the Watch mention'd to pay Sanderson for, have had no Opportunity, but the first time any of my people go that Way will take care to discharge it, have Inclos'd W=m= Turners bill, w'ch be so good to give Harry Richardson & Inform of Rec=t= of the money when paid & you'l Oblige Y=rs= Respectfully W %Burchal Iune 24=th= 75 M=r= Orford

I had M=r= Orfords favour of 24=th= June covering bill (_105..8.6_) which plac'd to his Acc=t=, by the time he gets this, he will be Inform'd why the Money Was not sent from Salthrop M=rs= Legh made a %Sufficient Apology to me & promisd it shoud be sent when due which I think reasonable very few pay before it is due — be so good to give the Inclos'd to Nelly Forrest & will Oblige Y=rs= Respectfully W %Burchal Iuly 4=th= 75 I had M=r= Orfords Letter of the 7=th= Inclosing 3 bills (_66..3..0_) also of the 14=th= 4 bills (_109..12..0_) all plac'd to his Acc=t=. likewise Observe his drafts have Inclos'd Sandersons Rec=t= for a %Watch, have not yet Rec=d= any%thing [^line break^] from M=r= Jay, when I %do will Advi{s}e you of it Am Respectfully Y=rs= W %Burchal Iuly 22=d= 75 I have this day Sold the two portuga{e} pieces M=r= Orford sent by M=rs= B— for (_2..1{5}.3_) w'ch have plac'd to the Credit of his Acc=t=— also 170£ Rec=d= Yesterday from M=r= Jay, have this post Inform'd him of the same in the cover sent for that purpose Am Respectfully Y=rs= W %Burchal Aug=st= 1=st= —75— I had M=r= Orfords favour Inclosing bills & Notes of hand ^for (_86.60.6_)^, but God knows when they will be honor'd however When they are, M=r=, O, shall be Acquainted with it, have plac'd W=m= Turners Acc=t= to you & sent a Rec=t=— for it, hope to be in Lancashire in About a Week & shall bring with me the Indentures you left to get Stampd as expect shall meet with you there Am Y=rs= Respectfully W %Burchal Aug=t= 5=th= 75 D=r= Sir I was sorry I %coud not wait on M=rs= Orford in How Lane my good Intention was frustrated by Incessant Rains, & put me to the expence of a Post Chaise from Stockport to Macclesfield, & certainly the Worst Horses that ever were haness'd — I was almost four hours in going between Bullock Smithey & Macclesfield, for the future I shall remember M=r= Hancock of the White Lyon, to make short my Story I am at last safe Arriv'd in London & found all well, last night M=r= Barrow was with me to offer a %part of the money for the Note you know of, he is at pres=t=- very ill push'd to raise a %part & poor man is very low Spirited, in laying before me his case, he is much to be pitied, as I think he has an honest heart, says if you coud look of the Money till Christmas is over he shoud have it in his power to pay it with ease, but this being a dull time of the Year in his Business & his wife Scarcely out of the Straw

he has it not in his power & expresses great concern at Tresspassing on his Friend{s} & contrary to his Inclination, if you can Indulge him for the time Mention'd I think it woud not only be an act of Friendship but really of Charity, — I promis'd him I %woud write to you on the above mention'd Occasion, so shall be glad of answer when you write me again the other Note is promis'd to be paid the 29=th= Instant by a Letter from Gammage The Cranberries are safe Arriv'd, for w'ch my Wife Returns you & M=rs= Orford her best Thanks, knows not how to come of Debt hopes you are all well Joins in Respects with y=r= Affect=te= W %Burchal Sep=r= 21=st= — 75 my Respects to Niece & shoud be glad to hear from her M=r= Orford

D=r= Orford have only time to tell you have this Moment Rec=d= Y=rs= of 16=th= Instant Wherein Observe y=r= Drafts & that I %had the two halfs of 100£ very safe, also Y=r= Acc=t= agrees with us, excuse haste & belive me Y=rs= W %Burchal Oct=r= 19=th= 75 Dear Orford I had y=r= favour Yesterday with two ten pound{s} B~k Notes, w'ch plac'd to Y=r= Acc=t=, I am glad you found all well at %home & thank you for y=r= Mention of Forrest, will be Oblig'd to you to give the Inclos'd to her, I was in expectation (According to y=r= wonted Candour) you woud have Mention'd what progress had been made Relative to a %person who was in a Cloud when I had the pleasure of seeing you last, has it burst or is %it dispers'd, I have never Yet taken up pen to write to Governor concern=g= the little Inclosure on Newton Common I hope I may Rely on Y=r= Assurance of it without any farther Trouble, & also have the Concurrence of M=r= Banks & M=r= Blackbour{ne} in the Affair, Y=r= Answer will Much Oblige y=rs= Assuredly W %Burchal Oct=r= 31=st= 1775 M=r= Orford

D=r= Orford Yours Inclosing bills for 75.5— Arriv'd safe, have not yet compass'd y=r= little Order for Tea, but will not forget it, as soon as can Stirr out, have been Confind these Twelve days the particulars Refer you to my Niece who I have taken the Liberty of Inclos=g= [^corrected^] a %few lines in this Cover hope self and Family are Well to Whom Respects from Y=rs= faithfully W %Burchal Nov=r= 25 75 M=r= Orford Haydock Lodge [^Accounts, probably in different hand, omitted^]

M=r= Burchals Complim'ts to M=r= Orford, thanks him for his Obliging Invitation, hopes he'll excuse him dining at Newton as he has an Objection to dining in public, wou'd much Rather M=r= O wou'd dine at Sutton on Sunday if convenient, if not, will wait on him at Haydock on Monday if agreeable, all at Sutton are Well Saturday Morn=g= Sutton Dear Orford I duly Rec=d= y=r= two last fa{v}={r}= one Inclos=g= bill 20£ w'ch shall be plac'd to y=r= Directions, am Oblig'd to you for a Hare w'ch came safe Yesterday have Inclos'd y=r= Acc=t= Curr=t= as with us & y=r= own Acc=t= with Remarks on the errors hope on examination you'l find it Right to the New Year, I am sorry my Letter to Lancashire is delay'd tho' of no great consequence only I %desir'd to let me know whether you gave leave for the Timber on Burtonwood Tenem=t=— might be taken towards Rebuilding the House as it is time to fall Ash if there is any, pray let me know when you Receive y=r= Tea &c have not done any%thing [^across page^]

with y=r= Tankard but will the first Opportunity, I am so much confind the more Business Requires more care & indeed was but poorly sometime before Christmas but am now very well we have Severe Weather, but as it is Seasonable must content ourselves Young Masters was here Yesterday & wanted 30£ w'ch I gave him & took his Rec=t=- he is in a %poor State of health he talks of Visiting you at Lyme soon as he is a %little better & the Weather Warmer, M=rs= Burchal Joins me in Respects to M=rs= Orford & self & am wishing you many happy Returns of Season y=r= Affect W %Burchal Ian=y= 9=th= 1777

[^Notes, probably in different hand^] Ches Ches M=r= Orford

Dear Orford I rec=d= y=rs= of 7=th= & 10=th= both at same time the last covering bills to Am=t= of 174.7.— & will Observe y=r= Drafts, I gave y=r= Draft to Willet{t} & took his Rec=t= w'ch y'av'e Inclos'd — I am glad you Rec=d= the box Safe & the Contents Approv'd of, I %thank you for the Hare w'ch came safe & very good be so good to give the Inclos'd to M=rs= Legh & also tell Forrest I am Oblig'd to her for her Letter, & my Respects to her the Same to self & Family & am with esteem y=rs= truly W %Burchal Jan=y= 16=th= 77 London M=r= Orford

D=r= Orford Inclos'd I %send you a %bill Noted, w'ch I %little Suspected, I have sent to M=r= Master to Accquaint him with y=r= desire of having him at Lyme excuse me saying than I %am Yrs W %Burchal Ian=y= 23 77 [^Attached note, probably in different hand^] £—20 Not=g= ....2..6 no Effects M=r= Orford Lyme n=r= Disley Cheshire

D=r= Orford I had yours duly cover=g= four bills Value 66£ & have put 'em to y=r= Acc=t=, by the Same %post I rec=d= from M=r= Jay 170£ w'ch have also plac'd to y=r= Acc=t=- M=r= Master tells me he designs M=r= L— a Visit soon, wanted to know what stay a person made at B— I coud not tell him, he will not Stay long with you it will be necessary for him to Attend the Season at Tunbridge for the benefit of the Waters, he seems poorly My Respects Attend you & Family am y=rs= with Esteem W %Burchal 28 Jan=y= 77

I have two Cases directed for H{..} Richardson at Haydock woud you have me Use 'em to you with y=r= Cypher under the Seal, have no Cases to you left M=r= Orford

D=r= Orford Did I accquaint you of the Rec=t= of y=rs= covering 6 bills Value 207..15 also the 40£ from M=r= Harrison, I %believe not, however they came safe & likewise y=rs= this day with 63..16.1 — shall Observe y=r= Drafts, M=r= Flodman was enquiring after you desires his Respects who do you think is going to be Wed but y=r= Old Fr'd Madam P.. Oliver you must not Mention it yet a While it is not over, I thank you for y=r= kind Mention of my Family at Sutton you know it is a %pleasure to hear of 'em being Well, will you be %so good to give the Inclos'd to Forrest shou'd have wrote to her but have not time, am with Esteem y=rs= Truly W %Burchal 8=th= Feb=y= .. 77 — M=r= Orford

D=r= O— Yours of the 7=th= Surprizes me no little, in w'ch you tell me you was Thunderstruck by the Application of Ia{~} Derbyshire to know if you was Accquainted with the Trees being fallen in Burtonwood when you cou'd make him so plausible an Answer, his pretensions to the Tenement are as Spurious as to the Rest of the Effects of Peter Rougshedge & w'ch will no doubt be very soon disclosd but what need have you to be in such a puzzle About what is fallen however the disputes terminates, while the Timber is on the premises it is at y=r= Command if I shoud loose it, than what need of taking it off at this time, if you Oblige me, let it remain, it woud have

a Strange Appearance for you to fetch of Timber Assign'd to me, for the benefit of the Premises People woud have grounds to say I was only a Pretender to the Estate, if you were afraid of Tales being told, why did not you tell the first, if you had accquainted me with any Scruples you had in Allowing it me, I woud have Wrote to M=r= Legh myself, you Allow'd me the Liberty & I %orderd 'em to fall 'em as it was the Season of the Year for Ash &c to be cut down, no one can Use green Timber for any%thing but Hedge Stakes, & even that there was present Need of to fence, the Whole Ring fence being Wanted, you may Mark it all & let it lie, but desire there may be no bustle nor a Stick taken of, I can't say I %am pleas'd at y=r= entertain=g= any Indiffer{a}nt Opinion of my Right to it, only enquire of Turner & {K}erfoot & they will Satisfy you let me hear from you by Return & you'll Oblige Y=rs= W %Burchal Feb=y= 15=th=- 77 Oxford Street M=r= Orford Haydock Lodge n=r= Warrington Lancashire [^At different angle^] 2 12 6 light gold 2..9..10 forgot — — 2.8

D=r= Orford I %am Oblig'd to you for an explanation of y=r= Astonishment express'd in a %former Letter at the Attempts of that Villain! Darbyshire, tho in my Opinion neither that, nor the Timber being fallen at Burtonwood coud Admit of much Surprize, if you Recollect yourself when I ask'd you at Sutton for some Timber towards Building you said if there was any%thing worth falling I %might have it, in the presence of Bro=r= Tho=s= & my Mother, & if Short you wou'd See & help out, now being so little upon the premises gave Sanction to my Bro=rs= proceedings when he had answer from me that you had Repeated the Liberty by Letter 7=th= Jan=y= last

therefore pray don't blame him, Notwithstanding I have Accquainted you from whence the Liberty taken, arose, yet am sorry to give Umbrage either to you or any%one else by Unprecedented Practices, or in any respect contrary to Custom it is very well you have sent to Mark them, & for a little While pray be so good to let 'em lie, for the Reason I gave you in a %former Letter, Ash as you Observe is not very proper Wood for Housebuildg but might do very well for a Stable w'ch is Wanted & w'ch I thought of Raising to the end of the Barn, at as little expence as possible, I don't know that it is worth my Notice to build at all, only thought the place was Run out, & with a little help might lett pretty well, or if our Family chose to go to it being Unsettled, it shoud be made fit for their purpose & the Chief motive for my setting About it, the Affairs of the late P.. Roughsedge are in a perverse Situation but am in hopes a little time will set forth the Fraud Attempted & render the property to the right Owners, I have heard nothing of those people coming to Town you Mention'd, suppose I shoud if it was so Yrs Inclos=g= Six bills Value 58..11— came safe & plac'd to y=r= Acc=t=- I am Respectfully Yrs W %Burchal 22=d= Feb=y= — 77 M=r= Orford

Dear Orford I observe yours of 27=th= last & must own I had Contru'd y=rs= in a different light to what you there express, I am Oblig'd to you for y=r= good wishes, & y=r= Assurance of 'em Cancels every Misconstruction of what has past with respect to the Money you pay & Receive on M=r= Masters Acc=t= do as is most agreeable to yourself, I suppose you will have heard before this Reaches that Master Keck is dead, & what Tribulation they are in, M=r= & M=rs= K— came to Town on Thursday Night & M=rs= Smyth{e} was sent to him to Croyden & the same Night he died, this morn=g= they set off for Stoughton & about

Noon M=rs= A L came to Town from Bath, & on hearing the News was almost distracted. however my Wife told her M=r= & M=rs= K were for Bath as soon as they Arriv'd at Stoughton that she had better Return again to Bath than follow them & Accordingly she did, when She had got some Money the Rec=t= for it is here Inclos'd, it is not for any draft of yours but money paid her I happen'd to be gone into the City so did not see her, I am with esteem Y=rs= Truly W %Burchal 8 Mar 77 my love to Forrest [^Possibly different hand^] Free R.A.Gwillym. M=r= Orford Haydock Lodge Warrington

D=r= Orford I had y=r= Favour this day Inclos=g= two bills for 123£ w'ch plac=d=' to your Acct pray be so good to give the Inclos'd to direction & you'l Oblige y=rs= Respectfully W %Burchal Mar 13=th= 77 will enquire for pens for you, I believe I shall keep y=r= Tankard it is a long time in getting a %pa{ss}age here is the Rec=t= I shoud have sent in my last as Mention'd M=r= Orford [^Accounts, probably in different hand, omitted^]

D=r= Orford I had your favour of the 22 March w'ch inclos'd bills £198.17..3 & Yesterday y=rs= cover=g= two bills for £113..7..0 & plac'd to y=r= Acc=t=- N.. Forrest is here & desires Respects to you, as also Y=rs= Truy W %Burchal April 10={th}= 77 excuse haste M=r= Orford

Dear Orford I had y=r= favor Yesterday Inclosing five bills Value 430£ Observe y=r= Drfs I had a Letter from M=r= Keck this day Informing me of having Wrote to you to furnish me with a Hundred pounds on his Acc=t= as shoud have Occasion to draw on Saturday Next for that Sum at a Month, Miss Legh was desirous to have an Order for her Quarters Stipend w'ch pray send her, Am with Respects Y=r= Truly W %Burchal 18 April 77 London M=r= Orford

D=r= Orford I had y=r= favour Yesterday Covering a Letter to Forrest who has her hands full, her Old Lady being Indispos'd, Must get you to Receive the Inclos'd Draft as soon as you can it is for a Genm=n= who I wish to Oblige & let me know when it is paid that I may give him the Money it is made payable to your Order that any%one you know may Receive it, & I shall esteem it a %favour & am with due Respects y=rs= Truly W %Burchal 24 April 77 M=r= Orford

Dear Orford On Thursday last came to hand y=r= Favour Inclos=g= bills Value £97..14..0 [^corrected^] w'ch plac'd to y=r= Acc=t= shou'd be glad of an Answer about M=r= Heskeths Draft he grows Impatie [^edge paper^] don't be Surpriz'd when I %tell you A..I..K.. Esq=r= has Reimburs'd y=r= Acct with 100£ he drew for last month this day, & Said he expected Letters from you directed to me w'ch I %promisd to forward to him at Stoughton Where [^corrected^] he is Set out for, this Afternoon & talk'd of being at Haydock soon hope y=r= little folk{s} have had a favourable Affliction & got better am with Respects Y=rs= Truly W %Burchal May 10={th}= 77 Oxford Street Dear Orford I had y=rs= on Monday last Inclos=g= bills for 120£ & I. Drinkwater{s} Letters upon Sight whereof I releasd M=r= Hesketh from his Anxiety by giving him the Cash, & made you D=r= for it, the Inclosd have paid & set to y=r= Acc=t=, have not had time to Inspect y=r= Acc=t= Curr=t=, but hope to find we agree, I think my last Mention'd A..I..K having Replac'd the Draft he drew for 100£ am very glad to hear so favourable an Acc=t= of y={r}= little folks under their Affliction — I am with due Respects y=rs= Truly W %Burchal May 15=th=— 77 fine growing Weather M=r= Orford

Dear Orford I had yours Yesterday with 12 bills for (_293.5..6_)— £ & shall Observe yr Drafts, I am much Oblig'd to you for the Salmon w'ch came safe & very good but on proceeding to peruse the Remainder of y=r= Letter must tell you I never was more Surpriz'd in my life, to find a{n}y such Unjust & ungenerous nay Wicked Accusation either under or over the Rose to convince you it is so, have Inclos'd y=e=- Voucher w'ch will answer for itself, & the only ^one^ he has drawn upon me for these two years or more am not certain to y=e= time, these private enemies hurt me more than you can conceive, & beg you'l Relieve me by a %proper Information from whence, & for what, I am thus Injur'd, pray be generous, for I am determin'd to know, if either M=r= or M=rs= Keck has fram'd it they shall hear from me or if it is M=rs= As -Coinage I will not be Silent, she might as well take away

my life as my Reputation — I must tell you when M=r= K— came to Town he call'd upon me & ask'd me if I knew who were Bankers for Bath I said I did not. & had a Chk in his hand to fill up, but went away without doing it, & said he wou'd [^corrected^] call again, Accordingly, on the 12=th= of May he did call & left me a Draft upon Pybus & Co Bond Street wch was duly honor'd, so there was not Room for conjecture, he never Mention'd his Acc=t= with me, nor I to him a %word about it, therefore cou'd give no Umbrage in that What is mean't by it, am desirous to know have inclos'd Miss Leghs Rec=t= for her Q=u= payment, M=rs= Legh l{i}ft Town Yesterday was a Week, to go to M=r= Freemans where she propos'd Staying a %week, I %think I %did Advise you of Receiving Drinkwaters Draft for Hesketh, I fear you'l think I %forget y={*}= Tankard, I have had it all over the Town but can't match it, & it can't be mended

without appearance woud you have me get one made like it, let me know & it shall be done, my Wife Arrives at Sutton this Even=g= (& I hope well) to make a Short Stay if you take a Ride that way pray call a line from you Immediately will be duly esteem'd by y=rs= Truly W %Burchal 3 June 77 Oxford Street excuse Scrawl Dear Orford I shoud have answer'd yours by last post, only thought I woud write to the people at Bath to know the Meaning of such Message to M=r= K, w'ch I did, & when Sealing it up, Will Turner came into the Compting House, & on Mentioning the Affair to him, he said he thought such a %bill had been left for Acceptance [^corrected^] & the person call'd for it the Next day, while I was out & on finding it not Accepted, the person who call'd said it was of no Signification he suppos'd it woud be paid when due, Will, Answer'd he might depend upon that, & so took it away, When I %ask'd Will Turner why he did not Accquaint me with it, he said he thought I had seen

it, & did not think any more about it here lays the case, & of w'ch I was Intirely Innocent, for never saw his Draft, nor heard any%thing of it. till it came for payment, M=r= K, as I %told you wrote to me before he drew, & when at my house I shew'd him the Entry in our bill book for it, & ask'd him if I %had taken the right date w'ch was the 19=th= April, & it prov'd he had drawn on the 18=th=, I %am Sorry M=r= K, had [^corrected^] any Room for Suspicion, that I did not pay due Attention ^to^ [^"for" crossed out^] his Draft, as am & ever have been ready to Oblige the Family in every Respect, in my power, shoud be glad you Mention this to M=r= K, & remove any Umbrage he may have Imbibed on the Occasion, as I %told you before it

hurts me much, Now to accquaint you with the Comparison of our Acc=ts= they do not agree, there is a Ten Guineas M=r= Master had 19 Jan=y= last w'ch perhaps you were not Accquainted with, M=r= Woolloton Imprudently did not balance Our Acct when you sent your last Acc=t= to —77, he thinks that Acc=t= was Return'd to you again, we don't find it, if so, shoud be glad you woud send it up by first post as it may Assist him in rectifying it or if you will draw a fresh Acc=t= to Midds{u}m={*}= Insuing as soon as Opportunity offers I %will get a balance Struck, that we may go on Correct for the future [^corrected^], I am Oblig'd to you for y=r= kind Visit [^corrected^] ^to^ & Mention of my %Wife & all Friends My %respects to you & y=rs= from Y=rs= Sincerely W %Burchal Iune 14=th= - 77 —

The Inclos'd is M=r= Coopers Acct for passing Indentures never bro=t= to Acc=t= the Indentures are at Sutton M=r= Orford

Dear Orford I rec=d= yours Yesterday Inclos=g= five bills Value 113..7 — & Observe y=r= Drafts, the Acc=t= to Middsummer have not examin'd carefully, but on a Slight Survey have discoverd two errors one Remittance you date the 9 June with five bills 94..16.— on the 7=th= June I %rec=d= from you 3 bills 123 ) [^large curly bracket^] 124 ) Value 50 £ & on the 11=th=- Mackeys 125 ) bill 34.16 — w'ch makes 84.16 — 128 ) [^large curly bracket^] on the 16=th= came to hand 3 bills 131 ) 308.13 133 ) w'ch you charge 326.13 — — will you be so good to look over & see if you find right, I %rec=d= some Writings from Warring{ton} & coud not think why I had no Acct of them M=r= Master is at Margate & will forward them to him to Sign

My Niece Joins in respects with Y=rs= Truly W %Burchal July 3=d= — 77 very Wet Weather Dear Orford I have this day Receiv'd y=rs= Inform=g= of your Draft, & have Inclos^d^ you a sketch of Balance w'ch when you have plac'd to Our Credit will agree exactly to Iuly 77 — the 9..12 to Carr & Co was the Overplus of M=rs= Kecks bill w'ch you desir'd me to add for the Discharge thereof to a Draft of 80£ payable to M=rs= A.L or order — the rest you have an Acc=t= of, & leaves a Balance in y=r= favour 355..8.0 when examin'd pray advise if it agrees Thank you for y=r= enquiry after M=rs= B who by this time is at Macclesfi^e^ld Am very Respectfully Yrrs W %Burchal Iuly 8=th= - 77 — Dear Orford I had y=r= favour Yesterday Inclosing bill on Wigley 24.11— also y=r= Acc=t= w'ch you'l find by y=r= own Letter is in error, those sums you Mention being plac'd to a New Acc=t= & then all is Right, have sent you Hopkins bill w'ch overlook't & thought had sent before, I beg your pardon for not sending the writings to Warrington had mislaid y=r= Letter & sent 'em to you at Lyme by Pickfords flying Waggon & hope you have Rec=d= 'em, y=r= Tankard is finish'd & to my fancy a very hand^{s}om^ one it is, will send it [^corrected^] first Opportuni^ty^ thank you for y=r= Invitation will endeavour to Accept it am Respectfully y=rs= W %Burchal Iuly 17=th= — 77 M=r= Orford Lyme Hall Cheshire By Buxton

Dear Orford On Wednesday Night last I arriv'd in London after an agreeable Journey from Macclesfield, & found all Well, I expected you woud have come up with the Chaise in Howe Lane, was under some Concern I did not take proper leave with you, & thank you for the many Civilities I rec=d= from you while in the Country [^"pray Accept my th" crossed out^] Since my Return I rec=d= yours Inclos=g= 25..5 £ & observe y=r= Drafts, I have seen M=r= Wilde & he desires his Respects to you says he has it not in his power to send you any black Tea nor Green under 9/6 at pres=t=, that he says is very good

but seems Timorous in dealing in the Article, I have purchasd you Salt ladles & will send 'em with y=r= Tankard the first Opportunity, I %am Scarcely Settled at home to know what I %am about, in my Next shall give you some Acc=t= of W=m= Turner at present Remain with kind Respects to M=rs= O Self Y=r= very Affec=t= W %Burchal Sep=r= 16=th= 77 London My love to Neice Forrest tell her I wou'd have Wrote to her but have no Cover to you, when I write to M=rs= Legh will enclose One to her M=r= Orford

D=r= Orford I had y=r= favour Duly Inclos=g= Six bills for 99.9.9£ Observe y=r= Drafts M=r= Flodman Din'd here Yesterday Says he fears you will think he has forgot the Debt he owes you it was to have been paid by the Richardsons but he will to you himself I am with due Respects Y=rs= Truly W %Burchal Sep=r= 23=d= - 77 let all covers be directed to me only Dear Orford I had y=r= favour Inclosing bills & Rec=t= for 83£ & Observe y=r= Dr{f}s I %waited upon M=r= Nichols this morn=g= & desir'd me with his Complim=ts= to tell you he woud forward the Affair with all diligence, I %forgot to tell you I %{s}ent M=r= Master 10£ to Ma^r^gate I expected him in Town before this but have not seen him, excuse me saying more than I %am Y=rs= Sincerely W %Burchal 30=t= Oct=r= 77 in haste more in my Next M=r= Orford [^Note in different hand^] Nov 3 To W Hancock at 40 d~s— 20 7 To Iohn Hallwood 50 ds— 50

Dear Orford When I wrote last I was in haste had Scarcely time say I had y=rs= nor have much more at pres=t=— however will not defer Accquainting you, with the Rec=t= of y=rs= covering two bills 20£ each Suppose you have heard from M=r= Master Iun=r= hinting to you his Necessities, as his Mother is hourly expected if not Arriv'd, he has had 20£ from me this Week & Wants more w'ch shoud have given only Run bare coud not Spare it on Acc=t= of Several large bills due upon me those you know must be provided for I %will endeavour to see M=r= Wylde soon as possible to get you some Tea, but D=r= Orford Short as time is with me I %must tell you a %great piece of News, Yr Old Fr=d= Flodman is going to Marry a Young Woman of three or four & Twenty a bouncer you need not say I %told you tho' 'tis true I %am y=r= Affectionate W %Burchal 8 Nov=r= 77 — M=r= Orford

Dear Orford I had the pleasure of y=rs= this Day Covering bills for 153..13..8 & Observe y=r= Drafts, since my last have Assisted M=r= Master with 30£ More, w'ch makes 50£ Since he came to Town, & by his desire plac'd in one entry, I have not heard whether his Mother is Arriv'd in Town yet I wish Fr=d= Flodman was prudent enough to make the Remark you Mention in y=rs= as the case is Similar but not a Word to me About it nor I. to him, tho' we are upon very Friendly Terms, excuse my Short Scrawl M=r= Ryle Iun=r= is just come to Town & waits my Conclud{e} [^"=g=" rubbed out^] w'ch is with due Respects to self & Family am y=rs= Truly W %Burchal 15 Nov{=r=} 77 D=r= Orford I had y=r= fav=r= Yesterday with Ten bills for 280..16— £ w'ch have plac'd to your Acc=t=, I have not seen M=r= Masters Since his Mother came to Town am a little Surpriz'd at it, as he promis'd so to do, his Father I %find is soon expected & high time for him to come, as nothing has been discharg'd, that he took with him when he left England, & must have been Inconvenient to those who fitted him out, this you need not take any Notice of I observe y=r= Commissions by W— Turner, w'ch am a Stranger to, as on his Return, he has left my house, the particulars wou'd be too Tedious to Insert here, for tho' it was not my desire or design to keep him yet had no thoughts of him leaving me in Manner he has done, from his behaviour I conclude he has been Closetted at Lyme & the Orders he has to execute Confirms me in my conjecture, he has calld once to Settle his Acc=t= but know Nothing Where he is, have been Inform'd he is laying out

for a place, I believe I mention'd something to you of parties in my house, they were Mounted to such a pitch that I was almost a Stranger in my own house, this I grew tir'd of, & was determin'd to exert myself & have discharg'd another of my Men T.. W & I, are upon no good Terms w'ch is the principal Cause, & believe must Settle that too, that (_good Old Adage_) (Nosce te ipsum) know thy%self, is very much Wanting in T.W — but why shoud I trouble you with ^these affairs^ & afterwards sa{y} [^edge paper^] don't mention it, but you'l excuse my Freedom, as it denotes a Confidence repos'd in you, the Communication of Sentiments Relieves the Mind, Mine has had plenty of exercise on one Acc=t= or Other this Year I will send y=r= Tankard & let you know when to meet it, M=r= Wylde can't yet supp [^edge paper^] you with Tea, pray my Respects to M=rs= Orfo [^edge paper^] accept same y=r=self as am truly y=rrs= W %Burchal 27 Nov=r= 77 [^At different angle^] M=r= Ryle at my elbow desiring his Compliments Dear Orford I shou'd have answer'd y=rs= by last post, only Was not Able to hold up my head, am but so, so, now, only desirous to Accquaint you of Rec=t= of 15 bills 237.7 & also of 105.11. on the 1=st= Instant, M=r= Master has been telling me he wrote to you he %had Rec=d= 50 £ from me on his Mothers Acc=t=— I w{ou}d have sent y=r= Box with Tankard &c if had been well, hope to do it Next Week By Bass, will give you a line When to Receive it, I thank you for y=r= Sympathy on pres=t= Affairs my paths have not been very Smooth of late, I need not wish to Tread them over again, when I write again hope to give you a longer Letter in the mean time Am with true Respects y={rs}= Affec=t= W %Burchal Dec=r= 13=th= — 77 Oxford Street Dear Orford After a Tedious Trespass on y=r= patience in Sending y=r= Tankard &c I have this day pack'd it in a Box directed to you Howe Lane n=r= Disley & sent it by Basss Waggon, a%long with it have send you a Doz=n= of y=r= Sort pocket handfs w'ch I think you desir'd when in Cheshire last & the Vouchers to July last, but will Vouch for all being there, likewise a parcel for M=rs= Legh two D=o= for M=r= Legh bro=t= to me by M=r= Master & shoud have forwarded all [^"befor" crossed out^] Wednesday last only M=rs= Wylde call'd & told me her Husband was in hopes of Supplying y=r= Order this Week so deferr'd it till this day, he call'd last Night & told me he cou'd not compass it without great Risk w'ch he wish'd to Avoid, there is also a %parcel for Niece Forrest w'ch be so good to give her when you see her, in one of y=r= last Letters you Mention them being at Bath I %heard they were leaving that place About a fortnight ago, to go

to Lyme, & shou'd be glad to know if they were arriv'd & how M=rs= Legh is, if Nelly is with you tell her I wish much for a line from her I do not know What is become of W=m= Turner he takes care to keep out of my sight nor can [^"I" rubbed out^] I learn where he Lodges, so I trouble not my%self [^across line break^] about him, he left me in a very Unbecoming Manner, if I %was as Well Quit from T..W— I shoud not care, but of that time am not certain tho' fully determin'd upon, & must endeavour to fix the time soon as possible — M=r= Master tells me a %few days ago they had not Rec=d= the 100£ you Mention he wants 50£ more from me Next Week, — excuse me saying more than Respects to Cousin Orford & self & Remain with Sincerity Y=rs= W %Burchal Dec=r= 20=th= — 77 Oxford Street pray write soon as you receive the Box if not before no 'more Covers for you [^At different angle^] pray advise me what I am to do about Kecks bill M=r= Orford —

Dear Orford On the 22=d= I had y=r= favor with Bills for £131..10— w'ch plac'd to y=r= Acc=t=, Young Masters had 50£ from me same day, I thank you for y=r= kind wishes am much better but can't say well w'ch is unfortunate for me as have need of a double Constitution in my present Situation, however I pluck up my Courage & hope for Assistanc [^edge paper^] from the bountifull hand w'ch gives all good things & what is most proper for us, & whose allseeing Providence Ordereth all things for the best, provided we Unite our endeavours, be so good to give Nell the Inclos'd, Harrison (y=r= late Butler) calld last night & said you were all well at how lane w'ch is always pleasing to y=r= Affectionate [^corrected^] W %Burchal Xmas day 77 Complimts of %season write when get the Box Dear Orford I am very troublesome with my epistles tho' shou'd not have Wrote now, only M=r= Wylde was here this Even=g= & bro=t= O=ld= of Hyson Tea 9/6 p=r= {P~d} desir'd I woud tell you he coud meet with no black Tea low priz'd & also that he was in expectation of some at 5/6 & 6/6 if you wo{u}d like to have any what he promises to Recommend for good, if you woud have the Above & any of the low prizd let me know Immediately, did I %tell you of Rec=g= y=rs= with Drafts on Boldero for 100£, I have just now heard W=m= Turner has got no place so his Acc=t= is like himself very false I am with due Respects y=rs= Truly W %Burchal Dec=r= 30=th=- 77 — To M=r= Richard aford at Lime hall Cheshshire With speed [^Postmarked Preston^]

June the 23 1771 M=r= Richard orfut J have Sent you thes Lines to let you know that J am in a very Bad State of Health and J Beg you yould Releace mee as soone as posable you can at this time And J Will prommis you that J Will Never offend you aney more so long as J live and Jf J live to Return again J Will presarve your game as much as posable ever J Can and the governer says that a letter sent from you Will Releace mee and it must bee sin^e^d by M=r= patten for no other [^"Will" crossed out^] [^"Do" crossed out^] justis Will Do and I Beg you Will rite to my Wife hannow and shee Will Bring it to mee and M=r= garrot hase been at the raceis at preston and hee Was very sory to here that J Was here and hee shauld bee very glad if i Could bee Released out of this sad Condishon and so no more at Present from your ever Loving frend William Burchall M=r=. Orford Lime Hall Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

M=r=.. Orford Sir I make free In Trubleing you with a Line Conserning that peece of bisness I Sawe you About at Haydock Hall — as you Tolde me you would Drop a Line witch I hope you will By Returne of Post if Convenia^n^te — and you will mutch abl{i}g={*}= your={*}= & C=r=. W=m=. Burns Warr=n=. Novem=r=. 18. 1789 M=r= Orford Lyme Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington?^] [^Accounts omitted^]

(_Sir_) J take the liberty Writing to you an a business Which Materially Concerns me — I have a large family, And live in One of those Cottages at Haydock Stocks, At Present in lease to Old Thomas Naylor, but, the inconvenience and loss it is to my family, for Want of Room to follow {one} business is more than I can describe, — J have a friend Who will Assist me With M{o}ney to Erect a new House, And Tho=s=, Naylor has Given me leave to Erect One in the Croft, Provided I Can make it Agreeable to the Lord of the Reversion of the Premises {*...} [^tear in paper^] Now Sir, if you'd be so good to Represent to M=r= Legh, that, if he will be so good to let me have Brick on the same terms that he has other People in Haydock, I will pay for ^them^ by instalments, at such times as you shall Appoint — As I believe you to be the friend of every distressed family, (Who deserves it) And Relying {a}n your interest in this business, I Remain Sir, (hop=g= for your speedy Ans=r=,) Y'r Obed=t=, H'ble Serv=t=, Thurston Calland Haydock Iune 1=(_st_)= 1790 N: B: It is to be rememb=d=, that I belong to the T{a}wnship of Haydock To M=r=. Rich=d=.. Orford. at Lyme. Near Dishley Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Warrington Machine 16=th=.. Sep=r=. 1777 (_S=r=.._) The trouble I give you in this, I hope you will excuse when you consider the importance of the subject to me. With%out detaining you with any unnecessary preamble, I must first beg to remind you that, against the malice of Villains, and the false insinuations of men void of every principle of honesty, 'tis almost impossible to guard. — But when such insinuations have taken place, and the poisonous spite of these Calumniators is ready to produce its wished effect: Then the only preventive is to compare circumstances, to weigh, with%out prejudice, the accounts of each party, and then let impartial reason form a judgement. — That my own character may be justified, and that I may always entertain the same opinion of you, Sir, I have hither%to done, I now endeavour to prevail upon you to (_act this part_). — I have been credibly informed that some of my enemies have attempted to injure me, by alledging that, through my Misconduct, or ill behaviour in Warrington, The quantity of Coals sold here is greatly diminishe^d^

Now tho' I cou'd produce indubitable proofs that, at most, if not at all the Coal Yards, in and about this Town, the price is considerably lower than that I am limited to; and tho' this of itself sufficiently accounts for the decrease of the demand for our Coals; Yet for the Justification of my reputation, & your satisfaction, I wou'd wish you wou'd your%self [^corrected^], or employ some person you can depend upon to, enquire (_w=th=. scruting_) the character I bear here. — Whether I do not deport myself w=th=. the utmost civility to every customer If I am, or have been the least at variance with any of them? Or, in short, pray inform yourself (in whatever manner your own good sense, and knowledge of the world shall dictate) whether on any account I have deserved the imputations that have been laid to my charge? — This request I hope you will comply with. My eternal gratitude will be due to you for it. — (_Equitable dealing_) is all I ask, and (_that_) I think M=r=.. Orford will not refuse. — If I sh=d=. not be thought troublesome I wou'd ask, for a line from you [^letter rubbed out?^] P=r=. Post: it wou'd much mitigate the anxiety at present felt by, S=r=. Y=r=. M={t}= H=ble=— Serv=t=. Rob=t=. Caunce Dear Sir When my Father was going to renew the Lease in Newton, he wrote to me to remit him the Money & to let him know what Lives, I would have put into the Lease; — I %return'd for Answer, his own, mine, & my Wife; — When I was last in Lancashire I found upon Examination to my great surprize, Peter & Thomas Chantler's instead of my Wife & Self. — I called upon M=r=: Legh to beg the favour to change Tho=s=: Chantler, for my Wife M=r=: Legh was so kind as to say he would with all his heart — Upon a more mature consideration, should be glad to fill up the Vacancy with my Wife's Name, which I hope you will be so kind & obliging as to lay it before M=r=. Legh and likewise hope that he will charge me reasonable, as my Wife is turned 55 Years — Shall be glad to receive your Ans=r=: & Terms as soon as Convenient and you will greatly Oblige Sir Your very humble Serv=t=; John Chandler. Newark August 5=th=: 1789 To M=r=: Orford

Marple Feb 14. 75 Dear Sir Your's I Received, And as I ^now^ Apprehend you to be so soon Down in Marple, will Edeavour to have y=e=. Deed and Mor^t^gage Executed at y=e=. Time you are in Marple But if I shou'd ^not^ have y=e=. Opportunity of Seeing You before You Go off from Marple again. I wou'd be Infinitely Obliged to You if you wou'd Pleased be so Good as to Leave y=e=. Marriage Settlement Deed, between My Father in law and Mother in Law which was Lodged in Uncle Peter Gaskell's Hands, y=e=. same I saw at Lyme by M=rs=. Orford, As y=e=. Trust therein Contained is now Ended by y=e=. Death of my Mother in law, And it wou'd now at this Time be of Si^n^gular Use to me, As it only Related to a Tenement in Adlington which my Father in Law at y=e=. Death of my Mother in Law Left ^by Will^ unto my Wife Paying unto her two Sisters Yearly Six Pound apeice. And in ^so^ Doing You'll Greatly Oblige D=r=. Sir Your very hble %Ser=vt=. W=m= Chatterton PS. If I shou'd not See You I will Take Care y=e=. Deed is Executed and Dated before y=e=: Mortgage D=r= %Sir In compliance to your kind request, have sent the above, which is {1 into Oproof}. & I think of equal flavour ^& Quality^ to any I ever saw — so far as this shall meet your approbation, shall be happy to receive your kind favours — Brandys are at this time extremely scarce, & very little good to be met with at any rate — please to excuse the defects of my Pen, being confin'd to my room of a severe cold I am Sir with due respect Your obliged hble Serv=t= W=m= Chatterton M=r=.. Richard Orford Lime Near Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Ashton Near Warrington Sep=r= 14 1788 Dear (_Sir_) Your letter addressd to M=r=. Michael Hughes was duely rec~ed by him, & Sent hither. Our Gentlemen would with pleasure comply with your request cou'd they do it with any degree of conveniency to themselves, you are very sensible of the Motives, which Induced the Old Company to lease the houses in Question, they well kn{e}w their Importance to the Concern, even in their little way: they are to us of much more, on the {Soon} of the extension of this Business, & %tho we have a Right to the whole, you have had mostly 3 or 4 of the Dwellings, J shall put the Whole in Compleat Repair as soon as J can provide a Thatcher, Meantime with best Compts to your%self [^across line^] & Good family I Remain Y=r= Affecte fr=d= & Servt Alexander Chorley Dear %Sir Yours handed by M=r= Grimshaw, we duely reced; Inclosed we Return you our Dfts @ 2 Mths for one hundred pounds; we were In hopes that in the Course of this week you with the family, woud have been our Neighbours, accept D=r= Sir, our Best regards & wishes, Belie{ve} us allways your obliged & Affectionate h~ble Servts — — — — — — — — Chorley & Leech Ashton Sep=r= [^corrected^] 6=th=: 1781 For M=r= Orford at Lime near Disley Derbyshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Dear Orford Cou'd you see into futurity as farr as the Witch in Sauls days, or be able to make me over again, You woud hardly guess what J am going to offer to you, I am in possession no matter by what means, of a very good & valueable brood mare eight Years old full Size & bone for hunters, which J bought for the purpose of hunting from a Gentleman in the South, who is run out, and now %resides at a Distance from the Place of his Nativity — — J am made to underst{a}nd to my Cost, that she will not answer for the Chace Breeding has Sunk her back, and to add as J am circumstancd to my misfortune, she is kept unhorsd this Summer so that a Year will be lost by her, J am informd that M=r= %Leigh breeds, if he will have her J %shall not differ for Price as J consider myself, [^"{as}" crossed out^] in a great Hobble, for Gods sake help me out, or J am undone, will you be so good as to Drop a hint in his way without saying she is mine, & let me hear from You, she has the Run of Cu{e}rdley Marsh this Summer, and 12 Months Rest

will Greatly Strengthen her pray when shall we see you how does your fireside, J am Y=rs= mo Sincerely & Aff=y= Alex=r= Chorly New %Hall Sunday night To M=r=. Richard Orford near Lyme Hall Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Golborne 27=th= Sep=r= 1782 M=r= Rich=d=. Orford this is to Acquaint you that some busey body last Saturday inform'd M=r= Chum=y=, Legh that I was out with my Gun; which was only from my Vitch Field to one of Ja=s=. Fitchets fields which lies near to my Field to Shoot some Stock Doves that was all my Journey wou='d= take up half an Hour and no more from my house the consequence was he sent for my Gun & also for a Nett which my Sons sets in Golborne Brook to prevent witch being taken from me I made Use of Your Name; and said I had told you at Haydock Lodge about a Nett that Captain Leghs Servants had took from me and that you reply='d= I must sett ith Brook & kill some Hares with Peter Legh Esq=r{e}=, Dog as wou'd pay for the Nett unless they wou'd return my Nett again upon me telling M=r=, Chum=y=, this he swore and said he wou'd Write to you to know if it was true so I thought necessary to inform you lest he shou'd send again for Gun & Nett the former shall be loth to part with as to Setting ith Brook I told him my Lads shou'd for future set no more so I hope you'll shelter me in the Setting ith Brook for Snigs as far as is right and you'l Oblege your hum=l= Serv=t=. Ralph Clare P.S. your Ovservation of me Killing Hares to Pay for my Netts was not by you intended to be put in force nor has ever since been by me Practis'd To M=r= Orford How Lane in Norbury

Hyde Ian=y=. 11=th=. 177{3} Sir As you were so good to promise me a Hare I take the Liberty to inclose you a Direction, and shall take it as a favour if you will forward her as soon as you can I shall set out early to%Morrow, & go by the Way of Leek for fear of Snow & as soon as I get to London I will wait upon M=r= Legh My Compl{i}m=ts= to M=rs=. Orford I %am Sir Your Most Hum Ser=t= Geo Clarke To M=r= Alford

Hyde April 20. 1774 D=r= Sir I quite forgot when I appointed to meet you at M=r= Coopers on friday Morning next, that I am obliged to attend the Quarter Sessions to%Morrow & next Day at Manchester but if you will name any other Morning in the next Week except Thursday, I will give him Notice & meet you accordingly I am Sir Your Most Humble Ser=t= Geo Clarke [^Different hand^] Fix'd Monday 25 Jns=t=— To M=r= Orford Lyme [^At different angle^] Hyde April 25=th=. 1774 M=r=. Clarke presents his Compliments ^to M=r= Orford^ and if the Morning is not bad will certainly meet him at the White Lyon in Stockp=t=. by 10 oClock on Wednesday Morning next M=r= Clarke desires his most Respectfull Compliments to M=rs= & Miss Legh [^Different hand^] Mary a{**}={n}=. due 1 Sep={r}= 75 10 Oct=r=. 30. a{**}={n}=. due 7 may 75 —2— M=r=. Orford

M=r= Clarke presents his Compliments to M=r= Orford and as M=r= Orford will be at home the latter end of Next week it will suit M=r= Clarke better to meet him at Disley or Lyme on friday the 4=th= of Nov=r=. Our best Complim=ts= to the good family at Lyme Sunday Oct=r=. 29. 1775 April 23 Peter Legh Esq=r=: M: P at Lyme near Disley by Buxton Cheshire [^Postmarked Leicester^]

M=r= Orford Sir As you was so kind as to give me leave to Trouble you with a line when I intended Coming over I beg the favour of you to Send the inclosed to Henry Richason as I propose Coming into Cheshire the end of this month as our famely is gone to Bath and if you will be so good as to give them your oppinion you will oblige [^corrected^] your humble Servant to Command Betty Clayton Stoughton April 23 1772) 1774 9 Ber ye 27 Sir I desire you will be So Good not to take amiss me writing a few Lines to you as I have But Little time to Come Over to you & when I Come you are always upon Some matters with Some person that I Can have no oppertunity So I have hard y=t= you are Going to leave Lyme & you know you promised me that I Should have as good wages or better as I Cold have in annother place So if you or m=r= Legh or m=r= Roe did know as much as I do you would not think y=t= I had as much as I deserve So %I %desire you will be so Good as to Let me know either by a line or two by Edward Bennet or when I Come over to %lyme it is from your most humble Servent Edward Clayton To M=r=: Orford Steward at Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

M=r=. Orford my Brother Iames Richardson the Tanner has a Daughter Married and they are at want of a Farm and I haveing Some aquaintance with you and they having none Desired me that I %would write to you for they would be Glad to take where Thomas Dickinson now Lives in {K}enyon it being near to their Father as Thomas Dickinson has taken another place and in Case it being Loose that he leaves it or if you would Rather Chuse another Tenant and them not to Stay they would be glad to have the first Refuse of it for they are Likely to manage the place well and to pay their Rent or else I would not have been concerned in writing to you I Should be glad to have a line from you as Soon as you Conveniently can whether you think them to Stay or not which ^is^ all from Your Servant at Command George Clayton Direct it to be Left at the Bears paw Warrington Culcheth 5=th= of Iuly 1774 M=r=: Rich=d= Orford Lyme

Macc=d=: Aug=t= 24={th}= 1789 M=r=: R=d= Orford (_Sir_) Your's is now before us noting the Contents .. and (_Sir_) we will take care to get the Cash for you in the Course of the next week the whole of it) a %Part we cou'd procure you this — we are sorry you have had the trouble to send over — we can get you 250£ on Friday — if that will be of Service we will one of us come over that Day or Saturday [^"Aftern" crossed out^] Morning with it — we are (_Sir_) very respectfully Your obed=t= Serv=t={s}— Clayton & %Gaskell M=r= Rich=d=: Orford Lyme

Macc=d=: May 25={th}=: 1790 M=r= R=d= Orford (_Sir_) Inclos'd you've two Dr=ts= for 69=£=.13=S=.0=d= which Ballances our Turnpike Acc=t=: for wh=ch=: you'll please to give us Credit — with due Respect we are Sir Your very obliged Serv=ts= Clayton & %Gaskell M=r= R=d=: Orford Lyme

Macclesfield Aug=t=: 19=t{h}=: 1790 M=r= R: Orford (_Sir_) The M=r=: Goodwin who was mention'd as an Assistant to us is waiting in Macc=d=: for an Answer to his proposals which he made to me — and which I told him must be submitted to your inspection and consideration and that I cou'd do nothing without you — as [^"I think" crossed out^] there is different Circumstances [^corrected^] which concur [^corrected^] that his services might not answer a %very good purpose %to us — both from the proposals which he has made and from his Character — I shou'd take it as a favor if you wou'd take it upon you to give him as handsome u dismission as you can as he perhaps may throw some Blame upon me for bringing him over to Macc=d=: on the Business — & to create a misunderstanding can be of no service to us if we can keep on good Terms

The Terms he offer'd were a %Hundred Guineas a %Year with Board which I think was much out of the Way we can do for less — and I enquir'd of M=r= Drinkwater his Character who wou'd say nothing at all but that (I might be Assur'd he shou'd not have parted if all had Been right) which I construe'd [^"as" crossed out^] against him — and think he wou'd not by any means suit us — his Terms are inclos'd — shou'd be glad you wou'd write to him as soon as possible — he is rather Troublesom — Your &c W=m= Clayton PS: If you have fix'd any%thing respecting Peter when M=r= Tho=s= Gaskell was with you may give me a line — there is another thing that I ought to have mention'd (that is) if I take any Prentic{e}s I Ought [^corrected^] to have the fees with them to my own Pocket. what you think of it shou'd be glad to know in a %letter by Peter — [^Accounts on facing page omitted^] M=r= Rich=d=: Orford [^corrected^] Lyme

Macc=d=: Oct=r=: 4=t{h}=: 1790 — (_D=r= Sir_) I rec'd your favor of the 28=th= Ultimo saying you had got a 1000£ for [^corrected^] us I sent Peter over on Friday last but it happen'd you was not at Home to inform you that we shou'd accept of it — This Morning I have seen both M=r= Gaskell & My Father who have no objection to be security with us for the Money if you can get us 1000£ or 1500£ more wou'd enable us to go to the first Markets for all our Purchases — am exceedingly oblig'd to you for the trouble you take to serve us — if it be necessary for us to go{e} to Knutsford with any Letter if you please to send it by Rich=d=: we'll send a %Person ove{*} [^torn off^] tomorrow I %am {*...} [^torn off^] Respectfully Yours {&c} W=m= Clayton M=r=. Orford Lyme

Hordern Jan=y=.. 18. 1788 Sir On Tuesday morning we begun our Road buisness Yesterday made some further progress, but a great way off finishing, days so short, so many new schemes & observ{t}=s=. to make that [^"2 days" crossed out^] ^two^ days more will leave it short — This morning was rather too rough weather for the buisness — we find the new intended road about Quarter of a Mile nearer then the Old road — but we have two or three more which we think may perhaps be approv'd on, in prefference to anything mention'd before, therefore [^"we" crossed out^] I will not pretend to give you any particulars till we have done our buisness, will drop you a %line towards S{u}nday or take a %ride over myself — I trouble you with this rather to aquaint you that I have engag'd myself to serve M=r=. Hilton at Pennington in capacity of Steward where I expect to be call'd about the midle or later end of January to enter on my service our terms, & the particulars, will inform you of when I have the pleasure of seeing you, Wife & family remains at Hordern till May-day — — there is a small {f}farm keeps about 3 or 4 Cows for their reception at that time — am very much oblig'd to you for your kind recomendation of me at your Commission meeting — and for every other favoour I %return you my sincerest thanks — and am Sir Your H~{bl}e Serv=t=. Joshua Coleby M=r=. Orford Lyme

Dear %Sir! I return you many thanks for y=e= good character you was so kind to give my Brother Jos{e}ph to M=r=. Jodrell — — M=r=. Jodrell wrote to me wishing me to come to Henbury for a night to discourse further about him — I was there on Saturday, he has propos'd his terms, & seems to wish to have him, the terms are low tho' better considerably then Cellers's — my Bro~rs Answer to mine will determine the affair. I am very happy at Pennington, & think I shall continue so — — M=r=. & M=rs=. Hilton behave exceedinly genteel to me in every respect — I expect you wou'd be very merry at Disley on Saturday as usual — shou'd have been happy in {y=e=} party if I %cou'd have contriv'd [^"it" rubbed out^] to have reach'd Disley but cou'd not — I am Sir Your much Oblig'd faithful H~{bl}e Serv=t=. Josh: Coleby Hordern ffeb: 28 — 89 M=r= Rich=d= Orford at Peter Legh Esq=r=., Lyme near Stockport Cheshire

Sir The above is this Day forwarded which hope you will safe Receive and Please I should have sent it sooner but the season as been very much against Bleaching and our Cloths could not get to so good a Colour without more than their usual time — your further Command will greatly oblige Your Most Hble Servt Rich=d= Collett P{S} It is Directed to be left at Bullock Smithy Manchester %as before M=r= Orford Lime near Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Sir M=r= Boardman Informed me he had seen you and that you wish to know whose Life I intend to add to the Lease, it is my Daughter Mary Hickson About Eleven years of Age, and myself the Leassee now I wish to have it done as soon as Possible, the Expence he tells me will be 35=£= which I think high on Account of the Deaths that has happened in my Famely before, and the Expence it has been Yet begs you to inform me how soon you can have the Lease made, and where I must meet you to Pay the

Money and have the Lease your Compliance will very much Oblige Sir your humble Servant Catharine Cook March 16=d= 1790 Direct for me to be Left at M=rs= Friths Frandley near Warrington Cheshire M=r=. Orford Lyme

Macclesfield 15={*}= - Sept 1789 D=r=. Sir M=r=. J Twemlow's Executors are his Brothers George & Thomas, who live at Shelton near Newcastle & %are Potters, they will have occasion for the 300£ in the first Week of November next & %if you call at M=r=. Twemlow's House in Chestergate any day that Week, they will receive the Money & give you a %proper Discharge. I beg my Respects to such of your Family as I have the Honor to know & am Sir Y=r=. most obed={*}=. Serv={*}=. Cha' %Cooke [^Note in different hand^] 13.10.— M=r= Rich=d= Orford at Lyme

(_D=r= Sir_) When J had last the pleasure of Seeing you was in hopes you wo=d=. have called upon your Return, the Jnclos'd was ready for your perual, if you'l be so Obligeing to return it back — Will g{e}t it Wrote upon Stamp, pa{*...} [^torn off^] will return it for you to get it Executed in the presance of any person belonging to M=r= Leighs ffamily if you can, when Strangers are Witness's if any Necessity for them to prove a Deed, its very Expencive but J Scincearly wish the Owner happy that

such Witness may not be wanted, J'm not certain whe=r= J can get you Cash in the time, as J did not want it upon my own Account, you may be Shure J wo=d= rather the person who had it sho=d= pay, but when you Advise [^"may" crossed out^] ^me^ off the Release %being Signed will Settle it to your Satisfaction, J have been from home and J Suspect my Son had forgot the Draft as he says he co=d= not find out a %person to Convey it by who am Your most h{ull}e Serv={*}= J %Cooke Salford 6=th= Aug=t= 1774 [^Only part of address legible, because half of the paper has been lost. Omitted.^] Macclesfield 1 July 1771 Sir M=r= Stafford desired me to send you the inclosed to be communicated to M=r= Legh with his Compliments he being in too %much distress on this Melancoly occasion to write [^"to y" crossed out^] himself — But [^corrected^] desires the Letters may be returned I am Sir Your most h~ble Serv=t=. Ios.. Cooke To M=r=. Orford

Lyme 4 Apr 1772 Sir I came over hither on account of the Ejectment brought against Adshead which I believe will be accomodated by delivering quiet possession to our Client without further Trouble — In a Letter which I %rece=d=. from M=r= Stafford this Morning is the following Paragraph (which I hoped to have acquainted you with by having the pleasure to find you here) "When you see M=r=. Orford I wish you would tell him "that I %was sorry I had not an Opportunity of seeing him after I "had lookt into M=r= Russell's Abstract which is such a one as I "never saw before — And I cannot advise M=r= Legh to lay it before the "Council of the Queen's Bounty but have persuaded him to think no "more of the Purchase — For I am sure the Title will not be approved "— And the attempting ^it^ would only lead to a great Expence to answer "no purpose" — I am Sir Your most ob=t= h~ble Serv={*}= Ios.. Cooke To M=r=. Orford at Lyme

Macclesfield Thursday 28 May '72 Sir M=r= Stafford went out of Town yesterday and is not expected home 'till this Evening but when he comes shall make him acquainted with the Contents of your Letter & %suppose it will be agreeable to him to meet at Alderley on Saturday Morng {**} [^torn off^] you propose — If not he will give you early Notice tomorrow. {*...} [^torn off^] ve taken the Liberty to send the Bearer to M=r= Stockton to acquaint him of this & to send his Answer to you. M=r= Stafford may probably give you the Meeting at Stockport but of this I speak at random — however hope you will be able to prevent the Marple People from getting an Order on representing the {state} [^corrected^] of the Case to the Justices I %am Sir Your most hble Serv={*}= I.. Cooke M=r=.. Orford Lyme

Macclesfield 8=th=. August 1772 Sir M=r= Stafford went to Arley this Morning & does not return till tomorrow Evening on which Account it will be impracticable to answer your Letter before you go to Haydock. — As there are some Writings to be got ready for %y=e=. Baxter's Execution which are not at present compleated I am afraid they must still be at the trouble of going to Lyme but if it can be avoided M=r= Stafford will (as I presume) make you acquainted by Monday's Post I am Sir Your obliged humble Serv=t=. Ios.. Cooke Your obliged hble [^Scribbles on rest of the page^] Macclesfield 12 July 1773 Sir By M=r=. Stafford's direction I send you the inclosed, which you will please to lay before M=r=. Legh, and if approved, you'l return the dra=t=. to be ingrossed — M=r=. Stafford thinks it proper that there should be three parts, one for each Brother — He says this ^is^ all he apprehends can be done at present, and the young Gentlemen may execute the Articles as they come of age, taking notice, in the Attestation of their Execution, of the time when they were executed by them respectively. But however these Leases will not be binding upon their Issue, and the only effectual means to empower the granting of such Leases would be by an Act of Parliament to be obtained for the purpose Upon making a further search into the Court-Rolls, it appears that a surrender was passed from the late Peter Gaskell to Trustees (viz — Philip Holland late of Macclesfield & the late M=r= Gaskell of Sowcarr) to the use of his Will in the 25=th=. year of K. Geo: 2=d=. (1751) of all his Estates, a Copy of which hath been delivered and will probably be found amongst his other Writings. I am for M=r= Stafford Sir Your most h~ble Serv=t=. Ios.. Cooke

To M=r=.. Orford Lyme M=r=. Orford Lyme [^At different angle, different hand?^] M=r=. Master M=r=. Legh Ingersley

Macclesfield 16 May 1774 Dear S=r=. By your Favour of the 6=th=. Inst., inclosing the Account of the Legacies, you fix the 24=th=. for settling the late M=r= Gaskell's Affairs. I have since [^corrected^] seen young M=r=. Upton who seem{'}d to think that day would be inconven=t=. to his Father and sayd he would see you about it but as you have not since acquainted us with any Alteration the Writings will be prepared {ags=t=.} [^corrected^] that day — As the Business is likely to take up some time it will be proper to have the Surrenders pass{'}d the day before which is the regular Court-day if you can get word to M=r=. Upton to attend — but if not, I hope you will be here early on the 24=th=. — with M=r= Upton M=r=. John Gaskell M=r= Fran=s=. Gaskell & M=r=. Ryle and after the Surrenders are passed to proceed to Bollington. M=r= Stafford is now at home in good health & desires his Compliments I am D=r=. Sir Your obliged Serv=t=. Ios.. Cooke To M=r=. Orford at Lyme near Stockport [^Postmarked Manchester^]

D=r= Sir This Morning I met with M=r=. Stockton on my Way to Arley who had just before parted with M=r= Stelfox, he having come to Alderley yesterday according to Appointment and not having had Notice to the contrary. It will be inconvenient for him to %be there again before Tuesday the 21 Inst. on which day he proposes to meet you and M=r= Hayes to proceed on the Business at 10 o'Clock. I will send you a part of the Articles which will I think clear up the Queries made by Y=r=.self & the other Referees — before the Meeting — M=r= Stockton has received a Letter from Sir Iohn Stanley in which he seems angry that any of the Land

Owners should offer to attend the Meeting a Copy of which I this morning sent to M=r= Hallows I am D={r}= %S=r=. Y=rs=. most ob=t= hble S=t=. Ios.. Cooke 14 Nov 1775 To M=r=. Orford at Lyme

Macclesfield 28 Nov 1775 D=r=. Sir Ever since I saw you at Alderley I have been so ill of a Cold as to prevent my stirring out — The Bearer brings with him the Title Deeds relating to Ha{s}led{en's} Tenement together with the Abstract; and I shall be obliged to you to make my respectful Compliments to M=r= Legh and make him acquainted with the reason of my not waiting upon him as intended, and that if he will favor me with his Directions about this Business by the Bearer they shall be immediately pursued — You will be so good to point out the ffields (with the Quantity & Value of them) which are intended to be proposed to the Governors. I don't doubt but you will send full Instructions as to the Alderley Inclosures with an Answer to M=r= Stafford's Letter and am S={r}=. Y=r= m=t= %hble Serv~ Ios.. Cooke M=r=. Orford Lyme

Disley 2 Aug '77 D=r= %Sir As I have not time to go from hence to Lyme I have inclosed you Bills for 100=l=. & a Bond filled up which you may either execute now & send to me properly attested, or bring it with you & execute it at Macclesfield the next time you come, if it be soon. I %am D=r= Sir Y=rs=. sincerely Ios.. Cooke I was in hopes of meeting with you at Knutsford Race's. M=r=. Orford Lyme

D=r= %Sir M=r=. Young is gone into Nottinghamshire and will not return of some Weeks so that the Alderley Business must be postponed. The Affair betwixt Hill & M=r= Rowbotham was ended at our Court — I had given Notice of Trial to M=r=. Bower before your Letter came to hand. I am glad to hear you are got better of your late Indisposition & am D=r= Sir Y=rs=. sincerely Ios.. Cooke Macclesfield 27={th}=. Oct 1777 M=r=. Orford Lyme.

D=r=. %Sir I shall certainly be at Home on Saturday Morning next to wait upon M=r= Legh agreeable to your Letters Y=rs=. very sincerely Ios.. Cooke Macclesfield 12={th}=. Feb 1778 M=r=. Orford Lyme.

D=r= %Sir John Swindells brought me your Note concerning the Purchase of John Marsland's Estates — And as Marsland is so slippery a Chap to deal with, I thought it best to detain them in Town while I prepared a Conveyance to you of the Equity of Redemption of the Estate which I have accordingly done and got it executed by him. So that you will have no further Trouble with him upon taking Assignments of the Mortgages to Yourself as [^"he" crossed out^] it will not be necessary that he should be made a party to them. Please to inform me whether you intend to pay M=r=. Booths Money at Candlemas as mentioned in y=r= Note. I am D=r= Sir Y=r=. most h~ble ser=t=. Ios.. Cooke Macclesfield 4 Dec. 1778 M=r=. Orford Haydock near Warrington. [^Postmarked Macclesfield^]

Macclesfield 21 June 1779 D=r= %Sir By the Stat. 1. James 2=d=. chap. 17. "If after the death of a Father any of his Children shall die intestate without Wife or Children in the life time of the mother; every Brother & Sister and the Representatives of them shall have an equal share with her." The Mother would otherwise have taken the whole personal Estate, as being next in degree of Kindred. — Burn's Eccl. Law V. 4. pa. 346. — I have had a Letter from M=r=. Booth in which he is very pressing to have Marsland's Interest settled, so that I hope you will take the first convenient Opportunity of putting an End to that Matter. I have promised him the Int. shall be p=d=. to him as soon as you return to Lyme. I hope to send you the Measure of Birtles Hill in a few days. I forgot the Map in y=r=. Office — please to take some Opportunity of sending it me as soon as you can. I am D=r=%Sir Y=r=. obliged h~ble Serv=t=. Ios.. Cooke M=r=. Orford Lyme

D=r=: %Sir Your favor by a Messenger on Saturday last I received & returned an Answer by him that I would get a Search for the Papers made on M=r= Wright's return he being then from home. — This morning he informs me that he hath not in his Custody nor never saw any single Paper ^or Writing^ relating to M=r= Keck's affairs; and I have made a very particular Search amongst M=r=. Legh's Papers & Writings in my Custody, but do not find any%thing to the purpose. I should therefore think, if you have not already made a thorough search at Lyme, it would be proper to do so, as it is not improbable but that the papers might be returned there when the Settlement was executed. I am D=r= %Sir Y=r=. most h~ble serv=t=. Ios.. Cooke P.S. I believe M=r= Wright hath all the late M=r= Stafford's Papers, except what related to his own Affairs & such as are %in my Custody. Macclesfield 26=th=. July 1779 M=r=. Orford Haydock near [^"Lyme." crossed out^] Warrington

D=r=: %Sir Sir John Stanley hath desired me to write to you to request that you will take the first — opportunity you can of meeting M=r=. Holland (of Sandle Bridge near Knutsford) upon Alderley-Edge to make an Estimate of the y~rly Value & view the Situation with an Eye towards parcelling it out to the best Advantage. M=r=. Holland will meet you any day you appoint giving him a few days notice & fixing the hour & place. I am D=r= %Sir Your most %h~ble serv=t=. Ios.. Cooke Macclesfield 24={th}=. Aug=t=. [^corrected^] 1779 M=r=. Orford Lyme.

Macclesfield 4={th}=. Oct. 1779 D=r= %Sir Inclosed is the Bond you desired. You will be so kind to fill up the names of the Places where M=r= Legh's Lands are situate, as well as the [^corrected^] ^names^ of the Offending Parties, that they may not plead ignorance if caught hereafter in the like Practices. I shall [^corrected^] duly attend to Marsland's Business and am D=r= Sir Y=rs=. very sincerely Ios.. Cooke PS. M=r= B's Money was engaged, but I shall quest Elsewhere. M=r=. Orford

Macclesfield 1 Nov 1779 D=r=. Sir Herewith you receive back the writings. The Mortgage shall be prepared ready for your Messenger against tomorrow night as you desire, And I shall be at — home from Wednesday Even={g}= next til Monday. — I think it will be most proper to set forth your present Bonds {&} Note in the Mortgage & make it for better Security of the Money due thereupon [^corrected^] & in Cons of the Money now advanced. I %am always Y=rs=. very truly Ios.. Cooke M=r= Orford

Macclesfield 11 Nov 1779 D=r= %Sir I am very sorry it is not in my power to wait on M=rs=. Ann Legh [^"in the" crossed out^] ^tomorrow^ Morning owing to a bad Accident which at present confines me to my bed. I have therefore sent you the Papers by the Bearer, but am afraid you will hardly receive them in time to get them executed tonight tho I have given him all the Dispatch I can. The Papers tied with Tape must %be kept by [^"M=rs= A Legh" crossed out^] ^You^ — the others deliv=d= [^letter crossed out^] to M=rs=. A Legh — The reason why it is proper for you to keep the former Securities is because they — are recited in the Mortgage and it would appear improper to have stated that the whole 1400=l= was advanced at one time. I am D=r= Sir Y=r=. m=t= %hble serv=t=. Ios.. Cooke PS. The Accident above is the scalding of both my legs very ill M=r=. Orford Lyme

Macclesfield 29 Nov=r=. 1779 D=r= %Sir I received yours with the Box. This unlucky Accident to my Legs has prevented my getting out [^"before" crossed out^] ^'til^ Saturday when I went to Chester from whence I am just returned. I am obliged to go for London (on an Appointment made several Weeks [^corrected^] ago) on Thursday or Friday next, where I shall stay about 10 days or a Fortnight. If my return would suit M=r=. Legh I would immediately afterwards set about th{e} [^corrected from "this"^] Business he may have occasion to be transacted; but if it be his desire to have it done before I go, I will postpone the Journey for a few days to wait on him, any day this Week he is pleased to appoint. Please to present my respectful Compliments to M=r=. Legh & inform me of his pleasure, as soon as possible. {*...} [^torn off^] D=r= Sir Y=r=. very h~ble serv=t=. Ios.. Cooke M=r= Orford

D=r= %Sir I think the enclosed Bond will be sufficient for the purpose of binding M=r= Newton to pay the Money — if m=r= Astley fails to do so I am D=r= %Sir Y=r= %m={t}= %hble %serv={*}= Ios.. Cooke The Deed appears right Macclesfield 25 Aug 1781 M=r=. Orford Lyme

Macclesfield 13={th}=. Sept. 1781 D=r= %Sir Inclosed are Surveys of two Farms in Alderley which Sir J Stanley wishes you to Value the Tenants Terms being nearly expired. If you could let me know by the Bearer what day you can attend I would acquaint Sir J Stanley therewith as he may probably want to speak with you upon some other Business. I am D=r= Sir Your most obed=t=. hble serv=t=. Ios.. Cooke PS. I suppose you are acquainted with having been nominated sole Referee to determine a Dispute between M=r= Hulley of the One House & Nat. Hamersley a Neighbor of his concerning the getting of some Coals. — I shall be glad to assist you in drawing up y=r=. Award if you undertake the Business. M=r=. Orford Haydock Warrington [^Postmarked Macclesfield?^]

Macclesfield 5 Nov 1781 D=r=. %Sir Your favor I rece=d= this Morning & am sorry you had so long a Jaunt on Saturday, thro' the Mistake of the Se{rv=t=} at Arley. I shall be glad to see you here on Thursday next as proposed and am D={r}= Sir Y=r=. obliged h~ble ser={*}= Ios.. Cooke M=r=. Orford Lyme

Macclesfield 21 Nov 1781 D=r= %Sir Inclosed you {****}e [^torn off^] the Measure of Isaac Baskervyle's Farm — shall be obliged to you for the Valuation of that {&} Downes's as soon as convenient I also trouble you with my Bill on M=r= Keck's Account — which you will be so kind to take some Opportunity of laying before him. Please to forward the enclosed to M=rs=. Hancock at Disley for D=r= %Sir Your most h~ble serv=t=. Ios.. Cooke M=r=. Orford Lyme

6=d=— 7.2 7.8 D=r=. %Sir I went yesterday into the Forest according to Appointment but find nothing can be done from that Quarter without La{n}d Security — please to say whether it is probable such will be obtained or can you think of any other mode of raising it and have you heard anything more ab=t=. the 500=l= — I am D=r= Sir Y=rs=. very truly Ios.. Cooke 2 Jan~ry 1782. The 700=l= is all in Cash if the Materials could be agreed on M=r=. Orford Haydock Warrington [^Postmarked Macclesfield^]

Macclesfield 17={th}=. June 1782 D=r=. %Sir I received the favor of your Letter of the 15=th=. Inst and am sorry you have had no better Success respecting the 300=l=. — The want of it is of great Inconvenience to M=r= J Legh and I hope you will not be disappointed at the time you mention as I do not know how to answer the Consequence. M=r= Lowndes shewed me his Writings when I was last in London & I convinced him of the necessity of lev{y}ing a ffine to enable him to make good his Title, otherwise I think it would still have been longer delayed — I have no Objection to M=r=. Kerfoot's preparing the Convey~ce & shall write to him by this day's post to that Effect. Circular Letters have been sent to the Tenants of the Adlington Es~te {&} Tythes to pay their Rents up to Lady day last forthwith — There appears to be due for the {Corn} Tythe of Lyme {&} Hanley 19={l}=.0={s}.0={d}= {&} for small Tythe 1={l}=.0={s}=.0=d= from M=r= Legh — Please to remit a Bill for that money to M=r= Mottershead or see him at Barnaby Fair on w~ch day I hope you will dine with Y=r= most ob=t= Ios.. Cooke M=r=. Orford Lyme

D=r= Sir The enclosed Letter is to inform M=r= Legh that M=r=. Davenport will be at Lyme on Tuesday Evening. The next Morning I purpose having the Pleasure of seeing you there also, & am D=r= Sir Your most ob=t=. Ios.. Cooke Macclesfield (_25 Aug=t=._) 1782 PS. I have written a Line to M=r= Legh inclosing M=r= Davenport's Letter. — If you can send word to M=r= Hancock at Disley please to inform him I %will come to Disley the same day, Wednesday. M=r=. Orford Lyme [^Accounts, possibly in different hand, omitted^]

Macclesfield 30=th=. Sept 1782 D=r=.. Sir Thursday the 24=th=. of October will suit me very well for Newton Court so that you will please to give Notice to the Bailiff [^corrected^] accordingly. I am Very sincerly Yours Ios.. Cooke M=r=. Orford Lyme

Macclesfield 3=d= Oct 1782 D=r= Sir I received by the Bearer M=r= Keck's Mort~ge of the Leicestershire Es~te to m=r= Legh for 5000£. If you should have an Opportunity of looking amongst the Old Writings relating to the Cheshire Estate I apprehend You will find amongst them a Mortgage of Norbury which I suppose was discharged soon after M=r= Fleetwood Legh's Marriage in 1723, as it is mentioned to be owing in his Marriage Settlement dated in that Year — consequently the date of the Mortgage was prior to that time — It was made by the late Peter Legh Esq (the present M=r= Legh's Uncle) to the Hon=(_ble_)= & Rev=d=. Henry Finch for securing 1000£ & Interest — In case you should meet with it and any Assignment or Deed shewing how it was discharged I could wish you to send it me; if not, I believe it will be necessary for me to wait on M=r= Legh to have a search for it in order to clear up the Title. I am D=r= Sir Your obliged h~ble serv=t=. Ios.. Cooke M=r=. Orford

Macclesfield 29 Oct. [^corrected^] 1782 D=r=. %Sir Having a bad Cold I do not care to venture so long a Journey this wet Morning and must request you to excuse my Clerk holding the Court who will transact the Business of today as well as myself. I send by him sundry Bills value £175.0.0 — on Account of M=r= Brocklehurst's sum to be advanced on Norbury for which you will be so kind to return a Receipt — In all Probability you will be at our Fair on Monday the 11=th=. Nov. when I purpose making up the above to 400=l=. — or if you don't come will send it by some safe hand if you can direct one to call for it. I am D=r= %Sir Your obliged h~ble serv=t=. Ios.. Cooke M=r=. Orford Lyme

Macclesfield 5 Nov 1782 D=r= Sir I shall be at home every day this Week after tomorrow. I return you the 10=l=. Bill endorsed. A good Title cannot properly be made to the premises mentioned in the Will you sent without the Concurrence of the Heir at Law, but you will inform me more of the Circumstances when I have the pleasure of seeing You. With Complim=ts=. to M=r= Hole, I %am D=r= Sir Yours very sincerely Ios.. Cooke M=r=. Orford Lyme (_With Cash 113={l}=.0={s}=.0=d=_)

Macclesfield 11 Nov 1782 D=r=. Sir I send you inclosed sundry Bills Value 77=l=.0=s=.0=d=, with Cash 113=l=., in all 190=l=; which with the Bills Value 210=l= before p=d= makes 400£ for which you will be pleased to get the enclosed Receipt signed by M=r= Legh and witnessed by yourself & return it me. Sir J Stanley was here this Morning and wishes you to spend a day at Alderley this Week or the next in valuing one or two small Farms if convenient. I %am D=r=. Sir Your most h~ble serv=t=. Ios.. Cooke [^Accounts on other page omitted^] {*...}rford [^torn off^] Lyme

Macclesfield 7 Decem={*}= 1782 D=r= %Sir Inclosed you receive the Bond you desired — Should not the Capt. & his Brother or at least one of them exe~te the Bond before you present it to m=r= Legh? — This I submit to %your Consideration & am D=r= Sir Your most hble serv=t= Ios.. Cooke M=r=. Orford Lyme

Macclesfield 30=th=. Dec=r=. — 1782 D=r= Sir I think myself particularly unfortunate in not being able to perform my promise in coming to Lyme tomorrow. You will see the reason by the enclosed Letter which is this Moment brought me and which (if you have mentioned my Intention to M=r= Legh) I beg you will shew him, with my humble Respects & Complim=ts=. of the Season — and I hope in all Events to be with you on Thursday or ffriday next if not inconvenient to him. I am D=r= %Sir Your most h~ble serv=t=. Ios.. Cooke M=r=. Orford

Macclesfield 9=th=. Oct 1783 D=r= Sir In the Year 1776 Miss Anna Taylor was intitled to the %several parcels of Land mentioned in the enclosed particular lying in the Open fields in Castle Donnington. In 1777 Miss Taylor sold the same to a M=r=. Crosby for 266=l=., and agreed to let 200=l=. part of the purchase money remain upon mort~ge of the Land, at 4=l=.10=s= P~Cent. Some time after the Sale the Open fields in Castle Donnington were inclosed; and Crosby being intitled to other Lands there, before the Inclosure, as well as those sold to him by Miss Taylor, an Allotment was made to %him, upon the inclosure, in lieu of the whole, but it is apprehended Miss Taylors Mort~ge was never altered — Crosby afterwards became Bankrupt, and is since dead; and his Assignees sold part of his Allotment, but %that part which was allotted in lieu of Miss Taylor's land still remains unsold, and it is apprehended to be a defective security for the 200=l=., & upwards of 2 Years int~ now due upon it. The part allotted to Miss Taylor is not ascertained, but M=r=. Wyatt one of the commissioners can most probably set forth the Quantity & Situation. —

The Business of the Sale & Mort~ge was conducted for Miss Taylor by D=r=. Harrison of Derby, in whose hands the writings now %are, & %from whom you will learn further particulars. I %wish you to enquire from M=r=. Wyatt or some other of the Comm~rs (if you have opportunity) concerning the quantity & Situation of the Land allotted in lieu of Miss Taylors; &, from D=r=. Harrison whether a %Bond for %payment & perf{~ce} was given by Crosby along with the Mort~ge, & who were the Assignees of Crosby's Estate; and whether Miss Taylor's Debt was proved under the Commission of Bankruptcy or not; and whether any Dividend hath been made of %the Bankrupt's Effects, — or any Effects remains in hand. If the Assignees reside in Derby these Questions will more properly be answered by them, & you could at the same time learn whether they would join Miss Taylor (now M=rs=. Swanwick) in a %Sale. — When you have been at Derby I shall trust to hearing from you the first convenient Opportunity, & am D=r=. Sir Your Obliged hble Ser={t}=. Ios.. Cooke The Comm~rs upon the Inclosure were Edward Dawson of Donnington ^Park^ Esq Samuel Wyatt of Burton upon Trent ) [^large curly bracket^] Thomas Oldknow of Nottingham ) Iohn Sultzer of Burton Overy ) Gent William Dickinson of Gopsal ) [^different hand^] [^"M=r=. Sanders of Mackworth" crossed out^] M=r=. Smith of Packington [^Note added by that hand, probably Orford's^] M=r=. Cox of Brelsford bo=t=. the whole Close of M=r=. Websters Ass~. for 260=£= or thereabout which Close is about 8 Acres. M=r=. Orford Haydock near Warrington [^Postmarked Congleton^]

Macclesfield 21 Feb~ry 1784 D=r= %Sir M=r= Legh is now at this place and hath directed me to write to you to search at Haydock for the Papers relating to Newton-Election which were drawn up at the time of M=r= Blackburne's Affair — They contain an Account of the Voters &c and if you do not meet with them, you will apply to M=r= Starkie who will probably give you an Account of them. I have searched amongst the Papers in my Custody but do not find those now wanted. I am D=r=. Sir Your most obed={t}=. serv=t=. Ios.. Cooke M=r=. Orford Lyme

Macclesfield 4={th}=. Iuly — 1785 D=r=. %Sir Inclosed you have the Dr=t=. you desired. M=rs= Cooke tells me you left with her a Bank [^corrected^] Bill for 25=l=.0=s=.0=d= saying some person would call for it. No one having done so & as you don't mention it in y=r=. Letter, I don't know what to do with it. M=r=. Brocklehurst Jun=r= tells me you probably meant it for him but M=rs=. Cooke says that was not the name you mentioned. Please to say how you would have it disposed of. — I have heard from M=r= Stonehewer who says that M=r= Jackson has prepared a new Lease of the Fines & Herriots to M=r= Legh & that he ^(M=r= Jackson)^ will send it with an Acc=t=. of the Expences very speedily. I am D=r=. %Sir Your most ob serv={t}= Ios.. Cooke M=r= Orford Lyme near Stockport [^Postmarked Macclesfield^]

6000 600 5400 Macclesfield 11 Aug 1785 D=r=. %Sir I rece=d=. your favour of the 5={th}= Inst. with the £10.0.0 which you'l see by the annext Acc={t}=. is 5£ short of the money I have p=d=. — that you may settle some other Opportunity. M=r=. Jackson hath not yet sent the Acc=t=. or Lease. I returned him the Dr=t=. by the next Coach after I saw you. I am surpri{z}ed you have not yet got Echus's Acc={t}=. — I wrote about it since I last saw you — I suppose M=r=. Darlington's [^corrected^] Attention to his Father in law's Affairs who is lately dead hath taken him from home. I will remind him of it & am D=r=. %Sir Your most obed={t}= serv={t}= Ios.. Cooke M=r= Orford D=r=. l s d To M=r= Twemlow 15.0.0 [^corrected^] M=r= Brocklehurst 25.0.0 l s d 40.0.0 C=r=. Bank Note 25.0.0 ) 35.0.0 [^large curly bracket^] Cash 10 — ) Rem=s=. £5.0.0 M=r=. Orford Lyme near Stockport [^Postmarked Macclesfield^]

Macclesfield 19 Sept 1785 D=r=. %Sir I acquainted the Messenger who left your Letter that I would send an Answer this day if you had the opportunity of getting any person to call for it — but no one having called I trouble you with a Line by the post to prevent disappointment M=r=. Brocklehurst says it will not be in his power (or his son's) to advance 200=l=. to the 500£ at the time you mention; and that if it suits M=rs=. Keck to pay in the latter sum at the end of October, he will be willing to receive it on being informed immediately — or he will receive it any time afterwards upon reasonable notice. I am D=r=. %Sir Your most hble serv=t= Ios.. Cooke M=r=. Orford Lyme

Macclesfield 11 Nov 1785 D=r=. Sir When the person sent by M=r= Marsden called for the enclosed Writings I happened to be from home or they would have been sent by him. I hope they will come in time & am D=r=. Sir Your most hble serv={*}= Ios.. Cooke I have not yet got Echus's Account but M=r= Darlington informs me there will be ab={t}=. 40=l=. in his hands I therefore enclose you a 30=l= bank note & will settle the Difference when I get the Acc=t=. & see you. [^Note, probably by Orford^] Grimshaws Ink Nov. 1785 M=r=. Orford Lyme near Stockport [^Postmarked Macclesfield^]

Macclesfield 8=th=. March 1788 D=r=. Sir on my return from London this morning I find that Iohn Hordern left in my Son's Hands 200£ in Cash in part of Bradshaw's Fine money and a Note is taken from Bradshaw & %his Son for 50£ & %the charge of the Lease payable at Michaelmas next — & %the Lease is also left in my Hands according to your directions for better securing the money — You will therefore be pleased to send for the Money & %Note by some safe Hand the first opportunity. I %am D=r=. Sir Y=r=. most obed={t}=. hble Serv={t}= Ios.. Cooke M=r=. Orford Lyme

M=r=. Cooke's Complim=ts=. to M=r= Orford & hath sent Receipts for the Bills agreeable to his Directions — Also the 200£ Cash rece=d= from Hordern for Bradshaw & is sorry he was from home on Saturday. The Acc={t}= may be settled some other Opperty. 24 Mar={*}= 1788 M=r= Orford Steward to Peeter Leigh Esq=r= Lyme Hall near Dissley

Manchester July 12 - 178{8} — (_Sir_) Inclosed have sent you a bill Value £9— which is 1=£=/17=s= short of the Ballance, if you will order any person to Call for the Ballance we [^second "e" crossed out^] will Send it by them, Whoud have Wrote to you sooner but Chou'd not Sight of a bill to your sum, unless Getting one drawn, We have Made Enquiry about the Anti Attrition axletrees, which the are Cheifly Used for Mail Coaches, for the Look so heavy to the Eye, that we think is the Reason the are not Made More Use of, for Gentlemans Carriages, and we are Greatly Oblidgd to you for all feavours, shoud be Glad to know by a Line, Miss Leighs determination Concearning New Wheels for the Coach Or a New Chaise, We are (_Sir_) Your Most Obt: Hbl Servants Ioseph & Tho=s= Cooper [^Notes in different hand, mostly accounts, omitted^] To M=r=. Orford

Good Sir On Friday next we shall apply for an Order to Remove henry Richardson his Wife & Family either to Disley or Lyme handley, and M=r=. Barlow the Bearer hereof is goeing to give Notice accordingly to the overseers of those sev={l}= Townships — We can't avoid Inquireing after the Lease which the Grandfather had of the Brink in Lyme handley — and which was sur{r}enderd by the son either to the present M=r= Leigh or his Uncle, and we must beg the favour of you to make all proper Jnquiries about it, and give us the best information in your power in relation thereto — J was Surprized to %see the backwardness of the two Richardsons you sent over in del{e}vering their Testimony — It was very plain they cou'd have said more if they wou'd — J %am S=r= Your Obliged & most ob={t}= S={t}= Sam={l}=: Cooper Stockp={*}=. 3=d=: Sepr. 1771 — M=r=. Orford at his House How Lane

[^Accounts omitted^] D=r=. (_Sir_) J shall be at Mellor tomorrow, on Receipt of the Rents, and if you can possibly make it Convenient J must beg of you to give me the meeting, J don't Care how Early you are there, as J have sev={l}=. matters to Confer with [^some letters crossed out^] you about, and if you'll fix your Time, J will Certainly meet you — J send this Messenger on purpose that J may not be Disappointed — The Exact Quantity of the {there} inclosed Land, that arnfield is to have, wants to be ascertained, is one material Thing — you'll favour me with a Line at what Hour, J may Expect to meet you you'l{l} be so good to Excuse this Short Notice from Good Sir your most ob={t}=. S=t=. Sam={lls}=: Cooper stockp={*}=: Wednesday mo{rn=g=} D=r=. (_Sir_) M=r=. Clark writes me Word this Morning, that you & he had appointed to be here tomorrow about 10, to look into the State of the Turnpike accounts, J am Exceeding Sorry it happens So, but tomorrow is a Court of Tryalls at ma{cc}lesfield, which J am Obliged to attend, and if J don't go there too%Night Shall set out in the Morning by 6 — and J think J %shan't return before Tuesday — any Day after M=r=. Clark & you shall appoint will be ready to Attend you — J %w{as} in hopes you wou'd have Called long ago, as you promised when J %last Saw you — Wednesday Sevenight at the A{nch}or [^"{will be}" crossed out^] is the next meeting — Cou'd you be here in the Morning by Ten, you might then Satisfy yourself in respect to the [^word crossed out^] accounts, but if you Come here before then, shou'd be glad to know the Day you fix that J may be at Home you'll perhaps be kind enough to send the inclosed Not{ice} to {W}haley to be sent up at that Bar — J %am s=r= your most serv={*}= Sam=l=: Cooper Stockp=t=. 24: ap: 1774 — to M=r=. Orford.

D=r=. Sir J am Satisfied your Method of drawing out the account is very right, but it will be mighty tedious to go further back than the Ballance on the Settlem=t=. in June 1769 and if you bring down that [^"B" crossed out^] Sum to this Time, don't you think it will be Sufficient & Satisfactory — J am Sorry you shou'd have so much Trouble in this Busieness, but if you will be so obligeing to let the account be drawn out & Settled as you think is right J will thankfully Satisfy you for your Trouble — In hast to go to max~f{ie}ld, J remain D=r= S=r= your obliged & most ob={t}= s=t=. Sam={l}=: Cooper Stockp=t=. 28=th=: June 1774 — M=r=. Orford — [^Note, the other side of the paper up^] you'l{l} let me have my last year's account back —

D=r=. Sir J %have Transcribed your account into my Bookes and herewith you have my last years account agreeable to your plan, the Ballance of my accoun{t} with you & in your favour is 18=l=:17=s=:4=d= — J Cou'd not otherwise insert the payments for your Roads, than J %have done, not knowing how the same had been applyed M=r= Dickenson desired me to send the last years account to him at {Taxal}, which J accordingly did, and yesterday he returned it me, the same as J here send you with a Lre for you, which you herewith receive he writes he shall be here on Monday — J understand there is likely to be a {full} meeting — J am sure J shall always acknowledge myself greatly obliged to %you, and J am very happy now the Bookes are set right as J apprehend they are, and your method of keeping them J think is a very good one you'l{l} let me see you as Early as you can on Monday Morning — [^At different angle^] J %am S=r= Your Obliged & most ob={*}= s=t= Sam={l}=: Cooper 24: June 1775 — M=r=. Orford

(_Sir_) J only heard a few Days ago, of {man}y Reflections upon me as Treasurer of the Turnpike, and J am told they have Arisen Chiefly from what you have said on that account — Cou'd any%one [^line break^] of the least Feeling be so Cruel; and Especially where J thought there had been some Friendship — Admit my Jntentions to be ever so Bad (but Thank God Such Baseness never yet Entred my Heart) J must not only be a Rogue, but the greatest Fool, as J %was sure to be Detected, when the Bookes came to be Examined, which was proper they shou'd, whoever had the Care of them, and so far from my haveing an Objection to their being inspected, J desired you might be appointed for that purpose This affair you may Jmagine hursts me no little, that after So long an Jmployment without any just Imputation to my Character J %shou'd at this Time of Life be thus Reflected upon — All J desire is that you will please to do me Justice in regard to the state you found my Bookes in, and J %shall be glad of an Jnterview some Time

When it is Convenient — J am S=r= your %most h~le S={*}=. Sam={l}=: Cooper Stockp={*}=. 10=th=: July 1775. M=r=. Orford How-Lane

D=r=. Sir I this Morning received your Obligeing L~re, and am Sorry for the Trouble J have given you — J %am perfectly Satisfied with the Subject of it, and beg no more may be said of the Matter — The hints J %had, were from M=r= Dickenson and J %believe they Came the Derbyshire way, but it is not Material from whence the Rise, your Letter has intirely given me Satisfaction, and J %shall allways be glad to see M=r= orford when ever he is pleased to do me favour of a Call J %am D=r= %S=r=. Your Obliged & most ob={*}=. s=t= Sam={l}= Cooper stockp={*}=. 15=th=: July 1775. M=r=. Orford Lyme

D=r=. s=r=. M=r=. Clarke had told the Re{c}t=r=. of the money that was to be advanced, and he applyed to me about it, upon which J %wrote to M=r=. Dickenson, who sent me Word that he had [^"advanced" crossed out^] procured 100=l=, and M=r=. Watson might assist with the Rem=t=. J %sent M=r=. Dickenson's L~re to the Re{c}t=r=. and in a Day or two afterwards he brought me do{wn} 300=l=, and promised the {Re}m=t=. when it was wanted, but J %must return him his money — J %shall be glad to see you when you next Come this Way, I %want to talk ^to^ you ab={*}=. the scheme of incloseing Mellor Moor, J am informed you have been Spoken to about it — J am s=r= Your most ob={*}=. hle s=t= Sam={l}=: Cooper Stockp=t=. 23=d=: July 1777. M=r=. Orford Marple Car~ p=d=.

D=r=. Sir J herewith return you the Writeings you was so Obligeing to leave with me, the Allotment under those Articles J observe was to be made in proportion to the yearly Value of the Estates, and all the Charges bo{rn} in the like proportion, now our scheme was to go according as the Old Lands were rated to the Land {T}ax, [^"{wa}" crossed out^] which do you apprehend is the most Equal Method? J think you told me, you cou'd help me to the Sight of another Article Entred into by other parties, on an Jnclosure of the like kind, if you can J shall be oblig{e}d to %you for it, and when J %have Settled ours as J think is right Shall be glad to Consult you [^"{wether}" crossed out^] about it, before it is Jngrossed — J am S=r= your Obliged & most hle S=t=. Sam={l}= Cooper Stockp={*}= 6=th=: Aug={*}=. 1777. I reced yours relateing to the Turnpike meeting M=r=. Orford

D=r=. Sir J am Obliged to you for your kind Jnquiry after my Son Thank God, J hope he is out of Danger, and in a fair Way of Recovery, the Doctor thinks he may have better Health for the future, than he has ever had in his Life before — J'l{l} pay m=r=. Jodrell's order without any further Trouble young M=r=. Newton tells me that porter is to have more money from M=r=. {Fr}ith, and [^"y" crossed out^] that both you and J shall be paid soon J %am D=r= %S=r=. your obliged & most ob={t}=. S={t}= Sam={l}=: Cooper Stockp={*}=. 4: Feb: 1778. M=r=. Orford Lyme

D=r=. Sir You will herewith receive the Articles of Reference, Executed by all the Freeholders, in regard to the Division of Mellor Moor, J %have wrote to M=r= hegginbotham, to wait upon you, to fix the Time for your goeing over, and when you have Settled the plan, for your pro{c}eeding, you'l{l} be so good to give the Busieness, all the Dispatch in your power — J am S=r= your Obliged & most ob={*}=. S=t= Sam={l}=: Cooper Stockp={*}=. 3=d=: July 1778. M=r=. Orford Lyme

D=r=. Sir I Shall be glad to know if you are doeing any%Thing, tow=ds=. the Division of Mellor ^Moor,^ the favour of a Line will greatly oblige Your most ob={*}= S=t=. Sam={l}=: Cooper Stockp=t=. 24: Iuly 177{8} — [^Scribbles, probably in the same hand, omitted^] M=r=. Orford How Lane

D=r=. Sir J %shall be goeing to London, in a Fortnight, and wish to [^"{be}" crossed out^] take[^"{ing}" crossed out^] up with me the plan you propose of Mellor Moor, M=r=. Chetham has wrote Sev=l=. Times to know how you go on, and J %have promised him a plan when J %Come to Town, and J %hope you'll Contrive to be ready with it please to favour me with a Line, which will much oblige D=r= S=r= your most ob={*}=. Serv={*}=. Sam={l}= Cooper Stockp={*}=: 9=th=: Dec=r=. 1778. D=r=. Sir M=r=. Chetham came to Stockp={*}=. on Tuesday last, and the utmost of his Stay will not be longer than Monday Sevenight he is now with me and begs if possible you will Contrive to be over here before he returnes, for he is very desireous of haveing Some Discourse with you — J he sends his Compliments, and J am D=r= S=r= Your Obliged & most ob={t}=. S=t= Sam={l}=: Cooper Stockp=t=. 8: May 1779 M=r= Chetham desires his Compliments to m=r= Legh M=r=. Orford.

D=r=. Sir J have had a L~re from M=r=. Chetham, and he Seems Determined upon Selling his Estate, and is Impatient of haveing it lookt over again by you — Jf you can, J %wish you wou'd meet me tomorrow at Mellor as Early as you please that Something may be got forward in the Busieness — We must take our Chance as to the Weather — J send the Bearer on purpose, that J may Certain of your answer, and am Good S=r= your most ob={*}=. Serv={*}= Sam={lt}= Cooper Stockp={*}=: 28=th=: Aug={*}=. 1782 D=r=. S=r=. Tomorrow J Can't Conveniently, but will be at the publickhouse at Mellor on Saturday Morning betwixt Nine & Ten, and hope you'l{l} be able to give me the Meeting, who am S=r= Your Obliged & most {h~le} S={*}=. Sam={lt}=: Cooper Stockp={*}=: 29={h}=: Aug={*}=. 1782 D=r=. Sir M=r=. Stelfo{or} will be here on Tuesday Morning, when J hope to have the pleasure of seeing you, and am Your most ob={*}=. Serv={*}=. Sam={lt}=: Cooper Stockp={*}=: 8=th=: Sept=r=. 1782. M=r=. Orford — Lyme.

Good Sir At the meeting on Monday last, which was a pretty full one, Jt was ordered that the accounts of the several Surveyors and persons Employed, in the repair of the Road from this Town, to Whaley Bridge, shou'd be produced, at the next adjourned Meeting of the Trustees, to be on the Second Monday in Jan=ry=. next, at the White Lyon in this Town, to be then inspected & Examined, of which J was Directed to give imediate Notice, and that no more money must be laid out, on the Turnpike account, betwix{'}t & that Time, you'l{l} therefore be pleased to acquaint Bowden, {F}orbington & Mellor, and Such others as are Employed und=r=. you, of this Notic{e}, as soon as possible, and you'll see, J %have no Doubt, of their Comeing properly prepared at the next Meeting — you'l{l} be so obligeing to return me the Vouchers J lent you, at the next Meeting or at any other Time that is most Convenient to you J am Good Sir Your most ob={*}=. S={t}=. Sam={lt}=: Cooper Stockp={*}=: 16=th=: Nov=r=. 1785.

The Com=rs=. that attended at the last Meeting, were S=r=. Jn={o}=. Moseley M=r=. Jodrell, M=r= Legh Booths, M=r=. Jacson, M=r=. Brooksbank, M=r=. porsley M=r=. prescott, M=r=. Bentham, M=r=. Bayley [^"&" crossed out^] M=r=. Nathan [^corrected^] hyde & M=r=. Joseph Dale — M=r=. Oorford Lyme [^Postmarked Manchester^]

Sir Haveing lately heard [^"that" crossed out^] of M=r= Marsdens death, Ive made bold to Derect these lines to You, to beg You to stea{t} me the mode of application, for Payment of a %pair of Boots wich has lain in my Boo{k}s from the 12 Iuly 1787 — Value one Pound eight Shillings. Your Complyance with this Request, will add to the fa{v}or{s} Conferd, and be esteemd a great Favor by Sir Your mo=st= Obedie{n}t [^corrected^] Hum=le= Serv={t}= Tho={s}=: Coppock Cannon Street Manchester 8 Iune / 90. M=r= Orford Lyme

M=r= Orford Sir I only find 11=s=/10=d= Charg'd to m=r= Leigh as above, since you paid me his Acc=t= in 1777 — The Inclos'd is due from M=rs= Ann Leigh — In any%thing I can serve the Familey with their Com=ds= will be thankfully rec=d= by Sir y=r=. Oblig'd & mo %Obed=t= Ser=t= W=m=. Coppock [^Accounts omitted^] M=r=. Orford at Lyme

Sir I have order'd half a %pound of Wooll to be dyed exactly to your pattern, it may be ready to send on Tuesday next, but if it comes sooner, shall forward it directly. I %am Sir your most Humble Serv=t=. Luke Cotes Manchester 10 Sep=r=. 1771 To M=r=. Richard Alford Lyme hall Hansley [^Added in different hand^] N{r} Stockport Cheshire [^Second hand^] Missent to [^Postmarked Knutsford^] [^Postmarked Congleton?^]

1777 June the 28=th= Biddulph Saffordshier Sir J have sent you word of the Names of the two lives William Waller Son of Ralph Waller farmer Jn Biddulph age 10=y= Thomas Cottrell my son Age 14 years Sir you must fix a time When you must have your Money J desier you will write to Joseph barber in Wincle and he will help me to it from your umble Servant John Cottrell [^Different hand^] £30 [^At different angle^] Six Wks [^Accounts in pencil omitted^] To M=r= Gaskill Bollington to Be forward{e}d to Lime With All Speed

11=th= of Iune 1778 Iohn Cottrell Biddulph Y=r={o B st} M=r= Alford Sir I Desire You to [^"Me" crossed out^] Bring Me the Lease At the Rent Day And I %intend to Give You the Meeting and to Loose the Same And in so Doing You Will Greatly Oblidge Your {HB}St Iohn Cottrell Frodsham 17 Iuly 1788 Sir One Tho=s= Barrow who was Clarke to W=m= Tomlinson of this place & to whom M={r}= Tomlinson turnd over his Coal Trade here, orderd from Your Pitts in Lancashire his Coals but Your Agents were diffident of his Credit & always made out their Notes to Tomlinson in consequence of which Barrow gave his [^corrected^] Money to Tomlinson & Tomlinson remitted You on Your Agents in his own Drafts drawn in Your or Your Agents favor, dureing the time there was two Bills that Tomlinson drew for £86— was running Tomlinson died & I beleive his Affairs will not turn out so as to give every%One their own, but Barrow out of an honest disposition has in a measure promised to be answerable for Tomlinsons Drafts He begun the World with a %small Capital & I fear was You to press him it woud nearly ruin him & I think He proposes very honorably, if You please to order Your Agents to receive what dividend Tomlinsons effects will pay & He will [^"afterwards" crossed out^] pay One half of the Money that may afterwards be short, Your Character is such that I think You woud not hurt the Young Man & You'll excuse me tho' unknown writeing to You upon the Subject, but beleive me Sir Your %most ob=t= Hble Ser W{m} Crosbie

Peter Legh Esq=r= Lyme Hall [^Draft of Orford's answer^] (_Sir_) I %am favor'd with yours of %the 17. Ins=t=. and have laid your Inclosed Letter before my Master, who has given for Answer, that he expects M=r=. Barrow to pay one half of the £86 immediately, and the other half he is willing to postpone till the late M=r=. [^"Barrows" crossed out^] ^Tomlinson's^ affairs are settled, and in Case M=(_r_)= [^"Bro{rro}" crossed out^] ^Barrow^ sh=d=. prove a %great Sufferer M=r= %Legh will then assist M=r= Barrow in part of his Suffering, but cannot think of lying out of the whole debt till M=r= Tomlinson's affairs are made an end of, As M=r=. Barrow both %promised and gave it under his Hand to take up the Bills when they came returned. I %am Sir &c [^Orford's signature^] To W=m= Crosbie Esq=r=. Frodsham Frodsham 17 Iuly 1788 Sir I am desired by poor Tho=s= Barrow to hand You the inclosd to be %presented to M=r= Legh as the contents tells itself need not recapitulate to You the same, but You wou'd do a Fre{i}ndly action by makeing use of Your rethoric to M=r= Legh in his favor, I am Sir Your %most %hble Ser W{m} Crosbie M=r=: Rich=d=. Orford Lyme

M=r=. Orford Sir The Haunch of Venison you sent shall be duely forwarded to%day — The small parcel of bound Books — M=rs=. Bancks as sent to Haddock I %am Your Obliged Humble Serv=t=. Charles Crossley Warrington Sep=r=. 1. 1781 M=r=: Rich=(_d_)= Orford at Lyme Hall near Disley [^Postmarked Warrington^]

M=r=. Orford Sir The Sacks you gave Bro=r=. an order to gett. was Sent by the Coach and will be at Manchester this Evening I %am Your Obliged Humble Serv=(_t_)= Charles Crossley Warrington Novem=r=. 16=th=. 1781 [^Different hand than that of the first two letters^] M=r=. Richard Orford Lyme. [^Accounts omitted^]

M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Dear Sir I am sorry to acquaint you of the Death of my Dear Brother who dyed on Saturday the 24 Instant about 8 o'Clock in the morning. I have sent you herewith a Hatband and a pair of Gloves in remembrance of him. I am Sir your obliged hble %serv=t=. Cha=(_s_)=. Crossley Warrington August 30. 1782 M=r=: Rich=(_d_)= Orford Lyme Hall near Disley [^Postmarked Warrington^]

M=r=. Orford Dear Sir Your Letter J %received, and this Afternoon I received one from M=(_r_)= Ashley — in which; he orders me to acquaint you that Grappenhall Court — is to be held on Friday 9 of Decem=(_r_)= J have acquainted M=(_r_)= Holt of the Same — I %am Sir Your H{u}mble Serv=(_t_)= Cha=(_s_)= Crossley Warrington Novem=(_r_)= 30=th=. 1785 M=(_r_)= Richard Orford Haydock

M=(_r_)= Orford Sir To your Request — J %have Jnclosed you a %Bill on London Value Forty Pounds — on Acc=(_t_)= of Rent due to Madam A— Legh — for the year 88 — the receiving of which{!} — you'll please to acknowledge, and you'll oblige — Your Humble Serv=(_t_)= Cha=(_s_)= Crossley NB — J %sho=(_d_)= be glad to be informed when you Intend being at Warr=(_n_)= M=r=: Orford Haydock Lodge

Warrington Iune 29=th=: 1778 M=r=: Orford (_Sir_) I have sent p~ this day's Coach to London. According to your direction a Salmon. perticulars as Under, — being very Nice and fresh. — They being very Scarse and dear, Have [^corrected^] not had an opportunity to meet with one till now — I %remain — Your Oblig'd Humble Serv=t=— Iohn Crossley To a Salmon 21 pounds 9=d= p=r=: pound 15=s=..9=d= paid for Cord & pack'g 3 Paid Car~ge of the above Salmon to London 5/6: when pack'd 22 pounds 5..6 1..1..6 M=r= Holford

Sunday Ev=g= (_S=r=_) As M=r=. Cooper of Stockport hath bo=t= a seat in the Church — where I now sitt, & hath giv{e}n me notice to quit it — I shall be much obliged to you if you would let me have that seat of m=r= Lee's, which m=r= Cooper now sits in — paying the same rent shall be glad of your answer by m=r= thomson or any opportunity that offers sooner — I am S=r= your obliged Hbl %Ser R Crowther M=r=. Orford Lime Hall Cheshire [^Postmarked Macclesfield^]

Macclesfield 8 Octo~. 89 Sir I %receiv'd Yours this Morning, & have acquainted my Father, when you will be at Home — if Thursday be a fine Day, no doubt my Father will do himself the pleasu{re} of waiting on You, if not on Friday, perhaps M=r=. Ryle may come, I have told, him but it is a little uncertain — Am Sir Y=r=. M=o=. ob=t=. Serv=t=. {I T} Daintry M=r=. Orford

M=r=. Orford (_Sir_) The Bearer M=r=. Cherry will inform you without my description of the nature of my request; And shall esteem myself much oblig'd if you can accommodate me — Will endeavour to wait upon you any day you shall fix to execute the Lease whenever they are ready — With compliments to M=r= Marsden I am Sir Y=r= Obed=t=. & respectfull Hble Serv Mich={l}=. Daintry Leek 3 July 1789. To Mr. Orford Steward at Lyme near Disley Cheshire [^Postmarked Buxton?^] [^Accounts in pencil omitted^]

This Indenture made the fiveteenth day of Iuly in the fifth year of the Reign of our soverign Lord Charles by the Grace of God King of England Scotland France & Ireland Defender of the faith &c Between Thomas Cooper of Eyam in the county of Derby yeoman of one part and Ralph Hegginbotham of ffairfield in the s=d=: county of Derby Yeoman of the other part Wittnesseth that the s=d=. Thomas Cooper for and in Consideration of the sum of five pounds and ten shillings of Good and Lawfull money of England to him paid by the s=d=. Ralph Hegginbotham at and before ensealing & deliveri{ng} of these Presents Hath demised granted {L}eased set and the farm Let And by these presents doth demise grant Lease set and Let to farm unto the s=d=. Ralph Hegginbotham Two Beast Grasses in {*}e Borrows or little woodall with all the title right or Interest that the s=d=. Thomas Cooper hath in and to the s=d=. {*}e Borrows or little Woodall with the appurtenances situate {ly}ing [^corrected^] and being within the fields and Territories of fairfield afforesaid within the Parrish of hope and County of Derby P.S. part of a %copy [^corrected from "coppy"^] of a lease of two Beast Grasses in woodall Dated in 1629 and now in the Occupation of John Bradshaw belonging his Grace the Duke of Devonshire and paid four pence ^a %year^ for the space of 21 years [^"d" rubbed out^] if demanded while this lease was in force — (_Sir_) the above is part of a %lease belonging to woodall which plainly sheweth it is of the same tenure as cunning dale is therefore desire this may go up with the case as well as all other have sent one to m=r=. Lad & M=r=. Stafford and m=r=. Beighton and shall produce the originall next meeting and am yours most obed=t=. Serv=t= Edward Dakin ffairfield 23=d= Agust 1771 — M=(_r_)=. Orford Lyme

1790 Wincham 11th Sep=(_r_)= Sir Daniel Astles has lived in the family of the Hon~ble Booth Grey 3 Years, during that time he has behaved himself as an honest clean good Servant, which enables me to say with Justice to him and my%Self likewise, that I think him a servant in Every Way Suitable for an Under Butlers place in any Gentlemans family, and I make not the least doubt but he will Give You Satisfa{c}tion in his place I am Sir Your most hble %Ser=(_t_)=. Jon: Dakin Rich=d=. Orford Esq={r}=. Lyme near Stockport [^Postmarked Warrington^] [^Note of two words in different hand: "Th{o}{*} q{uist}"^]

Grappenhall 22=d= Iuly 1789 De{a}r %Sir Yours of the 6=h= came to hand by favour of Mr. {*}urgess [^paper damaged^], it was the intention of the majority of the Inhabitants [^corrected from "Inhabitance"?^] to remove the School from the cold and uncomf{o}rtable situation it now stands in where the Sun in Winter scarcely ever shines, to the place you mention, on account of its being a more elegible situation, [^"it now" rubbed out^] and near a fine Spring of Water, a good and safe road for the Children, and its vicinity to the Town, the other situation is more distant a dangerous and further way, and along the Navigation side, and a total {d}eprivation from Water for the Children, {*...} [^torn off^] greeable to the {R}owson's and indeed. {*...} [^torn off^] thirds of the Inhabitants [^corrected^]; It was intended to remove it by private subscription, Boonwork, ^&c^ but not before the consent of both Lords of the manor first obtain'd, If Mr Legh or you have any Objection to the situation proposed the project drops to y=e= ground, as it is not Intended to give offence either at Lyme or Marbury when convenient shoud be proud of your favourable answer I am De{a}r %Sir Your most obe=t=. Humble Serv=t=. Thomas Dakin M=r=. Orford Lyme near Stockport Chesh{ir}e [^Postmarked Liverpool^]

Sir I writ you since I was over at Lyme respecting the Leasing business, but have not been favor'd with an answer. Shou'd the Present Parliamentary business bring you over to Newton, please to advise me thereof and i'll give you the meeting; if not; be kind enough to aquaint me when I shall be shure to find you at Lyme & i'll wait on you there; wishing much to have the Business finaly settled — I am Your mo. Obed={*}=. Serv={*}=. In=o=.. Dale L'pool June 19=th=.. 1790 M=r=. Orford at Newton by Warrington [^In different hand^] {E}ating 2— Liquor 7.3 Horses 4.6 13.9

Sir I am sorry to find by M=r=. Porter that You cannot attend the proposed meeting tomorrow at Blindfoot in Windle, and in consequence thereof, have signified by a Note to M=r=. Penswick that some future day must (as conveniency may suit) [^"must" crossed out^] be fixed upon; of which (when settled) You shall be informed by S=r=. Your Most Obed={t}= Serv={t}=. Tho=s=. Dana 12. Aug={t}=. 1776 M=r=. Orford To M=r=. Orford [^Scribbles in different hand, and accounts, omitted^]

Stockport April 2 1771 sir Upon reviewing our Cash. Acc=t=. I find I have made a Mistake of £10 in my own Favor Instead of the 16..16— you paid me I ought to have had only £6..16 So that I am D=r=. to you £10 — I ask you pardon for making this Mistake and Am sir Your most %hble Serv={*}= Sam=l= Daniel Stockp=t=. April 27 1771 Dear sir I Ask pardon for not sending the Bills yesterday but was so busy I had not [^"t" crossed out?^] Opportunity I have inclosed you 7 Bills Amounting to £120..16..0 I suppose the Number will be ^no^ Inconvenience as I expect you write under Cover which alas I cannot do, being quite frankless I am sir your most Obliged hble Serv={*}=. Sam=l= Daniel To M=r=.. Orford Lyme [^Accounts omitted^]

Stockp=t=. 6=th=. Janry 1772 D=r= sir Your Demand on M=r=. Newton is in the same Situation as when you left it with me I Asked him the Beginning of last Week if he cou'd fix a Time for payment but he replied he cou'd not, So I must give up all Thoughts of getting the Money from him I have sent my Acc=t=. to the 1=st=. of December And Am Your most hble Serv={*}=. Sam=l= Daniel Stockp=t= March 11 1772 Dear Sir Yesterday I reced from you by your Brother £20 and have herein sent you a Bill for Fifty pounds which being nearer to you than M=r=. Craftons I thought might be more Acceptable than my draft As I hope it will prove good. If there be any Hesitation in the Acceptance of it please to write me and I will send you my draft at what Date you mention I am sir Your most hble Serv={t}=. Sam{=l=} Daniel To M=r=. Orford at Lyme

Stockp=t=. May 11 1772 D=r= sir M=r=. Kendall of Warmingham writes me that if you please to send him a Ton of the pig Iron he will give you what it is worth and if it proves well he will take a Quantity Annually I %am sir Y=r= most hble Ser={*}= Sam{=l=} Daniel To M=r=. Orford at Lyme

Stockp=t=. Janry 22 1774 Dear Sir Altho the Storm seems to be leaving us Yet it is very cold But you have made me more comf{o}rtable than I have been this Frost f{o}r I have been very low But this has come very seasonably and Am vastly Obliged to you for it and also for the Franks which is plain tho old Proverb Out of Sight Out of Mind is not always true The Lyme Bill I will get ready {a}s soon as I can and also your's But if I don't so soon as you wish You can very justly tell M=rs=. Orford its my Fault I am Dear sir Y=r=. most Obliged hble Ser={*}=. Sam Daniel It looks [^"af" crossed out^] as if you had a small {hh}d of Guin=s= to pick out of for they are all old every one 14 I shall pay with much Difficulty and 4 or 5 I doubt I shall never pay for Guin=s= — M=r=. Orford at Lyme

Stockp=t= June 6 1774 Dear sir As you was so kind to Assist me with the greatest puntuality It woud give me pain to disapoint you an Hour and therefore as I was so unfortunate as not to see you on your Return from Manchester I sent my Son last Week to Lyme to know what and when you wou'd Want and wish you had been at Home for a{s} [^corrected^] Bills of short Date wou'd be as Acceptable as Cash I cou'd have got 2 Banks of £50 each, but they are now gone and I have not one Bill but wants more than a Month However I will endever to get some against friday or C{a}sh I am sorry that I have Occasion to send you black Wax for I was much Affected with the Loss of our mutual very worthy Fr{ie}nd but such Events may be expected and must be Submitted to, tis in vain to repine I am sir Y=r=. most Obliged hble Serv={*}= Sam Daniel Your professions of Serving me were unnecessary as I have always experienced more than professions I have got you 2 Bank Notes for Sixty pounds I coud have had one for £200 also, but the person must pay it {*} Cash in 2 Hours — [^"So" rubbed out^] 4=oz=. best black Wafers 0.1.9 8=o{z}=. best black Wax 0.3.0 0.4.9 M=r=. Orford Stockp=t=. Aug=st=. 30 1774 Dear %sir I have sent you 2 Ream of paper as below which wish may be the Sorts you want Instead of the Sort at 15/ you wish for a larger Size which I have sent you but have none betwixt this at 21 and that at 15/ I am sir Y=r= most Obed=t= serv={*}= Sam Daniel 1 Rm paper 0.12.6 1 Rm D=o=. 1.1.0 1..13.6 M=r=. Orford at Lyme

Stockp=t=. June 20 ,75 Sir I've sent the paper you Orderd and hope it will prove according to your Expectation I think I match'd your paper inclosed but have finer Cu{tt} at 15/ P~ Rm I hear M=r=. Legh returnd to Lyme last Night I hope he is there in a good State of Health & am Dear %sir Y=r=. most hble Serv={*}=. Sam Daniel M=r=. Orford. at Lyme

Octo=r=. 30 .78 Dear sir Will you be so Obliging while M=r= Keck is Over to get me a %few Franks for Mildred Walker London I woud have sent Covers but have not Time I am glad I was able to send you £20 for your Bank Note I am sir Y=r= most hble Serv={*}= S Daniel M=r=. Orford at Lyme

M=r=. OrfordStockp=t=. Nov=r=. 10 1778 Dear sir I have sent you two Bills for the £100 Cash that you sent me by Bearer But you sent at a bad Time for I have no other Bills above £10 for I have had {o}ne pretty large One returnd this post which has took my shorter dated Bills I return you Thanks for your Goodness in procuring me the paper of Franks, but I have Reason to Say that you are always kind to Dear sir Your most Obliged hble Serv={*}= Sam Daniel M=r=. Orford at Lyme

{*...} [^torn off^] =t=. Octo=r=. 4 1779 Dear sir I sent of this Morning all my Bills at a Month and now have none of so [^corrected^] short a Date, So have sent you my draft for £30 — and sh{a}ll always be glad if I can do any%Thing that will give my worthy Friend M=r=. Orford any Degree of Satisfaction I am in hast Good sir Y=r= most Obed=t= S Daniel M=r=.. Orford

Stockp=t=:. Octo=r=. 27 Dear sir The Bearer M=r=. David Clark is in Partnership in the Cotton Trade with M=r=. Booth son in Law of D=r=. Thomson. As they are Strangers to you They desired I wou'd signify by this Line the Intention of his waiting on you. They have agreed with M=r=. Drabble for his Interest in Waley Mills provided they can have a Satisfactory Lease from M=r=. Legh, which I don't ^doubt^ he will grant them They therefore desire your Assistance that it may be expedited as soon as possible I am D=r= sir most respectfully Y=r= %hble Ser={*}= Sam Daniel M=r=. Orford at Lyme

Stockp=t= Octo=r=. 28 ,79 Dear %sir I have sent you my draft for £45. for I happen to be poor and out of Stock of Bills or I shoud have sent it in 2 Bills, without drawing I have agreable to your Request sent M=rs=. Orford very good Hops But you are a tantalizing Chap to tell one of your good Ale and woud make a Sh{e}w of blaming me for not tasting it oftner But you are not ^to^ come of in that Manner for tho' you make an Offer of your good Liquor, Yet you are never at Home for me or any%One else, So that I can hear of no%Body [^line break^] but your%Self that Praises M=r= Orfords Ale But I will tire you no longer, but will conclude with Saying as I really Am Y=r= much Obliged fr=d=. S Daniel Stockp=t=. Aug=st=. 22 1781 Dear sir I have experienced the Goodness of your Disposition that you are willing to help those in Distress, which happens to be my Case at this Time and therefore make free to beg your Assistance as now it woud be of particular Service to D=r= sir Your most hble serv={*}= Sam Daniel And if you can lend me a hund=d=. or two if the Bills be 2 Month's on London I will pay again soon To M=r=.. Rich=d=.. Orford {i'th} How Lane

Stockport Sep=r=.. 14=th= 1771 (_Sir_) Inclosed you have 2 Bills for the sums you desired me to send, will give you an Answer about what you mention'd to me yesterday in a %few Days I %am Sir Y=r=.. hble %Ser=t=.. Sam=l= Daniel To M=r=.. Orford at Lyme

Stockport Febry 3=d= 1772 M=r=.. Orford (_Sir_) I have reced yours with Cash fifty pounds & have as above sent a draft agreable to your desire for £100{..} I %am Sir Y=r=.. hble Ser=t=.. Sam=l= Daniel To M=r=.. Orford at Lyme Hall

Stockport May 4=th= 1772 (_Sir_) You'll herewith receive 3 drafts for £150.. agreable to your desire except the date, [^"&" crossed out^] as I wrote M=r=.. Cra{s}ston P~ %this Mornings post cou'd not date them to%Day I %am Sir Y=r= hble ser=t=.. Sam=l= Daniel Jun=r=.. [^Different hand^] 2 6 Noting Postage 1.4 Intrest 3.4. Brokage 2.- 9.2 To M=r=.. Orford at Lyme Hall

Stockport May 27=th= 1772 (_Sir_) I yesterday reced the inclosed from M=r=.. Newton which he thinks nearly Ballances your [^corrected^] Acc=t=.. but will look it over particularly I %am Sir Y=r=.. hble %Ser=t=.. Sam=l= Daniel M=r=.. Orford Lyme [^Accounts in pencil omitted^]

(_Sir_) As my Father is for London tomorrow & I shall have occasion for some Covers shall be much oblig'd to you to perform your promise in a Day or two if possible & you'll oblige — Sir Y=r=.. hble %Ser=t=.. Sam=l= Daniel Jun=r=.. Stockport Iuly 27=th= 1772 To M=r=. Orford at Peter Legh's Esq=r= Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Liverpool^]

Wa{ver}tree Iuly 31=st=. 1778 S=r=. Having lately had the misfortune of losing my brother Robert, a life in the lease of the tenement I %hold under M=r=. Legh, I take the earliest occasion of letting you know of it, and the desire I have of renewing immediately. The life I %would propose, in his stead is Lydia Dannett my daughter just tu{r}ned of four years old. I %have the money now in my hands formerly demanded by M=r=. Legh; therefore the sooner the business is finished, the better it will be. On the receipt of the new lease I will pay the money to any%one in Liverpool you please. I %am S=r=. your humble serv=t= I Dannett [^Details of old lease, with note of the intended change, on reverse of paper. Different hand, probably Orford's^] M=r=. Dannett lease March 12. 1777 Consideration Money paid for adding a life 50=£= the Rev=d=. M=r=. Tho=s=. Dannett Lessee aged 31 Years Lives Rob=t=. Dannett of Manchester aged 29 Y=(_rs_)= Mary Daughter to the Lessee ag=d.=- 5 Y=(_rs_)= Lords Rent 16=s=..6=d= P~ Year. Quantity 12=A=..—=R=.. 25=P= Life proposed ^to be added^ is Lydia Daughter of the Lessee as above Aged — 4 Years Manchester Sep=r=. 8=(_th_)= 1774 M=r=. Orford Sir J am this Afternoon favour'd with your's — And Jn answer thereto we Expect Bro=r=. Ja=s=. Leigh here on Sunday Evening Or on Mondy Next J am Y=r=. mo: ob=t=. Serv=t= Thomas Darwell M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Lyme

Manchester Nov=r=. 1=st=: 1775 M=r=. Orford Sir J am this day favourd with your's of the 28=th=. Ult=o=— and am Sorry to Send the Webbs back, which you Sent to be Exchang'd, The Reason for our Send=g=. them again, is they might Lie by us for Years to Come, being made Considerabley to Good for the Com={n}=. Course of Trade, — we Shall Allways be prow'd to do Every%thing that lies in our Power to Serve our Worthy Friend M=r=. Legh & am Very Clear he w=d=: not desire us to Make Goods Ex=t=. to Patt=ns=. & then return 'em upon our Hands — If you chuse others made to Any Perticular Patt=n=. Desire you'll Send us a %Patt=n=. & the S{a}me Shall be done Agreeable thereto — J am with resp=ts=. Y=r=. Mo: Ob=t=. Serv=t=. Tho=s=. Darwell [^Accounts in different hand omitted^] M=r=. Orford Peter Legh's Esq=re=. Lyme Park Cheshire

London March 14=th=. 1788 (_Sir_) I desire you will be so good to remit the 450=£= for the interest of my Mortgage as soon as possible for I (_depended_) on having it before this time (being due the 2=nd=. Jns=t=.) as you promis'd last year to be (_very_) (_punctual_) in the payment, therefore I beg you will send the Bills to (_me_), directed to Bloomsbury Square. I hope all the Family at Lyme are well, & beg my best respects to them. I am y=r=. humb=le=. Serv=t=. Jane Davenport M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Peter Legh's Esq=re=. Lyme Park Cheshire

London April 11=th=. 1788 (_Sir_) I wrote to you 3 Weeks ago to desire you wou'd pay the 450=£= interest on my Mortgage, but as I have rec=d=. no answer, I trouble you with another Letter to know (_when_) I may (_expect_) the (_Money_), for I depended on its being remitted (_punctually_) according to your promise last year, & the (_2_)=nd=. of (_March_), is the day it was due — I beg an answer by return of the Post directed to Bloomsbury Square, & am y=r=. humble Serv=t=: Jane Davenport P.S My respects to the Family at Lyme, who I hope are well — [^Draft of Orford's reply attached^] Lyme 24=th= May 1788 (_My Lady_) I am ashamed to acknowledge the Rec=t=. of both your Letters, and can assure your Ladyship, that the delay of your payment of Interest, was not owing to me; My Master Insisted that a Sum sh=d=. be discharged, when I informed him, if it was, I really c=d=. not be punctual with your payment, but he persisted it sh=d=. be so, Therefore assure you, this is the first Money I possibly c=d=. Raise, but hope you will not have the same reason to complain again, Inclosed is Five Bills as under amounting to £425.1.4, and in a post or two you may depend of [^corrected^] Receiving another Bill to Balance the Acc=t=. [^"till" crossed out^] after which I hope for your Answer, and am [^"My" crossed out^] Your Ladyships Most Ob=t=. & very Hble Ser=t=. [^Orford's signature^] N=o=. 121 Kent [^"On" rubbed out^] On Abel's 77. 6.4 137 Brandt On Iones. 73. 6.0 140 Cockle & C=o=. On Castell & C=o=. 73.14.0 141 Gideon & C=o= On Smith & C=o=. 100.15.0 142 Russell On Ladbroke & C=o=. 100 — 425. 1.4 M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Lyme Park Stockport Cheshire

London June 2=nd=. (_1788_) (_Sir_) I receiv'd your Letter enclosing 5 Bills value £425,1,4, & this moment I have got the second Letter, with a Bill of £24.18,8. therefore I send you a receipt for the whole; & shall hope in future that you will be (_punctual_) in the payment, & not send Bills that have so long to run after the Date, which is a great Disappointment to me. With Comp=ts=. to the Family at Lyme, I remain Sir y=r=. humble Serv=t=. Jane Davenport M=r= R. Orford at Peter Legh's Esq=r= Lyme.

Sir, On the other side agreeable to your Request M=r= Cotes has included all the Bills sent in one, which he hopes you will find right, he will esteem it a Favor, if you will recommend him to M=r= Legh, if any further sh=d= be wanting in our Way, for as M=r= Cotes is declining Business he purposes to oblige his friends with any Article they ^may^ want at the {fi}rst Cost, I %am, sir, for M=r= Cotes Your hble serv Rich=d= Davenport Man=r=.. 2 Mar. 1778 M=r=. Richard orford at Lyme

Chester aug=st=. 29=th=. 1779 — M=r=. Keck is so pressed by M=r=. Fisher for y=e= whole or %part of y=e= Sum due, that a large payment on that account must be made at Mich~as. I can do nothing without help from Every Quarter, I %desired him to %inform you, that y=e= half year's Interest now growing due, must be Remitted to me (_before Mich~as_), to meet y=e=. above payment — I have wrote to Every%body, upon y=e= same Errand, to prevent a failure in y=e=. payment, & y=e=. Consequent Disgrace upon %it Below is y=e= Receipt for your last Remittance My nephew has contracted with S=r=. W=m=. for y=e=. Land you saw, at a fair price, as near your Valuation as possible — I %am Y=r=. humble Serv=t=. Tho=s=. Davenport M=r=. Richard orford at Lyme near Disley Cheshire T. {***} Davenport

Hendon 28=th=. Dec=r=. 1781. (_Sir_) The Reports concerning poor M=r=. Legh's Health have induced me to Desire a Line from you, to know how the old Gentleman really is. L=d=. Bu{lk}eley told me, that he Enquired at Lyme ab=t=. 3 Weeks ago, & received a bad account [^ink blot^] I %did not Care to give any disturbance, and therefore I forbore to %send y=e= mortgage Deeds, in order to have y=e=. 2000£ indorsed upon them, to make up y=e=. 10.000£; this should have been done y=e=. last year, but was neglected by my agent M=r=. Manley — If matters are now well Enough at Lyme, I will give orders to %have them sent to m=r=. Cook of %macclesfield, who will call upon you, & have the Indorsement made & witnessed — You Surprize me much by your Dilatory payments of y=e=. Interest, the last half year was due on y=e=. 2=d=. Sep=tr=. last, & now near four months are Elapsed — This must be Entirely owing to Want of Method in y=e= %business, as the Rents ought to be Remitted halfyearly as they are received, to M=r=. Fazakerly & myself, & no part of them applied to any other purpose whatsoever, {&} Harry Porter was inserted in y=e=. Deeds as a Receiver for us, tho' I chose to let things go on in y=e=. old way to avoid Disturbance — By these arrears, I do not receive one paym=t=. before ano~r is due; on y=e=. 2=nd=. March ano~r half year will be due, which I desire may be Remitted in due time. Even (_5 P~ C=t=._) by this mode of paym=t=., w=d=. fall short of y=e=. Interest which every^body^ now receives, but I do not want to add to y=e=. Interest but to Enforce y=e= punctual paym=t=. of %it. I desire that I may have no further occasion for Complaint, as your Conduct totally De{ra}nges all y=e=. regular Settlements of %my own affairs — If M=r=. Legh is well Enough, pray present my Respects to him & write Immediately I %am y=r=. humble Serv=t=. Tho=s=: Davenport M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Lyme near Disley Cheshire T. {***} Davenport By Buxton Bag

M=r= Orford You have disappointed me much, in not remitting y=e=. last half year's Interest — another will be due in a month's time, and therefore I desire that both may be Remitted as soon as possible. the Inconvenience to me, is the nonpayment to y=e=. Tradesmen, Employed about my new house, whose bills amount to a %large Sum. I have heard nothing from the old Gentleman, since my last Letters to him, inclosing y=e=. Inventories of Effects at Salthrop, & M=rs=. Legh's Acceptance of y=e=. terms proposed, and her preference of y=e=. annuity &c: to %y=e=. keeping y=e=. Estate, which she desires to give up. I hope he is in good health, and does not Suffer from the very Severe Weather. Cap=tn=. Legh is gone to Golbourne again, but I could have wished his Stay in Town a little longer, if it had been Convenient — I %am y=r=. humble Serv=t=. Tho=s=. Davenport London Bloomsbury Square 31=st=. Ian=y=. 1784 London Sa=ty=. 14=th=. feb. (_Sir_) I received your last with y=e=. Letter ^you^ inclosed, but what answer sh=d=. be given, I don't know, unless I was acquainted with y=e=. Gentleman's Connection or intimacy with M=r=. Legh — If he has none at all, it is a pretty clear Case, if he has some, the Degree of %it will be very material to know; which you can inform me of, and also what Strength and Interest he has in y={t}=. (_place_) — From several Circumstances, I much Suspect y=e= Post office opening Letters from me to your [^some letters crossed out^] master, and therefore advise me, how I can best direct them under Cover to somebody Else; when you (_answer this_), be so good to direct it for Iohn Lee Esq=re=. M.P. Lincolns Inn, London, who will give it me — This Evening I have a Letter from Golbourne, informing me that on friday se'ennight Capt=n=. Legh's anxiety has carried him from Golbourne in a full %intention to go to Lisbon — I have not seen, or heard any%thing of %him in London & which way he is gone, & where he %is, I am wholly at a %loss to guess, I %certainly w=d=. have Endeavoured to Stop him, had I met with him make my best Respects. I am y=r=. humble Serv=t=. T. D. [^At different angle^] P.S. my own Clerk {Iu}st put y=e=. two missing packets in%to y=e=. Post office — London 21=st=. feb=y=. 1784 (_Sir_) Your's came duly, and I am glad to see that no United Effort of %y=e=. persons you mention can disturb Newton — You hope no such thing is in agitation{,} but I can assure %you that it is y=e=. Case in many places, that y=e= meanest & lowest arts are practising by y=e= friends of %y=e=. present ministry. I wish you to keep some steady person who can Watch Newton, & inform you whether any secret applications have been made, and in what quarters, so as to Concert y=e=. properest method of Counteracting them — Things are in such a Situation now, that y=e= King must give up his present Ministers, or dissolve his Parliament, and y=e=. Crisis is at hand; Therefore you sh=d=. ^take^ all right measures (_immediately_), to prepare for %an Election, but without seeming to do it, or giving y=e=. least alarm. I observe, that M=r=. B='s=. last Letter talks of y=e=. Real & %true right of %{E}l{e}ction, which he says is at present doubtful — Surely this is Hint enough, for us to take Caution Early, & be prepared upon y=e=. old accustomed Right of %Election, which I suppose you well know — I think M=r=. B=s=. last Letter so Impertinent that it deserves no answer, as it seems to be a meer Bully — However, if m=r=. Legh thinks proper to send him word, that he knows of %no Objection to %my Conduct, nor has heard of %any from y=e= Burgesses, and that he has no ^reason to withdraw his^ Vote or what Interest he has in y=e= Borough from me, I don't know that it can do any harm

Whatever Expence attends Enquiry, or arises in any other Respect, I give you full %power to Defray, as M=r=. Legh shall not suffer one shilling on my account, and I think that in point of property, I shall not be %found Deficient, or inferior to m=r=. B. or %his friends if ^he has^ any — my best respects to m=r=. L. & m=rs=. Anne, I %hope they Continue well, as a %fine Thaw is now coming on I am Y=r=. humble Serv=t=. Tho=s=. Davenport P.S. Do you know, where the papers are, which m=r=. Nic. Starkie collected together, when y=e= late {L}=d=. Strange talked of %setting up M=r=. Blackburne of orford? Be %so good to make Enquiry after them, as well as y=e= Enquiry above pointed out, & lose no time — If %any Donation to y=e= poor of Newton at this Inclement Season, seems proper in your judgment, or m=r=. Legh's, I authorize you to give for me what may be %judged necessary. M=r=. Rich=d=. orford Lyme [^Note in different hand^] This Letter came in Gates cover with To upon it

Mar 84 (_Sir_) I have but just time to say that I %receivd your's this Evening, and am glad to find that every%thing is right. Indeed M=r=. B='s=. Letter seemed to be a me{er} Bully, & nothing more You judged right most certainly about y=e=. Donation, as y=e= severe weather is gone — Tomorrow I %set out for York, from whence you shall hear from me — ab=t=. y=e= first week in April I hope to %see my friend at Haydock, & %rejoice to find that he is so well. my best respects to him & m=rs=. Ann — I %am Y=r=. humble Serv=t=. Tho=s=. Davenport P.S. The Expected Event will %not happen immediately — London thirtieth November 1785 M=r=. Richard Orford Haydock Lodge near Warrington Lancashire T. {***} Davenport

London 30=th= Nov=r=. 1785 (_Sir_) I am afraid that my Letter concerning y=e=. Remittance has not found you, or that I sh=d=. have heard to %y=e= %purpose before this time — The old Gentleman I find, continues pretty well, M=rs=. Keck was Expected in town this week, but I %have not seen her, nor know with Certainty, whether she %is Arrived or not — The present weather will be favourable to %y=e=. farmers, who have little Hay, When y=e=. Snow begins, {s}o [^crossed out?^] as to continue on y=e=. Ground, that article will be very dear — The Rise of y=e=. Stocks has put y=e=. merchants here in spirits, whether it %be a %permanent one or not, is very doubtful, & will most likely Remain ^so^ untill y=e=. minister opens his new Budget in y=e=. Spring I am y=r=. humble %ser=t=. Tho=s=. Davenport P.S. Remember me to m=r=. Legh — I suppose that he %is now at Haydock If you want y=e=. Receipts you mentioned sometime ago, I %will send them, but my acknowledgment of having Received y=e=. Interest up to Lady^day^ last, is quite Sufficient, as it will be presumed to %be %paid (_punctually_) London ninth December 1785 M=r=. Rich=d=. orford Lyme near Disley Cheshire T. {***} Davenport By Buxton [^Different hand^] Missent to [^Postmark Chesterfield^]

London 9=th=. Dec=r=. 1788 (_Sir_) Having received no answer to y=e= [^corrected^] {las}t or former Letter which I addressed to Haydock, I fear that they both miscarried. They were to press a %Speedy Remittance of %y=e=. 225£ due 1=st=. Septr last, and also of %y=e=. amount of M=r=. Manley's Bill — I had a Letter from %M=r=. Legh, who I hope{,} continues well, and indeed sh=d=. conclude %so from y=e= Strength of his handwriting. I remain Your humble %Serv=t=. Tho=s=. Davenport M=r= Orford Steward at Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Manchester^] [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

Manchester May 26 1789 — Sir As the time of your Comeing to Black{le}y to Receve your Rents is at Hand, I Desire that if My Lease Be Ready that you Would Bring it Along With you, and you Will {A}blige your Humble Ser=t=. — James Dawson M=r= Orford Lyme [^Note in pencil omitted^]

Macclesf=d= Sep=r=. 24=th= 1781 M=r=. Orford As Warden for Ma{x}f=d= Old %Church I take the liberty of writing respecting some repairs that are necessary to be i{mm}ediately made{i}n ^the roof of^ M=r=. Leghs Chappel and desire to know if you would [^"be" crossed out^] reimburse me if I got it repaired, or you would order somebody [^"to" crossed out^] repair it yourself. By M=r=. Iennings who I expect must wait on you in the Course of the week youll have an opportunity of returning an answer — Am %Sir Your Obd=t= Hbl %Ser=t= Ralph Deane M=r=. Orford How-Lane Marple.

Dear Sir Your Neighbour Iohn Marsland instead of Iohn of Disley brought me yours of this Morning, And am sorry I have it not in my Power either to see or even send to {Ekkells} before next Monday Morning (at present not knowing where he is neither does his Wife who I %called on yesterday) When he has promised to be at Disley & to agree to the Terms you & I have already talked on which if he offers to {Run from} I have promised him to have nothing more to do with the Matter — I %shou'd have been happy to have seen you at the above time if your Engagem=ts= woud have admitted of it, however as it is purely in respect to you I am desirous of Mittigating the business amongst the parties, if they in your absence can rely on my settling it I hope you can depend on my Integrity therein & will do it in such manner as I {***}an to give satisfaction to both sides, I %repeat again I %shou'd be glad to have you there if it be practicable & am most respectfully Your Obed=t=. Serv=t=. Thomas Dewhurst. Marple Hall 2=d=. Mar : 1784. M=r=. Orford Lyme

Marple Hall 28=th=. Feb~ry 1788 Dear Sir M=r=. Isherwood having some time ago requested me to receive your interest money & M=r=. Tho. Ishewo~d being expected here this day by whom his ffather will probably expect my send%ing it, I %send my Clerk over to you for it, if its convenient for you to %send it by him desire you will, if not, some other Opp~ty I %also send by him Joseph Hibberts Settlement & J thank you for intrusting it into my Care. J am Dear Sir y=r= m={t}= Obed={*}= S={*}= Thomas Dewhurst. M=r=. Orford How Lane

Marple Hall 29 may 1788. Sir The Executors of the late Thomas Isherwood Esquire having [^corrected^] a Sum of Money to raise have directed me to inform you they are necessitated to call upon you for the 200£ & int. owing on your Note which is %in my Hands in order to my receiving the money for their use J am {*...} [^paper torn^] your Most Obed. Serv=t=. Thomas Dewhurst. M=r=. Orford Lyme.

Marple 18=th=. Nov=r=. 1789 D=r=. Sir M=rs=. Isherwood informs me you ment=d=. to her Your having a Copy of the late M=r=. Thomas Bradshawes Settlement at Lyme, I shall esteem it a favor if you will be kind enough to send it me by the bearer (for I %do not find that the family here have one) to peruse, to see if I can find out the mode in which the money was borrowed from the Cavendishes, in Short M=r=. I is desirous of cutting of the Intail this term & shou'd there be a Mortgage in (_ffee _) on the Derbyshire Estates we must trouble the Mortgagee to be {e} party which will prevent the business being settled at least this term if a Mtge for (_term of years_) there will be no Occasion Your Copy I %will take Care speedily to return & am Your Obliged Thomas Dewhurst. M=r=. Orford Lyme.

Marple 21 Nov=r=. 1789 D=r=. Sir Inclosed I send you the Rec=t=. Signed for Returning the Deeds relating to M=r=. Isherwoods Estates which I now receive by your Servant, I thank you for the trouble of Your Servants Iourney herein {S=r=.} & am D=r=. Sir Your M=t=. Obed={*}=. & Ob=d=. Serv=t=. Thomas Dewhurst. M=r= Orford at Peter Legh Esq=r= Lyme near Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Bath^]

Bath Iuly 15 90 Sir according to your desire have Sent you Stephen Ford receipt & acounts & likewise M=rs= Pheoboe Ford acount & mony received Please Sir to Compare these with the receipts you have received for the mony & you will See if it is right Should be glad Sir to give you all the Information in my Power & hope madam will be Satisfied From your Humble Servant A. Diall Bath August 13 90 Sir This is to Inform you that i have Settled with M=rs= Ford Stephen Ford Sir is Out of Town & was before i received yours you may depend on my getting his Acount as Soon as Posible From your Humble Servant Ann Diall [^Different hand^] {P} M=r=, Goodwin Macclesf=(_d_)= M=r=. Potts M=r= Orford at Peter Legh Esq=r= Lyme near Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Bath^]

Bath October 11=th= 90 Sir I hope you will not think it any Neglect of mine in regard of the Bill I had it Iust time enough to Send it to the Post M=rs= Ford Sir insisted it was a Bad Bill i did not know what to Say Still i knew it wrong in her to keep it So Long after it was due as i am always Carefull my%Self to Charge all Bills in time the five guinea Bill Sir was a good One the mony more than the Bills due to me is 19={S}= [^"={S}=" crossed out?^] Shillings as i Set all Letter{s} to madams Acounts From Sir your Humble Servant A Diall M=r=. Orford Lime

Sir M=r= Dickenson set off for Manches=r=: this morning before you Messenger arrived. He will be at home (please God) on Satturday Even=g=. I am (with Comp=ts=: to M=rs=: Orford) Your humble Ser=vt=: S Dickenson To M=r=: Rich=d=: Orford Lyme Cheshire These [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Kenyon April 20=th=: 1790 S=r=: These with my Most Humble respects to You, and M=rs=: Frith — Desiring You will Acquaint her that my Wife departed this life on Sunday last after a long and painfull Ilness, and I am left in a poor Condition with two Small Children, But I hope the Goodness of M=rs=: Frith will Consider to Give Me Something, (as You was Mentionedg the last time I Saw You, [^corrected^]) A{*} [^paper torn^] I have Been at a Great deal of Exspence of {*}arling [^paper torn^] and Mucking, and likewise Ditching in the Estate for this two Years past, — In=o= Sanderson and In=o=. Wright did agree to Give me ten pounds, but as I had No Witness, they say they promised to Give me only five pounds, which will not pay me for the Cloverseed I put Upon the Estate the last Year; pl{ae}se to Acquant her with this, and I Desire You will send me a few lines as soon as Conveniancy permitt to lett me know what Cash her Goodness please to Give Me, And of what person, and When I must Recevie the same; And if You please to Ask her about the Old Chest and Table As I Mentiond to You Whether I must have them; will much Obb=l{e}d=, Yours; In=o=. Dickenson

I Desire You will Send as Soon as possiable You Can, As I may know how to Settle the Case, As I intend to leave the premisess in a fortnight time at the furthest; So I remain Your Hum={bl}=.. Ser=t=, and Well Wisher whilst I am — In=o=. Dickinson Leverpool 19 f{eb}: 1774 M=r=.. Orford Sir I this morning went to y=e=.. Mill Stone Jnn, in Dale Street to enquire for M=r=.. Leech=s=. cart, but was told that y=e=.. Cart that carried for M=r=. Leech would not be there till munday & return ag=n=.. thro' Ashton on Thursday & that no other cart was expect=d=.. there belonging to him, I left word, if an opportunity offer=d=.. to%day to send a parcell, to lett me know, but have not heard any%thing, as this is y=e=.. case, should be glad to know by return of post, weather I must send them on Tuesday {to} [^corrected^] Haydock, or weather they are to go to Disley, if y=e=.. latter, will take them with me in y=e=.. Coach Tuesday next to Manchester, I am, Sir Y=r=. Very humble Serv=t=. W=(_m_)= Dingman To M=r=. Alford

Sir I desire a line from your hand to to Ma={**}=: Whauldon I think will take Place Plase to Remember the favour I asked you If Ever In my Po{we}r will Return the fevour — I am your Hu=le=. Ser=t=. Ed={*}=. Dixon Oldfeild Au=t=. 14 1785 M=r=. Orford

manch=r=. Iuly 19 1788 S=r= I have been repeted-ly to M=r=. Walker who rote to London abought the Chine but he hath not yet had an answer but Expects one everey post I have Sent you a %patern of the Comon ons and [^corrected^] the price to them if you will pleas to fix on aney of the patarns and Let me know the nomb=r=. you will have, I will Send thees emedatly thean is dishes &{=c=} to the Sq=r=. ones and thay Look verey well, I am unewey abought the Cheaney as you sade you wanted it the Couch man will Call on Monday for thes Box and then will Send them S=r=. your obed=t=. Ser=t=. S Dixon M=r=: Orford How-Lane

Sir I have herewith sent 4½ Doz of large plates 3 D=o=. small & ½ Doz soop D=o=, the Remainder You shall have the latter end of Next Week. Would have sent them all now but that they are not so perfect as I could wish therefore thought it better to wait for A fresh Assortment I have sent two Pattern Cups the largest of which is 4=s=. P~ Doz the small ones 3=s= if either of them will do shall send them with the Rest of the Plates at the time above Mentioned I could not Match them at any Other Place or I would send them all to%day. I am Sir with best Respect to M=rs=: Orford Your. Much Oblidged and very Hbl: Ser=t= Sarah Dixon Manchester. July. 22. 1788. To M=r=. Orford Hough L{a}in o{r} M=r=. Hancock Disley [^At different angle^] To convay this to M=r=. Orford or L{oo}s — or {********} al{l} W{ell} your B={r}=. R Hancock A Numerous Meeting this Day {****}

[^Different hand^] Northwich 18=th=. Ian=y=. 1788. To the Gentlemen Clergy & Freeholders of the County of Chester Gentlemen M=r=. Basnett having by the advice of his Friends absolutely refused to abide by the Sen{c}e of a very numerous and respectable Meeting of Freeholders, this Day held at Northwich, in direct Violation of an Ageement mutually signed by him, and M=r=. Naylor, at a previous meeting, that to save the County the Trouble of a Poll they would abide by the Sence of this Meeting; and which M=r=. Naylor without Hesitation declar'd himself ready to submit to, We are extremely concerned in Consequence of such conduct to be under the Necessity of troubling the Freeholders of the County to attend at Chester upon the Poll, but hope the C{e}rcumstances above mentioned will justify us in earnestly recommending to your support M=r= Tho=s=. Naylor as a proper Person to succeed M=r=. Ralph Audley as one of the Coroners for this County The Poll will commence at the Shire- Hall at Chester on Tuesday the 22=d= of this Instant Ianuary, and proper Notices will be given to the different parts of the County, of the particular Times when the appearance of the Freeholders at Chester will be wished, that they may suffer as little Delay & Inconvenience as possible on this Occasion Thos Crewe Dod W=m=. Egerton D. Davenport. I %Crewe Iohn Tho=s=. Stanley I. Glegg Booth Grey George Wilbraham Cha=s= L{eice}ster Peter Warburton Croxton Johnson Iohn Parker Geo: Leycester Domville Poole Peter Halsted [^With printed version of the letter, with note to Hancock by John George Hoppole, and answer from Richard Orford (on Peter Legh's behalf) attached^] Mr Hancock Sir plese to Send an Expres of Imaidatly With the In%Closd and the man will waite til he Returns for an Anser Iohn George Hoppole Chests By Ord{*} of Mr Booth Gray Lyme Tuesday Morn=g= 10 o'Clock Hon=d=. Sir! My Master Peter Legh of Lyme Esq=r=. directed me to acknowledge the Receipt of your favor by Express, He being Confined to the House for some time past, puts it out of his power to wait on you, and the Gentlemen in the address you inclosed him, but wishes [^"you" crossed out^] ^M=r=. Naylor^ success, as he has no doubt to fear the Cont~ary. I am Hon=d=. Sir Your most Ob=t=. & very Hble Ser=t=. Rich=d=, Orford M=r=. Orford Lyme

Sir Inclosd is a Hatt for M=r= Legh which hope will prove wright size if so doubt not but will Please it being as good a one as ever I saw. Price Duty Included 25/- may if you Please Return y=e= Box — any^thing^ further which you may be wanting of for self or friends will be thankfully Rec=d=. by Sir Your mo Ob=t= Serv=t=. Sam{=l=} Dodge Stockp=t=. March 30=th= 1789 [^Note, probably in different hand: "(_180.—.—_)"^] Mr. Orford Haydock

Dear Sir, Inclos'd you have two Bills value Twenty five pounds, which with fifteen Pounds, I have %pass'd to your Credit, on the Flatt Kittys Accompt, is the Am=t=. of the Forty pounds bill (Tomlinson on Wilcox{s}) — I %am Dear Sir Your mo: Obed=t=. D. Donbavand Warrington 25 Oct: 1779 M~rs Bride{o}ake begs her Comp=ts=. will esteem it a %favor {i}f you'll at your Best oppertunity get her a %few Franks to %this [^two letters crossed out^] address, {*...} [^cut off^] if you please n{*...} [^cut off^] to me at {**} {*...} [^cut off^] (_To_) M=r=. Orford at Haddock Lodge

Wigan Dec 19 1772 M=r=. Orford Sir Jmclosed is a %p=r=. of Snuffers brought by M=r=. Potts to be Repaird the Charge is 2=s=/ J %am S=r=. Y=r=. Hble Se=t=. (_Tho: Doncaster_) To M=r=. Orford at Lyme. [^Numbers, probably in different hand, omitted^]

Sir! I am Sorry, I had not the pleasure of seeing you, When you came over the other day to view ^the^ Road now making in Taxal. our new Road will be, J am very Sensible, of more real advantage to my neighbours at the Reddish, than to any ^one^ Estate upon the whole Road, and Yet they are so Blind to their own Jnterest, as to be against it, or at least they woud not have any of their Land to be made Use of. I have meerly to oblige 'em, (knowing their odd dispositions,) sacrificed my Land, when it woud be more proper to go into theirs, and still nothing will please them, nor w=d=. they, I know, be pleased with the price, w=ch=. is fix'd for their Land, if they were to have 5 times its Value. But why do J condemn them, when they only act upon this occasion, as they have done all their Lives. — If you can reconcile [^word crossed out^] ^'em^

to act concerning the Road, as other people do, you will have the Honour & Credit to do that, w=ch=. was never done before. J am, Sir, with great Respect, Your very humble %serv=t=. I %Dickenson Taxal. 26=th=: Jany 1771. For M=r=. orford. [^Accounts in pencil omitted^]

Dear Sir I am Sensible You are going to have a busy time upon Your hands, but J must beg you will spare one hour or two, in giving Directions to some proper' P~son about stooping out the Hills; & when You have done Yours in Cheshire, be pleased to order the man to come over to me, & he shall do ours to Buxton &c — . Our kindest Respects waite upon M=rs=. Orford, and J %hope in a little time Your (_Fury_), or (_Courage_), will be somewhat (_abated_), & then J flatter myself a (_Boy_) will be the happy Consequence. J am, Sir, Your very humble %Serv=t=. I %Dickenson Taxal. 27=(_th_)=. June 1773. M=r=. Orford How Lane

Sir! Herewith I return you the acc=ts=. w=ch=. you drew out from what M=r=. Cooper furnish'd you with. The Ballance of his Acc=t=. J see exactly corresponds with what you call the Ballance, except a few odd pence. J coud wish you had explained to the Gentlemen, that there was no difference between your two acc=ts=. for J apprehend, they took upon it you had discover'd many mistakes; J own they dont appear to me in that Light, but if they shoud be otherwise, J shoud be glad you w=d=. explain 'em to M=r=. Cooper, or point out the Same to Sir, Your very humble Serv=t=. I %Dickenson Taxal. 11=(_th_)=. July. 1775. M=r=. orford How Lane

Dear Sir! If you did not disapprove of it, J shoud be glad you woud once more look at the Road near Shallcross School. I think you woud contrive it in such a Manner, as woud please all Sides. Be so obliging to speak to your Banksman to lay me by 10 or 12 Quarters of norbury Coal, and shoud be glad, he woud let me know when to fetch 'em, w=ch=. J mean [^corrected^] to do by the Lime Carts. J %am, Sir, Your very hble Servant I %Dickenson Comp=ts=. to M=rs=. orford. Taxal. 5=th=. 7 b=r=. 1775. M=r=. Orford

Dear Sir. M=r=. Cooper has sent me a Copy of the Acc=ts=. for this Year, w=ch=. are very properly drawn up, agreeable to the Form you recommended to him. As there will probably be a full meeting, J woud have you shew the Acc=ts=. to a few of your own Friends, but there is no Occasion to let every%body know — . The mistakes are rectifyed by you, & that is enough — . J will get M=r=. Cooper to let me take the Acc=ts=. to our house w=ch=. J dare say, J shall find settled right. J send this, for

fear J %shoud not see you before the meeting begins. J %am, Your most hble %ser=t= I %Dickenson Birch. 22=d= June. M=r=. Orford

D=r= %Sir. J am just thinking it woud not be improper. to send M=r=. Richardson over on Saturday to examine the Road Leading from Norridge Common & so on above M=r=. Jacson's Coal Pits, w=ch=. woud go in a pretty Streight Line, below old Longdens; This Scheme woud have [^"it" crossed out^] its Difficulties, but it is not amiss to view it. farewell in haste, always, Yours. J D: wed: M=r=. Orford

Dear Sir! J am obliged to go tomorrow into Lancashire, & there J shall be all week. — M=r=. Clarke is now at Buxton, & he desires you will fix upon a Day to shew him our new intended Road — . If it is possible to be done, pray bring M=r=. Legh to the meeting. M=r=. Jackson will give no opposition — . We are certain, J think, to succeed, & a very ^great^ advantage it will be to the whole Publick. J %am, Your obliged hble %serv=t=. I %Dickenson Taxal. Sunday. shoud not mathew be called to attend the meeting? M=r=. orford.

Dear Sir! J have looked over & examined both M=r=. Cooper's Acc=ts=. & Yours, and find 'em to be right. — . J have taken ^out^ an exact Acc=t=. from M=r=. Cooper's Books, from whence J understand you drew your Acc=t=. — . You have to be sure placed the several Counties in a very proper manner, but J am glad to perceive the Ballance of each come out the Same at last, that is, there is not a difference of Sixpence. — . Tho' M=r=. Cooper might commit a mistake in dividing the Shares to each County, still his Books must be Right, because the Ballance of his Acc=t=. does tally and coincide with Yours, in June 1774 — . The whole Acc=t=. appears to me now very different to what J thought, but the Question J %have to ask ^is^ whether he furnish'd you with the same Books, as he has now done to me — . M=r=. Cooper J believe to be a very honest man, & in that Light J dare say you look upon him — But his Reputation has suffer'd greatly in the opinion of the first Commissioners, & J am sure, you will take a pleasure, if you judge of the Acc=ts=. as J do, to undeceive the Gentlemen. J %have drawn out from his Books all his Receipts & payments, &

the Ballance of each Year, w=ch=. J have done for the ten Years you have follow'd him — . You see the Ballance of his Book is 563=£=..11=s=..9½=d= — & the Ballance of your Acc=t=. is 5=d=.Ύ ^more^ making 563..12..3Ό to June 1774 — . I make no doubt but the general Acc=t=. as made out by M=r=. Cooper in June 1774 might be wrong, but it is plain, now you have dissected his Acc=t=. & as there is little or no difference to June 1774, that some of the Gentlemen have really misunderstood what you have done, & as that is the Case, J %know you woud be glad to set 'em to rights. J %am, Sir, Your most obed=t= Servant I %Dickenson Saturday. Taxal. You will let me have the Jnclosed again. Shoud mathew Whei{l}ton be sent for to meet the Gentlemen on monday? M=r=. Orford Lyme. [^Different hand?^] (_Sir_) Plese to fix after the Next week as it is the wake [^signiture^] [^Accounts omitted^]

{*...} [^torn off^] xal. Thursday. D=r= %Sir J desire you will fix absolutely with metcalfe concerning the Lime Stone. Jt will J %apprehend make a very considerable Saving, & before the Road is made, and every%thing paid, we shall be hurryed. Settle, if you can, all the Terms with him. Remember, if he [^corrected^] wants two Eyes, he has it made up to him in other Respects. Whatever you do, will be certain to have the approbation of Your very hble %s=t=. I %Dickenson M=r= Orford Lyme. J %shall be at Disley about 9 tomorrow morn:

Dear Sir! J shoud ^at this time^ have been in Lancashire, but J have waited 2 or 3 Days in Expectation of your Coming over this very Day. J will now go in the morning, & hope to be back against Saturday next. The making this part of the new Road with Greet Stone will be a Saving of a hundred pounds or upwards, but J apprehend that metcalfe wants to take an advantage of us very unfairly, & his bare attempting of it shews him to be a dirty Fellow. He has by it entirely forfeited my good Opinion, but that he thinks is of no Value. mathew & J have just been upon this Subject for an

hour. He is an honest man, the reverse of metcalfe. mathew tells me, You take the matter perfectly right, & that your Sentiments are the Same with those of Your obliged hble %serv=t=. I %Dickenson Sat. noon. Taxal. If [^"you" crossed out^] ^he^ w=d=. have ^made^ this new Road in the manner you w=d=. have had it, he shoud have been allow'd a trifle more for the other part that was to be done with Lime Stone, as it is further. M=r=. Orford How Lane

Dear Sir! Jnclosed J %send you a most extraordinary Letter from a man of (_Fortune_), tho' J am Sorry to say not wrote by a man of (_Honour_). our Surveyor tells me, it was his own Proposal, or that of his Tenant, to alter the Bridge, but J am now truly Sorry it was ever thought ^on^ or ever agreed to. J had till lately a good Opinion of M=r=. Needham, but J %shall never again think favourably of a man, who aggravates his Crime, by Quibling & Evading the Truth. When mathew first acquainted me of this Alteration, he said Johnson woud do it for the Sum of 35£. J %have had so very much Trouble about the Buxton Road, that J %shoud be Glad, very Glad, if my name coud be struck out of the present Committee; J %shall however waite upon the Gentlemen at Disley, tho' the Day we are to view the Buxton Road shall be the Last of my Acting, as Jnspector, from whaley to Hurdlow. J wish you w=d=. meet me early on the morning of the

21=st=. at M=r=. Hancocks, for J want to lay before you my Acc=ts=. with the several Vouchers, w=ch=. will be settled in a few minutes, together with the Acc=ts=. of our Surveyor. J %am Your most obed=t= Serv=t=. I %Dickenson Taxal. 6 July. Comp=ts=. to M=rs=. orford. M=r=. Orford Lyme

Dear Sir! J have very seriously been reflecting upon the Conduct & Behaviour of M=r=. Bayley and his Friends yesterday, w=ch=. to be sure ^was^ very Extraordinary. Pray was not the whole of this Business properly consider'd at the last general meeting, & was not an order made appointing a Committee to carry into Execution what had then been determined upon? As these Gentlemen coud not but know the Sentiments of M=r=. Legh, that they shoud oppose it as they do, does it ^not^ shew the Height of Jmpertinence, but we can, J am certain, easily defeat their favourite object, if your Worthy master will ^but^ give the Word of Command. Is it not evident they have private Views to serve, & that they came determined to counteract what was before agreed to? Do, bless you, step over to Stockport on friday — lay the whole before M=r=. Cooper, & your other friends, & consult with them, what they woud advise to be done. we must secure, & make all the Friends we can, or they will ruin & for ever destroy one of the greatest Roads, in this Kingdom, especially at this distance

from the metropolis. M=r=. Lingard is now with me, he says, there are many Commissioners, who are not down in the Printed List. Remember the meeting is but 6 weeks to. You may always depend upon the Friendship, & every Assistance in the power of Your most Obed=t= Serv=t=. I %Dickenson Taxal. Tuesday. NB Their fine Scheme will only make a Road of meed & Dirt, & can never be supported & maintained. This is a Fact. Be so obliging to let me know how M=r= Legh does. J am, as every%body must be, very anxious for his speedy Recovery, — .

M=r=. Bayley talk'd hard about his (_Conscience_). Jt is not many weeks ago, since J saw him at Disley, he then left his Comp=ts=. for M=r=. Orford, and as the lower Road was so much disapproved off, he desired that you woud contrive a Scheme to ease & Lower the Hills. His Conduct Yesterday convinced me of the Duplicity of his Heart, & how little Dependance there is upon a man, who was born & Educated in the Principles of Knox & Calvin. M=r=. Orford How Lane.

Dear Sir! D=r=. Norton did not come to Buxton, as he sent me word he woud, but yesterday he was at Taxal, and staid all night; The Gentlemen at Maxfield have a Club every wednesday, & the Subject of our Road was ^[^"then" crossed out^] last wednesday^ very much talk'd off. M=r=. moseley said, that M=r=. Jodrell had (_at present_) given up the intended Road from Whaley to Disley, but he strongly objected to the Scheme of laying out the Sum, (_as he called it_), (_of 800=£=,_) in Easing the Hills upon the old Road. You see by this, where the Shoe pinches, but J woud by all means have you stick fast to the order made at the general meeting, only J coud like, if you approved of it, ^to^ change the Committee to the Jnspectors for the County. To avoid Blunders, J desire whatever is to be done may for the future be better considered. J %shall pay Johnson in full tomorrow & so Close every%thing. J am Your most obed=t= ser=t= I %Dickenson. Friday. night. I %hope you left M=r=. Worsley fully prejudiced against the Scheme... M=r=. Orford Lyme

Dear Sir! When J was desired to act as a Trustee for the 200=£=. belonging to Dixon, J remember saying J woud do so, provided Rich=d=. Turner, his Son in Law, woud joyn along with me. — Dixon has just been with me to desire J woud give him an order for ten pounds, but the Answer J gave him was, if Rich=d=. Turner approved of it, & that [^"J" crossed out^] ^he^ woud draw it up himself, & sign it, that J woud do the same, otherwise J woud not. The Money was intended for the Children of Dixon, only there was a power given to us, if Old Dixon or his wife were in Distress to advance for him, not exceeding 20=£= or 25=£=. J just mention these little matters, that you may be better able to judge of my Conduct. whatever Rich=d=. Turner, who knows the Situation of his father, desires me to do, J will acquiesce with. J am, with great respect, Your most obed=t= Ser=t=. I %Dickenson Taxal. Frid. 5 June. M=r=. Orford Lyme

Dear Sir! J %have scrolled over the Acc=t=. about our new Buxton Road, w=ch=. J %shall trouble you with. J sent the Same to M=r=. Worsley. There is no Occation J think to send it to the rest of the Committee. The whole Sum Borrowed on this Acc=t=. is 1760.£. Jt cost a good deal more, but the rest is what came to the Buxton Share, J mean the Surplus after Keeping the Road in Repair. If you, or any other Gentleman, shoud want any part to be explained, J %will do it any time. The Acc=t=. J believe is perfectly right. As M=r=. Jacson is come to reside at Stockport (for J ^only^ acted for the Buxton Road in his Absence) J shall ^now^ decline acting any longer, as Jnspector. J am, with great respect, Your very hum Ser=t=. I %Dickenson Taxal. 7=th= June 1778. Every Shilling paid by M=r=. Wheilton was either paid in my Presence, or by my Direction. respects to m=rs= orford wishing her a happy min{utes} M=r=. Orford

Taxal. Sund. 29=th= June. D=r= Sir! J have not had the pleasure of seeing you for a long time. J have indeed called at your House 2 or 3 times. — — . J am going to be a Collier, w=ch=. is a Business J thought J shoud never have engaged in, but my Son, J %saw, woud one time or other make a Tryal, & as J ^am^ upon the Spot, J judged it better to do it under my own Jnspection. — . There is Something to settle between M=r=. Jacson & myself, and w=ch=. is left to be adjusted by You, M=r=. Fletcher, & M=r=. Johnson of macclesfield. J %shall not say one Word touching the present Business, but as it is left to You to fix the Time, J %shoud be glad you w=d=. do it soon, for a Relation of mine is dead, w=ch=. will oblige ^me^ to take a Journey into Yorkshire. M=r=. Jacson w=d=. let M=r=. Fletcher know, & J w=d=. take upon me to fix with M=r=. Johnson. J am S=r=. Your most obed=t= Serv=t=. I %Dickenson

I left some money with M=r=. Cooper for the Alterations in whaley. If you shoud want more let me know. J do assure you J like these Alterations very much, & w=ch=. will be a great Jmprovement, but J %wish you woud order a wall to be made near the Smithey at Stone Head, or else it will be dangerous. J hope you received the Acc=ts= about our new Buxton Road. If any%thing wants to be explained J will do it at any time. M=r.= Orford [^Accounts in pencil omitted^]

Dear Sir! J am much obliged to you for your very kind Letter, & immediately sent to acquaint M=r= Johnson of the meeting. J dare say, the Business will be soon finished, but, as J find M=r=. Jacson won't be at Shallcross, J %shall not appear amongst You, till you have determined ^it^. J %must beg you will then step up, & take pot Luck with us. J am going into Lancashire, but shall be back on Tuesday Even=g=. J %am, Your obed=t= hble %serv=t=. I %Dickenson. Taxal. monday morn: [^The next set of letters, until that of 7 November ?1781, have been attached to each other, and consequently are in reverse order of date; the order has been changed to chronological order^] Taxal. Thurs. 3=d=. aug=t=. 1780. Sir! J am Sorry your Memory won't allow you to recollect what passed at the Reference in 1778, on which Acc=t=. J beg Leave to remind you of a few facts, w=ch=. then occur'd. M=r=. Fletchers Conduct was too' shameful for me to trouble you with any Remarks upon it. — . When you were told the morning after the meeting at whaley, that J was strongly urged to stop M=r=. Jacson's Wheel, did not you express yourself to be much alarmed, and did not you then propose, that J shoud receive such a Sum, upon Acc=t=. of a Tunnel that J had made (w=ch=. was only done to preserve M=r=. Jacson's Colliery) and a trifling Acknowledgment Yearly? Have You forgot, that you told Mess=rs=. Gardner & Johnson, that it w=d=. be doing very great Jnjustice to my Family, if a power was not given to me to stop M=r=. Jacson's Wheel, if J found any, or the least, Obstruction to our Work from it? You Yourself seem'd thoroughly convinced of my readiness to serve & oblige M=r=. Jacson, but coud it ever be imagined, that J

meant to injure my Family by granting a priviledge to him? J relyed upon you, as the Umpire, who had long been acquainted with the Nature of such Concerns, and J remember telling You at our house, as J was quite ignorant in these affairs, that J left it wholly to You to determine what was right & what was wrong. my poor wife was then in the parlour with us, & she let drop some Tears, w=ch=. seemed to affect you. — . J must beg Leave to ask you this serious Question, which is all J want to know from You, Was two Guineas a Year, in your Opinion, a full & adequate Consideration for all the great & important Advantages J was to give M=r=. Jacson? Was it right, that J shoud run every risque to serve a Neighbour & bring all the Losses upon myself.? Let us suppose that J, or any%one else had involved your innocent Babes in such hardships, woud not you in that case have thought we had acted contrary to every principle of Justice & Equity? J say woud not an honest man, Supposing a mistake was likely to be committed, (if {ie}ther of the parties was unacquainted with such Business) [^"shoud not the other" crossed out^] have pointed out a proper remedy, instead of throwing Clauses into the agreement, w=ch=. were unjust & ungrateful to the highest Degree — J %have sustained a Loss of 600£

nor am J one single penny in pocket for all that J %have done for M=r=. Jacson. Good God! What Trouble & Uneasiness have J suffered by endeavouring to serve a neighbour, but it shews what some men will do, & the Lengths they will run, for the Sake of sordid Wealth. I now appeal to you, Sir, whether J have been fairly treated, for if I had been so disposed, coud not J have stop'd M=r= Jacson's Wheel, and you know J %was advised to do so, and if J %had, w=d=. not you in particular have thought me an unkind neighbour? Pray was such a neighbour to be ill used? J understand M=r=. Jacson is pleased to say, that J had made him a perpetual promise never to disturb his Colliery. Was it likely that J shoud respect a Man, whom J never received a favour from in all my Life, & to prefer his Jnterest, to that of my own Flesh & Blood? Did M=r=. Jacson himself act upon this Principle, when he hinder'd every neighbour he has from getting their own Coal? Don't J owe a Duty to my Children much more than to a person, whom J never wished to have more than a Slight Acquaintance with? J %am certain of one thing, that J shoud never have attempted to open my Colliery, if J had not been solicited to do it by a Son, who deserves from me every Encouragement. If M=r=. Jacson had himself made a genteel & proper Acknowledgment for w=t=. we had done for him, it might have stop'd our proceeding, but then

it woud have prevented me from knowing him, as J now do. J cannot help acquainting you, (notwithstanding the Treatment J %have all along received,) that J lately proposed to sell for ever all the Lands necessary for M=r=. Jacson's Colliery, which woud have been of infinite advantage to him, together with the whole of our work, — . M=r=. Broom of Didsbury, a most unexceptionable Gentleman, was one of the Referees, but he declared himself to be (like me) unacquainted with Coal Concerns, so that this Appointment answered no other End, than to get rid of M=r=. Gardner. I am, Sir, Your Obedient Servant John Dickenson. Car. paid M=r=. Orford How Lane

Birch Sat. 18=th= August 1780 Sir. J shoud be glad, whenever it suits yo=r=. Convenience to have some further Conversation with You, as to the unhappy Frecas between two Neighbours. — You were pleased to say, when J saw you last, that you thougth I wrote with some Warmth, but pray let us consider, whether J had ^any^ or the least reason for it. — Jt always ^was^ my principle — (Despised as J now am, by a certain 'p~son) that if J had it in my power to serve & oblige a Neighbour J ought to do so, but J never imagined it coud be expected, that J shoud injure the rights of my Children. — J confess J did ^formerly^ entertain such an opinion of M=r=. Jacson, that J coud not form an Jdea, that he was capable of acting in an ungenerous manner. — If J had been brought up with a Knowledge of Coal Concerns, and that M=r=. Jacson, or You, were ignorant in such matters, and that you chose to place an implicit Confidence in my Honour, ought not J to be the last man upon Earth, that shoud take an unfair Advantage? Had J received great & important favours from you (in short, for no equitable Consideration) woud it be just, that J shoud with a bad Design throw

in Clauses into an Agreement, (contrary to the Opinion of the Umpire) by w=ch=. J occationed you to run a risque of sacrificing several hundred pounds? — If such a proceeding as this was to be laid before a Court of Equity, is it to be supposed, that the Chancellor woud give it as his opinion, that J had acted with [^"G" rubbed out^] Honour & Gratitude to you & your Family? —. Jt is not what a man is (whether he has had the Education of a fine Gentleman, or whether he be proud & arrogant as too' many of the Clergy are) but what his Actions shew him to be. — My Son tells me to my Face, that J have injured him, by being too' desirous to serve an ungenerous neighbour, & yet this man was never satisfyed, till he had actually made me obnoxious to my own Children. Now J shall leave it to you to determine, whether J coud restrain my pen from expressing some Degree of warmth, but it is plain that M=r=. Jacson always looked upon me as a downright Fool — . No%body knew better how to draw the Line of Justice & Equity in a dispute between two Neighbours than Yourself, for what you declared to Gardner & Johnson to be your Sentiments, is a clear proof of your Judgment, & how well you understood the Business — But how the Agreement came to be made otherwise, & w=ch=. has brought on all the pres=t=. mischief, is w=t=. J coud never comprehend, [^page break^]

nor was it meant that J %shoud do so. God knows ^it^ to %be true, that J %have been most cruelly injured, but never will J %place Confidence in any man again. That no man may ever be wronged as we have been, is the ardent wish, of Sir, Your obed=t= %hble serv=t=. J Dickenson. My Son is desirous to lay the whole of this affair before M=r=. Legh & two or 3 more Gentlemen for his own Satisfaction, w=ch=. can Only be done by viewing the premises, & Examining Evidences, & then they will be a Judge, whether we have been treated with Candour & Honour, or Artifice & Duplicity. Is it fair that a Man, who is a party concerned, shoud be, as it were, his own Referee — Do the Business as Umpire — & after all settle the Terms of Agreement by Clauses under his own hand, as he shall think proper? I %have myself transacted Business of more Consequence, than the Value of M=r=. Jacsons Colliery, but J took Care to draw up the award myself — and then to examine every Line of the rough Dft of the Agreement, & to see that it was done as it ought to be. When a fresh Reference was appointed M=r=. Jacson fix'd upon ^a^ Referee, who owned he was no Judge in such affairs, & {tho'} ^th{o'}^ the Referees or Umpire were to put a Value upon the ^whole of our^ work, then M=r=. Jacson declared, he w=d=. only buy the Land, so that w=t=. cost {me ***=*=} J %must give away to the Poor of the Parish. M=r=. Orford Lyme

Taxal Thurs: 2=d= Nov=r=. [^different hand:^] 1780 D=r= %Sir! An old Woman dyed Yesterday, who was a Life in a Lease, and by whose Death an Estate descends to me. Her Brother, (who is to be sure a very (_honest_) man) took her to live with him a few Years ago, & then sold what little property she had, w=ch=. he did to prevent my having an Harriot, whenever she dyed, as he knew J was entitled to the best Good. Pray am J to be fobb'd off with an old dirty Red Petty Coat, or am J to have Recourse to the Tenant who occupys the Premises.? Her Brother likewise intends to have the whole of this Years Rent, & only leave me the winter Pasture. J shall be much obliged to you for yo=r=. friendly advice, how J am to act in this Affair, — . J am, Sir Your obed=t= hble %Serv=t=. John Dickenson My Son waites upon You ^with this^ pray don't give him too' much Lyme Beer & do you see that he does not bring Johnson along with him. For M=r=. Orford.

Taxal 26=th=. April 1781. Dear Sir! Tho' no Accomodation J apprehend is likely ever to take place between M=r=. Jacson & me, J am however very much obliged to you for the favour of your kind Letter. What you say is perfectly right, that a Meeting of you & M=r=. Johnson, requested by one of the Parties, woud not be proper, but J only proposed it as a private Satisfaction to myself, & for the Sake of that Satisfaction, J am still desirous of your Coming over, as J want to have my Conduct vindicated to my Children, and w=ch=. J thought coud best be done by a friendly meeting of you two, who knew how the Business stood before, & what was then done — What was just & right three Years ago, is the Same this Day, & will be so tomorrow. A Reference did, you know, take place, & as nothing was done, we had Recourse to You — You then mentioned what the Terms shoud be, and that it woud be Unjust to extend the priviledge beyond such a Line, but an Article was afterw=ds=. drawn up, and Clauses thrown into it by M=r=. Jacson contrary to yo=r=. just Decision, or if no Award had been made, [^"it" crossed out^] ^the agreem=t=^ was contrary to every principle

of Honour Justice & Equity. Let us consider, whether M=r=. Jacson was, or was not under Obligations to us. If he was not, no Charge can be made against him, but if he was, was it right & Grateful of him to injure the property of my Children, and that at a time, when he saw J was ignorant & unacquainted in such dark Affairs? God knows my heart, J %had then no doubt, but every proper Care woud have been taken (and J placed an implicit Confidence in its being done) that the Jnterest of my Blessings shoud be honestly secured, for this was not like a common Agreement, as J was the 'P~son, who condescended to grant a priviledge to a Neighbour, not for that neighbour to injure us. Had not J done my Duty, (now J appeal to you,) as a kind neighbour & a Christian, in favour of M=r=. Jacson, ^so^ it did not become him to take an unfair Advantage? What have J got for great and important priviledges, not one penny? Woud he have done as much for me, or for M=r=. Orford? J %have been his Neighbour three & twenty Years, and in all that time never heard of any one Benevolent Action, that he did, but he is so Great a Man, that J suppose it is honour enough to let him take away all our Rights & Priviledges. — . If you chuse it, J shoud be glad, extreamly so, to see you at Taxal, with or without M=r=. Johnson. J can pay you handsomely for yo=r=. Trouble

and it is a mercy all things considered that J can do so, for had my Father but lived one month longer, this Affair woud then, (my good Friend) have had most dreadful Consequences to our prejudice, and J will candidly own to M=r=. Orford, this was the Matter, that so highly affected my dear Wife, who often declared we had been upon the very Brink of Ruin. M=r=. Jacson='s= whole Estate coud not make us Amends for the Trouble & anxiety we have undergone — As soon as our public Affairs mend, we mean to sell every foot of Land we have in this Township, & a most improveable Estate it is, for my Children are determined to remove their property, where J hope an honest [^"Man" crossed out^] ^Neighbour^ may be found. It is really a pity, [^word rubbed out^] as M=r= Jacson chose to commit what was a %sad (_Blot_), but since he did do it, J wish for his own Sake (You see J %have some Charity left) that he had made a more early Acknowledgment of his Error — Had he done so, it w=d=. have been happy for himself — happy for his Family — & happy for us all. J know this Subject is disagreeable to you, but J promise J %will not trouble you again, so shall hasten to tell you, that J am, D=r=. Sir, Your obliged & obedient Serv=t=. John Dickenson. J have now unbosomed my whole Soul concerning this unhappy affair. M=r=. Broome, who has been another of his Referees, declared no man coud be worse used than J %have been & that I ought to have Redress. Car. paid M=r=. Orford How Lane [^Scribbles omitted^]

Birch monday. 20=th= august — Dear Sir! J forgot this Morning to mention to You about the Macclesfield Turnpike Road, not but Yesterday J desired M=r=. Gee woud write to you concerning it. There is J am told a Meeting advertized to be on Tuesday the 28=th=. of this Month. — [^"{&}" crossed out^] J am afraid the Tolls will not keep down the Jnterest, so that it is absolutely necessary, that you & M=r=. Gee shoud then attend to consider what is most proper to be done for the Benefit of the Securities. M=r=. Lankford J believe will receive the Tolls no longer. If it be possible J %will be there, if J thought you w=d=. go. J %am 500=£= in. J shoud be glad to have the meeting you mention take place, the Sooner the Better. J will upon this Occasion candidly own to you, as J %had done a great deal to serve & oblige a Neighbour, J always considered it in this Light, that it was indeed cruel to take an unfair advantage, because M=r=. Jacson coud not but see, that J %was totally unacquainted in such Matters. Jt is well known, that he had been all his Life

a Collier, therefore he shoud not have acted, as a party at all, especially as he said, he woud wholly leave the Settling of it to ^two^ honest men, & as there was an Umpire called in, who had made a fair & just Determination, the parties shoud not have interfered in giving Jnstructions for the Agreement, but have left it to you. J did not entertain an Jdea to hurt M=r=. Jacson's family, either in Thought, Word or Deed, nor shoud he have done any%thing to the prejudice of my Son. He really is 2/3=ds=. of a Jesuit, & yet he is an Enemy to his darling obj{e}ct — self Jnterest J am Your obed=t=. %hble %serv=t=. John Dickenson. J have little reason to expect any%thing being settled with M=r=. Jacson, if J am to judge of him from his Late Behaviour, but let the Event go as it will, J %shall be very glad to have the Frecas reconciled between You & J.D. What you mentioned about the Wear, if it be a fact, aggravates in my Opinion the Conduct of M=r=. Jacson, because the greater Confidence you place in his (_Honour_) the more Ungrateful he is. M=r=. Orford at Peter Legh's Esq=r{e}=. Lyme Stockport Cheshire. [^Postmarked Chester^]

Bebington Aug={t}=. 29. 1781 (_Sir_) I yesterday received your Favour dated the 20=th=. Inst=t=: I propose being at Stockport the 14=th=. or 15=th=. of next Month, and on Monday or Tuesday in the Week following, I will attend you and M=r=. Dickenson at Disley, unless our Meeting at Stockport could be made equally convenient to all Parties, if it could it would be more convenient to me to make that the Place of meeting; but if it is in any Respect inconvenient I will readily attend at Disley. M=r=. Dickenson and you will fix upon a Gentleman, and I will lay before him the whole Proceedings, which I make no Doubt will satisfactorily exculpate you from every Imputation and Suspicion. I am Sir Your obliged hu=le=: Serv={t}=. S. Jacson. Taxal Sat. 8=th=. Sep=r=. 81. Sir! If M=r=. Jacson had only injured me, J am sure J coud freely have forgiven him, but as he chose to sacrifice the Jnterest of my dear Children, who had never offended him, and the Remembrance of this Affair having occasioned great Trouble of Mind to a most worthy good Woman, for these reasons J shall candidly own to you ^it^ woud be very disagreeable ^to me^ to meet One, who has highly offended this Family, but if he chuses to meet my Son at Disley, who is more immediately concerned, He & some%one else shall attend on Tuesday the 18=th=. — J am now thoroughly convinced, that M=r=. Jacson never meant an Arbitration shoud take place, to be conducted as it ought to have been, but only held it out, as a Decoy to amuse & deceive us. — Just before it was to take place, he was pleased to send to me to desire it might be settled without an Arbitration — & after it had taken Effect at Lyme, he still wanted it to be settled amongst ourselves, both these proposals J rejected, having placed my whole Confidence in you, & so J repeatedly acquainted you with, for

it was a Subject, ^J %own^ J did not understand — . The very Moment his own favourite Agreement came to be signed, he coud then tell me (with a contemptuous Sneer in his Countenance) that if J had not insisted upon an Arbitration, (which that Agreement was ^or sh=d=. have been^ the Consequence off,) he woud [^corrected from "shoud"^] himself have settled the Affair in a very different manner, nay that he shoud have given me a great deal more, tho' it was ^only^ a %little before this, he wrote, that he w=d=. submit it entirely to Arbitration to settle every%thing, that is, the Rent & Conditions. One day it goes by the Title of Arbitration & then if it will give any Advantage, it is to have a diff=t=. Name, and be called a seperate Agreement — J %have known it to be a fact, as clear as the Sun at Noon Day, that whatever M=r=. Jacson can get into his possession, (_right or wrong_), he will not part with it. — . [^phrase crossed out^] ^Let him^ call upon me to prove what J now assert — . M=r=. Jacson had also enjoyed valuable priviledges from us for near ten Years with%out puting one penny in my pocket, & during that time, [^"J" rubbed out^] he coud not but know, that J then lived upon a very trifling Jncome, so that a Compliment of a few Guineas w=d=. then have done me infinite Service. — To return to the old Subject, let us suppose that J had taken an unfair advantage of his Jgnorance, & that J %had never been refused a favour whenever asked by myself or Servants, or had ever

laid a Scheme to trap & injure the Rights of his Son. What w=d=. you, nay what woud the World ^small as J am^ have said of me? J %shall always lament it, as a misfortune, that you were not permitted to settle in writing what your Award was, but alass! such a wish was never meant by him to take place — . J was indeed led, like a Lamb, to the Slaughter — . J shoud not have been thus particular, but J see by that part of his Letter, w=ch=. you copy'd, that notwithstanding all our Wrongs, he has no Jdea of doing us Justice — If we are to %have no Redress here, J %shall submit the Cause of an injured Family to the Searcher of all Hearts, & then J doubt not, it will lye before an impartial Judge, who is not to %be sway'd, nor influenced by Pride, and Swelling high Looks — . J %hope w=t=. has happen'd to us will be a Warning to all mankind — to be Cautious & circumspect, how & where they place (_Confidence_). J am sorry, J %have given you so much trouble, but J %have been most cruelly & barbarously treated. J am, Sir, Your Obed=t=. serv=t=. I %Dickenson. What Comfort can a man have, that over%reaches his neighbour, & by doing so, make a Father obnoxious to his very Children! M=r=. Orford How Lane.

Stockport September [^corrected^] 15. 1781 (_Sir_) I some time since wrote you Word in Answer to a Letter that was sent after me to Bebington, that I should be at home at this time for a few Days, and that I would attend you and M=r= Dickenson at Disley on Monday next, if our Meeting at Stockport was not convenient to all Parties, and I hoped to have found a Note from you at my coming home to have informed me where and when I might attend, as I have received no Notice from you, I am apprehensive that my Letter ^directed^ to you at Lyme miscarried; in that Case our Meeting must be postponed till I return from Sommershall [^corrected^] which will be some time in November; but if our Meeting is fixed for next Monday, I shall be obliged

to you to inform me of it, by some Opportunity to%morrow. I am S=r=. Your obliged Friend Simon Jacson. M=r=. Orford Lyme

Sir! M=r=. Jacson in his Letter to you fixed upon two days, the Latter of which J made Choice of: to meet at Disley. — My Son will attend at 12 'oClock (_on Tuesday_) when J %hope M=r=. Jacson will come prepared to do ample Amends for the Jnjuries we have already rec=d=. from him. J %am Sir, Your ob=t=. Serv=t=. I %Dickenson. Taxal. Sunday After: If M=r=. Jacson wishes M=r=. Cooper to attend he may apply to %him — . . . . M=r=. Orford Lyme

Wednesday 7={th}= November: Dear Sir! J wish you woud let me know, whether you continue to pay, as heretofore, the several Undertakers upon the Road in Cheshire. — M=r=. Broome='s=. Children have a Demand upon us in Lancashire, & we want to know, how you proceed. Jt is a pity but this matter had been settled at the last meeting, but perhaps the Jnspectors have a power to do it of themselves. J coud like some time or other to talk over in a friendly manner with you ^concerning^ the unhappy Frecas with M=r=. Jacson. — He really did, what a Man shoud not have done — He first wrote, that he w=d=. leave it to honest Men to settle the Rent & Terms — . Jt now appears, because there was no Bonds of Arbitration to tye down our Honour, that he was (_on that Acc=t=._) at Liberty to settle the Terms, as he thought proper, which Declaration he made at Disley, tho' at that very time he knew, J wholly depended upon the Arbitration, & upon the Jmpartiallity of You, for J had repeatedly wrote to him, that J woud submit to no other Determination — Strange as it is, but it is an undoubted Fact, that M=r=. Jacson ^or his Uncle^ coud not have sold, nor has he sold, a single Basket of fire Coal without our Assistance for upwards of 40 Years, w=ch=. J can prove by a writing now in my possession,

& yet to behave as he chose to do at last, was it either Just or kind? ours was no common Agreement, such as frequently happen between man & man, for never did we in any ^one^ Jnstance refuse him a favour, therefore to take an Advantage of my Weakness, because J confided in others, nor did J then know the particular Conditions, on w=ch= the Agreem=t=. was to take place, till it was explained to me afterwards — These are the several Reasons, w=ch=. have caused me to be blamed by my Children, & w=ch=. have render'd me very unhappy — . J am still willing at this Day to submit it to Yourself, or to any other honest man, how & in what manner these mistakes shall be rectifyed. J am, Sir, Your obed=t=. hble %serv=t=. John Dickenson. M=r=. Orford Lyme.

Dear Sir! J am exceedingly obliged to you for yo=r=. kind Assurances of Regard, which J shall always have in Remembrance. — You tell me, if any proper Method coud be hit upon to reconcile the unhappy misunderstanding between two Neighbours, that you shoud be glad to embrace it. J dare say, that J don't need to remind you, that J %have every reason to think, J am the party injured. — The Jnjury J %have received was in Consequence of an Arbitration, wherein Terms were (_at last_) held out to me, which J unfortunately imagined to have been Your Determination. — Notwithstanding I was innocently led to do wrong to my Children, one cannot well suppose, that M=r=. Jacson woud at this day be against having a fair Hearing to know, whether the Agreement was in Consequence of calling in indifferent people to settle the Terms & Conditions, w=ch=. M=r=. Jacson declared he woud abide by — J am unwilling to suppose, because there was no Bonds to tye down the honour of the Parties, that it woud be any Reflection upon either Side to rectifye past mistakes. If I %had injured M=r=. Jacson, (w=ch=. J woud not have done knowingly to have got all the Riches in a County) ought not J, as an honest Man, to be glad

to let others enquire into my Conduct. M=r=. Jacson knew that J %was no Collier, therefore instead of taking the Advantage of my Jgnorance or weakness, & [^"{because}" crossed out^] ^tho'^ there was no Bonds of Arbitration [^corrected^], he shoud rather have taken Care of [^"my" crossed out^] ^the^ Jnterest of my Young Folks, than of his own, and so he woud, if he had entertained a right Sense of what we had [^changed from "{did}"^] done for him. I wish you woud recommend it to M=r= Jacson to let us have a fair, honest, Hearing, w=ch=. J imagine coud best be done by You, as having been the Umpire appointed by himself, & approved of by me. J woud agree to any Expedient, that coud be thought just & reasonable. J am, D=r= Sir, Your Obed=t= hble Serv=t=. John Dickenson. Taxal. 15=th=. Nov=r=. 1781. Some Care shoud be taken abo=t=. our maxfield Road, w=ch=. will not keep down the Jnterest, & the longer it is upon the pres=t=. footing the worse it will be. M=r=. Gee & J w=d=. meet you any day at Disley, when J w=d=. order mathew Wheilton (the Treasurer) to meet us with the whole Acc=t=. — . J look upon your Acquaintance M=r=. John Lingard to %be as honest a man as any J %know, & J %woud with pleasure submit it to him & to you, whether the Agreement with M=r=. Jacson was a fair one, or otherwise. M=r=. Orford Lyme or at his House in How Lane.

Taxal. Monday. Dear Sir! J did some time ago recommend to M=r=. Lankford that a meeting might be first had between him, You, M=r=. Gee & J before the Creditors were all called together, & yesterday I sent for mathew over, who tells me, that the meeting ^tomorrow^ is only a common Adjournment, & that M=r=. Lankford highly approves of our going over some time soon to examine the Acc=ts=. & to determine w=t=. is most proper to %be done. If You coud in abo=t=. ten days fix upon a day to meet, we will attend you. — . The whole Years Jnt=t=. was due near 5 months ago & is not yet discharged from the Tolls to this time, so you see, how necessary it is to look into this Affair. J %am Your obed=t= hble %ser=t=. I %Dickenson. [^The next three letters are attached to each other^] Car: P=d=. M=r=. Orford How Lane with Care.

Manchester 31=st=. {x}b=r=. 1781 Dear Sir! About 8 days ago, as J %was coming into Lancashire, J met with M=r=. Jacson, who was pleased to say, that he was Sorry for the Differences, which had too' long subsisted betwixt us, but did not point out any proper mode, how a period might be put to them. J happen'd to express a desire of seeing you at Taxal, or meeting you else%where, and M=r=. Jacson wished J woud call at your House, but J rather chose, that he himself shoud write to you, which he said he woud — My Business here will keep me longer than J expected, & for fear you shoud be disappointed, J write to acquaint you, that J shall not return till the End of the week. — J shoud be very glad to see you either alone, or that you woud bring M=r=. Barber along with you, or else give me an Opportunity of sending over for M=r=. Lingard. I do not mean, let what will pass, that it shoud in any respect be binding upon M=r=. Jacson, but you know, that sometimes two might hit upon an Expedient better than One — Some Satisfaction for past Errors J am determined to have for the Sake of that excellent good woman, who shed many a Tear in Consequence of the present Frecas. She was very Sensible, that J had done a great deal

to serve M=r=. Jacson, therefore she thought it was very unkind, nay that it was Cruel to the highest Degree, to take, (as he ungenerously did,) an Advantage of my total Jgnorance to injure the Just Rights of her Children, especially as M=r=. Jacson had received no small favours from a Family for 50 Years, without whose Assistance it was not in his power to be Master of his Colliery, nor coud he have got his Thousands, which he has done, where he worked his Mine before. — J will freely confess to you, J %woud rather have lost the whole of Taxal Estate, than to have been (_Over:reached_), where J %had placed a Confidence, but Good God! how coud it be avoided, as there was no Bonds to tye down the Honor of the parties. M=r=. Jacson, (when at Disley,) exultingly declared, that he was on that acc=t=. at Liberty to set aside the Decision of the Umpire, & w=ch=. has occasioned the whole of the present Confusion. an honest man is a valuable Creature to Society, but such J fear is not to be met with, at the Top or Bottom of a Coal pit. As we are near Neighbours, it is a pity but some generous man w=d=. step forth to reconcile these unhappy Differences. — If any%thing coud be done to satisfye my Son, if it was not of the Value of one single shilling it shoud have the full & entire Approbation of S=r=. Your obed=t=. & obliged hble %s=t=. I %Dickenson

If you will give it under your hand, that M=r=. Jacson has in every Respect acted becoming the Character of a Gentleman, during every part of the Arbitration, & that the Agreement was made pursuant to your Determination ^at Lyme^ or agreeable to your Jdea of the mode of Justice between us, J %say if you will sign such a Declaration, J will not trouble you any more upon this Subject, for as J told you at first J %w=d=. wholly submit ^it^ to M=r=. orford to settle, because at that time J did not (_then_) understand it, & the real merits coud be as well ascertained now, as it shoud have been done before. M=r=. J did to %be sure play off the Jesuit, & by [^corrected^] doing so, he was his greatest Enemy. M=r=. Orford

Taxal. 12=th=: September 1783. Sir. I request the favour of you not to take amiss my Writing to you, tho' it is upon a Subject J have formerly troubled you with. J %shall submit it to yourself, is it not a pity that the misunderstanding betwixt M=r=. Jacson & J shoud not have a period put to it? No one in the opinion of your own Friends is more proper to reconcile w=t=. has happen'd between two Neighbours, than the very Gentleman who was Umpire in their unhappy Differences. M=r=. Jacson was pleased two Years ago to promise me he w=d=. write to you to desire you w=d=. once more step over to Taxal, as J told him J had my Reasons, why J coud not receive the Yearly Acknowledgment, till J had first conversed with You — J %shall in a candid manner explain to you what were then my Reasons, and what J %wished to be satisfyed with, in doing of which it is far from my Jntention to give you the least Offence. You did at Lyme on the 3=d=. of Septem=r=. 1778 fix the Acknowledgment, subject, (as J heard afterwards) to certain Conditions, & about 6 weeks after J remember you came over to Taxal. M=r=. Jacson having that morning sent for You (w=ch=. was only 2 or 3 days before the Agreem=t=. or Jnstructions for it took place) J therefore wish you to recollect if you can, w=t=. you then said to me, because if you mentioned the bare Acknowledgment without pointing out the Conditions, w=ch=. J am apt to think must have been the Case, J %shoud be glad you woud inform me what had occasioned the Omission. Was it in Consequence of any Letter or Conversation you had with M=r=. Jacson, or with me? Something must no doubt have happen'd to bring about so wide a difference betwixt what passed at Lyme, & afterw=ds=. at Taxal. Jt has J know been often mentioned (tho' Referees had been fix'd upon, & an Umpire appointed) that this was no Arbitration, yet what did M=r=. Jacson himself say at the very moment he had the Pen in his hand to sign his Name to the Agreement "That had not M=r=. Dickenson insisted upon having an

Arbitration, he shoud have thought himself in Honour Bound to have given a much larger Consideration" — We have for a long Series of Years endeav=d=. to serve M=r=. Jacson's Colliery, & have always shewn every Jndulgence, that one man coud do to another. Was it kind in M=r=. Jacson to interfere, especially as he knew J had placed my whole Confidence in the decision of honest men? Some people are too' apt, (where Jnterest is concerned) to exert their superior Abilities, when they have to do with a Neighbour, whose Jgnorance or Situation in Life they woud be thought to despise. Jt is strange, that M=r=. Jacson w=d=. not abide by the Determination of what he himself had nominated & appointed — The Declaration he made at Disley before you & my Son was pretty Extraordinary, & w=ch=. will never be forgot; Because says he, there were no Bonds to restrain him, he was on that acc=t=. at Liberty to act as he pleased. Now give me Leave to ask, pray did M=r=. Dickenson in any one Jnstance offer to interfere? God Almighty knows it to be true, all J meant by wishing for an arbitration was, that J might not be blamed by my Children, whose Rights J thought woud be best preserved by the Determination of upright & impartial men, J had not the least Jdea, how a Gentleman coud interfere in such a Business — The only thing to be lamented ^is^ that you did not apprize me in time what were M=r=. Jacson's Designs, w=ch=. you coud not but discover after he had received your Letter from Lyme. Since we are to be Neighbours, J am for my part desirous to have the present Frecas accomodated, & woud consent to any Terms, that you thought w=d=. be just & right. Js not there a great Difference betwixt a Trifle by way of Acknowledgm=t=. subject to Conditions, & enjoying a Priviledge, as an Established Right? mistakes have been committed, & we are willing to forget every%thing & bury in oblivion the unkind

Treatment we have received, provided a Satisfaction for past Errors shoud be made. Had M=r=. Jacson been of my turn of mind, the pres=t=. misunderstand^ing^ woud never have happen'd, but those who can act improperly are seldom Open to Conviction [^corrected^] — . J %hope you will do me the favour to answer this, or if it w=d=. be more agreeable to you, J %woud meet you at any time at Disley, whe{re} we may discourse further upon this unhappy Subject. You have already had your Share of Trouble, & so have J. J am Sir Your obed=t= hble Serv=t=. John Dickenson In the Year 1768 M=r= Iacson began to erect a wheel upon his own Land, adjoining to M=r= Dickensons [^final "s" rubbed out?^] for the purpose of laying Dry, and working his Coal mine, & continued to discharge the Tail water upon M=r= D—'s Land for which no Consideration was ever made. — Afterwards M=r=. Iacson finding that situation for his wheel disadvantageous applyed to his Agent & prevailed upon M=r=. D— to permit him to erect a %wheel upon M=r=. D=s=.— own Land, which wheel M=r=. J— continued to work & enjoy the Benefit of, without making any Compensation for the Same. — But upon M=r=. D—'s begining to open his own Colliery in 1778 it was at length agreed to submit it to indifferent people to settle by Arbitration the Rent & Terms. — The Matter was accordingly refered to the Determination of a M=r= Fletcher nominated by M=r=. Jacson and a M=r=. Iohnson nominated by M=r= D—, as a^r^bitrators, and of M=r=. O— as umpire, but the Referee named by M=r=. J— seemed determined not to agree to any one point. This necessarily occasioned the Interference of the Umpire, upon whom alone the Decision of the matters in Dispute now rested. M=r=. O— the Umpire declared to M=r=. Johnson (the referee of M=r=. Dickenson) that he shoud award the Terms & Conditions as under [^'equals' sign?^] That M=r= Dickenson sh=d=. receive £35 upon Acc=t=. of a Tunnel which had been made, by M=r= D— in order to preserve M=r= I—'s Colliery from being totally destroyed & a small acknowledgem{*} [^torn off^] of 2 Guineas a Year for the privilege [^corrected from "priviledge"^] of the Wheel & the lo{**} [^torn off^] of the Tail Water, And M=r=. O— added that as it was the{*} [^torn off^] uncertain how M=r=. D— might succeed in his Colliery (the wheel shaft being at that time about half sunk down) that he ought not to grant a privilege [^corrected from "priviledge"^] to

a neighbour w=ch=. w=d=. destroy his own works, & therefore he had settled the Terms in this manner that M=r=. I— sh=d=- only enjoy the Liberty given him so long as M=r=. D sh=d=- himself find no Jnconvenience — from it, and that when M=r=. D. experienced any, the least obstruction, that a power sh=d=. be given to M=r=. D— to stop the wheel or else M=r=. O— declared that M=r=. D— w=d=. be granting a priviledge which might be of great injury to M=r=. D— or his Family; Soon after this an Agreement was drawn up, when M=r= J— threw in Clauses contrary to what M=r=. O— the Umpire had declared w=d=. be just & right, & yet M=r=. I— had before agreed he w=d=. leave it to two indifferent people, & then the Umpire to settle the whole of the matter between the parties — M=r=. D— not having the particulars of the %Award properly explained or even laid before him — but yet at that time never doubting the Agreement was drawn up & settled according to the Award made by M=r= O— who had before declared that he w=d=. take care that the Interest of M=r=. D— & his Family sh=d= not be enjured did upon this presumption sign the Agreement totally relying upon M=r=. Orford's Honor that nothing w=d= be done injurious to the Interest of M=r= D—'s Family, as from his own Ignorance in Coal concerns he had repeatedly assured M=r=. O— that he trusted & sh=d=. wholly confide in his justice & impartiallity. It now appears that M=r=. I— was contriving all in his power to give himself a Right by the Agreement to enjoy extensive priviledges for an unlimited time which M=r=. O— the Umpire

had declared sh=d= be confined & subject to Conditions, and the trifling Consideration ascertained must have been fix'd upon under that Idea meerly by way of an acknowledgment. If M=r= O— had meant that M=r=. I. sh=d= [^"have" crossed out^] enjoy & extend the priviledges, as long as he chose to carry on his work how will M=r=. O— reconcile the smallness of the compensation & the Injury done & continued to the [^some words crossed out^] destruction of M=r=. D—'s Colliery with his solemn declaration that he w=d=. take care that M=r=. D. or his family sh=d=. not be injured — As every matter in dispute was to be determined by Arbitration & then by the award of an umpire neither party had a Right to interfere with the settling the terms of such Award, or altering the Draft of the Agreement, but the same ought wholly to have been refered to the Settlement & Correction of the Umpire alone. — If M=r=. Iacson will venture to say that the determination by the award of the Umpire was waved & given up with the (_Knowledge & Consent_) of each party let him recollect his own Declaration to M=r=. D— at the very time of Signing the Agreement, when he told M=r=. D— that if he had not insisted on having an Arbitration that he sh=d=. himself have given a %great deal more than was then fix'd upon After M=r= O— had communicated what he chose to say to M=r=. I— M=r=. I— wrote to M=r=. D— complaining that M=r= O— had fixed the Terms too high (tho the Consideration as it now stands has not put one penny into M=r= D=s=. pocket) & M=r=. J. in his letter was pleased to request, that he & M=r=. D— might settle the matter between themselves when M=r=. J. came to Shallcross but M=r=. D— wrote for Answer

that the %whole having been left to the Determination of an Umpire by that alone he w=d=. abide. — M=r=. J—'s Banksman was always telling M=r= D what a Worthy good Man his Master was & was constantly insinuating that the advantage which M=r= D— gave w=d=. be properly & handsomely recompensed by M=r=. J— or w=d=. in the end be mutual service to each party. An Agreement was drawn up (but never executed) that if M=r= D. sh=d=. receive any Benefit by what M=r=. I— had done he was to pay a %Consideration such as two honest Men w=d=. think just & reasonable [^corrected^] A few months after M=r= D— began to attempt to open his Colliery John Hill strongly solicited M=r= D— for his consent to erect a %wheel in another Situation that w=d=. have open'd to their principal mine of Coal but [^word crossed out^] [^"^as^" rubbed out?^] M=r=. D— had then receiv{d} no {****} [^worn off^] of Compliment from M=r=. J— M=r= D— for that very reason gave no encouragem=t=. to the proposal Iohn %Dickenson Taxal 17 Sep. 1781 [^Different hand^] M=r= Dickenson's Letters M=r= Dickenson's M=r=. Orford Peter Legh's Esq=r=. Haydock Warrington [^Postmarked Buxton?^] [^Different hand^] 1784 M=r=. Dickenson's Letters

Taxal. 22=d= April 1784. Sir. I find by my Son, you are pleased to say, you were not appointed umpire in the dispute betwixt M=r=. Jacson & J, w=ch=. shews Evidently, that you only look upon me as a proper 'P~son to be placed in a mad House, being deprived of my reason & understanding. All J %shall say, if J %had not wholly confided in you, it w=d=. have been impossible that ^M=r=. Jacson^ coud with all his Art have tricked & overreached me as he did, w=ch=. he knew perfectly well. — J %have some reason to fear Your memory is not the Best in the world (tho' J acknowledge I %have a very high opinion of yo=r=. abilities) for you can not but remember, when the meeting was at Disley, you had ever forgot you had ever wrote to M=r=. Jacson, a Copy of w=ch=. I %have now by me, wherein you mentioned to that Gentleman how & in what manner you had fixed your Award, but M=r=. Jacson not liking your mode of settling it, he then wanted to throw aside the Umpire, whom he had nominated, & proposed to settle the Matter with me himself. J told him in my answer, as J said before, that J w=d=. only abide by your candid Determination. A few weeks after this, when he found he coud do no Better, he came over & sent his Servant to Lyme with a Letter to desire you w=d=. waite upon me that day at Taxal. You came to our House, delivered in fresh proposals or Terms for an agreement (my poor wife being ^present^ all the time) & when you left us you went to M=r=. Jacson at Shallcross. Your memory won't J dare say let you recollect what you told mess=rs=. Gardner & Johnson, (this was when you first fix'd the Terms,) that you w=d=. take Care no Jnjustice was in the Sequel of this Business

done to my Children, on whose Acc=t=. alone J %wished to have an Arbitration. You might, Sir, with equal Truth have said, that M=r=. Jacson had never interfered at all, as to say you were not the Umpire, nominated as you were by m=r=. Jacson. — God almighty knows (if J am not to know) how far M=r=. Jacson did interfere, after he received your Letter wrote from Lyme. This Affair now gives me infinitely more Uneasiness than ever, but still J %have this Consolation & a Comfort it is, that J did no Act whatever during the time of the arbitration unbecoming the Character of an honest man. You woud insinuate there was no Arbitration, but you cannot have forgot your Attendance at whaley, and if you were not to be concern'd, how came You there? I %wish with all my Soul you woud condescend to ask mess=rs=. Gardner & Johnson how far you acted as Umpire, because as you have a bad memory, they w=d=. perhaps convince you, how you undertook the Office of Umpire, when they waited upon you the morning after you had been at Tom Jones='s=. — They woud be apt to remind you of the Declarations You made in Behalf of my Children, whose Jnterest you said ought to be preserved. Your own Letter wrote that very day to m=r=. Jacson is a clear Evidence of what I %have now advanced. M=r=. Jacson acknowledged the agreement, such as it was, was in Consequence of the Arbitration, & he was pleased to add, he shoud have given a very diff=t=. Consideration, if J %had not insisted on having an arbitration, so it is plain whether there was to be an Arbitration or no Arbitration J %was to be sacrificed. If any of the Parties or of those concerned had acted in any respect wrong, or any mistake had been made, shoud not Justice be done, but alass one side never meant to do any kind

of Justice. This Gentleman M=r=. Jacson had put Thousands into his pocket by our kind Assistance, therefore as J ment=d=. in my Last he shoud have been a Guardian to protect the rights of my innocent Family, & not to %lead them as he designedly did into Error. Facts are stubborn things, but your memory J am sorry to say is like my weak Jntellects rather deficient. I only hope for the Blessing of Happiness in the world to come, as J %have said nothing in this Letter but the Truth, w=ch= J %am ready to declare upon O{a}th, if nothing else will satisfye [^corrected^] you, that we have been ill used throughout the whole of this affair J am S=r=. Your obed=t= Serv=t=. J %Dickenson It is not, Sir, the Value of it, that J so much contend for, but M=r=. Jacson first agreeing to the Arbitration, appointing a Referee & nominating the Umpire, and after all interfering w=ch=. J know [^"if" crossed out^] he did, If a Conduct like this be right, then it is impossible for a Man, let him be Gentle or Simple, to commit a wrong Action, however if no Satisfaction is to be made, this Subject shall never cease, nor will J ever take the Wages of a %partial, mistaken, Agreement. The Duke of Devonshire's agents [^corrected^] a few Years ago forcibly took from me 50 Acres of Land, but they were not like this neighbour of mine, J prevailed upon them to let the rights of it be fairly examined into w=ch=. they did, & then they were convinced it was my property. Jt woud have ^been^ a happy thing at this day if M=r=. Jacson had acted in this Manner. J am still a Lover of Peace, & shoud not be against an Accomodation for past Errors. [^Draft of Orford's answer on page with address^] (_Sir_) I %am %favor'd with yours of the 22=d=. Ins=t=. by this M{***}ings [^seal^] post, and sh=d=. be happy to have an opportunity of seeing you and M=r=. Iacson together to vindicate my Conduct in the business between you two Gentlemen, and [^"{remain}" crossed out^] ^am^ Sir Your very hble Ser={*}=- [^Orford's signature^] Haydock 26 Ap=l=. 1784 [^The next five letters are attached to each other, in reverse order of date. Ordered chronologically here.^] post paid M=r=. Orford Heydock Warrington [^Postmarked Macclesfield^]

Taxal. 27=th=. march 1785. Sir. Jn order to put an End to our unhappy Differences J desired M=r=. Nicholson woud deliver the following messuage "That the Referees were to examine the premises, & then determine whether the Sum allowed to us was a proper Consideration for the priviledges M=r=. Jacson had received. If it was they were to declare in writing this Approbation to the Terms, w=ch=. if they did M=r=. D woud abide by, but in case it was not a proper Consideration, then it is expected the Referees shoud declare what Satisfaction M=r=. Jacson in Justice ought to make, or what they shoud have thought themselves entitled to had they been in our Situation" — When M=r=. Nicholson had waited upon M=r=. Jacson, he was pleased to write to me in these words. "M=r= Jacson concurs with you in wishing the Referees might meet & consult on the Terms of the Agreement, & that he will do any%thing for your Satisfaction they shall recommend." — As J wished you to meet without Reference to what had happen'd during our unfortunate Frecas, you woud oblige me by letting me know how the Object of the meeting was not attended to, or did M=r=. Jacson only consent to it with a View to increase the present misunderstanding? — J %was for my part perfectly well disposed to have put an End to it, had the same disposition appeared on the other Side, nay J %was so confident of its Suc{c}ess, that the very morning you were expected at Taxal to view the premises, J acquainted my Eldest Daughter how pleased I was with the Thoughts of the Referees coming over. She made me this Reply, that she was afraid M=r=. Jacson woud act as he always had done from the very hour

he first solicited favours from us, however this Conversation between us ended in a wager, when J ventured to lay a hundred to one, that the whole dispute woud that day be finished by the Gentlemen Referees, but alass as J said before, it is now Evident that the object of the meeting was never intended by M=r=. Jacson to be laid before you, tho' it was only a few days before you came to Disley, that M=r=. Jacson got M=r=. Nicholson to enter down his Sentiments in writing, which were "Whether the Agreement executed by M=r=. Jacson & M=r=. Dickenson was conformable to the Jnstructions given to M=r=. orford by M=r=. Dickenson & M=r=. Johnson; If it appears to be different, then M=r=. Jacson is willing the Agreement shall be rescinded as to the Consideration, & he was pleased to add he woud give what the Referees shoud think an adequate Consideration." — Pray was my Messuage to M=r=. Jacson, or what issued out of his own mouth to M=r=. Nicholson ever discussed by the Referees? — M=r=. Fletcher after you went away told me it was not. J %shoud therefore be glad to know how & in what manner J am to [^"{represent}" crossed out^] ^reconcile^ a Conduct so truly inconsistent, for J am at a Loss to represent to my family, that M=r=. Jacson was willing to submit himself to the three Referees, & after they were met for that purpose, that he woud not permit them to consider what was the real object of the Meeting, "when he woud do any%thing for my Satisfaction you Gentlemen shoud recommend" The Trouble you have had, & the Uneasiness we have suffered in our Family, are wholly to %be imputed to M=r=. Jacson from his Behaviour [^"in" crossed out^] ^from^ the Year 1766 down to this very day. This good Gentleman

& J were certainly cast in a very different mould. Had this Matter been settled by the Referees, whatever Consideration you had recommended to me shoud never have found its Way into my Purse, or into the pocket of any Child of mine, but shoud have been [^corrected^] distributed to the poor & indigent out of respect to her, who shed many a Tear about this strange affair. J %hope you will however do me the favour to send an Answer, to Sir Your Obed=t=. hble Serv={*}=. John Dickenson [^Draft of Orford's answer^] Haydock 30 Mar. 1785 Sir I am favor'd with yours — The principal thing I wished on my own Acc=t=. at the late meeting at Disley was to have [^"it explained" crossed out^] the great odium and disagreeable reproach so freely thrown ^out^ against me explained whether any blame [^"was in me about" crossed out^] c=d=. be attributed to me [^"to" crossed out^] in you signing [^"any" crossed out^] the deed You [^corrected^] have to M=r=. Iacson, when both M=r=. Nicholson (your Attorney) and all others that attended clearly acquited me from every part of that deed, M=r= Cooper convincing them, that I was an utter stranger to the same as I neither gave instructions, nor Saw the draft or deed before signed, and [^two words crossed out^] ^long after^ [^"I was a Stranger to it in every Respect;" crossed out^] that time — The next thing [^"{as}" crossed out^] [^ "^that^" in red to signal insertion point, and the following added in red at end of letter^] that was looked into was your former Letters to M=r= Jacson where it appeared you had given him assurance for the Water to him and his Heirs — [^end of insertion^] I Suppose was that M=r=. Iacson [^"intends" crossed out^] has some thoughts of bring water to his Engine in a different form to what he does at present, but this was not proposed at the meeting to M=r= Fletcher M=r=. Johnson & me as such nothing c=d=. be say'd on this business, — It w=d=. ^have^ given [^"n" added later^] me great pleasure to ^have^ been [^"en" added later^] of service in making you & M=r=. Iacson agreeable neighbours let your thoughts be as they will to me and remain Sir post paid M=r=. Orford Haydock Warrington Single [^Postmarked Manchester^]

Manchester 5=th=: April 1785. {*...}ir [^point of attachment to the other letters^] You & I have been sawing in a Knot, & whilst we look different Ways we shall J am afraid never get through it. — You seem to have forgot that you declared at Lyme, w=ch=. you did in a solemn manner, how the Terms shoud be, nay you said if Lyme Estate belonged to you, that you w=d=. sacrifice every part of it sooner than recede from what you had then determined upon — You also declared the Terms were only fixed by way of acknowledgment, & not as a Consideration to give away an absolute Right, yet when you came to Taxal you gave in other Terms, w=ch=. Terms were the Ground work for our extraordinary agreement, & w=ch=. laid the foundation for all the Confusion we have since experienced. You seem to lay great Stress & to claim mighty Merit to yourself, th{a}t you never saw the rough Draft of the agreement, w=ch=. is a proof that J placed Confidence in You. Had not you taken upon you the office of doing Justice between man & man, & did not you when you came to Taxal know the Designs M=r= Jacson had formed against us, or how came You to deviate from what you assured M=r=. Gardner & M=r=. Johnson you never woud? Suppose J %had been nominated Umpire, wherein your family had been interested, woud not you have expected me as an honest man, when J found M=r=. Jacson wishing to interfere in what J alone was to settle, to have apprized you of it, as well as every 'P~son concerned in the arbitration, therefore is it not plain, that the Terms you brought to me at Taxal were the Cause & sole Cause of this unfortunate Agreement, nay what is more You & M=r=. Jacson both knew it coud not have taken place without You, or how came M=r=. Jacson to send for You on purpose w=ch=. he did, but let us suppose through Jnadvertency I had committed a mistake, had it been against the Jnterest of M=r=. Jacson was that a reason why it shoud not be rectifyed? Had you not taken upon you the kind office of Umpire after the meeting at whaley, (where M=r=. Fletcher's Behaviour did not correspond with the Character of a Man of Knowledge) a final Stop woud in a few hours have been put to M=r=. Jacson's Colliery, till we had obtained Justice from him, for it was upon that very Acc=t=. th{a}t you were waited upon [^word rubbed out^] at Lyme, as J w=d=. not suffer the Wear to be touched, w=ch=. is a fact, till you had first determined whether to act as Umpire or not. Did not M=r=. Jacson own, if there had been no Arbitration he shoud have given me a gre{a}t deal more

Yet it was owing to this Gentleman's Interference that all this Confusion has happen'd, & th{a}t in consequence of a mistaken Agreement, J am considerably out of pocket, for granting such priviledges as few men ever enjoyed at least on the same Terms. I join with you in saying it is a pity you shoud have undertaken this Business at all or that you ever promised as you did to take Care [^corrected^] of our Jnterest, as you afterwards suffered Yourself to be influenced to act under the Umpirage of M=r=. Jacson, who was no less than one of the Parties concerned, & all this you did at a time when [^corrected^] you coud not but know, that J respected your Determination in the same Light, as J %shoud have done had you been the Lord High Chancellor of England. M=r=. Gardner, whom I saw the morning after you referees had been at Disley, & had he attended the meeting, w=ch=. J did not mean he shoud, woud have refuted many points that you unfortunately wrested & twisted to suit a particular purpose. He understood the whole Subject in a most masterly manner & woud have de{m}onstrated every fact whatever, provided you woud not have shut your Ears against reason & common Sense. When M=r=. Jacson first solicited favours from us, (which J mention in order to lay the naked Truth before you,) at that time our whole Jncome did not amount to 70 £ a year with which J %had myself — & an amiable Wife with 4 or 5 Children to maintain, J %shall leave you to suppose, that Jn our distressed Situation we had an Eye towards some handsome Present by way of acknowledgm=t= from M=r=. Jacson, whom we [^corrected from "J"^] then looked upon as a Gentleman of noble Generous Principles, but alass! how we mistook him, for nothing ever came — Some of the Letters that have been exposed to public View were wrote at the request of others, w=ch=. no doubt were done [^"with a View" crossed out^] to be treasured up in the manner they have been — . J now call upon you, & J also call upon M=r=. Jacson [^corrected^], since J %have been held out as a public Spectacle, to produce one single Jnstance during my whole Life that J ever tricked or overreached any man whatever, or was ^not^ ready to do every friendly office to a neighbour that was in my power to do. As you have

mentioned M=r=. Cooper & M=r=. Nicholson J %shall just say, that these Gentlemen & so woud every honest man in our neighbourhood have been Better pleased [^corrected^], that the Referees had attended to the fair & candid propositions I %wished to have discussed, in order to put an End to a misunderstanding, instead of wrangling as you did, whether it was A, or whether it was B that was to blame, when God knows some%body was to blame. however since you w=d=. not fall in with these Propositions, let us have one meeting more, & then let every person be interrogated upon Oath, because it is but right, th{a}t Justice shoud be done to those, who have have been injured by an improper Jnterference. J %am Sir Your very hble ser={*}=. John Dickenson You will ^be pleased to^ let me know when the meeting is to be, only J %shall for once take the Liberty to say, that J desire every 'P~son may take a View of the premises, & not stop as they did at Disley, because every Referee shall declare upon Oath, especially those who are Blessed with Children, whether they themselves w=d=. have granted such priviledges as J did on the Terms of the Agreement. M=r=. Orford Haydock Warrington Single [^Postmarked Stockport^]

Taxal 22=d= — April 1785 {*...} [^Point where letters are attached to each other^] The dispute between my Father and M=r=. Jacson has been the unfortunate Occasion of creating much Uneasiness to themselves and their friends — the Concern that I have felt on Acc=t=. of this Affair has generally been confined to my own breast — but I can ^not^ reftrain my present inclination of writing to you — nor sh=d=. I trouble you at all, were you not very assiduous in blaming my Father in order to exculpate yourself [^"from" crossed out^] from any want of Attention in that Business — by saying that you kn{e}w nothing of the Agreement, as it was a private transaction between the parties themselves — There I blame you, and shall give you my reasons for it — Had you not undertaken at Lyme to act as Umpire — M=r=. Jacsons works w=d=. have been stopt — till necessity compelled him to make honorable proposals — but no further — as we did not mean to act from mean and sordid motives — and prevent our Neighbors from getting Coals at all, that we might have the whole Sale to ourselves — My Father only wished to have a valuable Consideration — which M=r=. Jacsons great Generosity w=d=. not allow him to propose (_voluntarily_) The Award that you made at Lyme in writing after your Conversation with Mess=rs=. Johnson and Gardner, was a candid one and the terms you proposed, I heard you say, were considered merely as an Acknowledgment from one gentleman to another my Father and M=r=. Jacson being Neighbors — You was then very sensible that my Father only wished to have an equitable Agreem=t=., and not to take any Advantage of M=r=. Jacson's Necessities — nor did you at all consider the importance of the Priviledges M=r=. Jacson enjoyed from my Father, and for which he had never made any Return — At Lyme you told M=r=. Gardner, that you had fixed the terms agreeable to what you thought ^was^ right — and you also said, that if Lyme Estate was y=(_r_)= own, you w=d=. lose the whole of it before you w=d=. recede from any part of the terms — You then offered my Father the Letter to read — but he relying in y=(_r_)= honor, and y=(_r_)= promises, that you w=d=. consider the interest

of his family as your own and act impartially /— to manifest his Confidence in you, refused to peruse it — which was unfortunate enough — Afterwards — when M=r=. Jacson objected to the terms of the Award — you proposed — after a Consultation at Shallcross, that M=r=. Jacson sh=d=. enjoy an (_exclusive_) (_priviledge_) for the Sum of two Guineas a year and also an additional Guinea if any Alteration was made at his Wheel — my Father told you that you possessed his Confidence, and that whatever you proposed he would accede to — Y=(_r_)= determination was then handed over to M=r=. Cooper in y=(_r_)= own words — Now it appears very evident to me — that, when you made an Atte{n}tion in y=(_r_)= Award, so favorable to M=r=. Jacson, and so extremely disadvantagious to our Interest — you c=d=. not but Know — that M=r=. Jacson had designs of taking every advantage of my Father's friendly Intentions towards him — taking your hands from the pl{ow} (_at that time_), and leaving my Father at the Mercy of M=r=. Jacson was acting to be sure very i{m}partially — consistently — and disinterestedly — M=r=. Jacson certainly looked upon y=(_r_)= award as binding only upon my Father, because when they met to sign it he had the Modesty to say — that if my Father had not insisted upon an Arbitration, he sh=d=. have thought himself bound in (_honor_) to have given a great deal More — You also heard [^corrected^] this Gentleman declare, that the reasons why he interfered after y=(_r_)= award, was made — was, "because there were no Bonds of Arbitration" — to restrict him from acting in such a Manner, as was most agreeable to his principles of (_Honor_) — What could be more fair than my Father's proposals at the last Meeting that if the Referees thought the Sum you fixed was not an adequate Consideration for an exclusive priviledge — that whatever you unanimously agreed to — he w=d=. be satisfied w=(_h_)=. but that you w=d=. not allow to be a Subje{c}t of y=(_r_)= Consideration M=r=. Gardner was at Taxal — the day after y=(_r_)= last Meeting and had he been at Disley, he w=d=. clearly have proved to you that many things which you advanced — from a defect of Memory

were erroneous — M=r=. Jacson once boasted that he had establish{ed} his Colliery for Generations — but I believe he is very sensible that he cannot do without further priviledges nor w=d=. my Father, I'm sure, wish to take an unreasonable advantage e{i}ther of him or any other Man — but he will not submit to have his property (_wrested_) from him — Tho you are pleased to say, that the piece of Land on which M=r=. Jacsons wheel stands is of no Value — yet I believe no person Knows better than yourself, that (_Situation_) generally constitutes the Value of Land — and that Plot of Ground, by its being a Key to M=r=. Jacson [^edge paper^] Colliery, is of Consequence both to him, and Y=r=. hble Servant John Dickenson Jun=(_r_)= — M=r=. Orford Lyme.

Taxal Tuesday morn: {*...}r [^point at which letters are attached to each other^] Sir I omitted to mention to You Yesterday amidst the Conversation we had about our late disagreeable affair, that by laying out the Sum of Thirty pounds J coud bring a Tunnel to our Wheel without going through any part of M=r=. Jacson's Land, which Expence might however as well be avoided. — If my Neighbour who was a party Concern'd had never interfered in our Arbitration, there woud never have been any or the least Objection ^made by me^ but as he chose to interfere, w=ch=. he acknowledg'd he did, & in doing which he was very much to be censured. — Woud not the World, insignificant as J am [^corrected^], have condemn'd me if J %had even attempted to do such a thing? — J thank my God I am not capable of acting on such a principle, still as he did ^wrong^ by interfering he ought to make some Apology. He who had received favours from a Family shoud rather have protected their Rights, instead of declaring when he came to sign his Name to a [^corrected^] mistaken agreement, that if I had submitted to his (_Honor_), he shoud have given me a deal more than what he then knew had been done by his

own Contrivance. There is Dear Sir a Difference I say a material Difference between a Consideration by way of acknowledgment subject to Conditions, & granting away an exclusive Right for Ever. — J am very Sensible J %was not treated as a good neighbour deserved, but it is high time to forget & to forgive what has passed. — Let the Event be what it will, J am glad J %waited upon you, for had another plan taken place w=ch=. was in Agitation it w=d=. only have widen'd the Breach, & w=ch=. has already been extended too' far. J am J know a great Loser in Consequence of my Neighbours Conduct, & had he acted otherwise he might then have had still greater priviledges, so that each Side have sustained a Loss, we can however afford it w=ch=. is very well, J %am Your Sincere hble serv=t=. John Dickenson J am this moment seting out for Lancashire [^Probably in Orford's hand^] M=r= Dickenson Ian=y=. 30. 1786

Wrote the following Note to M=r=. Jacson 24=th=. xb=r= 1785 "M=r=. Dickenson has nothing to say respecting this offer from M=r=. Jacson further than refering him to M=r=. Nicholson" M=r=. Jacson waited upon M=r=. Nicholson in Consequence of the above, who informed M=r=. Jacson that M=r=. D woud leave the Settlement of the present unhappy Dispute to M=r=. orford & M=r=. Fletcher, & who woud chearfully acquiesce [^corrected^] with their Determination, but M=r=. Jacson instead of complying with so fair a Proposal has returned an Answer as Under. "M=r=. Jacson has been with M=r=. Nicholson, & can on no account consent to the Reference M=r=. Dickenson proposes." (_Shallcross 24 Jan=y= 1786_). NB M=r=. Dickenson did not mean a Reference as M=r=. Jacson chuses to call it, otherwise than leaving it to two Gentlemen to accomodate & put an End to unhappy Differences subsisting between two near Neigh%bours. M=r=. Orford at Peter Legh Esq={r}=. Haydock Lancashire [^Postmarked Stockport^]

[^Different hand^] D=r=. Sir In consequence of some new works carrying forward by M=r=. Iacson for taking out the Water from the River Goit, which divides his land from M=r=. Dickenson's, at a different place from where it was taken before at the time of making their agreement, and even so far further down the Current as to interfere with a fresh Stream of Water not at all included in that agreement, and which M=r=. Dickenson is determined not quietly to submit to; I have waited several times on M=r=. Iacson, with a view of trying the Effect of amicable means before measures of extremity should become inevitable; and at length, it hath been proposed by M=r=. Dickenson, and if I understand M=r=. Iacson right as to the meaning of the proposal I am going to state, acceded to by him; — "that the same Referrees who had been before concerned in the business of the agreement should now meet again in order to determine whether the sum allowed to M=r=. Dickenson was a proper consideration for the valuable privileges M=r=. Iacson received from him — If it was, they are to declare their approbation of the Terms of the Agreement in writing, which if they do, M=r=. Dickenson will abide by; but in case they should be of opinion, it was not a proper consideration, then it is expected from them that they shall declare what satisfaction M=r=. Iacson in Justice ought to have made, or what they

should have thought themselves entitled to, if in M=r=. Dickenson's situation" — And "this enquiry and consideration to be had without the interference of either of the parties concerned, and without reference to the terms or manner of obtaining the former agreement" — M=r=. Iacson was to inform you and M=r=. Fletcher of the intended meeting and to request your attendance on some day agreeable to yourselves, and M=r=. Dickenson to inform and procure the attendance of M=r=. Iohnson — Disley M=r=. Dickenson thinks the most convenient for the Referrees to meet at on account of it's vicinity to the place in dispute and the opportunity it will afford of their viewing the premises if they should think proper — — M=r=. Iacson has since told me that he had communicated the business to you and that you should not be able to attend before Wednesday the 16=th=. Inst. — Be so good as to inform me immediately whether you can with certainty meet M=r=. Fletcher and M=r=. Iohnson at Disley in the morning of that day (or on what other if any%thing may have happened to render it inconvenient) and I will mention it to M=r=. Iacson and engage the attendance of M=r=. Iohnson — [^Nicholson's hand^] I am D=r=. Sir Your mo=t=. ob=t=. Serv=t=. Tho. Nicholson Stockport 4=th=. March 1785. M=r=. Orford Peter Legh's Esq=r=. Heydock. Warrington Single [^Postmarked Manchester^]

Manchester 5=th=. January 1785. Sir. M=r=. Jacson was pleased the other day to tell a friend of yours, that he never did us any Wrong, nay what is as extraordinary, that he never rec=d=. a favour from us. No Man ought to confer an Obligation, & then to remind them of it, unless he was to be treated as we have been, however let us examine some particular Circumstances. When our unfortunate Arbitration was to take place M=r=. Jacson sent his Agent to me to desire we might settle every%thing betwixt ourselves, to w=ch=. J gave an absolute negative. He at last condescended to wait upon me when he requested the same, but as J thought it best to have it done by impartial men, he then nominated you to be Umpire. J own J had no Idea that M=r=. Jacson woud interfere, w=ch=. he has since acknowledged he did, and w=ch=. in my opinion is a proof that he acted wrong. — When you wrote to him from Lyme about the Settlement of this unhappy Business you can call to your Remembrance what then passed, and [^"it was" crossed out^] on the Receipt of your Letter he again solicited ^me^ to have it done betwixt him & J, but as he coud not prevail upon me ^he^ [^"to" crossed out^] sent his Servant for you to come to Taxal, w=ch=. you did that very day, and then it was contrived to make me (Jnnocent as J %was) an Jnstrument about giving wrong Jnstructions for the agreement, w=ch=. were contrary to what you yourself had declared shoud be your final Determination. M=r=. Jacson coud not but know, he was deceiving a Family, who had enabled him to put Thousands into his pocket — Did not this Gentleman tell me, if I had not insisted upon having an Arbitration, (w=ch=. was only done by me because I did not understand this Subject) that J %sh=d=. have received from him a diff=t=. Consideration if J %w=d=. have confided in his Honour? From the moment he named you to be Umpire to the day he executed his own partial agreement J never saw his Face. As soon as he had got [^word crossed out^] what he aimed at, he insinuated & made a great noise, that we had raised our wear two foot higher, than it was originally fixed, w=ch=. he pretended to say had obstructed his Tail Loose, & w=ch=. occasioned me to have abundance of Trouble, besides no small Expence, but when a second Reference was upon the Eve of taking place, he coud then declare to my Son at Shallcross Hall, that he did upon his Honour believe the wear had never been raised at all, so you see this fine word called Honour can veer about & fly like the wind into any Quarter. — Woud my poor wife, who was equal to M=r=. Jacson in every Respect & who was in herself a Credit to human Nature, J %say woud she have shed Thousands

of Tears, if she had not been satisfyed he had acted wrong, however to compleat the wrongs we have received, he is now upon the pursuit of a fresh object, tho' J apprehend nay I am certain he will not meet with his usual Success. — By his own Agreem=t=. we were not to impede the Delivery of the water, w=ch=. we have never done in any respect whatever, but it now appears M=r=. Longden is going to open his Colliery, being entitled they say to half of the water runing through his Land from the wear erected upon our property. where this wear is situated there is water to supply [^"what" crossed out^] ^every%thing^ M=r=. Jacson wanted [^interlineation rubbed out^] but as half of the water is going to be taken away ^in consequence of a very old agreement^ he means J am told to take another Stream of Water w=ch=. supplys the river below our House, being [^"the" crossed out^] ^its^ principal Beauty, & w=ch=. from its natural advantages may one time or other be as valuable as a Coal mine, so if it be in his power ^(w=ch=. it is not)^ we are never to see one Drop of water in our River — one man [^corrected^] %may indeed have superior abilities to another, but let me appeal to M=r=. orford is it not Best to be fair & upright in our Dealings with mankind? M=r=. Jacson seems to %be possessed of a priviledge equal to our Kings, who can do no Wrong. He has indeed involved himself in a Labyrinth of Difficulties, w=ch=. might easily have been prevented by submitting, as it was his Duty to have done, to the Decision of what he had nominated & appointed — Had J interfered as he did to his prejudice, woud not such a Conduct be pronounced wrong? my Family let him say what he will had not been unkind neighbours, therefore they had a just right to expect a ^proper^ Return of Kindness from him. — The Terms you mentioned at Lyme were a certain Acknowledgment subject to Conditions, but let me ask you this Question, is there not a material Difference betwixt a trifling Sum by way of Acknowledgment only, & giving away an absolute right? shoud not the Latter have had a proper Consideration annexed to it? never as long as we live shall We accept the wages of a mistaken Agreement where the Terms on every Acc=t=. were so disproportioned to what were just & right. — You, M=r=. Fletcher & M=r=. Johnson are still Living, and the advantages we gave M=r=. Jacson are objects in the same State they were in the Year 1778, Suppose you were to examine the premises over again, without the Interference of either ^one^ Side or the other, perhaps a period might in some measure be put to the present misunderstanding. J am Sir Your most obed=t= %serv=t=. John Dickenson M=r=. Orford Peter Legh's Esq=r=. Haydock Warrington [^Postmarked Stockport^]

Taxal. 6=th=. may. 1784. Sir. As M=r=. Jacson & J appointed regular Arbitrators to settle any dispute betwixt us relative to his Colliery, he appointing two of those who were to act in this Business, & J the other, and as there has been in Consequence of it unhappy misunderstandings, instead of examining into the Conduct of one single Gentleman, pray let the Arbitrators all meet, as one is immediately connected with the other, and we shall perhaps ^then^ be able to find out, who it is that has occasioned all this Confusion — For my part J solemnly declare, J left the whole of it to the Arbitrators to settle, nor coud J have acquiesced more, had it been submitted to the Chancellor of England. — When you came to our House after the Meeting at Lyme, J made no doubt (as you were the Umpire nominated by M=r=. Jacson) but every%thing had been considered by you agreeable to Equity, Justice & Honour, nor had J then, or for a long afterwards heard, how matters had been fixed before, w=ch=. your own Letter will more properly explain. — J had not the least Jdea, that any Attempt woud be used to influence the Judgment, or to interfere as m=r=. Jacson acknowledged he did in the Arbitration. — Let such a Charge be proved against me, (who was the other party concerned) & what property J %have shall chearfully be sacrificed. my Family had done a great deal to serve a neighbour, w=ch=. J remember you were sensible of, therefore we did not merit an ungenerous Return, but some persons, when a mistake has been made, are seldom open to Conviction — — Had you apprized me when you came to Taxal touching M=r=. Jacsons Designs, which you then coud not but know, the pres=t=. mischief

and all the disagreeable Consequences it has had woud never have happen'd, & J wish for the sake of her, who is now no more, it never had. — You have, Sir, a good wife with a fine Brood of Children, who may one time or other want a Friend to preserve & take Care of their just Rights. — For my part J only wished to have an Arbitration, & had no other reason for it, than that J might not be blamed by my Son, but God help me, J was doomed to suffer every way, for had there been no Arbitration, M=r=. Jason very modestly told me by way ^of^ Consolation, that he shoud have given me a great deal more — . It is possible this Gentleman might man{e}uvre in such a Manner, as to deceive You, as well as the 'P~son whom he had been so much obliged to. — Had J interfered, where J %was a party concerned, to the Jnjury of your dear Blessings, pray Sir, woud not you have been apt to blame me, & shoud not J have deserved it? Such a Conduct was not likely to happen, because J %shoud for ever despise myself, if J coud be prevailed ^on^ for the Sake of private Jnterest to act wrong. The Day the Arbitrators met at whaley was the 2=d=. Sep=r=. 1778. The Umpire was ^there^ Mess=rs=. Gardner & Johnson waited upon you at Lyme when you (as Umpire) fixed the Terms, & wrote that day to M=r=. Jacson — This was the 3=d=. of September. When you came to Taxal (^M=r=. Jacson^ having sent for You on purpose) w=ch=. was about 6 weeks after the meeting at Lyme, and the day, or day but one following, Jnstructions for this mistaken Agreem=t=. were given in Consequence of what then passed. Pray is ^it^ not meant, that an Arbitration, or the Office of Umpire, is to do Justice? Woud it not be thought a Crime to influence the Lord Chancellor? & w=d=. it not be the Same for any 'P~son, who was a party concerned, to interfere in an Arbitration? The Almighty we are told knows the secret Actions of us all, whether it be in a Court of Justice, or in ascertaining the

Rights betwixt man & man. These however are my Sentiments, & on this principle alone J conducted myself during our Unfortunate Arbitration, — . That we may have no Altercation at our meeting, (as we have had too' much already) let every 'P~son be examined on Oath, whether parties concerned, Arbitrators or others, by the means of w=ch=. we may expect to come at the Truth, as J flatter myself every honest man w=d=. wish to know, who has been treated with Jnjustice — . J am [^word crossed out^] ^sorry^ J %have given you so much Trouble upon a Subject, so truly disagreeable as it has been, to Sir, Your very hble Serv=t=. I %Dickenson My Son was present, when M=r=. Jacson named you as Umpire. He shall make Oath along with the Rest. — If the Parties had confided in those whom they had appointed to settle w=t=. they thought was just & right, there is not a doubt ^but Peace^ w=d=. have been established between them, but M=r=. Jacsons Jnterference is the true ^& sole^ Cause of all the Uneasiness we have had, w=ch=. has ^also^ made me obnoxious to my own Family, whom J love Better than J do myself. M=r=. Orford

Manchester 23=d=. March 1784. Sir. If you knew the Concern it gives me to trouble you in the manner I have done, J am certain J %shoud not incur your displeasure. My Neighbour M=r=. Jacson first wished to have settled our Business with me, that we might have had no Arbitration, but as J %was totally unacquainted in these dark Concerns, J %was desirous to have it done by others, that J might not be blamed by my Children afterwards. When Mess=rs=: Fletcher & Johnson coud not settle any%thing at their meeting, J %was advised in consequence of it to have recourse to violent methods, w=ch=. J declared shoud not take place, till I %had the pleasure of waiting upon you to know your Sentiments, & the next morning we all went to Lyme. — J %was very happy, when you undertook the friendly office of umpire (being always a Lover of Peace betwixt Neighbour & Neighbour) & it appears from the Letter you wrote that day to M=r=. Jacson, that you had fixed the Terms in so judicious a manner, as w=d=. have preserved a right understanding for Ever, had not M=r=. Jacson interfered afterw=ds=. w=ch=. has occasioned the whole of the present mischief. For 50 Years & upw=ds=. have we assisted this Gentleman in opening two Colleries, & every Shilling w=ch=. his family have made during that time they may thank us for, consequently he was the last 'P~son in the world, who shoud have acted as he has since done. — Jt was my misfortune never to have heard what had passed at Lyme, till the agreement had been over some %time, & tho' you candidly gave me the Letter to peruse, w=ch=. You had wrote to m=r=. Jacson ^but being^ [^"but ^being^ then" crossed out^]

sat down to dinner in the Stone parlour J did not read it, nor did J wish to do so, as J told you J had placed my Confidence in your Decision. M=r=. Jacson wrote to me in answer to yours, (as J sent it by a special messenger) that he w=d=. come over & settle the matter with me himself, but J immediately wrote again to acquaint him, J w=d=. abide & only abide by what you did. what J now wish to know is what he wrote to you betwixt the time of receiving your Letter & your coming over to Taxal, when he sent his Serv=t=. for you. When you came you mentioned the following Terms. That J %was to receive a Sum of money on acc=t=. of a Tunnel J %had made, w=ch=. was done by me to prevent destroying m=r=. Jacson's Colliery; also two Guineas a Year for the priviledge of the wheel standing upon our Land, & in case m=r=. Jacson shoud ever alter the wheel then J %was to have 3 Guineas a Year. — M=r=. Jacson's Jnterference begun at this period to display itself, & it was so contrived that Jnstructions shoud be given for an agreem=t=. the day after you were at Taxal, & J further remember ^after you left us^ you went from Taxal to Shallcross — . Had you kept a Copy of yours to m=r=. Jacson, it woud have shewed that these Terms were different to what had been before fixed, when a declaration had been made at Lyme ^by you^ that great Jnjustic{e} w=d=. be done to my Children, if the Terms had been put upon any other footing. m=r=. Jacson acknowledged at Disley before you, my Son, & M=r=. Nicholson the reason why he did interfere, because says he there were no Bonds to restrain him. This was the very reason why J never interfered at all, because by doing so, J %shoud have acted against those principles, w=ch=. have always been the rule of my Conduct [^corrected^] in this Life. Had J appointed not only a Referee, but had presumed to nominate the umpire, & after the Terms were fixed, J %shoud afterwards have made Use of every Jnfluence in my power to have other Terms inserted, J %say if J %had acted in this manner how woud my name & character have been stigmatized all over the Country, & w=d=. it not have been highly aggravated, when it came to be known

J had received for 50 Years uncommon obligations from a neighbour, such as few men ever experienced? — . Had J wronged an innocent man, & when called upon to do Justice, J %shoud take refuge under the Sanction of my own Duplicity, how J shoud have have been censured, & shoud not J have deserved it? Did not m=r=. Jacson himself tell me the moment he was going to sign his name to an agreement, (where he was a party concerned, [^"was" crossed out^] ^acted as^ Referee, Umpire & his own Lawyer,) that if J %had not insisted on having an arbitration, & woud have submitted to his Honour, J %sh=d=. then have received a much larger consideration. You now see evidently J %had it out of his own mouth, J coud regard this very agreement in no other Light, than in Consequence of the Arbitration. J am still willing to leave it to any honest man to point out a Remedy for the Evil we have too' much reason to complain of, and woud rather it was done by You than any other, but if no Satisfaction is to be made to an injured Family, it can surely never be thought a Crime to let the great world know, how ungratefully we have been treated. I have been appointed Umpire in settling a dispute, w=ch=. had subsisted for some time. J only accepted of it on Condition that neither of the Parties shoud speak to me, till the matter was finally determined, nor woud J %have acted at all, if either of those concern'd had nominated me. No man ought to interfere in a Business, when it had been left to indiff=t=. people to determine. J never heard of any man who attempted to act as m=r=. Jacson did, nor had J the least Jdea how a Gentleman coud behave in that manner, besides there was every reason, why he ought to have been [^word crossed out^] a Guardian to protect the rights of my Children & not to injure them. I am, Sir, Your obed=t= hble Serv={*}=. Iohn Dickenson (I want nothing but what is fair & honest). M=r=. Orford Car. p=d=.

D=r= %sir. J have the pleasure to send you the Jnclosed w=ch=. J am Sorry to say has already given you & your friends more Trouble than it ought to have done, not but a Compromise of any kind is better than throwing money away in [^"London" crossed out^] ^Law^, J got to my little warm friend soon after 6 this morning, who gave me up this Deed on Condition that it was cancell'd in my presence, w=ch=. may be done any time when we meet. I paid him the Consideration of £50 as fixed by M=r=. Upton without taking a Receipt or any Acknowledgment whatever. Don't trouble yourself about the money we shall see each other another Day. J desire Comp=ts=. to M=r=. Gaskill, & am Sir. Your obed=t= %hble serv=t=. John Dickenson. excuse haste. Sunday morn: 10' O Clock M=r=. Orford Lyme. [^Note, possibly in different hand: "420-21". Double hyphen or equals sign used rather than hyphen.^]

Taxal. 16=th=. february 1788. Dear Sir Give me Leave to write my Thoughts to you concerning the Road from Horridge End to the Town of Macclesfield. The Road lying in our Township Leading to Taxal may with great Ease be walk'd in 4 or 5 minutes, & let me remind you that our Road was formerly as Good as it is now, nor has any one man in Taxal ever received any or the least Benefit from this Turnpike Road, whereas the Road in every other Township to Maxfield was impassable for a Carriage of any kind, so that a good Road through Kettleshulme, Rainow & Hurdsfield has been to every person's property of infinite Service, woud it therefore be reasonable or Just to place a Bar between us & Horridge, when in a Ride of two minutes we are to pay again at Whaley, on w=ch=. we do the whole of our Business. There is not a Man in the Kingdom according to my powe{r}, who w=d=. go greater Lengths to serve the public than J woud, or who woud contribute with more pleasure to bear a Share of the Expen{c}e, but if a Bar is to b{e} placed on purpose to throw a particular Hardship upon my neighbours contrary to every principle of Honour or Justice, J shoud not look upon myself to be an honest man if J did not oppose it — Had J no property in Taxal, or that every Security on the Road belonged to me, J shoud be against removing the Bar for these strong and important Reasons, one because it woud be cruel & oppressive upon Taxal, & the other because J know it woud not answer to the mistaken money Lenders.

The whole Year's Jnterest amounts to 205£ a Year — The Bars at pres=t=. make £201, and if they coud be advanced 5£ or ten pounds a Year more we shoud then do every%thing — still we shoud consider what will become of us when we are to renew our act, w=ch=. will be the Case in 3 or 4 Years. J do assure you let the Bars be placed where they will, (tho' it shoud be between my House and the Necessary) it shall occasion no misunderstanding between You, & Sir, Your obed=t= hble serv={*}=. J.. Dickenson. People in this Township have no more Business, ^to do^ with the Town of macclesfield, than if it was a Town in Cornwal, nor has a Team gone from Taxal to maxf=d=. for the last dozen Years. I wish indeed the Road had never been made. M=r=. Orford Lyme. [^Note at different angle^] J shoud like this alteration take place, if money coud be had, as J think the Public w=d=. be pleased with it.

Sat. morn=g=. 7=th= June Dear sir J find we are not to escape, wherein too' many have already suffered of Late. a Gentleman in manchester, whom we not long ago advanced a £1000 to, gave up the other day. we have however good Security from him. J %am now going into Lancashire upon that Business, w=ch=. will put it out of my power to attend you & M=r=. Jacson to Buxton on monday next. Pray are we all to fall in p{ei}ces, & will there never be an End to these calamitous times? — J was aware some time ago that a Storm like the pres=t=. w=d=. happen, but J coud not tell how or where it w=d=. fall. advise your friends to do as little Business as possible, the less the Better. Be pleased to give Comp=ts= to M=r=. Jacson & J %am your obliged I %Dickenson. M=r=. Orford Lyme.

— 7=th=. July 1788. Dear Sir When you mentioned at Stockport in your usual good natured manner recommending M=r=. Frith & myself to be Jnspectors for the Derbyshire Road in case m=r=. Jacson chose to resign, a certain Gentleman J understand was pleased to desire we ^might^ have yo=r=. assistance, No 'P~son whatever woud be better pleased to have recourse to you for advice than J shoud, as J %have a real Esteem for You. but if the Insinuation extended so far as to suppose we were in some measure disqualifyed from taking such an office without the help of another, or that we were not worthy the Confidence of the Public, if that be the case as it coud have no other meaning, notwithstanding the Experience J %have had for many Years, J %shall take it in the very Light it was intended, therefore from this time You are to consider me no longer, as a Commissioner. When the Lancashire Road is got into a different train than it is at present, w=ch=. J %hope will be the Case in a little time, then J %shall also resign the (_Honor_) of that Trust to those, who have or may have superior Judgment, nor am J willing to throw away my little Services, tho' they shoud not be quite as Jmportant as others. In one respect J am equal to the Best (let him be ever so great) w=ch=. is in my good wishes to the real Jnterest of the Public. Buxton Road, w=ch=. J %was always a %little partial to, is now J am afraid left

without a single Friend, however J %hope some of the Cheshire Gentlemen, who are so conversant in Knowledge & in Figures, will now take compassion upon this Road, tho' few of them will J doubt take the pains J have done during the last 6 months, when J adjusted & settled every matter, w=ch= had been left open for Years past, & J %have some reason to believe J did it as properly, as the most pompous Commissioner that ever met at Stockport. J %am, with all possible respect, Your obliged & most obed=t=. J.. Dickenson J shall notwithstanding assist in the intended Alteration at Sherbrook, then J %shall bid a final adieu to Turnpike Concerns. M=r=. Orford Lyme. [^Accounts, and note in pencil, in other hands omitted^] [^At different angle^] M=r=. Gates shall be paid every Expence whatever.

taxal. 18=th=. august. Dear Sir The purchase of Land J find will in some measure cost a Sum equal to what J thought woud have compleated every%thing, & as you know it w=d=. be imprudent to borrow money, nor coud we with propriety spare it from the rest of the Road, for these reasons J %am no longer an advocate for the present Alteration till our Finances were better situated, besides there is an argument still stronger against it, w=ch=. is, that J am of opinion (this between ourselves) our Tolls are very much upon the Decline, nor will they ever again produce what they have done. The Hill at Sherbrooke leading to Ashborne is but a very short Length, Suppose we were to widen the Road in that part as it is too' narrow, & might not something be done at the Bottom to ease the present Rise, woud not this, all things considered, be making every Useful & necessary Improvement, as we have no money to advance without injuring the rest of the Road, except a certain Sum w=ch=. w=d=. go but a %little way tow=ds=. laying out near 400 £. There was J %am certain more people concerned in promoting that wild Goose Scheme than the Gentleman who went along with us. private Views prevail every%where & with every%one. Let me have your Sentiments touching the above, which will oblige him, who is very Sincerely Yours I %Dickenson. M=r=. Orford. Lyme.

Dear %sir When the intended Alteration at Sherbrooke was first mentioned to me they said it might be done for 200 £, nay they woud engage to do it for that Sum, but when they found the Commiss=rs=. woud make the Road, then the whole Two hundred pounds must be laid out in the purchase of Land & making Fences. Jt was not any%thing that happen'd at Buxton J took amiss, as J respect & value you too' much to do so, besides we must not imitate those Jnspectors, who chuse to expend an incredible Sum about a trifling matter, w=ch=. was of no Consequence in itself, especially when [^"you" crossed out^] ^we^ had not the money to throw away & other parts of the Road had not been fresh paved for 20 Years. J am sorry to hear you are indisposed, but J hope you have had Value received, otherwise it woud be very hard to suffer Pain, & to be wrap'd in Flannel. J expect every moment to be called into Lancashire, or J woud have contrived to visit my Gouty Friend, who is greatly esteemed by John Dickenson Taxal Thursday morning. M=r=. Orford Lyme [^At different angle^] If J %am alive, & able to attend, I %will be with you on tuesday the 23=d=. Ins=t=. & coud wish to hear from you before that Day.

Taxal friday. Dear Sir After J had the pleasure of seeing You Yesterday, J had a great deal of Conversation with M=r=. Johnson, who was pleased to say that the new Branch woud be compleated for 700 £ including every Article, and w=ch=. he said woud no doubt increase the Tolls considerably. J %shall leave you alone to determine whether J %shall espouse this Branch, or how you w=d=. have me act on the occasion, because J %know you will countenance whatever You know will be Best for the public. J did not like by any means what one Gentleman in particular went upon yesterday, that it w=d=. affect his private Jnterest, not but his Views seemed to be narrow & confined, & his title to a Gentleman from his Conduct J am sure is of a very fresh Date. J %am always Your obliged. I %Dickenson M=r=. Orford Lyme [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

Taxal. 6=th=. May. Dear Sir J %have viewed the Tree that is in dispute between M=r=. Legh & M=r=. Jodrell. — As the Fence runs — (provided it always ^did^ go as it now does) the Tree in that case must be the property of M=r=. Jodrell, but if the Fence has been alter'd, or that the Fence ^formerly^ went on this Side a little Streamlet of Water, then the Tree in Question woud be the right of m=r= Legh. It is not possible to give a proper Decision, unless the matter concerning the Fence was fairly settled, & J am informed each Tenant gives a very diff=t=. Acc=t= — J am certain John Sellers w=d=. not have fallen the Tree, had he not been assured it belonged to the Yeardsley Estate. — J beg there may be no frecas about it. I have just received your favor. J wish both Bars coud be set w=ch=. is much Better than taking what they please to give in. no one has mentioned Gap house Bar to me. Kettleshulme people were very simple

in accusing me of Partiality to Jodrell, on w=ch=. acc=t=. J was determined not to recommend it to Jonathan, not but if you had taken the hint J sent to you to Buxton, J think he w=d=. have made an Agreem=t=. for his Son in Law, and if you can do nothing with Pott, w=ch=. J apprehend you will not, J woud Late as it is advise you to send over for him, say Jonathan. [^last two words outside margin, probably later addition^] to speak to You. You have almost killed your Buxton friends. Shoud they die, & that J %shoud receive a Summons to be upon the Jury, J shall certainly bring in a severe Verdict against You. J %am Your obed=t= serv=t=. J. Dickenson poor M=rs=. Gee is going to leave this world. She cannot live much longer. — J %shoud not be at all surprised, if it was not to bring her Husband to Life again. He was J know very anxious to survive her, & if he had, he woud soon have been dignifyed with a pair of Horns. M=r=. Orford Lyme.

Taxal. August Dear Sir! It always hurts me whenever J hear that any of my Neighbours have recourse to Law, which is to be sure a most simple method of ending a Dispute, especially when People have little Property to throw away — Joseph Mellor, who lately occupyed an Estate from the Late Rob=t=. Bennet in this Town, set a small House to wilkinson, whereas it now appears that during the time of wilkinson living there some of his Family committed a Trespass in the House, on w=ch=. Acc=t=. his Landlord compelled Joseph Mellor to pay him the Sum of five Guineas. These two Tenants are at this time in dispute about the money, & J am thinking it woud be infinitely Better to settle it by calling in two indifferent people than by giving money to those, who woud perhaps abuse & laugh at them for their folly. In case you entertain the same Sentiments J do, w=ch=. from my Knowledge of m=r=. orford J am certain he does, might not some method be hit upon to reconcile these two people? J %am D=r= Sir Yo=r=. obliged hble %s=t=. J.. Dickenson Joseph mellor is a man of very fair character & is respected by every%Body — M=r=. Orford Lyme.

Taxal. Wed: 11=th=. nov=r=. 1789. Dear Sir J shall leave & quit Taxal this very day & as it will be but seldom J shall for the future have the pleasure of seeing you J take this Opportunity of thanking you for the many civilities I %have from time to time received from You, nor shall J ever forget, let me reside where J %will, the favours of my Friends. It is my last wish that my neighbours may never want (_one_), who had their Jnterest more at Heart than J %have always had. J sincerely wish you & your Family health & happiness, & shall ever be, Your obliged hum %serv={t}=. J.. Dickenson. my Son, whom J %have given the property of this place to, will meet you at maxf=d=. on the [^"17" crossed out and replaced (possibly in different hand, certainly different ink) by^] ^16^=th=: Jns=t=. M=r=. Orford

Taxal. Wednesday. Dear Sir J am perswaded that no one wishes Better to the Public than you do, for which reason let me entreat you never to consent that we shoud next Year keep the Bars in our own hands, because ^if^ we do so, J apprehend, we shoud in that case be very deficient in paying M=r=. Wright for the renewal of a fresh Act. M=r=. Gee & J once appointed a Man whom you know, who had taken the Bar the Year before, & strange to tell the fellow did not bring in more than woud answer his Wages, yet he made no Scruple of making an Affidavit before M=r= %Brooksb^ank^ that he had done no (_Jnjustice_). The Gentlemen at Buxton when they first applyed to me only desired we woud make the Alteration at Sherbrooke on the plan we are now doing, w=ch=. J hope the Public at large will approve of, but whether a certain Gentleman in the Neighbourhood of Prestbury [^"may" crossed out^] be pleased

or displeased with my particular Conduct is at pres=t=. no Object with me. J have always endeavoured to act upon a principle of Honour, & I believe J may say J %have done as much for the Jnterest of the public, & have acted with as much propriety at least in matters of this kind, as ever he did, but for the future my attendance at Stockport shall ever be dispensed with, where Family Pride is so very [^"p" rubbed out^] predominant. J am D=r= %Sir Your obliged I %Dickenson J %shall leave M=r=. Frith to vindicate himself [^corrected^] from dirty Jnsinuations, as the attack was General to us both, — no man who was a Gentleman woud have thrown out such ungenerous Hints, unless he coud have supported the Charge with some degree of Truth.

If you think John Pott will not take Gaphouse Bar I %wish you w=d=. encourage the Bearer. M=r=. Orford Lyme. [^Accounts, probably in different hand, omitted^]

Birch 2=nd=- [^added in different hand?^] Sep=r=. 1790. Dear Sir Poor John Dixon, who is 82 Years of age, & who has been possessed of a small Annuity ^for 14 Years^ has never himself yet received one penny of this very Annuity, as the whole money arising from it has been thrown away in foolish Law proceedings & Keeping him in Goal, which a single Grain of Prudence might easily have prevented, it therefore gives me particular pleasure to see him still alive after strugling through uncommon difficulties to receive at last one Year's Jnterest, J must on that acc=t= desire you will pay it to him, & if you will be so Good to draw up a Receipt, or the Form of one, it shall be sent back signed by me. Jt is now too' late, or J wish J %had transacted this Business from the first, which if J %had the old man woud J am certain {*...} [^torn off^] the Troubles he has since undergone. {*...}e [^torn off^] man J took him for; There are

too' many, (God knows it to be true,) of his unnatural Disposition in the World. J shoud ^not^ speak against him if J had not strong Reasons for it. J hope this finds you enjoying better Health, & that your good family are Well, to whom J desire best respects. J am, Dear Sir, Your Sincere hble %s=t=. J.. Dickenson. one of the two Trustees of John Dixon. M=r=. Orford How Lane.

Dear Sir! J desire the favour of you to let me know, how you have gone on this Day at Stockport. Be so obliging to have a Line ready in the morning, so [^corrected^] that J shall ^then^ be certain to have it tomorrow. J am, Your Sincere hble Serv=t=. I %Dickenson Taxal. Wednesday. Compliments to M=rs=. orford. M=r=. Orford

Dear Sir{!} J have look'd over the Acc=ts=. w=ch=. you sent, and wherein You have had abundance of Trouble. M=r=. C must surely have omitted Charging the orders drawn [^"by" rubbed out^] upon him by one County or other, or there coud never have been So great a Deficiency against him. Are you certain that he did not pay to the Several Countys the Ballance of 294=£=..14=s=..5½=d= in June 1764? J shoud imagine he did. J think it woud be kind of you to let him see your manner of drawing out the Acc=ts=. that he may have time to examine & compare ^it^ with his own Book. If any mistake has been made, J am perswaded, it was not done with Design. For the future the Acc=ts=. shoud be finally closed at the End of every Year to commence the first of every June. All Jnterest shoud be paid to that Day, and Jnterest shoud be p=d=. for the Collateral Securitys not by M=r=. Cooper, but by the Jnspectors of those Countys, who have borrowed the Same. The Barrs sh=d=. be set & take place from that very Day, & then yo=r=.

^Acc=ts=.^ w=d=. come out right. If there was any%body proper to be Jnspector for the Buxton Road J woud give it up. J begin not to be at all fond of these Concerns. J am, with great respect, (in haste..) Yo=r=. obliged h'ble %Serv=t=. I %Dickenson. Taxal. monday morn: To M=r=. Rich=d=.. Orford at Lime Hall Cheshire

M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford One {**} [^torn off^] my Workmen is here from Whaley, and tells me Sam~=l=.. Knowls is Dead Some Weeks Since, and has left the Right he has in the House &c— belonging to Peter Lee Esq=r= — to his Son Sam~=l=- Knowles a Tanner that lives about How Lane or Pointon Lane End{s} or Thereabouts, he has told my man a Short Time Since he Designed to Sell me, or Some other Persons the Said House, — The Present is to beg of you one More Favour to those allready Confer'd, — that is that you will on the Receipt of this apply to, or Send for the Said Sam~=l=. Knowls to Treat with and Purchase the Tennant Right of the Said House &c of him for me, It having belong'd to the Mill & is more Suitable to it, than any other Person and I think M=r= Lee will Chuse to have the Whole Put togather in One Agreement, and I don't doubt but from the {Adventure} I am making at whaley he will Iudge me as Worthy of it as another Person — I have a very large Quantity of Corn up which has been Detained by [^corrected^] the Frost &c which Prevents me Comeing over

Sam~=l=.. Knowls Bought the good W{e}ll of the House &c Some time ago for ab=t=. 30=£= I Never bid Him any%thing at it tho he has Ask'd me about a Year Since to buy it, but Shou'd be Sorry any Person Else shou'd have it So desire you'd Agree with him as well as you can — I wait your Ans=r=: when you have Seen him and am Sir with due Respect to [^corrected^] Self Family your most Oblidged Hble Serv={*}= Ioseph Drabble Sheffield 24 Feb=y=. 1771 To M=r=. Rich=d=.. Orford. at Lime Hall Cheshire By Favour of Ia=s= Sh{e}p{l}ey

M=r=.. Orford, M=r=. Iohn Bennett and I have this Day Concluded that he will Call on you at Lime Hall on Saturday Evening at 5 OClock — to Sign the Agreement about the Cutt thro, his Land, which you'l Please to have Ready — you Remember the Conditions you Offered M=r= Bennett as you thought wou'd be Agreeab{b}e to M=r= Lee — and I will make him the Other Compensation — as him and I Agreed at the Time we was together at the Place to be Cutt thro, as we are both together — have hereunto Sign'd our Names Ioseph Drabble [^Different hand^] John Bennett Sheffield 21 May. 1771 To M=r=.. Rich=d=.. Orford at Lime Hall Cheshire

{Sh}effield Aug=t=. 15: 1771 M=r=. Orford Sir I was {**} [^torn off^] Whaley this Week and our People Seem's Quite at a Stand for want of a Little Oak Wood, — they tell me of Two Tree's, they Rather Expected, which If they had Could go forward; — I hope you will be So Kind as to let them have them or Some Other's as wee have No [^corrected^] other Place {remeans} likely to get any at — I have Sent a Young Man of mine to be at Whaley a While to get them forward, as the Water Advances upon us, — I Intend Coming to Whaley on Monday, If I have not the Pleasure of Seeing You, — I shall be glad to See you and M=rs=. Orford at my House the 4=th= of Sep=r=. If Convenient and Agre{e}able, it being our Races — The Reason I have not Sent you So much Flour is the Disproportion in Price's twixt our Market and your's, it has been 6={*}= a Bagg and is now 4={*}= P~ Bagg Difference, our's may be Somthing finer, — If you wou'd have me Continue Sending Please to let me Know I am Sir your Oblidged Hble Serv={t}= Ioseph Drabble To M=r=. Rich=d=.. Orford at Lime Hall Cheshire

M=r=. Rich=d=.. Orford Sir As my Lease of my Farm is out, and my Landlord Advances me 50=£= a Year to the Rent of 120=£= for only 38 St{a}t{ue} Acre's of Land; I am Oblidged to Quitt the Same and have took a Place at Doncaster, which Throw's me out of the way of Employing Whaley Mill, and as I have Sunk near 1000=£= there I shall be glad if you {c}an Advise me, how to Act with it to come at as good a Part of my Money again as Possible, and at the Same Time make the Affair Agreeable to M=r= Lee; w=ch= I shall Chuse to do at all Events, — If you will Please to Ask M=r= Lee If he will take the Mill to himself and allow me what Part of the Money laid out; or grant me such Time & Conditions in it, as I may let it to bring in a Part of my Money, but w=d=.. Rather Chuse to make a final End of it; I am building in the Water way at Doncaster & cannot leave it or I wou'd have Come over,, I shall Esteem your Ans=r=: a Favour Confer'd on your Humble Serv={t}= — Ioseph Drabble Sheff=d=.. 9=th=. Sep=r=. 1773 To M=r= R=d=. Orford at Lime Hall

Sir You may Either Let M=r= Lee See the Inclose{'}d or tell him the Particular's, which you think Propper — I am Oblidged to you for all Favours and have took the Freedom Once More to Trouble you, on a Once Pleaseing but has turn'd out a very Disagreeable Subject — If Buisiness or Pleasure calls you or yours to Doncaster I shall be very very glad to See you at my House I Remain Sir your Hble Serv={t}= Ioseph Drabble donc=r= 31 Octo=r=. 1774 To M=r=. Rich=d= Orford at Lime Hall Cheshire

M=r= Rich=d=. Orford Sir, Since I Sent my young man Over to you last, I have not heard from you, Respecting Whaley Mill — I have Since been long Confin'd by a Fever or Should have Come over but I thank God am much better; and as Soon as you can make it Convenient I will Come over to Settle with you Concerning the Mill, I hope you have Spoke to M=r= Lee, and I flatter myself he will grant me the Mill on Lifes {b}y which my Charge may be a Little Alle{vi}ated — my Affairs here Require my Daily Atten^d^ance, So I %should be glad, to Come over when could be Sure to make a Final End, and not have to go again, If you can fix Such Time by my young [^corrected^] Man I shou'd be very Glad, If not by a Line as Soon as Possible to y=r= Oblidged Humble Serv={t}= Ioseph Drabble Doncaster 7=th= March 1775 M=r=. Orford Lyme n=r=. Dissley Cheshire {Free} Keck [^Postmarked Liverpool^]

Sir enclos'd you have M=r=. Warrens draft for a Bill sent from Haydock.. on Mort & Manley you'l please to acknowledge the rec=t=, I cannot find one {Hh}=d=. of Cyder in Town little was sent here this Summer, the last Year they tell me was a poor Cyder Year — & its too soon, for this Crop shou'd I find one will let you %know & keep %it till I hear from You, we have some Sacks of Seeds Arriv'd. I wrote to Haydock. & have not yet rec=d=. an An={*}=. w=ch=: way to send them, or — if they choose to fetch them in their Carts my Comp. to M=rs=. Orford & I am S=r= Y={*}=. very H %Serv Geo Drinkwater Liverpoole 11 Sep. 1778 To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford att Lime

Liverpoole 16 Oct. 1778 Sir enclos'd you have a Bill for forty Pounds for the Bill you left with me on M={r}=. Sadler the same Value — I have not yet seen M=r=. Dennett, my Complim=ts= to M=rs=. Orford &c & I am S=r=. Y={r}=. mo H Serv Geo. Drinkwater M=r=. Richard Orford Lyme near Disley Cheshire [^Postmarked Liverpool^]

Liverpoole Octo=r= 17. 1777 D=r= Sir I most Sincerly beg Your Pardon for not forwarding the Salt Water. as %Promis'd but it is this day Sh{i}ped on board a Flatt for Manchester directed for You at Lime [^corrected^]. the Water is in Stone Bottles. as we had Some that were of no use. and Seemed properer Pac{k}ages not So liable to break. and will keep it cooler — I thank You for the. Franks You have Sent. and. must beg of You when. You can to obtain me half a dozen directed for Mess=rs= Harris & Prescott. London. my respectfull Compl{i}ments to M=rs=. Orford. — I remain D=r= Sir Your mo Obed Serv=t= Iohn Drinkwater M=r= Richard Orfor{*...} [^torn off^] Lyme near. Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Liverpool^]

Liverpoole. March 28. 1790 D=r= Sir We are rather surprized. that You have not received. the Brandy. as it was Sent. to Marsh the Manchester Carrier the 20 Instant.. as You wrote that M=r= Legh was in want We Shall. go tomorrow and ch{u}se the Madeira and Sherrey and write M=r= Grimshaw. what day the Cart must come for them — did not our Letter get to hand. advising. You of a Ship that will Sail. to Maryland Soon. it also. mentiond the Brandy being sent. and the Cott{o}n of M=r=. Inghams being forwarded to whom we wrote the Same post. with the Charges. but have. not Yet received any Answer.. of their getting to hand We remain Your Mo Obed Serv={**}= [^torn off^] Geo & I{n} Drinkwater M=r= Richa{r}d Orford Disley near Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Liverpool^]

Liverpoole Iuly 2. 1790 — D=r= Sir by Yesterdays Carrier We Sent a Iar of Sweetmeats which We hope. will get safe to hand — our Election concluded here to our wishes. and We expect to See our Young Member. appear. to some advantage in the House We apprehend. he will have enough this Sessions to initiate [^corrected^] himself with if he will but pay attention. for as Yet nothing is done in the African trade — We remain Your mo obed Serv={ts}= Geo & I{n} Drinkwater 6={lbs}= of green Sweetmeats 5/P £ 1..10 — Aug=t= 9. 1790 — D=r=. Sir above is Bill of Parcels for 20 Gallons Brandy which We think good. the two l{a}st Parcels. We Sent was out of the S{a}me [^"Cask" crossed out^] {Punchion}. it must have been the fault of the Cask. if there was a difference in %the flavour. — here is a Vessel for Baltimore of the Name of Se{a}ton will Sail about the 20 Inst. We remain Your Mo Obed Serv={ts}= Geo & In %Drinkwater the Br{a}ndy comes by Marsh's Waggon tomorrow — M=r=. Richard Orford Disley near Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Liverpool^]

October 18. 1790 — Sir the Iron Chest together with the two Boxes wer{*...} [^torn off^] {o}n board the Iohn for Baltimore which Vessell Sailed a Week. agoe. — We omitted at our last Settlement some Sweetmeats {£} 1.10.. which remains over to our next We remain Your mo Obed Serv={ts}= Geo & In %Drinkwater To mr Orford

mr Orford Sir I have Bought 50 Loade of meale of mr Cl{a}ughton the money is 60. pound Sir I Desire you well Be so Good as to Asest me this time with 50 Pound witch is Du the 12 of June I have Bought the meale with money as you Tould me at hadock you wod Asest me [^"witch is" rubbed out^] with the money I Desire mr Orford you will not Feal as I wish to Pay mr Cloughto^n^ Sir I Desire you will Send By the wagon on friday if you Can Good Sir I am yours John Ducketh Newton may 27: (_1788_) To mr Orford Lyme Disley Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

mr Orford. Sir I Desire you well Send me A Small Bill and meak it up 25 pounds with Cash as I have money to at Christmas I Desire you will be So Good as not to Feale Sending this time Good Sir I Am yours John Ducketh Newton Deb=r= 16=th= 1788 To mr Orford Lime

Sir mr Orford I Desire you will be so Good as to send by the Beare 50 pound as I have Bought Oate meal and must pay for it this week I have Bought Som Oats of mr heage Stward to mis Bould and must Receve them this [^corrected^] week Good Sir I Desire you will be So Good as to a%Blege me this time as the ^f{e}st^ quarter is up the 12=th= of June if plese to Send 40 pound in Bills and 10 pound in Cash you will a%Blige me I am yours John Ducketh Newton June 8=th=— 1789 [^In different hand, probably Orford's^] Sent him N=o=. 114 £40 To Mr Orford Lyme

June 25=th=, 1790 Mr Orford Sir I Desire you will be so Good as To Send By the Bearer 50 pound for the Last quarter witch was Du the 12 of June I Desire you will So Good if you have A Bill as Smal as 20. or. 30 pound as A Bill of that Sise will ^the^ Same as Cash Sir I Am yours John Ducketh Newton [^Different hand, probably Orford's^] Sent N=o=. 121 — 20=£= 126 — 10 26 June 1790 M=r= Orford Lyme [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Sir I am Sorry I had not the Pleasure of Seeing you when at Warrington Should be Oblig'd if to you would be so Obliging to let me know by a Line what my Mother Pay'd S{e}p{e}terat{e}ly ^for^ the Old Rents for the two Housis in the Horse Market as soon as his Convin{ee}nt {&} when we Shall See you to Settle from your Obligd Hum={e}= Ser=t= Ellin Dumbell Warrington 24 April Diret for me Fri{e}rgate Mr Orford Lymne [^different hand^] near Stockport [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Mr Orford Sir My Mother is sorry to give you the trouble of another Letter but will take it as a paticular favour if you will Let her know [^"{the}" crossed out^] what the Lord rent is of the House belonging to Mr Owen as there is an Account to be settled between them which she cannot settle till she knows what the rent is was sorry she did not see you when in Warrington she catted [^probably mistake for "called" by crossing "ll"^] at Mr Crosleys on Wednesday morning who said you called [^corrected^] there on tuesday I am &c: M Dumbell Warrington May 22. 1788 [^The next three letters have been attached to each other in reverse order of date. Entered here in chronological order.^] M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford [^Accounts omitted^]

M=r=. Orford I call'd at your House in my way to Sheffield &c. but was not luckey enough to find you at Home, I wanted to have made some Remarks on the plan left with Layland, and to have enquired the Terms expected for the Land from Goulborn{e-}Lane to the first open, which J %take to be about 51 yards to the Sankey Street, & from that Street backwards 58 yards to the opening at Lowes Wa{r} {St=r=}., if the Terms are agreeable, J will take the whole (or none) of that Ground, make A %begining, and hope to encourage others from the Presd{=s=}. J shall sett them. I write this at Chap=l=. in the F{*} to have at your House in %case your not to be %found, as J %pass by, J %am Your very hum~: Serv=t=. W %Dumbell Iuly 15. 1776 To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford near [^"Lyme" crossed out^] By Manchester & Stockport — [^Other part of direction crossed out^] [^Postmarked Warrington^]

M=r=. OrfordWarrington Iuly 20 1776 Sir I have yours of y=e=. 18=th= have been ^with^ Layland, Seen the Plan of the Building Ground, and your Acc=t=. of the Terms asked for the Diff=t=. Lots. I could like to Venture upon the 8 Lots N=o=. 37 38. 39. 40. 45. 46. 47. & 48 and shall offer (in my Opinion) a %full price for them; For three Lives one pound ten shillings P~ Ann~: And two hundred & Fifty pounds, to Enter & pay on the Lease being Signed; after the three Lifes Fifteen pounds a %Year for ninety nine years which are as J understand the Terms for Lifes & years proposed to be Leas'd for Layland says there is no Lots promised, J %have said nothing to him of my Jntention of being A Purchaser, neither would J %have you to do it, except these Terms are Agreeable J am Your very hum~: Serv=t=. W=m=.. Dumbell I %shall expect All the Materials upon the premises, and J %doubt not of an allowance being made for the Great expence of first paving the New streets. To M=r=. Orford at Lyme near Stockport [^Postmarked Warrington^]

M=r=. Orford Warrington Aug=t=.. 6. 1776 Sir I %have yours of the 3=d=. if there will be no abatements from the Instructions given to Layland, J %shall decline all thoughts of the Eight Lotts of Building Ground J offerd money for, and Ile' venture to say you'l not get more for them, you may perhaps get one or two to take each a %Single Lott, Spoile the Whole designe, and hinder the Sale of the Other Lotts The present Rent is no object to me (Ashtons House Excepted) The Buildings are not worth more then will pay the Expence of pulling down, and Clearing the Ground for other E{r}rections, besides you are misenformd ^the^ Rental (what is upon the 8 Lotts J offerd to Buy) does not Amount to any such sum. If the price J have offerd for the 8 Lotts will not be taken, J will give the prices in Laylands Jnstructions, for the four Lotts N=o=. 45. 46. 47 & 48 with the Materials as they are now upon the Premises J %am Sir Your most hum~: Serv=t=. W=m=.. Dumbell The M=r=. Travers you mett with lately at Newton was Sent there by the Sellers of the Estate [^Along side of paper^] If the ^Serv=t=.^ Boy is one you can recom~end to me and is willing to part with him, I wish you would send him over, the Boy J %have J %shall part with in a few days

[^Account of rents etc. of Lots 45-48 in different hand, probably Orford's, omitted^] M=r=. Orford at Lyme

M=r=. Orford The Kitty has gone thro' a %repair which will cost you 15=l=— at least, as J have no money on that acc=t=. in my hands shall be obliged you for that sum by the Bearer. This day week J was at Redbank to meet the Arbitrat={rs}=. about the Dispute with Houghton, when it was proved without a %doubt that the Water by the New Flood Gates {or}therways, was not {pou}nder higher then us{u}al; J %think Houghton sho'd have made Gardner An Evidence instead of An Arbitrat=r=. for he Askd most in the Character of the former; From such Arbitrat=rs=. as him Good Lord deliver me, say I. Yours truly W %Dumbell Oct={o}=. 9. 1779 To M=r=.. Orford

Warrington Dec=r=. 2{4}. 1770 D=r=.. S=r=.. My Uncle has shewn me your favour of the 20=th= Ins=t=. I %am much obliged to M=r=. Legh for his kind consider{a}tion of the £20, of which I shall always think with gratitude, & sincerely thank you for the trouble this affair has caused you to have. As you say you shall call here the next time you come this way, I shall be obliged to you for a line when you think that will be, that I may be prepared with Cash for you, ^for^ the two new Lives I desire you will put in me & Ellen my Wife. I am (wishing you & M~=rs= Orford the Compliments of the approaching Season) D=r= Sir Your obliged hum %Serv=t= W~m Dumbell Jun=r= [^Accounts omitted^] To M=r=. Orford

Warrington Jan=y= 21. 1771 D=r=. Sir I have the pleasure to inform you that my Uncle has agreed for me to be made Leassee for Red Bank, this is therefore to desire you will be so kind to send the Lease to M=r=. Legh to be executed as soon as you conveniently can, which will lay me under another obligation to you after all former ones, for which you now & always will have my hearty & sincere thank. I have been at M{=r=} {T}oppings to know how I must be mentioned in the Lease, which he says is as follows "William "Dumbell the Younger of little Sankey "within Warrington in the County of "Lancaster Yeoman." My Wife & me are both between 28 & 29 [^"& 30" crossed out; "28 &" has been written in the left margin^] Years of Age. I am with Complim=ts= to your whole Self D=r= %S=r= Your ob: hum Serv=t= W~=m= Dumbell Jun={r}= It would give me some satisfaction if you would be so kind to give me one line that you have rec~ed this Letter, by a line directed to me to be left at the Post Office till called for (_To_) M=r=. Orford at peter Legh Esq=r=. at Lime Cheshire

Booths 21=st=. of May 1771. D=r=. S=r=. On my return from London on ffriday last a Carter, called on me, to inform me that there was a parcel at the [^"{Hanging}" crossed out^] Spread Eagle in the Hanging Ditch in Manchester directed for peter Legh Esq=r=. but not the place where, on this information I ordered him to call to examine the parcel yesterday, and he now informs me, that the parcel is rigrass & that it comes from Pomfret or that Qu{*...} [^blot^] therefore I suppose this parcel to belong to M=r= Legh of Lime [^corrected^] as neither M=r=. Legh %of Booths nor myself has ordered any such goods therefore I have took this oppertunity to inform you & am D=r=. S=r=. Yours with great respect Iohn Dum{v}i{l} To M=r=. Richard Orford at Lyme [^Postmarked Warrington?^] [^Accounts omitted^]

Sir When I saw you at the meeting at Warrington Bridge End you thought you cou'd assist me with some money towards July — As I have a good deal due at or about Warrington Fair I shou'd take it as a particular Favour if you cou'd make it Convenient betwixt & that Time to get 150=£= or 200=£= if not 100=£= & the remainder as soon as you can Conveniently — Y=r=. answer to this will greatly Oblige S=r=. y=r=. most Oblig'd Serv=t= Tho=s=: Dutton Grappenhall July 3=d=: 1773 To M=r=. Orford at Peter Ligh's Esq=r=. at Lyme [^Postmarked Frodsham?^]

Dear Sir J Receiv'd a Letter {*...} [^torn off^] M=r=. Roge{rs}on bearing date 23=d=. of {*...}mber [^torn off^] last wherein he desired me to meet you and M=r=. Porter at the Red Lyon the Sunday evening following, which I did Accordingly and staid until Tuesday evening but neither you nor M=r=. Rogerson were to be met with and therefore I could get no Satisfactory Answer, and as I had some business to do that Required the gratest expedition came home [^"that" crossed out^] that Night and went of the next Morning and your Letter came the same Day, but my Wife not knowing the place could not possibly send for me as you [^changed from "your"^] desired and Moreover as the Distance was not less than 15 or 16 Miles it wou'd have been impossible for me to have been with you before Thursday Night, and then very Jnconvenient to me, as indeed it was when I did come but since it so happened If you please to fix with M=r=. Porter, and let me know when we shall meet (as above) I will come Accordingly (if Life and Health permit. and am, With Complements to M=r=. Porter, and your%Self, S=r=. Your most Humble Serv=t=. John Earl Overton January 6=th=. 1774 M=r=. Orford Lyme [^"Knutsford" crossed out^] near Stockport [^in different hand^] Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Sir I am directed by M=r=. Taylor to inform you that several of the Gentlemen in this Neighborhood who are interested in the placing of the Bars on Leigh Turnpike Road will be so much engaged next Week that their attendance cannot be had, & that therefore it is intended the Meeting be postponed until Thursday the 10={th}=. of next Month of which public notice will be given in the papers & am sir Your most ob={*}=. Serv={*}=. R. Eccles Leigh 28=th=. Iune 1788 M=r=. T. hopes to have the favor of your Company on that day at 11 o'Clock M=r=. Orford Lyme [^in different hand^] [^"Haydock" crossed out^] ^Cheshire^ [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Sir M=r=. Leigh's Gamekeeper is now here and wants a Certificate but I %am Sorry to inform you that he is to late as %the Present ^Act^ Requires that every Gamekeeper who did not Apply for a Certificate on or before the 20=th=. Iuly 1785 must have a New Deputation and that to %be Inrolled With the Clerk of the Peace in 20 days from the date of the Deputation. therefore you will Please to to get a New Deputation and send it here to be Inrolled and M=r=. Taylor will Grant a Certificate. I %am Sir Your Obed=t=. h~ble Serv=t=. Rich=d=: Eccles Leigh 2 Aug=st=. 1785 To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Peter Legh's Esq=r=. Lyme Hall Cheshire [^Postmarked Liverpool^]

S=r= I shou'd be glad you wou'd fix the Charge of exceptance of Sankey Tennem=t=. for M=r= Houlbrooks Hiers as one of them is leaving this part of the Countrey and what Money may be his share he wants to Receive and I can do nothing in Receiveing the Money from M=r= Kerfoot till you have fix'd y=r= Charge If you please to informe Peter Legh Esq=r=. that wee now want his Boots that he intends fix'd to the Chair wee have made. a Line from you will greatley Oblige S=r= Y=r= Most Obd=t=. Hble Serv=t= John Eden LiverpooL July 22=d= 1777 M=r=. Orford at Peter Legh Esq=r=. Lyme Hall Cheshire [^Postmarked Liverpool^] [^Accounts in pencil omitted^]

LiverpooL Dec=r=. 15=th= 1778 M=r= Orford S={*}= Your esteem'd favour I duly receiv'd in which you acknowledge the receipt of the Gout Chair mentiond by M=r= Spencer which is the only Chair of that sort I ever had Orders for either from M=r= Legh or any other person therefore cannot account for the error, and am much concern'd that M=r= Legh shou'd have had so much trouble on this Acc=t=. which has not been in my Power to prevent, but if an%other Chair of the same sort is wanted please to Order and it shall be forwarded with all exspedition possable by S=r= Your much oblig'd Hble Serv=t=. John Eden P S Perhaps M=r= Legh will Recollect whether his orders was sent by Letter or Messinger as I must suppose by Message [^corrected^] which must have miscarried, as the Post is certain M=r= Rich=d=. Orford at Peter Legh's Esq=r= Lyme Hall Cheshire

LiverpooL Dec=r=. 25=th= 1778 S=r= I Receiv'd the favours of yours with the order for a Gout Chair which I will see to get to Haydock by the time you mention and am S=r= y=r= Most Oblig'd Hble Serv=t=. John Eden M=r=. Rich=d=: Orford Lyme Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Liverpool^] [^Accounts in different hand omitted^] [^Note in pencil in different hand^] Merlins Ch~ coming down

S=r= I Receiv'd y=r= favour with an Order for a Gout Chair, And hope you'l excuse my not writing an Answer sooner, I thought after I Receiv'd it I coud have given you an Acc=t= of the Day it woud have been finish'd A Sea Order came directley after was Oblig'd to lay it a%Side but exspect you may depend on it being done in fortnights time, I shall be particuler in the Wheels as you have Observ'd if you write a Line letting me know the time your Waggons come to Liverpool will endeavour to have it done by the time but I will write to you the Day I have it finish'd I am S=r= Y=r= Most Oblig'd Hble Serv=t=. John Eden LiverpooL{e} Dec=r=. 27=th= 1789 [^Note in different hand, probably Orford's^] Merlins Chair To M=r= Orford Steward to P=r=: Legh Esq=r= at Lyme

M=r= Orford J have Sent the Bearer to put your work or Engin in Ordor, if it is posable, J am well Sattisfied he is knowing as an Engenere, as Most, and will advise and inform you what is to be don, and if theare hath bin any {n}eglect, which your Mastor by his Lettor {S}eemes to be afr{a}d on, and if you want an{y} furth{a}r advise as to your Mine, My Tenand Matthew {ff}letcher of Clifton is knowing, and will Com to you at a %sh{u}rt notis, as J %have in a %lett{e}r to him Desired, if you Send to him, J %wou'd have Com with M=r{s}= Jones, but My Bro=r= is in weake and Dangores way, and only Sirvants with him, that nethar them nor himsel{e}f, is wiling J %shoud leve the hous, you had as good to pay the Engonere for his truble, as It is uns{u}rtin when I %shu{ll} {S}ee him, you will have a Lett{e}r from your Mast{o}r on ffryday morning in Ansor to what J %sade to him on Suttarday last S=r= y=r= Hum Servt Rich=d= Edensor Hartington Jun{e} 21=th= 1767 My Bro=r= Dyed this night M=r= Orford

Sir I fancy M=r= Grimshaw apprised you that our Meeting was fixt for yesterday. Perhaps you did not think it worth your while to give us your attendance, so have taken the liberty to acquaint you with the result of our Deliberations in this (_weighty_) business by transmitting you the order of the day which I took out of the Town Book & which you have on the other side. The blanks were left to be filled up when M=r= Hope perfects his Plan — I am Sir Your most h~ble Serv~=t=. Edw Edwards Ashton 30 Aug=t= 1782 M=rs= Edwards joins me in most respectful Compliments to M=r= Legh & Family

At a Vestry Meeting held this twenty ninth day of Aug=t=. in the year of our Lord 1782 whereof previous notice hath been on three several Sundays given, it appeared that this Chapel is too small to contain the Congregation, it was ordered that the Chancel end shall be taken down & extended Eastward feet & inches & Northward feet & inches & Seats or Pews erected therein & likewise a Gallery over the same, the Seats in the said additional part to be sold by public Auction to defray all expences of the erecting thereof, & the surplus money (if any) to be applied towards the erecting a House for the use of the Minister for the time being — And the Rev=d= Edward Edwards undertaketh to free & exempt all & every the Inhabitants of the said Chapelry from any cost & charge attending the erecting & compleating the said addition. N.B. The Proprietors of the new Seats or Pews to be subject to all the repairs of the additional Building, & that this alteration shall not prejudice or obstruct the light to the present Seats or Pews. As witness our hands — Geoffrey Hornby, Rector of Winwick Edw Edwards, Curate of Ashton Robert Clough, Chapel Warden

John Leech, Tho=s=. Orford, Shaw Allanson, Iames Smith W={m}= Claughton, Tho=s=. Boardman &c &c To M=r= Orford at Peter Leghs Esq=r=. Lyme Cheshire Manchester Bag [^Postmarked Chester?^]

Clealey 23 April 71 D=r= Sir J receivd your Letter on Saturday, and have acquainted the Tenants, (with the Contents of it) J have not seen M=r= Watson as yet, but will let him ^know^ the first Oppertunity My Wife has sent a Young Woman. to serve M=rs= Gwillym, as Dairy Maid, and ^we^ hope she will pleas^e^ as she has liv'd two Years with the late M=r= Egerton of Broxton in that Capacity my Wife Joins with me in Compliments to you & M=rs= Orford Yours Iohn Egerton To M=r= Orford at Peter Legh=s= Esq={r}= Lyme (_Cheshire_) [^Postmarked Chester^]

Clealy May 23=d= — 73 D=r= Sir The Young Woman which my Wife recomen^ded^ as a dairy maid for M=rs= Legh, before this day, must have {wh}rought Lyme, has she set out on Monday last J spoke to M=r= Woolrich, of the Rent, which is due and he said it was not in his power then, but hope in a Little Time, he shoud have the Money, & either him or his Son, whoud bring it to Lyme J am D=r= Sir with Compliments To Your Family Your very hum={*}= Servant Iohn Egerton M=r=. Orford Haydock Lodge (_with Speed_)

Dear Sir Was at Bold on Saturday last and saw M=r=. Haigh who unluckily is engag'd on Thursday next, the day we Propos'd Coming to Haydock, but Thursday following he hath Promis'd to go, which have fix'd and is agreeable to the Parties, which day hope will be convenient for you — I am Sir Very Respectfully Yours &c. &c. Henry Ellam Sutton 10=th=. May. 79 — M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Newton Dec=r=. 21. 1788.. Sir I Have Took the Opportunity to Let you know that Miss=rs=. . Naylor is Dead Very Sudenly and i Have Too Daughters both Widows and Living in Wigan and They Have a Great Desire to Come Live at Newton if I Could Light of a House That Will Shuit Them and if The House Where She Lived be Vacant I Should be much Oblidged To you To Let Them Have [^"The Have" crossed out^] The First Preferance of it as They are [^later insertion^] Well Qulified To Pay The Rent J Am Yours John Ellam M=r=. Orford at Lyme

M=r=.. Orford Sir Agreeable to your request have sent you what Articles that are Ready of your order, there only Remains the {Or}ange Cloath and Shall=(_{r}_)= which are now forwarding with all speed and are in hopes will be ready in a few days — when we get them will imadiately send 'em — the Cloaths We think are Verry good for the Money — and are in hopes will give content — the drab is better than it was to have been — and chargd lower than what we ever sell any of the same Quality — but M=r= Leigh's Orders being 5=s=/p~ {yd} exact we could not think of charging anything further — I am for Mess=rs= Lowe Bate & C=(_o_)= Y=(_r_)= M=(_o_)= Oblig=d= hble Serv=t= R %Ellam Manchester Ian=y=.. 13=th=. 1778 Sir Your favour we Rec~d, and agreeable to your request have sent Two Shoulder Knots which hope will meet with your Approbation — we have not any Orange Cloath by us or wou'd have laid some underneath the same as yours sent — but there is no necessity as it will answer equally as well — if M=r=. Allen when he makes the Cloth's — will take care to Sow a little under in order to give them a fullness — I am for Mess=rs= Lowe Bate &{c} Y=(_r_) M=(_o_)= Obligd hble Serv=t= — R Ellam Manch=r=. July 22=d=. 79 M=r=. Orford at Lyme

Sir Some time ago you was so obligeing to order your Account which upon exam%in%ation hope will Prove to your Satisfaction, I do assure you we can at this time with truth plead Poverty a little of your Assistance wou'd be verry agreeable, — the favour of a Bill woud add to the manny obligations conferd on Mess=rs= Lowe Bate & Wright for whom I am Y=r= M=(_o_)= Oblig=d=. Ser{v}=t= R EllamManchester Aug=t= 26. 87 M=r= Orford Lyme

M=r= Orford Manch=r= Nov=(_r_)= 28 1788 Sir We are favourd with yours and may be assurd of the Poors Cloths having our best attention, as under is the Particulars of what you have Paid Since the time mention'd, — Jf convenient, your assistance with a Bill at this time wou'd Particularly oblige — Trade being verry dull for Partner & Self I Am {=r=} Y=r= M=o= Oblig'd hble Serv=(_t_)= R Ellam [^Accounts omitted^] M=r= Orford Lyme

M=r=. Orford Sir We take the liberty of Requesting the favour of your Assistance with a Bill at this time, it is Real necessity that induces us to again trouble you, — Money is verry Scarce and dificult to get in, in Short, we have not Rec=(_d_)= one tenth Part of what we ought to have done of our Christmas Bills — in the last Statement of the Account sent in at your Request I think there was an omission of the Eight Guinea{s}

for attendance into Wiltshire — I am not quiet certain, but upon you Examination will See wether any Notice was took of it, I am Sir With Respect for Partner & self Y=r= M=o= Obligd hble Serv=(_t_)= R Ellam Manch=(_r_)= Jan=y=- 29. 1789 M=r= Orford Lyme

M=r= Orford Sir We are favourd with yours, & are Sorry to find So much Reason for complaint with ResPect to the Poor Cloth, being Particularly attentiv{i} to let them have as good an Article as the Price will Possibly admit off, those the last Year was made in a hurry and oblig'd to be dry'd in the Stove to be in time, — you may depend of our best attention in this, and any other commands you are Pleasd to favour us with, a months notice will will always enable us to send the best of goods

in the low way, being much call'd for by Poor People — ^at this time of the Year^ — you are not confind to Colour have inclosd one for your approbation which in our opinion would [^corrected^] look beeter and Answer the intended Porpose more to our Credit and the Service of the Poor, — If we dont hear farther from you by Thursdays Carrier will forward the Goods same colour as last Year We Are Sir Y=r= M=o= Oblig'd hble Servt=s= — R Ellam — M=r= Orford Lyme

M=r= Orford I take the liberty of Sending you and doubt you will be well Pleasd at the information — I am Sir Y=r= M=o= Obd=t=. hble Serv=t= R Ellam Manch=r=. Nov=r=. 9. 90 [^Accounts in different hand on next page omitted^] To M=r= Orford ^at^ Lyme near Disslee Cheshire [^Scribble in different hand omitted^]

Blackheath Sep=r=. 11 1775 Sir. I rec=d= your letter and am verry sorry to hear that my Brother Thomas is so much back in Arrears but I will send twenty pounds to you as soon as M={rs}= Lee Comes town will send it by M=r= Mar{c}eland on Account he will take Care of my Brother William, or will Send it [^"or ... it" in margins^] by anny%Body that I can depend of being Deliver'ed safe and I think this to be the last monny that I ever send on this Account from your Humble servant Peter Etchell M=r=.. Orford Lyme near Stockport Cheshire

Sir Jn the Absence of the Gentlemen to whom J am Clerk, I take the Liberty to acknowledge the Rec=t=. of your Letter, which will account for the delay in your not receiving an Answer — it will not be long before [^word crossed out^] one of them is in Town, when the Account will be sent — On inspectin{g} {*...} [^seal^] Books the Ballance appears to be very {*...} [^seal^] inconsiderable — J am Sir Your Mo: Obedient Serv=t=. Cha=s=.. Evans cl~k to Mess=rs=. Kent & Darlington Cliffords Jnn 30=th=. Aug=t=. 1788 M=r=. Orford M=r=. Rich=d=.. Orford

M=r= Orford Warrington 15. Sep 1777 Sir The Leases of both kinds were printed off & ready for packing up when your messeng=r= arrived here. As I had rec=d= no Instructions for Indorsemt=s=. on the back of the Parchmt={s}=. they were not done till I rec=d= y=r=. direction yesterday. I believe they are very correct, having enlarged the Blanks in the Rack Leases to your Direction. — Hope the Whole will please. J am Sir your most obd={t}= Serv=t= W=m=— Eyres. I have also inclos'd the 3 Cop=s= along with the Leases. — the follow=g= is y=r= Acc=t{s}=. agreeable to y=r= Ord=r=. [^Accounts, possibly in different hand, omitted^] To M=r= Orford at Haddock

Sir My Master desires me to Present his Compliments to you and would be glad if you can possibly come over here early to%Morrow Morning to meet M=r= ffletcher and finally settle M=r= Gwillym's Colliery Articles if it should be inconvenient to you to leave House they will Wait upon you at Haddock at any time you will Appoint to%Morrow I am Sir Your h~ble Serv=t= John Eyston Cl~k to M=r= Taylor Leigh May 22=d=: 1775 To M=r=. Orford at Lyme near Dishley Cheshire {X} Post [^Postmarked Derby^]

S=r= I am favor'd with y=r=. Valua~{i}on, I think you have not seen all y=e= Timber on Iohnson's Tenem~=t=. or You cou'd not have been so mistaken in y=e= Value of %it. I have been offerr'd 14={l}=: for it, & I %think you have valued it at only 7={l}=:14=s:=6=d=. By this post I have wrote to M=r= Stafford acquainting him I w=d=. give S=r= Iohn Stanley 290={l}=: to make up y=e= Difference of %y=e= Value of the Estates, & Im' certain S=r=. Iohn will have ye %better Bargain. I don't think there is any ffarm in y=e= P~ish of Alderly so high rented as this ffarm of Chantlers, & I greatly fear it will never bear y=e= Rent you've set upon it. No Part of my Estate there is rented at half the Value you have fixed on Chantler's. I shall be glad to see You when You come to Derby, & am S=r=: Y=r= mt h~ble Ser={t}=. W=m=: Fallows 10 March 1773 Derby To M=r=: Orford at Lyme n{*...} [^seal^] Dishley Cheshire [^Postmarked Derby^]

S=r=: S=r=. Iohn Stanley's Behaviour with regard to the Exchange between us, (w=ch=. you settled) being so very ungentlemanlike & Dishonorable, that I cannot think of having any further Transac~{i}ons with him, & therefore You'll please to make out y=r=. Bill for y=e= Valua~{i}ons of y=e= %Estates & send it me as soon as {p}ossible, So y=t= I may order M=r= Legh my Tenant to discharge my Part of %it. M={*}= Stafford Im' certain must be asham'd of his Client's Behaviour. I am S=r=: Y=r= mt h~ble Ser={t}= W=m=: Fallows 9: Sep=r= 1774 Derby I shall not consent to have y=e= Com~ons in Alderly inclosed, altho{'} J've lately been applied to for that Purpose. To M=r=: Orford at L{y}me near Dishley Cheshire [^Postmarked Derby^]

S=r= I was favor'd with your Letter by M=r= Lowe, & sh=d= have been glad to have seen you at Derby had your Business permitted it. This Evening J rec~ed a Dr=t=. of an Ar~cle for y=e= Inclosure of %y=e= Com~ons in Alderly from M=r= Stafford, w=ch=. I have perused & confined y=e= Division to y=e= three Com~ons called Monk{s} Heath, Sandle Heath & Alderly Edge — He desires I wou'd appoint a Referee, & if %it be agreable to You to act as a Referee on my behalf, I will order M=r= Stafford to insert your Name in y=e= Ar~cles, for one of %y={m}=. — You'll please to favor me with your Answ=r= as soon as possible, M={*}= Stafford Seeming to be in haste to get this Business forward. I am S=r= Y=r= mt h~ble Ser={t}= W=m=: Fallows 10 Nov=r=. 1774 Derby M=r= Stafford informs me S=r= Iohn Stanley will pay all %y=e= Expen{c}es relative to y=e= Exchange, he [^some words crossed out^] I consulted You about. To M=r=: Orford at Lime near Dishley Cheshire [^Postmarked Macclesfield^]

S=r= I have order'd my Tenants Henry Legh & Daniel{s} Massey to wait upon You at Alderly ye 1=st=. of next Month, in Order to shew you y=e= S{c}itu~ion of my Estate, & to give you y=e= best Intelligence in their Power relative to the Inclosure of y=e= Com~ons intended to be divided amongst ye ffreeholders. I believe they will be able to inform You of sev=l=. of y=e= Incroachments lately made by S=r= Iohn Stanley or his Tenants upon y=e= Wastes, w=ch=. ought to go in part of his Allotment. When your Meeting is over, I must beg y=e= ffavor of a Line from You directed for me at Derby, informing me of %y=e= Result of %it, & am S=r=: Y{=r=} mt h~ble Ser={t}= W=m=: Fallows 17: Iune 1775 Heawood. To M=r=: Orford at Lyme near Dishley Cheshire {fr} Post [^Postmarked Derby^]

S=r=: I have some Thoughts of being in Cheshire at y=e= Time y=e= Com={rs}=. meet to make the Allotments, & therefore sh=d= be obliged to You for a Line acquainting me of %y=e= Time you have fixed for that Purpose. I was much concern'd to hear of the Death of M=r= Stafford, for whom I had a great Esteem & Regard. I am S=r= Y{=r=} mt h~ble Ser={t}= W=m=: Fallows 22=d=. Sep=r=. 1775 Derby To M=r=: Rich=d=: Orford at Lyme

S=r= I received the ffavor of your Letter at Heawood. I %find upon Enquiry That it will be necessary that I shou'd attend, when You & the other Gentlemen meet in order to lay out the Allotments upon the Wasts; & as I am obliged to %be at Derby to%morrow upon particular Business I must desire You will [^some words crossed out^] ^fix some^ other Meeting at Alderly relative to the Inclosure, [^some words crossed out^] ^& let me^ hear from You [^corrected^] again upon this Subject ^& give me a few days previous Notice that I may attend at Alderly.^. M=r= Stafford has not yet met with the Letter you inform'd me of at Derby, & I shou'd wish to %be satisfied in some other Matters, before the Allotments are made. I %am S=r=: Y=r= most h~ble Serv~=t=. W=m=: Fallows. 8 Nov=r=. 1775 Macclesfield. I shall be engaged upon a Com~ission at Derby all the next Week. To M=r=: Orford

S=r= If I am to have Any%Thing allotted to me for my Interest in the Com~ons, I expect that small Parcel of Land lying at Sam=l=. Birche's Gate, to %be a Part of my Allotment, as it lies convenient to my Estates, & may hereafter prevent any Dispute as to the Road over it now claim'd by my Tenant. M=r= Hayes I believe, will have no Ojec~{i}on to this Request; If it will not be complied with, I desire no further proceedings may be taken in this Business & I will discharge your Demands upon me relative to these Affairs whenever you please to send an Account, to S=r= Y{=r=} mt h~ble Ser={t}= W=m=: Fallows 22=d=. Nov=r=. 1775 Heawood. M=r=: Orford at Lyme near Dishley Cheshire

D=r= %S=r=: I thank you for your last Letter, w=ch= I have Answer'd, but y=r= Carrier met with an Accident, whereby y=e= Letter did not come to your hands. About ten days since Jos: Legh came here, with an Account of %y=e= Death of M={rs}= ffallows at Heawood, & my Wife has since been [^corrected^] in Cheshire, & gave Orders for her ffuneral, w=ch=. was decent & proper, without extravangance or pomp — I have been at y=e= Charge of %it. Upon her Death, y=e= Objec~{i}on is removed, & I shall save about 30={l}=: a year by it; & as M={r}= Legh is only Tenant (_from Year_) (_to Year_) (_Of y=e= Heawood Estate_), I can turn him off upon reasonable Notice, shou'd he attempt to injure by Land by Plowing {&c}. more than You sh=d=. think a reasonable Tillage. I was glad to %hear yt Jos: Legh has laid down ye Land in ye (_Petty Crofts_), with Clover & Hay Seeds, & that it look'd very green & well. I told him I insisted upon him Improving the (_Bradly_) by Pinfallowing & Manuring it for Wheat, the next Sum~er, as that Close was very much run out of Heart & Condition; He promised me it sh=d=. be done.

I belive Legh & his Son are afraid of being turn'd off their ffarm at Heawood, & I hope they will agree to such (_Tillage_) for the future as You shall think proper & reason%able for them to do, w=ch=. I must desire You will set out, the first Opportunity: I am much obliged to you for your Op~=n=. respecting the Exchange of y=e= Moss Rooms with S=r= Iohn Stanly, but as he is a very Extraordinary Gentleman I shall postpone this Business for ye present. Wou'd it not be better To postpone Your Valua~ion of my Estates, till y=e= Spring, when You will then see ye Verdure of y=e= Land {&c}? If you think so, I w=d=. have You do it at ye most proper Season of the Year. I sh=d=. be glad to hear from You in Answer to this Letter, the first Opportunity, & am S=r= Y=r= mt hble Ser={t}= W=m=: Fallows 4 Ian: 79 Derby [^Postmarked Derby^]

D={*}= %S=r=: I presume You have heard of Mess={rs}= Heath's ffailure, & as you may want a Banker here to return your money I beg Leave to recom~end my Neighbour M=r= {Merbeter} (who is a very worthy, honest Man) to You as a Banker, & I am sure he will transact your Business in y=e= Banking-way to your Satisfaction, & with Honor. I hope to have the Pleasure of seeing You when you come to Derby, & to hear You have had an Opportunity of valuing my Estate in Alderly; I wou'd not be desirous of Racking my Tenants to an unreasonable height, but yet I sh=d=. wish to have a fair Rent for ye ffarmes they hold of me. I am S=r=: Y=r= mt h~ble Ser={t}= W=m=: Fallows 31=st=. March 177{9} [^could be 1775?^] Derby M=r=: Orford at Lyme near Dishley Cheshire [^Postmarked Derby^]

S=r= I lately sent you a Survey of a Tenem~=t=. in Morley, which I hope came duly to hand. I sh=d=. be much oblig'd if You w=d=. go over to Morley as soon as you can, & take ye Valua~ions as desired; M={rs}= Tollet will inform You of her Age, She being the only existing Life in the Lease. I am told y=e= ffarm is an eligible one, & of some Value Please to give me a Line in a Post or two, & am S=r=: Y={r}= most h~ble Ser={t}= W=m=: Fallows 17: Nov=r=. 1783 Derby I wish you w=d=. Enquire (as from your%Self) whether She wou'd be desirous of filling up the Lives in the Lease. M=r= Orford at Lyme near Dishley Cheshire [^Postmarked Derby^]

S=r= As I have not heard from ^You,^ I presume you have not rec~ed my two L~res; in the first I inclosed a Survey of my Tenem~=t=. in Morley, & desired you w=d=. look over th{is} ffarm & give me your Valua~ion respecting y=e= sev=l=. Enquirys I men~ioned to You. I find my Son's Estate at Sandle in Alderly will be at Liberty next Lady day but one, & therefore He tells me He shall next Sum~er apply to you to value his Estate there, & allott to Heawood & Sandle Farms all such Lands as you shall think most convenient for Each Estate. I %desire ye ffavor of a Line in a Post or two, & am S=r=: Y={r}=. mt h~ble Ser={t}= W=m=: Fallows 30 Nov={r}=. 1783 Derby M=r=. Orford Lime [^Accounts and scribbles in different hand omitted^]

20th: Iuly 1778 Heawood. S=r=: My Father wishes to have the Pleasure of your Company at Heawood any day before the 2=d=: August, in Order to look over an Estate of his in Alderley, in Possession of Henry Leigh, his Term being now Expired. The favor of %a Line, fixing your day, will much Oblige, Your h~ble Serv=t=. W=m=: Fallows Jun=r=: M=r=: Orford at Peter Leigh's Esq~=r= Lime Cheshire

23=d=: Nov=r=. 1782 Derby. D=r=: S=r=: We have been some time in Expectation of a Person coming over to Heawood to value some Wood which we proposed disposing of & a few days since I rec=d=. a Letter from him & find from a blow he has had by a Horse that he will be prevented meeting me this Season. We have too much reason to suspect that Hen: Leigh has fall'n a considerable Number of Trees which he has privately disposed of & we [^"are" crossed out^] still doubt his Honesty; Therefore we wish'd to have a Carefull & intelligent Person to value what Timber is [^some words crossed out^] fit to fall, that we may dispose of it before the Lease Expires & shall be much Obliged to you for your Recommendation of any Person you know. My Father desires his Comp=ts= & am D=r=. S=r=: Your h~ble Serv=t=. W=m=: Fallows Iun~=r=. M=r=: Orford Lyme To be left at the Inn at Dishley & to be forwarded immediately. M=r=. Fallows will be glad of a Line P~ Coach being more expeditious & the post very irregular

Derby 12=th=: Dec=r=. 1782. Dear S=r=. I %am much obliged to you for the favor of your Letter shall be glad to meet M=r= Bennett whenever convenient, the sooner the more agreable, as I fear the Season will elapse if we postpone it much longer. All the Trees upon the Estate are Number'd & an account of each distinct field enter'd in a book; I %will make him a copy of it as it will save much trouble & I sho=d=. think it will only be necessary to take off a little Bark with a Knife from each tree intended to be sold. — We shall be much obliged to you to agree with him, being total Strangers in these Matters. I wish it was in my Power to accomodate him at Heawood but am affraid our Tenant might mislead him, as his Principal is exceeding bad & co=d=. wish him to have no kind of acquaintance with him. He may be very comfortably [^some letters crossed out^] Lodged & Provided for at the Inn at Alderley which expence we shall be willing to allow. If you will favor me with a line giving me a day or 2 Notice I %will certainly meet M=r= Bennett at Alderley in the Evening. My Father desires his Comp=ts=. & am D=r= %S=r=: Yours {&c} W=m=: Fallows Iun=r=. M=r=: Richard Orford at Peter Legh Esq=r{s}=. at Lime Cheshire

Liverpool 24=th=. Aug={*}=. 1779 S=r=: Yesterday I cald on M=r= Meair at Waringtown About my Affairs to desire him that he would emeadatly up my Sertificat to be sind by the Lord Chancalar but he said he could not do it till he saw or herd from you I beg ^of you^ as a %friend of [^corrected^] mine that it may be don emeadatly as I now have a %prospect of do{u}ng very well if it was sign'd emeadatly and as for what was promisd you by a %sertain person will still be adherd to as soon as it comes in%to hir own posetion your forwarding the Above will greatly Oblige Sir Y=r=. Most Obediant Hum{=l=} Serv=t= at Command Iohn Fayair [^The next two letters have been attached to each other^] M=rs=. Keck Lyme near Stockport Cheshire

London Aug{=t=} 10. 1789Hon=d=. Mad=m=- I beg pardon for the liberty I have taken in troubleing you M=r=. Orford advised me to explain my situation to you in regard to the place you so kindly recommended me to, which favour I were not acquainted with — The Lady ask'd me if I knew of any Lady in Town who were acquainted with Miss. Legh that She could make enquiry of, I took the liberty of Naming you at the same time told her I were afraid you did %not know sufficiently of me to satisfy her — I beg'd M=rs=. Taylor to give my Duty to you and apprize you of it, which I found She did not do. — The Lady wrote to me the next Day to say a %friend of hers had call'd upon her, and recommended a %person She were rather obligated to take which were a %great disappointment to me as I have been in Town a great while upon expences — Madam shoud I be fortunate enough to hear of a %place, I hope you will not deny the favour, I have taken the liberty of asking as my sole dependance lays on your goodness (poor Miss Legh being no more) If you will please to let M=r=. Orford know he will give me a line — I am Mad=m=. with the great=st=. respect Your truly Obed=nt=. Serv=t=- Eliz=th=. Fenton M=r=. Orford Lyme near Stockport Cheshire

London July 29, 1789 Sir I have taken the liberty of troubleing you with a line, as I find poor Miss Legh is no more, I were verry sorry to hear the melancholy account — I must therefore solicit the favour of you, to make intercession to M=rs=. Anne Legh, or M=rs= Keck, which you think most proper, with my Duty to them as I have not been fortunate enough to get into Place since I left their Family, my character entirely depends on their Goodness which I hope they will take into consideration — If I shou'd hear of anything likely to suit whether I might ^take^ the liberty of making use of their Name for a Character — Sir your concurance of this favour with a line from you will greatly oblige — Sir Your verry Hum=le=. Serv=t=. Eliz=th=. Fenton Please to make my respectful Comp=ts=. to M=rs=. & Miss. Orfords. likewise all Friends at Lyme

Please to direct for me at M=r=. Lowe's Grocer N=o= 17 Grays Inn Lane Holborn M=r=. Orford Lyme Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Sir M=r=. Taylor is going up to Town in a%bout Ten days & desires in the mean time you will please to send him the Names of the Commissioners you wish to have [^corrected^] inserted in the intended Act — I am Sir Your most Obdt Serv={*}=. G Fielding Leigh 4 Feb=y=. . 88 — [^Attached paper with names, in two hands, one of which is Orford's, not transcribed.^] m=r=. Orford

M=r=. Orford S=r=. — I Rec=d=. yours, with Iohnsons Bill To W=m=. Dupe, I went to him and gave him it but he told me he had pay'd the mony to you, in e{x}ange For a hatt, Dupe makes but a very bad out he has had Two places and is at this time without one, he left Bath to%Day, to go to his Friends in the Country, I think he has stayd here as long as he can, so I am a%fraid M=r=. Iohnson will loose his money From S=r= — your most Ob=t=. Humble Ser=t=. I. FigginsBath Feb=y=. . 15=th= . . 1777 My Compliments to y=r=. Sister & Brother To M=r=,, Rich=d=. Orford at Lyme. Hall Cheshire Post paid [^Postmarked Manchester^]

S=r=,, I understand old Rich=d=. Plant of Blakely is dead; and if you are inclined, my wife's relation is Still desirous of becomeing tenant to you at that place; he tells me that when you was in Blakely last you thought you shou'd have an occasion to come our way 'ere long and thought to give me a call, and if that wou'd Suit your convenience I Shou'd be very glad to See you; or if you are not engaged to any person for the Farm, and please to accept of him for a Tenant either for all or part of it Shou'd be glad of a Single line from you leting me know the time or place where you wou'd give him or me leave to wait upon you. and am wishing you and Mr=s=. Orford the Comp=s=. of the Season S=r=. Your Most Huble Serv={t}=. Matt=w=,, Fletcher Clifton Ian=y=: 12=th=. 1771 To Mr Rich=d=: Orford at Mr Legh's. Esq=r=. at Lyme Hall Cheshire [^Postmarked Manchester^]

[^"I" rubbed out^] Sir Iames Urmson's Mother desired me to let him know, that his child is dead; So now he is quite a free %man again, as no order has ever been made upon him. you may have some fun with him, and tell him there is an order made upon ^him^ for 18=d= a %week, and the Town has heard where he is &c. pray my wifes compliments to Mr=s=. Orford And your%Self with those of S=r=. Your most Hu=ble=,, Serv=t=. Matt=w=,, Fletcher Clifton Mar: 19=th=. 1771 Mr Rich=d=. Orford At Lyme Hall Cheshire [^Postmarked Manchester^]

Dear Sir, I intind waiting upon you at Norbury, on Thursday next, as early as I can. I believe I shall have occasion to see Mr Richard Melling in the mean time, if so, I will talk with him about the Boiler, that is, I will ask if he has seen or heard of any, now in use, that are of a better construction than those I %mentioned to you. I am with Compliments to Mr=s=. Orford Dear Sir Your Most Ob=t=. Serv=t= Matt=w= Fletcher Clifton Nov=r=. 30=th=. 1777 Mr Rich=d= Orford At Lyme Hall Cheshire [^Postmarked Manchester^]

Clifton 14 Aug=t=. 1778 Dear Sir, I am favour'd with your Letter of this Date. Am sorry I %am previously engaged for the days you mention, or, wou'd have waited upon you; as I know your Time is precious. I cannot conveniently attend You before Monday the last ^of this,^ or Tuesday the first of the next Month. If you please to give me a Line and fix either of those, or some day after, I will wait upon you at the time you Set. My Wife Joins me in Compliments to Mr=s=. Orford & I %am respectfully D=r= S=r= Your Hum: Serv=t=. Matt=w= Fletcher [^Note in different hand, probably Orford's^] 2 Sep=r=. '78 Mr Richard Orford Lyme near Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Manchester^]

Dear Sir, Last night was the first time I %could ^get^ any information about the Bolton and Newton Turnpike Act or would have answered your Letter sooner; I sent a Messenger over to Mr Taylor and ^he^ returned an Answer that the Act was Past and had rec=d=— the Royal Assent; that he had only brought one Act down with him, the rest were not come, or I %should have had one; that the first meeting of the Commissioners is fixed for the fourth Thursday after the passing the Act, which will be Thursday the 3=d=. of July; and says he has advertised the Meeting which I shall see in Harrop's next Paper. I will contrive my matters so as to be ready to attend you and M=r= Penswick at the time of the first meeting of the Commissioners if that should prove convenient, if not, at any other time You Wish. I am with best Respects to Mr=s=- Orford Dear Sir Your's Most sincerely Matt=w= Fletcher Clifton Sunday 22=d=. June 1788. To M=r=. Hallfoot at Lime Hall Lancashire [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

Sir The Bearer hereof is I dare say a Perfect Stranger to you, and the reason I give you this trouble is, he is the Son to to Isaac Millington of Heanor Common now Dead which was in the list of M={r}=. Masters Tennants, now the Favour that he begs to have granted by you, is to Place him in Part of his Faters House, and as he is Servant to my Master and has been for some time, and always behav'd himself as an Honest Man hope (as it is Perticularly in your Power) you will be his Friend and not let a young=r= Brother thro' him out of his Fathers Tennant Right, he will explain the whole Case to you

with Truth I dare say — We are Sir your most Obedient and most Hble Serv=ts=. Pat. Fletcher Frans Agard Derby June 16=th=, 1774 To M=r=. Orford at Lyme [^Different hand, other side of paper up^] Coachman, School, Alderley

Stockport 28=th=. Iune 1775 Wednesday Noon S=r=. Your fav=r=. of to%Day have this Moment recd — in Answer the Road you mention has hitherto been usualy Repaird by the Pointon Mill Hill Estate — but in the Letting it to the present Tenant he was tied to Repair the Roads belonging to that Estate at his own Cost & Charge — as such shall take the first opportunity to inform him of your complaint & remain with most respectfull Compliments to M=r=. Legh S=r=. Y=r=. hum=l=. Serv=t=. W=m=. Fowden For m=r=. orford in How %lain

Haylle Feb=y=. 28=th=. 1773 Sir I give you the troble of this to acquint that I Did not meet w=h=. Hen=y=. Swindales till Night and he refues=d=. to Come. and will have ten ginueas if ^he^ parts w=h=. his Leass to any%one for he thinks by Seting his mai{nu}er for Corn & Seling all of he Can make that of it! So I Desire y=ll=. take it into Consideration & intrest y=r=.%Self a %litle in my favour and I will not faile to make you an %adiquate return uncle Iohn Fox gave his vote for m=r=. peter Lee Es=qr=. at {t}he Last generale Election & he ^prom=d=. him^ a farm when he had one So he w=d=. take it as %a %favour if I might have this and if that of m=r=. Carrington=s=. Hapens into y=r=. hand I Shal be glad to have that and at your requist I Can bring Sufisient bands men & will Lime the New ground at {K}ingstons at my own Expence Pleass to give me a Line of the result by the bairer as soon as posable and y=ll=. much oblidg Sir y.r Hum=l{l}=. Sarv=t=. adam Fox M=r= Rich=d=: Orford at Lime Near Disley Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

M=r{r}= Orford Sir You'l by this be Acquainted with the death of M=rs= Naylor last Night betwixt {9} & 10 =o=C— after a %sho{r}t Ilness — When I made a La{***} of the p{remiss} [^word crossed out^] ^I^ I Ocupy — some little time before it Co{mmene}d M=rs= Ann Leigh and M=rs=. Legh of G Par{ker} dr{ank} T{ea} and M=rs= Ann Leigh saw how much I was st{re}ted for R{oom} p{o}posed to me of %havig the Whole Premiss {leese}d together but I I wou'd not wish [^corrected^] to have any%thing to do with it during the life of the dec{ees}d — Now I am to Request of you that favour to have the Premises in the Occupation of the

late M=rs= Naylor — After the Christmas Holidays my Nephe{ws} from Leigh are to come [^"to go" crossed out?^] to schoole here as the both {learn} verry Badly at Leigh — and I cou'd wish to have them %put forwa{'d} [^blot or crossed out^] if Pos{i}ble — W{le} have h{a}d a %very quite And Good N{******} of the dec{ees}%ed, and — sh{a}ll be exceeding hap{**} [^torn off^] in the Occupation of the whole that we m{*...} [^torn off^] ma{ke} Conv{enener} According as Matter are Agreed upon. I am and {their} with Respects to Miss Nelly Orford and hope this wil{l} %find her better — (Miss Rider went home yesterday) and Repitcs to wife Self and Fam{i}ly Your Most humble Ser Eliz={**}=. Frith Newton Dec=r=. 20=th=. 1788

PS My Duty to M=rs= & M=rs= Ann Legh — and your Ans=r=. will oblige your humble {&} E=(_F_)= To M=r= Orford at Lyme

Bank April the 25 S=r=, J ^am^ sorry sam=l=, mare is not in condition for any Journey she as had a rheum is settled in one Leg which as been much swelld & is now broke & is in low keep but if sam=l=, can hire one he can like to ride i shall be glad & much obliged to M=r= Orford for the trouble J shou'd be glad to have sam=l=, go a Journey any time with such company i have sent his boots & spurs as he desired & will be obliged if you can send them J am with thanks for all favours [^"J am" rubbed out^] S=r= your obliged Ser=t=, J Frith J am Join{,}d in compliments by Betty to you & M=rs= Orford J have sent sam=l=, some Money in his Letter if you think it will go safe M=r=. Orford Lyme

D=r= Sir Am very sorry that I have neglected answering y=r=. first letter, but will assure you that I put it of with an intent to have seen my Aunt in Handley, as the money belongs to her, but dare say she will have no occasion for it, so the 200=£= is at y=r=. service 'till Christ~=s=., & the other I will send for, if you'll be so kind to let me know when it is ready, The Duke's Steward has been lo^o^king [^corrected^] over his farms & am sorry to let you know, that he thinks the farms, are too large. Mother joins in best Comp~=t.s=. to you & M=rs=. Orford & Am Y=r= very humble Serv=t=. Sam~=l=. Frith Bank Sep=tr=. 1=st= 1774 M=r=. Orford How Lane

D=r=. Sir Y=r=. letter came safe, which am much oblig'd to you for; Have often talk'd of going to London this Spring, but am afraid it w{i}ll not be this year, or I shou'd have been very glad of such good Company, As I have some workmen now, & must build & make some alterations at Bank & other Places, it will not be convenient for me to be much from home, — I believe I made [^"{some}" crossed out^] a promise to wait on M=r= Tho=s=. Legh before the season was over but my mare getting a small hurt prevented me, & I was not willing to ride one that wou'd not be able to perform according as I shou'd have wish'd for, Mother joins in our best Comp=ts=. to you & M=rs= Orford & am Y=r=. very humble Ser{v}=t=. Sam=l=. Frith Bank Feb=ry=. 19 1775 M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Haydock Lodge near Warrington [^Postmarked Manchester?^] [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

Dear %Sir I have the pleasure to inform you, Our Rearing is fix'd for Wednesday next, on which day Hope you will make it convenient to favor us with your good Company, ^at Bank^ as I can assure you, no one will be more welcome, I expect M=r= Hall & a %few more, & Am D=r= Sir Your very humble Serv=t=. Sa: Frith Manchester Aug=st=. 29=th= 1777 M=r=. Orford Lyme

D=r= Sir It wou'd have given us very great pleasure to have had your Company here yesterday, we were very joyous, M=r=. Hall & I talk'd over the Stockp:t Meeting, He cannot attend there, which I am sorry for, I think it will be very proper for you to come over & go with me to ev'ry%one which will be a certain means of engaging several Commis=s=. who will not go without great persuasions, Please to give your Opinion of this in a Line by the bearer & You'll Oblige Y=r=. very humble Serv=t=. Sam=l=: Frith Bank Sep=r=. 4=th= 1777 NB. The oth=r=. lett=r=. M=r=. Hall left yesterday Dear %Sir I saw M~=r=. Hall yesterday, who was so kind to say he fally intend'd dining at Bank to%morrow where he hop'd to have the Pleasure of seeing you Y~=r=. Company will add greatly to the Jollity of the Day, & assure you, none will meet a more sincere welcome, I am D=r= Sir Y~=rs=. Sincer=y=. S Frith Bank Mon=y=. morn 5 'O Clock M~=r=. Orford Lyme

Dear Sir Some time since I rec=d=. a %Letter from M=r= Gisborne, who was so obliging to say, he wou'd take in exchange a Piece of Land which belongs to me, at Flagg, for this very desirable Field, Lying before my House — & have rec=d=. ano=r=. ^Lett~=r=,^ from his Agent who says, M=r= Gisborn^e^ has ordered (_M~=r=. Beighton_) to come over on the 18=th= of this Ins=t=. Octob=r=. to settle the exchange & expects I shall appoint some Person to assist him, I shall be exceedingly obligd if you can possibly come over on that day, as no one is more capable of that business nor I dare say more agreable to M~=r=. Beighton I %am D=r= Sir join'd in Comp=ts=. to [^corrected^] M=rs= Orford Y~=rs=. Sincerely Sam~=l=. Frith Bank 5=th= Octob. 1779 M=r=. Orford Haydock near Warrington Lancashire [^Postmarked Chappel-in-Frith^]

Dear Sir On Thursday last I accompanied M=r=. Carver to his Estate at Hague Fold near Dissley, where he went to view the Fences &c preparatory to some improvements & amongst oth=r=. matters, finds that the River was divided (before the falling of that Tree which I mentioned some time ago) by a Gravel bed in the middle of the Water course but the falling of the Tree & its lying rath=r=. across has totally diverted that p=t=. of the Stream to M=r=. Carve^r's^ side, by which he has received much damage & the gravel bed is so much increased, being 50 or 60 y=ds=. in length, that it %is %now scarce possible to turn it to its ancient channel, The Water has got so much hold of M=r=. Carvers Land, that he is convinced it woud be a continual charge to fence for it's security, & therefore purposes to open a Cut from the bottom of the gravel bed up the middle & thereby guide the River as near the cente^r^ [^letter crossed out^] of the old Water course as possible when this is completed, he will lay the whole expence

before you & hopes M=r=. Legh will allow him a share of it, for which, he will be much obliged. M=r=. Carver desired I woud mention these particu^lars^ M=rs=. Steel is very impatient to settle the Herriott for the Tenement in Handley, I shall be glad if you will favo'r me with an Acc=t=. of it as soon as convenient & y=r=. Sentiments on the Matter abovementioned & Am D=r= Sir Y=rs=. very respectf=y=. S. Frith Bank Aug=st=. 8 1782 M=r=. Orford How %Lane

Dear Sir I wrote to you at Haydock a little while ago but suppose you had left, before my lett=r=. arrived which was to the following purport Having accompanied M=r=. Carver to view his Estate, at Hague Fold, to give directions for some improvements, amongst oth=r=. matters finds that the River was divided (before the falling of the Tree which I %mentiond sometime ago) by a Gravel bed in the middle of the Water course but the falling of the Tree & its lying rather 'cross, has entirely diverted that p=t=. of the Stream from M=r=. Legh's side, to M=r=. Carver's, by which he has rec=d=. much damage & the Gravel bed is so much {i}ncreased, being 50=yds= or 60=yds= in length, that it is a'most an impossibility to turn it to its former channel, & the Water has got so much hold of M=r=. Carvers side, that he is convinced, it woud be a continual charge to fence for the security of his Land He therefore purposes to open a Cut, from the bottom of the Gravel bed, up the middle, & thereby guide the River, as near the middle of the old Water course, as possible when this is done, he will lay the expence before you & hopes M=r=. Legh will allow him a share of it, for which

he will be much obliged M=r=. Carver desired I woud mention these partic{u}lars & please to favo'r me with y=r=. Sentiments on this matt^er^ by return of the bearer, & Am D=r= Sir Y=r= Obliged hum=l=. Se{r}=t=. S. FrithBank Aug=t=. 25=th= 1782 M=rs=. Steel is very impatient to know what is due for the Herriott M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Chappel-in-Frith^]

Dear Sir I was favord with y=rs=. yesterday, respect=g=. the Water Course, which divides the Lands belonging to M=r=. Legh & M=r=. Carver, & am very glad that you have viewd the Place, which will give me a better oppertu=y= of explaining what was said to us relative thereto We were told, that the Gravel bed which goes up with rather a small point, divided the Stream before the falling of the Tree, p=t=. of which run on M=r=. Leghs side & the rest on M=r= Carvers, & as I recollect, when I was with M=r=. Carver last Year, the Tree lay pretty much 'cross & a considerable force of water pressd against it, He then wishd that the Tree might be removed, which you was so kind to order, but in the time, that it had lain, the water had so effectually worked on the oth=r=. side that it left the Course on M=r=. Leghs side much higher A Great p=t=. of the River might be turnd by a breast Wall as you mention, but that measure woud probably cause complaint from M=r=. Bower & which, I think M=r=. Carver woud be unwilling to pursue, but shall see him in a %few days & will mention that to him

I have the pleasure to inform you that M=r=. Gisborne has been so kind to offer me anoth=r=. addition of Land to take in half of the oth=r=. field, which you pointed at, & go in a line to the top of the Hill which will certainly be a very great acquisition I wish you woud let me know how much will be due for the Herriott, as M=rs=. Steel is so very impatient & uneasy that it is not settled I am Dear Sir Y=r=. much obliged & very hum=l=. Ser=t=. S. Frith Bank Aug=st=. 26 1782 M=r=. Orford Lyme

M=r=. Frith presents his best Comp=ts=. to M=r=. Orford & will be very happy to see him at Bank, to dinner, on Thursday next Lyme July 11=th=. 1788 — M=r=. Orford Lyme

Bank Oct=r=. 26=th= 1790 Dear Sir I have talked with my mother respect=g=. the Kenyon business, & she seems averse to selling — If Lord Grey de Wilton woud take the Tenement into his own Possession & allow the same Rent & ^pay^ the Arrears, it woud be making the best bargain & he then might make such improvements as he thought proper, but he may probably make some objections, to the Buildings being in such bad repair if that shoud be the case, I think my mother [^"had" crossed out^] ^shoud^ allow something towards the expence, but of this, you are a better judge, If Lord Grey shoud agree to the above, my Fields woud perhaps be bett=r=. lett, to some person that lives near to them for Convenience of keeping a Cow {&c}, I am D=r= %S=r= Y=rs=. very Sin=y=. S: Frith To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford a Lyme Hall

Worthy S=r= yours came Safe to hand and you had heard from me Sooner But the Map was at M=r=. Beightons and but came last night. therefore if possible will do it to%morrow [^across line^] and bring you an account. down to Lime J am yours &c J Frost Rich=d=. C{lu}low could not tell all the fence and therefore was obliged to send for the map For M=r= Richard Allford Steward Att Lime Haal This w=h= Card

Octo=br= y=e= 5: 1772 Fairfield M=r= Allford I Have Herewith sent you 41 Weathers which are All aged ones Some of them are three years Old and And Some of them are four years old they are of A good sort and you may depend upon their Soundness I Have done y=e= best I can for you and I make no doubt but they will answer your Expectation I Am With All Respects S=r=: Yr H=le=: S=t= John Frost To M=r=. Orford

Sir When your Dra=t=. came to me I was in so weak a State that I was obliged to have all papers removed from me and on my getting a little recovery my thoughts & memory improved so very slowly that it was with Difficulty that I cou=d=. think of and give Instructions about such things as were in the most extraordinary haste I was sorry that the Bearer forgot to mention this matter last Week untill it was too late for me to get it ready to send by him then And for the most part of this Week I have not been in a Condition to look this over in the manner I tho=t=. it sho=d=. be I have extracted from the Abstract formerly sent by M=r=. Heapy the sev=l=. Deeds that appear to have been made since the Conveyance made in 1760 to M=r=. Legh of Dean Bank Estate wherein these Cottages are likewise conveyed to him and he is declared to be (as to the Cottages &c) a Trustee for Sumner so that I was then satisfyed that the Title to that time was right For the last 8 years it wou=d=. be proper to have the Deeds carefully inspected to see that they [^"{they}" crossed out^] agree with this present Abstr=t=. and particularly the Deed of 25 April 1761 which appear by the recital in the Deed 29 Ap=l=. 1761 to have been made for by the recital of it nobody can guess for what purpose that Deed was made and in Iune 1762 when Edw=d=. B: Clayton and Sumner conveyed to Worsley I think that Edw=d=. B: Clayton was married and therefore if by the said Deed of 25 April 1761 an Estate of Inheritance was vested in Clayton then he and his Wife sho=d=. have been parties to the ffine as well as Kelsall and his Wife But I think it most probable that Clayton was named only as a Trustee for some purpose which nobody can be assured of without seeing the Deed M=r=. Birch will only Cov=t=. against any Incumbrances made by himself and you cannot expect him to join in the later Cov=ts=. according to your min=t=. in the margin in fo: 9 of the Dra=t=. but M=r=. Heapy is the proper person to Cov=t=. alone that they are seized of the prem~es and have power to convey, and for M=r=. Legh's quiet Enjoym=t=. thereof, free from Incumbrances, and for making further Assurances but in the Cov=t=. for making further Assurances in fo: 11 the four last lines under which the black lines are drawn I think sho=d=. be omitted in the Conveyance of such an Estate as this is and where the parties all live so near And in the last Cov=t=. or Declaration of the Uses of the ffine Kelsall and his Wife sho=d=. regularly join But I will admit to you that as they conveyed the Estate by Direction of Heapy and in performance of the Cov=t=. of worsley in his Deed of 6 Sept=r=. 1762 I think it is the less necessary for them to join now in such a Declaration otherwise there being only 10=S=. paid to them as the Consideration for conveying the Estate to Birch it might be disputed that the ffine sho=d=. enure to the Use of Kelsall and his Wife but probably in the Deed itself of 12 Feb~ry 1767 when it comes to be inspected the Uses of that ffine might be declared by them I observe that Ioseph Worsley's Will in only exprest to shew why his Ex~ors were parties to the Deed now there sho=d=. be some Notice taken

of it to see whether he devised this Estate or devised or his real Estate for if so then the Divisee ought to join in the Conveyance I cannot conceive why the Estate was conveyed to M=r=. Birch towards satisfying himself and the Creditor named in the Schedule instead of all Creditors unless M=r=. Heapy was more afraid of these things being troublesome to him than the rest but as I suppose M=r=. Heapy has long since obtained his Certificate this is a matter more of Observation than use I Don't know the Value or Circumstances of Tomlinson's Tenement but as these things appear to me I think the Deeds from 1761 sho=d=. be left in M=r=. Legh's Hands He giving and undertaking to produce them if that be required from him And now Sir you will give me Leave to ask a favour from you For at Sealing the Conveyances to M=r=. Legh about 8 years ago I produced to H: Sumner my Bill for business I had done for him in his dispute about Dean Bank which amounted to between 11=£=. and 12=£=. m=r=. Heapy viewed ^it^ in that which was M=r=. Dodges and is now your Room and on my Agreeing to take 11=£= M=r=. Heapy promised that he wou=d=. pay it me on my sending a Duplicate of the Deed then made to m=r=. Legh of the Dean Bank wherein it is declared that he was a Trustee for Sumner as to these Houses below. I missed next Sum~er getting it executed by m=r=. Legh but some years ago he did execute it and I sent it to manchester to be delivered to m=r=. Heapy but have received no part of my 11=£= I therefore desire that at Sealing of these Deeds and paym=t=. of the money you will be so kind as to retain [^some letters crossed out^] 11=£= for me which will be esteemed [^corrected^] as a great favour done unto him who is Sir your Obed=t=. h~ble Serv=t=. {T}: FFurnivall Congleton 21 may 1769 I think m=r=. Legh may take the Title as it now stands without much Scruple but you may mention the matters above exprest if they can get Kelsall and Wife to join in declaring the Uses of the ffine and see what the Conveyance to Edw=d=. B: Clayton was and that the Deeds agree with the Abstract M=r= Rich=d= Orford Lyme

M=r= Orford Stockp=t=: May 24=th= 1788 S=r= I this Day Recd your Verry Obliging Fav=r= with a %Bill & Cash together One Hundred & Thirty Six Pounds 10=s=/ Which Shall be Placed to the C=r=. of Your Acc=t=. and for which Accept my Best Thanks and [^corrected^] am S=r=. Y=r= Mo hhble S={t}=. Iohn Garside P=s= You have {O}m{i}tt{e}d Endorsing the Bill [^Note in different hand; accounts in this hand omitted^] Ent=d=. of no %Use M=r= Rich=d=: Orford at Lyme

M=r= Orford Stockport Aug=t=. 1=st=. 1788 S=r= I this Day Rec=d=: your Verry obligin Favour Covering A %Bill Value £45— which is Plased to the C=r= of Your Acc=t=: for Which Please to Accept my Best Thanks I Believe there now remains a Ballance of One Pound 18=s=/ in Your Favour which I will Pay You the First Opportunaty I am S=r= Your Much Obliged and Mo hhble St Iohn Garside [^Note in different hand^] Ent=d=. of no Use M=r= Rich=d=: Orford at Lyme

Stockp=t=: Ian=y= 24=th= 1789 D=r= S=r= Some years Agoe I %remember you telling me that I must %remind you, not to put my Acc=t=: into the Cobweb Drawer; I must Confess I have no Just reason to Supose that you have forgot my Last Petition to you, which was that you woud favour me with a Remittance for 100=£= The Old Proverbe says that Necessaty has no Law [^"{I} crossed out^] I do Assure you that nothing, but Verry Urgent Necessaty woud hav Indused me to trouble you [^word crossed out^] A Second time, so Soon — If therefor you Can (with any Degree of Conveniancy Favour me With the Aforsaid Sum or be it more or Less the Favour will be Acknowledged With Gratitude by — D=r= S=r= Y=r=. Verry hhble St Iohn Garside M=r= Rich=d= OrfordStockp=t=: Mar [^corrected^] 3=d=. 89 S=r=. I this Day Rec=d= from you {o}n Peter Legh Esq=r= Acc=t=. One Hundred Pounds P~ Favour of M=r= Shaw Which is Placed to Credit of Acc=t=. Accordingly — I am S=r= Y=r= Much Obliged & Mo hhble St Iohn Garside [^Note in different hand^] Ent=d= to his Acc=t=. Page 11=th= M=r= Rich=d=: Orford Lyme —

Stockp=t=: April 28=th=, 89 S=r= I am this Day Favourd with Yours Covering A Bill Value 154=£=..11=s=— for. Which I have C={r}= M=r= Legh's Acc=t=. and for which I return you My Unfeined Thanks — I can Assure You It is a Most seasonable Relef to me and shall consder it as an Additional Instance of your kindness to S=r=. Y=r=. Most hhble St Iohn Garside M=r=. Rich=d=: Orford Lyme

M=r=. Orford Stockp=t=. Dec=r=. 25=th=, 89 S=r= I Duly rec=d=: Your obliging Fav=r=. of Ysterday's Date Covering 2 Bills And Cash together Value One Hundred Pounds — for which I return you my best thanks — [^note in different hand: "Ent=d=. of no use"^] I am truly Sorry to trouble you in the following Matter — I %rec=d=. a Note from M=r= Marsland requesting me to Address Bills Parcels to him; as it was your General Order for me to Direct them to M=r= Marsden I have allways done So — I shoud think my%self Highly Obliged if M=r= Orford wou'd at Some Leasure Moment Drop me A Line for {the} [^corrected, or crossed out?^] future Governmint — I anxiously wis to give General Sat{i}sfaction I am S=r=. Y=r=. Obedt St Iohn (_Garside_) [^Along side of paper^] NB I %here send you 2=oz= More thread — I hope will Please M=r= Orford Lyme near Dishley Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington?^]

Newton Iuly 9=th= — 1775. Dear Sir! I was inform'd last night by the Tenant of Dean-School, that M=(_r_)= Speakman had demanded the last year's Rent by the Authority, as he said, of M=r= Orford. My Astonishment at hearing this was great indeed! For my Bro=(_r_)= as the licensed School master was, (I apprehend) entitled to the Emoluments of the School to the day of his death; and believe me the School was served by a Substitute a considerable time at no inconsiderable Expence. But if by your Authority this demand was made; I beg to know upon what

[^"plea" crossed out^] ^Right^ it is founded? Or upon what Plea M=(_r_)= Speakman can demand Rent for the year 1774, since his appointment to the School commenced in 1775.? I should be glad likewise to be inform'd at what time the year begins? I succeeded to the Curacy about the same time of ^the^ year that Speakman did to the School; and instead of 30 odd pounds the Chapel Land was ^then^ let at I received for that ^year^ 27 pounds & ten Shillings. Be pleased further to acquaint me, whether the whole Emoluments of the School will not become due (if otherwise, particularize what will not) [^some letters rubbed out^] before he has served the School a year? If so, upon what pretence can he demand any part of the Emoluments of the preceding year? These few Questions you will be pleased to answer, if you are the Author of the demand; but I would willingly persuade my-self [^across line break^] that the Tenant impos'd upon me, & that you never thought of using so ungenerously your old Friend & Ser=(_t_)= Iohn Garton M=r= R: Orford

Dear Sir{!} I flatter myself that if M=(_r_)= Legh was at Haydock, he would oblige me with a bottle or two of Strong white Wine; which the D=(_r_)= says, is very {**}cessary [^torn off^] for me: If I knew where to purchase it, you would not have been troubled upon this occasion by your hum{=le=} Serv=t= I: Garton.Saturday Even=g=. Dear Sir I am very much oblidged to you for all favours and I have Sent this by my Wife as I am afraid of Getting Cold if I Com [^corrected^] down to Lyme I have a Miend to put a Life upon the Cornfield Tenement if it may be done upon Mod{'}ret terms or otherways I am not qualified I owe a Good ^deal^ of Money So I canot Come at it but if you plase to Send me a Line of the terms or otherways if you plase to call of me if you come this way I shall be very glad to see you So I Remain vour very Humble servent Peter Gaskel Handly november 14=th= 1778 To M=r= Orfford at Lyme

Frend Orfford this With my Kind Respets to you I have Taken the freedom to Rite thees few Lyns to you Which I hope your goodness Will Excuse that is Concerning My Uncle Iames Shop & Am Willing to Do it the best I Can but I Cannot Well Do it then Tourds Spring as it Will be inconvniant [^corrected^] for mee and it Will Not fall as the Days Are So Short then I W{i}ll Sett it by the Lump to%gether all from your frend and Well Wisher Iohn Gaskell Cornfeeld Handley Novr 24=th= 1777 Darby Feburary 26 1775 Dr Cousen this Comes with my love to you hopeing these Fue lines will find you all in Good health as we are at Present I have Great desire to Come to live at Nightwig I [^"think" crossed out^] am In a very Independant way at Present but should be much obliged to you for your Advice Desire you to do {v}me the favour to Looke over the Leas wich is at Cousen Iohn Gaskells and to See If I Can Come to it before the Leas is out which I Think Does not tie me of it paying Ralph Bowers Charges what laid out If you think I can I Thought of giveing Ralph Bower a years warning at Lady Next Should be glad of a line From you as soon as Possoble you can Please to Direct for me at M=r= Cocks Tanner Full Street Darby Please to Remember me to all Enquiring Friends Now beg Leaf to Conclude with no more at Present from your Loveing Cousen Peter Gaskell [^Scribbles on the back of paper omitted^] 1782 Derby Oc=t=, 28 S=r= I hope thees lines will find You and Family in good Health as wee are at present, I have A Friend with mee at this Time which is in the Cotton Spinning Mills, and understand his Buisness So that they Cannot well do without him, But he has A Friend (which you know very well) Which will assist him with a Thousand pounds or More if hee Can get an%Other assistant to Carry that Buisness On, pleas to acquaint Cousin Tho=s=, Gaskell of it, as hee is in the Cotton Buisness, if it ^would^ be of any Servis to him, desire you will not Mention it ^to^ any Other till I here [^letter rubbed out^] from you, Neither to M=r= how of Derby, Pleas to give an Answer to Your Hum=l=, Serv=t= Peter Gaskell (as Soon as you Can) at the Bird Bottom of Walker Lane Derby he will {*...} [^torn off^] 10=th= of Nov=r=, To M=r= Orford Haydock

M=(_r_)= Orford Sir I have sent by M. A. Leghs Ord{e}rs, some vegetables, for your use, tho I dont Apprehend they are wanted nor will be of any Service, but tell M=(_r_)= Iackson he must take no affront, And as for you, Sir, I Shall tell you that if Haydock [^corrected^] produces {be}tter beans than Lyme, you have no {S}allad that is fit to eat ha-ha-ha I am S=(_r_)= your very Humble S=(_t_)=. T. Gates Lyme mondey night To M=r= Orford Haydock

Dear Friend Betty got safe here on Saturday afternoon, and as you did not give positive Orders, how we was to proceed, on a Consultation with my M=(_rs_)=. Thought it best to break off Board wages, for accordin^g^ to their proceedings I thought there would be but little Difference in the Quantity of meat Expended, (for having a Beef in the house they Dressed Plentifully) and as to the Drink, I Shall take care that none is wasted, So that upon the best Calculation I could make, it appeared to be my Masters Interest to keep house. and upon the strength of that, got a Sheep killed, not one of the best, nor the worst, but (Like your feather bed) of the Middle sort, If I have done wrong tis an Error in Judgment, and therefore, I hope, will be Pardoned. Shepley has been Painting here, and wanted an allowance of Ale, at noon, and at 4 O Clock, But I told him that I could not Establish a rule, of that sort, without your, or my Masters Orders, but further told

him, that I would Indulge him out of my own stock of odds & ends, till he Could m{a}ke proper Application, but if tis not already done he will most Likely trust till your Coming [^corrected^] which I am sorry is Deffered so Long, being well asured, that I shall be heartily tired of my post. Wishing you health, and a pleasant Iourney I remain D=r=, Friend, your{s} with Sincerity T Gates Lyme Iune 9 1777 M=r= Orford How Lane

D=r= Sir Inclosed is a 20=£= bill (all I could get{,}) which I expect will be in time for M=r= Cooke. I went to have done your business with M=r= Rawlenson, but was an hour too Late, for I was Informed he had Drank 2 bottles of Madeira and gone to bed about 10 this Morning. but will take the first Opportunity to Deliver it. My Respectfull Compts to all your fair. and good. Company and wish you all Merry. (the bear{e}r Inform'd me who the are) I Remain D=r= Sir in haste your Obliged Humble Serv={*}= T Gates White Hall 7 O. Clock frid{a}y Eve [^Note in different hand^] 26 Aug 85 M=r= Orford Haydock

Dear Sir Not having Decisive Orders about the Letters, nor [^corrected^] any time fixed for your return. I thought it most prudent to Dispatch the Cl{e}rk [^corrected^] with the expresses, and also the Skins you wanted, amongst yours is one for M, A, Legh, according to her Desire, and I have Instructed Clerk to give to you all that Come Directed to her to%morrow Morning, and Should be glad you would Deliver them as Inclosed to you, The Christening at Ingersly being tomorrow I believe I must attend as your Representative but knowing the ground [^corrected^] to be Dangerous, fear, may perhaps prevent me.

Wishing you a Speedy & Safe return I remain D=r= Sir your Obliged Humble Serv=t= T Gates Lyme Monday Eve, M=r= Orford How Lane with a P~cel

Dear Sir I have been to Sandback's three times but not at home, the Old [^corrected from "old"^] man, tells me this Morning, he thinks he is gone to {*} Dr{aw}er as he came home on thursday night. and he told him of the bill, and asked him if the man was responsible, he said, he believed he was, however, Inclosed is a bill 18=£=..8.0 and the bearer will Deliver a P~cel. in which is Cash 21=£=..12..0, in all 40=£=.0.0 which I have placed to your account, I thought, if you had Let me alone till the fair I Could have made it into 100. however I may posibly meet with some Small bills at that time, & am D=r= Sir yours. truely T Gates Norbury S{a}nday Morn{i}ng [^Accounts in different hand omitted^] [^The next set of 79 letters are from Richard Orford's brother-in-law. Many are brief and deal (almost) exclusively with financial matters. Those have been omitted. In the later part, there are also letters in a different hand, usually signed as Tho=s=.. Gaskell & Co, but also as Tho=s=.. Gaskell; directions also often in this hand. This is either a clerk or, possibly, a son (but omission of junior argues against it. Letters in this hand are extremely brief and have been omitted.^] To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Lyme

D=r= Brother Yours I Rec=d=. and am sorry you have had so much Trouble about it, the Piece is in Work one half is dying Black and the at Croft for white the Black will be ready in b{a}a^u^t a weaks time the white will be a %llit{l} longer but shall be done as soon as Possibl and am with best respects to Sister and ant S=r= y=rs= T Gaskell Manches=r= 29 Iuly 1772 To M=r= Rich=d= Orford How lane with speed

D=r= S=r= M=r= Upton Rec=d= yours Concerning {n}y Uncle Peter and has done the needfull to every%one and am In haste y=r{*}= Af{fly=e=} B=r= T.. Gaskell Manches=r= Iuly 2={d}= 1773 M=r=.. Rich=d=.. Orford How lane

D=r= B=r= Must beg you,l be %kind %enough to send the Horse on Satterday morning as Billinge Intends We shall Come to Disley on Satterdy Night should be glad to shake you by the hand as We go past if Convenient Remain Yours faithfully T Gaskell Sept=r= [^corrected from "{Satterday}"^] 15 S 1774 To M=r= Rich=d=. Orford Haydock Lodge

D=r= S=r= I have this moment Rec=d=. a Letter from my Sister who say,s that you wished to have your good Old Horse at Haydock [^corrected^] on Wensday. M=r=. Cha=s= Worsley told me the Bearer In={*}=. Clark of Winwick would take Care and Deliver him safe he has performd very well. shall be glad to see you the first Oppertunity have hardly time t{e} say stand and Delv=r=. am very glad to heare its [^corrected^] no worse [^corrected^] beg my Best Complt=s=. to M=r=. In={*}=. & Miss Orford and Remain D=r=. B=r= yrs Sincerly Tho=s= Gaskell Manches=r=. 18 Oct=r= 1774 [^Next line or lines cut off^] M=r=.. Rich=d=. Orford at M=r= Burchals Oxford Street London

D=r= S=r= I hope this will find you safe at London. Inclos,d You have three Bills Value £(_73..4 0_) the Remainder Twenty Six Pound Sixteen Shillings Youl [^corrected^] please to D={r}=. my Acc=t=. for Beg my Complt=s=. to M=r=. Burchal and I should glad to serve him with any%^thing^ [^across line break^] he may [^corrected^] want in my way and will take Care to doo it as well as any of my Neighbours. I start in the morning for the North: Remain [^corrected^] wishing you a %safe Return D=r=. S=r= Y=r{s}= Afftly Tho=s=. Gaskell Manches=r=. {2} March 1775 M=r=.. Rich=d=, Orford How %lane

D=r= B=r= Youl please to send me Cookes Hundred pound Note as the money is ready fail not to send it by first Oppertunity or am [^corrected^] affraid it will be otherwise engag,d T: Gaskell Manches=r=. 28 Iune 1775 [^Note by Richard Orford^] June 29. 75 Sent the above Note [^R.O.'s signature^] D=r=. B=r= I have this moment Rec=d=. the 100 £ Note and will waite on {T}: Cooke this after%noon: Likewise yours abou=t=. the Quilting and on the other side you have some patterns with the prices: I %have been at booth M=r=. Cha=s=. & Rob=t=. Hindley{s} and Rec=d=. for Ans=r=. their was nothing owing on m=rs=. Kecks acc=t=. Miss Legh owes M=r=. Rob=t=. Hindley some%thing. m=r=. Coates [^corrected^] Note on Tuesday likewise You have 5={**}= of the best Cotton I Can pr{e}cure shall send you a Bill for the money as soon as Can [^corrected^] get a good one Remain Y=rs= Sincerly T: Gaskell Iuly 1=st= 1775 To M=r=.. Rich=d=. Orford Lyme

D=r= S=r= Your favour I duly Rec=d=.. with 80 Guineas which is very exceptable I can Get [^"his" crossed out^] ^Masters^ Order ready in two Days notice only the Nankeens their is not his Quantity to be Bought but am wateing for a Line from him with directtions how to forward them I %shall want a horse in about 10 Days and am doubtfull this will not be able to perform If you are not very Bussey I should have been glad to have seen you heare on munday to have seen if their had been any%thing in the fare that would have likely to have [^corrected^] done I shall want more money soon as Convenient Remain Yr=s=. Sincerly T Gaskell Manches=r=. 30 Sep=r=. To M=r= Rich=d= Orford How %lane [^At different angle^] Tho=s=. Gas Thomas Gaskell

D=r= S=r= I was informd last Night that m=r=. Billinge is going his Journey on Sunday in Consequence of Which I %must start in the morning as my Horse is at Grass and am [^in margin^] affraid [^corrected^] not in the best Condition am under some doubt on his performing the Journey. now if You Can without any Inconvenience to your%self [^corrected^] let me have Yours should be mush Oblidge to you If not please to for%ward the Bearer Immediately to my Mothers for my Horse Have not time to say more then shall be glad to see you in How lane ab=t= 9 aClock in the morning Remain y=rs= In [^corrected^] haste T Gaskell M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford How %lane with a %par{ce}l

D=r= S=r= Inclos=d= you have a Bill value Fifty Pound so youl please to det={t}= me for 2=£=:10 0 more I Could not get a [^corrected^] Bill before this day Reman Y=rs= T Gaskell Ό Pound of wax Candle 1/ [^corrected^] Sister. things on Teusday [^Scribbles omitted^] M=r=.. Rich=d= Orford

D=r=.. S=r= I arrived last Thursday after a disagreable Journey oweing to my Horse beeing [^corrected^] very bad of the Distemper he begun two Days after I started and went worse every day. till at last his Couple was so [^corrected^] bad I was Oblidg'd to get of him while he recoverd him%self, but hope he is now geting Better his [^corrected^] Couple has in a great measure left him and he Eat{,}s pritty well so I [^corrected^] doub=t=. no=t=. but in a little time he,l be quite well — I think if he had not been I,ll he would have performd well — I wan=t=. soon as possible [^corrected^] ab=t=. 200=£= please to give me a Line when I may Expect it and when youl Come this way — Remain y=r{s}= [^Along side of paper^] to Command T Gaskell please to favour me with a %line by return of Post M=r= Rich=d=. Orford How Lane [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

D=r= S=r= Yours I duley rec=d=. and not [^corrected^] beeing in my power t{o} see Sowcarr [^"to%Night" crossed out^] before Next Satterday Night I should be oblidgd to you if [^corrected^] you'l let your Lad go for my Horse and send him me on Tuesday next — Poverty again begins to peep in at Our Windows [^corrected^] therefore must beg your assistance for a 100=£= on Tuesday with the Horse if Possible your Compliance with the above wil Oblidg {**=*=} T Gaskell Augs=t= 10 76 [^Along side of paper^] I Expected to have seen You heare this day or to%morrow [^Short, undated letter omitted^] M=r=.. Rich=d=.. Orford Haydock Lodge near Warrington [^Postmarked Manchester^]

D=r= S=r= I am under the necescity of troubling you on they old story that is want of money haveing this morning [^corrected^] rec=d=. from Smith Wright & Gray Bailey & Co D{ft} for 92=£=.16 0 which am doubt%full [^across line break^] every shilling will be lo{,}st should that be the Case tis nothing more then what I deserve for trusting shuch [^corrected^] Dam,d Scoun,drells — must beg your Complyance as S W & G have nothing in their hands but what is drawn for y=r= Ans=r=. will Oblidge D=r= S=r= y=r{s}= Respectfully T Gaskell [^Along side of paper^] As much above 100=£= {***} as you Can not to exceed 10 D=s=. (_from_) M=r=.. Rich=d=.. Orford How Lane

D=r= S=r= Yours of 17 I duley rec=d= must beg your assistance either by M=r=. Newhouse or Carrier on Tuesday and as much above 100=£= as you Can all or part [^in margin^] Cash would bee very agreable Youl bee kind enough to lay Yourself {O}ut for [^corrected^] a little Cash as I dare say I shall not want less then 1000=£= betwixt and Xmas [^corrected^]: I beleive I %shall not be very badley of in Baileys affaires he Owes Geo: Barber from [^corrected^] 6 to 8 Hundred Pound a deal too much youl say have sent Sisters Box this Day by Old Bailey She wants

some worsted Stripes or Checks for a Bed she mentions that she saw some that would be {s}uiteall but does say at what place if she will give me a Line by M=r=. Newhouse who I expect will bring th{is} I will send them on Munday by some Lime C{a}rrer Rema{in} Respectfully y=r{s}= T Gaskell D=r= S=r= Your favour I rec=d= with 20 Pound Cash am Clad [^corrected^] to heare our mother is some%thing [^across line^] better in Ans=r=. to M=r=. Turners Ale Cannot attend before next weak but one on acc=t=. of Chester Fair as I expect some of our Frd=s=. will bee in Town and Wright will not bee at home before Friday or Satterday Next. when you [^"fix" rubbed out^] write Brother Iohn if you will fix any Day after that time will with pleasure attend will ^bring^ some patterns with me when I come over Remain D=r= S=r= yrs Sincerly [^corrected^] T Gaskell M=r= Rich=d= Orford How %lane

D=r= S=r= I have sent the Gown & Stockings which hope will prove t{o} Content Flocks I can not procure at pressent will send them soon as %possibl{e}e. Should bee glad you could procure half Doz or a Dozen Franks Directed [^corrected^] for Cartwright Morris & A Bennett London. the are for a worthy Friend who will return the favour should bee glad you Could do this [^corrected^] in Days as the Gent=m=. they are for will bee in manch{s=tr=}. ab=t= that time and dare say he will by goods of us for 100.0.0 or 150=£= Pound and I %know they would Oblidge him much shall Come your way some day next weeak — Rema{in} S=r= y=r= Sincearly T: Gaskell [^Along side of paper^] Cups next weeak M=r= Rich=d= Orford How %lane

D=r= S=r= I mean to start for the North on Wensday next and to go with my Old Horse am a %little affraide there%fore if Can Conveniently spare the [^corrected^] mare should be Glad to try her shall bee at home in 3 weeaks — If it is not in every respect Convenient [^corrected^] Ill try him again please to give me a line to%morrow {R}emain D=r= S=r= yr Sincerly T Gaskell Friday 4 [^word crossed out^] ^Clock^ M=r=.. Rich=d=.. Orford at Haydock Lodge near Warrington

D=r= S=r= Your favour I duley Rec=d=. and have seen M=r=. Upton and he says the time will make no Differrance as shuch he will acquint them that You,l bee their on Wensday Next. should bee glad you would Come through this Town as shall write S: W: & Gra{y} on that Day Remain ys' Sincrly T: Gaskell Manches=r=. 5 Nov=r=. Should bee Glad youl save what Cash you Can M=r=. Rich=d= Orford How %lane

D{=r=} S=r= Should bee glad you would send Us {o}n Satterday 20 or 30 Pound Cash as wee are Quite [^corrected^] out of that article Your Compliance will Oblig{e} — S=r=. yr Sincerly T Gaskell Manches=r=. 10 Dec=r= 79 M=r= Rich=d= Orford How %lane

D=r= S=r= In%Closd youve 4 Bills Value 230=£=..0 0 if you want any more must favour Us with a Line on Thursday as shall advise of [^corrected to or from "on"^] these Dfts by Satterday morning Post Remain yr=s= Sincerly T Gaskell D=r= Sir your favour I duley rec=d= and En%Clos'{,}d you,ve 2 Bank Notes Value 60..0,0 am happy I had it my power to serve you Sunday is the worst Day you Could have sent Remain — S=r= yr{=s=} Sincerly T Gaskell M=r=. Rich=d= Orford How %lane

D=r= S=r= Your favour with the Cash I duley rec=d= & En%Closd you have a Bill Value 22..10..0 hope that sum will do as we have [^corrected^] nothing to draw for as yet have sent In={t}= 6 yd of Clowed-Velverett which hop will please and wish [^corrected^] him {is} health to ware Remain — D=r= S=r= yr S{inl} T: Gaskell 19 Augs=t= 81 Return'd the above Bill M=r=. Rich=d= Orford How %lane

D=r= S=r= Your favour I duley Re{c}=d= and EnClosd you,ve a 50=£= Dft — If yours is not a Rideing Coat you must not have a Straw Colord Coller if you have the ^will^ take you for some Fidler [^corrected^] if it is a top Coat give me a Line and will send you one on Satterday Remain yr Sincerly T Gaskell 4 Oct=r= 81 [^From this point on more and more are short and formulaic, and have thus been omitted^] M=r=. Rich=d= Orford How lane

D=r= S=r= Your favour I duley rec=d= Covering Crossley for 50..0.0 EnClosd [^corrected^] you,ve 3 Bills Value 50..0..0 at your Dates no Bank Notes to bee got should bee glad they ware not s{e}nt up before Wensday as I shall advise before that day shall take Care for John Remaine — yr={*}= Sincerly T Gaskell {& %Co} {*} S=r= Your favour I duley rec=d=. with £60..0..0 Am sorrey to heare of the Death of our worthy Fr=d=. I will bee with you a Lyme to%Morrow by 1 AClock if the day bee favourable to pay my last Respects [^corrected^] if it bee wett shall not attend A{r}e Clear with Marriott & Hill Remain — yr Respetfully T Gaskell 14 Oct=r= 82 [^Accounts on other side of paper omitted^] [^Part of letter lost^] have sent the returnd Bill of this morning Enclosd you,ve a Bill for 7..17..6 my Complt=s= to. M=r=. Marsdin and if he will for%give me this time I,l never do so againe Remaine yrs Respectfully. T Gaskell 19 Octo=r= 82 this Book is not to mett with Faulkner will have some in 14 or 15 days [^Accounts, scribbles, and drawing on other side of page omitted^] D=r= S=r= Your kind favour I duley rec=d= have In%closd a Bill for 100..0..0 shall bee glad of the Cash on Tuesday as Cash at this time is bad to bee met with am sorrey to find Betty does not get forward Rem yr Sin{c}rly T.G 21 Nov=r=. 1783 M=r= R=d= Orford How %lane

D=r= S=r= I am at this time much in want of money beeing dissapoint^d^ (_of 300£_) therefore must request your assistance for the Ballance that is in my favour your Compliance by Thur{s}days Carrier will Oblidge yours Respectfully T.. Gaskell 20 Dec=r=. 1783 [^Note, probably in Orford's hand^] 21 Sent 2 Bills & Cash £100 [^Direction in different hand^] M=r=.. Richard Orford How Lane

D~ S=r= Inclosd you have a %Bill for (_£200.._)0 0 I am not shure but I must go to Liverpool on Sunday next but will give my Sister a Line on Satterday Miss N: Hallworth is rather Better day yrs T.. Gaskell 8 April 88 [^Direction in different hand^] M=r=.. Richard Orford at Peter Legh's Esq=r=.. Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Manchester^]

D=r= S=r=. In%closd you have 8 Bills for £451..8..0 which doubt not will meet with due Hono^u^r at [^corrected^] Stockport last Night I was informd that M=r= Hallworths warehouse had been on fire that Day but thank God it was a %false report it was at %small new House [^"that" rubbed out^] in Chapel Walks by neglect of the Joiners Remain yrs T. Gaskell 23 May 1788 M=r=. Orford How %lane

D=r= S=r= Inclosd you have 2 Bills for 54.0..0 When you see M=r=. Barber will you aske him if he is Inclined [^corrected^] to sell his Estate near Whitchurch if so shall bee glad to know the perticulars of the place and the very lowest price if he [^corrected; one or two words crossed out^] will fix it on faire [^corrected^] terms can find him a Good Chap — An ans=r=. is requested the weather is s{o} wett

Miss Hallworths posepone seeing How lane a %llitte longer Remaine yrs Respectfully T.. Gaskell 2 Oct=r= 1788 when you send any Cash pray lett it bee good M=r= Orford Lyme

D=r= S=r= We got safe home and felt nothing of the Frost — Inclosd you have a Bill for (_£69..18..7_) I beleive. M=r=. Chas Ford is {o}f the {*}lod this morning about 4 aClock Remain yr{s} T Gaskell 5 Jan=y= 1789 D=r=. S=r= Inclosd you have two Bills (_for £31..4..0 I have_) some larger Bills but cannot get them Broke if I can not do any other wise will send a %few of Iones:s Dfts on Tuesday yrs T Gaskell 24 Jan=y= 1789 [^corrected from "1788"^] D=rr= S=r= Inclosd you have one Bill (_for £100..0..0_) I expect to have some small Bills on Tuesday Heywoods Bill for 3..0..0 is [^corrected^] ^not^ my Friend but Heywood the Glover pray say on Tuesday weather it must bee paid yrs [^"T" crossed out^] T Gaskell 7 Feb=y= 1789 [^corrected from 1788^] 1789 M=r=. R=d=. Orford How %lane

D=r= S=r= Inclosd you have 3 Bills for: (_£111..13..0_). I have not one Bill by me but if you have any more Cash can get Bills for it. — yr{s} T. Gaskell May 26 1789 I believe the Bull Dogs where at Geo: Bar,s yester%day M=r=. Orford How %lane

D=r= S=r= In%closd you have two Bills for 59..19..0 It was not in my power to dine with you on Sunday beg my Complt=s=. to the Ladies Remain yrs T Gaskell Iune 9 1789 M=r=. Orford Lyme

D=r= S=r= In%closd you have a Twenty Pound Bank Note for Cash I have wrote you this day by Ardern to which I beg your attention (_beeing shure_) that it will bee of the Greatest service — yr{s} T.. G 17 O{c}t=r=. 1789 M=r=. Orford How %lane

D=r= S=r= Your{s} I duley rec=d=. and am glad to find you are on the mending hand. I have sent 2 {En}ds Quilting for M=rs=. Leghs inspection if not aprovd may return them my Brother Iohn was heare last weeak and M=r= Hallworth & Mellor promis'd to see Ingersly next Wensday but if the weather don't mend thing we had better posepone it a little longer but will write you ^on^ Satterday Inclosd youve one Bill for (_£10..0 0_)

Remaine your T Gaskell 15 [^corrected from 14^] y=d=s of y=d= w=d= Quilting 4/0 19 yd{s} Ell w=d=. D={o}= — 5/ I %can not cutt 11 yd{s} I sent you on the 9=th= 2 Bills for 59.19.0 M=r=. R=d=. Orford How %lane

D=r= S=r= In%Closd you have the Bill Back and the in%sist that it goes Back through the same Channell you will find it is Ann Dialls fault the Bill was return it was sent for payment with%out her Indorsment therefore she must pay all Exp=s=. with repr{e}mand for the reflection on the House please to

return the In%closd Letter & Note yr T Gaskell 5{=t=} Oct=r= 1790 M=r= Orford Lyme

D %S=r= InClosd youl receive one Bill for 16..12..6 which is [^corrected^] all the small Bills I %have by me 8 of your Guineas are light and must loose 7=d= pr p=s=. you may ^{have} [^corrected^]^ the money when you whant it — Rem{end} yr{s} T: Gaskell Manches=r=. 11 Oct=r= 1790 D=r= S=r= Agreable [^corrected^] to your kind Order have sent y=e= above on Inspection [^second "t" crossed out?^] doubt not will meet your approbition the white Cord=y= is made [^corrected^] in a %finer Re{e}d and dont doubt but it will Ans=r=. better then the last — m=r= In={t}= has sent me a mare but she is very bad of y=e= destemper but hope she will soon get better Remain with best Wishes D=r=. S=r= Yours Sincerly T Gaskell [^The next few lines badly faded, and very difficult to read^] Please to send me a [^later insertion?^] ans=r=. to the Inclosd by first as We shall not go before Wensday fail not I Beg [^Accounts on other side of paper omitted^] To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Lyme [^Accounts and scribbles omitted^]

Chapel July (_11=t{h}=. 1771_) D=r=. Sir This moment here is a person from Stockport making enquiry in our Register about the Baptism of one Richardson who it is said died upon a Tenement in Hanley — His Son if I mistake not was parson Richardson of Norbury — and the Son of this Clergy man was Apprentice to a perriwig maker in Stockport, ^who was a Certificate Man^ has since then lived somewhere at a Distance, has married & has a %large family & is now removed to Stockport by order; and they are intending to bring them to Hanley, if this intelligence will be of any Service in order for precaution I shall %be glad — & Am yours (_John Gee_) To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Lyme

Chapel 1=s{*}=. Aug=t=. 1771 D=r=. Sir, I take the Liberty to trouble you with this, to acquaint you that some of the Acting Trustees in this neighbourhood begin to be apprehensive that it is necessary to take a %little more Notice of the Scheme, w~. is proposed of a %turnpike Road from This Town to Stockport by new miln & mellor, as it would most certainly very much affect the Tolls at whaley & Cockyard, was it carried into Execution; They would be glad if you would inform m=r=. Legh thereof, & take his advice how far it would be proper to discountenance so (_needless a project_) as that seems to be, we cannot at present see wherein such a Scheme [^corrected^] can be either eligible & beneficial to the public; but wo'd certainly very much affect our Barrs & the Securities founded thereon; I should

be glad to have a Line from you as soon as is convenient, M=rs=. Gee joins in best Respects to M=rs=. Orford & self with D=r= Sir, yours sincerely Iohn Gee P.S. Jf you see m=r=. Clark soon would it be amiss to mention the thing to him & take his Advice, m=r=. Bower of Stockport, & mr Beard of new miln seem to be chief in the affair & it is reported that m=r=. Barker of Chatsworth favours the Scheme — To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford in How %lane

Chapel Iune 18=t{h}=. 1772D=r=. Sir M=r=. Sam=l=. Frith has just now brought %me your favour; I advised him to go down with you, but he says he is obliged to go another way & desires you will be kind enough to make what enquiry you shall think proper about the affair & act in such manner as if the case was your own — and he shall be much obliged to you his mother join's him in best Respects to m=rs=. orford & self, with, Sir, your's affect=y=. John Gee P.S. I %hope %to have your Company to Stockport on Monday M=r=. Orford in the How %lane

Chapel Iune 28=th=. 1774 D=r=. Sir When I came to examine my Acc=ts=. & Cash this morning, there appeared a Difficulty w~. I could not readily unfold; as we apprehend that we have not heretofore received any more ^money^ than was due to %ours Share, from %the Treasurer; And our Dividend y=s=. year appears to %be 354=£=..4={s}=..8½=d= Towards w~. we %have recd 260..0 0 The Ball=e=. would be 94..4..8½ The Cash I rec=d=. was 60=£=.17={s}=.6=d= A Line therefore when opportunity serves to satisfy this point [^corrected^] will much oblige D=r=. Sir your most obed=t= John Gee

M=rs=. Gee & Miss Hasker send Comp=ts=. to M=rs=. Orford & purpose to wait upon her on Thursday afternoon if they can meet with a %{re}turned Chaise to Disley or Stockport, if they be disappointed of that opportunity they intend to set out on friday morn M=r=. Orford Lyme

Chapel Sep=r=. [^corrected^] 1=st=. 1774 D=r= Sir I have your Favour, w~. I have expected before this Time; Am sorry to find M=r=. Legh insists upon 28={l}=. when I make scarce 25={L}=. of %it yearly — if three years value be a Rule with you, I hope you will not value the Land at %more than is made of it by your Tenant{s}, I have had some thoughts of letting the lieces run out as the Family at Gaphouse behave's so excessive shamefully to me but if I can put my own Life on upon reasonable Terms I perhaps may do it, However I purpose to see Lyme on Saturday about two o' Clock if you shall be there, if you wont be there give a {Lin}e to%morrow to D %Sir yours in has{**} [^torn off^] Iohn Gee [^Written along side of paper^] My wife joins me in Respects to [^"self" crossed out^] m=rs= Self &=c=. Chapel Sep=r=. 5=th=.. 1774 D=r=. Sir I have informed my wife what Conversation you & I had about renewing the Lease; And as the money offered is full three years value of the profits of the Tenement, we hope it will not be %refused; especially when you consider further how little space is elapsed since the life dropt; if we had deferred contracting for a longer time, we should have had no room to make use of this Plea; On %the other Hand, the Shameful Behaviour of the Gaphouse People obliges us to husband the little Substance we have in as prudent a manner as may be, that we may live in a comfortable way in the world — the money betwixt us is but a %trifle with You but would do us good Service, if M=r=. Legh would be kind enough to indulge us herein; we should be very sorry to offer

Any%thing disagreeable to M=r=. Legh: and hope when he has taken these things into Consideration, he will be so good to indulge us in this, & permit you to prepare a new Lease & put my life therein for 75=£=— and you may get it ready as soon as you please for D=r=. Sir, your most obed=t=. Ser=t= John Gee P.S. Jf you think it will be proper we %shall be obliged to you to present our most dutiful Respects to M=r=. Legh & shew him this Letter. —

[^Different hand, probably Orford's^] Now fixed at 84=£= — M=r=— Rich=d=. Orford at Lyme

Chapel Oc=r=. 7=th=. 1774 D=r=.. Sir I am sorry you are likely to have an Election Scuffle in Cheshire; But as I don't understand who are the Opponents, should be glad if you could spare two minutes, to %let me know the Nature of the Affair; and whether the (_Election_) comes on upon the 19=th= — I had your favour of the 20=th=. last, & %upon further Consideration, I think the Cash I offer to %sport upon my own Life, w~. is now turned 40 years, quite sufficient, especially when I have so good an one as M=rs=. Gee depending. No %doubt you are well apprized how much the 75=L= & interest will lessen the value of the rent to me — And I think if you was fixed in my Situation, you would not ^act^ otherwise than I do; The Bills I had provided for the purpose are disposed of; but if I %may [^corrected^] be permitted to renew upon these terms, please to give me a Line, that I may make ready for %your call & oblige your's in hast I %Gee

P.S. I suppose we have more Votes in this Country than you are perhaps aware of; but I don't know how far you choose to push — Chapel July 25=t{h}=. 1775 D=r=. Sir I had your favour, but was to advise with my Tenant before I gave you an Answer, as he does the Boons in his own Right; and find him agreeable to the Scheme you propose, so that you may fix it in the manner you mention — I shall be obliged to you for an Acc=t=. of the fees usually paid upon renewing the Lease of Browside, & when I see you again (w~. I believe will be shortly) I purpose to give you full Directions about the Renewal & Am D=r=. Sir, Yours Sincerely I: Gee M=r=. Richard Orford at Lyme

Chapel Dec=r=. 1=st=. 1777 D=r=. Sir Two of our Justices dined with your friend M=r=. Frith lately, & were lamenting the unhappy & expensive Situation of the Derbyshire End of whaley Bridge & the 100=d=. yards on this Side it, w~. are now in so very bad a Condition, tho~ m=r=. Longd{e}n had, (_not long ago_), upwards of forty Nine pounds for repairing the same. — A person present pointed out a plan, w~. seemed to strike the Gen={n}=. very much; w~. was that by widening or altering the road a little, the 100=dyds= might be made over sounder ground, & the passage up to the End of the Bridge much more commodious — M=r=. Frith was desired to send to m=r=. Dickenson to meet him to view the same and to report their opinion of the Utility of such a Scheme at the special Sessions next Saturday. If this plan should be thought eligible it will point out an Alteration, w~. should be made also in the turnpike Road, [^"on this Side" crossed out^] at this End of the 100=d=. yards; for the doing of w~. if it shall be thought proper to %be carried into Execution the Gen=n=. beforementioned are very desirous

to have the Concurrence of M=r=. Legh, and therefore would be extremely glad, if you can make it convenient to meet them at Tho=s=. Jones's at whaley at one o'Clock next Friday, to view the same & give your opinion about it — If any alteration is made it will chiefly be thro~ some Lands belonging to m=rs=. Wyld of Disley. I %have therefore wrote to m=r=. Hancock to attend there at %the same time on her behalf, — & am with the greatest Regard D=r=. Sir, your most obliged Ser=t=. Iohn Gee M=r=— Orford at Lyme [^Accounts omitted^]

Chapel 6=th=. Jan=ry=. 1778 D=r=. Sir Ioseph Lowe shewed me the agreement w~. you have drawn betwixt Longden & him and was thinking to apply to some Attorney to draw a Deed of Exchange — After a little Consideration upon the Circumstances of the Business I asked him to defer any application till I could write to you to desire your Opinion, whether a memorand=(_m_)= upon the (_Back of the Award_) signifying the reasons why the parties made such Exchange, & being signed by the parties, [^"o{r}" crossed out^] ^&^ by a %majority of the Commissioners; (_or even one of them,_) or somewhat of this Sort may not be as effectual for the purposes of the title, as a formal Deed of Exchange, w~. must recite a great part of the Award, and wo'd be a %long affair, & consequently an ex%pensive [^across line break^] one, you know, if it got into

the Law-mens hands, for my part I sho'd think the title equally valid, as the Change [^"{is}" crossed out^] ^was^ made before the parties had taken proper Possession of the premises in Consequence of the Award; when you have Considered of this you will perhaps be so good to favour me with a Line — J signifyed the above to m=r=. Dickenson who seemed to approve of it — we had a short but a %very agreeable Jaunt to London; came back too soon — my wife joins in best wellwishes to Self & all your good family with — D=r=. Sir, yours sincerely Iohn Gee M=r=. Richard Orford Lyme

Chapel Iuly 22=d=. 1778 Dear %Sir I have frequently thought that the Guidepost{,} w~. is put up at Tho=s=. Richardsons to direct Travellers this way is a %very imperfe{c}t One{,} I therefore resolved to submit the following Plan to %your Consideration, & to ask if it wou'd not be proper that something of this Sort should be done at %the general Charge?, if you have a %few minutes Leisure to consider of %it & give me a {L}ine of your Thoughts upon {%it,} would much oblige y=rs=. sincerely Iohn Gee P.S. I should also be glad to know if you have had opportunity to consult M=r=. Legh any further respecting the intended alteration at Whaley ^Bridge^, or whether it would be proper to call a meeting & invite m=r=. Legh to attend [^List of place names on the next page omitted; it was apparently intended to give distances, but these have not been added^] M=r= R. Orford How %lane [^Accounts in pencil omitted^]

Chapel 20=th=. Aug=t=. 1781 Dear Sir Yesterday I was informed that a meeting is called at macclesfield upon the 28=th=. inst=t=. to settle the Acc=ts=. of the Road from thence to Chapel — Now as the interest is not very well paid, and some hints have been thrown out, as if the Tolls were insufficient M=(_r_)= Dickenson has often wished that a meeting of a %few of the principal Subscribers should be had previous to the above, to consider what is best to be done; and how far it is prudent to suffer a few Gentlemen, who have no property in the Road, thus ^to^ go on unnoticed by the proprietors — He therefore desired me to trouble you with a Line, to request your Advice in this Case, on w~. w{a}y you would think best to %be took to %be properly satisfied about the premises, & that the affair may be put in a %Channel, the most advantageous for %the whole Body of Subscribers — the

favour of your Answer by the first opportunity will much oblige D=r=. Sir, Your most obed=t= Ser=t=. I{n} Gee Perhaps you have heard that a Corespondence is opened between our two Ribbs, to settle the preliminaries. for their Iourney to (_Altringham_) Chapel 11=th=. Dec=r=. 1781 Dear Sir The Situation of our Affairs upon the Road from Chapel to macclesfield is such, as requires the (_Serious_) Attention of the Subscribers — The Treasurer has turned over the Books Balance of Acc=ts=., & Tolls, into the Hands of the Surv{e}yor, & there they have remained, I find, for some months; I shall at present [^"upon" crossed out^] make no Comment upon this extraordinary proceeding; thτ [^"tho~"?^] I think it affords as much matter to treat upon, as some Subjects, w~. are rehearsed in the Pulpit — — Don't you think it would be prudent for a few of the Subscribers to meet together, as soon as may be, to consider of a proper Plan to Conduct this Business, as it is of too serious a %Nature to lie in the Manner it does? If %this meets your Approbation, I shall be willing to meet you & two or three more, w=(_m_)= you may point out, at what place you %choose; in order to fix upon some plan for the above purpose — I have got the Treasurer's Book of Acc=ts=., & also an Acc=t=. of Tolls, &=c=. since he gave up, for your perusal, w~. afford some Observations, and ^if^ they are carried on as they have been, we %shall %soon find a (_disagreeable_) Deficiency — you'l let me have your thoughts upon %the above proposal by the first opportunity & oblige D=r=. Sir yours. respectfully I— Gee M=r=— Rich=d=— Orford at Lyme

Chapel Nov=r=. 13=th=. 1782 Dear Sir I have %your Favour this Morning & have disperSed [^"-Sed" at beginning of next line^] the Advertisements; we have no Person here, who acts as an Auctioneer — should be glad to know when your Court will be held, as I have a mind once more to look into y=e=. Stone Parlour, & purpose to give m=r=. Roe Notice to meet me there, (_fully_) to settle the Business; as he seems (_rather_) indolent about it at present, But p{e}rhaps I shall have the pleasure of seeing you next Monday, as I purpose to be at the meeting at Stockp=t=. if nothing extra=y=. prevent, & am D=r= Sir yours respectfully J. Gee M=r=— Rich=d=— Orford at Lyme

Chapel Nov=r=. 20=th=. 1783 Dear Sir I am much obliged to you for your kind Invitation, & should have taken a Pleasure in waiting upon you at Lyme Court, but have a prior Engagement for tomorrow & Saturday, w~. I cannot excuse myself from. It %is time the Interest upon Macclesfield Road should be paid, but in drawing up the Acc=t=. this week I find a Deficiency of £26— besides — Bancroft's Wages — I wish that {Bere} was le{t} — If you have no better Opportunity Edmund Elliot would bring M=(_rs_)= Frith's money safe to me, if it was folded up; or One of the Tenants perhaps would bring it with him from the Court to Taxal on Sunday — M=rs=. Gee joins in sincere wellwishes for the Health & prosperity of all your good family — with — D=r=. Sir yours most affectionat{ely} Iohn Gee Chapel Dec=r=. 31=(_st_)= 1783 Dear Sir I dined with the Family at Bank on Monday, when M=(_rs_)= Frith desired me to acknowlege her Obligation to you for the receipt of Twenty Guineas from her Tenant she would also be glad to know if he has paid any more to you since that, as she should be glad to know how his Acc=t=. stands — And as I am to be in Manchester shortly, she asked me to give (_him_) Notice to meet me there, and settle his Accounts & Payments in a better Manner, or else some Different measures must be taken, as she thinks it is wrong, to give her Friends so %much Trouble about him to so little Effect — M=rs=. Gee joins in best Comp=ts= of the Season to M=rs=. Orford, & all your good Family with — D=r= Sir, your most obed=t=. Ser=t=. I. Gee [^Some notes in pencil and "H" in ink^] R=d= Orford Esq=r=. at Lyme in Chesshire [^in different hand: "^near Stockport^"^] [^Postmarked Liverpool^] [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

Liverpool 20=th=. June 1788. Dear %Sir J have rec{=d=}. yours of 5=th=. Jnst: which J %was in hopes might have containd M=r=. Leighs complyance with the fine J offerd when you was last in Liverpool which was £120. rather than £130. the sum you requir'd M=rs=. Gerard & myself being I assure you in as good health as we ever were since the exist=ce=. of the present Lease I must however refer myself to M=r=. Leigh hoping that he will comply with my wishes. — I %am D=r=. S=r=. Yo=r=. most obed=t=, H=le=, S=t=. R=d=. Gerard the Lives J %wish to have in the Lease are — Tho=s=. Golightly Son Tho=s=. Golightly Wine Merch=t=. of Liv=l=. Age 6. y=rs=. Ia=s=. Bridge Son of Ia=s=. Bridge Mirch={t}=. of Liv=l=. age 11 years. Ios=ph=. Brandreth Son of Ios: Brandreth M.D. of Liv=l=. age 6 years. M=r=. Orford Lyme Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Leek^]

Sir The Rev=d=. M=r=. Salt having sold his Estates at Winkle in Cheshire sho=d=. be glad you wo=d=. please to send an Account of what Rents are due to M=r=. Leigh for the Leasehold that lyes within some of the Estates & say when & how the same Rents may be paid — M=r=. Daintry of Leek the Purchasor of the Estates from M=r=. Salt wo=d=. also be glad to meet you on the Premises to look over the Leasehold, but if not convenient to you to meet him there wo=d=. be obliged if you could make it convenient to meet him at Macclesfield appointing by Letter the time & giving as much Notice as you can, when he wished to treat on fresh Terms for the Same — I am for Mess=rs=. Mills & Cruse Sir Your most H~ble Serv=t=. Ioseph Gibbs Leek 23=rd=. April 1788 M=r=. Orford Lyme

[^Copy of letter from Richard Orford; year in one of the letters must be wrong, probably in Orford's.^] Total of the Bill sent — 13=£=. 1=s=. 8=d= Mess=rs= Mills & Cruse Gentlemen. As above is the acc=t=. aga=t=. the Heirs of the late M=r=. Stanley, which I doubt not but you'll find Right. A %few days %ago I had some talk with M=r=. Iohn Ryle of Macclesfield, and agree'd to meet M=r=. Daintry the purchaser in Wincle in a %short time, but cannot fix the day at present, when I doubt not everything will be made agreeable to M=r=. Daintry If You wish to discharge the above M=r=, Ryle will give a %receipt for me at any time You request by shew=g=. him this Letter I am Gentlemen Your most ob=t=. Ser=t=. Lyme 24 Ap=l=. 1783 To M=r= Orford at Lyme hall

Dear %Sir I will comunicate the Contents of your Letter to the freinds you mention & have no doubt but they will with pleasure wait on you on Thursday next — My Comp=ts=. waits on you & {Coy} Orford & am D=r= S=r=. Your Most Ob=t= Ser={t*}= Sam Glover Monday afternoon Aprill the 24 1771 M=r= Alford sir this is to in Jn%form you that the freeholders of fairfield Jn General wish and Desire you to [^"Ext" crossed out^] Except of M=r= Longson of Little Longson Near Bakewell to act as A Comishn=r= with you: the said m=r= Longson is willing to act [^"the" crossed out^] and ^we^ Desire you to Except of no other person ^m=r=^ Lax Called a %meeting att fairfield on monday Last and asked for M=r= Harper of E{tw}ell but the freeholders had rather Chuse m=r= Longson which was agreed of by m=r= Lax and the prep{io}tors there present [^different hand^] Edward Dakin George Goodwin Rich=d= Clulow tenand to Tho=s= Usherwood Esq={*}=: M=r=. Orford Lyme [^Postmarked Manchester^] [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

Sir M=r=. [^corrected^] Tayl{or} wishes you could give M={*}=. Wright the meeting here [^"at" crossed out^] on Monday next not later than 12 o Clock — M={*}=. Tayl{or} will be at M=rs=. Edges in King street I am {S=*=}. Y={*}=. hble Ser={*}=. E Gorst Manchester 22=d=. July —90. M=r=. Orford Lyme Stockport [^Postmarked Manchester^]

Sir M={*}= Rawsto{rn}e is now at Buxton and will be with M={*}=. Taylor early in the next Week wishes you could give him the meeting at the Bulls Head in Manchester on Tuesday next between 10 {&} 12 o'Clock You will favor him with an Answer I %am S={*}=. Y={*}=. h~ble Serv=t= E (_Gorst_). Ma{nc=*=}. {Q=r=}. Sep={r}=. 16={th}=- oct={*}= 90. — M=rs=. Gould's Complim=ts=.. wa^i^t on M=r=.. Orford, is much obliged for his kind Inquiry after her, Father, who is much better, & She hopes in a %fair Way of Recovery. Macclesfield Wednesday Past 2 oClock M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Haydock Lodge near Leigh [^Postmarked Liverpool^]

M=r=. Orford Liverpool 26=th=. Iuly 1781. Sir — On the 8=th=. May last I sent you 2 P={t}=. Irish linen by Hargreaves, to be left at Ashton, but having no better Direction & not hearing from you since, I am apprehensive you have not receiv'd them; shall therefore be obliged to you to inform me; for if you have not rec=d=. them, I must apply to the Carr{ie}r — I remain Sir — Your most h~ble Serv=t=. for M=r=. Iohn Mullion Ia=s=. Graham For Peter Lee a Squire A member of Parlement At Lime Hall Cheser%Sire [^Postmarked Derby^]

M=r= Richard Halford S=r= you was Soe good as promise Ed Geleart Som Hay: But Iohn Houbrook will not Let him haue Neather New nor ould: Soe I Desire you to be pleased to be Soe good as [^"L" crossed out^] Send a line to Ed Geleart and in Soe doing you will much oblige youre ould Frend at Command Caleb Green Jan=r=: 26: 17711: Ed: Geleart will pay you Rede money for youre Hay he desires if you haue Euerey Brick woork to Set he would be Glad to serue you Ed Geleart was not at home when you Came to Colet Coteges ^Rent^ But if you send a line hee will be Redey to Serue you — all from youre most obed{nt} Humble Seruant at Command Ed Geleart To M=r=. Richard Orford at Lime in Hanley

Sir I have been Informed that you are for Leasing that Estate in Pepper alley, late Baxters Tenement in Newton, If it would be Convenient for you I should take it as a great favour If you would let me have that Close Opposit the Cro{w}lane [^corrected^] house called the Wren Croft either for Lives or Years (or the whole) as this Close lies at a distance from the Main Estate and so very near to the Crowlane Estate & is pretty Dry Ground it would be very useful in bad weather for Outlett for Cattle, And as we have but only one Close that is near the Crowlane house and that a very wet - Meadow -, all the rest of the ground lying at a distance from the House, If you can conveniently do me this favour you will greatly oblige Your humble ser{v}ant [^corrected^] Iohn Grice Newton 25=th= Dec=r=. 1783 — To M=r=. Orford at Lime Cheshire

Haigh January 4=th=. 1777 Sir. I propose leaving this place on Wednesday and desire you'l give me a %line when I must wait on you at Haydock Lodg, Pleas to direct to me at Haigh as usual and you'l oblige — Sir your most Obed=t=. hble Servent James Grimshaw M=r=. Orford

Haydock Lodge June 23=th=. ^1777^ Sir I have receiv'd yours and according to your order have sent your Boots and Keys in [^word crossed out^] a small Box with a%nother Box which came to haydock for M=rs=.. Smith and I hope they will come safe; that Day you left Haydock your Brother came and I sould him the ^fat^ Cow for 10 £ 15 Shillings what is given back is left to me; we have finished planting Cabbage and soed most part of the Turnip; Last thursday as the men was bringing the last of the Dung from M=r=. Rigbys ^which was but a piece of a Load^ the Old Croped Horse fell down dead, they was going gently along & they did perceive any%thing to him before as he Eat and worked as usall all the day; I have been at M=r=. Ellam with his leace and he has no money at present, I have been at Bent & Kenion and they are both without Money and so am I but I have applied to M=r=. Riglys and he has let me have 40 Guines and on Saturday last I went to Newbrough fair and wear'd the most of it on 7 Cows I have writ for a score of sheep and where I must have money to pay for them is not yet known and M=r=. Rigby mush have his again at the Months end, I am glad to hear you all got safe to Lyme pleas to give my [^"serves" crossed out^] service to all my Old acquaintance and accept the same your%self I ^am^ Your Most hble Ser=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw N.B if M=r=. Vaucks was to come he might distroy the rats as the Barn is now empty and we have not much for them in the House I have writ to my Master about the Croped Horse M=r=. Orford [^Accounts in pencil omitted^]

Haydock July 10=th=. 1777 Sir I have receiv'd yours and according to your order have been at all the places about the Cash and have got 10 £. of Bent and 10 £. of M=r=. Crosley, your Brother paid me for the Cow when he took her from Haydock, M=r=. Lythgoe promises to assist with his in about a weeks ^time^ if posable, M=r=. Ellam has signed the Counterp{a}^t^ but says he has no Money but I think he is a%fraide to part with it till he sees you, I have both the Leases with me, we have this Day begun to Mow in Waterworth Meadow and if the weather will permit will go on as fast as we can shu'd be glad if you would come over to Haydock and give us [^"c{o}" rubbed out^] some of your good instructions, in regard to the Clove we will not Mow it twice over for my Master has wr^i^t to me three times and every time forbids me Mowing it a second time, I have writ to my Master about your sand- [^"houl" crossed out^] hole which is Commonly called M=r=. Orfords hole for I thought you would not mention it your%self, we have to ffey two Yards before we come to the sand and ^the^ sand is not above one foot thick, and we have maide three holes in diferant places higher up and find it to be the same.

Pleas to give my best Respects to the Stone- parler Laydes, M=r=. Royle M=r=. Harrison ^and M=r=. Gates^ and pleas to Accept the same your%self. I am Sir Your Most hble Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw N.B. I have bought no Cattle nor I think cannot do before Warrington ffair which is the 17=th=. of this Month Haydock July 16=th=. 77 Sir We have got down all the Clover and Waterworth Meadow which is most of it all got into the [^corrected^] Barn, I have bought no Cows yet tomorrow is Warrington fair and will do my Endeavour to by some, I have got 20 sheep I am Your hble Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw Just going to Dinner Sunday Morning Aug=t=. 17=th=. 1777 Sir I recev'd yours and am sorry to hear Hall was so long in coming, he went from Haydock on Thursday Morning about Nine oClock with a charge to make the best of his way to Lyme, he got back to Haydock on Saturday Night about Twelve oClock, I took your letter from him and as he was in liquer did not say anything to him, I have not yet spoke to him but if Drinking be the cause will certainly Discharge him. We finished making Hay that Day you left Haydock, we have no Sheep that is fit to Kill. The Boy that was hurt with the waggon is Dead and we have two Shillings to pay for the waggon that hurt him. J am your hble Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw Haydock Sp=r=. 19=th=. 77 Sir I recev'd yours and sent the Keeper immediateley to see for the Greyhound to the place where he came from, but he has not been there nor can we give you any account about him. Yesterday we got in about the half of our Oats, would have got in the remainder but it has Rained all this Day, shall now go on with Cutting the Wheat as fast as the weather will Permit, shou'd be glad to see you at Haydock but not with an Empty Pocket. I am Just going to the Park-Barn [^letter rubbed out^] to the shuting of your Brothers Shearing,, J am Your hble. Srven=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford

Haydock Sep=r=. 25=th=. 77 Sir I receiv'd yours by Elias and has Obeyed your order in writing to my Master conserning the Husbandry, I have applyed to M=r=. Rigby for some paper for you and he has sent them by the Post, we have this Day finished cuting the wheat and has got in about two Acres, if the weather hold good shall begin to sow wheat on Monday next, should be glad you would tell me where to have a %little Cash J am Your Hble. servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw [^Accounts, probably in different hand, omitted^] [^Direction in different hand^] M=r=. Orford Lyme by manchester Cheshire. Free R.A %Gwillym. [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock Octo=r=. 14=th=. 1777 Sir This Letter came to Haydock this Morning and have the [^"pleasire" crossed out^] pleasure to tell you that we have soed all the Vetch Ground with wheat and if the weather hould two Days longer shall compleat the whole, I think M=r=. Legh is angry at me for some%thing but what it is I know not, I have writ to him two times and he has not answer%ed [^across line break^] either of them, J am Your Hble. Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme by Manchester Cheshire

Haydock Octo=r=. 27=th=. Sir Iohn Hall and Tho=s=. Harrison came to Haydock on saturday ^night^ about six oClock and brought with them the two Mares and sixty sheep, and they themselves two swine for they was both drunk, the parcel that was sent for your Daughter they have lost it but where they kn{ow} not, but they say they lost it at S{*...} [^seal^] or before they came [^one or two letters rubbed out^] there, I hope you {*...} [^seal^] make them to pay for it, it will be a warning to them for the future and to others that is sent [^word crossed out^] on business if they had any other Message they know no more than the horse they rid on I have got no Money of Unsworth, I hope your Ears are so that you have no Occasion for Larding J am Your hble Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock Oct=r=. 31=st=. 1777 Sir I have kept the Messinger you sent a Day to long that Unsworth might see his friends to get the Money but without success he promises to get it gainst Saturday if he dose will send it on Sunday, I have been at Kenyon to see what he could do and he gave me Eight Guineas which I have sent by the bearer I am sorrey to here you are no better of your head J %am Sir Your hble Servn={t}= Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock Nov=r=. 5=th=. 77 Sir I have Receivd yours and am sorrey for Disapointing you of the Money but the fault is not mine for I have taken all the pains I could with Unsworth you say nothing about your Daughters parcel that Tho=s=. Harrison lost by that we contlude you have found it. If you had sent sooner for Tho=s=. Knowles you shu'd have had him tho the whole is not filled at Haydock, I hope your head is got well J %am Your hbbe Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

Haydock Dece=r=. 9=th=. 1777 Sir I have receiv'd the 60— Guineas you sent — by Harry, and will take care to make [^"to make" crossed out^] up the sum and send it this Day by M=r=. Rigby, You Judge very right in your going to Liverpool, it ^is^ Monday the 15 of this month, at which time we will we Expect bring [^"y" rubbed out^] us Tidings when the family will come, J am Sir Your Hble Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

Haydock Thursday Morning Sir [^"This time" crossed out, and the letter "y" written a number of times^] Bradley came here about six oClock on Sunday Night, but as M=r=. Rigby had not been at Liverpool but was going on Tuesday I thought it best to keep the lad till he came back, and as your wants are so boundless, put out your hand to M=r=. Rigby and he will fill it with plenty, we have got in all the Vetches and shall finish Plowing the Ground this Day, we have most of our Wheat to cut for it is not yet ripe, Ralph Hunt began of the new Cow house on Tuesday last, I was at Ormskirk fair and Cattle of all sorts was much dearer then they was at Ne{w}ton, I have bought a milk Cow of Tho=s=. Naylor which I think is not dear, I have got Rattliff to change away the bay Mare and shou'd be glad to know wheather we must buy a horse or not for M=rs=.. Legh has sent [^"of" crossed out^] for another of ours, Your horse looks much better than when you left Haydock, I suppose I have no need to let you know that M=rs=.. Yeats is got Married, pleas to give my best respects to the stone parler Ladys and gentlemen, J am Sir Your hble. Servent (_Ja=s=. Grimshaw_) N.B. on Sunday last about Eleven oClock we had a shock of an Earthquake but doth not hear of any damige M=r=. Orford Lyme

Sir M=r=. Cloughton desir'd me to Remind you of a hat that you promis'=d= to Send when you was at Haydock. — M=r=. Griffey Dyed last Tuesday Morning J am Sir Your Hble Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw [^Direction in different hand^] M=r=: R=d=: Orford Lyme Disley Cheshire. Free R.A. Gwillym. [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock Feb=y=.. 1=st=: 1778 Sir seeing your Brother to have a %letter to you I offer'd to put it into a %Cover on purpose to let you know of two a%cquaintances of yours, Ralph Stirrup of Winwick was Married last Monday and this Morning he Dyed, and M=r=. Gwillyms Steward is allso Dead that is M=r=. Bridack and is to be Buried to%Morrow J am Your hble. Servent (_Ja=s=. Grimshaw_) M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock 25=th=.. 1778 Sir I have receiv'd yours by Bradley lad, and will Observe what you say about killing a Cow on Thursday the 5=th=.. of March if there be not another call-%back; I will allso observe what you say about the Horse, [^"I" crossed out^] Yester-Day I was tould that Hugh Stirrup was very ill but has not hard any%thinge of him this morning J am Sir Your Most hble. Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock June 5=th=. 1778 Sir I receiv'd a %letter Yester%Day from M=r=. Porter, wherein he mentions my not coming to Bank on Sunday; — he says, it is quit uncertain how successful your Journey will prove, but if you will defer your Jo^u^rney till Tuesday [^corrected^] next is over I will send you by that Days pos^t^ what I have in Bills; and will also let you know [^"wh{ea}ther" crossed out^] whether J have got in the Cash M=r=. Orford mentions in his letter. — I hope to see you on Sunday or Monday at Haydock [^word crossed out^] with good tidings of M=rs=.. Orford. — all things has been Qui^{e}^t since you left us, we shall nearley finish planting Cabbage tomorrow J %am Your most hble. Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock June 8=th=. 78 Sir I am very glad to hear so favorable account of M=rs=.. Orford; I wish you and your [^corrected^] wife much Joy of y^o^ur new born son, I hope he will flow down the same Channel that his Father has done, I mean the getting of money. — Our fox katcher has no success, the fox has taken one of the peafowl that ^was^ sit{ting} which puts My Master a %little out of temper I have this Morning receiv'd Orders to Cut down all the gorse in M=rs=. Leghs ground. M=r=. Royle gives you much Joy of you^{r}^ Son J %am Sir Your Hble. Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford

Haydock July 2=th=. 1778 Sir I have sent Tho=s=. Harrison with the 27 Sheep, — I hope the sheep you send back by him will be of a %proper age as I will spare no pains nor cost [^corrected^] to make them fit for my Masters table and will buy in the other [^"as" crossed out^] the first opertunity after you have send those from Lyme, the weather is {w}et but we still keep on Mowing, — I hope you got safe to Lyme and found your wife and family all well, — J am Sir Your hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw Haydock July 8=th=. 1778 Sir I receiv'd yours, but not earley enough to go to Bank on Sunday but went on Monday and got from M=r=. Porter £. 200 the Cash is Thurstan Whittle Brothers fine, M=r=. Porter is coming to Lyme in abou^t^ three weeks with the remainder of the Cash which is upward of £ 800 he tell's me he is to pay it to M=r=. Legh himself, so that when he comes ^to Lyme^ you must return to him one Hundred Pound of the Cash I brought, or he never more will oblige you with any more Cash. — M=r=. Rigby is wanting Hay from here for himself, and for Iohn Atherton I shou'd be glad of an Answer to that, on Saturday, by your Cart that is coming, to meet our Cart, for Wheat at Dunham, There is a %woman at Warrington that spoke to you concerning M=r=. Masters she wo=d=. be glad to know how to Direct to him, I shu=d=, be glad to here you are got well of the Gout J am Sir Your Most hble. Ser=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw

Your Craftsman comes here which I hope you will not stop [^Accounts in different hand on other side of paper omitted^] Haydock July 10=th.= 1778 Sir Since I writ to you last an affair has happened in Newton betwixt Tho=s=. Houghton at the Hall-Nowton and M=r=. Bayley; in the first place M=r=. Bayley took Tho=s=. Houghtons Pigs out of the sandy-mains [^across line break^] and put them into the Pinfould sometime about April last, which {M*...} [^torn off^] Bayley tells me he let them out {f*...} [^torn off^] Tho=s=. paying for three Quarts of Ale, — Last Wednesday night that Galloway that M=r=. Bayley fetch'd from the Lodge got into Tho=s=. Houghtons field they say through the gait they say it stood open to the lain all Day, he has taken the Galloway to Derby Pinfould and will have a guinea for trespas; M=r=. Bayley Desir'd me to write to M=r=. Legh about it but as it is a subject that I know not how to treat I leave it to and am Sir Your hble Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw [^numbers, probably in different hand, on other side of paper omitted^] Haydock July 13={th}=. 78 Sir I receiv'd yours and according to your order have send you by Guttni{g} £ 120 which I hope you will receive safe, I fully expected to have had £ 40. but now you have shortened it to £20.— I shu'd be glad to know when we must expect you at Haydock for I know you will than bring Cash Plenty — We go on tolerable well with Mowing we have about 24 Acres Down but {*...} [^torn off^] weather [^corrected^] has not been so favorable to {*...} [^torn off^] us get any in J am Sir Your Most hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw N.B. I receiv'd the Ververteen you send and the Box I have send to Atherton [^Accounts, probably in different hand, on other side of paper omitted^] [^Direction in different hand^] M=r=: R=d=: Orford Lyme Disley Cheshire. Free R.A. %Gwillym [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock July 23=th=. 1778 Sir Last Sunday Old Ro{n}stige was here to pay you some Intrest of Money, — he bid me to tell you that the £50 that is concerning Jack Houghton was at your service whenever you pleas to give him a short notice. — Your Brother has been very ill but is now got prity stout again, I Judg that will not be news to you, — the weather has been bad for Hay so that we have maide little out this week with that article, but we have finished Mowing J am Sir Your Hble Serven=t= Ja=s=. Grimshaw To M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire Per Manchester [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock Aug=t=. 23=th=. 78 Sir We have Thrashed the greatest part of our Wheat, and has no place proper to put it in, so I purpose to send a %Cart load to Dunham on [^two letters crossed out^] Saturday next — pleas to send back those sack{es} that came the last or I must buy new, I had a %letter from [^corrected from "{for}"^] M=r=. Legh wherein he Enquier'd about the Young Turkeys and when I answer'd they was all right but last Saturday Night we Judg that a fox came and took away 5 of the Young Turkeys so that there is but 4 left; Molley would have me to [^word crossed out^] write to My Master about it; shu=d=. be glad of your Opinion by return of the Post There has a Shocking Accidence happened at Rich=d=. Bevingtons on Sunday Morning his Oldest Son went into the Barn and Hanged himself. J %am Your hble Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme [^Drawing/diagram omitted^]

Aug=t=. 28=th=. 1778 Sir I have sent by Willi=(_m_)= Hill 10 loads of Wheat, your Books, and Wig, and the Chear you Ordered; — I think My Master is for coming to Haydock soon, I had a letter from him wherein he said that no work whatsoever shu=d=. go forward till the Pavment was maid good through the fould whic{h} we have this Day finished; we go on very well with the Harvest the greatest part of it is Cut. — M=r=. Unsworth gave me the inclos'd to send to you, I did not look at it when he was here but I see it is not Sign'd. J am Sir Your Hble. Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw Molley has sent 2 Hams & a Pig face M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock Sep=r=. 5=th=. 78 Sir We have this Day finished Cutting Corn; and has hous'd about 20 Acres Yester%Day I had a %letter from My Master wherein he Order's me to send [^"{fro}" rubbed out^] for that Executioner Holford to come Down to Haydock to catch Foxes. I Desire that when you do send him to put him plenty of Money in his Pocket. J am Sir Your hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw Haydock Octo=r=. 11=th=.. 78 Sir I receiv'd yours by Iohn Berchal, but has not hard [^"has not hard" crossed out^] anything of M=r=. Drinkwater nor the Cash you mention, I received £ 22 from Ja=s=. Allens but as the Land and Window Tax took near £ 12. I have only the Remainder left. — Last night I went to collect the Sandy Mains Lay but got no more than £ 10 if I cu=d=. have got anything near the sum you mention I wo=d=. have sent it you in%stead of M=r=. Drinkwaters £50. — The Bearer Willi=m=.. Holford has had from me since he came to Haydock ten Shillings. J %am Sir Your Most Hble Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw [^Accounts, probably in different hand, on other side of paper omitted^] M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock Dec=r=. 28=th=: 1778 Sir I receiv'd one of the Enclos'd letters this Morning which I think comes from M=r=. Bromly, I h{a}ve seen his Daughter at Wigan and tould her what you said to me, she said she cu=d=. not pay at Christmas but wo=d=. assuredly pay you the later-end of Janur=y=... — If you dont come soon to Haydock I think you will find me [^corrected^] in the Goal, I am so cauld on [^"for" crossed out^] for Money that I don't know which way to look out; — Rich=d=. Mellings Executors has been twice for the Balance betwixt you and them which is 9=£=..7=s=, the highway Lay is more than 4=£=.— the Tithe is 15=£= two Months I owe to the Labourers, but all this I am afraid will soften you much, [^word crossed out^] for I know that your neck is an iron sinew and your Brow brass; — the Poor of Newton cry out loudly for there Beef

We shu=d=. be glad you wo=d=. come and [^word crossed out^] taste our Roast Beef which is but a small piece but is very Good. J am Sir Your Most Oblig=d=. Hble. Serven{~} Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock July 29=th=.. 1779 Sir Yours I receivd, and has been at every place you Mentioned for Money but without success; the man that sh=d=. have paid 103 Guines came to M=r=. Kerfoots Office and said he wo=d=. pay on Wednesday next; M=r=. Bellas tould M=r=. Maire that ^you^ and he had a%gree'd and that no Quarel shu=d=. arise Edw=d=. Peirpoint & Peter Kenyon will do there best to pay you at Newton fair. Molley Strong wo=d=. be glad to know if M=r=. Cook comes to Newton fair. J am Your Very Hble. Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw N.B. Jonathan Naylor has been for his Leace and M=r=. Richardson is to [^word crossed out^] give you £ 2-2..0 M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock Aug=t=. 5=th=.. 1779 Sir It was late last night when I receiv'd the Cash, but has sent you by the Bearer in Bills Value £ 74.—.— and in Cash £ 34.3.— which makes £ 108.3.— that is the sum I receiv'd from M=r=. Kerfoot, £ 50..0..0 I receiv'd from M=r=. Bellas. both the above sums I have maide myself D=r=. to and will take £ 30 over to M=rs=.. Legh Golborn I hope you will receive them safe J am Sir Your Most Hble Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw [^Accounts, in different hand, omitted^] M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock Sep=r=. 10=th=: 1779 Sir Iohn Jackson Brought the Blue silk partridge Net you mention to Haydock the reason why he took it, it was one of Iohn Woods Kniting and Iohn Desird him to take it down to Haydock, — M=r=. Dumbil caul=d=, here this Day and Desir'd I wo=d=, write to you to know if there was any Lords-rents due to you from Dumbels Mill as he do'=s= not know how that thing stands he Desir'd you wo=d=. w^r^ite either to him or me by return of Post. J am Sir Your Most Hble Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw [^Accounts, and repeated versions of Grimshaw's signature, probably in different hand, omitted^] M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock Sep=r=. 20=th=: 1779 Sir By M=r=. Ashworths Rece=t=. you will see I have done according to your order in getting 2 £ 50 Bills which I had from M=r=. Ja=s=. Leigh; as M=r=. Ashworth gave his Rece=t=. to you I have not taken any account of it in my Book. — I dout not but you ^have^ hard of poor M=rs=.. Athertons Death and of Miss Atherton being down of the small pox. — The paper you sent for M=r=. Adam Mather I gave him on Saturday last, he was a %little ruffl'd at it and said he wo'd hould the place another year let things be as they wo'd. J %am Sir Your Most Hbbe. Serv=t= Ja=s=. Grimshaw N..B: as you are so very Poor, my Modesty will not let me complain of Poverty to you. M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock Sep=r=. 24=th=: 1779 Sir Melley Strong Desires you will not forget the linen cloth you are to send to Haydock, sh{e} ask'd me to remind you of the Mat that lies in the hall. Your Office will be more comfortable to you than it was for I think it is Cur'd for Smoking. — You will receive Iohn Burchals Noat of hand — J am Sir Your Most Hble. Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw [^Direction in different hand^] M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire {****} {*} {Keck} [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock Oct=r=. 5=th=.. 1779 Sir I receiv'd your by the man that was going to Bank, and has been at M=r=. Buller about the £ 50 you mentioned he promises to get it in a short time I will take Care to take it to the place you mention. There has not been such Mobing this [^"{maney}" crossed out^] many years as at this time there is [^"ab" rubbed out^] a Mob at this present time that is puling down all the Carding and Spining Machines that go by water, three is [^letter rubbed out^] allready pul'=d= Down M=r=. Unsworth is takeing his Down him%self J %am Sir Your Most Hble Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw Haydock Octo=r=. 15=th=. 1779 Sir I receiv'd yours this Morning, and M=r=. Stirrup has receivd a Letter from M=r=. Cook fixing Newton Court for Thursday 21 Ins=t=.. I'll take care to see M=r=. Ja=s=. Leigh tomorrow Morning and tell him what you say about seeing him at Newton Court. — By that time you will finde M=r=. Ja=s=. Leigh with a wife, which I make no dout but you know of; M=r=. Iohn Worsley tould me yesterday he was to be Married on Tuesday Next at Manchester, M=rs=.. A. Leghs Weaving is come by the Cart, the Bill is £ 1..0..10 which I have not paid and to tell the truth I have not much Money J am Sir Your Most Hbl{e} Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw Haydock Nov=r=. 28: 1780 Sir I receiv'd yours by Knowles, Holford is not yot ariv'd, and return you maney thanks for your early inteligence of Master coming to Haydock, you say you rather think M=r=. Rigby was displeas'd at your writing about the Navigation Coal but be assur'd he was for he mention'd it to me in such a %maner that your letter was not pleasing to him. — They have set more Pitts agate at fflorida [^corrected^] work and gets Day and night, I can say nothing of particulars but I think if they had Coal they wo=d=. sell a great Quantity for this Day there is 7 flats all waiting for your Coal. — We don=t=. fetch any Coal for the house use from the stooks end, but fetches from florida from a pitt that is gaited for land sail only. J %am Your Most Hbl Serven{^t^} Ja=s=. Grimshaw Haydock July 13=th=.. 1781 Sir I receiv'd your letter, by Tho=s=. Boardman with a %bill £ 12..12..0 which I have since paid to M=r=. Berry, and 40=£= I receivd from M=r=. Chorley and has enter'd both in my Account. — I have this Day receiv'd a %letter from my Master to send him up 14 load of Rob=t=. Houghtons Malt and will meet your Waggon with it on Wednesday next ^18 In=t=.^ at Dunham, I wish you wo'd think on to send Tho=s=. Jenkens side saddle which one of your Maids had when they left Haydock. — we have very bad hay Weather and stop'=d= Mowing till the weather mend. J am Sir Your Hble Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw [^Numbers in red omitted^] Haydock July 31=st=- 1781 Sir Longe look't for is come at last, I receiv'd the two enclos'd Bills of Iohn Sutton, Value 150=£= which I hope you will receive safe; and has Enterd them in my Acc=t=.. — We have verey hot and dry weather and little grass, Corn harvest is Just at hand some has allredey began to Cut. J %am Sir Your Most Hble Ser=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw To M=r=. Orford Lyme [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

Haydock Aug=t=. 21=st=: 1781 Sir I have sent Harrison with the 8 Scots, I have not gotten any Cash from M=r=. Buller or from Peter Kenyon if you shu=d=. send 10=£= or 20 by Harrison it will be more than I expect, but I hope you will. — We have finished Shearing all but a part of the Beans. I wish you wo,d send Harrison Back as soon as you can. J am Your Hble. Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock Sep=r=. 3=th=: 1781 Sir Docter Rylance has applyde about that bit of land he spoke to you about in Newton where he intends to build a house; it is about 2 feet, he wo'd be glad to know as he is now ready to begin building. — I am sorrey to inform you that M=r=. Peter Wright died the last Wednesday Morning after a verey short illness. J am Your Most Hble Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme Hall Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock Sep=r=. 10=th=.. 1781 Sir Iohn Morton M=r=. Standleys under Buttler has been at mee and sais he has been tould that M=r=. Legh is at want of a Buttler, if he is not served he cu'd wish you wo'd speak a word for him he is now out of place so that he wo'd be much Obliged to you for a line as soon [^corrected^] as you can. — I writ to you conserning Docter Rylance when I sent the ffrankes but you have never yet answer'd it. — J am Your Most Hble Servt Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock Dec=r=. 31=st=. 1781 Sir I receiv'd your by Shepperd, and retourns you thanks for your inteligence of Master seeing Haydock. I receiv'd a %letter from Master since I receiv'd yours conserning the Plowing of the Marl'd Ground; which I am sorry you mentioned to him that I had spoke to you about it. — I think we have given content to Newton with Beef & Bread this Day which was very good. — I have let M=r=. Legh know about it but no forther then they return him there thanks for it. J am Your Hble Serven Ja=s=. Grimshaw Haydock Sep=r=. 1=st=: 1782 Sir Iohn Caldwell of Gropenhall in Dead there is a Hariat belonging you they want to know wheather it must be paid in money or the best goods as they want to have a sale and Cannot go on till they receave an answer from you. I think you have forgot the [^"{sct}" rubbed out^] scots that is to come up to Lyme. J am Your Most Hbl Ser=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock Sep=r=. 12=th=. 1782 Sir You will hereby receive two Bills Value L 145 M=r=. Dakin bid me to tell you he was afraid to send you too large a %bill, but he will send the other aney time you chuse — M=r=. Kerfoot maid some words that you had not sent a %License for Bibby to Assign over the Rose & Crown I promised I wo'd write to you about it and promised I wo'd send it to him if you sent it here. — While I was in M=r=. Kerfoots Office the Overseer of Bould ^came^ to ask how they must proseed with that man that is in your Country who has a %Child in Bould the Woman is now sick and they have no security from the man M=r=. Kerfoot said you knew the man and he advis'd him to write to you the Overseer asked me to write. and he wo=d=. come to Haydock on Sunday 22 Jn=t=. I wish you wo'd write before.

We have cut all our Wheat and part of the Oats but we have stoped cutting on account of it not being ripe. I will send you up five scots as soon as I can spare a %man; we have no Pickling Cucumbers this Year. J %am Sir Your Most Hble Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw The two Bills I have enterd in my Book M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock Sep=r=. 26=th=: 82 Sir I receiv'd your, the weather has been ^so^ excesive wet and our Corn all ripe was the reason I did not send the scots before now, if we have two good Days shall finish cutting all but the Beans, so I think of sending the scots on saturday next, our Wheat we had ricked and thatched before the wet began. — Your Brother has hous'd all his Wheat and has finished cutting Oats 10 Days since. — I am sorey you have had such misfortune with the Game but will send it for the time to come as you direct. As to the Colliery I can say verey little of the water has drove them out of the Engine pitt some time since

and they are prepareing to Build the Engine house but verey Slowley, the Coals are all gone from the Stocks end and has verey good sale and will have if an Eye is kept on the road, the turnpi{c}k road is going into bad repare if something is not done to it, it will not be pasable before winter is over, I will make use of your name to the Oficer about it. — It is fixed to enlarge Ashton Chapel and they talk of doing it this Year but I think it will not be done for I see no preperation. — Your Money bags you have at Lyme but I have sent the two leather bags you had last with the Leases. J am Your Most Hble Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock Sep=r=. 27=th=.. 1782 Sir When I write to you last I forgot to mention [^"the mention" crossed out^] the man to burn the wood Charcoal which you promis'd to send down. Yesterday I receiv'd a %letter from M=r=. Legh wherein he orders me to send to Lyme 2 Young Turkeys every week till the flock is all done now there is but 12 ^young ons^ left and the old ons are all gone so I shu'd wish you to say how I must proseed and ask the Cook how he wo'd have them to come, there is one coming with the Geam tomorrow I have not said a %word to M=r=. Legh [^"abot" crossed out^] about them there was 15 Young ons and 4 Old ons when you left Haydock

I think if we was to buy aney here it wo'd be know'n, but that I will do as you d^i^rect, I have receiv'd Waterworths Money for his leace J %am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw PS. I have sent you 5 Scots and I think the Greates part of ours will prove in %calf M=r=. Orford Lyme [^upside down^] I had forgot your Book for which I thank you for [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

Haydock Sep=r=. 30=th=: 1782 Sir I receiv'd your by Harrison, M=r=. Chum=y=.. Legh will not Marl aney this Summer, but by what I can hear he thinks of coming down our feeding pasture. — I receiv'd a letter from M=r=. Legh and he wanted to know wheather M=r=. Chum=y=.. Legh was Marling and what road the Carts went, but I tould him there was no preperation making for Marling, he has pushed a %part of that rough field that lies to our Lady-hill. — I think M=r=. Chum=y=.. Legh & M=r=. Iohn Worsley has had a %few words for he sent M=r=. Cloughton to me the other Day to know if I hard you tell

Ralph Clare to kill Hares or aney other [^"Geam" crossed out^] Game till he had got the value of that Net Ralph had taken from him, M=r=. Worsley tould M=r=. Chum=y=.. that he, and I; was by when you tould Ralph Clare in the Office but I never hard such a %word Mentioned. — The rains still keeps on wors than ever J am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock Octo=r=. 4=th=.. 1782 Sir I receivd yours, and has acquainted Molley Strong with what you say concerning her going to Docter Hall, she has had two or three returns of her complaint, since you left Haydock, and since that she has had a gathering in her Head and after that got better she had a blister plaster to the back of her ear which she has kept runing for this fortnight so if she has aney more returns she will instantley go to M=r=. Hall. — M=r=. Bratherton has left Newton but I neve heard that he imployed aney hands for aney%thing [^across line^] but to fish some pitts in the Hey Estate. — he has raised Iohn Houghton in his rent and has given

all his other tenants notice to go off and Iohn Houghton has bid him 20 Shillings an Acre more than what it now sets for, for all the land he has in Newton, but this is all hear-say but I belive the most part of it to be true. this Morning we had a %verey sharp frost and it has been a good Day and we have hous'd a good deal of Corn. J am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

Haydock Octo=r=. 12=th=: 82 Sir M=r=. Porter sent young Croft here yester%Day with a %Letter and L 30 in Cash for you I have made bould to take L 15 of the Cash and has made myself D=r=. to you for it. — We have finished housing Corn all but Beans and has begun Sowing Wheat. J am Your Most Hbl{e} Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock Nov=r=. 2=th=.. 82 Sir I this Day receiv'd of Tho=s=. Danson the inclos'd Bill £ 5.5.0 which he cu=d=. not tell what to do with unless you wo'd take it I have enter'd it in my Acco=t=. with you. — Harrison brings with him both the Dogs you mention'd. — The Lambs and Ewes that came Down last are Just in the same way the last years was in and your Shepperd desir'd [^corrected^] I wo'd let him know in time if aney%thing was amiss in that way, which I hope you will send him down. — When you was hear I forgot to mention that house where Old Betty Wood lives in Newton. if somthing is not done at it, it will be down before

winter is over and who must do it you or the town. — Did you think of M=r=. Watt for sope and Candles. — There was yesterday a surveyor of the Windows in Ashton which found in some places more windows open till they shu'=d= have had I can mention a %few of them. M=r=. I. Leech & M=r=. Brounlow 40 Shillings Each. Edmond Taylor Willi=m=.. Jenken Docter Harsnep 20 Shillings Each. J %am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock Nov=r=. 13=th=: 82 Sir I receiv'd by Harrison your letter and L20 which I Judge you intend Tho=s=. Widdows to have one part, I will give him the first time I see him, Shaw Allinson [^corrected^] Purposes being with you on Monday next — The weather is either rain or frost so that we get but sloly on with our Vetch Ground. J am your Most Hble Servt. Ja=s=. Grimshaw [^Direction in different hand^] Mr. Orford Lyme Cheshire {G: legh} [^Postmarked Warrington^]

[^Accounts in different hand omitted^] Haydock Dece=r=. 2=th=.. 1782 Sir as you are coming to Haydock the midle of this Month and it being so near the time of giving Newton Beef [^"wod" crossed out^] wo=d=. you let it be %given while you are at Haydock if you will fix the Day I will have all things in readyness against the time. [^"{Y}" rubbed out^] We have a verey sharp winter and great scarcity of Coal. J am Your Most Hble Ser=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw Haydock Octo=r=. 17=th=.. 1783 Sir I receiv'd yours by Shepperd and I went to Pickton who had not hard a %word of Newton Court he instantley set out and will prepare accordingly, The Ticking you will receave by the bearer, I have paid M=rs=.. Scots, M=rs=.. A. Leghs Bill and brought 4 cakes of Chocolate 2 cakes they sent to Haydock by me when I Paid M=rs=.. Kecks Bill which makes up the 6 that was return'd. — i'll take care to see Jack Southworth about M=rs=.. A. Leghs Chaise. — M=r=. Chelm=y=..came home last night and by what I can hear he looks verey bad and his Cough gets no better, I [^a few letters crossed out^] beleve he gose of soon for Portugal but the time is not fixed. J %am your most [^corrected^] Hble. Serve{n}t Ja=s=. Grimshaw To M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock Dec=r=. 19=th=.. 1783 Sir A %little after James was gone this Morning came Edmond Hart to have sent to you conserning the [^"brig" crossed out^] bridge he mentioned to you in Newton he saw M=r=. Lyon last Wednesday who wished to have a %line from you or M=r=. Legh before the sessions which was the begining of January. M=r=. Ja=s=. Leigh sent for me to meet him the other Day at Newton to see about the repairs of the Old George and to have some talk with Iohn Ashton about removing a %little sooner, but to that he cu'd give no answer till he had seen you who is coming to Lyme some-time in Christmas he asked me not to mention it to aney%body so I wish you wo'd not know of his coming when you see him. J %am Your Most Hble Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme With £104

Haydock Dec=r=. 25=th=: 1783 Sir I am sorry I was not in the way when W=m=.. Taylor came with your letter, I was gone that Day he came to Haydock with [^"shaw" crossed out^] Shaw Allinson to Liverpool and we did not return till Wednesday night, but this Day I have been at Bank-hall and has receiv'd from M=r=. Porter L 84 and 20=£= from Rich=d=. Hunt I have enter'd it in my Acc=t=. but has given them no recets for it — I am sorry to hear that Master is Goutly and Could weather Just setting in. J %am Sir Your Most Hble Ser=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw P.S. I wish you a %merey Christmas but hopes you will keep it at Lyme M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock Janury. 20=th=. 84 Sir W=m=.. Taylor came here last night for letters but there has been no London letters here this ten Days or more but if aney comes of M=r=. Devenports I will send them up [^"{immediatley}" crossed out^] as soon as they come here by a %man on purpose. J am you Most Hble. Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw To M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock Feb=y=. 25=th=: 1784 Sir Yesterday I sent your letter to M=r=. Cooper at Preston, and this Day receiv'd his Answer by the Coachman by word of mouth, that M=r=. Cooper has not the 50 Guines you writ to him about nor has he hard aneything about them before. — I have Examin'd the Old Leases and has found M=r=. Mackeys Counterpart, — I hope you will receive this before Monday and say what must be done. J am your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock May 21=st=: 85 Sir You may make yourself easey about the £20 I found it in the Office which I will give to M=r=. Rigby. — Edward Pickton had sent the inclosd bill to Haydock the Morning you went off, and Ja=s=. Hart bill of Chees you had left I thought it best to send it to you. J am you Most Hbl{e} Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Accounts omitted^]

Sir I have examind the Iron Chest and ^dale^ Box in the Office but can find [^dash rubbed out^] no such deed or bond you mention. — I sent for Shaw Allanson and we Examind them as well as we su'd. J am Your Hble Ser=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw friday 27=th=. 85 [^"May" written above in pencil, probably by the cataloguer^] one oClock — M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock June 11=th=.. 1785 Sir I have been at George Glaves in Kekwick and his Answer was, he belived he had done rong [^corrected^] and shu=d=. not have done what he had but that he saw other folk take such libertys as those, and by what I can l^e^arn M=r=. Byer of Warrington he has cut down all he has and took it of Bark and all I marked a %few for M=r=. Deakin and what bark I found with those I marked comes to £ 7.6.0. Joseph Marsh has been today and sais Joseph Burns is over and want's and sais he will have Money of him before he goes back, I asked Marsh not to give him aney till I hard from you but Marsh thinks Joseph Burns will take the land of him as soon as he can unless you will stand his friend

Just when I had writ the above Joseph Burns [^"{come}" crossed out^] ^came^ here in good humor and said he had brought his Accounts to have settled with you but as you was not at Haydock he hoped you wo'd not expect him to come before Aug=t=. fair at which time he sais he will not fail meeting you, I did not say a %word to him of Marsh speaking to me. J am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire

June 26=th=.. 1785 Sir I yesterday light of M=r=. Ackers who said he had a %bill or two which was of no use to him and wished you wo'd come over I tould him to give them to me and I wo'd send them to you there is three bill £ 47.1.0 which I %will enter in my Account with you. J am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock Aug=t=. 22=th=.. 1785 Sir I receiv'd yours and spurs, Lady Bradshaigh dyed on Saturday the 13=th=. of this Month I saw her Buried Yesterday. I will see M=r=. Chorley and Edw=d=. Pickton about what you mention. if Whaley comes and answers up I will deliver him your Breeches J am Your Most Hble. Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock Aug=t=. 25=th=: 1785 Sir I receiv'd yours, and will on Saturday next send the Biscuits to Dunham as we have neither market-basket, nor Meal-pillion, [^"{as}" crossed out^] we must fetch them from Liverpool in a %basket think it the safest way to send them on the same way, directed for you to be left till you send for them. — I have seen Hannah Rothwell who is verey glad of the offer and is at liberty to come to Lyme aney day you think proper. — Wheat is in the same condition with [^"is" rubbed out^] us as you say it is with you spriting as it stands our wheat will not be fit to cut this fortnight and some of it sprit

there has been great loss in Oats the weather has been so rainey has kept folk from cutting and oats so rip and loos in the head that I think some fields has doble seed lost. — We have had an uncommon accident with us, on Tuesday the 16 of this Month Shaw Allansons son George was at Tho=s=. Edlistons till about 12 oClock at night he was a %little in liquer when he left but has not been seen nor hard of since Shaw has sent all about in the Neighbourhood and is now serching all the Old Coal pits and other places. J am Your Most Hble. Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw Haydock Aug=t=. 27=th=.. 85 Sir You will herewith receive 21 lb~ of Biscuits which I hope will come safe. — Since I writ to you last George Allanson has been found in one of the Old Coal pitts Dead, he had lean there nine Days; Now James Bolton Carpender has had a notice ^from his landlord^ to Quit where he now lives at May next and as George had neither Wife nor Family Bolton think this Estate will be to let Bolton wo'd be glad you wo'd let him have it if it is in your power; Bolton is a %very useful man I hope you will fix it for him J am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford

Haydock Sep=r=. 29=th=.. 1785 Sir As Ja=s=. Allanson was coming to Lyme I thought I wo=d=. give you a %bit of Account of Lady Bradshaig^{h}.^ sail, which was last Monday and Tuesday they sold all Horses and Cows sheep and swine, Corn and Hay, and all things belonging Husbandry. I told you before that the household furniture was left for Lord Balcarres if he chose to take them on the Valuation but on Tuesday Morning they receiv'd a %letter from his Lordship and he will not take one single article so all the furniture is to be sold now verey soon. — Out of curiosity I went to the sail both days, M=r=. Godfrey maniges the whole of the sail

M=r=. Porter never came out of his own house the first day and verey little the second but did not interfere about aney-thing, but is much displeas'd at there goings on. — The supervisor has spoke to M=r=. Hicks about your servents duty what must I say to M=r=. Hicks about it. J am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw PS. I have had no setteling with Edw=d=. Pickton nor will he come here. M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock Octo=r=. 3=th=: 1785 Sir I do not know wheather I am right or rong in sending a %man to you on this Account but hearing the paper read yesterday in Ashton Chappel conserning M=r=. Mas{t}er Gallery, I spoke to M=r=. Leech and told him I wo'd send to you as the time is so short where you will see what M=r=. Leech sath about it. The persons who signs the paper is M=r=. Hornby M=r=. Garton M=r=. Barker M=r=. Lyon and Peter Latham of Ashton M=r=. Edwards has been some time in getting his paper sign'd for not one man in Ashton wo'd sign it but Benj=n=. Lyon and Peter Latham. Pray when do you intend seeing Haydock

Pray send the Bearer back tomorrow for some of the Ashtoners will not be easey till they hear from you. J %am Your most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw I have Just receiv'd yours by Ja=s=. Allanson [^"by" rubbed out^] but the Vinegar is in the Wine Seller if you wo'd bring the Key when you come it might be sent, we have 34 W{o}ather Sheep so shall let you Judge about it your%self if you do not like them coming killed in the Calevan M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^] [^Accounts, probably in different hand, omitted^]

Haydock Octo=r=. 3=th=.. 1785 Sir Just after Harrison was gone of for Lyme a Neighbour of M=r=. Smiths from Burton caul'd here with a %letter directed for you, or me, M=r=. Smith wants to know wheather you will send him a Licence or not; if not ^if^ you will give him a %line he will send you the Greyhound you mentioned to M=r=. Tho=s=. North. J am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock Octo=r=. 17=th=.. 1785 Sir I receiv'd a %letter from our Master when he ordered me to go instantly down to the Coal pitts and write to him to say how they went on with takeing down the Old Engine and building the new one, I have writ to him by the same post I write this, that they have not began to pull down the Old Engine nor to build the new one, and that they do not intend doing it till the spring, I onley writ you this that you might be better prepair'd if he [^"sh{u}" crossed out^] shu=d=. say aney%thing to you about it. J %am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw PS do not say a %word of my writing to you Haydock Nov=r=. 25=th=: 1785 Sir I receiv'd your agreeable letters and 730=£= in Bank bills and a noat which I will do my endeavour to put them as safe as I can in my Close, — I shall set out for Bath this Evening at 5 oClock, I will write to you when I return. — Tho House where Luke Bridge lives wants some repairs in the thatch and slate do you do the repairs or Joseph Burns. J %am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme [^Accounts omitted^]

Haydock Dec=r=. 3=th=: 1785 Sir I receiv'd your Letters and will deliver them as directed. — I got verey well to Bath and paid M=r=. Hall all that was right but as you are coming so soon will than settle every%thing with you I have brought more writings th{e}n can be sent by the bearer but you can order them as you think right M=r=. Richmond desir'd his Compliments [^"to you" crossed out^] to M=rs=. Ann Legh and you the Docter was verey obliging to me and wo'd Gladly have had me to have staid another Day and Dine with him but as the Coaches doth not go regular and I had been so long on the road I thought it best to come of. J %am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire

Haydock Janu=y=.. 1=st=. 1788 Sir I receiv'd your by Jackson and 2 bills £ 20. I have been at M=r=. Foster and Ralph Bate but nothing to be had from them. Cu'd you not put the waggon of a %week longer till saturday the 19=th=.. for [^word rubbed/crossed out^] on the 12=th=. it will be so verey dark and but one week in differance as such will fix for the 19=th=. unless you order it different When M=r=. Masters was here he saw M=r=. Hornby and promised to write to ^him^ soon after he got to London which he has not yet done, M=r=. Hornby asked M=r=. Edwards to get to know of me how he might direct to M=r=. Masters and M=r=. Hornby wo'd write to him

I wish you a happy new Year and am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw P.S. as Old Candlemas day lights on Wednesday the 13=th=. of Feb=y=.. some of your Tennants sais you will receive on the 15 and 16. and some sais you will not receive before the 22 and 23 I mention this that you may let them know which will be the rent day in time. [^In different hand^] 1782 — 13 Feb=y=. Wed. collected 21=st= & 22=d= 1774 — 13 Feb=y=. Wed. d— 18.19.20 ( —15 16 M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock Jan=y=.. 18=th=: 1788 Sir Catharine Cundliffs saile was yesterday, where I acquainted a good maney of your tennants [^corrected^] that you intended receiving rents on the 15 & 16 of next Month. — M=r=. Cloughton brought me the Enclos'd bill £21 and wished me to send it to you. — Willi=m=.. Litherlan{d} wishes you wo'd bring the Leace of Owens in Mill lain Newton the first time you come to Haydock I wish you wo'd say [^corrected^] wheather I must buy aney Cows in now. J %am Your Most Hbl Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw I have not Enterd M=r=. Cloughtons bill M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock Jan=y=.. 26=th=.. 88 Sir I receiv'd yours and on Dec=r=. the 29=th=. I receiv'd a %letter from you saying you had ordered a 20 or 25 Gallon Cask of Rum to be got ready to come by the Waggon, but did not say from where, and the Waggon before you ordered two Casks of Liquors from M=r=. Deakin and I thought the Rum was to have come from ^him^ which was the cause it did not come, as soon as it comes from Liverpool will get Jo^h^nson to ^put^ a casing on it and send it off as soon as posable. J %am Your Most Hbl{e} Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock March 8=th=. 1788 Sir I forgot when you was here to ask you how you wo'd heve the Potatoes sent that M=r=. Porter has sent here they are directed for M=r=. Tomson of Stockport. Shaw Allanson has been at me to know if I had given Docter Ackers leaf to fetch dale balk from Florada for building of a %room at Newton, which the Docter never spoke to me about nor do I know aneything about it. he has taken six good balk Shaw wished I wo'd write to you to know if you had given it him. J %am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock March 19=th=. 1788 Sir I receiv'd yours, and has examined Willi=m=.. Hills Lease and his rent is now £ 10..10 and before he had the whole of the field it was £ 6..6.0 In Nov=r=. 1784 I receiv'd from W=m=.. two years rent for 1780 and 1781. £ 12..12 and this day I have receiv'd £ 18..18..0 three years rent for 1782. 1783 and 1784 he enter'd on the whole of the field Candlemas 1786 so by this you will see how his Arrears stands for there is one years rent unpaid of £ 6..6. and two years rent of £ 10..10 {P~}. [^In red, probably different hand: 18^] Docter Ackers was not well pleas'd when I spoke to him about the timber he has sent Rob=t=. Pickton to Warrington and has cut down Poplars that growed on M=r=. Leghs land without speaking to aney%body

but I asked him not to fetch them of till he had orders. Molly asked me to ["rem{i}nd" crossed out^] remind you of some Linnen you was to send here. I will fix to meet with the Waggons on [^"Saturd{y}" crossed out^] Saturday the 29=th=.. Ins=t=. J %am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw [^Accounts, probably in different hand(s), omitted^] M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock March 31=st=. 88 Sir Edw=d=. Pairpoint has broug^ht^ here a %years rent £ 68 the enclos'd bill £ 29 he wishes you wo'd take and what he is in arrears for 1786 he will settle with you. We go verey well on with our Plowing shall finish in 3 or 4 Days. J %am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock May 22=th=. 1788 Sir I went to see the building on Goos-green and find they have come verey little on the wast so did not say aney%thing to them it is Willi=m=.. Faremonds Brother that is building. — Gaskell had took a %house that morning you spoke to him in Ashton before you saw him. J %am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme [^Different hand in pencil along side of paper^] Hats to %be %sent %for

Haydock May 30=th=: 1788 Sir I receiv'd your with Edw=d=. Pairpoints bill which I took him the Day I receiv'd it Jackson has done what he cu'd to have got Fish this two Days but has catched nothing. Iohn Burchal is Constable for Haydock and Thursday next is the Day they are to make there returns of ["sev" crossed out^] servants, Carts and saddle horses which he wishes you wo'd send him down by that Day. — They have cut down two trees near Haydock to make Engine Beam Heads for the Old Beam broak a %week since. we have had some verey fine rain. J %am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock June 1=st=. 1788 Dear Sir I %receiv'd your by the Wag^g^on, and you fix to meet with the Waggons on [^"Sat{urdy}" crossed out^] Saturday the 14=th=. Ins=t=. and if you will have them to meet then we have nothing to send you, the Engine arch head will not be wanded as they are prepar'd with arch heads before this you have sent came here, — And by that time Haying will be near at Hand and you will have our Waggon at Lyme, I cu'd wish you wo'd give me a %line if we must meet at that time I think you had better put it of a little longer. M=r=. Whallworth came here last night to tell me that Gaskell is not for leaving the White Lion till Aug=t=.; he sais he can then stay on by paying to the Sherrif 1½ Guinea, he has given up the house he had took I have fixed with M=r=. Whallworth not to put the roof on while he

stais in the house I will take care Iohn and Rich=d=. goes to the boat on ffriday the 13=th=. J %am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock June 9=th=.. 1788 Dear Sir As you did not give an Answe{r} to my last letter I Judge you give up coming with the Waggon. I bel{^*^i}ve Gaskell has took another house but is not gone to it, M=r=. Wallworth is gone to where M=r=. Harford was. I %am sorrey to tell you that M=r=. Iohn Leech was took verey bad on Saturday last Docter Orford and Harsnipe has a %poor [^word crossed out^] heart of him the Physician is a M=r=. Plumb from Warrington he has no great opinion of him I will let you know more of him by Iohn & Richard on ffriday next, and if I get aney Money I will send it by your son Iohn then I do not here when the Engine Beam is to be put up. if we have no rain in a day or two we shall be obliged to begin Mowing Clover. J %am Your Most Humble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw Haydock June 13=th=: 1788 Dear Sir I receiv'd from M=r=. Dobson £ 35 out of it I have sent you 30 Guineas by your sons. M=r=. Roby begins school again on Thursday the 3=th=. of July at which time he expects and wishes you to send Richard, he bid me to tell you he thought the time to long. M=r=. Leech Dyed on Wednesday last he is to be buryed [^corrected^] tomorrow morning. J am your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford

Haydock July 25=th=: 1788 Dear Sir This Day a %man is begun to attend the gate at Golborn dale. This week Jackson has got too little fish; and too meney Hares but two of the Hares was killed by one of the Mowers after the other was killed I can get you no Cash Boardman of Bradley is verey sorrey he cannot [^"{asist}" crossed out^] assist you. — One good Day will finish our hay. J %am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw [^Note in different hand on other page: "Bottle of Oils for piles"^] M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock Octo=r=. 6=th=.. 1788 Dear Sir M=r=. Ja=s=. Wright wished me to send you the Enclosd bill of £ 30 I have enter'd it in my Book. The weather is verey wet indeed. M=r=. Ja=s=. Smith of Ashton is verey badley I beleive not much hopes of his recoverey. J %am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford

Haydock Nov=r=. 12=th=. 1788 Dear Sir The Inclos'd is Edw=d=. Pairpoints Acc=t=. of Leys. — I have sent my book and your scales by M=rs=.. Taylor. I receiv'd you letter last night by M=rs=.. Orford and sent Captain Legh his letter and parcel as soon as receiv'd. I will see to the Glass house about the bottles you mention. I will see that your wine come on Saturday next. We have Empty Hh=d=. but they are Old and not fit to send. You have sent no Hops we shall miss this fine bruing weather. J %am your Mos=tt= Hble Se=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw [^Note, probably in Orford's hand^] Rob=t=. paid me 5.5.0 for Grimshaw [^Accounts on next page omitted^] M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock Nov=r=. 27=th=. 88 Dear Sir I receiv'd yours with the Stockings. — We cannot meet your Waggon on Saturday next the weather has been so fine the men has been out Ditching, but will fix with you when you come over next Wednesday, if we had a %load ready the next Saturday wo'd be verey dark Moon. J am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock Dec=r=. 12=th=. 88 Dear Sir I have sent you the Sadlers bills, and the Leaces you ordered, M=r=. Robys School ends on the 20 M=r=. Prince on the 24, I will take care of Rich=d=. till you send for both. — M=r=. Ja=s=. Wright has his Meal and Wheat by him and can send you nothing. J %an your Most Hbl{e} Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw P.S. M=r=. Roby asked me if you wo=d=. pay Rich=d=. a %years schooling due the 26 Ins=t=. which I tould him I wo,d pay on the 24 if you think wright M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock Dec=r=. 16=th=.. 1788 Dear. Sir Joshua Smith brought here this Night ten Guineas for you Which I have sent by the bearer. I have sent the book back you sent by the Waggon, it is a %book you have ruled for your own purpose. J am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock Dec=r=. 24=th=. 88 Dear Sir You will receive by the Bearer £ 40 I receiv'd of M=r=. Boardman of Bradley and £ 11 from Joseph Marsh which I have Enterd in my book. M=r=. Wright has nothing for you. I have been this Day at M=r=. Woodcock and M=rs=.. H{o}dkinson but has receiv'd nothing from them; M=r=. Woodcock sais you fixt for Newyes Day with him; M=rs=- Hodkinson Said she cu'd not pay then and you had not given her the Leace, I tould them both you wo'd be with them on the 6 of January J %am your Most Hbl{e} Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw

I have given H{un}s-man 8 Guineas M=r=. Orford Lyme

Warrington Jan=y=.. 7=th=. 1789 Dear Sir I have receiv'd from M=r=. Ja=s=. Wright £20 which I have sent by Knowles there is two Guineas too light they are the best I cu,d pick out of six he forceed me to take them to make up the £ 20 I have been at M=rs=.. Hodgkinson and M=r=. Woodcock but can get nothing but promises of neither of them. — I shu=d=. be glad to here from you a %good account of M=r=. Legh. J am your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock Jan=y=.. 16=th=. 1789 Dear Sir I went to M=r=. Woodcock, he had companey with him in the house I did not see him he sent me word he cu'd not give me aneythinge. I sent to Bank and has got M=r=. Hunts rents 20..16..6 and M=r=. Dobson sent £ 35 which I have sent by the Waggon in a %small Box with some Books that M=rs=.. Bankes sent here I have entered the money in my book. I have sent you the book back you sent for me it is not the same sise of the other I have; [^"I" rubbed out^] there is a paper in it the sise of this I have. after a painful ride I hope you got well home. J %am your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

{H}aydock Jan=y=.. 31=st=. 1789 Dear Sir I receiv'd yours, and will meet your Waggon as usual on Saturday the 7 of Feb=y=.. with Potatoes. I receiv'd from M=r=. Woodcock £44..5..6 but verey unpleasing to myself, he blamed me for the letter you had sent him saying I had set him forth in such a %light to you that Displeas'd him much; I hope you will not ask me to go to him again for Money for I think I shall refuse going. J %am Your Most Hbl{e} Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme With a parcel

Haydock Feb=y=.. 6=th=. 1789 Dear Sir You will receive by the Bearer £44.5.6 which I have enter'd in my book — Young Clayton of Burtonwood asked me to Mention a Leace to you which he expects you to bring at Candl{e}mas. J %am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^] [^"Grimshaw" in diferent hand^]

Haydock March 17=th=.. 1789 Dear Sir Ja=s=. Hall has got a %place to go to in Manchester but he is to bring a Corrector from his last place Ja=s=. wishes you wo'd give a few lines as soon as posable. Your writing to M=r=. Buller caus'd him to bring up the Saddler to Haydock and we talked over that bill of Saddlers in 1785 I tould M=r=. Buller and Saddler those hides did not come to Haydock M=r=. Buller said he wo'd swear they was ordered from him and to be put to M=r=. Legh and that was all that was done about it. — M=r=. Buller wo'd have settled his bill with me but the Saddler has got Leather from him as much as comes to £ 37— so that was

put of to Newton April C{o}urt the Saddler promises to pay you then £ 37 in Cash. I think I did not mention to you my Liverpool Jorney I paid M=r=. Newsham his bill £ 148..12..6 and M=r=. Lawson for rum & Brandy £ 20..7..6. J %am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock March 24=th=. 1789 Dear Sir M=r=. Willi=m=.. Farrimond of Pemberton has took a piece of ground in, from Goose-green some part of it is old marl pit and brick pits but all togather I think is about a %Quarter of an Acre; he came to Haydock to ask me to come and look at it which I did, at the same time I saw M=r=. Mulinex of Hauckley and he wanted to take a %piece in that lies to his field it is more than a %Quarter of an Acre I tould him I wo'd write to you and give him an Answer soon he said he wo'd be willing to ^pay^ M=r=. Legh a reasonable cheif rent. — There is a M=r=. Farrar in Billinge that is a Bleacher of Cloath and yarn he wants to take in about 20 peches near Billinge-slak for benefit of some water that runs there he saise he can have all the others consent if he can have M=r=. Leghs he is willing to pay a %cheif rent

M=r=. Ackers asked me to let M=r=. Marsden know he had got a Lay for the Colt he spoke to Shepperd about. — I had no bill of parcels with the Wine and &c. from Liverpool. — I have Just now receiv'd a %line from M=r=. Marsden saying that he wants Wheat if you will be so good to let him know we will meet [^one or two words crossed out^] ^at^ Dunham on Saturday the 4=th=. of April. — Little Iohn Lowe of Lowton Hanged himself last Week. J %am Your Most Hble Servent Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock April 9=th=. 1789 Dear Sir I have Just now got Edw=d=. Pickton Account of Newton fairs in 1788 May fair Tolls.............0..10..11½ Expences at May fair.......0..10..4 Aug=t=. fair Tolls.........3..10..10 Expences at Aug=t=. fair...1..3..6 I have receiv'd of M=r=. Ja=s=. Wright £24 with ^the^ Enclos'd bill, I have sent you. £15..4..0 We have Harrowed about 6 Acres but has stoped again. J %am your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw

P.S. it is time you used to take the Sheep out of the Mains and they are grown so mischeefus and so maney complain of them I wish you wo'd let them be fetched to Lyme M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock April 13=th=. 1789 Dear Sir I receiv'd yours, and am sorrey I was gone to Bank, when you was here last time you bid me to attend M=r=. Porters rent Day and hereing nothing from you to stop me I thought you intended me going, but his rent Day is put of till this Day and M=r=. Porter will come to Lyme himself [^corrected^]. M=r=. Rigby will return from Liverpool on Friday next the 17 and he will return from Northwich on Thursday the 23. J am your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock May 17=th=. 1789 Dear Sir I receiv'd yours time enough to send M=r=. Wairing his letter this afternoon I will see Hun^t^sman, and [^"I" rubbed out^] if I get aneything of M=r=. Boardman or M=r=. Wright I will let you know. I have not spoke a %word to Docter Ackers since Easter Monday and we was then good friends; but Tuesday last was the Day of taking Cows into the Mains where I attended and M=r=. Ackers sent his servent Woman with his Cow; she said our Master will send his Mare and Colt soon, and I said if he wo'd not send his horse he shu'd not put in his Mare and Colt and bid M=r=. Bayley to put them in the Pinfold if they was put in the Mains, where in about an hour I receiv'd

the Enclosd Letter, the Docter puts his Horse thet he rides on the Dean Moor, but that is nothing to me if M=r=. Legh ^my Master [^different hand?^]^ consent for the Mare she shall go; the Mains is over stoe'd this year. Holding is to be Married tomorrow. J %am your Most Hble Servt. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock May 24=th=. 89 Dear Sir I receiv'd yours on the 17=th=. and am sorrey you did not writ sooner [^"sooner" crossed out^] as I cu=d=. have sent you Asparagus and wo=d=. rather have sent it till not. Edw=d=. Pairpoint is now the over%seer of the poor of Golborn and he wished me to tell you they was going to tax your Coal works on the Edg-green. Widdow Farest was Buryed yesterday and her Son Tho=s=. came into the house as soon as she was ded and takes all, you promised to let Betty have the little end and Garden I wish you wo,d stand her friend now as she has a %little Child and cannot go to servise. Tho=s=. Dobson sent this Morning £35 which I have entered in my book and sent by the bearer.

I am glad to here you are getting better and hope to see you soon at Haydock. J %am your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock June 7=th=. 1789 Dear Sir I receiv'd your, and has sent M=rs=.. Clayton word about her Lease, and has told W=m=.. Wilson. I have looked into M=r=. Masters Iron Chest and think I have found the purchase Deed you mention. Codnor was purchased by Sir Strensham Master of Sir Rich=d=. Neile in 1692 {f}or £7400 there is two Parchments both signed by Sir Rich=d=. Neile to Strensham Master for ever paying one pepper corne {p~} year if the same be lawfully demanded. J am your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock June 18=th=. 1789 Dear Sir As to Edge Green Coal work I can say little about I belive the measure to be verey large. — And M=r=. Cruchley offers his Coal at 2=d=. {P~} hundred but yours are more till that, but you know Shaw will be master. — I hope to hear of your getting better so as you will be able to see Haydock in a short time. — I want to ask you a %bit of advice M=r=. Pinkerton of Wigan has owed me £13 going of 8 Years and has never paid aney Intrest, there is two years Seeds bill oweing to him £3..13.1 he sent his son here for it about 3 Weeks since but I did not pay it; his Creaditers are now looking into his affers and he and two of his Neighbours are now at London

I wish you wo'd say wheather I can stop in that £ 3..13.1 or not. I hope to see you before longe at Haydock And am your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock July 10=th=. 1789 Dear Sir Richard got here verey well and will take him to Wigan this Day. — I am sorry to here of the death of Mis=s=. Legh, I will see that the Vault in Winwick Church is in readyness and have 8 persons in readyness to carry the body to the Vault. — You say you will write again before Monday if you wo'd have aneybody to meet you on the road you will mention it, and the time you wo'd have the bell set awoing at Winwick. J %am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw

The 8 persons I think of asking to Carry is Iohn Birchall W=m=.. Holding Tho=s=. Edleston Iohn Taylor Peers Naylor Henry Boardman Ja=s=. Boardman Iohn Jackson M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock July 14=th=. 89 Dear Sir The enclos'd is a Coppy of the expences of Miss Leghs funeral at Winwick, which I [^"thing" crossed out^] think you will think too muck, but it was as little as I cu'd get of for, I thought it wo'd be wright to give a %little in everey room there was companey in, and it was run up to the Expence you see in a %verey short time, I have enter'd it in my book. J am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock Aug=t=. 21=st=. 1789 Dear Sir I have sent you the scales you mention but not Clean'd the man has not his shop and tools fix't as yet, in a %few weeks he will be glad to oblige you. I have sent you the half load of Wheat you spoke obout the Miller I think has took too much Bran out but I charged him not to do it. — Rich=d=. and Molley return'd from Liverpool last night Rich=d=. has bathed five times and agrees with him verey well wo'd you have him to go again. J am your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw

P.S. I have wrot to Master to let him know we have begun Shearing M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^] [^Accounts in different hand omitted^] [^Notes in pencil in different hand omitted^]

Haydock Sep=r=. 19=th=. 1789 Dear Sir On Saturday next the 26 Ins=t=. we will meet your Waggon at Dunham with Wheat. Have you heard that Shaw Allanson is leaving your Coalworks he is going to the new Coal-work at Ashtons-green I think you had better come to Haydock for Shaw is coming to Lyme next Saturday and he sais he will see M=r=. Legh but you are the best Judge in that I wo'd not have you let him know that I spoke to you about it. I have spoke to M=r=. Cloughton about his seat in Ashton Chappel but he will not part with it. I am your Hble Serve=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme [^Scribbles in different hand omitted^]

Haydock Sep=r=. 25=th=. 1789 Dear Sir M=r=. Ja=s=. Leigh has let you know what has been done with M=rs=.. Friths tennant that what is sould is short of her rents and this Morning M=r=. Leigh sent for me to his house he sais that other persons is for taking what is left M=r=. Leigh sais that after Tuesday half a %yea{rs} rent is due and he has promised before two witnesses that M=rs=.. Friths rent shu'd be paid, M=r=. Leigh thinks it wright that an Inventory of his goods shu'd be took on M=rs=. Friths Acc=t=. but he wished I wo'd write to you fi^r^st and to have your Answer by tuesdey.

I have spoke to Jackson about his shooting too near the Captins he sais he has not booked {f}or partridge nor fiered a gun on that [^word crossed out^] side the turnpick road from Newton to Haydock toward{s} Golborn nor been in Golborn but once in Ja=s=. Wrights Ground. J am Your Mos=t= Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock Octo=r=. 4=th=. 1789 Dear Sir I receiv'd yours yesterday but Molley cu'd not get the Almond paste made to send by Shaw. — we have not bewed aney nor have we aney hops. — I have got your Glass decanters and will send them the ^first^ opertun^i^ty. Your son Rich=d=. is verey well. J am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock March 2=th=. 1790 Dear Sir I am sorrey to here you say you are not so well as when you was here. — I will fix to meet with the waggons on Saturday the 14 Ins=t=. for fere of being disapointed at Liverpool and will load out with Potatoes. — I will see Boardman of Bradley before longe and will let you know how his book stands. — Iohn Birchall sais his soninlaw must be sould up and wish I wo'd be at the sail and receive the rent that is due wo'd you have me to do so if it so happens. J %am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock March 4=th=. 1790 Dear Sir Docter Orford is now leaving Ashton and going to live in Warrington his seat in Ashton Chapel will be sould it is a good seat; when he bought it he gave 18 Guineas for it he has put cushions and stools to kneel on so that he sais it shu'd take him 20 Guineas, I have asked him not to part with it till I had spoke to him again, now if you wo'd have me to buy it for the purpose you was wanting one for give me your orders and I can have it. — I wish you wo'd send Henry Boardmans lease or you will have him up at Lyme. J %am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock July 2=th=. 1790 Dear Sir You will receive by this Waggon the Money I receiv'd from Liverpool 8 bills Value £ 179..3.0 and Cash £ 100..17-0 and a bill I receiv'd of M=r=. Henry Worsley £ 9..15.0 which makes £ 289.15.0 the bills that are indors'd by Steph=n=.. Waterworth is the person that paid me M=r=. Dales Money; I can assist M=r=. Rigby with Cash from Edge-green. — I receiv'd yours conserning Iohn Rattliffe, I am verey shure you had no wine from M=r=. Bayleys on aney Account but the Glasses you mention in the Celler. Iohn Rattliffe tould me that the wine he had returned from the Court House was not his own bottles I tould him he was ronge in saying what he did and so I think yet. — I have sent about M=rs=.. Hancocks Boxes and there is no boxes come for her. — Molley sends 12 bottles of Vinegar. — We have this Day had the vilantest storm of rain and hale I ever seed; attended with Lightening and Thunder the Lightning killed us two Cows Just by the corner of the Garden; which I leave to you to aquant M=r=. Legh of. — J am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw P.S the Cash and bills I have entered in my book and you will find them in a %box directed for you with Tea and Coffey

M=r=. Maire has sent to me to know the Expence of the Election which I will send him the account as followes Iohn Rattliffe brought his bill sealed up I asked him what it was he said it was £ 73..1..2 M=r=. Bayley — — 54..3..5 Iohn Rattliffe — —7 3..1..2 Iohn Houghton bell 5.0.0 Ja=s=. Fitchett Mill stone — 5.0.0 Ja=s=. Pilling Boling green 5.0.0 Joseph Longshaw blue Lyon 5.0.0 Ja=s=. Hamer Bull — 5.0.0 Sarah Unsworth red Lyon 5.0.0 Henry Lawson Hand & baner 5.0.0 Iohn Gaskell White Lyon 5.0.0 I have not paid but shall mention to M=r=. Maire Henry Forshaw Oak tree 5.0.0 Marcus {N}aylor Common — 5.0.0 W=m=.. Lawson D=o=. — 5.0.0 Iohn Dean Golborn Dale 5.0.0 Expence of the writs — 5.5.0 192..9..7 M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock July 6=th=. 1790 Dear Sir I receiv'd your, and am sorry you have not opened the Box where you will find M=r=. Bayleys & Rattliffs Election bills M=r=. Bayleys Bottles are wright in Count but the Brandy and Rum I think high charged, the Colliers high Charged for Eating. The Quantity of Beer is [^corrected^] wright. Now as you want the bill Moneyed different you have the true acc=t=. of Bottles and I wo=d=, rather you wo'd do it your%self for I have had some words with M=r=. & M=rs=.. Bayley about it. Iohn Rattliffs Bill came to me sealed up but I can bel you what Liquer was given out by your Brother, but if you alow Iohn Rattliffe no [^corrected?^] more than [^corrected^] 2/6 {P~} Gentleman for Dinner he will be a %great loosser but that you know the best. — The Rakes I forgot to send but will send them tomorrow, we have begun Mowing but bad hay weather. J %am Your Most Hb{e} Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw

Liquer Deliverd out by M=r=. Orford at the Election June 21 Courthouse For Servents &c. Red port 3 Doz. Rum — 4 Gallands White D=o=. 16 Bottles Brandy — — 2 D=o=. Cyder — — 2 Doz. Holands — — 2 D=o=. Lomons — — 2 Doz. Cyder — — 2 Doz. Rum — — 2 Bottles Lemons — — 4 Doz. Brandy — — 2 Bottles Sugar — — 7½ lb Ale & porter 21 Gall. Cakes — — 80 Ale & Porter — 38 Gallands Dinners — — 42 Punch — — — 2=s=.6=d= M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^] [^Accounts, probably in different hand, omitted^]

Haydock July 15=th=. 1790 Dear Sir Henry Houghton [^word crossed out^] ot{h}. Fir owes M=r=. Hill the Brewer near £70 Henry came to me and said M=r=. Hill had sent for him and was verey angrey and insisted of Henry giving up his Lease and House and M=r=. Hill wo'd put a %tennant in and forgive Henry the debt I have ordered Henry not to give up possession of neither House nor Lease the (Lease I have) till I hard from you, I think he cu'd not put a %tennant in against your will but if M=r=. ^Hill^ gets a person into the House it might be some trouble to get him out Henry offers to pay M=r=. Hill £ 5 a %year till the debt is paid M=r=. Hill said he wo'd either have the House his term out or he wo'd send Henry to Lancester I cu'd wish a %letter from you. J %am your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock July 17=th=. 1790 Dear Sir Molley wished I wo'd write to you about going to the salt water she has her old complant coming in her face and the Docter advises her to go, Monday the 26 is the time of high water if you wo'd send Richard to Haydock to be here on Saturday the 24 she wo'd be glad to take him with her, Meals is the place she intends going to. J am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme [^Scribbles and accounts omitted^]

Haydock July 25=th=. 1790 Dear Sir I have receiv'd the two bills Value £ 71..13.0 which I will pay as you have ordered and enter them in my book. Richard and Molley are gone to Liverpool in%stead of Meals. — We shall finish Mowing tomorrow the weather has been verey raney but cold. You say nothing about what I writ to you of Henry Houghton of Fir. J am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^] [^Accounts omitted^]

Haydock July 29=th=. 1790 Dear Sir We have this Day finished our hay and verey good and a %deal of it. Richard and Molley both returned safe and well last night from Liverpool. I have writ to M=r=. Legh to let him know we have finished hay. J am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock Aug=t=. 26=th=. 1790 Dear Sir I went to Liverpool last Tuesday with the Waggon and took the iron Chest filled with Corks I saw M=r=. Drinkwater who tould me the Vessell was not sailed but was expected in a few days I went to M=r=. Edden to forward him with the Glasses. I will fix to meet with the Wine on Saturday the 4=th= of September for we have nothing to load out with. I will get ^the^ Auger bit and chesels you m{e}ntion for M=r=. Masters as soon as posable. — M=r=. Bayley has not yet been up at Haydock to settle his bills his Election bill is . . . . . . . 53..2..11 Iohn Houghton Bell . . . . . . 5..0..0 Ja=s=. Fitchett Mill stone . . 5..0..0 Ja=s=. Pilling Boling-green . . 5..0..0 Joseph Longshaw Blew Lyon . . . 5..0..0 Ja=s=. Hamer Black bull . . . . 5..0..0 Sarah Unsworth Red Lyon . . . . 5..0..0 Henry Lawson Hand & banner . . 5..0..0

Iohn Gaskell White Lyon . . . . . . 5..0..0 Henry Forshaw Oak tree . . . . . . . 5..0..0 Iohn Dean Bull head Golborn Deal . . 5..0..0 W=m=.. Lawson O'th Common . . . . . 5..0..0 Marcus Naylor Pide Bull . . . . . . 5..0..0 P.S. M=rs=.. Banks Book binder Warrington was Buryed last Saturday after three days illness J am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington?^]

Haydock Aug=t=. 28=th=. 1790 Dear Sir I gave the Acc=t=. of M=rs=.. Bolds Lords rents due to you to M=r=. Travis he [^"aquai" crossed out^] aquainted M=rs=.. Bold with it, she doth not refuse paying it but wishes to know what she pays that for in Warrington as she has no land there, and at the same time she wants to know what you pay her that money for she receives from you, M=r=. Hage is in so poor Steat of Health he cannot answer those things. — If you write to me I promis'd to let M=r=. Travis know. — Molley wishes you wo'd send the man that burns Charcole as we have verey little and winter coming on. J am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw [^Accounts on different page, probably in different hand, omitted^] M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire

Haydock Sep=r=. 18=th=. 1790 Dear Sir The enclos'd is a %bill I receiv'd of M=r=. Iohn Worsley he said he owed you £ 25 so I gave him £ 29..14 in Cash and shall enter it in my book. Coals goes of verey poorly at Edge-green and [^word crossed out^] slower at Haydock. We have finished shearing but hous'd little but the weather is now better. I have spoke to Iohn Astley to Make some alteration at Edge-green as there is but seven men to get Coal and they are seven men on the brow what is your opinion of it. M=r=. Bayley has sould his Cottages in Mill lain Newton to Iohn Hall Peter Halls brother school Master at Ashton Hall wishes to know if you will except him tenant; he wishes to fill up the Lease as there is but one life in the Cottages. J am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw [^Note in different hand^] Wheat Sugar {Br}oom M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Haydock Sep=r=. 25=th=.. 1790 Dear Sir I receiv'd yours by Cottrill but it will not be in our power to meet with wheat so soon as you fix we have finished housing Oats this night and shall be obliged to thrash some oats before we can thrash aney Wheat but will let you know as soon as we have aney Wheat ready. — I will see M=r=. Sharlock about the Sugar you mention and will then let you know about Miss. Banks. No Mushrooms this year. I can assist you with Onions and Celery but no Cucumbers. J am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire With a percel from Miss Banks

Haydock Octo=r=. 4=th=. 1790 Dear Sir I have seen Mis=s=. Banks and she continues the same shop and Tea business that her Mother did, and is sorry she has not writ to you, but hopes you will give your order as before. I have seen M=r=. Sharlock about sugar he has about 0=C{ov=t=.}=..3=Q=rs..==..0=lb~= which he is seling at 6=d=. P~ lb~. and he sais he cannot buy the next [^word crossed out^] under 6½ I asked him not to sell aney more till I hard from you. We cannot meet with the wagon before Saturday the 16=th=. Ins=t=. with Wheat. — At the same time will send you some Broom Ashes. — We have no Hops here Cu=d=. not you send some by the Wagon. J %am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw [^Direction in different hand^] M=r=. Orford

Haydock Dec=r=. 21=st=. 1790 Dear Sir I have this Day been at Winwick to see Rich=d=. and found him much better he came down [^corrected^] into the Kitchen to speak to me and is verey well for the time since he began to mend. I spok to M=r=. Prince of Rich=d=. going from Winwick to%wards the latter end of this week he said it wo'd be verey unprudent to offer to take him from there till he had been out in the [^word crossed out^] air and got a %little hardened. I will wr^i^te ^to you^ this week to say when he will be able to come home or to Haydock if he continues mending which I hope there is no danger. I have seen M=r=. Boardman of Bradley this Day he promises to get you some Cash in a %few days which I will send you by Rich=d=. and at the same time will send you my Book and Vouchers for the Waggon but got home this Night.

I will gett M=r=. Bayley up and settle with him but at present he is not well. — I have paid Golborn folks 50 Guineas I did not know that you had paid them 50 till after [^word crossed out^] and has paid for lin Cloth to Newton £ 13..17.0. J %am Your Most Hble Serv=t=. Ja=s=. Grimshaw M=r=. R. Orford at Lyme in Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Leigh 17 Iuly 1785. Dear Sir, You make me very happy by informing Me M=r=. Legh continues so well. J have only just rec=d=. your Letter this Morning, consequently it came too late to prevent my sending out the Draughts as usual on Friday last. I shall therefore omit sending them next Week, & the Week after send them again as usual, unless I have a line to the contrary, & %am D=r=. sir, y=r=. most obliged hum. Serv=t=. R Guest To M=r=. Orford at Haydock — near Warrington Lancashire

S=t=. Margar{e}t Street Westm=r=. Mar: 18=th=. 1774 Sir. I trouble you with this Letter to acquaint you that I shall have no Occasion for M=r=. Leghs Mon~y during my stay here. We have fixt upon the first Week in May for our return to Bewsey, and if the week following will be convenient to you to let me have it, you will greatly oblige Y=r=. most h~ble Servant Rob=t=. Gwillym M=r=. Orford Haydock [^Postmarked Warrington?^]

M=r=. Orford. I am under a Necessity of troubling you to desire y=e= remainder of M=r=. Leghs Money, left unpaid by M=r=. Rigby so long ago as Aug=t=. last; and as another Quarter Annuity was due in October, I sh=d=. be greatly obligd to M=r=. Legh if he woud let me have it at y=e= Same time; being much pressd for Cash, thro' a long Series of ill Health, as well as other Necessary Calls. If M=r=. Legh is at Haydock, I beg you will acquaint Him with this Request, together with my respectfull Compliments, from Your Most obed=t=. Servant Rob=t=. Gwillym Bewsey Nov=r=. 26=th=. (77) P.S. I sh=d=. be glad of my Copy of y=r=. rec=t= Book, m=r=. Rigby took back with him to get properly filld up. — To M=r=. Rich=(_d_)=. Orford Lime

M=r=. Rich=(_d_)=. Orford Macclesfield 28. Sep=t=. 72 Sir J rec=d=. your favour & am Oblig=(_d_)=. to you for Writeing to me about Walter Worrall who is not at Liberty for he is my hired Serv=t=. till Jan=(_ry_)=. y=e=. 21. 1774. if he was at Liberty J don=t=. think he knows any%thing of {B}akeing but as he is my Serv=t=. J Shold be glad you wold not Encorage him & you=l=. Oblige — S=(_r_)=. Y=r=. most Hble S{*...} [^torn off^] David Hall M=r=. Orford at Lyme.

Dear Sir, J am favour'd with y=rs=, and if the young Man will be here next Monday but One, I will take Care to admitt Him a Patient. I hope {'}ere long M=rs=. Orford will find the good Effects of her Medicine{s}. In haste I am y=rs=. Sincerely Ed. Hall. Oct. 4=th=. 1777 To M=r=. Orford, at Lyme

Dear Sir Had not an hasty Call from Home prevented me from acknowledging the Receipt of your Letter, I would have done it, by the Post. The Parcell c{o}me s{a}fe, and Everything right. — My Father is gone to Atherton, to see the Children, but expect Him back every Moment. I am y=rs=. very Sincerely Edw=d=. Hall Thursday Noon M=r= Orford at Lyme

Dear Sir Give me leave to trouble ^yo{u}^, with This to know whether it would be convenient to drive the Staggs [^corrected^] next Monday Morning. The Officers of the Inniskilling Regiment purpose being at Lyme that Morning if you can inform me in the Meantime; and they would order a Dinner at Disley afterwards. I am very sincerely y=rs=: Ed: Hall Monday Noon Iuly 30=th=. 1787 To M=r= Orford Lime Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Newton 1783 Dec=r= 16 M=r= Orford I %am a%Shamed to write thes few Lines Concerning the mischefe they tould you of when you was at Newton and I have bee at Captaine Leigh at golbourn Parks a%bout it and I am Sorrey that my Brother is Concerned in it {f}or Hee his Prentice to mee and as tow yeares and half to Serve mee and if this a%Faire Cannot mee maid up I Shall bee a great Sufferer By him hee is for Leaving the Cuntry the Last of is time is the most Bennefit to mee and Captaine Leigh tell mee it Lies in you Faiv{i}our to Stop it and hee told mee hee should Come to Lime Next weeck and See you I Shall take it as a great faiv{i}our {*...}m [^torn off^] you I am Your Hum=ble= Servant Henry Ha{ll} Mill Lane M=r=, Orford Lyme near Dishley

Sir The Person who receives your Lett=rs=. from this Office dont remit the money. properly, that is charge'd to him he seldom sends the whole — but little at a time, which is not worth notice to keep an account of, have sent to him several times but he takes no no%tice [^across line break^] of it — hope Sir you'l be kind to redress it J am Y=r=. Most Ob=t=. Serv=t=. James Hall Clerk Buxton Hall Nov{b}=r=. 3=d= 1781 — M=r=. Orford Lyme (_Hall_)

Post Office Buxton. March. 12. 1787 — The South Post comes in. at 12 oClock noon Goes out. at {½} past. One afternoon The Liverpool (or North Post.) through Macclesfie{'}d Comes in — at {½} past Ten. forenoon Goes out. at — Two — in the Afternoon [^corrected^] I %Hall P:S: The above every Day — M=r= orford

London May 13=th=. 79 Sr I Recvd your favour of y=e= 11 of Aprl and as I am not Shewr of Staying in Town but one week Longer I hope you will not Disapoint me as I Shall be glad to Setle it before I L^e^ave Town I flater my%Selfe you will be glad to ^hear^ I have got a good place which I hope I have as the person whom I am to Suckceed have Lived in it 20 years it is with a Sr Ioh=n= Dyke [^"{L}" rubbed out^] a Large family 20 mills from London beg the favour to give M=rs= Legh the inclosed beg my Respcts to M=rs= orford & famle^y^ I am Sr your veri Humb=l= Sr=nt= M Hall To M=r=: Orford at Lyme with £41.19.7

Dear Sir J am much obliged %to you for your kind offer to %pay Ma=r=. Bagshaws Bill to M=r= Worthington — I have by your Neighbor (who I %think says his name %is Tho=s=. Torkington) sent %you £41.19.7. the amount of the within Bill which J %desire you will %pay M=r= Worthington when %you go next into Lancashire — you will %please to %take his R{ecei}pt on the Inclosed Bill as paid by me ^& send it me^ and %favor me %with a Line by the return of the Post you %have Re{cei}ved %y=e=. Money — I shall %be very glad to %have it in my power %to do %you you any little services in this Country as a Retalliation for %this & other %fav=rs=. you have done for me & am D=r= S=r=. y=r=. m=t=. Obed=t= serv={*}=. Mi: Hall Castleton May 27=th=; 1771. To M=r=: Orford at Lyme

Dear %Sir I shall want your Old Painter Parker to New Paint some Arms upon Monuments if he can be %spared — I shall be much obliged to you if you will %fav{o}r me %with a Line if he can come hither in about a Month or Six weeks time you will %please %to excuse this trouble & bel{ei}ve me to be D=r= S=r=. y=r=. m=t=. Obed=t=. serv=t=. Mi: Hall Castleton March 4=th=. 1772 — To M=r=: Orford at Lyme near Disley Cheshire [^Postmarked Tideswell^]

Dear %Sir J must %begin this Letter with begging an excuse for %the trouble I now give %you — M=r= Heathcote of Chesterfield is dead & %the office of Steward of the {Mineral} %Courts in the Wapentake of Wirksworth is now vacant — The appointment of his Successor is in M=r= Rowlls who Married a Niece of Colonel Leigh of Adlington — It is an office J much wish %for but J am at a %loss by whom to get a Recom~endation to M=r= Rowlls — J am inclined to think M=r= Rowlls wo=d=. pay great regard to %the Colonels Recom~endation but the same difficulty attends me %by whom to apply to that %Gentleman — J fear it will be thought impertinent & %troublesome in me to %desire M=r= [^"{Leigh}" crossed out^] Legh of Lyme or %you %to desire %the Colonels Recom~endation in my favor to M{=r=} Rowlls to su{ccee}d to %the office J %think you wo=d=. do all in your %power %to serve me but as J am unacquainted whether it wo=d=. be agreeable to M=r= Legh to meddle %in the %affair J %must beg leave to %desire you will either mention it to %him or not as you think %proper be it as it will J beg leave to submit this matter to your prudence & am indeed D=r= S=r=. y=r=. m=t=. Obed=t=. serv={t}=. Mi: Hall Castleton Dec=r=. 20=th=. 1773. I am told sev=l=. applications are making for %the office which Renders it %necessary to %be %speedy — you will %please to favor me with an Ans=r=. To M=r=: Orford at Lyme [^Accounts omitted^]

In all %probability M=r=. Orford will come to Church this afternoon to %settle the last Weeks Acco=ts= — If so M=r= Hall who is at M=r= Hancocks wish{e}s to see him as soon as he conveniently can where he will meet with all %the Assistance in M={r}= Halls power towards making matters right — In short M={r}= Hall will be exceeding glad %to see M=r= Orford at %Disley for an Hour if he can as he has not %seen [^"{it}" crossed out^] him of a %long time — Disley Sunday One oClock To M=r=: Orford at Lyme Cheshire

Dear Sir J am %fav=d=. with yours of the 28=th=. Aug=st=. & am sorry you have fixed the 9=th=. Instant with M=r= B: Bower that %day, the %day before & indeed all the next Week J am under engagements. J %sho=d=. have been extremely glad if I co=d=. have waited upon you — J think if you give the matter a %little due attention you may still carry your %point but dont put off your applications to the Comissioners to the last moment — J purpose to Dine to%morrow at %Bank with my Friend M={r}= S: Frith probably I may see some of your Friends J wont forget %you but dont let that keep you back %from applying to them yourself — J am sorry any%thing has prevented me %seeing you at Castleton Bel{ei}ve me %when J say I dont know any%thing w=d=. give me more %pleasure than your Company at this place — J am D=r=. S=r=. y=r=. m=t=. Obed=t=. Serv=t=. Mi: Hall Castleton Sept=r=. 2=d=. 1777. To M=r=: Orford at Lyme [^Accounts omitted^]

Dear Sir J am favored with yours & am sorry I %cant yet %fix a time to be with %you about Blakeley Moss — J shall be hurried about for some %time but the %first moment J %have afterwards is yours & %J %will trouble you with a line when it is — J think the Person %you sent may have a good Title to the Copyhold Estate upon a %proper Surrender from Livesley — J am with Complim=ts=. to yourself & M=rs=. Orford D=r=. S=r=. y=r=. m=t=. Obed=t=. serv=t=. Mi: Hall Castleton Dec=r=. 26=th=. 1777. To M=r=: Orford in How Lane

Dear Sir On Thursday next J have M=r=. Frith and a %few %friends to Dine with me where if you will be J %shall think myself more than happy — It is intended merely as a Convivial meeting — If it is convenient to you pray come and add to our %pleasure by giving us your Company — Bel{ei}ve now & always to %be D=r=. S=r=. y=rs=. m=t=. sincerely Mi: Hall Castleton Sept=r=. 6=th=. 1778. To M=r=: Orford at Lyme

M=r=. Hall is now at %Disley sends Complim=ts=. to M=r=. Orford & wishes to see him as soon as possible to %fix a Meeting respecting Blakeley Moss — M={r}= Hall must go %home to%night therefore he is sure M=r=. Orford will come the first moment he %is at Liberty — Disley Saturday Evening 5. oClock To M=r=: Orford at Lyme near Disley Cheshire By Buxton Bag [^Postmarked Tideswell^]

Dear Sir J co=d=. not ans=r=. your Letter until J had seen M=r=. Bagshaw which J did not until a %few days ago — J fear Tho=s=. Ardern did not tell you truth when he said what he did was thro'. ignorance — M=r= Bagshaw himself was present at the Transaction & %his Acco=t=. much differs from Arderns to %you — J shall be glad to %see %you & endeavor to %settle the matter — J %shall be at %Chapel on Thursday the 16=th=. Jnstant probably you may have an opportunity of meeting me there — Is the Blakely affair never %to be %settled? J cant get M=r= Bower %to fix a %time — M=rs=. Haworth wishes it to %be %settled in some manner — J am D=r=. S=r=. y=r=. m=t=. Obed=t=. serv=t=. Mi: Hall Castleton Nov=r=. 5=th=. 1781. To M=r=: Orford in How Lane

Dear Sir J am much obliged to you for your kind Invitation to eat a %little Mutton at How Lane but J %am at %present so much engaged that J %cant promise myself that %pleasure of some %time J shall be exceedingly glad to wait upon you the %very first opportunity — J have sent you %by M=r=. Lingard the other %part of the Award between Sir Henry Harp{ur} & M=r=. Wheeldon which you will be so kind as to execute in the %presence of two Witnesses & either keep it until J %see you or %send for it — you will please %to put a %Seal to it — J beg my Complim=ts=. to yourself & M=rs=. Orford & am D=r=. S=r=. y=rs=. m=t=. sincerely Mi: Hall Castleton Aug=st=. 17=th=. 1785. [^In different hand "Return'd by mistake to Warrington"^] Mr. Orford Lyme Cheshire (Post paid {*}=d= [^blot^]) 3=d= [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Dear Sir I shall ever esteem it as a very great Favour if you please to inform me whether and when Mr. John Worsley's Executors put a Life into the Lease of Baxter's Parks Tenement, now in %the Hands of John Grice of Newton as a Person in trust; also how many Lives were in being at the Time the Life was added and who they were I am S=r=. Your hble. Servt. Peter Hall Ashton March 3=d=, 1788 P.S. The Life alluded to was put in I suppose about 26 or 27 Years since, or it may be more — M=r= Orford Lyme Hall

Manch=r=. Sat. Mar. 10 Dear Sir I am told that y=r= Gardener has left Lyme, & I was applied to this morning to desire I wou'd recommend a Person, whom I believe to be sufficiently qualified to undertake such an Employ, &, tho' not very young, is strong & able to go through every Branch. He is One of the Revald's of Stockport & was some time ago Gardener at Arley; he afterwards kept the King's head in Salford, & is now with a nursery-man near Liverpool. He has no Wife, nor Family but what are disposd of. If M=r= Legh is not fitted, & that you think the above Character likely to suit, Ill endeavour, if you chuse it, to get farther Information about him. Im happy to hear a good account of M=r= Legh, my old worthy Friend's present State of Health & am S=r=. yr faithful Friend & Servant R %Hall M=r= Orford Lyme [^Along side of paper^] My Son rather better to%day

Dear S=r=. The great Catastrophy, I find, has at last happend. I pray God, to support poor Miss Legh, w=ch= I make no doubt he will — She has dischargd her Duty in full, w=ch= will be one Consolation to her in her Affliction. At a proper time, present mine & the Family's best Respects to Her & let her know that we most sincerely condole with her: and that if my%self or Daughters can execute any Commands for her, it will most readily be undertaken. I am D=r=. S=r= Y=r= faithful Friend & Serv=t= R Hall M=r= Orford Lyme

Sep. 8 1789 Dear Sir My Son is abroad but I coud not omit to express my Satisfaction in the Account you give of your%self being rather better than when he last saw you. J must desire that you will be regular in taking your Medicines in hopes of still improving y=r= Health. Pray be so good to present my most respectful Complim=ts= to M=r= Legh & the Family with my heartiest Thanks for the noble Haunch, over w=ch= we shall remember our worthy Friends I am D=r=. S=r= Y=r= assur'd Fr=d= & oblig'd Serv=t= R Hall M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Hough Lane

Sir I Desire if posabel you would Enter your Masters Cariages on the 21=st= Day of Iuly 1779 for the Ensuing year as moneys is wanting — if Same Coaches as Last year they will be 17=£=..17=s=..0 you may have an apertunity of Sending it by m=r=. W=m=. Hancock as he purposes Entering his that Day your Hble Ser=t=. Tho=s=. Hall Bullock %smithy Iuly 19: 79 To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Lyme

M=r=. Orford Sir According to Custom. I now take the Liberty of informing you, that I have been in Worcester Shire & Kent. in both which Places. find the Hops good & %the Prices Not Very high. imagine the Run hear will be. for good Hops. from 5 to 6=£= P~ C{**}=(_t_)=... Hope you will favour me with your orders Early, as I Shall then have it in my Power. to Pick your Quantity out. before the best are sold. & You may Rely on me Chargeing them the Lowest Price. I %am with fathers Compt=s=.. to M=r=. Legh & Family Sir Your Most Obed=t=. Ser=t= In=o= Hallwood Jun={*}= Chester.. Octob=r=.. 8.. 1772 M=r=. Orford Sir Your favour of the 30=th=. Past came to hand, and agreeable to your desire have made all inquirey I Possable Co'd for the Box directed for M=rs=. Ann Legh. but without success however our [^word crossed out^] search was not with=t=, some luck at the White Lion we found a %Parcell directed. for that Lady. for which we Paid 2/2=d= & have forwarded it to Manchester P~ the man that Carrys the News Papers there. & Paid the Car=g{*}=. 3=d=.. So that we have made you debtor for 2/5=d=.. if the Box or any%thing Ells Sh'd com{e} to our hands. you may depend we will forward it with all the dispatch we Can. I %am Sir Your Most Obed=t=. Ser={*}= In=o= Hallwood Jun={*}= Chester Iuly 5. 1773 — [^Accounts in different hand on reverse side omitted^] To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Peter Legh Esq=(_r_)= Lyme Near Manchester [^Postmarked Chester^]

M=r=. Orford Sir I take the Liberty of Solic{e}ting your favours as Usall in the Hop Trade. they are fine this Year. but go at a %higher Price then was expected. however this you may depend on that ^what^ever Commands You Committ to our Care. Will do the best in our Power both in Price & Quallity I am with fathers Comp=ts=.. to M=r=. Legh & all the good family Sir Your Most Obed=t=. Ser=t= In=o=. Hallwood Jun={*}= Chester Octob=r=.. 8.. 1774 To M=r=. Rich=d=.. Orford at Lyme Near Manchester [^Postmarked Chester^] [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

M=r=. Orford Sir We have got home the most Part of our Hops out of Worcestershire in Good order. if any is wanting for the Use of M=r=. Legh. Shall be glad to Receive Your Commands. before all the Best are Sold, I %am with Great Respect Sir Your Most Obed=t= Ser=t= In=o=. Hallwood Jun={*}= Chester Octob=r=.. 10.. 1777 PS. My fathers Comp=ts=.. waits on M=r=. Legh & all the good Family M=r=. Orford Sir Above you have ["have" crossed out^] my Dr=t=. for 30=£=..12..6 being the amount of Money Received, from Rich=d=. Harrisson this day for which have given him a Receipt. Sh'd be glad You wo'd advise the Receipt of the above. & that Send You this day week. which will oblige Sir Your Most Obed=t=. Ser=t= In=o=.. Hallwood Jun={*}= Chester Iune. 27.. 1778 [^Accounts in different hand on other side of paper omitted^] To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Lyme Near Stockport [^Postmarked Chester^] [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

M=r=. Orford Sir Your favour of the 8=th=. Inst.. Came to hand & will forward the 10 Pock=ts=.. for Lyme. in the manner you direct, & if you are willing to trust us with furnishg. Haydock hope to do it to the Satisfaction both of M=r=. Legh & you, at foot you have the Prices of Hops. & Shall be glad to Receive your further Commands I am Sir Your Most Obed=t= Ser=t= In=o=. Hallwood Jun={*}= Chester Octob=r=.. 14.. 1778 Ordnary Hops . . 40/ to 56/ Good. & fine — 56/ to 70/ Some few as been Sold as high as 72/6=d= — Good Yearlings — 60/ to 70/ Two Year Olds — 40/- to 50/- To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Peter Legh's Esq=r=. at Haydock Near Warrington [^Postmarked Chester^]

M=r=. Orford Sir the other day I Returnd out of Worcestershire. & I wish I Co'd this Year give you as good an Acc=t=.. of Hops. as last Year. but I %asure you I %Cannott they are not Near so good this as last. Year, which makes Hops of this Years growth that are good go high. the ginerall Run at Wocester fair was for good Hops from 40/. to 50/. Ordinary from 28/.. to 40/. if you think there will be any Wanted for M=r=. Leghes. Use Shall be glad to have your orders early. that you may have Some of the best. I %am with great Esteem Sir your Most Obed=t= Se{r}={t}= In=o= Hallwood Jun={*}= Chester Octob=r=.. 3.. 1781 PS. You'le Please to make my fathers Respects to to M=r=. Legh & Family. & Accept the Same your%self, I %am y=rs=. &C. I.H— M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Peter Legh's Esq=r=. Lyme [^Postmarked Chester^]

M=r=. Orford Sir the two Pocketts of Yearling Hops was forwarded to Lyme [^corrected^] the 7=th=. Inst & the 10 Pocketts of New will be Send off tomorrow ^for Haydock^, I hope you'le find them Such Hops as will do in every Respect both Colour & Quallity, as they are the finest Hops we have had this Growth When any%thing further is want=g=. Your Commands will be Esteemd by Sir your Most Obed=t= Ser=t= In=o= Hallwood Jun={*}= Chester Nov=r=. 20.. 1785 PS. My fathers Respects. to M=r=. Legh & Family. & hope you'le Accept the same your%Self. from y=rs=. &C I.H— M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Peter Leghs Esq=r=. Lyme [^Postmarked Chester^]

M=r=. Orford Sir Inclose'd you have Ce{r}tificate as you Request. for which I paid 11=s=/6=d=. & 4=d=. Postage Both my father & myself were very Sorry to see in the Papers the Loss. M=r=. Legh had Suss^t^aind in the Death of his Lady.. My father desires his Respects to M=r=. Legh. & Beg your Acceptance of the the same both from him & your Most Obed=t= Ser=t= In=o= Hallwood Jun={*}= Chester Iuly 28.. 1787 — M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Peter Legh's Esq=r=. Lyme [^Postmarked Chester^]

M=r=. Orford Sir Your obliging favour of the 29=th=.. Past. Came to hand. & agreeable thereto have taken out a %Deputation which you have herewith inclosed. as to the Flannell it was Send {P~} the Newsman this day week & hope by this you have got it Safe I %am very glad to hear you have got Safe your Agreeable Daughters. and we are all much obliged to you for leting them come to Chester. were upon any future time Shall be happy to see them. My Wife & Daughter are at Parkgate. so that I Cant give you a dec{i}ssive. Answer Respecting M=rs=. H— waiting upon you ^at^ Howlane. but think they have Rambleing enough this Sumer. I %am Sir Your Most Obed=t= Ser=t= In=o= Hallwood Chester Aug=t=. 5.. 1788 M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Peter Leghs Esq=r=, Lyme [^Postmarked Chester^]

M=r=. Orford Sir I %have the Pleasure to inform you what Hops I %have Yet had home are very fine & good, this Year I %was Not at Liberty to Attend Worcester fair. but think have Got my Buss{n}ess done on good Terms, if you think any will be wanting. at Lyme. Shd be oblige'd to you to know the Number of Pocketts. that I %may chuse out Such as I %think will do. the Generall Prices are from 6{G=s=-} to 8..8..0 — I %am with Respectfull to M=r=. Legh & Family Sir your Most Obed=t= Ser=t=. In=o= Hallwood Chester Oct=r=. 4.. 1788 M=r=. Rich=d=.. Orford at Peter Leghs Esq=r=. Lyme [^Postmarked Chester^]

M=r=. Orford Sir The above left us this day. & 6 of them will be at Manchester on Saturday Morning if all be well. the Hops are Good [^corrected^] and I hope in every Respect will be to your likeing I %hope you got home well. without feeling any inconvenien{c} from your Jorney. the Weather turnd out tollerable favourable. Your Sudden Over

departure much displeased my Wife & Daughters whose mouths were Set for a bit of Laughter with the{re} friend M=r=. Orford, Not doubting but you wo'd have stayd all Night with us, however you are Not to escape so the Next time you come. that you may depend upon so contrive your Matters Accordingly. I %am desired to give my familys best Respects to M=rs=. Orford & the Rest of your family. & Remain Sir your Most Obed=t=. Ser=t= In=o=. Hallwood Nov=r=. 11.. 1789 — M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Howlane to the Care of M=r=. Garside Stockport post paid [^Postmarked Chester^]

M=r=. Orford Sir Your favour of the 13=th=. Inst. incloseing a %Bill for Twelve %pounds Came Safe to hand. & when I %have the Pleasure of seeing you will pay you the Ball=s=— I am much obliged to you for the trouble you have had in the Bussness M=r=. Bayley of Handley. as send a %Cask of Crab Juce. which Shall forward by the Newsman on Monday Next. & he desired I wo'd give his Respects & if you wo'd wish to have any more. Return the Cask & he will fill it again, I am with Sincere Respects to Self & Family Sir Your Most Obed=t=. Ser=t= In=o=. Hallwood Chester Nov=r=. 18.. 1789 M=r=. Orford Sir Your Esteemd favour of the 4=th=. Inst. came Safe to hand. and am extre{m}ly Glad to hear you are better for your Ride to Chester. wish you Co'd have made it convenient to have stayd a %little longer with us, am Sorry to hear of the indisposition of your Daughter, hope by this she is Perfectly Recover'd — we two have had our share of Sickness since you was hear my Daughter Mary as been very ill of a fever. & I %my%self am Still very Poorly of a %Cold which as hung on [^"my" crossed out^] ^me^ a %long time. & I Cannott Shake it off either by Exersice or Medicine, have tryd both. We must expect these little Rubs. as we Grow Older. to Wean us from the Pleasures of this World, Annexd you have the invoice of the Hops which I %hope are such as will Please your Brewer as I %am Sure they are good. the Article begins to mend in Price. but from what Cause dont know, my Wife & family Join in Respects to you{r} & family & am Sir your most Obed=t= Ser=t= In=o=. Hallwood Chester Iune 12.. 1790 M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Lyme

M=r=. Orford Sir Your Esteemd favour of the 3 Inst. Came Safe to hand. & am happy to find Miss Orford some little Better, when%ever her Strength is such as to enable her to go abroad. & you sh'd think our Air may be Serviseable by way of change, Shall be happy to see her, I %shd sopose by your Writeing that you are much better, tho you say nothing of your own [^"Heath" crossed out^] Health. thank god I %am much better then when you was here. & my Daughter Mary Perfectly Recoverd. she is Now gone into the Country to Perfect as much as we can her future Health My Neibour Lardin seems much Pleased with his Bussness being done as it is & I sopose writes by the Bearer, my Wife & family Ioin in Respe{c}ts to you & yours & am Sir your Most Obed=t= Ser=t= In=o=. Hallwood Chester Iuly 5.. 1790

PS I have Send you the Ce{r}tificate. which Cost. 11/6=d= to your Deb=t= — I %have Just Received for Edw=d=. {R}eade Esq=r=.. Nine pounds Nine Shillings & 10=d=. for M=rs= Higgins of Bullock Smithy. which he said you left orders to be paid into my hands. & for which you Shall either have Credit [^"for" crossed out^] or a Remittance which%ever you Please. I %am Sir=r=. Yours &C In=o= Hallwood M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford to be Left at M=r=. Garsides in Stockport [^Different hand?^] P=d=/

M=r=. Orford Chester Aug={t}=. 2=d=. 1790 Sir Your favour of the 27=th=. Past. Came to hand. & agreeable thereto have directed M=r=. Maddock to get Ready 60 G=s=. of Best Corks with all Possable dispatch & %forward them as you direct, which he says shall be done, — I %also waited on M=r=. Boyer & %had the Pleasure of seeing them both, as Soon as I mentiond the Bussness upon which I came, he said I %might depend upon the Parcell being forwarded by the Newsman on Monday, this was on Saturday that I %waited on him, I fully expected that he wo'd have offer'd me the Money that I %might have forwarded it, therefore to try him a %little further I %went there again this Morning under Pretence of asking him weather he knew [^corrected^] how to direct the Parcell, in answer to which he said he did, & it sh'd Certainly be sent by the Newsman, I Rather think you have wrote to them about this Bussness before. & I %sopose they have Not Answer'd as you wish, but if they do Not send it as they have Promise'd. let me know & I shall be a %little more Plain with them, My Wife & family Join in our Sincere wishes for Miss Bettys Recovery, & Comp=ts=. to you & family & am Sir your Most Obed=t=. Se{r}=t= In=o=. Hallwood M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Lyme to the Care of M=r=. Garside Stockport

M=r=. Orford Sir M=r=. La{r}den haveing left in my Care. the Counter Part of his lease, to be forwarded to you when the Needfull was done, have herewith send it by our News Carrier. which hope you'le get Safe I Cant help takeing this oppertunity of inquiring after the Health of your Daughter. who I %have been told as been extreamly ill. but hope Now to hear from you of her being much better. I Sincerely feel for you upon this Occasion, am Join'd by my family in wishing her a %Speedy Recovery. & Respects to you & M=rs=. Orford & family & am Sir your Most Obed=t= Ser=t= In=o=. Hallwood Chester Aug=t=. 22.. 1790 PS Pray do you think your Brewer. wo{'}d have any Perticular. objection to Kent Hops. when you want again as they will be much Lower then Worcestershire. & I dare say better, the latter County haveing fail'd in their Crop of Hops, Sh'd be glad to be inform'd that I %may Reserve Accordingly — Y=rs=. I. H— M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Peter Leghs Esq=r= Lyme [^Postmarked Chester^] [^Different hand^] Miss=t=. to [^Postmark Warrington^]

M=r= Orford Sir Annexed you have invoice of the Hops you order'd when here, they were Send to Preston Brook on Tuesday last which Hope [^corrected^] you'le get Safe, they are fine & I think such as in every Respect will Answer your expectations, I met M=r=. Potts on Monday Morning last but he says M=rs=. Whiter will Not give up her old Lease, she makes a %point of Consience of the Bussness as she thinks it wo'd ^be^ hurting the heir at Law without in the least Benefiting or Self or Tenent, I desired he wo'd be kind enough to drop you a %line, dont know weather he did or Not. makes me Mention the Bussness, I hope both you & Your family are all Well, to whom you'le Please to make our Respects I %am Sir your Most Obed=t= Ser=t= In=o=. Hallwood Chester Nov=r=. 18.. 1790 M=r= Orford

Dear ser Yours by Bearer I reci{v}=d=. with your kind present with thanks M=r= Hallwood not being at home I have Exacute=d= your Request M=r= Potts informes you have no Need to send your Last Certificate Except the old Deputation be Lost I have the pleasure to say my%selfe & familey are well M=r= H being Gone to {P}ly Lake — to Bathe in the Salt Water for a week I heard from him Yesterday being very Well — hope M=r= Ordford is got Better than when I left High{l}ane Last Monday [^corrected^] Night by Newsman I sent the Gun flints you Order=d=. & a Salmon to High- Lane wi{tch} [^corrected^] I hope got safe & prove=d= good I heard of poor Miss Leighs Death I am with Respects to M=rs= Orford & familey yours with Respects to M=r= Marsden M Hallwood Chester {****=**=} 21 1789 M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Lyme Buxton Derbyshire

London Iune 27 1788 Dear Sir Yours of 17=th=. Came duly to hand I note its Contents & am Glad to hear the last Teas Pleasd, and have Sent as below in a %Box directed as disired and I %hope you will Receive the box Safe, and the Goodness Shall Leave, for y={e}= Tea to Speak for it%Self — the Last Tea was duly Paid for, by M=r= Gates to whom I beg my best Respects to booth ^M=r= & M=(_rs_)= G^ when you See them — J %am D=r=. Sir with due Respects to Self M=rs=.. Orford & %family [^"your" crossed out^] Your Most hble Serv=t= Ia=s=. Hammond 8 {lb~} fine Souch=g= @ 8.. 3..4— 4 {lb~} Good Hyson @ 7 1..8— £4..12 {P=d=} Bass & C=o= — Left London Iune 25=th=. (Payment where & to whom you Please) Nb Since the death of M=r= Richardson the Brandy Merch=t=. I %understand the Business is Not So Properly Conducted & that Notwithstanding the widows Name is made use of I am inform'd She has no Concern in the Business therefore I cannot think it Prudent to Reccomend the House as heretofore: (Please see over)

If in my power to render you Servies in London I hope you will make no ceremon'y in Commanding me My Best Respects to Cousin Matthew & %Comp=nts=. to all fri{o}nds at Lyme IH M=r= Orford

London Aug=t=. 30 1788 Dear Sir Yours of 25=th= lays before me and if you was Charg'd more then 6/ P~ Pound for the last Souch=g=. Say 8 {lb~}. it was a %mistake of mine which I cannot account for. and tho I am Sorry for %it. in one respect am not in another for if it please at 8/ it must be well worth 6/— This being the Case, I have only Sent you 3 {lb~} @ 5/ as a Larger quant{e}ty would only Get flat before you Could use it. as Teas dont Get better for keeping and the Expence Trifling to have [^"them" crossed out^] it fresh, — I told you my Sent{e}ments Concerning the House late M=r= Richardson in my last Our House deals with one M=r= Waller N=o= 8 Idol Lane Tower {S~t}, — I am glad to hear of your & yours wellfaire my Comp=ts=. to all friends & Remain Dear Si=r=. your Ever Obedient and Most Hble Ser=t=. I Hammond

[^Accounts, similar to previous, omitted^] NB I hope you will find the above a True Bill as allso the Tea will Prove to Satisfaction & Please your further Command will at All times Oblidge &C I H=d=— Ramsbury Manor Sept=r= 23.177{3} Dear Sir the inclose'd I make no Doubt will supri{se} you. But the Gentlemen has had me with them meney ti{mes} to get me to write to sume of my freinds for them abo{ut} this mechine, I did not know aney%Body that ^w=d=^ be so kind to ansowr this Excepting my good freind m={r}=. Orford should be verry much Oblight to you to ansowr it to si=r=. W=(_m_)= it will Still add to the number of obligations I am under to you — S=ir=. W=m=. treats me with respect so far that I Could not well refuse writing, hope m=rs=. orford and your little Famly are all well. I Beg to be remberd to them, (I have just time to say M=rs=. Legh is hear But no miss Legh she is poorly M=r=. Orford Lyme

D=r=: Sir the inclosed is from m=r= Newton youl see, he is Come=d=. to Our Terms now I must Beg your kind Addvise how to pro%seed [^line break^] forder about it. {I} think if m=r=. Cook of macclesfield had Come=d=. to Lyme soon or aney%ware [^line break^] near I Should [^corrected^] a liked him to have Examine=d=. [^corrected^] the Sec{u}irety full as Well as the Stockport Lawyers / But your kind Advise about it Will Ever Obligh your Trublesum {f=r=}. E. Hancock Tuesday morn Disley M=r=: Orford Lyme Near Stockport Cheshire [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

Ramsbury manor may 6=d= 82 I Receive'd my Worthy Freinds letter Which I thank him kindly for. I have Ventur'd to Write to my Brother in low I— Hill that I Will let him have 50=£= but tould him I Could not Do it Withou^t^ makeing a Freind of you to let me have it; I said I Would Write to you and if you Could Spare me that Sum I Beg'=d= the favour of you to Write him a line When you Was at Haydock Lodge, and him to give a note for it and lave it in your Hands I am in hopes thair is no Doubt of it not being Safe, my Brother tells me he thinks thare is no^t^ and [^"he" crossed out^] ^my Brother^ is a very Stedy young man he has been [^"at" crossed out^] hear [^corrected^] to se me I wish I Could Dow aney%thing for him better then being a Farmer — D=r=. S=r=. I have re{c}=(_d_)= a Letter from my nephew Iohn Hancock to say how much him and ^his^ freinds are suprise'=d= at his uncle Iohn Hancock he [^corrected^] has never taken aney notice

of the money that Was left in his Hands for his late B{=r=}. Tho=(_s_)=s Childern, then under age, the Oldest has been Dead 3 years and the other turnd of age so thare is Only one but the money is ^all^ Due and that Will=(_m_)= & Iohn w=(_d_)= give thare uncle I. s{ecur}ity for, I find they have Wrote to him and Disire=d=, m=(_r_)= Dixon to Spake to him about it but Can get no ansowr, I shall be very much Oblight to you to mention it to him, I Cannot think What he main^s^ by it, be so good to make my respect=s=, to him — Im happy to hear your good Family are All Well my kind love to m=rs=. Orford [^"I" rubbed out?^] thanks for her kind offer of What Sh{a}l Dow for me When she is a %D{iy} Women if I Should not be one my%self [^corrected^] I shall be glad of her offer{s} I am glad to hear the good Old gentleman takes so Well With miss Legh I am good Sir your very Obligh=(_d_)= {&cc} E. Hancock Good S=ir=. I truble you With this as I am anxious to know if you have had aney sort of Settling of the Affaire sins I left the Country I have hard nothing from aney%Body, I Expected to have hard from sume of the Famley at Knutsford But have not, I hope M=r=. Wood has Paid another ten Pounds before this, I Should be verry happy to have it all settled hope Potts has Paid sumething towards the little he owes, Should be much obligh to you to have asked M=r=. I Hancock for my halfyrs anuity Deue 25 of last month as I am [^corrected^] sume-times [^line break^] reather Distrest for money I keep the home Book and the Bills runs high sumetimes and I have no good Stward to apley to so am much at Loss

I Would have Wrote to M={*}=. I. Hancock, But Was told so meney Ilnature'=d= thing, (When in London) that he has sed About me, I thought it Would have been the Death of me, What Butcher A sed or Did never affect=d=, me so much if it had not been for my A{u}nt B={*)= I Dont know What I Should ^have^ Done, What Reson he has I know not, I am a Stranger to What I have hard But it has made me verry unhappy Sins I Came he{re} as I have had the Highest Opionen of him If I Was But able to gow through the Busness hear I think I Should Be happyer [^corrected^] then in the hearing of such aspersion,s. But am much affai{e}d I shall not be able to stay much longer thats not the Winter out, We have not been three Days Without Ice sins I Came that I have Been almost Frose my%self sume times We [^corrected^] have a Famly Coming hear to%morrow for a week

that Comes f=r=. near Salthrope We are never free from Compney, But not runing out our {Foure}tine nather We take Pritty good Care of that Am G=d=. s=ir=. With great thanks for all favours your Obaid^t^ &cc E. Hancock Ramsbury manor. Sep=tr=. 14 1783 Ramsbury manor Octr 20=th= 1783 Good S=ir=, I am verry Sorry to be so verry trub^le^%sume [^across line break^] to you in repaiting my {Scroul} But ne{c}ssity oblighes me to it, in a Strange Country and with%out a Friend are tow Bad things, I shall be much Obligh,t to you to send me my half years anuity that was Due 25 of augus=t=. if it is agr{o}b^le^ to Iohn Hancock ^to^ pay it me, if not if youl be so kind to spake to m={*}=. Newton when you see. him for me, I would wish not to have aney money of you, I Dow not understand what sort of a Receipt %is proper but am willing to give what is, I wish it was in my Power to have Done with%out Being so trublesume to the Only Freind I have in the world, it Hurts me much hope m=rs=. Orford and her little Famley are all well Who I Beg to be remberd to if you plase am with Comp=ts=. yr Humble Servint E. Hancock Ramsbury manor Octr 22={th}= 1783 Good S=ir= I rec{e}=d=, your verry Oblighing letter with £ 15 [^corrected^] note I hope, I, {H}, will pay you that £10 soon but he is so affraid of Parting with money, I Beg your Pardon for Writeing so offen [^corrected from "offten"?^] But was affraid you might have sent by the Cross %Post and the letter lost, and what adde=d=, to my Distress I am in Danger [^corrected^] of loosing a Box with the Best part of my Close in that I have Sent for out of Lancashire, I am glad to hear your Famley is all well at How lane Beg of them to Excep=t=. of my Best respec=ts=.. I take it kind of you inquireing after my presont s{a}tuation it is not the most agroble one for meney things tho I Cano=t=, say I have aney reson to Complain of S=r=. W=m=. or Lady Iones Behavour to me, I have had the Plesowr to hear that I give them satisfacti^{on}^ wich I am [^corrected^] happey to hear, {**} I Would not Sa{*r}e aney%Body Whan I thought I did not, if you Should hear of aney Plase that you think I Should Suit Should have no Objection to Lave this Part of World, But Could not lave well much before Christmas [^word crossed out^]

I have just Rec=ed=, a Letter from Knutsford But have not time to ansowr it now El{ce} w=d=. in this Frank, am sorry to hear M=rs=. A— Legh has Been so Bad of the Gout. M=rs=. Legh has Been hear this Sumer and looks verry Well am with respects E. Hancock

M=r=. Goddard made a mistake in a Frank that he Give me in%stid of Being for you at Lyme he has put it for me [^"so you will" crossed out^] When I write agen I Shall send it you will know M=r=: Orford Lyme N{=r=}. Buxton Cheshire Single Sheet [^Postmarked Bath^] [^Note in different hand omitted^]

Good S=ir= I was verry agrobley supris{e}=d= at the Recip=t=, of letters from two of my Best freind, as I had always look=d=, upon them, But thair long Silants give Ri{ese} to think I was {q}uite for%got, but I will not Dwell upon the Concarn it give me; but Only say I was verry happy to recive yours and your Good wifes litters which I am much oblight to you Both for — I have been but indifrant for sume time is the Reson of my Being hear the Docter that atend{s} this Famley advised me to it as thinking the wat{ers} hear the Only remedey [^corrected^] he Could advise to, I have been hear a week last, Sunday I Call=d=, at m=rs=, A. Leghs house was much Disopinted to hear of her return into the Country, and verry sorry to hear on what account but hope M=r=. Legh is Better Before this, if you think it proper Plase to make my Dutey to her am much obl{ight} to her for her invatation I Should have been glad to have seen her, As to money matters I have Rec,d nothing from aney%Body but you which was £15 Occt=r=. 17 1783 thair is 3 half years anuity Behind ^Due^ last aug=(_t_)= 25 which I should be much Oblight to you to R{i}c{e}ve for me, what%Ever truble or Expence you are at I will gladly pay you

now Good S=ir=. I am suprised very much at the Perposeal made by the Hancocks Concarning M={r}= Wood that they Can think thare B={r}=. W=(_m_)= C{=d=} [^corrected^] trespass 25 pound in Ale at [^"his" crossed out^] ^m{=r=} Woods^ house wich was the Only Liquor he Ever had thair, but in my time he never had much, but if m={r}=. Wood w=d= have given him%self time to Consider what a house he had at the Bottom, I have Bill,s for years past that he had never less then 30£ fr thare But oftener nearer 50 — and you are no Stranger to his Extra{v}aint Charge,s tha^t^ I think Poor m=r=. Hancock Paid Well for the Liquor he Drank thare at that time, as to the Hancock,s they make no account of the money But to me it is an Objact; then thear is the Hancocks in London I Cannot ansowr for them I sopose they will be redey for it all, when you was [^"a" rubbed out?^] Comeing to London in spring [^"that I would meet you to have" crossed out^] Iohn [^corrected^] Hancock wrote sevral time{s} to me to De{irse} I would meet you to have a %final settleing I Did not take it kind so I Drop,t my Correspondence I would Dow what was honest and just but gin{eas}^oty^ I have it not in my power; I think if 5=(_s_)= in the Pou{n}nd was given up by Way of settleing with him this ^next^ spring) but not for him or the Hancocks to think I pay ^it^ as an ale score as I am sure thare is non Due when Every%thing is Considerd

D=r=. S=ir=. if you will be so kind to take that tru{b^le^} upon you and acc=t=. as you think right in it I shall be satisfoy=d=, so as I Could make an End with then and as they ^are^ so generious to m={r}=. W=d=. I wish you C=d=. pre{v}a^{l}^ upon them to give me S=r=. H. Harpo{o}s Deb=t=. up in return, I am quite ashamed of being so trublesume to you but hope you will Excuse me you are the Only Freind I have to Do aney for me I am Glad to hear M={rs}=. Orford and y{r} little Fa{n}^ly^ are all well pray make my best respects to M=rs=. O I would have wrote to her if I had a Fran^k^ but my master is fonder of a Farmyard th{a}n the Parliament House, so I must Content {m*...} [^torn off^] self, I Should be Glad to hear from yo{*...} [^torn off^] when%Ever you w=d=. be so kind to favour me with a line I sopose I shall stay about 6 weeks h{ea}r am with Best Comp=(_t_)s= your Humble Sarvent E— Hancock Paineer Buildings N=(_o_)= 5 — Bath Nove=(_m_)= 17 — 1784 M=r=. Orford [^"190.5.2" in different hand^]

Ramsbury manor Dec=r=. 11 D=r=. S=ir= I thank you for your kind ansowr to my letter. I Cannot Say that I mett with a %gre{t} Disappointment [^corrected^] it Was like a Dream to me, hope I shall begin to think what%Ever is is Best, I am verry sorry to hear so bad anccount of miss Orford but hope she is got Perfectly Well agein before this, Be so kind to make my respects to your Good wife Beg her and your Exceptance of 2 Cheeses the {P}ro{u}d{re^ge^} of this County I Sent them [^"in" rubbed out^] from hear in a Hamper the 29 of last month [^corrected^] they w=d=, be in London the Wedne^{d*}^ Following [^corrected^] ^to go^ By Pickfords, I am ashamed to say that I have Paid the Carrage no forder then London but bele{v}e me the Rason I was affraid they w=d=. not foreward them so soon and wish=d=, you to have Before Christmas, Be so kind to try them before you Cut them as I think one is Riper othe

Shall Be verry glad to hear of our little affeairs being Settled {I} When [^corrected^] you have time, I should be much obligh^t^ to you to Remind m=r=. Wood now and then if we Can but be geting a little off him will be sume%thing better I hope m={r}=. Hancock has Paid you the ten Pounds before this I Dont know how to write a Recp=t=. El{c}e would send one but if you think it Propper if youl be so kind to write one Ill {S}ine it, I am affraid you hear nothing of S=ir=. H— Harp{ers} I wish I had Brought the account a%long with me as I left in Lancashire if Ever I gow to London I might have seen him mabey, am with respect, to all your Famley your Obaident Hum=bl= S={r}= E. Hancock M=r=: Orford Lyme [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

R. manor July 25={th}= 85 D=(_r_)= S=ir= I fancey this Letter will be of an Old Date by the time [^corrected^] you will Recive it as I find m=rs=. Legh is not returning yet, thay are going to Brimslade to%Day, we have had them a week I am Glad to se the Ladies [^corrected^] Look so Well I have inclosed a ten Pound Bank note; I wished to have sent fifteen but Could not get one as I %thin^k^ my Place ought to keep me and it is as much as it will Dow., I hope by this time you have recived my annuity from m=r=. Newton; Plase to make my kind respects to mr=s=. Orford and Family shall be happy to hear you are all Well is the wish of your Obaid^{a}nt^ Humble S=t=- E— Hancock Pray Excuse hast M=r=: Orford Lyme Cheshire By Buxton [^Postmarked Ramsbury^]

Ramsbury manor Iune 2{0}=th= ^85^ Good S=ir= Necessity Oblige,s me to be truble^sum^ I begin to be very unesey a%bout the money that M=r=. Wood has, I am afraid if he Pays no intrest nor Stock very soon that we shall %have no Power to get aney%thing; it will be 3 years the 19 of next month sins he Paid that 10=£= and he has Paid no intrest sins May 1782 I have no reson to beleve M=r=. W— otherwise but Honest but Poverty gets the better of that Sume%times; I Should Esteem it a %great favor if you w=(_d_)= Act with him as for your%Self for I am reley at a loss how to get these little matters setl{d} S=ir=.. W=(_m_)= is returnd from Town and gives me very little hopes of getting aney%thing of S=r= H— Harpur I beleve he has Done all he Can and now he has left the Bill and litter with S=r=. Ro=(_b_)= Burdett Who Promies to spake to

M=r=. Dixon again a%bout it Who is S=r=. Rob=(_t_)= R=(_d_)= Agent and S=r=. Harry.s but S=r=. W=(_m_)= tells me he finds S=r=. [^corrected^] H. Dose not Pay his Presont Deb^ts^ up let alone aney%thing that has been so long S=r=. W=(_m_)= thinks the Deb=(_t_)= is all mine which makes him anxious to get it for me; for Both my Lady and S=(_r_)= W=(_m_)= Would Dow aney%thing they Cd for me [^in margin^] ^they^ are very kind indeed to me, as to the money that my late uncle B- had I wish it all to be accoun^ted^ for as I may git it sumetime maybe — I Should be happy to know if you have Recived my two years annuity from M=r=. Newton or M=r= I Hancock, but hope you have as I Should be sory for it to ley in thare Hands; I sh=d=. take it very kind if you would write me a line to let me know what [^corrected^] hopes thare is of a settling when you have time but I know that is a thing you have so little ^of^ makes me afraid to truble you

Be so good to make my kind Love to M=rs=. Orford I am ashame=d=, I never ansower,d her letter but Beleve me the Postage is my reson, I hope you Both and y=r=. Family are all Well Whom I Beg my respect,s to — I have been very Well sins my retur^n^ from Bath till last Saturday when I had so Voil^ant^ a return of the Complaint I had before that the Docter I beleve had but little hopes of my {li*...} [^torn off^] {*...}ume [^torn off^] time, thank God I am got Be{*...} [^torn off^] as to Creep about, I am much afraid it is {*...} [^torn off^] I{ce} that is the Cause, — We Expect M=rs=. & Miss Legh hear in a few weeks — I am With Every good Wish to you {&} y=r=. Family your Obedient &cc E. Hancock [^Accounts, probably in Orford's hand, omitted^] M=r=: Orford Lyme Disley Cheshire By Buxton [^Postmarked Ramsbury^]

Good S=r=. I am very sorry to be so trublesu{m^e^} but looking Over the Account between you & me I find my%self accountoble ^to you^ for ten Pounds I did not think of, it is what I should have Recived on m={r}= Ashelys account fr I: Hancock, if you have not recived aney%thing from m=r=. Ashelys sins I left the Country th{ie}r is 3 years anuity Due ^25 of^ last mon^th^ which I should be very much oblight to you to Recive for me, if you would be so kind to Dow it for me; should be happy to hear if thair is aney%thing [^across line break^] Done about m={*}=. Wood. I perpose Plase God I live till next spring to Be in Cheshire for %a little time to put a End to my little affaires thair, as I Cannot be happy to have things ley as they Dow; I %think it will be in Feb=y=, so must insist upon m={r}=. Wood Paying the money before that time as I am Determind then to have a final settling it has been a %long time about

hope M={rs}=. orford and all your Family are [^"all" crossed out^] well Beg they will Except of my Best Comp=ts=- am with Every good wish your Obedient [^corrected^] &cc E— Hancock Ramsbury manor Sep=tr=- 4=th= 1785 M=r=: Orford Lyme N=r=: Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Ramsbury^] [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

Good S=ir= I this Day recive;d a letter from Rich=d=, Hancock, whare [^corrected^] he tells me he has Seen you and that you perpose;d haveing a Settling of the remainder of the affaires I am very much Pl{e}ase,d to hear it and am very much Obligh^t^ to you for perposeing it, nothing will ^give^ me more satisfaction [^corrected^] as them to have what belongs to them; and {m}e to have Done with it, I wrote to m={*}=. Wood about [^corrected^] that money in his hands to pay it to you in a month from the time I Wrote or a little more, as I did not hear aney%thing from aney%Body I hardly knew how to Ac,t but am in hopes as you have mention,d a %settleing he Either has or Will pay it in Soon, I mention,d to my Lady last week that I wishe=d=, to go into Cheshire in the Spring She Sead nothing against it as I was afraid you C=d=, not put a %final End to the affaires without me and the accounts wich I have By me, I have a Bill or two by me that Sh=d=, gow in, and I think they Sh=d=. alow me for the Expence that I was at about S=r=. H— Harpo{us} Bill{^s^} Im afraid it will not be Eve{r} paid but that I Cant help

I have Done all I Can about it and my good freinds for me and thare is sume other little Expences [^corrected^] that I was at th{ey} hope will be alow=d=, me, but what%Ever you and Rich=d=, Hancock agrees to I Shall be Content with, Shall be very much Oblight to you to let me know if you Can Dow with%out me; if I Come Down it will be begining of Feb=y= I fancy, but shall take it Exceeding kind if youl let me know soon, as I am but indifrant in Helth and my Lady is wishing me to gow to Bath I will not if I Can help it has I have not so high an Opinion %of [^corrected^] Bath water as She has; tho I {beleve} it might be of Sume Sarvise to me, last year, hope m={r}s= Orford and all your Family are Well Beg my kind respec^ts^ to them if you please, am your trublesume Freind and Humble Sarvint E— Hancock Ramsbury manor Nov=r=- 20=th= 85 M=r=: Orford Lyme N=r=: Stockport Cheshire

I have taken the liberty to send you {A} Stamp if you Will be so good to recive my anuity of M=r=. Newton for me, now good S=r=. I Want to beg a little of your good advice, my Brother in law Iohn Hill of S=(_t_)= Hellen=s= has Wrote to me to Deirse I Would lend him a Hundard Pounds tells me he has Bought Sum land for to Build upon that Building Pays very Well thare he is in that Way of Busness, I Dow not know what to Do I no nothing of his Circumstances they tould me he was in good but that I Don=(_t_)= know, I think if I Was to lend him 50=£= if you think well of it and Can Spare it, I Should not like to lend him more, had he Wrote to me sooner I had 40=£= hear I had no use for and did not know how to send it to you so I put a little in the stocks, he should have ^had^ that and I w=d= not have had aney money from you; I am afraid if I lend him none, he Will think me Illnature'=d=, not but I would rather he thought so then be in aney Danger of lo{e}seing it, he oferes me a Bond for the money but if I let him have aney a note will Do I Sh=d= ^think^ be happy to have a line from you in ansowr

I hope your good Family at Howlane are all well how happy Should I be if I was so near that I C=d=. just go and Drink a Cup of Tea with them I Dow asure you I am almost lost I have been alone this 9 weeks it is a Strange life to lead, will you be so kind to make my love to my good Freind M={rs}=: Orford and her Doughters, If I had a Frank I Would write to them am good S=r=. your very Oblight &cc E. Hancock my Lady Wrote me that miss Legh Dose not go to Town this Spring as she Expected I am very glad to hear her Father [^corrected^] and she is so happy to%gether manor April 3 1788 M=r=: Orford Lyme House Near Stockport Cheshire x Post [^Postmarked Ramsbury^] [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

I am Almost afreaid of writing to my Worthy [^corrected^] Freind fear of tireing his Patience but I have recive=d=, a letter from I— Hancock a little time bac^k^ which I Can hardly under%Stand, he tells me he has receiv=d=, from you two Bill to the amount of £. 54 and Sums to Damand 14=s= more Intrest, I was a little Surprise=d=, at the letter; had I been so sharp with him it w=(_d_)= have been better for me) but thats over If you think the Damand right it must gow out of my little Bank; and will you be so good to get me what Security you think is Proper I fancey it must be Done by a Lawer but let the Expence be what it will to be Clear from them I shall be happy I have been tould by a gentleman in the Law that the Husband is the Hair to Ianes Share. I hope good sir you will Excuse me being so trublesum, I shall be m^uch^ Oblight to you to w^r^ite me a line I have not ansowr,d

I Hancock nor shall not till I am favour=d=, with your kind Advice which I shall be happy to recive I hope the good Family at Howlane are well and you allso, will you make my respects to them; about the Please you was so kind to mention I sh=d=. wish to know your Opinion if you think thare w=(_d_)= be aney Dependance in Case I lave hear; if I thought thare would Sh=d= act acordingly — am with Every greatful wish your Obligh=(_t_)= E— Hancock we are all hear in great grief about the King feering he will not get Over this Illness Excuse Hast manor Nov=(_r_)= 14=th= 1788 [^ordered as 1789^] M=r=: Orford Lyme N=r=: Stockport Cheshire [^Different hand^] Miss Sent to UPPINGHAM {9}1 [^traced postmark^]

[^Different hand, probably Orford's^] Sep=r=. 1787 Rec~ed of — Ashley Esq=r=. by the payment of M=r=. Newton Twenty pounds two half Years annuity due to me the day of August last Copy {P~} E, Hancock Good S=r=. I am obligh;d to be trublesum but hope youl look over it, I Sent you A Stamp to recive my half years An^n^uity in aug=(_t_)= last which I hope you have recive,d Also must beg you will be so kind to recive this Due Feb=y= (_25_) I am glad to hear in a letter from miss Legh that you and your Family was all well which I was very glad to hear [^corrected^] also to hear her speak very Highly of miss Orford, I Don=(_t_)= know when I rec=d=. more satisfaction then I Did at the recipt of miss L. letter I took it so kind in her, and I was very glad to hear my good Old Lady is a little better, will you be so kind to make my respectful Comp=ts=- to m=rs=. orford and the 3 miss O'=s= I am S=r=. your Obliged Servant E Hancock Ramsbury manor march 25=th=. 1787 M=r=: Orford Lyme N={*}=. Stockport Cheshire By London [^Postmarked Ramsbury^]

manor Iuly 13=th= 1789 my good S=r= I am this moment very much Shocke'=d= with the Dismell account of the Death of my worthy Freind miss Legh indeed I am very much sh{o}oke=d=, I fancy her remains will be Brought to wroughton, I shall take it very kind if you will let me know, if you attend I shall be glad to se you at the manor if you Can Come, if not, [^"if not" crossed out^] I will meet you aney%ware you will apoint — the family hear sets out to%morrow morn into Darbyshire to S=(_{*}_)= Rob=(_t_)= Burdett,s pray Excuse my {scr}oul this news and I am but Poorly in Health is almost too much for me — my kind love to your good Family I am good Sr — your very [^corrected^] Obli{g*} {&} E Hancock will you be so good to write to me and Drect by London and not mention marlbro [^ordered as 1789^] M=r=: Orford Lyme Near Stockport Cheshire By London [^Postmarked Ramsbury^] [^"Morris King" in different hand^]

manor Iuly 27 1787 I hope good S=r=. you will Excuse me writeing to you, I am in great Concern about miss Legh my Lady nor m=rs=. Ernle I find has not hard from her of Sume time, which make=s=, me much fear She is not well (indeed I am afraid She is not) the great Anxiety of mind that She must have been in so long must have hurt her very much; will you be so good to make my Duty to her, I am very anixous to hear from her by one or other, my Lady in unesey that She Dose not hear f=r=. her; will you be so kind to let me know (if She Dose not write) how she Dose at the receipt [^corrected^] of this — my kind Love to m=rs=. orf{d} and Family and thanks for her letter {y=rs=}. Oblg=hd=- &cc E. Hancock Pray Excuse my hast I am so hurr{e,}d I hardly know what I say — we have a very large party to%morrow to Dine a{nd} one yesterday that I have not time for aney%thing I begin to to{e} tire{=ed=,} of the manor, it is more then I am able to Bear D=r= S=r= have Sent the Stockings which if they Suit which think / they are the Thing for Great men in your Situation they are at your Service paying P{rim}e Cash / I %find I am born to great Ends to be at once a Toll Ba{rr} Keeper / and Sherriffs offecer at ^one^ St^r^oke / I served Frith with the notice Seald it up so he think{s} I %am Ignorant of its Contentts / it is A Breakfast of A %Bitter Taste / he Lookd Grave dropd his Glass of G{inn} / and Like our first parants when drove out the Garden of Paradice walkd Sollintary up the road with wandring Steps and Slow

M=r=. Orford To I Hancock Sep=r=. 16 1788 D=r=— To A %Pair of Supe{rfind} 4 ={*}d= Hose / forgot the price given but think 3/6 To Attending W=m=. Frith and Serveing with a writ{en} notice to Quit his Livelihood 6/8 To Iames Miller and {P}Pott to Bear witness that the Said notice was Properly Served Tow Glasss=d= Gim {0.}0.{3} To W=m=. Frith to heal his wounds Ginn 0 ½ & to writeing this Acc=td= 0 0 £:10:5½ [^In different hand, probably Orford's^] The above was right day of the In={o}=. M=r=— Orford—

London Jan=ry= 29=h=. 1784 Hon=d=. S=r= By favour of M=r=. Twemlow I take the oppertunity of wishing you health and many happy returns of Years and the same good wishes to M=rs=. Orford and your family — Uncle Jn=o=. has informd me you talk of sending me a remittance but as I am not at want of Money at pres{ent} beg you will defer sending, than you hear from me, as in a %few Months I shall be under the necessaty of sending for a %little Cash — I had a letter from Aunt W=m=. a few Weeks ago she his very well, but does not seem to be in the most agree%able state, as she remains in Wiltshire all Summer — I think she wou'd not have had the least objection of being in the family you are in, but that is too late — I must now conclude — Subscribeing my%self your Obliged Hble Serv=t= — In=o=. Eastman [^corrected^] Hancock M=r= Orford Lyme

Sir I was in hopes I shou'd have had a line from you before I had trouble'd you with this Letter, to have inform'd me of your Receving the (_Notes_) which I inclosed to M=rs=. Dixon some time back, to her care — If you have rec=d=. them shou'd be obliged to you to let me know, and the first oppertunity you have of remitting the Interest (_due_), will be esteem'd a favour — by Sir your oblig'd Hble Ser=t= — I %E %Hancock London July 26=th=. 1785 NB My respectful Compliments to M=rs=. Orford — M=r=. Orford

I,E.Hancock{s} Compliments to M=r=. Orford and has sent him a %Pocket Journal and an Almanack for Family use, which he begs he will accept of — He has rec=d=. the balance due to him from M=r=. O. by his Uncle Johns order, which M=r=. O. will please to settle with his Uncle for, and hopes it will be found wright Begs his respectful Compliments to M=rs=. Orford and her Family — S=t=. Pauls Chu{r}ch YardDec=r=. 4=th=. 1785 [^A number of letters attached to each other. Order changed to chronological^] M=(_{r}s_)= Hancock at Sir W=m= Jones Ramsbury Manor Wilts—

London June 12=th=: 88 {*...}n=d=. [^point of attachment^] Madam In answer to your Letter which I this Day rec=d=. I must inform you that I wrote to my Uncle In=o=. about the Money in his hands, and rec=d=. his Answer yesterday that he will pay the Money anytime, but that it will be proper for you to return the Note to M=r=. Orford which he gave you [^"for the Money" crossed out^], and that I. and my Bro=r=. William shou'd send you security [^"for the Money" crossed out^], my youngest Bro=r=. is not of Age, which we will do with pleasure, and as soon as you please — I think the three shares amounted to £40:2:6 — I understood in a %former Letter from you, that you had some thought of coming to Town, tho you dont take the least notice in you Letter which I have this Day rec=d=. I shall be extremely glad to see you, and so will the whole of my Friends in Town which are surprised at your confinement, tho peraps [^Part of letter apparently missing^] Good S=r= I have taken the liberty to inclose to you the note I had from Iohn Hancock of Disley for the money for his late B={r}=. Tho=s=. Hancocks younger Children also, Part of a letter fr his nephew I— H— Who has wrote to me a meney times about the money Due to his late Sister, and one that is now of age I under^stand^ now good S=r=. I Beg your kind advise how I am to act what Recipt I Should have; as Iane Hancock marrid and Dei=(_d_)= before She Came of age; and also what Security Will be Proper to have from will=(_m_)= and Iohn Hancock for thair younger B=(_{rs}_)= Share not of age — I am very Sorry to be so %very trublesum but you have been so kind to me in giveing your assistance so meney times, which makes me still venture to be trublesum; will you be so kind to mention it [^corrected^] to M={r}=. Hancock [^"and" crossed out^] when it is Conveiant to him to Pay the money I Shall be glad; I have had a %great meney ^{letters}^ about it; I wish they would have left it till Such times the youngest had been of age and then it would have been all over to%gether, your kind advise I Shall be happy to Recive your very Oblight Freind &c E— Hancock I thank you kindly for your last [^corrected^] letter manor Iuly 27 1788

I am Sorry to find you Dow not Come into Wi{lts} if It should so happen in my time at the manor nothing will give me more Plesoure then to se my worthey Freind hear M=r=. I %E %Hancocks most respectful Compliments to M=r=. Orford and his Family and as M=rs=. Hancock has returnd my Uncle Johns Note for the Money that is in his hands of my late Uncle Williams — M=r=. Orford taking the trouble to settle the Business, will be esteemd a great Obligation As M=r=. Ca{**}an is no more, it will not be in IEH— power to send M=r= Orford an Almanacks as usual, as that part of the Business will be declined — London Sep=r=. 20=th=: 1788 M=r=: Orford Lyme N=r=: Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Ramsbury^]

D=r=. S=r= I am very much Obligh=(_t_)= to you for your kind letter and Shall take it Exceeding kind in you good S=r=. if you ^will^ Settle the Busness for me with the Hancock,s what%Ever you think is right I Shall think the Same; I am ashame'=d=, of being so very ofton trublesum but I hope this is the last on this Head; I Ob{g}erve your kind hint in regard to Situation I am not so happy as I C=d=. wish, not but, I am Sen{ce}oble thare [^corrected^] is a sumthing Everywh{are} I have no reason to Complain of S=r=. Will=(_m_)= or Lady{^s^} treatment to [^corrected^] me b{a}t at the same time I find a %meney things very Disrabole, that I have had thoughts some time of laveing the manor whent the Family whent to Town; if it had not been that I Dislike Changeing about so much [^corrected^] I sh=(_d_)= not have been hear now, I have had more work this Sumer then I Ever had before that I have

hardly [^in margin^] been Able to stand it, if you think Januray too long to wait will you let me know and also if you think it will be agree^a^ble [^corrected^] to all partys above stairs if it would I Sh=(_d_)= be happy to take it Im afraid the Poor old gentleman Cannot live long but life is unsartin to all; if you will be so good to give me a line with your Opinion about it as soon as Conveiant I shall better know how to act and you may Dow it Safly as I recive my letters f=(_{n}_)= the Hands of the Post him%self, hope the good Family at Howlane are well Shall be very happy to hear from them beg my respect(_s_) if you Please am good S=(_r_)= your very obligh(_t_) trublesum Freind E- Hancock manor Oct=r=. 4=th= 1788 M=r=. Orford at Peter Leighs Esq=r= Lyme Cheshire

London Octo=r=. 8=th=. 1788 Sir I rec=d=. your Letter yesterday with two Bills inclosed to the amount of Fifty four Pounds drawn at 2 Months each, which have both been accepted — Respecting the security for M=rs=. Hancock, I shall be agreeable to any you think proper, and as to my late Sist{a}rs shar{e} her Husband has no wright to demand it, her dying under Age — I am at a loss how to assertain the time my Uncle had the Money in his hands but I thought my late Uncles Affairs was settled the 3=d= of Sep=r=. 1781. which is 7 Years & one Month to the 3=d=. of this Month, and from that time, to the time the Notes become due, will be 7 Years & 3 Months which wou'd amount to upwards of £ 54.14— but dont doubt you have settled the business with Justi{ce} — I am with best Wishes to you and Your Family Your most obed=t=. Ser=t=. In=o= E. Hancock Sep 27=th=. 1788 M=r=. Iohn Hancock paid R Orford the within 40=£=.2=s=.6=d= Interest on d~=o=. 6 y=rs=. 11 m=(_o_)= 13.17.6 54.0.0 Witness [^Orford's signature?^] Bill On Lovell & Punk 20.16.0 Cash 33.4.0 54.0.0 [^different hand?^] 3=shares=/(_54_)=£=/18=£= each share to Iane, Sarah & Booth

[^Copy of statement ^] I do hereby acknowledge that the %Sum of Forty Pounds two Shillings and Six %Pence being the amount of the %Shares of Iane Hancock, Sarah Hancock and Booth Hancock Three of the Younger Children of my late Brother Thomas Hancock deceased and at present under age of the %personal Estate of their late Uncle William Hancock my Brother was this day paid into my Hands by Ellen Hancock Widow and Administratrix of the said William Hancock and that I am to be accountable for the same with Interest to the said Children upon their attaining their respective Ages of Twenty one Years As Witness my hand this Twenty fifth day of October 1781 Iohn Hancock [^"U" rubbed out^] Disley Copy Witness Ios: Cooke M=r=.. Orford

London Dec=r=.. 14: 1790 Hon=d=: Sir I hope you will pardom me for not answering your Letter which I rec=d=. by M=r= Barrow — and as an acknowledgment for my rudeness, I beg you will accept of a Pocket Book for the Year 91 at the sam{e} time have made free to inclose one for Miss Orford with my proper respects — and suffer me to congratulate you upon the happy change in Miss Orfords indisposition, which I wish to hear establish'd — Please to remember me respectfully to M=rs=. Orford and your Family, wishing you many happy returns of the approaching season — and am Sir Your obliged humble Servant I.E.Hancock [^Bill from a William Harper (draper?) omitted^] w=th=. Speed M=r=. Orford How Lane Steward at Lime Derbyshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

D=r=. S=r=. I am Desire'd to write to you to let you know that there's to be Dispose'd of, an %Estate upwards of 200=£=. a %year of own land forever in fee Simple, — & as the owner of it has no children nor near relation's to him, he wants to sell it forever to the Lord of Lime, for so %much yearly during his life, who is now Age'd about 70 y=r's=., — which this Estate is but about 5 or 6 mile's of Hadock lodge & there being an %Exceeding good slate delf & coal mine in it, wants working, — I desire the favour of your Answer in a %Post or 2 whether you think the Lord will boy it of him, in that way, but if he be now at home, you'l favour me very much, if you'l inform him of it, & imediatly after to lett me know by a %line, whether he'l do it with him or no, because he's more Desireous of doing it with him then ^with^ any%body elst whatev=r=. I am ^s=r=.^ y=r=. m=t=. ob=t=. hble serv=t=. W=m=. Harper Warrington Bewsey Street 9=th=. sept=r=. 1781 M=r= Holford

M=r= Holford Manchester decemb=r= 28..1789 Sir — J can get a %p{ie}ce of your patterns made in about 3 Week but as present they are not to be g{o}t here J have met with the person that made these p{ie}ces. — but ple{a}se to observe you must ta{*}e a %p{ie}ce of each which will be about 42 yd in a p{ie}ce any firther directions please to c{o}mm{a}nd — your hble Ser{i}t Sam Harris M=r=. Orford Lyme

S=t=. Helen 14=th= Nov=r=. 1782 M=r=. Orford Sir (_M=r=. Statham_) the Attorney for the Ass=gs=. of Tho=s=. Case of Liverpool haveing Desired me to call upon the different Gentlemen who were summoned to give evediance in the Suit late M=rs=. Claytons Ass=gs=. against T. Cases Ass=gs=. and make them satisfaction for their Journey, Horse Hire, Exp=s=. &c and as I have gone through most part of 'em I wish to make out the Total Charge which I am debarrd from 'till I know your Demand which I cou'd be glad to receive by the Bearer & will pay the Amount to him, or to whom you may direct. I begg you'll not omitt doin{g} the needfull P~ Bearer — I am yours respet%fully [^across line break^] &c. Iames Harriso^n^ Sir Being Rather in Necessity of A Friend & I Dont now Any%body that is more Ready to Do A Friendley Action then mr Orford, my Bissness is Sir Geo: Warren Has Hired me to be Groom of the Chambers Very Likeley to be the Best Place in the House, Sir Geo:. Will Write to M=r= Legh By this Nights Post for my Carracter Which I Should be Very Much Oblig=d=, to you to Interceed for me With M=rs= A Legh or Marster Which you Please, I hope Marster Will Do me Iustice I Require no more, I Should be Glad you Would Speak Directley as I think M=r= Legh Will Answer Sir Geo=s=: Letter By the Return of Post, I have Been Recomend=d=. to Sir George But He Say=s=. [^"But He Says" crossed out^] Very Likeley M=r= Legh Will not be Pleas=d=, if He Dont Write to Him ["to me" crossed out^] About me as Being Such Nigh Neightbours Please to make my Kind Respects to M=rs= Orford & Comp={ls}=, to all Inquireing Friends I am Sir your Well Wisher & Obediont Hum=ble=, Servont R. Harrison Lord Geo. Cavendishes Berkley Sq=(_r_)= Feb=y= 5=th=. 1778 P:S. I Should Isteem it A Perticulor ^Favour^ if you Would Favour me With A Line direct=d=. as Above To Mr Allford Steward att Lyme In Cheshire [^In different hand^] M=r= Hancock Note Commiss={r}=

August 27/1788 Chapel en le frith Sir J have heard from you by John Walton that J Shall make Nothing up but as the Law Directs J have heard there is Severall of them which J have Gott Warrants for ^thay^ Say thay will Stand me a Tryall So I Shall be Glad Jf you would Either attend at the Kings Arms Jn Chapell or Send your Letter that J may know how to proceed otherwise Jf you Send by Jonathan Jodrill J have Gott 11 Warrants and the Set me at Defiance and Say J Can prove no Damage and for that reason Shall be Glad to hear both from you and mr Newton to know how J must proceed J have 2 Jn Disley both against one Man Shall be Glad to know Jf thay must be Signed Jn Cheshire It is a Son of Edward Claytons from your Humble Servant John Harrop To Peter Legh Esq=r= Att Lyme In Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

M=r= R Orford Warrington 26 Ian=y=: 1771 D=r= S=r= I have considerd of %the %proposal you %made ^me^ of Leasing the Tenement in Groppenhall Late belong=g=: to Domine Pool consisting of Cottages Barn stable &c with croft behind for Three Lives the %price you ask say £52..10..0 is full %high I can scarce make it worth more then £40 {a} 45 at most some of the Buildings are near Tumbling down & in %bad %repair however I am much %obliged to you for the kind preferrence you give me in Leas=g=: the same & %shall not be unmindfull in %make=g=: a %suiatable return as usu{*} to yourself when the money is p=d=: Therefore %shall leave myself & %the price to you entirely as its a con{v}ene{**} to some Lands my Nephew has near there — If you cant ^take^ fifty %pounds must give You the Fifty Guinea which you mentiond to me I hope however you will not take any rent from me %for the %year pa{s}t its no great deal but in thes shall Leave %to settle when you & I %meet In the %mean you will %provide a Lease for the %same for Three Lives — ^where name & Age^ As follows — Iohn Hart (My Nephew) ^&^ son) of Tho=s= Hart of Warrington deceasd he will be Twenty one years old about Midsummer next his Sister Mary Hart aged about sixteen years And ano=r=. relation of %his William Cheney Hart (son of [^"{Docter}" crossed out^] Cheney Hart of Salop Docter of %physick) Aged about fifteen years the{s}e are the Three Lives to be %mentiond in the Lease And as to the Lessee you may either make me or my Nephew Iohn Hart one of the Lives ment=d=: above Iust as you %please its quite equall —, You{'}ll please be %so good to Let me know p~ return post when the Lease will be %ready & when the money must be %paid that I may provide accordingly & %be %ready I wait to hear %from you in co{urse} post which I shoud be glad to do ab=t= provid{e}=g=. the cash & am S=r= with great regard Your %most Hum={*}= Serv={*}= Ieffery Hart

The above Tenement paid 5/ p~ Annum before Lords rent which is a deal for such a %small place If you can take %any%thing of I hope you will be %so %good to give me a %line {n}ext [^corrected^] post when you %expect paym~ M=r=. Orford with Peter Legh Esq={*}=. Lyme near Stockport [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Sir Samuel Pickton the Elder of our Town called upon me this day — and desired I wo=d=. write you a few lines for him. The purport of which is — It seems the Old Man hath a great desire to see you when you come over to Newton Fair, which is some time about the 12=th=. of next Month — but in order to satisfy him — if you would be so obliging as to drop him a line signifying your intention it would truly make the Old Man content. The Business I rather think which he wishes to see you upon — is respecting the small Tenement situate in Dungion Lane near Grappinhall — which he holds under M=r=. Legh — Samuel Pickton wishes M=r=. Dakin of Grappenhall and M=r=. Litton of our Town to attend him at the meeting of you. therefore He wishes you to drop them [^corrected^] two Gentlemen a line the day you propose being at Warrington in order that they may be in the way. I am for Sam=l=. Pickton S=r=. Y=r=. H~ble Serv=t= Nathan Hatton Warrington 12=th= July 1788 please to look [^"{over}" crossed out^] on the other side of this sheet —

P.S when I was in M=r=. Maire's employ — and being over at Lyme I lent M=r=. Coleby. a Book by Name called the art of penmanship which Book M=r=. Coleby the next time I came over to Lyme deliv=d= me safe. then I lent it to M=rs=. Ann Legh's Man. which was then but a new Serv=t=. and if you will be so obliging as to enquire for it and get M=r=. Marsden or M=r=. Coleby to send it me. I will think myself greatly obliged to you — M=r=. Orford Lyme

Macclesfield Aug=t=. 20={t}=. 1781 M=r=. Orford As I had not the pleasure to see You on Your return from Derby as You proposed, it is necessary to inform You now that this being the time of our Annual meeting is the most proper to make an agreement [^corrected^] for the Spons Coal, but a more urgent reason is the Committee's having appointed Thursday next for accepting or rejecting the proposals of M=r=. Murray & M=r=. Pardon, I hope therefore to see You here in the interim, that we may conclude the business we began at our last meeting on the Spons — I am, Y=r=. obed. ser{v} E %Hawkins M=r= Orford Lyme

M=r= Haywards Compliments to M=r= Orford, And Begs He will make his Best Respects to M=r= Legh and returns Him many thanks for a %very fine Haunch of Venison — He likewise desires his Comp=ts=: to M=rs= Keck, Miss Legh and M=rs= A Legh — is very glad to hear thay are So well, and is himself pritty well — but was very poorly about a %week ago — Chester 18=th=: august 1788 — To M=r=: Orford at Lyme

London, Dec=r=: 31: 1770. Dear Sir, I have been for the most part since I left the country onb=d=: H=s=: Maj=s=: Ship Prudent now at Long Reach near Gravesend, for which Ship you may remember I told you I was appointed. [^"at" rubbed out^] I am now come hither for a day or two. — Of late we'v'e had very bad weather, & what is worse, in consequence of an order to press from all Protections, I was oblig'd to board an outerb=d=: E=t=: [^corrected^] Indiaman to take her [^corrected from "{their}"^] hands, where I met with some opposition, as we were saluted on going alongside with Capston Bars & Iron Crows, which they threw into the Boats, by which a midshipman was much wounded in the head, & I put out my shoulder, which is now pretty well again. I must now take the liberty of

reminding you of your promise you made me at Lyme, viz: of speaking to M=r=: Gilbert concerning me. you may remember I told you that the Duke of Bridgewater was pleas'd in the begining of the year 1766 to get me appointed to the Command of Cutter, but being then upon a voyage to the Coast of Guinea & the W=t=: Indies, I cou'd not return time enough to England, to accept it. This ^appointm=t=:^ I shou'd observe, was in consequence of a [^crossed out?^] recommendation of me to M=r=: Gibert by M=r=: Kenyon, who was so good as to make application to his Grace in my behalf. Upon the Duke's being told I was absent in the merch=t's=: Service, {a}nd [^corrected^] therefore cou'd not reap the benefit of his kindness, he repli'd, "he was sorry for it, but [^"{wou'd}" crossed out^] said he wou'd serve ^me^ again when it lay in his power."

I must now desire you'll be so good as to acquaint M=r=: Gilbert that I'm employ'd as Lieu=t=: onb=d=: the Prudent (& shall, I suppose soon go to Portsm=t=:) & that, if he is still inclin'd, as I've reason to think he is, from what he himself told me some time agoe, to speak [^corrected from "of speaking"^] to the Duke in my behalf, I don't doubt but I shall soon be put upon the list of Master's & Commanders w=ch=: is the next step of promotion, & wha{*...} [^torn off^] I flatter miself from my service I've {*...} [^torn off^] right to expect. — If I had not been in actual employ, there might have been an objection to preferm=t=: I beg the favor of an answer when it suits you, w=ch=: please to direct to me to the care of M=r=: Burchal, at whose house I write this. Pray make my respects to M=r=: Gibert (who I endeavour'd with Cap=t=: Bover to see at Warrington) but cou'd not) I am D=r=. Sir, y=r=: very h~ble Serv=t=: Tho=s=: Hayward. M=r=: Orford.

Bath, Feb=y=: 1: 1773. Dear Sir, I have herewith sent you the Franks. You will impute my not sending them before to their not being done. No doubt you have heard long e're this of M=rs=: Keck being brought to bed of a daughter; but yesterday it died. It seems it had not been well almost ever since it was born — M=rs=: Keck herself is rather low, & I believe a little Histerical; but at intervals pretty cheerful — I believe she does not yet know the child is dead. But of these matters you'll have no doubt a better acc=t=: from M=r=: Legh, who with the rest of the family is very well, tho' far from being easy in mind: you can easily judge of the cause. — No time has yet been fixt for leaving this city; & I suppose 'tis uncertain, & will wholy depend upon M=rs=: Keck. There are several Officers of the Navy here, who are unemploy'd, & I believe do not heartily

join with those good Christians who pray for Peace. — Adm=l=: [^corrected^] Keppel with whom I was at the Havana, is here for his health, & is much recover'd. At present there is not the least appearance of War; so that we are all likely to remain (_in statu quo prius_), & sleep in a whole skin. Remember me to all friends. — I desir'd M=r=: Richardson to hang my Saddle & Bridle up in his Room, (if I don't forget.) but if I did not, be so kind as to ask this favor. If you've any news of any kind, as possibly you may when you go into Lancashire, pray give me a line. — I hear they have begun to canvass the Borough of Preston. How do they go on at Wigan? I am, D=r=. Sir, y=r=: fr=d=: & h~ble Serv=t=: Tho=s=: Hayward. P.S. You may direct to me under cover to M=r=: Legh or M=r=: Keck. The Franks will be in different parcels, which I shall forward to Leicester by M=rs=: Johnson, who

goes to [^corrected from "with"^] Stoughton with the remains of the Infant to be the interr'd. Furnival's-Inn, Holborn N=o= 17. Sat=y=: Aug=t=: 6: 1774.Dear Sir, I came hither last Saturday, & sent to acquaint M=r=: Burchall of my having some light money of yours, which I deliver'd to his journey-man [^across line break^] agreeable to his order. — M=r=: Burchall himself is so ill of the Stone, that he cou'd not see M=r=: Master when he went to his house to receive the money you gave him an order for. M=r=: Master has sent his Trunk directed for you at Disley. — I rec=d=: a letter from M=r=: Legh yesterday, desiring me to tell M=r=: Master that he expects to set out from Staughton for [^corrected^] Lyme the 15=th=: & invited him to attend him thither; which M=r=: Master will do, & purposes to be at Staughton for that purpose on the 12=th=: Altho' I'm much recover'd, yet my ancles are still weak, so that I cannot stir much abroad. It is uncertain whether M=r=: Pole will have time to go into the country, as he purposes going to Maryland towards the middle or 20=th=: of this month: so that if you've any dispatches, you'd better get them ready.

The ^Nest of^ Weights my brother tells me can be done as low as from an Oz: to 2{½}=dwts=, but no lower, as there is ^no^ standard; so I've told him to get them finish'd, & will send them by M=r=: Master; the price will be but a few shill=s=: 'Tother day I saw M=r=: Pennington, who amongst other matters said that M=r=: Russell's law Bill amounted to £1500, which 'tis suppos'd by both M=r=: [^letter crossed out^] Master & M=r=: Pole, will surprize M=r=: Master Sen=r=: not a little. There is no news in town, & everithing betokens peace at present. Remember me to all fr=ds=: who am, Dear Sir, y=r=: most h~ble Serv=t=: Tho=s=: Hayward P.S. As you have franks directed to M=r=: Burchall, you will, I hope, give me a line now & then; which he can send by the penny-post. To M=r=: R=d=: Orford.

The Prices of Light Gold Coin &c Guineas & Half Guineas . . . £ 3..17..— 3=£=..12=s=..— 3=s=6... P~=s=: . . . 3..17..6 [^written across:^] P~ oz: All other Portugal pieces . . 3..16..6 NB. at the Silversmiths. To M=r=: Rich=d=: Orford at Lyme Hall.

Stockp=t=: Thur=y=: even=g= 22=d=: J=y=: 1778. Dear Sir, I am now on my return to London in pursuance of my orders: & shall set out tomorrow morn=g= at 4 o'clock in the Diligence from the White Lion here. I have been at Manchester & Warr=n=: whither I went immediatly upon being disapointed in seeing you; which your note gave me reason to think I might at 3 o'clock on Friday last: wherein you have refer'd me to M=r=: Davenport. When I have seen the above gent=n=: it may be necessary to write again to you; which ^may^ probably be from Chatham, as I may not be able to do it before I arrive there, where I ought to have been at this time.

I shall be very glad at all times to hear from you, & if at any time you shou'd happen to come where I am, hope [^corrected^] to see you. M=r=: Tho=s=: Fearnhead of Warr=n=: wou'd be oblig'd to me for a Saddle &c: as I left one in M=r=: Richardson Office at Lyme, I beg you will send it by some Cart or other opportunity to him at Warrington: There is a Bridle, Saddle &c hung up together; which M=r=: I. Richardson promis'd to take care of for me. I am with due respects to all the family, Dear Sir, Y=r=: very h~ble Serv=t=: T. Hayward. To M=r= Rich=d=: Orford at Haydock near Warrington

M=r= Rich=d=. Orford London Nov=r= 24. 1772 D=r= Sir I am favoured with yours inclosing a Letter of Att=y=, but as I had sent one to Newton before thought it useless to Return you this as I apprehend that will answer the same purpose, M=r= Greenwollers thinks it necessary a Rec=t=— shou'd be signed by M=r= Legh with Respect to my%self I am a Stranger in those matters, and if you'l be so kind as to get the needfull done to that Lease which you have and send it up We can get the other indorsed and Signed by M=r= Legh when he is in London. J am D=r= Sir Your most hble Serv=t= Peter Heapy To M=r= Rich=d=: Orford at Haydock near Warrington

London Dec=r=: 15, 1772 Dear Sir Yesterday I rec=d= your favour informing me that it is necessary for the other Lease to be sent; I was this day at M=r= Greenwollers to ask for it who had both Leases to look at, and he has mislay'd it somewhere so that he cannot find it at present, as soon as he does I will take care to forward it to you, but in the mean time I shou'd esteem it a favour to get the Lease you now have Signed and give Possession, in this you will add to the favours already received by D=r= S=r= Your most hble Serv=t= Peter Heapy To M=r= Orford [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

M=r= Orford Friday Evening You'l please to leave the Old Leases with M=r= Birchall as you have the Counterparts at Home. Your hum Serv=t= Peter Heapy Sir I have according to your Request sent you a London Bill inclosed for 24=l=. lest the weather should prevent me attending the Meeting — Should I not be there, I desire you will be so good to acquaint the Commissioners that I desire they will not Allot any of that part of the Common which is to be divided into Stints for my Share, as I Was always against any Division of that kind being made, but that All sho=d=. be inclosed, and as it was agreed that the part of the Commons which was to be divided into Stints should be ^Allotted to^ those who desired to have 'em so divided, for which reason I think this request may be made of the Commissioners without being censured for endeavouring to influence their Impartiality — but on the contrary may be said only to inform them how to do the most impartial Iustice — I hope you will excuse this Trouble from S=r=. y=r=. H~ble Serv=t=. W=m=. Norton Macclesf=d=. Ian~ry 29=th=.— {*...} [^torn off^] good to favor me with a Line to let me know whether you have received {*...}ll [^torn off^] safe, and what Answer you have had from y=e=. Commissioners — To Mess=rs=: Beighton Orford & Longsdon at M=r=: Iohn ffrosts in ffairfield — near Buxton [^Postmarked Chesterfield^]

Chesterfield 6=th=: ffebr={y}= 1772 — {*...}tlemen [^torn off^] — I hope this will reach you before you leave ffairfield. By yesterday's Post (and not before) I rec~ed {A} Letter from D=r=: Norton {*f} [^torn off^] which the above is Coppy, you will take the matter into {y}our considera{~}ion: how farr you are able to comply with his request, you will best judge. I shall by this days post acknowledge the receipt of his Draft for 24=l~= and acquaint him that I have laid the Contents of his Letter before you J am Gentlemen Your very humble Serv=t= Godf: Heathcote To Richard Orford Lyme Hall

Sir I have not had the conveniency to See you Since I was with you at Lyme for I have Been informed that you have Been Most part of your time Since at Haddock I want to know whether you have Settled the affair which I laft to you to Settle with M=rs=. Egerton about the Moor or how it Sands If you please to let me know by a %line or two you will oblige your H~ble Servent Iohn Hegginbotham 17=th=. october 1783 Gee croft Mellor M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Howlane

Mr=. Rich=d=. Orford Sir Zac=y= Peacock and his Sons have made Hats for us some time the Bearor Iohn Peacock came in with his work this day and informd us that you had been under the disagreeable necessity of serving his Father with a writt of Contempt we advised the Young man to wait on you himself and to take your advise and to act in every respect agreeable to your instructions as we are very sencible you take a pleasure in serving every Honest Man we are sorry to say that Zac=y= Peacock is not so sober & prudent as he ought to be and we are doubtfull he has been badly advised his Sons are very Sober industrious Honest young Men & woud be a great hardship on them to suffer for the Fathers imprudence we have not the pleasure to be personally known to you but we are very intimate with your very good friend M=r= Iohn Upon Timber Merch=t=. of Manches=r= We are very Sincerely Sir Y=r=. mo Hum. Serv=ts= Henry & Tho=s=. Henshaw Oldham 14=th= Iune 1788 M=r=: Allford Lyme to be Left at y=e=, white Lion Stockport Cheshire

(_Chester Nov=r=, 26=th=, 1788_) Sir Last week I Received from the Hands of M=r=, Hallwood M=rs=: Keck's Picture, which he Inform=d=, was a Present to me from M=rs=: Ann Legh, for which I take the Liberty to Request the favor of you to present My Humble duty with my Most Gratefull Thank's for the Honor She Confer=d=, upon ^me^ which will ever be highly value=d=, by Sir your Most Hum: Ser=t=; P. Herdsfield P.S. my dear good Lady order=d= me to present her very Respectfull Compli=ts=: to M=r=: Legh & M=rs=: A. Legh She is much the same in Health as she was when I had the Pleasare to see you at Chester Last {*...}llford [^torn off^] {*...} Lyme [^torn off^] {*...}ockport [^torn off^] Cheshire [^Postmarked Chester^] [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

Chester aug=t=, 4=th= 1789 Sir I am Order=d=, by my good Lady to beg of you to Present her Affectionate Regards to M=r=: Legh & M=rs=: A: Legh and is very Much Concern=d=, to hear [^in margin^] of the Melancholy Event of Miss Legh's death; & Condole's with them, upon it. My dear Lady return=d=, from Cheltenham ten days ago, in much better Health than She left Home in) will be extremly happy to hear that M=r=: & M=rs=: a Legh are in better Health than the last account She had left them in; Pleas to accept of my Respectfull Compli=ts=: and am Sir your Most Hum: Ser=t=. P Herdsfield M=r=. Orford — at Peter Legh's Esq=r= — Lyme — [^number in different hand omitted^]

Dear Sir, M=r=. Legh Masters packages were forwarded agreeable to y=r=. Letter: But thought it unn{ce}ssary to trouble you with a %Letter to tell you so. — You say nothing what this Fine ought to be? J %say little of any%thing [^across line^] to exchange a %Life w=ch=. we do at Liverp=l=. for a Guinea. — I am sure it has cost a %de{v}— Deal for a %new Roof Repairs {&c} — And J will give you my Word that the valuation you shew=d=. me is more than J %lett it for — Was J assured of finding you at home J think J %shou=d= road so much further — J am in haste but respectfully y=rs=, W=m= %Hesketh — White Lyon Stockp={t}=. monday 2=d= June How goes the old 'Squire on? — M=r=. Orford. at Peter Legh's Esq=r=. Lyme

D=r= %S=r=. I %have left with M=r=. Barbon of Stockport the leases you left at my house, when J had the pleasure of y=r=. Company, and also my own (_old Lease_), by w=ch=. J find that the Fine was only £60 for a %fresh Life, w=ch=. was far cheaper than 40=£= to change one — Besides the Estate is now of less value from the Field at School brow taken from it — and J can truly say that the Rents are less now than what they were then. — But they tell me you, grow Grey with Care to fill the Squires Coffers. — J hope youll let me see you when you come to Liverp=l=. J %am D %S=r=. y={r}=. mo obed Serv W=m= Hesketh [^"{of}" crossed out^] Lpl 21=st= Nov={r}=. 1788 M=r=. Orford at M=r=. Burchal's Oxford Street with a %Paper P~cel for M={*}= Tho=s= Gates.

Brompton 21 Mar 75 — Mess=rs= Hewitts & Smith's best Complim=ts= to M={r}= Orford, and send here with a %Parcel of I{u}berose Roots, also a Leterr which came from M=r= Tho=s= Gates this day — Likewise a State of the Bell Glass acco=t=. of which we never rec=d=. any%thing further of M=r= Flodman, than what M=r= Legh paid for y={r}= half Dozen he had; Shall be oblig'd, if — M=r= Orford will endeavor to get that Balance for us, and to drop us a Line of his Success — M=r=. Orford at Lyme Cheshire p~ Buxton

Brompton Aug=t=. 2d 1777 Sir, We are favord with yours, apprehending there is some Mistake in y={e}= Charge of y=e= {T}ares last sent you; I make no doubt but you might have heard of {T}ares sold under that Price last Season; but, was y=e= Quality considerd? there were a %great many very ill saved, and bad Samples; do assure you, I did not see a finer Sample than them sent to M=r= Legh, at our Corn Exchange all last Season, sound and well saved — Could have bought 'em of an inferior Quality, and Price, not well hardend, very faulty, & would have been mouldy before they had arrived, by y=e= damps of y=e= Ship & long confinem=t=. in y=e= Sacks — I see, in y=e= Year 73, and that was a %bad wet Autumn for saving latter Grain, those we sent you were at 7=s=—6=d= p~ Bush={*}=. — I expect M=r= Smith will be with you in 3 Weeks from this date, when you will be so good as to settle it to your liking — I wrote M=r= Gates a while ago, about M={r}= Watson's Bell %Glass{=s=}, y={e}= Balance remaining ever since y={e}= Year 63 £2.11 — you gave us some hopes of succeeding, when you were last here; if any good can be done therein, we shall esteem the Favor My Uncle joins in %best Complim=ts=. to you with Sr Yr most h={ble}= Ser=t= Hen=y= Hewitt M=r=. Orford

Brompton Jan=y= 24th 1784 Dr Sir, Tho' I thought long of your Answer, I did not doubt but that you would write me, with y{r} Conveniency. I gave your Letter to M=rs=. {T} PSon, and she took it to her Fath=r= they have considered the Matter, and, as D=r= Richmond is so young a Life, they think it hardly worth while to pay down sinty Guineas now, and stand the Chance of y={e}= Boy surviving to it; were it to be done, the Father must do it, and he says, the Interest of that Money will help to bring him up, and be of great Service when he comes at Age &c; in short, they decline having any further Thoughts about it; joining me, in many Thanks to you for y={e}= Trouble you have been at, and hoping M=r= Legh will be so good as to excuse being also troubled about it. With the Seeds have sent 6={*d}= L{ucerne} for y={e}= {h**end} & hope it will prove good, that we are obliged to trust to the French men for — My Uncle joins in best Complim=ts= to you, with D=r= Sir Yr %obliged h={ble}= Ser=t= Hen=y= Hewitt M=r= Smith is very well, as to his health. M=r=. Orford at Lyme near Stockport Cheshire

Brompton Feb=y= 17th 1787 Sir We are favord with yours, wishing us to recommend a Gardener to our worthy old Friend Peter Legh Esq, to succeed M=r= Coleby; knowing the Nature of the Service, shall certainly pay attention to recommend such a one, as is suitable, both as to his Abilities in his Profession, and his Conduct in the Station he'll hold in the Family; shall hardly be able to send you such a one, in much less than a Month from this date; however, will drop you a Line in a Fortnight, m{o}re at a Cretainty; you say 20=l~= p~ Year; don't recollect, whether that has been M={*}= Legh's usual Wages; a steady, well behaved Man, who has had his Experience confirmd by several Years Practi{c}e, may think that rather low; however, if that is the most, he should not stand out, with a good Place in view; As this Alteration is like to take Place soon, there is a young Man in the Garden, I would beg

to sollicit M={*}= Legh's consideration of, that he may be continued a while in the Employ. I mean Henry Sime, whom I got M=r= Coleby, in Friendship, to take under his Care; he is Fatherless, and Friendless, except me; I am his Godfather, & had a great esteem for his Father; should think myself much obligd to %my good Friend M=r= Legh, to let him remain with the next Gardener, as he is too young and inexperienced, as yet, to turn out into the World; and it unluckily happens, I know of no Friend, at present, where there is a Vacancy. Shall esteem a Line from you, on Rec=t= and am for %Self & 'co {S}r yr mo: h=bl= Ser=t= Hen=y= Hewitt M=r=. Orford at Lyme n=r= Stockport Cheshire

Brompton March 8th 1787 Sir, We are favord with yours, desiring to %have the Gardener down, as soon as may be; he shall set out by next Saturday's Coach; shall bring a Line of recommendation with him, from, Sir yr very h=ble= Serv={ts}= Hewitt & Co M=r= Orford at Lyme Cheshire near Disley [^In pencil (rubbed out?) possibly in different hand^] Enquire at the Ram's head

Brompton March 10th 1787 D=r= %Sir, The Bearer, John Cook, is the Gardener we recommend for M=r= Legh's Service, a sober, decent, well behavd young Man; we hope will please in his Station, and deserve your Friendship; he is a Relation of M={r}= Cook's, who, knowing the Business of Lyme in the Gardening way, has given him the necessary Ideas of y={e}= Service, and with me, has no doubt of his doing very well I thought it proper to write the Go{v=r=}, by Way of Introduction, as his Gardener, which, you will peruse, and seal, before he takes it to Master; that, I flatter myself you'll approve, as being necessary; and, of course, will instruct him, how to proceed in his Station I have wrote a couple of Friends about the poor Lad Harry, whose Answers I expect soon; mean%while, if he cannot be employd, that little while, have begd of Fr=d=- Coleby to take some Notice of him Perhaps it may be for his good, the removing %him from his present Conne{x}ions — Shall esteem it a Favor, that you'll be so good as to give him yr best Advice & hope he'll have Grace enough to follow it, tending tow=ds= his own Welfare — I am D=r= S=r= y{*} %obliged & obed=t= H %Hewitt To M=r=. Orford.

S=r=. As you have no proper Mortgage as yet from Iohn Holt, I leave it to your consideration whether it wou'd not be better, as the case Stands, if you had one executed for the money due to you; and a Second may be made to me for £17.3.0. subject to yours. You know my inducement for engaging with him is only to secure the Above sum. I beg the favour of an Answer by the bearer I am S=r=. your humble Serv=t=. I~n=o=. Hewitt Stockport 13. Iune 1771. M=r=. Orford Stuard to Peter Leigh Esq=r= at (_Lime Hall_) [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Warrington March 25=th=: 1789 M~=r=. Orford S~=r=. The Purport of this Comes to Desire You will be Pleased on Receipt here of to let me know What Money J %must Give to Put in two lives for the Premices in fennel Street betwixt the Church Street End & bagland End in this Town they Was held be Leace Under Peter Leigh Esq=r= for 3 Lives by my late Father James Heys One of Which lives are now in being and if it be agreeable J %shall be Glad to Put two Other Lives into the said Premises, but J %shall be Exceeding much Obliged to You if You Will be so kind to fever me With a %few %lins on Receipt here of Jnforming %me how %much J %must Give, J hope You will %not be too hard With me as J %am A %Poor %man and has a %family and Could Wish to fill %up the Leace if it is in my Power, tho Ever so much Pinched to Do it J hope You will not forget me Which will be Thankfully Acknowledged by S=r= Y=r= Mo=t= Ob=t= hble Serv=t= John Heys

[^In different hand^] Plase to Direct to me John Hayes Shoemaker near the Church Street End M=r= Rich=d=: Orford Lyme

S=r=; Inclos'd you have our Acc=t=, for Porter, we have had only Five Casks back, therefore there remains Seven, of the last years parcel, & seventeen which you you will see by Acc=t=, you have had{*} [^corrected?^] since the 19=th=. Nov=r=, we shall esteem it a Favor if you wou'd return them the first convenient oppertunity, & likewise shall be particularly oblig'd to you for further Orders I %am for M=r=. Cl{ew}es & %Self your Oblig'd H~ble Serv=t= William Heywood Manchester Dec=r=; 22=d=, 1789 To M=r=. Anford att Howlane

Birch Hall near Hefield Aug=t=. 25=d=. 73. Sir. J desire my Duty to Your Master if you Plese, And J beg you'le be so kind as to give me A fue Brown {f}fishing Hairs of the best off som of your Coach-Horses (Your man John Robenson is a Good judge which wo'd be proper for my Purpose) Jf you plese to oblige me with som be so good to Jnclose them in A Letter seale it up and get it to Your Neighbar M=r=. Jo={i}a=. Marriott who will get it safe the Hands of S=r=. Your Most obliged Humble Servant Geo: Higenbottam To M=r= Holfourt or to M=r= Richenson at Lord of Lime ^His^ Stuarts With Care

Macclesfield Aprell 14 1775 M=r= Holfort and Mr Richenson I wold Have you to take this In Consederheas^u{n}^ In the Reg{a}rd of this old Bilding In oure town Ill Give you fore Pounds yeareleye and Betid to Leye aut of Pockett 200 Pounds of moneye to the frunt and Backwards for three Lives And You Told me the Reveshen of a fort Life Wich if you Plase Shall Take it as a %fever tho {A}rserd [^corrected^] In Lives But Ill Vent{er} at the above Good Lock or Bad you Ill never have the Prevence agane By No%Boddeye But me M=r= Holfort Conseder all Pints and then I %think you W{o}nt mak one Word In the Reg{a}rd as above Sir From youre most Hb Serven=t= Samuel Higginbotham M=r=.. Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Bank 10=th=. Dec=r=. 1782 — Dear Sir My Master desires to know if M=r=. Legh wou'd be pleas'd to give him leave to dispose of the Buildings in the Horse market late part of M=r=. Turners Tenement. He has at this time an opportunity of contracting with a Person whom I think very likely to improve the Premises, part of the Buildings being very old. — A Line from you will much oblige — Your ob=t=. hble Serv=t=. {T..} Higginbotham for Mr Holford at Lime Speed

March 18 1773 Thursday Morning Sir I Should be glad to have Seene you toMorowe as I go to Stockport or Come back to have Some talk with you or I will Come over If you will Send me a Line that we may have Some time for I want to make you Some porposes If you Like on it you and me to%gather frum Sir yours Joseph H{i}ginbotha{m} M=r= Orford Lyme Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Sir After taking the liberty of inform~=g= you that M=rs= Naylor, Relict of the Rev=d=, M=r= Naylor, is dead — I beg leave to inform you that M=(_rs_)= Rich=d=, Leigh is wanting that Part of the Old Geo~ which I at Present Occupy into her own hands, and having this day ^been^ with M=r= Ja=s= Leigh, he has Ordered me to desire you'l not promise the House she lived in till you see either him or me — And in hopes of meeting your Approbation I remain Sir Y'r Obed=t=, Serv=t=, Jn=(_o_)= Higson Newton 20 Dec=r=, 1788 M=r=. Orford Peter Legh's Esq=r=. Haydocklodge —

Sir I have this Morning rec=d=. 100=l~= frm M=rs=. Chadell which if you will either Come over and rec. (if convenient) or send a Messenger for that purpose you will much oblige Sir Your ob~t Ser=t=. Rich=d=: Hill M=r=. Maire went this Morn={*}=. to Chester and desired me to acquaint you with the rec=t=. of the Money Just mentioned as he thought it unsafe to trust the newton Carters. If you send a Messenger be pleased to acknowl~: the rec=t=. of the 20=l~= sent Yesterday — Warrington Thursday Morn={*}=. [^In different hand^] August 25. 1779 M=r=. Orford Haydock Lodge —

Sir Herewith you have Twenty pounds and I am desired by M=r=. Maire to acquaint you that he has not yet rec=d=. the money due from M=rs=. Cladel or any part the Instant he receives it he will either transmit it to you or send you word. I am Sir Y~r h~ble Serv{=t=} Rich=d=: Hill Warrington Aug=t=. 26=th= /79. [^Brief formulaic letter from Geo: Hilton omitted^] M=r= Rich=d= Orford at Hadock Loge by ashton [^corrected^] [^Postmarked Liverpool^]

S=r= J Recd yours it menchans a mestake of one guinea y=e= Cash J Lead Down Whas 27 [^"gui{**}" crossed out^] guinas & a therling Pound Bill & you Returnd mee one Pound 7 Shilings wich mead y=e= Cash J Payd 40 Pound J ham your Moust Hum={b}l= Sa={t}= to Comand Jn=o= Hinde Liverpool Sept 21 1775 M=r= Orford at Peter Leighs Esq:r;s Lyme [^Postmarked Warrington^]

M=r= Orford(5=th= Jenry 1784) Sir A %few days Ago I %had an Opertunity of Disposeing of the Hous & Barn my Father left me & the Money to be paid on the twelvth of this Month — I therefore thought it my Duty to inform you if this meets with your Approbation shoud be Oblieg;d to you for A %line my Unckle Forster was so kinde to me as to offer his Services in going to Haydock to see you About the Agreement on Enquirey I %found you was at Lyme — — I %remain Sir wishing you the Compliments of the Season your Obedt Serv;t Mary Hodgkinson Sankey Street Warrington M=r=. Orford — Fairfield. —

M=r=. Hodgson presents his Comp=ts=. to M=r=. Orford. & is Sorry he had not the pleasure of Seeing [^"you" crossed out^] him, when he was So Kind as to call, if he has half an Hour to Spare, (any time before he Returns home) Shall be Very glad of his Company. Friday Evening 7. =o=C— If M=r=. Brighton & M=r=. Longstone will Accompany M=r=. Orford, M={r}=. H. will be glad of their Company — M=r=. H. Sends along with this 3 Letters, that are just come by the Post. M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Lyme Office business [^Postmarked Buxton?^]

Buxton 26=th=. Ian. 77. Sir! I was favor'd with Your Letter inclosing a Return Cover of an OverCharged Letter I am Sorry You have been put to So much trouble about it, but it is not in my power to deduct it in the manner You have Stated it, & tho'. the Letter went thro' the London Office by mistake Yet they will not allow Such deduction in my Ac=ts=. & tho'. hard on You must pay three times 7=d=. which leaves the Charge at 1=s=/9 in stead of the Original charge of 3/4. J am Sir. Y=r{s}=. Ob=t=. Hum={t}= Serv=t=. B. Hodgson M=r= Richard Orford Lyme cheshire

Wigan Iune 17 1775 Sr I understand it is not agreeable to %you to intermedle in the matter betwixt M=r= Bromley & T %andrews w=ch= agrees exactly with my Sentiments as Such have Sign'd as inclosed an appointment of T Barton Esq=r=. who may if he Chuses determine the matter himself Please to return the Apointment Sign'd to Yr %ob %Ser=t= I: Hodson [^Draft of reply attached^] Lyme 19 Iune 1775 Sir I am favor'd with yours by this Mornings post ^Inclosing an^ appointment [^corrected^] ^for^ M=r=. Barton to %be the umpire in the Cause of M=r=. Bromley & his Tenant, which Gentleman J ^think well of {was} it my own^ affair [^corrected from "w=d=. put any affair of my own to"^], but as the Case stands I think it w=d=. be [^"{******} unreasonable" crossed out^] ^imprudent^ as well as [^word crossed out^] ^blameworthy^ in me to sign such an appointment, as the Tenant I apprehend has had no notice of the arbitrators intention of appointing M=r=. Barton, & till that Time J beg to be excused signing till J see Andrews or hear from him, that [^"^he thinks^" crossed out^] M=r= Barton is [^"thought on to be umpire" crossed out^] agreeable to him to be umpire & take the [^"Ca{r}e" crossed out^] ^burden^ of the Award on him M={*}= Rich=d= Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Scribbles omitted^] [^Postmarked Wigan^]

Sr M=r= Barton informs me he will have nothing to do in the affair betwixt M=r= Bromly & Tho~ Andrews — you'l please retur{n} the apointment that I may destroy it — as it will be of %no use; & you'l Not have the trouble of Consulting the tenant about %it I %am y=r= Ob={*}= Sert I: Hodson Wigan Iune 23=rd= 1775. To Peeter Legh Esq=r=.. M at Lyme Cheshire P Buxton [^Postmarked Derby^] [^Numbers in different hand omitted^]

M=r=. Orford Sir I %went to Winfild to in%quire for James Shiple but I could not find no such a man theare his wife is in a house at Ocartharp But hee all%wase works at More Greene in Notting%ham%Shire I %am vary weell aquinted With him and hee Sath that hee hath had tow {L}etters this winter a%bout biing the Leach but hee Sath that hee will not Sell it to No won Whil hee live%eth for no prise Sir Poul Dakin Sath that hee put his rent in%to M={r}=. Hearth hand the Day be%fore you was at Darby Sir Youre Vary Umbel Sarvant at Comman^d^ Iohn Holbrook May y=e= 14: 1774 To Peter L^e^gh Esq=r=. M=r=. at Lyme Cheshire By Buxton [^Postmarked Derby^]

M=r=. Orford Sir I thought proper to let you know that M=r=. Bulefant & M=r=. Fletcher hath let all the Water out of the Morl Pool and haith t{a}ken [^corrected^] all the best of the fish themselves and then gave leave for any%body that would take it oute Vast Numbers that ever %whas Seen thay Say it whas ^to^ destroy the Small fishes but I here now that thay have dun it to distroy it all it haith been [^"Draan" crossed out^] ^dreand^ all winter There is a %man of Ilkeston hath bote the Winde mil at Heanor and hee hath Puled it down and Set it upon Ilkeston Commin Sir I am your humble Sarvant at Command Iohn Holbrook Codnor Parke 24 Feb{*=*=}.. To M=r=. Orford at Lyme Hall Cheshire [^Postmarked Bakewell and Stockport^]

Dear Sir A Little time since I was Consern=d='d in a Cocking at Tidswell against som of your country people wh{e}ch som of Them Lives at or near How Lane. that has the best Cocks now I want a Cupple of those Shake Bags and I don't know which way to proseed. to com at them Excepting you will be Pleas'd to take the Trouble upon you I have two Good wal{ks} for them and I hope you will Oblige me, to get me two but if they know they are for me they perhaps will not Let me have any of the Right sort which makes me Trouble you as thinking you can do such a thing for me and if you succeed in my desire I will com and see you and bring them my%Self. [^across line break^] and the first time you Com our way I shall be Glad to see you to taste Som of my Beer — I am %your Most Ob=t= Serv=t= Rich=d= Holden Chatsworth 5=th= Iuly 1771 — P.S P Melton=s=. Comp=ts=. to M=r= Orford To M=(_r_)=. Orford

D=r=: Sir On wednesday Evening J %where favour=d=: with Yours of the 17th Ult, the purport of which J %yesterday Communicate=d=, to m=rs=: Silves{ter} Poor woman She where very happey in hearing the lad Arriv=d=: Safe, and ^where^ well, thanks You very kindly for writeing By Desire of Madam Ann Legh, Shall Send of P~ this nights Coach, Direct=d=- for Your Hon=r=, at Lyme, a Small Box, Jmmagine She Jnform=d=, You of its Comeing J propose being in Derbyshire in a %fortnight or three weeks from this Date, where J %Certain You would be in Cheshire about that time, J %most Certainly Should

do my%Self the pleashure of Calling of You, M=r=. Legh Madam Ann Legh with m=r=. And m=rs=. Keck Set out from here for London on friday morning last, am Jnfo{m}=d=, All arriv=d= Safe in Town — Rec=d=: a Span{u}el Bitch P~ Bass last Tuesday My Dame Joins me in %kindest Comp=ts=: to m=rs=: Orford & Self J am D=r= Sir Your most Obd=t=, H=ble=: Serv=t=, R Hole Staughton — 24 Jan={*}=: 71 M=(_r_)=. Orford

Staughton may 6/71 D=r=: Sir By the manchester Coach this night, J %Shall Send of a Small parcle Directed for miss Legh, of which J %have a very particular Charge from my mistress, as it Contains Something of very great value Shall Esteem it as a particular favour, Jf You=l{l}=, be So good as give a line as Soon as this Comes to hand, Jnforming me weather it arrives Safe or not J %hope m=rs=: Orford and Your little family are all well, my wife Joins me in kindest Comp=ts=: to you & yours J %am D=r= Sir Your most Obd={t}= Serv={*}= R Hole [^Many of the dashes in Richard Hole's letters are very faint, and may not be intended as dashes^] M=r=: Orford

Staughton 23=d= may 1773 D=r=: Sir on wednesday next Shall send from here to Lyme by a Carefull person, three Chesnut Geldings, which — J %hope will arrive Safe at Lyme Sometime on friday next — J where desire=d=, by m=r=: Legh to Jnform — you — he %would not have you Buy aney more — Shall be much Oblidge to you — for a line by the Person who Brings the Horses down, Jnforming how thay get there B: Clayton & M: Strong desires there Respects to you, desir=d=: me to remind you of your Promis to y=m=: when you where last at Staughton, — my Dame Joins me in kindest Comp=ts=: to m=rs=: Orford & Self J am D=r=: S=r=. your most Obd=t=. & very h=ble=: Serv=t=. — R Hole M=r=: Orford

D=r=: Sir J am desired by m=r=: Keck to Jnform you, — you=l{l}=: receive from Staughton P~ this return of Bass=s=, waggon, — two Pointers, one of which has not been Broke, m=r=: Keck Desires you=l{l}=: Get her B: P~ Robartson — the other m=r=: Keck would be Glad to %have taken out now & then to make him parfect J am D=r=: Sir your most obd=t=, & very h=ble=: Serv=t=, Jn %haste R Hole Staughton 27=th= may 73 M=r=: Orford

Dear Sir J were duely favour'd with yours of the 28 & 30 of may, where Glad to here the Horses Arriv'd Safe at Lyme, & Shall be Glad Soon to here the lame Horse is got Parfectly Sound — by m=r=: Keck, J am desir'd to Jnform you, Shall Send to Lyme by this Return of Bass/s waggon, a Black Gelding of Kitts, which m=r=: Keck desires you=l{l}=: keep at Lyme till Kitt Comes up the %reason of Our Sending this Horse Down — is, we Cannot keep him in Aney Close we have, has got such a way of Brakeing through the hedges J beg my best Comp=ts=: to m=rs=: Orford

And All friends {a} Lyme & Am Dear Sir Your most h=ble=: Serv=t=. R Hole Staughton 10 June 73 M=r=: Orford

Dear Sir the favour of yours of the 10 Ins=t=: had been — Acknowledg~d ere now — but Expect=d= to have rec~d the last for Silvesters Stuf; then Should have remit~d you a Bill on London — for £ 5..15..7 on receipt of Your letter Inform~d him you had desir~d me to receive of him — £ 4..19..9 for the Stuf you had Sent him, of which — he %took very little notice, onely Said If he paid ready money he Should Expect Discount, by that Immagin — he Expects you have Some profit in it, I wish — that Gentleman do{n}d Show you a Specimen of is Dirty actions, as he %has done moste people he has been Concern~d with — I thank you most kindly for the trouble you have taken

in — procureing me the nice Breeches Stuf you have been so kind to Send me, will take Care to Send you the amount 15/10 P~ m=r=: Leghs man — at is return to Lyme — m=r=: Legh — arriv~d here yesterday in parfect health — I have the pleasure to Say m=rs=: Keck is as well as her friends Can posably wish — her to %be, my Dame Ioins me in kind resp~ts to m=rs=: Orford Self and fine little women I %am D=r= Sir Your most Obd=t= & very h=ble= Serv=t=, R Hole Staughton 22=nd= Iuly 1774 M=r=: Orford

Staughton 7 Aug=st=: 1774 Dear Sir I am Command~d by m=r=: Keck to desire you=l{l}=: Buy him — 12 Good Scotch Runts at Newton fair, & Send them up by m=r=: Erwin, or Some other of Our Leicestershire Iobbers that may be there, If none Should be there m=r=: Keck desirs you=l{l}=: Send them to Lyme, & Send a man from thence to Staughton with them — m=r=: Keck further desires you=l{l}=: be kind anough to Transmit to him his yearly Acc=t=: I have the pleasure to Say m=rs=: Keck and all the %family here are In parfect health I am D=r=: Sir Your most h=ble=: Serv{t} R Hole [^The next letter, from same date, is a near-identical copy of the previous letter minus the final paragraph. Not transcribed.^] Dear Sir Yesterday morning I where favour'd with yours of 23=d= Ins=t=: with a Bill on Silvester, who left m=r=: Kecks Servis on wednesday Evening — on receipt of your Letter Immediately whent to Leicester to get your Bill accept~d But where Inform'd the Gentleman — where gone to Burton — this morning I have been at Leicester to wait on him with the Bill again, when is wife Inform'd me he where at home But the Gen: did not Chuse to See me; I desir'd is wife would take the Bill to him and desire to know if he would please to Accept it, when he Sent me for answer, he would not accept it, but would write to m=r=: Gaskell on the matter him%selfe

I told m=rs=: Silvester I thought it very Ill usage to you, & Desir'd her to tell him I thought he had much better to pay me the money, as he most Certainly would have a Good deal of trouble in it If he did not &c, but all to no affect — I have relate{~}d this matter to m=r=: Keck, who Says he has abought 8 £ to %pay him and will Insist on his Discharging Your Acc=t=: when he ^dose^ pays him, which will be %in a %few Days; I think it will be right to Stay that time before aney%thing further is done, then If Dont pay it Order a writ for him and let your attorney Order it to be Direct'd to me & I will take Care to get it Serv'd Immediately — m=r=: Keck desires you=l{l}=: as Soon as %posable after receipt of this Transmit [^"{him}" crossed out^] ^to me^ an acc=t=, of what money you have paid for Silvesters Boy &c at Pointon or Ells%where

the Scotch Cattle Came %up very well, I think them Pretty usefull Beast, but as all Others that are Bo=t=: now are, to High in price, tho as well Bought as aney I %have Seen Bo=t=: or Sold of late I am D=r=: Sir with every respect to you & yours Your most H=ble=: Ser{vt} In haste R Hole Staughton 26 Aug=st=: 1774 M=r=: Orford

D=r=: Sir you are desir'd P~ my master to Send up as Soon as posable after receipt of this Silvesters Boy, and by the Cheapest Conveyance you Can I Should think the Outside the Coach as Cheap as aney On sater{ay} last I desir'd a %friend of mine to Inform Silvester, that If he did not Immediately Deliver to him the Corduroy he had left with the %money for what where Sold, he %would Sometime in the Course %of this week have a writ Serv'd on him for 4..19..9 due from him to you, upon which I am Inform'd he readily Compli'd with the above and my friend has both money & Stuf, I will Endeavour to dispose %of what is left in Leicester, If I Cannot Dispose of it, will get it pack,d in a Box with whot money my friend has rec~d and Send it Down to you

m=rs=: A: Leghs man where mentioning that he would Buy a Quantety of that Stuf to take to Bath with him now If you where to mention this to him he very likely would be glad to have [^"this" crossed out^] it — I think there is 7 Y=ds=: of it Sold you=l{l}=: let me hear from you about it — I think that Base fellow Silvester has prov'd him%Self the most Compleat Villain I Ever met with or hard of — he has Fleec~d m=r=: Keck finely Endeed — Pray make my Comp=ts=: to Good m=rs=: Orford and believe me ever yours Sincerely & faithfully R Hole Staughton 30 Aug=st=. 1774 P:P: 6 yards of Stuf Sold M=r=: Orford [^Scribbles omitted^]

Dear Sir the Bearer hereof Brings you 21 y=ds=: of Corduroy rec~d back from Silvester with 1=l=/8=s= for 8 y=ds=: that has been Sold you=l{l}=: find the money in the Roll of Stuff, which is Securely pack~d in a Small Box, Shall be Glad to hear you receive ^it^ Safe Shall allways be happy to have it in my Power to be aney ways Servisable to my Good friend m=r=: Orford I am with my best respects to Self & Better part Dear Sir Your most h=ble=: Serv=t=: in haste R Hole Staughton 21=st= Sep=r=: 1774 M=r=: Orford Lyme N=r=: Disley Cheshire [^Posmarked Leicester^]

D=r=: Sir Agreeable to m=r=: Leghs desire when last at Staughton have Sent by this return of Bass=s=: waggon 4 Bushells of Ash Keys If the Quantety I %have Sent is not so maney as you would wish to sow be kind anough — to give me a line and I will Immediately procure you aney Quantety you would wish to have — I hope the whole of your Good family are well I am with my best Comp=ts=: to m=rs=: Orford D=r=: Sir Your most Obd=t=: & very h=ble=: Serv=t=: R Hole Staughton 10=th= nov=r=: 1774

P:S: I have the pleasure to Say my master and the young Gen: are all well I hope all the Good family at Lyme are the Same — did you receive the Cash and Stuf I Sent you Safe, and where it right M=r=: Orford at m=r=: Burchals Linen-Draper Oxford Street London Post paid [^Postmarked Leicester^]

Staughton 16=th= mar: 1775 D=r=: Sir being Inform~d P~ m=r=: Kecks late Butlar that you — are now in town, Earnestly beg the favour of you to Call on us in your way to Lyme Should it not be Convenient to Call a{*} [^torn off^] Staughton, be kind anough to drop me a line Signifying the day you=l{l}=: be at Leicester, that I may once more have the Pleasure of takeing you by the hand I am D=r=: Sir Your most Obd=t=: & very h=ble=: Serv=t=: R Hole P:S: I beg my Comp=ts=: to m=r=: & m=rs=: Burchal M=r=: Orford Lyme [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

Sir I where duely favour~d with yours of the 19=th= Instant, and am Order~d to Inform you that your Comeing here the latter end of Feb=y=: or beginning of march will be more Agreeable to M=r= Keck then the first week in February, and Indeed it will be much better [^"{(}" rubbed out^] as you Observe) on acc=t=: of the Days then being longer — when you Can meet with a Stifish mule about four years Old m=r=: Keck will be much Oblige to you to Buy it for him — I Shall be much Oblige to you for a line a few days before %you Come to Staughton I beg my Comp=ts=: to your better Part and am Sir your very Obd=t=: Serv=t=: R Hole Staughton 23=d= Ian=y=: 1778 Sir I Send you the Inclos~d by Order of m=r=: Keck, who begs you=l{l}=: Procure him the Quantety of the Sorts of Potatoes theirin [^corrected^] Specify~d, and Send them to Staughton as Soon as Convenient — the Reason of m=r=: Kecks wanting So large a Quantety of Seed Potatoes this year is, that has Promis~d to furnish Several of is friends with Lancashire Potatoes for Planting I am Sir Your most h=ble=: Serv=t= In %haste R Hole Staughton 5 Feb=y=, 1778 M=r=: Orford

D=r=: Sir m=r=: Keck begs you=l{l}=: Deliver the Inclos~d letter to m=r=: Legh as soon at it Comes to your hands, and Inform m=r=: Legh tha{t} Madam Anne Legh, m=rs=: Keck, and the whole of the family here are very well I %am D=r= Sir your most h=ble= Serv=t=: In haste R Hole Staughton 30 Iune 1778 M=r=: Orford [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

D=r=: Sir I %where duely favour~d with yours of the 29=th= Ult and m=rs=: Rowles%s letter Inclos~d which I immediately forward~d to M: Oliver in London and desir~d him to get it Convey~d to M=rs=: Rowels by Some Carefull hand — P~ this return of Bass%s waggon which leav~s Leicester Early to%morrow morning, Shall Send a Box Directed to the Esquire, Containing 3500 Wallnuts, I %hope you=l{l}=: receive them in due Course and that thay will meet with your approbation, being the best this Countery at this time affords, I think you=l{l}=: find them rather to Drie and If so Put them into Sand for a Short time and you=l{l}=: find them get moister I Send you the whole I Could at this time Procure, had you appli~d Sooner it would have been in my Power to have done better for you — you have here with a receipt for the Cash I paid for the Wallnuts

but w~d not have you Pay m=r=: Bent as you mention, as I have a Pice of Corduroy to Pay you for — Poor Cristey has for Some time back, been Exceedingly Ill of the Rheumatism and gets very little better I %hope M=rs=: Orford and the whole of your fine little family are well My Dame Iojns me in Comp=ts=: to M=rs=: Orford & Self I am D=r=: Sir your most Obd=t=: & very h=ble=: Serv=t=: R Hole Staughton 5 Nov=r=: 1778 P:S: I take the %liberty of Inclosing a %few %lines to m=r={:} Bent to whome you=l{l}=: be so Obligeing as to deliver them I have Likewise taken the liberty of Sending with the wallnuts, a small Parcel %for molley Strong and must beg the favour of you to Send it to her Staughton 16 Iuly 1779 Dear Sir I am desir~d P~ m=r=: Keck to Acquaint you that he Purposes being at Lyme in a week from this Date, & begs you=l{l}=: be kind anough to go over to maclesfield before that time, and Endeavour to make out m=r=: Kecks writeings that were Some years back left in the hands of the late m=r=: Stafford, & Bring them to Lime with you — I hope you met M=rs=: Orford & the whole of your little family well to whome I beg my best Comp=ts=: I %am D=r=. Sir your most Obd=t= & very h=ble=: Serv=t=: R Hole [^Final "d" on past tense verbs in letters by this author from now on often with flourish and with noticeable separation from remainder of word. Transcribed as "%d"^] By Buxton M=r=.. Orford Lyme n=r=. Dissley Cheshire Free A Keck [^Postmarked Leicester^]

D=r=: Sir M=r=: Keck has Just recd the inclos%d from Christs Hospitar begs you=l{l}=: as Soon as Possible get the Forms fille%d %up and Attested & return it here I am S=r=. most truely yours R Hole Staughton 25 Sep={r}={:} 1779 M=r=: Orford Lyme N=r=: Disley Cheshire [^Postmarked Leicester?^]

D=r=: Sir Agreeable to your desire by m=r=: Iohn Bent I %have Procur%d you 2000 of Wallnut the Best this Country affords, are High in price, but as lowe as any I have known Sold this year — Cost 10=s=/P~ Thousand Shall Send them Directed to the Esq=r=: by next return of Bass=s=. waggon which will be tomorrow Evening — Shall be Glad If thay meet with Approbation & have not a Doubt of it If Dont Taste to much of the Pelf — we have a very Ala{m}ing Account of the rioters in your part of the world which I much ^hope^ is not true — — I am D=r= Sir your most Obd={t}= & very %h={ble}= {^Serv^} R Hole Staughton 12 Octo=r= 1779

NB: Am Sorry I %have not a frank for your Honour Our member is at this time in London D=r=: Sir I find by m=r=: Keck that m=r=: Legh is Inclin~d to get into Our Breed of Sheep & has by letter to m=r={:} Keck Express%d a desire to have a Couple %of Ewes & a Ram of me — I Can furnish him with Such as I make no doubt both him & you would approve on but I think it w~d be to far for a Ram to travle, & that the best way to get them down w%d be for me to Send them via Cart to Derby, & you Send a Cart to meet y=m=: there I Sh~d Carge nothing ^for^ my Horses & Cart to Derby — If this method approv~d on by m=r={:} Legh & you, fix your time of meeting at Derby the House &c, and the Sheep Shall be there at the time — I Shall be Oblige to you for a Speedy answer to this And am D=r= Sir your very Obd={t}= h=ble=: Serv={t}= R Hole Staughton 24 Octo=r=: 1779 Staughton 3=d= nov={r}= 1779 D=r= Sir the Bearer hereof W=m=: Burgess Brings the Sheep I last wrote to you about Should he be Short of Cash to bring him home beg you=l{l}=: let him have a trifle — in your last letter to me you Says nothing of ^the^ Paper I Sent you to get Sign%d for the Poor Blind man at newton — beg leieve to Observe to you that the Committee at Christs Hospital will very Soon Sit, when that Paper Should be Presented therefore Should be return%d %here as soon as Possible — am Glad the wallnuts are approv%d on Pray have you been at Derby this Autumn Heavy Complaints in this Quarter amongst the farmers & Graziers (but not at Staughton) you=l{l}=: be Surpris%d at my telling you that I Came %of with [^letter crossed out^] flying Col~urs this Rent ^day^ not Single

Last from either of them, all Paid up like men, & without Gru{m}bleing [^corrected^] (& what do you think is the reason of it) you doubtless remember Somewhat of the Charity Land in Staughton Lordship, that Said Land was Let by Oction in August Last at about 30=s= P~ acre, the most of it to Mess=rs=: George & Francis Watts Tenants of Ours both which has been for 18 months back very ^Liberal^ with their Encomi{ums} upon the last Valuers of m=r={:} Kecks Land in Staughton, altho m=r={:} Kecks Land now Occupied by the Said watts%s, is, I will venture to say in the Iudgement of any Person who knows Land, 7=s= P~ acre Cheaper then the Land thay have taken, pray what Can you think of these fellows, this matter has hap~en%d very well for me but J %am apprehensive will be %very bad for their family{s} haveng it on Le{a}se for 21 years — — I am with Comp=ts=: to m=rs=: Orford D=r=: Sir yours very Sincerely R Hole M=r={:} Orford

Dear Sir I last night receiv%d the favour of your letter of the 25 ult — on my return from Ashborn I waited upon D=r={:} Vaughan to have Setteld the Rhubarb matter agreeable to m=rs=: Anne Leghs request; but the D=r={:} had not paid for it nor did not know what — it was to %be — I find by the D=r=: it was Prepai%d by a Gentleman at Kegworth — and I will take Care to Pay him for it the first Opportunity I have — I Shall be much Oblige to you to make my Comp=ts=: to M=rs=: Taylor and Accquaint her I rec%d the money & Bill very safe — & will get it Discharg%d immediately; & return it with a line or two — that She must Excuse now as we are very Busy in Our Harvest I thank her for the Agreeable Acc={t}=. of the young Gentlemen I am D=r=. Sir your very Obd={t}= h=ble=. Serv={*}= in haste R Hole Staughton 4 August 1781 M=r=, Orford at the Tiger Inn Derby

Staughton 9=th= Octo=r=: 1781 Dear Sir Agreeable to your request I have got the usual Quantity of wallnuts for Lyme & 500 for M=rs={:} Orford and your young Family ^which I beg their acceptance of^ I hope the whole of them are in parfect health — Shall Send the wallnuts with m=r={:} Leghs Toasting Chees by Bailey the Loughbro Carrier next Saturday M=r=: Keck has Order%d me to remit you half a %years Interest 125 £ out of Our mich=as=: rents, which I Shall take Care to do as Soon as I have receiv%d them, which I hope will be Some time in the Cours of next week a bill on London will be the Safest and I Suppose a Bill at a month or 21 ^days^ will do I am Dear Sir your most obd={t}= & very h=ble= Serv=t=. R Hole [^In different hand^] NB I return'd the Inclos'd to M=r=. Keck who will send his Rec=t=. for it to M=r= Hole Staughton 1=st= nov=r= 1781 Dear Sir this mornings Post favour%d me with your letter of 30 ult & have enter%d the 125£ to m=r=. Kecks Account as you desir%d — I %am Sorry m=r={:} Legh has been so often discompos%d with matters of this sort I must Say it is very hard at is time of life I make no doubt but their is blame anough Laid on my back for not dischargeing m=r={:} maw{h}oods matter, which never was in my Power to do, and had you been in my Place you Could not have Acted Otherwi{se} than what I did — If m=r={:} Keck has Drawn on Matt=w={:} Oliver for m=r=. mawhoods Interest money 35£ I Should like to be inform%d of ^it^ by return of the %post as I Suppose I Shall have to replace it — I have this day met with the same Quantity of nuts you rec%d last 2000 & thay will go by the same Conveyance imagine you=l{l}=: receive them nex tuesday I am with Comp=ts=: to m=rs=: Orford D=r= Sir your most Obd={t}= H=ble=: Serv. R Hole NB y=s= is my last frank I wish you Could send me %a %few Staughton 30 Dec=r=: 1781 D=r={:} Sir your letter of the 23=d= Ins=t=: Came to my hands yesterday after a Journey to London; I %here inclose you a Bill on London Value 125=£= for the ½ years Interest which you=l{l}= be kind anough to Send me your receipt for on receipt of this — I do Assure %you Sir this Matter puts me to great inconve{ni}ence not haveing affects of m=r= Kecks to Answer it I have this morning been with Spencer who is more than 170£ bad in is last Lady days rent, which Should have been ^paid^ at mich=as=: last, but Could not get one Shilling of him{;} when m=r= Keck was here Spencer promise%d me faithfully the Above Sum Should be %paid on or before the 8=th= of this Ins=t=:, and now he Can fix no time for the payment of it — I am much at a loss to know what we are to do with them and dread the Consequences — agreeable to your desire I Send you Dowleys Acc={t}=: for Hatts & my Own for wallnuts; I thank you %for Dischargeng little woods Acc=t=. but he need %not to have troubled you with it; I desied him to Draw on Allamand for the Amount — I See there is a Ballance of 2..15..10 due to you which might as well go towards paying

Dowleys bill if Agreeable to you Otherwise I will take the first Oppertunity of Sending it you — I am very Glad to hear the young Gentlemen are well and at Lyme I make no Doubt but thay are Happy anough I Shall be much Oblige to you to make my best respects to them I %am D=r={:} Sir with every good %wish to you & yours wishing you many very many happy Returns of the Season very truely yours R Hole M=r={:} Orford Haydock Lodge Warrington [^Postmarked Leicester^]

D=r= Sir the time of your Comeing to Derby being now Approaching — if its Agreeable to M=rs={.} Keck & you J Should be very glad to have my Accounts Settled at that time, which would Save me a long Journey and J should imagine — would be the Same to M=rs={.} Keck As you=l{l}= make the report to her at your return, and M=rs={.} Keck Can See & Sign the ^accounts^ in her way to London, however Shall be much Oblige to you to mention this matter to her & write me her & your Sentiments upon it, And J wish you would at the Same time Acquaint M=rs=. Keck that m=r={:} Baker is furnishing the house — as fast as possible — has Already got a good deal of very good furniture into it & has Sent here part of is Servants & horses, & intends being here very Soon themselves J very much hope thay will prove good Tenants, when J meet you at Derby Shall bring with me A Copy of the Terms Stoughton is lett on & hope it will meet M=rs= Keck{s} Approbation —

Our brother Oliver from London has lately Spent [^corrected^] a %week with us here, is now in Derbyshire; goes from thence to manchester & from manchester to Warrington & Chester, J desir%d he would give you a Call at Haydock & J believe intends paying is respects to you there About the middle of next week — J %hope M=rs=: Orfor%d and the whole of your family are well and Also the good family at Haydock — J am D=r= Sir Your Most Obd={*}= & very h=ble= Serv=t=. R Hole Staughton 1=st= Octo=r=: 1783 M=r=: Orford Lyme N=r=. Disley Cheshire [^Postmarked Leicester^]

Dear Sir J am truely Sorry to hear of the Death of Poor Lee Smith these Sudden Deaths are Shocking indeed, it would much Alarm the whole house — the Poor widow in her Condition is truely Pittiable indeed & J %hope the Almighty will raise her up friends — Poor Lees wages was 16 Guineas a year and had eight months wages due to him the 18 Jns=t=. — J am Surpris%d the wallnuts has not yet found their way to Lyme J Shall be at Leicester to%morrow when J will apply to the Book keeper about them And am D=r= Sir Most truely yours R Hole Stoughton 24 Octo=r=: 1783 [^Accounts in different hand omitted^] M=r={:} Orford Haydock Lodge N=r= Warrington Lancashire [^Postmarked Leicester^]

Stoughton 20 April 1785 Dear Sir J am happy to inform you, your fine young Lady, arriv%d Safe & well here this morning, and we Consider Our%Selves infinitely Oblige%d to M=rs={:} Orford and you for the favour of her Company; & we hope her Stay with us may be long, (_do Assure you Sir_), (_proper Care Shall be taken of her_) J %was much disappointed in not Seeing you from Derby, & Shall Still be expecting that pleasure Poor Spencer has not been able to pay any of his Mich=as=: Rent his arrears now Stand{s} 196=£=..16=s=..4={d}= as to Our Other arrears thay are no great Matters — M=r={:} Spencer has Considerable [^word crossed out^] more Stock up on the farm than will pay us, & wile that is the Case, the{ir} is no Danger of loosing the rent, — If he is Oblige to pay up the whole of his Arrears immediately, I am fearfull it will Greatly hurt him — Suppose we do as well as we Can with him till Mich=as=:, and let him know you will be up at that time when he must Clear the whole or take the Consequence, and in%deed I think your Comeing at that time will answer a much better purpose than at the time you mention, & then after Auditing the Accounts you Can take the Superfluous Cash back with you — If you agree with me in this I %had better Send you a Bill for the Bal{l}: of our acc={t}= — Miss Orford begs %her Duty & my wife begs to Iojne me in Comp=ts={,} and am D=r= Sir Your most faithfull & Oblig%d h={ble}= Serv={t}= in haste R Hole

P:S: M=rs=. Orford has been wrote to from Leicester Pray {*} Did m=rs=. K: ever mention to you a 4 y=r= old Horse I have for Mas={r}= Keck, and which She Said She wd get her father to keep for him & the{n} it would be ready at his vacation M=r=. Orford Lyme N=r= Disley Cheshire P~ %Buxton [^Postmarked Leicester^]

Stoughton May 8={h}= 1785 Dear Sir Yesterday J receiv%d the favour of yours, left at the three Crowns, & here inclose a Bill on London for 20=£=..5=s= being the Ballance of the account J receiv%d from you a Short time back, with the expences attending the return%d Bill 2/ — the Ball: of Our Interest ^money^, due to M=r= Legh the 18 of April last was only 20..14..3 — notwith-Standing [^across line break^] which, I Sh%d have been very happy to have remited you the 125=£= you mention had I that Sum, I Could have Spare%d, but at this time I really have not; therefore hope you will Excuse it — Our young Gentleman is now getting very Expensive, the Dames acc={*}= at Eton, for last half year was 56=£=..12=s=..6, & it will be increasing every half year, and Mas=r= G: will now become very expensive I %am happy to inform you Miss Orford is perfectly well, & we flatter Our%Selves very happy, begs her Duty & love as due, My wife begs to Iojn me in respectfull Comp=ts=: to M=rs={:} Orford & Self and am Dear Sir Your most faithfull {&} Obd={t}= h=ble=: Serv=t=: R Hole [^Different hand^] Missent to [^postmark Knutsford^] M=r=: Orford Lyme N=r=. Disley Cheshire P~ %Buxton Bag [^Postmarked Leicester^]

Stoughton 30=th= July 1785 Dear Sir J receiv%d the favour of your letter by my Daughter which had been Answer%d ere now but was from home when She Came home, and am but Just return%d — My wife begs to Join me in best acknowledgments for yours ^& M=rs=. Orfords^ great kindness to Mary — Some time back M=rs=. Keck wrote me, She was somewhat indisposed, & was going to a bathing place in Lancashire, which J was Sorry to hear, J have not heard from her Since her arrival at that place, hope She has benefited by the bathing, and Shall be very glad to hear of her perfect recovery on the ninth of July I remited M=rs=: Keck to Lyme by the %post, a Bill of M=r= Mansfields on Smith Payn & Smith at 21 days, value 127=£=..19=s=, the receipt of which has never been Acknowledg%d, therefore am fearfull it has fallen in%to bad hands, (and the more so) as I %have Always found M=rs=: Keck so very punctual in these matters, and think it right to get M=r=. Mansfield to Stop payment till I Can hear from M=rs=: Keck, to whom I must beg the favour of you to write a line upon this matter, as Soon as you receive this, as J am not Certain that J %have her proper Address & Shall be expecting to hear from You About it —

I Should be very glad if I Could with Certainty Say when the 500 £ you mention would be ready — you know it entirely depends on the payment of the rents, which J %am %fearfull will be worse paid then %ever, on Acc=t=: of the very dry Summer we have %had, however as that money must be got Shut of, the whole of Our Arrears of rent must be got in, and that J %am persuaded will be attended with Some trouble, and will req{uire} Some little time after Old mich=as=: About the end of October, or beginning of Nov=r={:}, I Shall hope for the pleasure of Seeing you here — and hope you=l{l}=: meet with no Disappointment My Wife & Daughter begs to Join me in most respectfull Comp=ts=: to the whole of your house and am D=r= Sir Your mo{r}st %faithfull & Oblig=d= h=ble=: Serv={t}= R Hole P:S: J am desir%d to Ask you if you know when m=r= Downs%s Money will be %paid M=r= Orford Lyme Near Disley Cheshire

D=r= Sir I have your letter from Derby of the 10 Curr=t=: and was Sorry you Could not Come forw=d= from thence — this is the 3=d= time you have given me hopes of Seeing you here and disappointed us, and I Expect it will be the Same in november unless the thing you Call needfull draws you here, & I am persuaded it has very great Power over you — Spencer & Others of Our Tenants turn%d out just as I was fearfull thay would — I have now given them till the 16 of nov=r=: to Sett{el} their matters and I %hope very soon after that time to have it in my power to Settle the 500 £ which I dont doubt will leave me Bare anough, and as to your Jnterest money must get you to wait for that till Spring — M=r=: Matt=w=: Oliver desires me to remind you of a Small Matter of M=r= Leghs that has been long Standing £39..19—

he Also desires me to help him to M=r= Downs%s Bond thinks M=r= Downs%s people has behaved very Ill in the matter and is determine%d to get the money If it is to be had, its the Poor mans Al{l}, and he really wa{n}ts it — I have a large Sale of Timber in Lincolnshire w{ere} I am going in a few days and Shall be from home on that acc={t}= till a%bout the 16 of nov=r= abt. which time I Shall be glad to See you at Stoughton and if you do not Come you=l{l}=: be kind anough to give me a %line and I [^"{will}" crossed out^] ^hope to^ remit %you the 500 £ very Soon after — I hope the wallnuts I Sent %you ab=t=. a %fortnight back arrivd in due Course & are good (very de{a}r this year) I Sent a few to Howlane where I beg you=l{l}=: make Our respectfull Comp=ts=: and am as ever D=r= Sir Your most f{a}ithfull & Obd={t}= h=ble=: Serv=t= R Hole Stoughton 26 Octo=r=. 85 M=r=. Orford Lyme N=r=. Stockport Cheshire

Stoughton 18 nov=r= 1785 D=r= Sir I have your letter of the 13 Curr=t=: and %by mondays mail Coach I Shall Send as you directs in a small box directed for you the 500 £ {vig=t=}: 350 £ in Bank or Cash and 150 £ draft on London which you may depend on being duely Honord I Sh%d have been Glad to have %sent the whole in Bank but have been Oblige to take different kind of paper and Such as you w%d not approve on (Disagreeable Business this) by the post after you receive the Box I hope you=l{l}=: not fail trans{mi}ting me M=rs=. Kecks own receipt for the above sum Must Say I think this a %very unsafe way of mak{e}ing remitances therefore Shall not be easy till J %here you have receiv%d it Safe — I %am very Glad you are not likely to experience any Great inconvenience from your fall, you are very heavy & Ought to be very Carefull what you ride — I hope the whole of your family are well altho you do not mention them beg S=r=. you=l{l}=: make our respects to them and am D=r= Sir most %faithfully yours R Hole M=r= Orford Lyme N=r= Stockport Cheshire Post paid [^Postmarked Leicester^]

D=r=: Sir J %hope you=l{l}=. excuse my troubleing you again upon M=r= Downs's matter, which is what J did not intend doing, but I think I have a right to help the poor Old Man to his Bond again — he has receiv%d a letter from his Son in London and thay are now determine to have M=r=: Downs%s money (if it is to be got) and %a %Gentleman has been kind anough to offer his Assistance in the Business — J must therefore beg S={r}= you will be kind anough to return me the Bond by the post on receipt of this, and any expence you may have %been %at respecting it I Shall be Glad to repay you with thanks and am — D=r= Sir Your most Ob=dt=: h=ble=. Serv={t}=. R Hole Leicester 3=d= Dec=r= 8{5} M=r=: Orford Haydock Lodge Warrington Lancashire Post Paid

Dear Sir J receiv%d the favour of your letter Covering a Bill on Singleton London Value 11=£=..15={s}= which I have given you Credit for & will take care to Set that matter right with m=rs=: Keck when I see her I see clearly the reason of the difference of two Shilling in your acc={t}= & mine in Poor Lees wages, there was 8 m/={s}=: & two days wages due to him at the time of his Death I have Charg%d the two odd days which is near 2=s=/ (more th{e}n 22=d=) (and you have omited the two days) but this matter will be easy Settled when we meet — I fancy you forgot the deeds you promised to Send me from Lyme on your return from Derby, as I have never receiv%d them — I take the liberty of transmiting you the inclos%d in consequence of your kindness in Saying you w%d endeavour to get it for the Poor Old man — I %find this money is for wood {F}ox Bo=t=: of him Some time back — I am about to be further troublesome to you — I believe I mentiond to you when last at Derby that my wives fa{rth}er had

a Bond of M=r= Downs%s for 100 £ & there will be one %years Jnterest due on it the 25 march next, when he has desir'd m=r= Downs will Cancel the Bond; & Shall be greatly oblige to you to take the trouble of this matter for him — and will take an opp{e}rtunity between now and Ladyday of Sending you the Bond — My wife begs to Iojn me in wishing M=rs=. Orford Self & family a many happy returns of the season — and am D=r= Sir Your most Obd=t= & faithfull H=ble=: Serv={t}=: R Hole PS: I %am very particul{a}rly desir%d by my Daughter to remind you of your Promise in Bringing Miss Orford with you when you come next to Derby — M=r=: Orford Lyme N=r=. Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Leicester^]

Stoughton 29=th= Feb=y=: 1788 Dear Sir last night on my return home I found your letter of the 22=nd= Curr=t=: I beg my Duty to M=r={:} Legh, and will immediately make proper inquir{i}e for a Serv=t=: for him, and Shall be particularly happy in meeting with One that may Suit his purposes — I Observe your time of being at Derby, and hope nothing will happen to prevent my meeting you either the 11=th= or 12=th= of april next, at the usual place, as I very much want to See you on many Occasions, If anything Unforeseen [^corrected^] Sh%d fall out to prevent my seeing you, you Shall receive a line from me at Derby — I have to thank Our Good friends at H: Lane for the fine fish thay were so kind to Send us, am Sorry thay gave themselves the Trouble, as none of us are Genteel %anough to be fond of it — We unite in respectfull Comp=ts=: to the the whole of your Family and am D=r= Sir Your most faithfull & ever Obliged H=ble=: Serv={t}= R Hole M=r=. Orford Lyme N=r=. Stockport Cheshire

Dear Sir I hope I have met with a person that will in every respect Suit M=r= Leghs purposes as under Bu{t}ler, is ab=t=. 35 years of Age, has [^corrected^] been in Gentlemans Service near 20 years, & half that time a Serv=t={:} in Leicester (_I mean the form{a}r half_) Great part of the latter has been under Butler in a large Family in Summersetshire, Comes Strongly recommended to me from Blair of Leicester, who I Suppose has known him many years; I have told him his wag{s} will be 12 Guineas a year with Liveries & two Shirts, and P~haps some further encouragement if he merits it, he thinks the wages lowe, but has agreed to accept %it, and will Set out from Leicester by the manchester Coach this day Sevennight, and will be at Lyme the next day, I have agree%d with %him that you shall ^pay^ an Outside passage & his expences to Disley — expecting a line from you by return I am D=r= Sir very faithfuly you{rs} in haste — R Hole Thursdy 13 mar: 1788 M=r=: Orford Lyme N=r={:} Disley Cheshire

Dear Sir the Bearer of this George Richardson is the %person recommend'd to Serve m=r= Legh as Under Butler, and I hope he will in every respect Suit his purposes, his wages 12 Guineas a %year and two Shirts, his expences by the Out Side of the Coach & the Carriage of his Clothes to be paid him by you when he gets to Lyme, I hope the Good Family are all well and am D=r=: Sir Your mo=t=: Obd=t= h=ble=: Serv={t}= R Hole Stoughton 19 mar: 1788 M=r={:} Orford Lyme N=r=: Disley Cheshire

Dear Sir I have the %favor of your letter by the Bearer of this, I will take Care to forward to Lyme by the next return of Bass=s=. waggon the Wallnuts you mention, when you Send me the Accounts you mention, you may as well Discharge it, and Send me the Vouchars, and I %will remit you the Amount immediately — the Poor woman you mention%d, have not yet been for her 3 Guineas, but I expect her every day, If She dose not Come in a day or two, I will Send Some%body over with it — last Saturday I Sent %you to H: lane by Bass'=s= waggon 1000 of wallnuts which I beg your acceptance off, My Family begs to Iojn [^corrected^] me in very Spectfull Comp=ts=: to M=rs=. Orford and the whole of yours and am D=r= Sir Your faithfull & very Obd h=ble=: Serv=t=, R: Hole Stoughton 13=th= Octo{=r=} 88

NB: I rec'd the Other day 6 P={r}= of Stockings which I Suppose are what you was so kind to Order from M=r= wood, I shall be much Oblige to you to pay him for them, and let me have the acc=t=, with the Others — M=r=: Orford Lyme N=r=: Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Leicester^]

Leicester 6 Dec=r=: 1788 Dear Sir I receiv'd the favor of your letter by M=rs=: Kecks Serv=t=:, and agreeable to your request have this day paid Mess=rs=: Dowleys 6=£=..11=s=..—=d=, their receipt for which you receive here with, — I think M=rs=: Keck looks much better then when She left London last Spring, which I was Glad to See, also that your fine air had Sent Miss Keck back with Cherry Cheeks, it Certainly have done great things for both %of them M=rs=: Keck desires we may meet the next time you come to Derby, and that you=l{l}=: be so good as to take the Trouble of Auditing my Accounts, and I Shall be much Oblige to you to give me all the notice you Can, as I Expect I Shall have many engagements about that time, my Family begs to Iojn me in respectfull Comp={ts}= to the whole of yours and am D=r=: Sir Your %faithfull & Obd={t}=. Serv={t}=, R Hole NB: M=r=. Dowley wishes to know whether m=r= Leghs Hatt was receiv'd Copy Lyme Ian=y=. 2=d=. 1789 Dear Sir Miss Legh has been at Lord Grey's for some time and return'd to this place last night and [^"{am}" crossed out^] on Looking at Your Horse this morning, does not like him herself, and hopes it will be no inconveniency for you to take him back, any expence or other disadvantage this has been to You. She will be accountable to You out of the price she paid for the Horse. a %Line directed to me how You wish to have him up, with your further demand shall be duly attended to by D=r=. Sir Your faithful hble %Ser={t}=. R Orford M=r=. Hole Staughton Leicester M=r=: Orford Lyme N=r= Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Leicester^]

Stoughton 11=th= Ian=y=: 1789 {*...} [^seal^] last night I %rec'd your letter of the 2={nd}= Ins=t=:, I am Sorry Miss Legh pass'd Sentence so hastily, and without giving the horse a Trial, I am Sure She would have found him a very good double horse, and w'd have Carried her very Safe, — I have no Objection to taking the Horse again, provided I receive him the same as he was deliver%d at Derby & there will be no expence to Miss Legh on this matter (excepting that of Sending him here) unless She Choos%s to allow Something for expences takeing him to Derby, & one nights keep there, which was paid by the person who deliver%d him there, you are to Send the horse any way you think proper, but I %think it Sh%d not be by a waggon I am D=r= Sir Your most Ob=d{t}= & m=o=: h=ble=: Serv={t}= R: Hole M=r={:} Orford Lyme N=r={:} Stockport Cheshire

Stoughton Tuesday afternoon 20 Ian=y=. 1789 D=r= Sir I have this moment receivd the horse Safe, and appears Sound, but we have Such a deep Snow on the Ground that one Can see but little of his going, you=l{l}=: please to return Miss Legh her Money, I am T{ruely} Sorry to find by your letter that you are So Poor I really have no B: notes in the house, as I never keep nither them nor Cash by me, but If I had the least reason to Suppose your wants was real, I Certainly would wade through the Snow to Leicester to assist y{ou}, but as I Cannot Suppos{t} that, you must excuse me till another Opportunity, I beg sir you will be kind anough to make my Proper Acknowledgments to miss Legh — I am Sorry to hear of your Indisposton but as ^its^ an attendant only on the (_Rich_) never mind it & believe me D=r= Sir Your very {Sincere &} Obd={t}= in haste R Hole [^Different hand^] Miss=t= to [^postmark Manchester^] M=r=. Orford Lyme N=r=: Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Leicester^]

Leic{c}ester 20=th= Feb=y=. 1789 Dear Sir I %rec'd the favor of yours of the 12=th= Curr=t=: which I %immediately commited to the flames, matters turns out exactly as I %expected, indeed there is a meanness that bespake{s} it, and upon my word, it is a Shocking thing to be under Such Tuition — I have not Seen any error in the Accounts you Sent me, I See by my Book I paid 8=s=/ for wallnuts for m=r=: Legh 22=d= Octo=r= last — which I have deducted from your Balance of 63=£=..8=s=..8=d= and here inclose you 63=£=..—..8=d= which I believe Settles everything between us to this present time I hope you are got Quite well again and that your better part, & the rest of your family are well to whom I %beg my respcts — And am D=r=: Sir very faithfully yours R: Hole NB: be kind anough to acknowledge the receipt of the Inclos=d= by return of the post — a particular friend of mine want one %of the money waying machin{=s=} I=l{l}=: thank you get me one for him when you have an Opportunity [^corrected^] M=r= Orford Lyme N=r= Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Leicester?^]

Stoughton 17 May 1789 Dear Sir I rec'd from you the Other day a Gold Balance, and am Greatly Oblige %to you for the trouble you have taken in procuring it, for me, — it seems a very nice one indeed You=l{l}=: See by the inclos'd how the Cromford Canal Business has Terminated, which I Suppose will give you pleasure, Als how the Leicester & M{i}lton Business has ended, the Leicester people made themselvs Quite Sure of Ca{irr}ing their point this time, and of Course feel themselvs Greatly Disappointed — I Shall be much Oblige to you S=r=: If you=l{l}=: be so good as to desire M=r= Wood to Send M=r=: Allamand master of the 3 Crains Inn Leicester Six of his very best & Oldest Cheshire Cheeses (_immediately_) I hope M=rs={:} Orford, yourSelf & every Branch of your Family are in perfect health to whom my Family begs to to Unite with me in respectfull Comp=ts={:} and am d=r= Sir Your faithfull & very Ob{d=t=} {Serv=t=} R Hole M=r=: Orford Lyme N=r= Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Leicester^]

Stoughton 19 Dec=r= 178{8}. Dear Sir I have your letter of the 15 Ins={t}=, I hope the horse w'd get well to Lyme, & please miss Legh, he is a very Stought good Horse, and very Suitable for the purpose he is intended for — I Shall be much Oblige to you for the Vouchars to the accounts Stated in your letter, and Consider the 36=£=..15=s= which you have receiv'%d from Miss Legh on my account, and place{'}d to the Credit of M=rs=: Kecks Familys account, the Same to me as Cash for the horse, and I Suppose this to be a Sufficient receipt for him [^corrected^] I think it wonderfull to see amongst the rest of the accounts Stated in your %letter a Taylors Bill of 12=£=..7=s= for the late m=r= Keck, who has now been Dead very near Seven years, I do not recollect ever hearing of the name of Preston, but perhaps you Can explain Something further Concerning it when you Send the Bills up, I beg your%Self and Family will accept the best respects of D=r=: Sir Your most Obd={t}= & very h=ble= Serv={t}= R Hole excuse %haste — [^In different hand, probably Orford's^] Ent=d= & Settled of no Use M=r=: Orford Lime N=r= Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Leicester^]

Stoughton 20 April 1790 — Dear Sir on my return home the Other day, I found the favor of your kind letter, which mortifyes me much, as nothing would have given me more pleasure than to {p}omply%d with your request, had it been in my power, I feel my%Self much hurt by the account you give me of your health, (_which I Sincerely pray the Almighty to perfectly re-establish, and long Continue to you_) — I have thought it very hard for the last twelve months, to be depriv'd of the Correspondence of so good a friend as M=r=. O:, and without any apparent reason, — I now most earnestly beg for a renewal of that Correspondence, which with a good acc=t=: of your health will give infinite Satisfaction to my family, as well as my%Self [^across line break^], and is the most Cordial wishes of us all, who unite in kindes respects to your better part, Self, and every branch of your family and am D=r= Sir Your faithfull & ever Oblig'd h=ble=: Serv={t}=, R: Hole M=r=. Orford Lyme N=r= Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Leicester^]

Stoughton 10={th}= Iune 1790 Dear Sir I have the favor of your letter of the 4=th= Ins=t=,, and happy I am in the account you give me of your health, and I most Sincerely wish its Continuance for a (_Many_) (_many_) (_years_) We all feel very much for poor miss Orford, as well as your%Selvs, and Shall be truely happy to hear of her perfect restoration to her formar good health, and Spirits, sh'd a Change of Air be thought necessary, and a Iourney to this place not thought too much for her, my Family w'd be particularly happy in Contributeing every%thing [^across line break^] in their powers, towards a re%establishm{ent} and in makeing her as Comfortable as possible — M=rs=: Pyes Rent is payable Ladyday and Mich=as=: the first half year due at Ladyday 1790 and I my%Self took the money to M=rs=: Sarson a few days after it became du{e} in Order to have Settled it but there being Some misunderstanding between M=rs=. Pye & her Respecting the papering the Rooms &c, it was not in my Power to Settle it — therefore

was Oblige to leave that Business for M=r= Oliver to do, and I dubt not but he has taken proper Care of it — I must Say I am truely Sorry for the Change in wimpole Street, was afraid it would be Considerd Rather an impruden Step, and so it Seems to turn %out, I really do not know anything ^more^ of M={r}= B: P: then what I heard from M=r={.} Oliver in Holborn{e} who I understood wr{o}te you the very Same acc={t}=: as my%Self [^across line break^] — the Papers that announc'd the marriage Mention%d M=r={:} P=s=: being ^of^ Wilburn in the County of Durham this is a Family of the Pyes that I do not recollect ever haveing heard nam'd till Since this matter happen'd — I Cannot help thinking but that Miss Pye must have had a finger in the Business Altho I suppose She denies it — no doubt but m=r=. Legh must feel him%self much hurt, but hope he will not Carry his Resentment too far, as it Certainly must very materially Injure M=rs= Pyes health which is far from the best and also her peace of mind and when th{is} {is} [^corrected^] gone there Can be nothing in this world worth liveing for My Family beg{s} to Iojn me in respectfull Comp=ts=. to you and you{rs} and am D=r= Sir Yours in sincerity R Hole M=r={:} Orford Lyme N=r=: Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Leicester^]

Stoughton 5=th= Nov=r=: 1790. Dear Sir by this days Coach I have forwarded to your Address (at Lyme) 200 of pens, for Madam Ann Legh, the Quills I receiv'd from M=r= Oliver in Holborn, desiring me to get them made into pens by M=r= Bell of Leicester, who has heretofore made %for M=rs=: Bath{ur}st Pye, who we are expecting here every day, and to Spend Some time with us, from M=r= Kecks ^last^ letter to me, I expect he is by this time in Italy, and that he will not Return to England till the Spring, or Summer when your last favor Came here, I was in Berkshire, on which account, I thought my%Self very unluckey indeed, as had I %been at home, it would have given me infinite pleasure, in Complying with Your wishes, and I Still hope Sometime or Other for the enjoyment of that Pleasure, hopeing that your better part, Self, and every branch of your Family, (_enjoys the Blessing of heath_) I remain with my kind Salutations — D=r={:} Sir yours most truely R: Hole M=r= Orford Lyme N=r=. Stockport (_Cheshire_) [^Postmarked Leicester^]

(_Sir_) I am desired by M=r=. Pares, a Gentleman of Leicester, (My Father being out upon a Journey,) to request the favor of you, to send a Character, of Richardson, M=r=. Legh's late under Butler, who I find has left his place — My Mother, & Sister, Join me in respectfull Comp={s}=, hoping to hear a good Acc=t=. of you, & Family; an Answer to this as soon as possible, will greatly Oblige Sir Your Humble Servant Richard Hole Jun=r=. Stoughton 28 March 1790 [^Use of commas is erratic in this text and/or occasional use of flourishes which look like commas.^] M=r= Orford Haydock Lodge near ashton Lancashire [^postmarked Warrington^]

Sir I am very sorry you did not call upon us, when you was in Town, that we might have, had your opinion, of what fixture [^edge of page, following "s" is possible^] you chose, we shou=d= leave, it wou=d= have saved you the trouble, of this letter, M=r= Rigbey has inform=d= us, you was not pleased, we had removed the Stone Chimney P{ei}ce [^corrected^], (I am sorry for it) it was one my Sisters brought from Liverpool, & they fix=d= it up in our Parlour & as we wanted it for the same use took it down, but have not moved one single fixture besides, you know, I told you, they were all ours, as there were neither Lock, {C}atch, or Shelf in the House when my mother took it of M=r= Leech, one Bedchamber Grate excepted w=ch=. we have had made over again, but it is still there, & we always design=d= to leave it: as we have no design to take away anything, or do one single act that cou=d= [^probably corrected from "should"^] in the least look ungratefull, M=rs= ann Leegh, & you, also know, full well,

the very narrow circomstansis we are in, & therefore, wou=d= not (I am certain) desire us to leave anything that wou=d= be usefull to us, without a propper alowence, but as this Chimneypiece was a Carved one, another might be bought for less money, than we might expect this might have taken if it had been sold, I told Mr Rigby, I wou=d= make the fireplace good, Paper, & all, with a Wood moulding as it was before, but this he declined, as he wou=d= have a stone Chimneypiece, I then told him, we wou=d= alow him, what any one thought the Wood moulding was worth, we have also offer=d= stuff Hangings in one, of the Bedcham^bers^, matting up the Wall of the Staircase, Grates in the other, two Bedchambers, & the Parlour, there is also a little partition=d= Closset in one corner of the Room, w=ch= my mother put up, w=ch= has a window to the Coal yard, this he said, he wou=d= rather be without, & to be sure the Room will look better without it, the locks on the Bed-chamber [^across line break^] Doors, are all Brass ones, & tho{~} perhaps, seventy years old, will last our lives, for the same use, therefore we had no

intention of leaving them behind us, but as nothing is yet removed, but what I have told you, of, if you have any objection, be so good to let us know immediatly, we shou=d= have removed this day, but the House we have take is not ready for us, but shall certainly go this week, w=ch= m=r= Rigby says is time enough for him, we shall be much oblig{i}d to you, for a direction, to M=rs= Ann Leegh that we may write her a letter of thanks for all her favours, conferr=d= on ou{*...} [^torn off^] w=ch= is all our business, for I will {*...} [^torn off^] this little affair with you, to your {*...} [^torn off^] as soon, as, I know what you expect from Sir your humble Serv=t= Iane Holford May y=e= 1=st= 1775 I beg S=r= your answer by the return of the Post, as I shou=d= be sorry to move anything, you wou=d= think, wrong M=r=. Orford at Peter Legh's Esq=re=. Lyme.

Sir, Agreeable to y=e=. promise M=r=. Legh was so kind to make me, I take the liberty of sending my Mare to Lyme, and must beg the favour of you to see her cover'd by the Captain's Gray Horse, and to order her to be bled immediately after. I wish her to stay a fortnight that she may have y=e=. chance of being with y=e=. Horse two Prides, you will oblige me much by favouring me with a Like by the Beaset

and, if it is not too much trouble, I will thank you to inform me in a few Posts when you think it proper for me to send for her to {St}oha{u}d — I am with proper Comp={s}=. to M=r=. Legh & M=rs=. Ann your oblig{e}d hble Serv={t}=. Tho=s=. Holme Vale Royal May 4=th=. 1784. To M=r=: Orford in Marple near Stockport Cheshire

M=r= Orford S=r= I Beleive that there is some money due to you for Intrest, if you Please to make a Bill of the same. I Reckon the Rent which was due to my Father to January 1=st=:1771 & since that time to me on your sending me a just Ac{c}oumpt of the same I will send you the Ballance & your doing it by the Bearer of this [^word crossed out^] will greatly Oblige Your Hble Serv=t= John Holt Junior She{f}field July 1=st=:1773 If [^corrected^] you write Direct for John Holt to be left at M=r= Richard Bucklands in Burges Street She{f}field To M=r=: Orford in Marple Cheshire

She{f}field may 13=th=:1774 (_S=r=._) I am now capable to dispose of my property I now perform my Promise to you by informing you that I am willing to sell the Estate to you if you are disposed to buy it. Or if you will take a Lease on the same for another 5 or 7 Years I then shall be willing to make you a mortgage on it and give you [^"£", probably crossed out^] 4 P~ Cent Intrest for your money if you will inform me if you like either of these proposals I %then will tell you my Conditions, if you Answer be as speedy as possible I am Your hble Serv=t= John Holt To M=r=.. Orford in Marple Cheshire P~ M=r=. J. Goddard [^Some numbers later written on the paper. Not transcribed.^]

Sheffield Jan 17=th=: 1788 Sir At your request I have paid W=m=.. Rowbotham 1/6 P~ week I made the first paymen^t^ to him 13=th=.. Oct. last I have paid him fourteen Weeks, W=m= seems to have very bad health I %am Sir Your h~ble serv=t= John Holt [^In different hand^] Ian=y=. 29. 1788 sent N=o= 10 Bank Note{s} — 10=£=— Rent due Ch~mas 8— {O}n %Acct of what paid Rowbotham 2— 10— M=r=. Holford [^Some numbers omitted; "Coperas" written twice on the paper in a different hand.^]

Manchester Peter Leigh Esq=r=. To Sutton Lime Works {Dr} 1777 s d L s d Dec=r= 2=d= To 12 sacks of Sutton Lime @3/9 2_5_0 24=th= To 12 sacks of d=o= @3/9 2_5_0 To 24 sacks not ret=d=. empty @1/6 1_16_0 6_6_0 By 2 sacks of a former parcel ret=d=. 0_3_0 £ 6_3_0 M=r=. Holford S=r= The Carters that Carted your Sutton Lime, order'd 24 sacks to be up for them by the 24=th= dec={r}=. Our sacks being all out at one place or other except 12, which were fill'd, and in Order that they shou'd not be disappointed, I bought two empty Hogheads and sent them to Worsley to be fill'd with 12 Loads of Lime, which they were & sent along with the sacks. But when the Carter came for them he said he woud only take the 12 sacks then, & w=d=. take the two Hogsheads the next time he came to Town, but has never applied for them since..... Such uncertain proceedings give very much trouble both in our Books & many other acc=ts=. Shou'd you want any more shall be glad of a little notice in a line from yourself, & we will take care to have it ready at the time order'd, but any preparative Orders by the Carters only, will in future be disregarded.. {For C=o=.} & self I am S=r=. Y{***} [^seal^] obt serv=t= John Hope Ian=y=. 13=th=. 1778 M=r= Holford at Peter Leigh's Esq={r}= Lyme Hall Cheshire

Feb=y=. 24=th= 1778 M=r= Holford S=r=. As above you have y=r= Acc=t= of Lime which we hope you will be kind enough to remit. We make a point of selling all for ready money, & do not suffer any to go from the Kilns but by out Teams, without pres=t=. pay. For C=o=. & %self I am S=r=. Your mo. ob={t}=. serv=t= {****} [^Torn off.^] Hope Hadock decembear the 12 1762 mr orford i desire that you would seend mee that wach of yours by the mashine if i ham to have hit that i mee have a feease to hit a%fore wee com a%wee from hadock your brothear tould mee that hee had seent your new won and i expect that you wold have seent hit by wil{***} cortear when hee was at lyme but i %am a%freead of not heaveing hit a%fore wee com awee from hadock george his deschard [^"to day" crossed out^] this deeay but would not ma{re}y fa{m}ey as i find of you have seent h{e}r from disleey and i fanceg shee would soun bee seent from ashton pree remembear mee to mr flodman and so no more from your freend and weel wishear Ric Hosker

[^Note by Richard Orford^] Rich=d=. Hosker ab=t=. my Watch &c~ Rece~d Dec=r= 14.62 Ans 16.62 To M=r= Rich=d= Orford at Lime to the fare of M=r= Sam=l= Daniel {Groar} Stockport Cheshire

Northwich Jan=y= 18=th=. 1772. M=r=. Orford Sr I should thake it as a %perticular fav=r=: if you would give me a Line p=r=. return of the %post if M=r=. Legh be gone from Leicester, as I have been informed he would not go from there than the latter end of the next month, as I purpose [^letter before u crossed out^] writing to him for a %sanction to dedicate my works to him & M=r= Keck which dont doubt but ^it^ would be complyed with — your complyan{*} [^edge of page^] on this head will — Oblige Your Most humble %servant Matt=w= Houghton M=r= Richard Orford disle near Lime Cheshire

Newton 11 Iuly 1781 M=r= Richard Orford Ser I am sorre to troble you but at this time am abligd to ask you what Past betwixt the miller and mee about newton mill when wee met at your Ofes at hadock when hee had reasd [^"." between "s" and "d"?^] a store that I was for reasing him of his rent which was fals and you promoted that wee shud devide, wee shud leave it to m=r= Iohn Worsle and m=r= William Birchall of ashton and they say that I promesed before you to billd him {a %nue} hill or els to teake 50 a %year therefore they wood wiss to heave it in riting from you what past betwixt the miller and mee and likewise what you heave heard say whicht Shud bee stampt as nothing hope for your answer by return of post which will much oblige your vere humble ser=t= Rob=t= Houghton M=r= Rich=d=: Orford at [^later insertion below the line^] Peter Legh's Esq={er}=. Lime [^Postmarked Manchester^]

Sir A Stable Boy late in your Masters service, by name Iohn Unwin, having applied to a friend of mine for a place, & they being likely to agree provided his Character answers my said friends expectation, I have to request you will on receipt of this be kind enough to give me the necessary information, & you'll much oblige — S=r=. your Hble Servant Will=m=. Houghton Manchester Decem=r=. 26=th=. 1782. M=r= Rich=d=. Orford To M=r=.. Rich=d=.. Orford at Haydock Lodge

Haydock Feb=y= 19=th= . . . . 1784 (_Sir_) I understand that you are for Erecting of a Mashine in Haydock for the conveniance of Weighing of the Coles at the same Work, therefore should be very glad of the Opportunity of serving you in that post, for the Land that I have built a House upon is so very poor that I cannot make it for to even keep me two Cow's without taking half an Acre or three Quarters of an Acre of Hay every Year; and I have laid out upon the Land in Building and other Work above 200=£= whic^h^ is all that I am at pressent posses=d=.. off or thereabouts, so that I am very much put to a pinch for even a small sustenance for myself & Wife & Children, as for my Caractor I doubt not but it will bear the strictest Inspection for Honesty, and as for Security I am willing for to be bound or give any Security that I am possesed off for any trust that may be put to me; so I conclude myself Sir your poor Tenant & Servant to Command Jn..=o= Howell M=r=. Alford Lyme

(_S=r=_) I shall take it as a Particular favour if you will represent to your M=r= the Hardships y=e= several Townships have suffer^r^ed under y=e= Parochial Chapel of Ma{x}f=d= - in making them subject to a Law suit for many years past and notwithstanding y=e= suit carried on in y=e= spiritual Court was given in favour of y=e= Townships; proposals are now made to obtain an Act of Parliament to {cause} y=e= Townships to pay according to assessm=t= by y={*}= to be granted — My late Father has declared that when any%thing Extroardinary has been done at y=e= Chapel which has occasion=d=. a greater Ley, the Townshp=s= by desire have made a subscription to assist in paying that ley: but afterwards an assessm=(_t_)= was made on y=e= Townships to compoll, [^"them to pay" crossed out^] it was refused, which {caus=d=:} y=e= Litigation; and therefore as I understand M=r= Legh has Connections with us in having a property ^in^ Kettleshulme, and perhaps in other of y=e= Townships, beg that he will take it into Consideration and at this Iuncture to stand our Friend

(as we are subject to y=e= Leys of the Parish Church and have Chapels of our own to take care of) Please to make my Comp=ts= to M=r= Legh with resp=ts= to your self who am Your Hble Serv=t= I. Hulley One Houre 30=th= Nov=r= 1774 M=r=. Orford at Lyme Hall near Stockport Cheshire

(_D=r=. S=r=,_) I wrote to you sometime ago, and as I had not the pleasure of hearing from you, made me think you had not rec=d=.. my letter, therefore I take the liberty to accq=t=, you that I should esteem it as a Particular fav=r=. If would have bin so obligeing to have settled M=r=, Lee=s=, acc=t=., at the same time hope you will not take it Ill in me writeing upon that head, but as I have some Payments to make, was the only reason, from s=r=, y=r=, most ob=t=, serv=t=, I=s=, Hulley {F}rodsham Ian=y=, 4=th=, - 83 P.S. The acc=t=, sent oct=r=, 10=th=, — 1782 — is _ _ _ £9—15=s=—0=d= I have laid in a quantity of excee^d^ing fine old Iamaica Rum, and Coniac Brandy, If M=r=. Lee should be in want M=r= Rich=d=. Orford at Haydock Lodge near Warrington Lancashire [^Postmarked Northwich^]

Sir I receivd your Favor of the 23=d=. Ins=t= this morning, and will agreeable to y=r=. request send you a Bill this next week. I have been making {Navy Salt} this few months past and have been oblidg'd to have recourse to S=r=. Rob=t=. Gerrards Coals for what little J have wanted, but when my pans go forward again which hope will be soon shall most certainly send my {Hutts} as usual to mr Leighs pitts. I am Sir Y=r=. mo. %ob. {**=*=}. J=o= Hunt Northwich 26=th= Aug :82 M=r= Rich=d=: Orford at Haydock Lodge near Newton Lancashire [^postmarked Northwich^]

Northwich Aug=st=. 27=th=. 1782. M=r= Rich=d=. Ordford Sir Inclos'd we send you cha=s=. {caldwell & %C=o's=.} draft on B Burter Forbes & Gregory value £23..4..8 which please to Creditt our ^Coal^ acco=t=. for with M=r= Leigh and advise us of the receipt by return of Post. we are Sir Y=r= mo. ob=t=. serv={ts}=. J=o=~n Hunt & C=o= ps we shall put forward part of our pans in a few days and shall as usual send to M=r=. Leighs ball. [^Omitted page not written by John Hunt^] M=r= Rich=d=: Orford Steward to Peter Legh Esq={r}= at Lyme Lancashire [^postmarked Northwich^]

Northwich decem={r}= 13=th=. 1788 M=r= Orford Sir I have duly receiv'd your Favor, and for answer J remitted you a London Bill for £66.18.6 the 11=th=. Jns={t}= which before this hope %you have receiv'd — J wish you had relyed on my promise, and remain resp=y= Sir Y=r= most ob~ Serv~ J=o=n Hunt M=r= Rich=d=. Orford Steward to Peter Legh Esq={r}= at Lyme Lancashire

{*...} [^paper stuck together^] Orford {*}t Lyme Lancashire Northwich decem 11=th=. 1788 Sir agreeable to my promise when you was over here J Inclose you herein a London Bill Value Sixty Six pounds Eighteen Shillgs and Sixpence in full for coals had from M=r=, Legh's Colliery as p~ account render'd. your acknowledging the Receipt thereof will oblige Sir Your mo %ob %Serv~ J=o=~n Hunt Iohn Mort a~ Tho=s=. Mort £66..18..6 M=r= Rich=d=; Orford at Lyme Stockport [^postmarked Northwich^]

Spring Mount near Northwich Aug~ 6=h=. 89 Sir Your Favor of the 27=h=. {p~nst} did not come to our Hands before this morning on account of %it{s} being taken to Namptwich through it being directed there. If you alter the 7 days date to 6 weeks your draft shall meet due honor — or if you wou'd rather, we will remitt you a Londen Bill the first opp{o}rtunity. we are at present engaged Sinking a Brine Shaft — if we are f{o}rtunate we shall want a deal of Coals. we have traded with M=r=. Legh upwards of {4}0 years, and are sure neither M=r=. Legh nor yourself wishes to use us ungenteel. We are Sir Y=r= mo %ob. serv=ts=. J=o=~n Hunt & C=o= M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Lyme Disley (By Buxton Bag) Cheshire T:h{*} Davenport

(_Sir_) by the direction of M=r=. Davenport I write to you on a Simular Subject to the last — (Viz.) the Bill of which the underwrote is a Copy has been presented and refused acceptance as there is but 4 days to run it will be presented again when due for payment — and I will inform you of the result I am your Obed=t=. serv=t=. Ia=s=: Hurst Inner Temple 6=th=: Nov=r=. 1782 N=o=. 47. £30..10..0 Oswestry 7=th=.. Nov=r=.. 1782 One month after date pay Henrick Eyton Esq=r=. on Order Thirty pounds Ten Shillings Value Received as advised by Edw=d=. W.Evans Morris Barnett & Richardson London (_Indorsed on the back_) Henrick Eyton Jos. %Cooke Pay the Contents to the Order of Tho=s=. Davenport Esq~. Rich=d=. Orford Tho=s=. Davenport

P.S. Compts to all friends at Lyme particularly the Ladies. more especially my next door neighbour when there. I will not make a Similar mistake again (Viz.) when once got within side the door, make so precipitate a Retreat ({V}ide) the Saddle bag Scene Inner Temple 23=d=. Nov~. 1782. (_Sir_) by the directions of M=r=. Davenport I write to acquaint you the Bill you sent up (of which the underneath is a Copy) has been by his Banker presented to the person on whom it is drawn for acceptance (who has refused) as there is but 3 days to run before it will become due he has order'd it to be kept 'till that time to %be again presented for payment. and if refused will return it to you immediately. and in the mean time thought it necessary to inform you of the av{erce} Circumstance that you might apply to the persons from whom you received it I am with respectful Compts to my friends at Lyme your much obliged and very Obed=t=. hble Servant Ia=s=~: %Hurst 26 Nov=r=. £47. Manchester Sept=r=. 23=d=. 1782 Two months after date pay to M=r=. Thomas Bramall on Order forty seven pounds Value Received as advised by {Mo}. Sedgwich To M=r=. Sam=l=. Bradbury Walbrook London This indorsed on the back by — Tho=s=. Bramall Iohn Mort Tho=s=. Leigh M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Lyme near disley (By Buxton Bag) Cheshire T.{***} Davenport

(_Sir_) The Bill I wrote to acquaint you of being refused acceptance; M=r=. Davenport desires I would inform you has been since paid I am your very h~ble Servant Ia=s=. %Hurst Inner Temple 29=th=: Nov~. /82 To M=r=. Richard Orford Haydock Lodge near Ashton

Grange 1=st=: Octob={r}=. 1783 To M=r=. Rich=d~= Orford S=r= I have inclos'd you a Draft from M=r=. Geo: Wilbraham value fifty two pounds nineteen shillings which is in full for the Bill deliver'd to me by your Agent — please to send me a %rec=t=: by return of the post & you will much oblige your verry h=ble=. sarv=t=: Iohn HuxleyAns~. [^probably in Orford's hand^] M=r=. Orford at Lyme

Tintwistle 22=d= Dec=r=. 78 Sr I have made inquiry about a servent for you and have light of one I think may suit you, he hath livd with M=r=. Whitle at Hollingworth 13 or 14 years, and mostly taken care of the Cattle and might I beleive been there yet, had he not left to follow the Cotton Business, he is a Widowor betwixt 30 and 40 years of Age and hath two or three Children, which live out, he talketh of coming to you [^"r" almost certainly torn off edge page^] House in about 2 week{s} time so if you think you have any objection a%gainst him you may send me a line to save him the trouble I am S=r=. Your truly affectionate Friend Abel Hyde M=r=.. Rich=d=.. Orford Lyme—Hall near Stockport Cheshire [^postmarked Lancaster^]

Lancaster 21=st=. Octor 1790 Mr Ordford (_Sir_) your favour of the 11=th=. Augt. came duly to hand wherein you mention your orders to a Mr Bradshaw Carrier to call for your two Casks of Rum. & such waited for him but not hearing any more of him than what your Letter mentioned as he never call'd neither do J Know him. J sent them on Tuesday last by Mr Hargreaves's Waggon. derected for you at Haydock Lodge near Stockport. Cheshire & thinking it the safest, got them Cased they permit you'l find under one of derection's. have the pleasure to enform you of the safe Arrival of Mr Marsden here on {*n}day last in good health he intenas comeing over to your Country as soon as his Bussiness will permit him but cannot fix the exact time. Mr Marsden Joins in Compl=ts=, with Dear Sir your most Ob=t= Serv=t= Iames Isherwood Mr Alford Lyme

Sir I shall be greatly obliged to you if you will be so kind as to let me know as soon as you can whether the Sum I bid to have the Lease filled up will be taken or not If it will shall be glad to have it done immediately I remain yours to command David Jackson Hyde 27th Dec 1788 {**} If the sum will not be taken I wish to know the lowest that will do [^In different hand, probably Orford's^] Black-bower at %lower Lamb in Stockport To M=r= Richard Orford at Lime near Disley Cheshire

Haydock 27 Aug=s= {*} 1781 (_S{ir}_) I have been at Golborn / to your order for to demand the dog, but must not have him, /e{x}cept I pay / one pound one Shilling for his keep to Ioseph Clayton, I desire your answer by the return of the post, how I must proseed, as I am determined to have the dog, I am S=r=. with Great r{e}spect Your %most ob'=d= Humb~ Serv=t= Iohn Iackson [^The next letter has been attached to this one.^] S=r=. yr=s= I recvd, which surprisd me no little, as I had before tol{ed} you I had nothing further to do with the dog — Clayton has the dog — & has had him some time, he says you yourself told him he shoud be paid — which I heard you say myself — which if my {Uncles} knows any%thing about the dog I {shall certainly tell} him the whole — how{e}v{e}r I now inform you I {have} nothing to do either with Clayton or Jackson — so if you write any more about the dog you must {derecd} to Clayton — yrs Cholmondely Legh {Golbourne Parkes} Wednesday morn — Sep={r}=. 5.81 M=r= Orford att Lyme Near Buxton

M=r= Orford Tideswell 3=rd= Aug=st= 1774 Sir Yours of y=e= 30 Ult Came Duly to Hand; the Contents of which a little Surpri{z}'d me: to ffind M=rs= Gaskell So %much a Stranger to her late Husbands affairs' it's Much None of famely knew of this Mony which was always Paid Interest for till of late: But will Wate on you Very Soon and Sattisfy you that I make No false Claim; it is a bond (that I Have Against you and M=r= Gaskell Being Exe={rs}=.) that Was Given from the late M=r= Gaskells father to My father for 40=£= in 1734 and in 1736 When My father Came to y=e= Long Lows to live Under M=r= Gaskell he Call'd in 10=£= of y=e= Mony to Enable him to Stock y=e= farm which Sum is Notify'd on y=e= Back of y=e= Bond and my father alway Rec=d= 30=s= a %year for the Remaining 30=£= and Now this Mony with y=e= Interest Due along with Other mony Belongs to me and Brothers &c I Shall further Sattisfy you when I Come Over till which I remain S=r= your Most Hum={e}= Sern=t= In=o= Jackson PS its much if there is not a Counterpart of this Bond Somewhere in y=e= late mr Gaskells Pappers M=r= Orford att Lyme Near Disley Cheshire [^accounts in other hand omitted^]

M=r= Orford Tideswell 27 Feb={y}= 75 Sir I have Waited since the 11=th= of Ian~ for an answer from M=r= Gaskell of {Ingersley} about the payment of this Bond; he promis'd to write me in a fortenates time but have not yet heard from him; the Seem'd Verry Scrupl=s=, about the matter as not knowing about Bond as y=e= Said tho y=e= knew of y=e= 20={£li}= note But that was of later Date a Deal and I Beleive was Ballanc'd with You on Acct in 68 or 69 so it Don't Stand Due; But this Bond is Which I Shall Be very Unwilling to loose where there is affects; M=rs= Gaskell told me She was of Oppinion it had Been paid; which it Neither has nor Ever Demanded Before I wrote about it after y=e= Death of my mother Your answer when it most Be paid will Oblige Sir Your Most Hum={e}= Sern=t= I Jackson NB the interest is Due from the 4 may 1764 M=r= Orford att Lyme near Dishley Cheshire

M=r= Orford T{*****}ell [^torn off^] 4 Iune 1778 (_Sir_) I most Beg your pardon for Not answering your last letter Sooner But was in No Hory of Calling y=e= mony in; But my Brothers Begin to think me Delitory about Doing my Duty which I most Acknowledge; But I had Reasons for it: and that made me Stop y=e= Interest in M=r= Gaskells hands when I Setled with him after my Fathers Death; there has Been No Interest Rec=d=, on this Bond Since y=e= 4 of may 1764 at which time I Came Over [^"with" crossed out^] to Settle My Fathers affairs (Being left Executor By will) all y=e= Stock and the 20={£i}= Note [^"I left" crossed out^] which we had Against M=r= Gaskell I left to y=e= Care of my Mother who Soon Dispat{****} [^inkblot^] them: y=e= Stock at y=e= Death of my Father ^worth^ About 150=£= and if I had left this Bond in Mothers power She would a %made it away with y=e= Rest; as to papper or Accompts She never kept any; as to Cash Being Paid to her in May 1765 I am a Stranger to but

I Dont Dispute the Truth ^of^ it as that 20=£= Note Cold not be found at y=e= Death of my Mother (She I sopose) had Rec=d= y=e= Cash for it But at what time or times I Dont Know; I know no mony has Ever Been Rec=d= on acc=t= of this Bond But what is Recorded on y=e= Back of it The late M=r= Gaskell was of Deeper Penetration then to Pay in Stock when he Knew the Bond was in my hands and agreed to Stop y=e= Interest till I Call{'d} for it if there Was any Sort of Ocation for Arbetration Cold have No Objection to M=r= Motershead; But as the Clame is just hope it will Be paid without any Dispute & Shall Be Glad to have it Done Soon as its high time Either to Receive it or loose it; I am w=th=, Cop=s= to M=rs= Orford Sir: y~r Obade=t= Hum={l}= Sern=t= In=o= Jackson

PS I Dont Think Mes={rs}= Gaskells would make any Dispute about the Payment of the Mony of y=e= was as Clear about it as I am for I Beleive them Honest Men M=r= Orford: att Lyme Near Dishley Cheshire

Sir Tideswell 14 July 1778 I wrote you y=e= 4=th= Ult Requesting the Payment of the Mony Due On the Bond to me & Bro=s= from the Late M=r= Gaskell I am Now Anxtious to have it Paid; as to Messr={s}= Gaskells Makeing a Boggle or Dispute of My Clame the Don't need; as I have that By me which is Soficient to Sattisfy them of the legalety of my Demands which I have let them see; and was well Pleas'd that ^the^ knew their Fathers writing which Bond was made By him and as Good as Can be made and Sopose will Bare the test in law if the was to Dispute it: Shall be glad of your answer and am kind Sir with Respects to M=rs= Orford & Self your Oblig'd Hum={l}= Sern=t= In=o= Jackson NB I Call'd at your House this is twelve Months to a seen you and you Gone %to knulsford Sessions (_Good Sr_) J shou'd be glad to know w=t= M=r= Legh Say's about me Leasing w=th= him if J must, shoud be glad on acc=t= of getting money ready, by the time it will be wanted & S=r=. am your Hble Serv=t= Edw=d= Jacson Oct=r=-31=th=-83 P'.s There is a Harr{o}t due to mr Legh on the Death of my late Brother John, w=ch= my sister in law said she wou'd pay it to you her self or you shou'd have been paid before now M=r=. Orford.

(_^Sir^_) M=r=. Barnes & M=r=. Outram the two Referees we have chosen to act with you on the Division of our Commons are here, and should be glad to see you this [^corrected^] afternoon at Tho=s= Jones's, to fix the time of your first meeting, but if you cannot come over, please to let them know if you can meet them on this Business at Buxton at the Angel, on Wednesday the 26=th=. of this month by nine o Clock in the morning. I am S=r=. y=r=. {&c} Simon Jacson Whaley July 19=th=. 1775. [^note by Orford: ^] Attended on this affairs the moment J rec~ed this letter [^signature^] M=r=. Orford at his House How Lane

Stockport Nov={r}=. 24=th=. 1777 (_^Sir^_) I called on you about a fortnight since, when you was at Haddock, to beg the Favour of you to assist H. Longden in a Valuation of my Farms at Shallcross; as the Division of the Commons [^corrected^] makes a great Alteration in the method of occupying them, and the greatest Part of my Estate is at Liberty, I propose to set the Land independant [^"a" corrected from "e" or vice versa^] of the Commons in general, and I should be glad of your Opinion what would be best to be done with the Commons{;} where they can be conveniently occupied with any of my old Farms they might be made an Addition to them upon my having a proper Consideration for the Fencing and Improvement; and as you are very conversant with the Value and Nature of that kind of Land, I should be much obliged

by your considering this matter with Longden and shall most willingly satisfy you both for your Trouble; the sooner this Affair was done the better as the Tenants want to provide their Stocks accordingly, and if you will be so good to let me know when it would be convenient to you, I would let Longden know, & go with you the first Day to Shallcross, or if you come to Stockport in a few Days I shall be glad to see you here. I am y=r= {se} Simon Jacson Shallcross June 4=th=. 1778 (_^Sir^_) M=r=. Fletcher called at your House to have fixed with you the time that would have been most convenient to you to have attended a Reference in Behalf of M=r=. Dickenson & myself. The Referees are M=r=. Fletcher & Johnson who built the Bridges on the Buxton Road; and we mutually agreed to fix upon you as the umpire in case of any Difference; and as the Case does not require an immediate Determination; if you can let me know when it will be convenient to you, I will let [^corrected from "fix"?^] M=r=. Dickenson and M=r=. Fletcher know. I send this by a Lime Carrier to%morrow, and if you should not be at home to give an Answer but will write one to be ready for Saturday, I will order another to call at your

House for it. I %understand M={rs}=. Orford is in daily Expectation of lying in, I most sincerely wish her a good time & am Sir your obliged hum. Serv={*}=. Simon Jacson. M=r=. Orford at Peter Legh's Esq=r=. Lyme near Stockport Cheshire. {***} at Haywood. [^this line in different hand^]

near Uttoxeter Staffordshire Sommershall Sep=r=. 11.1778 (_Sir_) In Consequence of your Letter of the 3=d=. Inst={t}=., I wrote to M=r=. Dickenson, that I would willingly acquiesce in your Opinion as to the Coal %Affair betwixt us. His Answer to me, which I received last Post, was that he would do the same, and desired me to write to you to request that you would settle this Business for us. As you was present to form a Judgement of your own, as well as to hear the full Opinion of each Referee, I shall be thoroughly satisfied with your Determination. I proposed to M=r=. Dickenson that He and I with you for our Umpire should settle this affair amongst ourselves, and that I should be at Shall%cross the latter End of this month, but he freely tells me that if I was now at Shallcross he would not talk with me on the Subject, and that you, as our Umpire, must only settle it. Which I beg the Favour of you to do, and that as soon as possible. As all Coalworks are ^very^ uncertain, I take the Liberty of mentioning to you, that whatever annual Rent I %am to pay M=r=. Dickenson should be specified to be

paid only while I make Use of the Privileges I now have from him, and not for any certain Number of Years, whether I make Use of them or not, and the same Reservation Should [^corrected^] I think be on his Side for the Privileges he will have from me. It occurs to me that it might be proper to mention in the Award, that in Case of sinking my Engine Pit deeper, or of shifting my Engine mount, or doing any other thing necessary for carrying on my Colliery, that I shall have the Privilege to convey the superfluous Stuff that shall be wound up, or otherwise arise from carrying on my Works thro' M=r=. Dickensons Ground on my Side the River into the River, providid I do not there%by prejudice M=r=. Dickenson's Engine. I mention this as, when my present Engine is worn out, I intend to establish my Works on the most advantageous and powerful Footing, and for Want of such a Precaution future Disputes might arise which I abominate of all things, and which I would willingly obviate; particularly as M=r=. D. insinuates in his Letters that M=r=. Fletcher has been under improper Influence from my Banksman; which I think is such an Aspersion on M=r=. Fletcher, that

I have done him but common Justice in telling M=r=. D. that I think M=r=. Fletcher a Man of sound Judgement and strict Integrity. Considering M=r=. D{=s=}. Hastiness I %was unwilling to aggravate things, but I shall always be ready, and will give M=r=. Fletcher the Character I think he deserves. I am Sir your obliged hum. Serv=t=. Simon Jacson. [^Attached document from Mr Dickenson:^] when the award is to be made by m=r=. orford the following is submitted to him to consider of. 1=st=....[^"whether" crossed out^] How m=r=. Jacson shall be restrained from ever making a Tunnel in his present shaft into my Land —. 2=d=. That the Proposal, as lately made, by m=r=. orford is to be considered only, as a satisfaction for the Priviledges already ^permitted^ [^corrected from "granted"^] by m=r=. D. to m=r=. Jacson. 3=d=. Jt is left for m=r=. orford to consider what kind of Right, m=r=. D shall have to the Tunnel he has made in m=r=. Jacson's Land, as the said Tunnel was done only with a View to preserve m=r=. Jacson's Colliery. M=r=. Orford Lyme near Stockport Cheshire by Haywood [^this line in different hand^] [^postmarked Uttoxeter^]

Sommershall Sep~. 22=d=. 1778. (_Sir_) I am very sorry that the Affair betwixt M=r=. Dickenson and me should give you so much Trouble; as to myself I shall be I assure you thoroughly satisfied with your Determination; and to show M=r=. Dickenson that I was willing to do what any Gentleman could possibly desire, & to make your Line of acting as short as possible, I wrote him Word that I would come into your Proposals of 35=£= for his Sough and 2 Guineas %a %y=r= since I have had the Privilege I now have, and to pay the same 2 Guineas annually while I make use of it: this in short excepting one Guinea a Year is coming into their own Terms; and from this Concession I hoped the Affair might soon come to a Conclusion{;} and I must beg the

Favour of you not to wait till my Return to Stockp. which is uncertain on account of M=rs=. Jacson{'}s precarious State of Health, but finish the Affair while I am absent; as the suspicious Temper we have to deal with will think there is some Collusion betwixt us if you stay till I am in the Country. I think myself much obliged by the friendly manner you have acted in this Affair with regard to me, and I am glad you encouraged M=r=. D. to go on. I must be a Scoundrell indeed to take any Advantage, particularly as in my Letter to him I %desired things might go on as they were, till you had finally determined it: which I must again beg you to do as soon as possible. I have had a Letter from M=r=. Fletcher and surely nothing was ever so absurd as Johnson. I suppose he wanted immediately to stop my Works, if they had this would not have answered their Purpose, as I have a Resource within

myself, and which in time I will make use of; for as M=r=. D=s=. is a settled Estate he can only give me Liberty during his own Life; and I will not subject myself and Heirs to future Impositions. I am Sir your obliged Friend Simon Jacson. M=r=. Orford Lyme.

Shallcross Octo~. 7=th=. 1778 (_Sir_) I am just returned to this Place, and Ned Jacson informs me, that you was so obliging as to desire to know when I came, that you might finally settle the Affair betwixt M=r=. Dickenson and me. I think myself much obliged by the Trouble you have had in this Business, and that it may now be as little as possible, I am willing, if you think it reasonable, to come into Johnson's Terms of 35=£=, and 3 Guineas a Year. There surely now can be no Reason why M=r=. D. should refuse to sign your Award, which when he has done, I will immediately do the same; and thus I hope an End may be put to this troublesome Affair. I %propose being at Stockport on Saturday, and if tomorrow or Friday, or Saturday morning suits your Convenience, I shall be glad when you ha(_ve ^first^ done_) with M=r=. D: to have the Pleasure

of your Company to dine with me at Shallcross. I am Sir your obliged hum. Serv={t}=. Simon Jacson. M=r=. Orford How Lane

Stockport July 1={*}=. 1785. (_Sir_) I am obliged to be at Shallcross on Sunday Ev={*}=ning which will prevent my attending you on Monday as I have particular Business to transact [^corrected^] that Day; I am sorry that it thus happens as I shall be from home [^corrected^] the Remainder of the Summer. I am Sir your obliged Friend Simon Jacson. M=r=. Orford.

Stockport July 18. 1785. (_Sir_) There are a few yards of Land which belonged to the Farm that Tho={s}=. Jones held. of your Relation Haigh at the End of Whaley Bridge, and which they say were not paid for by the County of Derby. Haigh says unless he is satisfied for what was left out by the County, he will not suffer us to go on with the House for the Weighing Engine, I have sent him Word that I am willing to buy what is so left out for the use of the Turnpike, and shall be obliged to you at your Leisure to fix the Price and to appease this said M=r=. Haigh. I am your obliged Friend S. Jacson. M=r=. Orford How Lane

Stockport Nov~. 23=d=. 1785. (_Sir_) I have seen the Order which was made after M=r=. Joddrell and I had left the Commissioners, it is very express to the Purpose you mention, {***}ough [^inkblot^] from the Conversation we had about it while we staid, I %apprehended all the Surveyors were to go on as %usual in the Repair of the Roads till their Accounts were made up against the meeting in January, when it was intended to consider whether a more effectual method than the present could be adopted for the Repair of the Roads, this was, and still is my Opinion, and from some Conversation I have had with M=r=. Legh of Torkington and M=r=. Prescot they join with me in thinking that you should go on in keeping the Roads in Repair till the meeting, and that your Accounts will

be allowed for work done to that Time. I suppose you will give us Credit till then, and will take all the Advantage you can of the Statute Work and Composition Money due from the respective Towns. in the mean Time. I hope you will attend the meeting. I am your obliged Friend S. Jacson To M=r=. Orford at Lyme

Pointon Friday morn=g= Sir I desire to known by th{e} bearer wheth=r=. you will be at Lyme to%morrow in the after%noon for M=r=. Janney pushes to have th{e} Mortgage executed, and has a desire you sho=d=. ^be^ present, as James perhaps is not acquainted with such Things may be timerous of executing. I cou'd be glad if the time above mentioned will be suitable for you. M=r=. Janney & I will then wait on you & James to have it executed. who am Sir Your most oblig=d= & %hble serv=t= P: Jannion (_Sir_) J am favoured with yours of the 23=d=. of July last — On the 13=th= of that month J remitted to m=r=. Burshall £170 as usual, For M=r=. Kecks Jnterest, ^and for M=rs= Legh^ And on the 16=th= of July, M=r=. Burshall Wrote me, he had rec{~}ed the Notes, And Placed them to your Credit; And that he would by the Same Post Advise you of it, Which I hope he has done before this time: J beg my humble respects to M=rs= Legh and Miss Legh And am S=r=. your most Obed=t=: serv=t= Will=m= Jay Milton Aug=t= 1=st= 1778 Sir Milton Aug=t=: 2=d= 1779 Inclosed is the half of Six Bank Notes Value £155 & a Devizes Bank Value £15 which as it is Payable in London (and a very good Note) will J hope answer the Purpose as well as a Bank of England Note, which J could not at any rate Procure, My best respects to M=rs= and Miss Legh and be so kind as to tell her J will in a Post or Two send her my Account, And the next Post you shall have the remaining halves of the Notes and when rec~ed be so kind as to give me a Line of the receipt of them J am S=r=. y=r=. most hble serv=t= Will=m= Jay Sir Jnclosed are the remaining halves of the 6 Bank notes sent p~ last Post J am Sir, your most hble serv=t=: Will=m= Jay 4=th= [^corrected from 3^] Aug=t=: 1779 M=r=. Orford Lime Buxton A{**}e{*} Goddard [^Postmarked Pewsey^]

Milton Aug=t=: 1 1781 Sir Jnclosed you receive a very good Bill for £170. You will be Pleased to take £166.13.4 Part of it for M=r= Kecks Interest and the remaining £3:6.8 be so kind as to Pay to M=rs=. Legh as usual J beg the favour of an Acknowledgem=t=. of the re{c}=t= of this And am S=r=: y=r=. most hble serv=t= Will=m= Jay Milton near Pewsey Wilts{~} Aug=t= 10 1782 (_Sir_) On my return from Devonshire Wednesday last I found your Letter; I have now enclosed the halves of Nine Bank Notes, and one Devizes Bank (Payable in London) Value in the whole £166.13.4. I will send you the remaining halves of the Bank Notes p~ next Post, which when you have rec~ed I beg the favour of a Line (Directed to me here) Acknowledging such receipt — J %hope M=r= & M=rs=. Legh have by this time perfectly recovered their health — The Influenza has been very General in every part of the County but it seems now to have left it J beg my respects to M=r=: and M=rs= Legh And Miss Legh And am Sir your most hble serv=t= Will=m= Jay Milton near Pewsey Wilts 21 Feb: 1784 (_Sir_) I Received this morning yours of the 16 Ins=t= and Inclosed you receive the halves of 7 Bank Notes Value £160. and a Salisbury Bank Note Value £6.13.4 making £166.13.4 for M=r=. Athertons Jn=t=: due in Ianuary last; I will p~ next Post send you the remaining halves of the Bank Notes, which when you have rec~ed I beg the favour of a Line acknowledging such receipt I am Sir, Your most hble Serv=t= Will=m= Jay M=r= Orford Lyme Cheshire

Milton June 4=th= (_1785_) (_Sir_) Inclosed you receive my Account of receipts and Disbursements to Lady Day 1784, The Ballance of which I will retain in my hands till J have your Direction{s} concerning it as well as the ballance to Mich~as 1784 J am Sir, Your most humble servant Will=m= Jay [^part signature cut off^] [^Attached 2 documents:^] M=r= Wheelden (_Sir_) This cover comes from pewsey in Wilts, which had two sheets of paper Inclosed in it of Acc=t=. weighing above 1.oz. which came thorough London office by it J %see they Charge 3={s}/=4=d= I apprehend it is over charged if %so please to take what is right as this is the truth and am Sir your Ob=t= %Hble %Serv=t= R. %Orford Lyme 12 June 1785 Post Office Buxton June 18 M=r=. Orford. The Cover you sent back is right charge'd — you awe to this office —4=s=/6=d=— which beg you will order the p{a}rson at Dishley to return ^it^ to this office Wheeldon M=r= Orford

Milton August 2=d= 1785 (_Sir_) Inclosed J send you the halves of 5 Bank Notes (J would have sent more but could not procure them) Value £100, and Four very good bills Value 66=£=.13=s=.4=d= making in the whole £166.13.4 being a years Jnterest Due to the Heirs of the late M=r=. Keck the Thirtyeth Day of Iuly last: I have paid M=rs=. Legh the money in my hands as you Directed, And J will send you by her the Vouchers of the Accounts J sent you together with my Account of rents rec~ed to michaelmas 1784 with the Vouchers of that Account also. J will p~ next Post send you the remaining halves of the Bank Notes, which when you have received J beg the favour of an Acknowledgem=t= of such receipt, J saw M=rs= Legh and miss Legh last Week who were both then in good health J am Sir, Your most humble serv=t= Will=m= Jay M=r= Orford Lyme

Dear %Sir, M=r= Brocklehurst informs me that M=rs= Rowley of the Titherington Bar has bidden 130=£= for that in Hurdsfield which is eleven Pounds less than what it was let for before. M=rs= Smith her %sister, who is a Person of considerable Property, will be surety for %her. M=r= %Brookesbank advises them to take the Money; and M=r= %Brocklehurst says, they think it will be the best way to close with her upon these Terms. I %am, Sir, Your most obedient & humble servant Tho=s=. Jennings Macclesfield May 2=d=. 1789 M=r=. Orford

[^omitted numbers written by another hand^] Sir I have been inf{o}rmd by In. Teller{s} that my Tenants who were to keep the Road at Redmere Lane in repair have neglected to do their Statute work — I have given him my Orders to call upon them to do it as they ought & to get the Road put into proper Order as soon as posible which I hope will be done — I am Sir Your mo Hble Ser={*}= J. %Bower %Jodrell Henbury Octo={r}=. 1. 1781. M=r=. Rich=d= Orford Lyme near Stockport

Sir I rec=d= your fav=r=. & am much concernd for the unhappy Occasion which prevented your Meeti{g} me agreeable to our Appointment. I think we had now better defer the Business till the Tenants Hay Grass is cut down; as soon as that is done I will endeavour to fix a day for the Business that will be convenient to you — I am (_Sir_) your obedient Ser{v}=t=. JB. Jodrell Henbury Iuly 12. 1789. M=r= Orford Lime Stockport [^postmarked Macclesfield^]

Ashton-upon-Mersey n=r=. Manchester 14 Iuly 1790 Sir Some time previous to the death of M=r= Brooksbank I applied to him on behalf of M=rs= Wilkinson to arbitrate a small parcel of Land with M=r= Grey Lord Harrington's Agent betwixt her Tenant M=r= Hawkins & M=r= Beswick, which, owing to M=r= Brooksbank's declining state of Health remains undetermined, and if you have no objection to deliver your opinion of it with that Gentleman M=rs= Wilkinson will think herself much obliged to you. M=r= Grey will be at Macclesfield in the course of this month when it is proposed to have the matter settled of which time M=r= Peter Wright will give you the earliest information provided you can with convenience acquiesce with M=rs= Wilkinson's request to whom you will please to give your answer, as it will be necessary he shou'd prepare Arbitration Bonds to bind the Parties. M=r= Peter Wright will shew you the Premises and fully explain to you the mutual advantage (as it strikes him & myself) which each side

will derive from the exchange — the Land being described in a Map which M=r= Wright will procure you a sight of. I have to observe to you that shou'd you be of opinion that M=r= Beswick's Land is more valuable than M=rs= Wilkinson's, in that case, she will give Land to equalize the exchange. Whatever expence may be incurred on this occasion M=rs= Wilkinson has desired M=r= Wright to discharge, and to make you her acknowledgments for the trouble you may have. She desires me to say that she wou'd not have taken this liberty with you had you not on a former occasion chearfully assisted M=r= Young in valuing her Father's property at Bollington. M=rs= Wilkinson and M=rs= Iohnson send their Comp=ts=. to you, and I am your humble servant R.P. Iohnson M=r=: Orford at Peter Legh's Esq={r}= at Lyme [^omitted accounts in a different hand^]

Weave{s}ham Dec=r=: 5=th=: 1789 M=r=. Orford (_Sir_) Poor M=rs=. Turner of this place is this morning in a pitiable Dilemma, arrested by two sheriffs' Bailiff{'s} at the suit of M=r=. Colville of Northwich for about £13..0:0 not quite I believe. — She is the more pitiable, for being a mere stranger in this place, and having therefore no Chance of any%body to bail for her in order to gain a little Time She desired I would write to inform you of her Situation and greatly hopes that you will lay her Case before all the Family at Lime &{c} and endeavour to procure and send her by the Bearer a relief sufficient to extricate her from her present Embarrassment. The Bailiffs will keep her in Custody till your answer arrives, which I hope will effect that Liberty which she now wants, and which I really wish she had. I rem=n=, Sir, your most obed=t=. Serv=t= In=o=. Iones I am extremely sorry for her; for I believe her prospect for a good school mends; had she but friends to assist her a little at this Time, now she is a beginner. M=r=. Orford near Newton, Stuard to Peter Legh of Lime Esq~ Lancashire [^postmarked Warrington^]

July 24=th= 1781 Sir Having sometime since lent to M=r=. Bellass some trust money who is now become a Bankrupt and geting a Friend to examine my Security, which is an Assignment of his Interest in some Land in Aperly Intitled Warrington Sept=r= 27=th= 1757 Peter Legh Esq~ Lease of Troopers Horse to Iohn Bellass in [^"Aperley" crossed out^] Arpley Fine for adding one Life £9..-.. .. Old Rent 0..2.. .. Mary Bellass Wife aged 30 Lives Mary his Daughter of Warrington 6 Robert Whitnall Preston 14 D=o= Octo=r= 12=th= 1757 Peter Legh Esq~ A Lease of Tollets Meadow to Iohn Bellass in Arpley— Fine £56..—..— Old Rent —..3..— Mary Lessees Wife aged 30 Lives Mary his Daughter 6 Prisalla his Daughter 3 and finding it bad through not being Licenced so to do must reloy wholy upon you to compleat the security by obtaining such a Licence and beg the favour of a line when I may come to requite you for the extrordinary favour Your much obliged Tho=s= Iones Hatton near Warrington M=r=. Orford Hollow Lane

(_Sir_) A few days ago I took the liberty of troubling you with a few Lines, desiring you w=d=. please to acquaint me how Lands sell in the Neighbourhood of Dishley & Wailey — for how many Years Value & what %w=d=. be the best way of selling a little Estate or two, & the Com~on Land on the Longside belonging Miss Godrells they, at present, thinking of selling [^"the" crossed out^] some of their Estates in that Neighborhood — Your Answer to the above will greatly oblige Sir Yr m=t=. ob=t= Serv=t=. Iohn Kay Manchester 3=d=. Apr={*}= 1774. To M=R=. Orford at Lyme in Hanley — Cheshire

Sir I can hardly imagine you will either take notice of me or any %thing I write, my Caractor is so badly Represented to M=R= Kenien and your Master and your Self, and others, ^by Royle^ in Saying I altered the probate of my Father in laws Will and other Scandelous Reports at home and abroad a Shame to tell, and all th^is^ in order to make himself master of all or most his fathers poss~ions quite Contrary to y=e= true intent and meaning of s=d=, fathers will the Exp{erience} of Severall meetings, Arbitration bonds and awards I understand w=th= him means no nothing [^"as him" crossed out^] ^th{*}^ he breakes thro all mutual tyes and agreements whatsoever y=t= men can Either form by words or writings, nothing can please him but all his fathers Substance he has lift a Fine w=t= his father l{i}ft him in Manchester w=ch= is Either morgauged or sold to pay his credit (as I am Jnform'd by men of Credit) it is lett at a eleven pound a year and now he is Seeking a Road to all the Buildings at Chapel and sayes he can have all but Odens he will have he maide {afrush} at y=e= {haslebotlam} Housing but cold not Accoplish his disign beside Disturbing us very much ab=t= our Cottage wanted Something of it a place where his father never layd out one peny and where I have liv'd 30 years and brought up eleven Children without y=e= assistance of his father or a parish and Chiefly Attended on him in his Extravegence ^and^ 10 or 11 years Jllness [^comma underneath "ll"^] in all 25 years and y=t= for litle or nothing for most part he was allwayes without mony tho he had upward of 4{0} £ a year and Died 27 £ in Debt he was very Jllnature and Shy w=th= us we Durst not Disobey his Commands for fear he would leave us nothing and y=e= 4 £ a year he left us in Ogdens will no thing near pay us The trouble we had w=th= him latter end of his time I wod Rather a %brought up and Ed{i}cated [^"{i}": one stroke, no dot. "u"?^] a Child Eleven years then [^corrected from you?^] had any thing to do w=th= him, he was so Jll natured quarelsom unreasonable, and Naturally of a Spitefull {Dispossion} there was {no} hapyness nere him his Son William one of the Exec{i}tors [^"{i}": one stroke, no dot. "u"?^] has made use of 10 or 11 Atturneys Set as so many Snares to Jmpose upon y=e= Legatees and Charges the Expence in his Acc=ts= and has aply'd to 3 Lawyers Dawson & {pelers} but M=r= Kenion Sutes him best and I sopose has made a Road to Esq=r= Leigh who knows nothing how Royle has Acted for nere 6 years —

As Soon as his Father was Departed he and our Blacksmith who kept his will, went of w=th= it ^{before} day^ under a pretence of fetching a person to lay him out, ^&^ was soon going to manchester, I asked the smith what was y=e= Reason y=e= went of under such a pretence he sayd to get some things Altered, Royle sayd it might be done, I asked y=e= smith then [^"wh" blotted^] where his will was who sade he had it not at pres=t=, but wod be forth coming to be Rehearsed, this ^he^ declared before severall persons of Credit there wod never have been a will soon, had I not got y=e= Rever=d=. M=R= Haden to Examine y=e= Old man ab=t=. it and ^likewise y=e=^ Smith whether he had it, who promisd him it should not be Rehears'd tell y=e= old man was Jntered — he wants upward of 40 £ of y=e= Legat{es} now and 30 £ he lent his father when he was 14 year old. & M=R= Upton Examined his Accounts and brought him in Deptor upwards of 70 £ he has brought Atturney & sent Bailiffs who have threatend to cut our throats Sent for a writ for me wagoner his Son in law fors^w^ore himself before M=r= Chipindale on Acc=t= of y=e= Serveing w=ch= put a s{t}op to y=t= affair and broug^ht^ in 11 £ Costs, chargd Severall things payd in his Accounts that are unpayd yet he swears he will spend all and thro us all upon y=e= parish he hates me because I opose him in his Roguish Disigns his Sister and him have made Such {bulbates} in Blakeley you wod think {the} was broak out of Bedlam warents Writs Bailiffes and mischief of one kind or another has been there companions She, caus'd her Father in law to pay 10 S p~ week to maintain her Children he apeald to y=e= Kings Bench and the poor {Clergeman} was put in prison for Disobeying y=e= order and behaved in Such a maner in fetching warrents in y=e= Neighbourhood of {Walterfall} in Stafford Shire y=t= parson and Neighbours was Redy to {tear} her in peices and william {ooer ran} his parents and wod not Except y=e= farm and stock {maried a whore} and a begger and he has been in the {puleing} tub by whose Directions w=t= y=e= old man left if l{i}eing or swearing will get it, will sute them

the Disturb{a}nces he makes about what his father has left has almost Rueinated us we cannot follow our Labour for one thing or another he has been so mischievous in his unnaturall Acctions [^"satisfie" crossed through^] y=t= neither men nor Devils I think can Satisfie that {Coffey} hous of Hell he keeps, the make y=e= Bulets and he shoots them we have been so vexed with them that I am afraid my wife will lay hands on herself what y=e= may say or swear I cannot tell, me my wife and 8 living Children I defy the world, Neither [^two letters crossed out^] can or will any Neighbour Say any %thing ag=t={,} us or our Children y=e= are honist and Jndustrous as any in the Countrey and this will be atested by y=e= best Caractor'd persons in the Neighbourhood w=ch= shall be made {apear} under there hand lest I shall be thought Guilty of {Detration} a good Caractor Is more dear to me than y=e= old mans 4 £ a year while an old {soldeir} lives my Children shall not be staind with my misconduct but where must fly from such a set of villons I am unfortunately concernd w=th= I disire to be at peace with all the world, I have— somthing more to do and think upon beside there brauls an nere 70 years and very unferm of body I hear he has been with Esq={*}= Leigh and by M={*}= Kenions Directions is makeing a Road to y=e= hous where Ogden Lives the place is willd to his 3 Daughters and in Equity the knowing ones Say is there Right, and we therefore humbly disire [^"in granting" crossed out^] he wod not be to ^hasty^ in concerning himself Royle, he knows nothing ^of^ these quarils and I do not Doubt but Kenion has made I fine Easey Road to Esq={r}= Leigh concerning y=e= prinesses never was child worse us'd then my wife or ever did more for a parent then she did for her Father for he wod not trust any %one but her with his mony but her if he sent his son ^for Rents^ he wod keep the mony I am Exceedingly Troubled you have taken such pains togather w=th= M={*}= Upton in S{a}tleing these Diferances Espiscially [^corrected^] you for your Award if it mean nothing you did your best to get me Rid of such a set of Villons as nature never form'd and hope it will be in my power to make a Return to you, my love and Respects ^to that^ Honourable Family and yourself I Rest your most Obed=t= Hble ser=t= to Command &c. Oliver Kay Blakeley Iuly

{NB}: Jf you pleas to lay this before Esq={r}= Leigh he is a power%full man and I hope will be a poor mans friend for {a} [^a character crossed out^] canot set without his Lysance and we have it not and it will oblige me if I can know how y=e= case stands and Ogdens Jmprovem=t= will be lost and us {Ruined} &— James Ogden will swear y=t= his Father said he should have nothing in Black for he had wil'd it to his Daughters To M=r= Rich=d= Orfford Lyime Cheshire

(_Sir_) I hear william Royle is for Leasing y=e= hous where Ia=s= Ogden lives in Blakeley Contrary to the true Intent and meaning of his Fathers Will by Directions of M=r= Kenion of {peel}, Contrary to y=e= Opinion of Lawyear Dawson and y=e= best Councel in Manches={*}= It is willd to his sisters, and therefore it is there {R}ight to Leas, — if your master pleases it is nere 6 years Since y=e= old man Died and we are in poss~ion [^comma after "ss"^] and there was never any Dispute conserning the {R}ight of Leasing tell now he sayes he is for leasing y=e= hous Diretly [^a sign under t^] all tho he is subject to severall awards and agreements &c— we therefore are willing to Leas if you pleas Jmmediatly both Hannah Tuson and us if you pleas and alowe Betty her Right Dureing y=e= pres=t= life if it be agreeable [^"for" crossed out^] to you (for y=e= Aleho{u}s) for I cannot bear y=t= she is for Leasing any thing, but {***} it {out} she sayes it may last her time and we humbly disire y=t= vexatious and Illnatured [^comma under "ll"^] man may not Jmpose upon us for y=e= future we have had Jnfinite of trouble {w=th=} and Expence w=th= him Mischief and Confusion has been there Jnseperable Companions (both Betty and william) a {shame to tell} the cannot Escape scandale that has to do w=th= them Oh,! y=t= I cold hide myself and never be nam'd amongst them

it is willd to y=e= 3 sisters the are the only Jdental persons mention'd and therefore all Wills are {Consterd} near the mind of the diseased as the can, and in the most Charitable way, because the are of{ten} sudenly made and badly Dictated as lawyer Dawson sayes and y=e= most Eminant Councel in Manchester in Equity is our Right I hope I can sufficently Clear myself and my Caractor by persons of Credit and, disire nothing more but to have nothing to do w=th= them either in time or Eternaty let it never be sade {(}or my name mentiond y=t= I had ever any thing to do w=th= them for {poor} man was ever wors us'd than J have been by that Jnfernall Crow, J am your most Obed=t= Hble ser=t= to command & — Oliver Kay Blakley 15 July 1778 To M=R= Richard Orford Steward for Peter Leige Esq=r= at Ly{m}e in Hanley Cheshire with speed [^Postmarked Manchester^]

(_Sir_) I understand that william Royle when Living made use of Lawyear Kynion's Assistance ab=t=, his fathers will and rote to Esq=r= Leigh that He thought it was Royles Right to take a fresh Leas of James Ogdens which the Old man Expressly by will Left to his Daughtes and therefore his Opinion was wrong for he did not leave him any Right to any thing in Bleakley, and now Iames Lansdale whose life is in y=e= Leas is down from London [^word crossed out^] ^and^ y=t= [^something crossed out^] wifes {fractious} Sister ^and^ him are for Leasing the above places over our heads if the can prevail with you thro pollacy or mis%Representation [^across line break^] I am Very Certain y=t= my wife is y=e= only Idental person (if you pleas) for she is y=e= Oldest Liveing Legatee in y=e= above hous I am to Jnform you that we {are} for Leasing our Selves y=e= above house (if you please for I Believe Hannah Tuson will joyn us if we are willing but Lansdale Sayes he will call on you {ere} he go{o}s back to London, I think a Granson LanDale has no Buseyness to medle in our affairs and therefore hope youl let us have y=e= {firs} Ref{a}se and youl Very much Oblige your Most Obedient Hble Se=t= &— Oliver Kay & Hannah Tuson Bleakley 28=th= Iuly 1781 {NB} m=r= Kenyon had two Guineas from Royle who has don Ia=s= lonsdale Rong in a hous in Manchster w=ch= {he} came down to take possesseion [^with overstrike^] of for his life &— but when you Come to Bleakley next time we shall see if [^second "if" under smudge^] we can Bargain ab=t= y=e= above hous or we may come over for it is doubtfull but the Roof must be taken of, the Slate and Spars are very bad and all y=e= inside of y=e= house shot with Clay except some y=t= has been done since y=e= old man died we cold wish you wold Examine y=e= Premesess &— To M=r= Richard Orford Steward for Peter Leigh Esq=r= at Lyme in Hanley Cheshire {theses} [^postmarked Manchester^]

(_Sir_) After my respects to you and your family these are to Inform you Iames Lansdale the only Depending ^Life^ in the Ale-hous &— at Bleakley Chapel is Dead and Buried the 25=th= of October Last, I therefore thought it proper to let you have this Early intelligence that you might have time to concider how to dispose of the same and as my father in law built the above prmisses and laid out his fortune there, we humbly disire if you please to let us make a bargan some%how or other for the time to come at your coming over I hope we may agree so as to have the honnour ^to be tennants^ under the family for the time to come no more at pres=t= from your most Obedient H,ble Ser=t= to Command &— Oliver Kay Bleakley Nov=r=. 11=th= 1781 M=r=. Orford St{augh}ton July 5=th= I wish you w=d=. send me by y=e= Coach this week (if you conveniently can) 200=£= in any drafts you please at a month after date; as I can get Cash for y={t}= & have immediate occasion to pay that sum. I am glad M=r=. Legh & {Mis} Ann Legh are so well I am Sir Y=r=. Hum. Ser=t=. m=r=. Orford.

m=r=. Orford. Staughton June 29=th= —73. Tue{s}=y=- I have ^been^ disappointed of [^"a" crossed out^] 400=£= I expected to have received by yesterday Post; & am under y=e= mos=t=. solemn engagement to pay 200 £ y=e= 1=st= of July: w=h=. is next friday: & must beg y=e= favour of you to write to m=r=. Burchal by y=e= ^1=(_st_)=^ Coach to accept my Draft — w=h=. I sd be glad [^"if" crossed out^] you wd. (_repay_) ^(_remit_)^ to him by [^"that" crossed out^] ^y=e=.^ time it will become due; w=h=. will be one month after date.

& w=h=. with y=e= 100 £ already paid; will nearly [^"setlle" rubbed out^] finish our Interest Acc=t=. I s=d=. be extreamly sorry to put you to any Inconvenience; but this is really a matter of consequence to me: w=h=. obliges me to trouble you with this Letter. I am S=r=. Y=r= Hum Ser=t=. Keck m=r=. Orford. I receiv'd your Acc=t= yesterday: & return you my best thanks for y=e= trouble you have upon my Business [^corrected from "Acc=t="^]. Hole wrote you word about y=e= manchester Stuff: w=h=. I am very glad you are likely to recover [^"it" crossed out^] I wish you ^w=(_d_)=^ send me all y=e= expence of D. Silvester: since he has

been at Poynton: as I shall try to recover what I can for the sake of the Family — I never c=d=. have suspected any man of being so great a rascal. & I am rightly served for what I have done for him — I beg you'll send a Bill upon London a month after date: for 100=£=. or 150=£=: as I have Just been paying Bills at Leicester; & y=e= money I have paid upon

this rascal's Acc=t=. has left ^me quite^ without Cash. I am glad to hear m=r. Legh & m=rs= Ann Legh are so well. I am S=r=. Y=r. H: Ser=t= KeckAug=t= 31. 1774 [^Draft of Orford's reply attached^] Lyme 2=d= Sep=r=. 1774 Hon=d= Sir Last Night on my going home I was favored with yours of the 31=st=. Ult~. by the Coach, I return you & M=r=. Hole thanks for Your kind assistance in geting me the manchester Stuff from Silvester — The under is [^"what" crossed out^] ^all that^ I know has been Paid for young Silvester 1772 Feb=y=. 13 M=r=. Iannions Bill of Board & Schooling 6.3.8 1773Feb=y=. 15 M=r=. Iannions D=o= —————— 10.—. 6 1774 Mar. 1 M=r=. Iannions D=o=. ————— (sent you up in my last letter) ———————— 9.16.10 26. 1.— In Ios. allen Bill sent you up.— In Wood the shopkeepers Bill sent you inclosed. — [^The following crossed out^] I don't know of any more you have paid for him I am every sorry I cannot complie with your request of sending you a Bill for 100=£= or 150=£= I do assure you J am as destitute of Cash as you Possibly can be, & I am call'd on at this Time for some few Hundreds I have on Interest in my Hands, and am looking out

for to take it up from some person in our Neighbourhood, but find it very scarce to be meet with, had I any Cash of either my Masters or of my own that I c=d=. assist you sh=d=. be chearfully reliev'd [^crossing out stops here^] by Hand Sir Your most Ob=t=. hble Serv=t=. As above J have drawn [^"drawn" crossed out^] on M=r=. Burchal [^"for" crossed out?^] Two Fifty Pound Bills at 40 days which I have by this post wrote to him to Accept, tho I have not a %Shilling in his hands at this time, & own truly to You, that I have the money to take up on Interest for to take them up, and never knew it so scarce in our parts. but was not willing to refuse you the request on so %pressing an occasion. but hope it will be agreeable to you to return the Sum in a little time — m=r=. Orford I desire you'll be so kind: as to deliver the inclos{'}d into m=rs= Ann Legh's. hands: & I should esteem it a Favour if you w=d=. return me her Answer: as soon as possible by the Coach: or most expeditious Conveyance. I intended to ^have^ sent Hole: [^"but {***}" crossed out^] ^if^ this opportunity had not offered. I am S=r=. Y=r=. Hum: Ser=t= KeckJuly 10=th=. (_75_) m=r=. Orford Marple

mr. Orford. Lyme June 27; 1777 I wish you wd. send me twenty p(_nd_)s in Cash: & place to my Acc=t=. If I s=d=. not see you to-morrow: [^across line break^] you may depend upon hearing from me: if I s=d=. find m=r=. C— Heath at home; [^"I" crossed out^] ^or^ meet with [^"with" crossed out^] Andrew Allsopp at Loughbro'— Yrs A %Keck NB. I shall set out to-morrow mor=(_g_)= between 7 & 8. o, (_Ck_) m=r=. Orford Haydock Lodge Warrington Lancashire Fr{ee} A Keck

m=r=. Orford. Lyme Tues=y=. I wish you would bring ^up^ two attested Copies according to the last Form: of the blind man at newton's Age ^&c:^; as I will send one to the Hospital: & give the other to a Friend of mine; who is a Governor of y=e= Charity. I am Sr. Y=r=. ob{e}=d= [^corrected?^] Sert A Keck By Buxton m=r=. Orford Lyme n=r=. Dissley Cheshire Fr{ee} A Keck

P.S. m=rs= Keck will write to m=r=. Legh next post — Staughton Sun(_y_) m=r=. Orford. I rec=d=. y=e= Copy of y=e= Register: of T. Betendge's age: & will deliver it to-morrow to m=r=. Darker; who has kindly undertaken his Suit; & I think ^if^ any man can serve him; m=r=. Darker has every%thing in his power; as he is a Trustee & known to all y=e= rest. Pray make our best wishes & Duty: to m=r=. Legh & let him know m=rs= Keck, little Geo. & miss Pye are all well. I %am Sir Y=r=. Obli=d=. Hum. Sert A Keck m=r=. Orford.

m=r=. Orford. I s=d=. take it as a very particular favour. If you w=d=. let me have 200=£= by the Bearer: either in London Bills or otherwise: w=h=. I have immediate occasion for: or I w=d=. not have sent Hole down on purpose. I did not know I s=d=. have been in want of Cash so soon{:} or I w=d=. have given you more time. I am oblig'd to pay all y=e= Cash I have by me to-morrow: & your serving me in this will confer a great Obligation

on S=r=. Y=r=. Hum Sert. Keck may 2=d=. m=r=. Orford Lyme n=r=. Dissley Cheshire By Buxton Keck [^Postmarked Leicester^]

m=r=. Orford Staughton may 6=th= [^corrected^] — I have taken y=e= Liberty of drawing upon Burchal upon y=r=. Acc=t=. for one Hundred p={nd}=- one month after date: w=(_h_)=. I desire you'll give me credit for: m=r=. Legh & m=rs= Ann Legh are here; & both very well: m=rs= Ann Legh was yesterday but indifferent. but is is very well to%day. m=rs= Keck & our little {*e*}; Are very hearty. Yrs Keck April 29=th= m=r=. Orford Haydock n=r=. Warrington Lancashire Fr{ee} Keck

m=r=. Orford. I hope you received y=e= Franks for m=r=. Legh: & if you want any more: I beg you'll let me know. I have sent a Parcel of Franks to Bath: & hope to see my good Friend there: in 14 or 15 days. m=r=. Gwillym [^corrected^] is laid up with y=e= Gout: & sets out as soon as he possibly can travell. {***} The weather is extreamly hot. I am Sir Y=r=. H: Sert A. I. Keck April (_29=th=_) M=r=: Orford

Orford, let there be a good Doe Kill'd next Week as some Company come towards the Middle of the Week the Haunch of Red Deer Venison never found it{*...} [^seal^] Way to Millton, will you be so good to write me {at} the Road To London, — M=r=: Orford Haydock Lodge Warrington

Apr=l= 25.1785 Orford I rec=d=: Yours & am glad to hear Peace & Harmony is (_once_) more restored, it is a great Pity but it would continue, in that House it is however impossible, their going to Lyme is a good thing as my Father then will be totally out of th{is} Way, of hearing what only vexes him, {Tom} I beleive leaves Lon=n=: tomorrow, at least if I can get him out of this Place I will, for as My Father is satisfied about his behavior, the sooner they meet the better, My coming is very uncertain for I really cannot bear to see so many parties & ^not^ be able to accomodate Matters, let me hear from you when you get to Lyme, & am Your Oblig'd Friend E. K. Mon=y= [^Dash often used in abbreviations, with or without superscript; has been coded in Elizabeth Keck's letters as marked abbreviation.^] M=r=: Orford Lyme Dissley Cheshire [^Note in other hand:^] Missent to Nantwich

[^Note, presumably by Richard Orford:^] Rec~ed only 28 May 1785 Orford, As I wish to hear how matters go on & not having heard from you lately it has induced me ^to^ give you a few lines of enquiry, I find by Mair that (on the whole) Matters go on better than (_usual_), but I take for granted what he (_was_) to say (_was_) put into his Mouth; let me hear how you go on, & what kind of reception {Tom} mett with, I am convinced of one thing which is, that, the more time he pass's with his Uncle, the less attention his Uncle would pay to others, but the difficulty is to (_convince_) a (_Legh_), (remem={r}=: (_I_) am (_one_) the {B}reed,) Mair talks of leaving Lon~=n= Thur~=y= or Friday, & I find he had great charge of brining the time when (_I_) (_meant_) to move, but he must be cuning, however if I find them very pressing, I shall throw in a (_Perhaps_), & thats no positive Promise, My Mother & Sis~=r= are both well, tho the first Look's shockingly, they stay 3 Weeks longer, & then move to Salthrop, pray who is to have the managment . of that Estate, because at present there is nobody appointed to receive the Rent's, You should speak about it

to My Father, as it must have sliped his memory, & it is but a justi{s}e to his Family, that sombody should have the management of the Estate, as for Your Fears of speaking to him, an Honest Man Orford should fear Nobody, especially not fear those for whom he is acting, Therefore if nothing is done let it be done out of Hand, for I am very certain if my F~ (_Might_) be talked too on his own concerns it would amuse his Mind, & take him of from hearing such a pack of dirty People, who have no {i}ntrest but their own at Heart, Old Legh Ma{sters} is come at last, his {concerns} has been a Load to my F~{rs} mind, therefore get them settled as soon as You can for my F~rs sake, I fear I must appear very impertinent but as I really wish My F~ may pass his few remaining Days, more Peaceably than those already gone over his Head, I would promote every%thing [^linebreak^] to make his mind easy, (for the Mind affects the Body,) & the most likely method is to take his attention up as much as possible, let me hear from you soon, & I wish you would let me have 100=£=: the beginning of june, I have had an Application for the sitting Staug~=n= but cannot yet tell how it will succeed, You need not mention this Letter, as I shall not say a word of it & am Your Oblig'd Friend E: K Mon=y=~ M=r=: Orford [^Same page, but written with the other side of the paper up^] perhaps My Father would send you up, & then I could Settle some things with you

Orford I have just ^seen^ Do: Warren, & he has advised My going abroad to Itiliy immediately, now it is not in my power to accomplish such a journey without the mean's, therefore Miss Py{e} is writing a letter to My Father, dont take the least Notice that I have wrote this to You, the Boy's I shall send to Lyme, & the Little Girl I shall send to School, Now Orford tho the above is advised Yet it will not be possible for me to undertake it unless (which hurts me to mention) My Father will be so good to contribute to it, which I would have you mention to him, & You'l greatly Oblige E: K: Sunday Morn~ [^Different hand^] 4 Dec. 1785 M=r=: Orf{***} [^Ink rubbed off^] Lyme Stockport Cheshire

Orford, I rec=d= Yours Yester~=y= & am obliged to you for giving me so punctual an account of My Father, it is the strangest thing in the world that he cannot be prevail'd on to go to Haydock, when the Cold Months sett in, for my own part, I would not pass another Winter Month at Lyme on any account, & I am sure so much in Years as my Father is, he ought to pass his Winter in a Warmer Climate, I hope to get away in about a fortnight, but My Carriage being obliged to be fitted up for travelling, will detain me, in june I mean to return, all My Children are well & am Your Obliged Friend E: Keck Tues~=y= [^Different hand^] Dec=r=. 6 1785 M=r=: Orford Lyme Stockport Cheshire

Orford, I have this Moment rec=d=: Yours, & am glad to find My Aunt gets better, the Box, they made us pay 7 Shilling's Car{*}={e}=: all I mean by Mentioning it is that it ought not to be paid twice, which I strongley susspect it is, as the directive was Rubb'd out, pray tell My Aunt that I hope she will soon get about again, & am Your Obliged Friend E: K: PS We are very busy preparing for our journey, Thursday Eve~: [^Different hand^] 8 Dec. 1785 M=r=: Orford Lyme Stockport Cheshire

Orford, I rec=d=: Your 3 Letters & am glad to find My Father is got so much better, I fancy before this reach's Lyme {Tom} will have made a Visit there, as he mentions coming in a Letter I rec=d= to%Day, I shall be greatly obliged to You to send me some Money, as I have Bills to pay & my own remittances will not be sufficient, I hope My Aunt continues well & am Your Obliged Friend E: K Tuesday Night Queen Ann Street,

I wish You would get me a L{i}ttle Watch that {Tom} has got of Eli{z}abeths, as I will get new inside put to it, My Aunt gave it her, pray dont forget it, as I have promised it her, & {Tom} will let her have it, [^Different hand^] Jan=y=. 7. 1787 sent {N=o=.}. M=r=: Orford Lyme Stockport Cheshire

M=r=: Orford, I shall be obliged to You for half the Money My Father allows me for My Horses. as the Person I hire them of, is not so flush of Money as to wait, dont think me to importuning but remem={r}=: I came up sooner than usual, I hope all at Lyme keep mending, & am Your Oblig'd Friend E: K P: S Pray tell my Aunt that I %am (which I really am) got very well again, & that all the Children are well, Wednes~=y= [^Different hand^] Reced Feb=y=. 10. 87 N{B}. Sent her Bills from Haydock to %pay whole & some over M=r=: Orford Lyme Stockport Cheshire

Orford, I wish if You have got Leaders Bill You would send it me, I mean the Coach-Maker, I do not recollect whether You or Hole has it, but I want to see if the Bill he has now sent me is right, I am a great deal better, & am Your Oblig'd Friend E: K Satur~=y= [^Different hand^] 5 May 1787 M=r=: Orford

Orford, I wish You would pay my Man half a y=r=: Wages, & after that he may go when he pleases, I wish You could find out when my Father thinks of Haydock; if not Yet, I shall go up. as the Weather begins to grow very sharp, {Isaac}'s Wages are 16: Gui={n}=: p={r}=: y=r=: so that 8 he is to receive, & to leave Livery Suit{*} & the last jacket & Waistcoat, E: K dont give my A~t the least hint of what I've wrote to You about M=r=: Orford Lyme n=r=: Dissley Cheshire by Buxton Bagg [^1790 written in different hand^]

Orford, I rec=d=: the Bills very safe last Night & am not in the least suprised to hear (_so_) (_bad_) an account of Poor Chom, I never imagined Lisbon or any other Place could prove the least salutary to him, I heard from {T}om last Night, & the d{e}stress he must be in I can easily conceive, I think it is a great Pity he goes by himself, & I shall if there is time before he Sails get Penny of Knutsford to go to {F}almouth to him [^corrected from "go"^], he wrote to him to come there but the letter was wrote in such a hurry that nobody could make out the meaning of it, for my own part I conclude Chom: is no more, My Aunt Asham I find is totally in the Dark, which I think they are wrong in, as the Blow will be greater when she receives the News, for my own part I would ^not^ let {People} remain in susspence (which is of all States the worst) I am glad to hear My Father is so well, & am Your Oblig'd Friend, Eliza, Keck M=r=: Orford Lyme n=r=: Dissley Cheshire by Buxton Bag

M=r=: Orford, If You recollect, when I left Lyme you promised (_me_) (_I_) should (_hear_) from (_you_) the Middle of (_january_), & that I should have 100=£=, now the (_Middle_) (_of_) (_january_) being past I hope you wont think me (_troblesome_), in puting You in mind, that I shall be very glad to receive it, as I have my new Cariage to Pay for. I hope my Father is well, I find {T}om staid 2 Nights at Lyme on his return Home, which (_for_) (_him_) was very gen{tict}, pray tell my Aunt I have rec=d=: hers & will write soon & You'l much Oblige Eliza, Keck Queen Ann S=t=: West Wednes=y=: Orford, I find the Game Keeper is going, & that there are some Hounds of {T}om Legh's quartered there, now those Dog's should be provided for, therefore if there is any House in Handly, that would take them, I would give the People a trifle to take care of %'em I mention Handly, as that is totally out of My Fathers {beat}, I have let Staugh~=n= for {4} Y={rs}=: to a very good Tenant, do You know any%thing of {T}om, as he was to have mett us at Manches~=r= Yes~=y= & Neither came or sent, so that I fear he has had a Fall in Hunting, [^Different hand^] To M=r=. Orford Lyme near Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

M=r=: Orford, I have return'd You one of Your Notes, & the letter which I rec=d=: after having paid it away, & now I tell you fairly, I will not have any:more of those Notes, the tro'ble I have with them (even if they are due) is beyound any:thing You certainly (if you chose it) might let me have the Money in some better way, I desire the sum may be sent in Bank Notes & You'l Oblige E: Keck Monday Morn={*}=:

[^Probably still E. Keck's hand, but I am not absolutely sure^] It is thought to be a forgery as no such Person can be found, & the Name is amongst those who have forged M=r=: Orford [^Account & scribbles in different hand omitted^]

Orford, My Father has promised me a Haunch of Stag or Hind Venison, & if you know of either that is {Fatt}, I wish you would tell him of it, as I want to send it away, & the sooner the better, I have wrote to Cre{a}{*...} [^torn off^] & as soon a I receive her Answer you shall know Friday M=r=: Orford

Orford I would have you pay Georges Coach to Birmingham, but you {have} no occasion to give him any Money, because he has 4 Guin: & a{*...} [^seal^] in his Pocket, his Grandfather & Aunt I dare say will give him more, & I have got 7: Gui'~: of his, so that if he wants more at his journeys end he will let me know, what time does the Coach go out on Mon~=y= he had better Sleep at Schofields on Sun~=y= Night. M=r=: Orford Lyme Stockport Cheshire

Orford, {As} I take for granted you will not divulge any%thing You are desired to keep a Secret, I have taken up my Pen to tell You how I am situated, I have been very ill, & tho a great deal better still not well enough to come to Lyme at My usual time of june as I am to go to Bristol, & from thence to the Sea Side what I mean is that if You can the end of the next month let me have the 100=£=: due to me in june it will be of great use as Ph{i}s{i}c{i}ans &c: takes away a great deal of ones Cash, let me depend on your not telling My Aunt of this Letter, & You'l greatly Oblige E: KSun~=y= M=r=: Orford Lyme Stockport Cheshire

Orford, I have this Moment rec=d=: Yours, & am greatly obliged, to You for the what was enclosed & have returned the Receipts, I hope my Mother is geting [^corrected^] well. I shall answer Mairs Letter tomorrow, & am Your Obliged F=d=: E: K Wednes~=y= M=r=: Orford Lyme Stockport Cheshire [^Different hand with other side of the paper up: "Crux Christi Nostra Cor{o}na"^]

I rec=d=: Yours & am sorry to hear my Mother is so indifferent, from a Letter of my Aunts this Morn={*}= I should suppose her Complaints dangerous, indeed so delicate as she is I should not be surprised at any:thing that may happen, My Father I find is got vastly well, I wrote to Ned Hall on the receipt of Yours & shall hear from him in a few Day's, we are all very well here, & have just rec=d=: My Fathers {Basket} of Pines &c. &c, for which I am obliged to him, let me hear how My Mother goes on, in which you'l greatly Oblige E: Kjan~=y= 25 M=r=: Orford Lyme Stockport Cheshire

Orford, I rec=d=: Yours yesterday & am glad to hear My Mother gets better, if she should recover what a strength of constitution she will shew, I assure you we in Town have been very sickly but I hope now the Weather is a little settled every:body will mend, pray tell my Sis~=r= that You writing is just the same thing, so that I beg she will not think of it. & I also desire You not to omitt it in which you'l greatly Oblige E: K Tuesday Noon; M=r=: Orford Lyme Stockport Cheshire

M=r=: Orford, I shall be obliged to You if on receipt of this You will pay to the Rev=d=: M=r=: Hall Pr{inces} S=tr=: Manches=r=: 5=£= %5=s=: as I am Godmother to a Little Girl his Wife is just brought to bed of, be so good to pay it Yourself with My Comp=s=: & as soon as possible in which You'l greatly oblige E: K: Tues~=y= I hope all continue well & mending at Lyme M=r=: Orford Lyme Stockport Cheshire

Orford, I rec=d=: a Letter Yesterday for D=r=: E: Hall with a full account of My Mothers illness, & from his Manner seems to think her recovery doubtfull, he likwise writes as if he wish'd me to come down, O'h Orford such a Scene would drive me mad, I'm sure I should not go through with it, I pity You all, from my Soul, & feel for my Sister who is loseing her best Friend if My Health & Spirits would suffer me to shew the Resolution I ought to shew on the occasion or if they would permit me to render a Service to any:body I would come down, but in the State I am My Spirits are to weak to be of the least use to any:body dont name this Letter to My Aunt, & give me a Line how My D=r=: Father is, in which You'l greatly Oblige E: K Friday Morn={*}=: M=r=: Orford Lyme Stockport Cheshire Cross Post [^Postmarked Bristol^]

Orford, I rec=d=: yours yester~=y= & am happy to hear My Father continues so well, as for My Mother I Look on her as gone for I dont imagine there is the least chance of her Recovery, & to merely exist is scare worth wishing for, I have rec=d=: great benefitt from this {Place}, & mean to remain about a fortnight or 3 Weeks longer, I shall not say I have heard from you, but shall be obliged to you to give me a few lines somtimes, I Pity my Sis=rs=: situation & cannot {form} to Myself what will become of her, all My Family are well, & am Your Obliged Friend E: K june {*}={*}= 22=d= M=r=: Orford Lyme Stockport Cheshire Post [^Postmarked Bristol^]

Orford, I rec=d=: yours & confess I was not surprised at the event which has happened, & indeed from the dreadfull State she has lived in for some Month, Death was a release, I am Happy to hear My D~=r= Father continues so well, & that the Shock has not been to much for him, & Now Orford give me leave to ask after My Poor Sis~=r= whom I pity from my Soul, I would have wrote to her but I think on the ocassion the less said to remind her of the loss the better, therefore do you give My Love to her, & tell I hope soon to be at Lyme & whatever lies in My Power shall be exerted to give her relief, I mean to leave this Place next Monday Sen'night, stay some Days at Bath, make a Visit of a few Day's on the Road [^or "Roads"?^]. & so proceed to Lyme, give me a few lines with some account of the Family, & when the Funeral is to be, w~=h= I take for granted is over, & You'l greatly Oblige E: K 27={th}= of june, M=r=: Orford Lyme Stockport Cheshire

Orford, As I wish to hear how they go on at Lyme, I thought You the most likely Person to give me some information about them, I have not heard a little from My Sis=r=: since I left Lyme which surprises me a good deal, My Father I find is got out of his Room, & I hope will continue well all Winter, give me a few lines, & let me hear how My Sis=r=: goes on, Legh Maste{r} is gone to Birm=m=: so that My finding him was a Vain Attempt, pray tell Crew that I desire she wil make 2 such Cakes she sent with us to Derby & send them by some Box which comes from Lyme, but to take care they are not broke, in which You'l Oblige E: K Satur~=y= M=r=: Orford Lyme Stockport Cheshire

Orford, I am obliged to you for the Receipt which came very safe yester~=y=, & am glad to hear My Father continues so well, as well as that My Sis~=r= is in such good Spirits, indeed if she would but exert herself, that is all she wanted, Porter surprised me with a Visit a few Days ago, but {seemed} in a {violint} [^corrected^] hurry, I was prevented seeing him as I was dressing, & am Your Obliged F~=d= E: K: Satur~=y= M=r=. Orford Lyme near Stockport Cheshire

Monday Eton. Sir Owing to some mistake being made by the book keeper, I was forced at Leicester to pay the fare for my journey to London: therefore on my arrival in town I went to M=r= Oliver where I received the same sum to be placed by him to your account. the fare is two guineas & a half: therefore if instead of paying Dixon you would pay the

same sum to Oliver you will greatly oblige G. Keck. M=r=. Orford Lyme n=r= Stockport Cheshire

Sir I wrote some time ago to desire you would send my Horse's bridles & Saddle to the White Lion Chester whence they would be forwarded to me, but not hearing ^heard^ any%thing of 'em there suppose the letter ^was^ miscarried — pray send {'em} as soon as you possibly can; I hope my Grandfather & Aunts are well, shall expect a good account of {'em} Yours {P}.{A} Keck Direct for me at M=r= Hughes's Greenfield, n=r= Holywell ^N W{arks}^ The Saddle you had better direct to be left a the Wite Lion

Lion Chester as I have spoken to Paul who keeps it to send ^it^ on. [^word crossed out^] M=r=. Orford Lyme Hall near Disley [^Postmarked Chester^]

Chester 19=(_th_)= May 1790 D=r=. Sir If you Recollect when you were in Chester you were enquiring for an Under Butler there's one in our Neighborhood that I can recommend as being strictly honest, Sober, and remarkable good tempered he is of honest Parents and with a little Instructions I've no doubt but he'll answer your Purpose he is 18 Years of Age and can if required drive 4 Horses very well, his Father is a Publican ^& keeps Carriages^ but he has an Objection to staying at Home sho=d=. be glad of an Answer directed to your very obed={*}=. & oblig=d=. hble serv={*}=. I~n=o= Keeling Coach & Horses — [^Written along side of paper^] I hope The Rev=d=. M=r=. Barbe{r} is well — M=r=. Orford Lyme Hall

Chester 1=st=.. Iune 1790 D=r= Sir The Bearer hereof is the Father of the Young Man that I recommended to you, and is along with him, I think he's able to do your business tho' you tho={*}=. him too Young, if a Vacancy as Coachman any time sho=d=. offer I'll be bound to say that he's capable (and if not corrupted in your Countrey) Sober honest & good tempered Respects are due to you and The Rev=d=. M=(_r_)= Barber (who I hope are both well) from your very ob={*}=. and ob=d=. h~ble Serv={*}=- I~n=o=. Keeling. Mr Orford at Lyme Hall Near Stockport Cheshire

Knutsford Septr 5th 1790 Mr Orford Sir I Sent for the young Man daniel Astles last night and he came here to the George this Morning ^he^ will be at Lyme on Tusday J do not dout but he will Answer Every%thing you can Expect from a %servant in his place having ben long acustomed to Service in the best fameleys And J am Sir Respectfully your Humble Svt Alex Kelly [^Different hand in red pencil, probably Orford's^] sep.8.1790 M=r=. Dakin, Butler at H~ble Booth Grey's Winsham [^Different hand in pencil^] M=r= Dakin at Honble Booth Grey's Winchan [^Copy of Orford's letter attached^] Lyme 8=th=. Sep. 1790 Sir! Daniel Astles has been here to Offer [^corrected^] himself as under butler, who says he has lived in the Family of the Honble Booth Grey for 3 Years, to give no trouble to that Gentleman, desire you'll inform me, how he has behaved in that Family, during his servitude there, and if you think [^"^he^" crossed out^] him [^corrected^] suitable for underbutler in a Gentlemans Family. I am Sir Your most hble Ser=t=. R: Orford M=r= Orford at Squire Lee's at Lime Hall Near Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Chesterfield?^]

Peacock Inn Ian=y= 21 - 1774 Sir By desire of Iohn Kendall Manchester I shall send half A Roll of Brawn by Marsdens from Chesterfield monday next w=ch=. is the 1=st=. conveyance since I rec=d=. his order shall direct it to be left at M=r=. Hancocks dishly wednesday next for Lime Hall I am Sir y=r=. H=ble=. Ser=t=. Ionathan Kendall The weight will be upon the directions m=r=. orford M=r=.. Orford at Peter Legh's Esq=r=. Lyme near Stockport Cheshire

Dear Sir, We are favord with your Letter — the delay is owing to Settling Expences with divers parties — it shall not be long before we send an account to M=r=. Legh upon which the Ball: must be inconsiderable; whatever that [^"^it^" rubbed out^] is shall be sent with it, or paid to M=r=. Legh{'}s order We beg our duty to M=r=. Legh and are very sorry that he should think we have intentionally delayed forwarding an Account to him, We are d=r= Sir y=r=. most Obed={*}=. H~ble Servants — Kent Darlington Cliff{ords} {Jnn} 19=th=. June 89

[^Note in different hand, probably Orford's^] New English Letter Writer by Geo Brown M A M=r=. Orford

Sir. Herewith you'l receive the Convey={ce}=. to Buy={*}=. Lyon of the Estate purchased from M=r=. Mas{ter} which you'l please to get ex~ted by M=r=. Legh — I dare say it is unnecessary to point out the Mode of Execution, tho' to prevent any needless Trouble you will excuse my Saying the Deeds must be signed in this way. Legh Master by P Legh by Virtue of a Letter of Attorney — Jt is necessary for Bui: Lyon (as he is not the largest purchaser) to have Copies of the Title deeds, but this we can fix the next time J %see you, which you can probably make convenient for Thursday next when there is an Adjournm=t=. of the Turnpike Meeting at Ashton. I want likewise to have some Talk about Renewing the Leases my late Father held under M=r=. Legh, if it be agreeable to him to do that. as J hope it will & am S=r=. Your very hble Serv=t=. Walter Kerfoot. Warrington 6=th=. Iuly 1772. P.S. The purchase money you will please to insert in the Deed, as J have not the exact Sum. M=r=. Orford at Lyme Cheshire P~ Stockport, [^Postmarked Warrington^] [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

Warrington 11=th=. Sept=r=. 1773. D=r=. Sir. M=r=. Lowndes informs me that monday Se'night the 20=th=. inst=t=. will be agreeable to M=r=. porter to proceed upon the Division of the Comoning at La{tch}ford & Groppenhall, so that you'l be pleased to give him the Meeting early that morn=g=. or it is probable & I believe he means to be here the Evening preceding. I will write this Post to m=r=. Earl that he may attend at the same time. & am S=r=. Your most hble Serv=t=. Walter Kerfoot. M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Warrington 6=th=. Iune 1774. D=r=. Sir. I have a large Sum of Money to pay the 24=th=. inst=t=. & shall therefore be obliged to you to let me have the Remainder of the purchase money for Lowe's warehouse a few days before that time. we shall then be ready I expect with the Award for Latchford & Groppenhall Comons — J am S=r=. Your most hble Serv=t= Walter Kerfoot. M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Lyme Cheshire. [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Warrington 22=d=. Sept=r=. 1774. D=r=. Sir. As you sometime since I remember mentioned that M=r= Legh had rather an Inclination to purchase S{****}old's Estate near wargery Moss, it is not improper for me to acquaint you (tho' you may have been sooner informed otherways [^corrected from "otherwise"^] that the Estate is advertised to be sold by Auction at the Eagle & Child in this Town on wednesday Evening next, where J shall be glad to see you or a Deputy. & am S=r=. Your m=t=. hble Serv=t= Walter Kerfoot. M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Newton. [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

Warrington 13=th=. Aug=st=. 1776. Dear Sir. As J know it always gives you pleasure to be useful, So from the wish & Expectation of now making you to be so, J give you this Trouble, which is to inform you (what you may probably have heard) that there is an Action depending ready for Trial the next Assizes, which begin on Saturday, brought by one James Speakman ag=st=. one John G{orner} where Benj=n=. Lyon is also hooked in as a Defend=t=. & the Matter long since appearing to me a very trivial one J recom~ended a Reference to John Radcliffe, who can tell you the History of it, & J thought it was agreed to be referred to M=r=. Legh & M=r=. Gerard, but sometime afterw=ds=. I found proceedings were carrying on, when J again spoke for a Reference, but that wo=d=. not then be agreed to with=t=. payment of Costs on G{orner}'s Side: And as J did not think him the Agressor I did not advise the payment of the Costs but to refer the Matter generally to any%body, which J wo=d={.} yet wish to be done, not from an Apprehension in the

least that Speakman can recover any%thing (for I have the strongest reason to believe the Contrary) but from a desire J have to prevent needless & unnecessary Money being spent by persons who may be ruined in the End, for J am sure this is one of those Actions by which the winner will be a Loser, & then J am sure you will agree with me it is high time to stop the Litigation, which J shall be obliged to you for the above reason only to endeavour to do by seeing John Radcliffe & the {Pl~t} Speakman & getting his Consent to refer the Matter either to yourself alone or the Assistants you will have in determining the Affair with M=r=. Woodcock & the Houlbrook's or to any other disinterested person or persons of Credit & Character — Had the parties been in Affluence not likely to be hurt by their own Folly J sho=d=. not have been so anxious to put a Stop to their Career but J am always hurt to see persons so necessitous carrying on their own Ruin, whether it is their own Act or thro' the Advice of others, & on that Account J am sure you will excuse me, in thus importuning you to save further Mischief, & that you will let me hear from you when you have seen such persons as are necessary to be consulted — J am S=r=. Your m=t=. ob=t=. Serv=t=. Walter Kerfoot.

Pray when can you attend to the other Affair of M=r=. Woodcock's. M=r=. Orford at Lyme Cheshire. [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Warrington 19=th=. Sep={r}=. 1777. Dear Sir. As M=r=. Blackburne is gone to Bath for a few weeks, no writing respecting the Machine has been prepared but on his Return, any%thing that is concluded on, may very soon be finished J am S=r=. Your most hble Serv=t=. Walter Kerfoot. M=r=. Orford at Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Warrington 6=th=. Feb=y=. 1778. Dear Sir. You know how refractory Iames Speakman, or to speak perhaps more properly, how ill advised he has been, of which he now feels the Consequence in Lancaster Castle, from whence he has supplicated much to be released, & I believe the {Pl~ts} having proper Feelings, have not much Objection thereto, provided the material purpose of the proceedings against him be answered, but that can only be by his Settlem=t=. being certainly fixed in N{ew}ton, where I have no doubt it is & ought to be from the Circumstance of Fraud that has attended the whole Business; & the Township of Newton must therefore either give a fresh Certificate with Speakman, or engage that his Settlement shall be forthwith brought into Litigation, if they think there has not been enough already — The former Mode is the least expensive, & as the other I am well convinced wo=d=. come to the same %thing, I sho=d=. think the former the more desirable to both Sides — And as I find they look up to you

for some direction in this Business, I have thought it necessary to say thus much, that you may give it a little Consideration & inform me what may be expected, & the sooner that is done the better, as the poor Man's Liberty may depend upon it. J am S=r=. Your most hble Serv=t=. Walter Kerfoot. M=r=. Orford at Lyme near Stockport. [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Warrington 30=th=. Dec=r=. 1781. Dear Sir. I once made some little Enquiry from you after the Value of In=o=. Blackburn's Estate near to you which was left him by M=r=. Steele, & shall now be much obliged to you to acquaint me what you think, was it to be now let, it wo=d=. take P~ Annum, & what price you think it might sell for. & am D=r=. S=r=. Your most ob=t=. Serv=t=. Walter Kerfoot. [^Accounts in different hand omitted^] M=r=. Orford Haydock-Lodge

Warrington 29=th=. Aug=st=. 1782. Dear Sir. If you can fix any time for delivering possession to W=m=. Bibby of the Rose & Crown I will be ready to give you a Bill for the Fine {&c=*=}. but as he works in Cheshire, I wish you to let me have an Opportunity of acquainting him when you will be here, that he may attend. I must also request you to get M=r=. Legh's Licence for Bibby to assign the Tenement to John Newton of High Legh yeoman for Securing such money as he shall be willing to advance thereon, as I expect that he will soon repay what I may lay down. & J am D=r=. S={r}=. your m=t=. ob=t=. Serv=t=. Walter Kerfoot. M=r=. Orford

Warrington 1=st=. Nov=r=. 1782 Dear Sir. I sometime since intimated to you that Iohn Blackburn's Estate left him by M={*}=. Steele in your Neighbourhood wo=d=. be sold, & having now advertised it for that purpose, I shall be much obliged to you if you will employ some proper person to post up & continue the Advertisem=ts=. you will receive herewith ^part^ at Marple, & the rest you can send to Chapel en le Frith with proper directions for the like being done there, & any Expence attending it, I will thankfully repay. It will be necessary for me to have an Auctioneer formally to attend each Sale, & therefore I must request that you'l be so good to speak to any comon Auctioneer who can attend for the least Charge. I suppose one may be found at each place, & he must previously be directed to give about a Week's Notice to the Excise Officers of the proposed Sales, that we may proceed

according to the Auction Act. And at your Leisure I shall be glad to hear that the Comission I give you the Trouble of will be executed. J am D=r=. S=r=. your m=t=. hble Serv=t=. Walter Kerfoot. M=r=. Orford Lyme near Stockport. [^Postmarked Warrington^] [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

Warrington 28=th=. Sept=r=. 1789. Dear Sir. I shall be glad that you will in the Cinnamon brow Tenement add the life of Iames (aged about 10{-}years) the Son of Thomas Greaves of Millbank in the County of Chester Paper maker. As to the Sankey Renewal, I cannot just yet fix that to my Mind. J am D=r=. S=r=. Your's Respect=y=. Walter Kerfoot. [^Accounts in different hand omitted^] M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Haydock-Lodge [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Warrington 11=th=. Aug=st=. 1790. Dear Sir. Altho' you will not thank me, yet I know you will have the goodness to excuse my having named you to act as an Arbitrator with M=r=. Wareing of Knowsley between M=r=. Brooks of Liverpool & M=r=. Owen of this place, touching some Rents of an Estate in Worrall belonging to the Free School here — I know not whether you two sho=d=. not name a third person, that the Opinion of some two may be decisive, but that I expect to be informed on Friday morning, as I have wrote to M=r=. Wareing tonight on the occasion. The Business is very short, & I conclude will be settled on your Meeting, which I wish may be either here or at Prescot before you leave this Neighbourhood — If you stay until next Tuesday, I sho=d=. wish that to be the day, but if not, any day sooner shall be made convenient. And for my Government in some degree, I will thank you for a line by ret. to say how you are circumstanced I want to talk to you about a Lease or %two. & am D=r=. S=r=. Your m=t=. ob=t=. Serv=t=. Walter Kerfoot. M=r=. Orford Lyme n=r=. Stockport [^Postmarked Warrington?^]

Warrington 17=th=. Sept=r=. 1790 Dear Sir. Having made use of your name as an Arbitrator along with M=r=. Wareing between M=r=. Owen & M=r=. Brooks, the parties have been willing to wait your Convenience for a Meeting on that occasion: & therefore I will thank you to inform me when you are likely to be here, that I may give M=r=. Wareing, who I shall see in about a Week an Intimation of it — I sho=d=. think the meeting may be as well fixed at this place or Newton as any other, but prior thereto, it will be necessary that I shall have the pleasure of seeing you, to give you a Detail of the Business to be Submitted to your Consideration. & am D=r=. Sir Your m=t=. ob=t=. Serv=t=. Walter Kerfoot. [^In different hand, probably Orford's^] fix'd 18 Monday Oct. M=r=. Orford Lyme n=r=. Stockport.

Warrington 12=th=. Oct=r=. 1790. Dear Sir. I had the Favor of your Letter & mentioned the time you proposed being here to M=r=. Wareing, who I find is then engaged, & cannot meet you until Wednesday the 20=th=. inst=t=. tomorrow Se'night, when I hope it may be in your power to meet here by 11=o=. Clock, which I shall conclude you will do, if in the mean time I do not hear from you to the contrary — And as you sho=d=. know the Case & I shall not see you sooner, for M=r=. Wareing will come with me that morning from Prescot, I shall wish you may see M=r=. Owen, who will be found at home & hear from him the particulars which I shall repeat to you & M=r=. Wareing for your Government, as I was privy to the most part of the Business, on which the present Claim is founded. J am D=r=. S=r=. Your's Very truly Walter Kerfoot. M=r=. Orford Peter Legh's Esq=r=. Lyme Park near Stockport [^Postmarked Chester^]

Handley May 18=th=. 1788 — Sir, After I had the Pleasure of seing You at Chester I requested M=r=. Egerton according to your Desire to pay m=r=. Legh's Subscription of 2 Guineas towards the Support of a Sunday School but as You Yourself had given him no express order to pay it he wishes to decline it till he hears from You. I beg therefore You will be so good as ^to send as^ speedy an Answer as is convenient with an Order for me to receive it of him as We have made up our last Years Acc=ts=. and are going on for another Year, but are deficient in our last Year's Acc=ts=. just 2 Guineas the very sum you desired me to set down for M=r=. Legh & which we confidently relied upon — & which if we cannot receive, it will totally put a Stop to so laudable an Institution — I Remain Sir, Y=r=. Hum=bl=. Ser=t= — W=m=. Kirkby

M=r=. Egerton does not remember in particular that you order'd him to pay it — M=r=. Orford Lyme Park near Stockport — [^Postmarked Chester^]

Handley near Chester march 10=th= — — 89 Sir, Should be much obliged if you would give me a Line to order M=r=. W. Egerton to pay the 2 Guineas being M=r= Leghs Subscription to the Sunday ^School^ which will terminate for this Year on the 25 of this month, & also to inform me whether the Subscription will be continued for another Year or not — Poor M=r=. Iohn Egerton of T{a}ttenhall died yesterday, I Remain, Sir, Y=r=. Hum. Ser=t=. W Kirkby. To M=r=: Alfred Steward to Pet=r=: Legh Esq=r=: at Lyme

Stockport Ian=y=: 7 — 67 Sir The badness of y={e}=: weather, — the shortness of y={e}=. Days, — & my not keeping a Horse; — together with y={e}=: constant attendance I am here oblig'd to; constrain me to decline y={e}=: pleasure of waiting upon you at Lyme, & to request you wou'd be pleas'd to send me y={e}=: £6 w=ch=: m=r=: Legh pays every {X}mas to y={e}=: minister of Norbury, by any person you can confide in; I shall return by y={e}=: hand w=ch=. brings y={e}=: money a Rec=t=. to you; & acknowledge myself for y={e}=. favour your much oblig'd & Obe=t=. Ser=t= I=n=: Knowles To M=r=: Alfred at Lyme

D=r=. Sir I take this opportunity to remind you of y={e}=. Surplice & Com~. pray=r=: Book w=ch=. we greatly want at Norbury chapel; & w=ch=:, from your silence, I cannot but apprehend you have forgot to mention to m=r=. Legh: For from what I have observ'd at Disley, & have heard, of that Gentleman's regard for y={e}=: decency of publick worship, I cannot think, y={t}=. if he knew my want in these particulars, he wou'd suffer me any longer to labour under it. I am, S=r=:, wishing you y={e}=: Comp=ts=: of y={e}=: season, your {ve}ry respectfull & ob=t=: Ser=t= I=n=. Knowles M=r=: Orford at Lyme

Dear Sir my youngest Daughter is, & has been for some time, very much out of health; her appetite is exceeding poor; insomuch y={t}= we can scarcely procure any%thing for her y={t}=. she can eat: what she most talks of, & with y={e}=: greatest pleasure, is a Rabbit; w=ch=. I know not where to purchase — nor indeed to request — unless you will permit a liberty of that kind from you. It is only upon such an occasion, y={t}= I shou'd desire a favour of this nature, w=ch=. I hope will plead my excuse; And for your kind

compliance, I shall acknowledge myself your greatly oblig%d & Respectfull H~ble Ser=t= I=n=. Knowles poynton Feb: 12=th=: M=r=. Orford Lyme [^Postmarked Stockport^]

Stockport April 7=th=. 1788. Sir I was favored with yours dated the 4=th=. Inst=t=. enclosing a Bank Note for Fifteen Pounds, and enclosed you have the Receipt, I shall be at Macclesfield the next Month & will then enquire of M=r=. Wright about your Interest, I am, Sir Your humble Serv=t=. Harry Langford M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Peter Leghs Esq=r=. Lyme [^Postmarked Stockport^]

Iune 7=th=. 1781. Received of Harry Lankford, One Hundred and Twenty nine Pounds, thirteen Shillings & Eightpence being the Balance due to the Commissioners of the Turnpike Road from Macclesfield to Randle Carr Lane head £129.13.8 p=r=. Matt: Wheelton Stockport Iune 7=th=. 1789. Sir I was favored with your Letter dated the 4=th=. of May, I went to Macclesfield the 16=th=. and did not return 'till Yesterday, You will send me the Years Interest owing from the Chapel Road the first safe opportunity you have, Above you have a Copy of the Receipt given to me when I paid the Balance that was in my hands, whatever is due to you, must be received from the present Receiver of the Tolls, I am, Sir Your very humble Serv=t=. Harry Langford m=r=. Orford — Lyme

D=r=. Sir I am very glad to hear all your good famley is well I should be very happey to of seen m=rs=. Orford at Leek I would send a Chase for her to macclesfield if she will so far favour={*}= me (but a house of morning fow Loves to com to) Oh [^corrected^] m=r=. Orford what have I sufferd since I say you) but I will not truble you with my sorros may you never suffer the Li{c}k is my sincear wish of your friend D Langham Leek Sep=r=. /18=th=/ my Compl{e}ments to m=rs=. Orford M=r=. orford —

[^Accounts omitted^] GH Larden being at Macclesfield takes the opportunity of waiting upon M=r=. Orford about renewing M=r=. Harrison's lease at Handley — He is sorry that he is prevented by M=r=. O's absence from speaking to him personally upon the subject, but takes this method of letting him know that he is commissioned by his brother to tell M=r=. O. that he will implicitly subscribe to his terms, at the same time that he wishes to remind him that £ 36 P~ %Ann. at which, if his recollection does not deceive him, the estate in question is now valued, & 9 years, which is the term fi{x}'d upon by M=r=. O. for renewing the lease, is more both in the value of the rent, & in point of time than M=r=. O. first propos'd to M=r=. Larden of Tattonhall — If M=r=. L. does not speak intelligibly upon this subject, he hopes M=r=. O. [^corrected^] will e{x}cuse him as being totally unus'd to matters of this sort — He wishes only to submit this hint to M=r=. O's consideration — If it will prevail upon him to lower the terms, M=r=. L. will feel himself greatly oblig'd to him; if not, at any rate he will abide by his determination —

M=r=. L. will be at Northwich upon business some day ne{x}t week, & shou'd be happy to wait upon M=r=. O. at that time, if he cou'd conveniently prepare the lease by that time — will he be so kind as to favor him with an answer as soon as possible, address'd to M=r=. Larden, ^Bridge-street^ Chester — M=r=. L. leaves with M=rs=. O. £100 — M=r=. Orford — at Peter Leigh's Esq=r= — Lime Cheshire Post %paid [^Postmarked Chester^]

Sir since I had the favour of a conversation with you at Chester, I have seen my Father, who begs me to make his compliments to you and inform you the Lands and Cottage held by Lease by my Grandfather never make more then Thirty three pounds a year and some time under — that when this matter was talked over by you and him some time ago you then took the rent at Thirty pounds, which certainly was under what it now makes he likewise says the Lands &c — will be of more value to me then another {—} which when Joined to some other now left to me by my Grandfather will make a very compact Farm — bing intermixt one w=(_h_)=. another

When these circumstances are made known to you with the real value of the Land &c __ P=r=. year, he is in hopes you will be pleased to make some little concessions from the agreement made by you and myself [^"—" changed from "in"?^] which he is certain may be done without the least injustice to M=r= Leigh — If you Sir should coincide in opinion with him I should think myself ever bound in grati%tude [^across line break^] to you and should think the opp{e}rtunity favourable which gave me a power of returning the Favour — I submit to your decision who am —— Sir Your most %Obe %Serv=t= Iohn Larden Chester May 9=th=. 1790

NB— be pleased to make me Lessee in this Matter — which when executed, if you will send to M=r= Halwood I will then pay him the consideration Money — and likewise satisfie you for the trouble you have been at in this business M=r=. Orford Lime

D=r=. Sir I think myself greatly obliged to you for having got my Lease compleated you may be sure of the Money by my Brother about the 20=th=. Ins=t= — the time he p{ro}poses being at Macclesfield til when I remain — Your very much Oblig=d= Serv={t}=. Iohn Larden Chester July 5 1790 M=r=.. Richard Orford Lyme, near Disley Cheshire — [^Postmarked Liverpool^]

M=r=.. Rich=d=. Orford, Liverpool 2=d= Sept. 1788 Sir Your favor of the 27 Aug=t=. was duly received, with a Bill value Ten Pounds which is placed to your Credit — Yesterday the Brandy directed as above was forwarded by the Northw{oo}d a dukes {fl}at, & hope it will meet M=r=. Legh's approbation — the quantity rather exceeds your order, but I thought it better to fill the Cask than leave a Space in it Since we had the pleasure of seeing you at Liverpool M=rs=.. Drinkwaters disorder has prov'd fatal — but M=r=.. Drinkwaters illness has taken a favorable turn, & he is now, apparently, in equal health & spirits, with what he was before but ^has^ not quite recovered his strength I am Sir Your most obed={t}= Serv={t}= William Lawson. M=r=. Richard Orford Lyme near Stockport

M=r=. Richard Orford — Liverpool 10=th= August 1789 Sir Your favor to Mess=rs=. Drinkwater requesting 40 [^corrected^] G{u}llons Brandy for M=r= Legh & 10 or 12 Galls. of Rum was rec=d=.. and as you requested to know when it could be ready I have the pleasure of informing you that (_any_) [^corrected^] day next week it will be in readiness I am Sir Your ob=t=. Serv=t=. William Lawson The Bill of Parcels shall according to your desir{e} be made out in M=r=. Drinkwater's name M=r=. Richard Orford Lyme near Stockport Cheshire. [^Postmarked Liverpool^]

M=r=. Richard Orford 20={**}=- Oct Sir By some mistake your obliging favor of the (_4_)=th= Inst. I did not receive 'till Friday last. Not having any Brandy myself, I have sent some from the above Gentlemen (who are belonging to M={r}=: Harpers Count{re}y House) and which I can recommend as perfectly free from adulteration & I think of good flavor, it was sent P~ Marsh's Waggon yesterday with directions to be forwarded by Ardern, Disley Carrier, and hope M=r=. Legh will approve of it. Should you want any Rum I have some very good which at any time shall be glad to supply you with. M=r=. Drinkwater as also M=r= Harper & family are very well. I am Sir Your most ob={*}= Serv William Lawson M=r=. Orford Howlane near Stockport Cheshire [^Two illegible words written across, possibly in different hand^]

[^Different hand^] Sir I have by this Post sent you under a freed Cover an Act lately passed for dividing and Inclosing Fairfield Commons near Buxton I have appointed the first Meeting to be held at the White Hart in Buxton on Easter Tuesday when I hope it will be convenient to you to meet your Brother Commissioners to make a beginning I have wrote to them by this Post to the same Effect and shall take care to be there prepared with the Oaths necessary to be taken on the Occasion I am Sir Your most Ob=t=. Serv=t=. [^Different hand, probably same as that of direction^] Anth %Lax Maiden %Lane %Covent %Garden 12=th=. March 1771. {*...} [^cut off^] Orford Lyme Cheshire

Sir In Consequence of %the Letter I received %from you & M=r=. Beighton I wrote a Letter to one of %the Principal Proprietors in ffairfield to acquaint the rest that I should come there on Monday last to take their Sentiments as to the Commissioner to succeed M=r=. Wyatt and accordingly I went there and was met by three of %them the %same that were with us at Buxton and they desired me to acquaint you in Answer to your Letter that they had consulted several of %their Neighbours who all wished to have one M=r= Longstone of %Longstone a plain honest Man of good property in the Neighbourhood to be the other Com=r=. with you & M=r=. Beighton They said [^word crossed out^] they knew of %nothing against M=r= Harp{ur} but as M=r=

Longstone was a Neighbour and a sensible honest Man they must give him the Preference I have {wr}ote to M=r=. Beighton so that you & he will consider of it [^corrected^] I am Sir Y=r=. most %Ob={*}=. Serv=t= Anth %Lax Chesterfield 25=th=.. April 1771. M={r}=: Orford Lyme near Stockport [^Postmarked Derby?^]

Sir I was duly favord with Your last letter, and the Court Rolls which accompanied it. You are so obliging as to mention, that if wednesday the 12=th=. sho=d=. happen to %be inconvenient ^to me^ You will contrive to attend the Court on the 13=th=. — It happens that I have business of some importance which will demand my attendance in Staffordshire on the 12=th=. I shall therefore take the liberty of fixing the Court at {Heanor} the next day — {ryt.} Thursday the 13=th=. I will immediately acquaint {In.} Holbrook thereof, and give the necessary directions for sumon=g=. the {Iury} &c — I am, in much haste S=r=. Y=r=. most Obed={t}=. H{ble} S={t}= Leaper Derby Octo=r=. 4=th=. 1785 [^With this author, word-final "s" often has a full stop underneath it — could be "=s=." Here simply transcribed as "s."^] m=r=, orford Dear Sir when here you tould me you should haue accation to take sum money, at that time J thought I not Com at any till old midsumer, but since then it is in my power to help you to what you said should want to {8 Iune} of 400=£=: or: 500=£= and is. now ready, if you [^"dont" rubbed out^] should be other ways prouided it will be no disanduant^age^ to me: pleas. sir to Let me know as %soon as possable your Determination for J will not part wit it till J here from you: If you Desire it J will meet you at ashborn if you Dont Chuse to Com here, I think you propossed keeping it a %year: my Complements. wait on mr=s=. orford and sir belive me your sincear wellwisher and Humble servt Hen: Leaper westhallam d. 17 april 1774. [^Different hand, probably Orford's^] 11 at Ashburne To mr ortford at Lyme {***} Shallcross

Dear sir I hope youl excues me Giving you this trouble as you was so king as to Give m=r=. munday the affer {o}f the Gam in Hauer he Desiers me to sent to you his Complements. and should be Glad you wold Get a qualefication for his Gamkeeperr Thos. Tinley as it will be a help to presa{u}e his one Game in shipley: a{in} sorey I Did %not send sooner as mr Low {teles} me mr Lee masters has been jngland but is Gon, & shall esteem it a faviour if youl send me a Lin if it is agreeable to mr Lee masters and you to Grant the faviour, the reson J send their is a set of pe{o}ple Gives it out thay are to haue a GamKeeper of their one Ch{u}seing{s} [^corrected^] J B{eag} my Comple^{mes}^ wait on mrs orfford and your%se{a}lf from {D}ear sir your obidged Humble srv=t= Hen: Leaper westhallam d 30 July 1785: the next time you Com hope youle do me the fauiour to Let me wait on you at Hallam M=r=. Orford Lyme Stockport [^Postmarked Middlewich^]

Midd=ch=. 8=h= Mar 1789 D=r= %{sr}. I was at T{wenslow} on Tuesday last when {w}e looked into your Security and it appears that there were 3 years Interest due 3=d= Dec=r= last amounting to £43:10.0 — which Sum you will please to remit to M=r= Booth to London for %which place he sets out this day — direct to %him Rev=d=. Cha=s= Booth — Gate Street Lincolns Inn Fields — I am D {S} Your %most %obed %Serv R Le{c}k m=r= Orford [^Accounts in different hand, probably Orford's, omitted^] [^"a" and "o" very difficult to distinguish for this author^] (_To_) m=r=: Orford Lime Hall

mottrom 3=rd= Iune 1774 S=r= This to a%quint you that mr=s=. wagstoffe reicvd rent of one tho=s= Booth, wh{ich} keeps a Bublickhouse, youl find he sent [^word crossed out^] his Bill but not in portickle{a}rs, and as we would hove you to Examin all Bills, Give them noteis to bring in theirs in Full, but the would not Comply, and hove or'dr'd with m=rs=. wagstoffe before the loft unknow{*}e [^corrected^] to hus, but if the [^corrected^] must be alow'd to goe on in this way we don't Care For {**}ting, put desire you'l be Kind {a}nough to write a shorp line to tho=s=. Both For him to pay the rent E{a}ther to you or hus and bring his Bill at the some time with%out forder noteis and it will put a stop to others offring to doe the some, we intend Coming over at Barnaby, if th{a}t [^corrected^] time will Shute you and bring in All [^corrected^] the Bills and other a%Cco=ts= if the time don't shute you desire you'l Give hus a line and will wate of you when you please the rent she reicv=d= is 4=l=:5=s=:0 For the lost halfe ye{a}r so you'l order with them a%boute it all From your Hum={le}=. Sor=ts= John Lee Edward Reddish P:S: if you hove oney orders to send to hus you may send a line aney Friday By tho=s=. ardorn as I allways See him To M=r=: Orfort Lime Hall

mottrom 10=th= Feb=(_y_)= 1775 Sir as you Don't Come over, th{o}ught proper to let you Knowe that tho=s=. Booth ond Edm=(_d_)= hill o{r}e begining [^corrected^] to pla{ough} ond if you Connot Come over in tow or three days time would hove you to send them Eather a v{e}rrey shorpe letter as soon as posable, and Chorge what you think proper for Every day work the plough, in order to put a stop to them) or the will Begor the Ground thot it will not {*****} the rent, ond their is porsons that would Give as Good a rent ond youse the ground well) hope S=r=. you'l not deley {E}ather Coming or Ealse sending to them) all From your Hum={l}=. Sor=t= John Lee [^In different ink^] P.S if m=r=. orfort is not at home desire you'l E{a}ther write or get some person to do it For you as a%bove and Send them made up in a {popor} to John Lee {**} [^torn off^] mottrom To M=r=. Richard Orford at Lyme Cheshire P~ Buxton Bag Single

Sir Your favour dated Lyme 3=rd= Instant I Receivd this day in answer to which the Numbers you sent me in the different Lotterys was Drawn as Under. If you should see my Father I desire you'll give my Duty to him I Remain Sir Your most Obed=t=. And faithfull humble servant Thomas Lee Royal Exchange {J}uly 17=th=. 1775 Lottery 1772 N 18m 690 £20 Lottery 1774 18m 714 Blank N{=r=} 1m 628 18m 688 £20 1m 629 18m 689 £20 1m 626 Blanks 18m 686.£20 2m 170 18m 713 Blank M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Lyme near Disley Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

M=r=. Rich=(_d_)=. Orford Warrington 2=(_d_)=. May 1785 Sir From the experience I have had of your friendship am well assured you will sympathise with me when I acquaint you that my dear Brother Brunton was suddenly taken from us by the aweful stroke of death on Thursday the 28th of April last and has left a disconsolate widow and Two poor helpless Orphans, One a Boy about 3 years old, the other a Girl about 5 Years old — By his death, a Life has dropp'd out of the Lease of Darwells Estate in the Cornmakett and as there was one wanting before; it is now only held by the Life of M=(_rs_)=. Rogerson of this place an exceeding healthy person & very likely for a long life — By the last Will & Testament of my Dear Brother he has appointed myself & M=(_r_)=. Iohn Watson his Brother in Law Executors & at his, & the widows request I have taken the liberty to trouble you with this requesting you woud be so obliging to inform me in course of a few days, on what Terms M=r=. Legh woud grant a fresh Lease adding the Lives of the Two Children abovementioned to that of M=(_rs_)=. Rogerson in order to make it complete & full I am very Respectfully Sir Your most Obedient Servant Thomas Lee M=(_r_)=. Rich=(_d_)=. Orford at Lyme near Disley Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^] [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

M=(_r_)=. Rich=(_d_)=. Orford Warrington 22=(_d_)=. Iune 1785 Sir I took the liberty of writing you a few lines the 2=(_d_)=. of May last to which have not yet had the favour of your answer & from this circumstance am apprehensive my Letter must have miscarried, but at foot you have a copy thereof & request your reply soon as convenient to Sir your most Obedient Servant Thomas Lee [^Copy of the previous letter omitted^] M=(_r_)=. Richard Orford at Lyme near Disley Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

M=(_r_)=. Richard Orford Warrington 10th Nov=(_r_)=: 1785 Dear Sir I flatterd myself with the pleasure of seeing you before you left this part of the country & had actually set out with the intention of paying my respects to you at Haydock this day, but at the end of the Town I mett M=(_r_)=. Rigby who informd me you had left there yesterday, my business you doubtless well know, it was to give you instructions to expedite the Lease of Darwells Estate as soon as possible the Widow being a little uneasy about it & as I have had a hint given me of being negligent about it, the sooner 'tis done the more it will oblige me, but at same time permitt me to hope you will relax a little from the Sum first mentioned say £150 — Whether I have been negligent or not in this matter I leave to your generosity to decide & am very Sincerely Dear Sir Your most Obed=t= Serv=t=: Thomas Lee M=(_r_)=. Rich=(_d_)=. Orford at Lyme near Disley Cheshire

Warrington 21=(_st_)=. Novem=(_r_)=. 1785 Dear Sir I this day Rec~ed your favour of %the 17th instant & agreeable to your request I now transmitt you as under, the names & ages of the two Children of my late brother Brunton with whom you will be so obliging to fill up the vacancy of the two lives in Darwell's Lease as soon as possible which will much oblige D=(_r_)=. Sir Your very sincere friend Thomas Lee Martha Lee born 5th Ianuary 1780 Aged near 6 years Thomas Lee born 12th Septr 1782 D=(_o_)=. —— 3 years M=(_r_)=. Rich=(_d_)=. Orford at Lyme near Disley Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Warrington 26th Nov=(_r_)=. 1785 Dear Sir I have now before me your esteemed favour of %the 24th instant & on %perusing my late Brother Bruntons Will I find that M=r=. Watson & myself as Executors have a discretionary power of adding one or more Lives to his Leasehold property & on consulting the Widow she wishes my brother in Law Iohn Watson & myself to be Lessees in Trust for her & the Children if it meets your approbation which doubt not but it will, she requests me to add a petition for a little timber as the kitchen is in such bad repair that she is apprehensive it must be taken down & rebuilt I am very Respectfully Dear Sir Yours most Sincerely Thomas Lee [^Numbers in different hand omitted^] For M=r= Ruchard Orford att Hadoke with a p{a}rsill [^numbers omitted^]

Do{c}ke Layn wensday at 4 Clocke M=r= Orford wee Still haue Coraspondans with m=r= Thomas Genogle & Cripps in milke Street London and if you Can goot a %feue Couers Shall tacke itt as a greatt fauer from you all from your mos Humbl Ser=t= Iohn Leech To M=r=. Rich=d=.. Orford Lyme

Ashton Ian=y=.. 30th 1771 — Dear Sir I am Inform'd by Cous=n=. Siffton's that they have a Farm at Newton Common under a Relation of yours, and that he Informd them he had lett it to a Tennant from Cheshire, though at same time did not give them any notice to quit, and if he had don{*} [^ink blot^] think it ^not^ proper time to give notice as it were only the last week that he told them it were lett, and they have reasons to Bel{ie}ve it is not lett but can't get any positive answer from him tho have apply'd sundry times to know if they must [^corrected^] stay again, but could never get any other answer then he could not tell, [^word crossed out^] when you come over if you would be so kind to see him about it should be greatley oblig'd to you, and if possible prevail with him to let them stay another year then they could fix upon another Farm if you were to write to him by the Bearer Cou={s}=— Siffton to prevent him for Letting it then such times as you can see him [^corrected^] might be of Service to them, I am with great Esteem D=r= Sir Your most Humble Servt I~n=o= Leech Iun=r= N.B. the Bearer will informe you every particular M=r=. Orford Lyme

Ashton Iany 3=d=. 1774 D=r=. Sir This now serves to hand you London Bill for Forty Pounds when in Cash please to C=r=. my acc=t=. for Same, this is as near your sum I could come shall settle the other with you when I have the pleasure of seeing you at Haydock, we are or shortly shall be in want of £1000 or 1500=£=— on the partnership acc=t=. in the slit mill should be greatly obligd to you if you would enquire if any such sum is to be had in your part on our Ioint Bond at 4½ P~Cent, and am certain no better security can be given if you can hear of any such sum to be had should be much oblig'd to you for a line and am wishing you the comp=s=. of the season D=r=. Sir Your mo oblig%d H'ble Serv={t}= I~n=o= Leech M=r=. Orford Lyme [^Postmarked Buxton^]

Saturday Evening 11 Iune. 74 Dear Sir I purpose being past your House on my road from Buxton, on munday betwixt ½ past 12 oClock & 3 in the afterno{*...} [^rubbed off/torn off^] if it be convenient should be glad to see you at your House, I %am D=r= Sir your most Humble Serv={t}=. I~n=o= Leech Buxton Glasgow Octo=r=. 7th 1774 Dear Sir Your favour to my Father of the 17=th= last month requesting payment of the Hundred pounds I have of you{rs} was handed to me at this place, I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you in all this month at w=ch=. time I will pay you that Sum, if I had not been prevented from going to London it should have been paid you long Since I %am with great truth Dear Sir Your mo Humble Serv=t= I~n=o= Leech To M=r=. Alfred [^Measurements written in pencil by different hand omitted^]

S=r=. The bearer has been at my House to inform me that you had a Fire Engine to dispose of for M=r=. Lee & that he had enquid [^corrected^] about it in my name & you had been so kind as to promise him to write to M=r=. Lee to know upon what terms he was willing to sell it shoud be glad if you woud write me a %line as soon as you receive an Answer. — hope you'll be kind enough to give the bearer directions that he may go & view it in the me{a}n time — I am S=r=. Your Hum=l=. Serv={t}=. Iohn Lees P.S direct to me at Clarksfield near Oldham To mr Rich' orford at Lyme near Dissley [^In different hand^] cheshire P %Free Legh [^In different hand^] by Stockport Bagg [^Postmarked Macclesfield & ?London^]

Dec=r=: y=e=: 17 66 mr orford I am much oblig~d to you and shall be much more so for to hear soon from you agan upon the same subict, m={rs}=. Keck will be Gad for for to have a Line upon the same affair, my Bro=r=: thank God is quite well and so are we %all, my Bro=r=: is much satsy~d with what you have been a%bout I am S=r=: your oblig~d friend A Legh mr. orford I shall want a %good P{.emi}ttens before the twenty fift of march, and I hope my new Lands will do soom%thing for me also, I am Glad m=rs=: orford is in so good a %way give my compliments to her, I do not hear any%thing but well of you, when you writ to me send it encloased to Burchall and you'll much oblige your friend AL Feb={*}=. y=e=: 26 71

[^In different hand, probably Orford's^] M=r= Lowe for as much duc{k} %Clover as will sow 5 Statute acres of Land being ab=t=. 2Ό of ours m=r= orford I must have a Bill as soon as you can gett it for me, and I w=d=: have it Direct~d for wood at my Hous in Gay street, for we shall not be much longer in Town, my Bro=r=: has gott the Gout which I am Glad on, let me Know how soon you expect company, I hear m=r=: and m=rs=: Gwillym is going to Buxton let me Know all about it, and what you hear of poor Tom, but this to y=r=:%self

if any new Lands are due lit it come I beg I am your oblig~d friend A LeghApr=l=: y=e=: 9 71

I do not mind paying dubble Post let any Hand but yours direct for wood, but now I think of Peers let it come to wood by him and bid him not name it to me [^corrected^] that he has a Letter for her [^Direction in different hand^] M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire Free Keck By Buxton [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

m=r=. {**}ford [^ink blot^] I have Rec=d=: your Bill and am much oblig~d to you, so I shall for the new jnclosed rents, and a%bout the 27=th= of may must desire you to send me another Bill for my Rent will become Due and I never leave it unpay~d a day, I wish you wo=d=: direct for wood and you'll much oblige your friend A Legh may y=e=: 6 1771

I forgott to say poor {*...} [^torn off^] ^Peers^ had a %good journey and is quite well, as to poor Tom: I must Petty him poor unthinking Boy and as to what is say~d I shall never pay the least Regard to, but I sho~ld like to Know what is say~d by the wise, it shall never go from me, To m=r=: orford [^"at Lyme" crossed out^] Haydock Lodge n=r= Warrington Lancashire [^Upside down:^] For m=r=. orford [^"at Lyme" crossed out^] [^Postmarked Manchester^]

m=r=: orford your Bills came safe to Hand, but I must Desire not to be long before you send me more money for I have a %grate want of it at present, thank God m=rs=: Keck gets better every day, my Bro=r=: has been in grate trouble for her poor creature, let me have all the new's you Know in all parts, I am glad poor Tomey is gon to oxford, I am your obligd friend A Legh march y=e=: 7=th=, 1772 To m=r=. R orford at Lyme near Buxton cheshire P.Free Legh

m=r=: orford I am much obliged to you on all accounts, my Bro=r=: had a good journey, let me hear from you how all my Affair's go-on, I hope you'll be getting me more money in a Little time I am your oblig~d friend A Legh jan={*}=: y=e=: 3=d= 73 mr orford I must Desire you to send me a Hundred p=d=: by y=e=: 20 of may for I have many Bills for to pay and I shall be much obliged to you if you co~ld spair me fifty more, Direct for me at Bath, thank God my Dear m=rs=: Keck is gott so much Better that we can leave her without an uneassy thought, my Bro=r=. will writ to you to%night and tell you that he setts out on sund{ay} next, I shall stay for his Return w=ch=: will be won week, and then we shall go to Bath, Peers and Porter went on munday the Ladys went by oxford but if you did not Know it bef{u}re do not

name it to any%won I beg, the servant to the old Lady I sho~ld not of thought of after what had past, b{u}t I wonder at no%thing, wood will soon be a married woman, all%tho two cheshire men was named to me and when I say~d I Knew it to be fals I was not at all beleived how-ever I shall tell you more when I see you all%tho I was won of those that did not beleive nor cold beleive what the old Lady say~d I am your much oblig~d friend A Legh apr=l=: y=e=: 27 73 [^Direction in different hand^] To m=r=. Orford Lyme near Dissley Cheshire By Buxton Free Keck [^Postmarked Leicester^]

mr. orford we gott to Staughton on friday quite well exceept [^word crossed out^] my Bro=r=: Legh had a %smart Gout upon him which confind him won day upon the Road, the Gout now is getting Better thank God for it, and my Bro=rs=: spirits much better we found m=rs=: Keck quite well and Lookes well and the children also, we have most Delightfull fine weather, I have a small Box at chester that came from Lichfield by the coach I wish you wo~ld writ to soom%Body at chester for to send it to Lyme or warrington, for it would be gott {**} [^seal^] Lyme that way I am your obliged friend A Legh june y=e=: 20 73 To m=r=. orford at Lyme

m=r=. orford pray pay to my Bro=r=. Peers on my account fifteen p=d=:, a %portmantle will come to Lyme Directed for my Bro=r=: Legh but it is for me, so let Patty Devemport put it into her Room till I come, writ to me and let me Know how my Bro=r=: gett's to Lyme and Lancashire and you'll much oblige your friend A Legh To m=r=: orford [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

m=r=: orford we have fixt for y=e=: end of this next week, so I must desire you to be at Lyme on Tusday, as you named for we can~t go till you come, I had a Letter from my Bro=r=: to%day and he will meet us at Staughton as soon as he can for he will not stay won momant longer then he can help, as you come through manchest=r= pray pay y=s=: Bill, my Bro=r=: Legh had a %good journey and is pleased with his House, I shall Depen upon your comeing on Tusday, if my Bro=r=: Peers is with give my Love to him I am your friend AL m=r=: orford Lyme

m=r=: orford I wish you co{~}ld send me soom money from the new encloased [^changed from "jncloased" or vice versa^] Lands you w=d=: much oblige your friend AL Iune y=e=: 1{8}=th= 74 you might send a %parcel by y=e=: coach [^Different hand?^] To mr R' orford at Lyme near Dissley cheshire By manchester P %Free Legh [^Postmarked Leicester^]

m=r=. orford as to that affair do not be the least uneassey I beg for I am sure you'll not have any cause thank God we are charming well at presant yours AL july 21 74 m=r=: orford [^upside down^] m=r=: orford

mach y=e=: 11 75 m=r=: orford I have y=s=: day Rec=d=: y=e=: Tea and pray ^pay^ for it and send me soom Bills, I want for to hear from you how your last day at Haydock was, with Regard to that Affair of molly, but do not name y=s=: to any%Body in Town, how long do you stay, let me Know, I am your oblig{~}d friend AL [^Direction in different hand^] To M=r=.. Orford at Lyme Near Disley Cheshire x Post [^Postmarked Bath^]

April y=e=: 3=d= 75 m=r=: orford I Rec=d=: your{'}s safe and am much obblig~d to y={u}=: I hope yo'all think of me at a %prope{r} time if I sho~ld not writ to you, I expect {my} Bro=r=: to%night, as to that affair of molly's I wonder at nothing alltho I have no%thing to do with it you have don the Besst you co~ld for your master and I do sincearly beleive you allway's will, did you hear any%thing of French when you was in Town, the place she went into after mine the Lady cept her but won fortnight she was so Dredfull a Drunker^d^ my Trunk is a %grate loss to me I do not think but m=r=: Gates will do all he can to gett it me again, the carrier shall pay for it I am Determeined, have you any of your upor maids go-ing after y=e=: Rest, but this to your-Self - let me Know, I am your friend A Legh m=r=. orford I fin~d I can~t do w=th=: Less then fifty p=d=: so if you'll be so good to send me Draft's for so much I shall think my%self much obliged to you, I must just tell you I never had upon the Road so many Bad things happen to me of expence my cheas was 3 times Broak down w=ch=: you must think has cost me a %dell but do not name it to my Bro=r=: poor man for I shall not, m=rs=: Keck is as present better of her coff but as to eateing the same not at all however I hope the Besst

and that an {A}ss and the water will do in time, have you had any Letters for me, and have you hard my Bro=r=: say any%thing of the time he will come I am you=r= obliged friend A Legh Bristal july y=e=: 16 78 [^The following letter has been filed as Ann Legh's, but I strongly doubt it's hers, and the initial looks more like "H" than "A"^] m=r=. Orford Lyme House near Buxton Cheshire Sept=br=. 22=d=. [^Postmarked Bristol^]

Bristol Clifton Sep={r}=. 22={th}=. 79. As I have discharged my Servant Mary Mossley I think it proper you should know that I have pay'd her all that is due to her which when I come to Lyme I will give you, receipted by Mary Mossley, I have hire'd another Servant who came to me the 14=th=. of Sept=br=: her Wages 9 Guineas a year, to be pay'd every year or ½ Year. I Gave Mary Mossley a frank directed to you in which I told her to write to you [^"{&}" rubbed out^] to desire Her Box might be sent direct'd where she would send you word by pickford's Waggon, which I shall be much obliged to you to do. I am your obliged H Legh [^Direction in different hand^] To mr Ric Orford at Lyme near Dissley Cheshire By Manchester P.Fr{ee} Legh [^Postmarked Manchester^]

Rich=d=- J forgot when You left Us to beg the Favour, You woud give Me a Line how poor Young G: Barbor went on, as he is a Peice of a Favourite here, a good Account woud give great Pleasure here & am sure no less to poor Tom, am Rich=d=. Y=rs=: sincerely A Legh When You see Long George or Family pray make our Complim=ts=- 20 Jan: 71 — NB Give Us a Line when You know of y=r=. Gentry going to Atherton — M=r=- R=d=: Orford [^Accounts, probably in different hand or hands, omitted^]

Richard You have forgot to send my Word whether Joseph Allen woud think it worth his while to come here to make the Liveries, one Line when You write next to Harry Richardson woud greatly oblige Y=rs=- A LeghNB J have not heard from y=r=. master. Ap=l= 30 71 M=r=- Orford at Lyme near Stockport Cheshire By Manchester [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Richard As poor Tom is obligd to go to Oxford on Account of Company sooner than we intended, if You coud assist Me with the half Years Jnterest in ten Days Time it woud be very serviceable to Him & Rich=d=- Y=r=. h'ble Serv=t=- A Legh Golbourne Parks 20 Jan 73 — Peter Legh Esq M P at Lyme near Stockport Cheshire By Manchester [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Honest Rich=d= When You was over here J told You J thought fifty Pounds woud be sufficient for our present Wants, but by a Letter J receiv'd the last Post from poor Chum J find he has purchas'd of his Bro Tom his Household Furniture, As One can't pay & the other can't look off his Money, hope it will not be inconvient to make it one hundred instead of fifty by the Middle of next month, J thought J w=d=— give You as early Notice as J c=d=— am Rich=d=— Y=rs=— &c &c A Legh Golbourne Parks 29 March 74 M=r= R: Orford Lyme

Honest Rich=d=— J wrote to You by Post, but for Fear any Mistake shoud happen, write now by Tom. When You was last at Golbourne Parks J thought fifty woud supply poor Chum's present Wants, but by Bills of Furniture &c &c J hope it will be convenient for You to make it an hundred as it will be much wanted, by obliging me You wou'd lay him under an Obligation who is Rich=d=— Y=rs=— sincerely Ap=l=— 74 M=r= R: Orford Lyme

Rich=d=— As the half Years Jnterest is due this month if convenient to You to return it by Tom woud be of great Service. Last Sunday little Dick was right hearty as She drank Tea here. in haste Y=rs=— &c A Legh Golbourne Parks 1 Sept=r=— 74 M=r=— Rich=d=: Orford Lyme

My D=r= Friend Rich=d=- has forgot to send Me six Pair of Stockings from [^corrected^] the Dissley Merch=t=-, J fancy You live in Sun-Shine while we poor North Britons are starv'd in Snow & Frost; Y=r= Sending them by y=e= Bearer & giving Me a Line how G: B: Affair turns out You will oblige Rich=d=— Y=rs=— inside & Out AL News Years Day O:S: NB Complim=ts= of y=e= Season to You & Y=rs= — M=r= Orford

Honest Richard — The Money You have sent by Shaw is certainly right, but You mistook my Meaning, J meant a clear hundred for poor Chum to take up to Oxford, & to have my Rent for the Farm ^took^ out ^of^ the last half Years Jnterest due for the Money in y=r=- Hands; Be so good to call here & drink a Dish of Coffee here i' %th' Morn, & bring the Remainder of Jnterest Money & then we will settle for the present — Y=rs=— in haste AL [^"a"/"o" very difficult to distinguish for this author, as well as "t"/"d" word-finally and "h"/"k"^] M=r= Orford Lyme n=r= Dissly Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Golbourne Parkes Sund{ay} Morn — Sir. Ralph Clare of Golbourn{e} has been seen, shooting & following our Pigions, he likwise setts netts in the Brook jus{t} above us, upon this I spoke to him, he tells John Worsley & me, that m=r= Richard Orford before he left Heydock — gav{e} him (_poss{i}tive_) orders, to sett in the Brook, & to kill as many hares and sell them as woud pay him for the fish nett we took on him — he says he has done nothing but what mr Orford orderd him to do, shoud be glad of a line to know whether he has yr Authority or not — Am S=r= yrs C Legh — [^In different hand, probably Orford's^] Ans~ 2 Oct 82 M=r= Richard Orford Lyme n=r= Dissly Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Sir As I have now marl'd my new field, & am going to lime it — I shoud be glad of my lease, which no doubt you have got finish in this ti{me}, as you have had so many opportunities, if the{i}r is any%thing wanting to compleat it, with Burns lett me know, & will bring it with me to Lyme, {as} I will have the lease back with me — for I think I have waited long enough — & according to y=r= promise shoud have had it long since I beg my Com=p=. to M=rs=. Orford: & am S=r=: yrs Cholmondeley Legh — Golbourne Parkes Sunday Morn — M=r=: Richard Orford — Lyme near Disley Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

S=r=: On my arrival here. I find we are to have an increase to our neighbourhood, by a damnd Cotton mill at the end of Dane Dam, & three or four little houses I hear are to be erected; now as I am fully satisfied we have rascals enough about us, I shoud be very much oblig'd to you to inform me of the p{e}rticulars of the above undertaking. & on what footing it is to be built; & los{t}ly, whe{a}ther there is not a probability of my puting an end to it. [^"{&}" crossed out^] by waiting on my Uncle & telling him the inconviniene{i}cey of it — he will neither have fish or Game — shoud be glad you woud write immed{e}atly — Am S=r= yrs Cholmondeley Legh — Golbourne Parkes — Sunday Morn — M=r= Orford Lyme n=r= Disley Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

S=r=. I had a Letter from my Brother Yesterday, he desires me to send him some (_{Quil}s_), if there is any due to him, or you can advance him some before%hand, the sooner you lett me have it & the better, hope we shall have him down ere long hope the family at Lyme are well — yrs Cholmondely Legh Golbourne Parkes Monday morn — (_M=r=. Orford_)

This Parcel I was desire'd by M=rs=. Smyth to Send to you it was rub'd in the Comeing from Town here hope M=r=. Orford will receive it Safe. (_H. Legh_) June 17=th=. 1775 My Mamma being very Ill in Bed I am Commission by her to say that your Letter arrived here this day in a frank to M=r=. Rumbold she bid's me tell you M=r=. Rumbold is discharged the Service here, & Consiquently has no more to do with any of her concern's, but she will take care to order the next Agent to pay M=r=. Keck's Money punctually as soon as due, soon'r then that it cannot be expect'd to be pay'd. My Mamma desire's you to tell Dick Ryle that she (_demands_) that Guinea & half which he received from her as an incouragement to behave well, but as his behaveiour was more drunk'n & abusesive afterwards she give's him as peremptory (_Orders_) to return the Money into your hands

as he did Richard Major to return his Coat. she desire's you will write by return of Post to say that you have the Money. My Mamma insists upon Dick Ryle not dineing in the Stone Parlour but to continue in the same situation as when there was an upper Cook, for he cannot bear the least raiseing. Dont fail to write by return of Post, as our stay here is very uncertain. I am Your oblige'd H Legh M=r=. Orford How-Lane

Lyme Tuesday M=r=. Orford I find you are going into Lancashire, & Faulkner does not Suit for the Place he was hire'd to, therefore if you would be so kind as to get M=r=.. Garton's Lad or if not him; to see for a good willing Cleaver Lad & send him up, I beg he may know something of his business that he may not have it to Learn when he come's, Let him be a Tallish Lad, as when they are Little ones they cannott dress a Horse as they ought to do. You will Greatly oblige H Legh M=r=.. Rich=d=: Orford at Haydocke Lodge near Warrington Lancashire [^Postmarked Stockport^]

Lyme Monday Evening M=r=. Orford, I have this day bought a Horse that is very likely to answer my purpose, therefore I shall be much obliged to you to tell your Brother he has no Need to inquire for a Horse for me. You will much oblige H.. Legh To M=r= Rich=d=: Orford at Lyme near Disley Cheshire By Chesterfield Bag [^Different hand^] P.Free Legh [^Upside down, in different hand, probably Orford's^] M=rs=. Legh about what Bills &c J had paid for her in the last year Rec~ed Jan=y= 31. 62 Ans~ Ian=y= D=o= —

Greek Street Rich=d=: Orford Ian: 28=th=. 1762 I rec=d=: the Spoon &c safe; pray acquaint the Person that sends the Magazine, to you for me, that I will have no more till I come into the Country again. Pray let me know how much Money I had of you this last year, including the Bills you pay'd for me at Manchester & Stockport I mean those that I gave you, to pay, on my account. Direct your Letter, to me; for w=ch= I have sent you a Frank I am yours &c M: Legh [^In different hand, probably Orford's^] Rec~ed Jan=y=. 31. 1762 Ans~. D=o=. with this Acc=t=. Rich=d=: Orford Feb: 13=th=. 1762 I've rec=d=: both your Letters. The spun Cotton you mention, pay for it, & place it to my account, as also the parcel of the same that you rec=d=: from M=rs= Allen for me, while I was at Haydock. Place also the 10 Guineas to the Infirmary, to me. Also pay for the Coals, & place it to me. Keep the Cotton till further orders. Molly Allen mention'd to me your proposal of putting the Grate that comes out of the Housekeepers Room, into Miss Legh's Bed-chamber [^across line break^], w=ch= I very much approve off. Send the enclos'd to Do=r=: Hall, by the Droister's Wife, & she will be admitted into the Hospital yours &c M: Legh

[^In different hand, probably Orford's^] M=rs=— Legh ab=t=. fixing Money to her acc=t=. J paid at Manchester &c. & Drystors Wife — Reced Feb=y= 16. 62 To M=r= Rich=d=: Orford at Lyme near Disley Cheshire By Chesterfield Bag [^Different hand^] P.Free Legh [^In different hand, probably Orford's^] My mistress ab=t=. m=(_rs_)= Turner Reced May 29. 62 Ans D=o= —

May 22=d=. Rich=d=: Orford I am truely sorry to hear S: Turner gains no ground; I wish I cou'd any ways contribute to her satisfaction; she may rest assur'd M=r= Legh will allways have the good of her Children in his view. Had she left London sooner, I think it wou'd have been of no service to her, for her Illness was coming upon her before she came up to London. I send her my best wishes for her recovery, & hope Do=r= Hall will find out something to be of service to her. I am yours &c M: Legh [^Different hand in pencil:^] Small Po{x} [^corrected^] To M=r= Rich=d=: Orford at Lyme near Disley Cheshire By Chesterfield Bag [^In different hand^] {*}Free Cholmondeley [^Alongside, in different hand, probably Orford's^] My M=rs=. Jnforming me of her coming to Lyme reced June 7. 62

Salthrop Rich=d= Orford Iune 2=d=. I propose being at Lyme the latter end of next week. One or 2 of the Serv=ts=: will set out on Monday by the Manchester Coach. Let the Cooks ^Room^ be got ready for I dont know whether he wont be one of them. Get in some Cheese for the Family, & I hope S: Turner is well enough to tell you what Things will be wanted from the Grocers &c. Send for some Servants Tea 1=ll= Bohea 1=ll= Green, from the same place (Mac%Aulay's) & the same price, as last year. yours &c M: Legh To M=r= Rich=d=: Orford [^In different hand, probably Orford's^] My [^rubbed out?^] Mistress w=th=. Key of her Buroe to %send her some Cloth. Rec~ed Nov=r=. 3. 62 Ans D=o= —

Rich=d= Orford I have sent you the Key of my Buroe again, out of which pray take ^out^ the Key of the Chest in my Bed Chamber, in which you will see a Bundle of Cloth ty'd up at each end with Packthread, send it me the next time the Cart comes. yours M: Legh Oct=r=: 30 [^Note in different hand omitted^] To M=r= Rich=d=: Orford [^in different hand^] at Lyme P~ Manchester Bag Burton Burton [^Accounts, possibly in Orford's hand, omitted^] [^In different hand, probably Orford's^] My M=rs=. ab=t=. a %Box from London reced Nov=r=. 6. 62 An=s=. — 11. —

I rec=d= your Letter & the Bundle, think it happy S: Turner is releas'd. I have a Watch to come from London w=ch= I was in hopes to have rec=d= to%day, it was [^corrected^] sent last Saturday by the Coach directed to Lyme, it shou'd have been at Disley on wensday, pray enquire for it & let me have it next week. I am Yours M: Legh Friday even: To M=r= Rich=d=: Orford Lyme [^In different hand, probably Orford's^] My M=rs=. ab=t=. a %Box to go to London and Tea rec~ed Nov=r=. 13. 62 Ans~. 18. 62

Rich=d=: Orford I have return'd the Box by the Cart, pray send it by the Manchester Coach on Monday or Tuesday, whichever day it sets out; & pay the carriage of it 2=s=, & place it to my account Pray send for 2=ll= of 8=s= Bohea & 2=ll= 10=s= Green Teas, from M=r= Mac-Aulay Manchester, & send it hither next week. yours M: Legh Friday even: To M=r= Rich=d=: Orford [^In different hand^] Swine [^In different hand, probably Orford's^] My M=rs=. ab=t=. a %Box and sending some Candles &c reced Nov=r=. 20. 62 An=s= — 25. 62

Rich=d=: Orford I've rec=d= the Tea, & have return'd you the Bill. I shall have the little Box or a Parcel from London again next week ^or to%morrow,^, pray send it by the Cart next Friday. I am Your's M: Legh Friday evening I have sent a Box of Candles, pray let them be put into the Back Still Room. To M=r= Rich=d=: Orford [^In different hand^] my m=rs=. ab=t=. Coals & pines to miss Hetty reced Dec=r=. 18. 62 Ans — 19. 62

I rec=d=: yours, I would have Coals given as usual, & let Nurse Shepley be one of them. Whatever Boxes come from London by the Coach directed to me, send them hither by the Cart. I am yours &c M: Legh Pray let me know whether Flodman has sent any Pines to Miss Hetty. Friday even: Since I wrote the above, I've rec=d=: the 2 Boxes. Rich=d=: Orford I rec=d=: yours, wou'd have you charge only my Boxes to me; all the rest to your Master. I am yours &c M: Legh Dec=r=: 26. Those Boxes that came by the Coach. directed to me, charge also to me. I expect a little Parcel by the Coach next Wensday.

[^In different hand, probably Orford's^] my mistress ab=t=. charging her Box's to London to her &c — rec~ed Dec=r=. 29. 62 Ans~. 30. 62 To M=r= Rich=d=: Orford or M=r= Newhouse

Orford I shall send Iem: Holford and Phebe to Lyme by next Mondays Coach, I will supply them with Money for the whole of their expences so that Iem: shall account with me for the Ballance when I come down. I have dismiss'd Phebe from her service, so pray pay her what is due of her Wages. I go next Tuesday to Sir B: Garrard's, so that if you should have occasion to write to me, enclose y=r= Letter in [^corrected^] a Cover directed to Sir Benet Garrard Bar=t=: M P at Lamer near Welwyn Hertfordshire. I will give you timely notice when I return to Lyme. I hope all is well there I am y=rs= &c M Legh Pray deliver the enclos'd. Iune 25=th=. 1767 To Peter Legh Esq=r= M P at Lyme near Disley Cheshire By Buxton

Orford I intend setting off from this Place to%morrow sennight, and shall lay at Bakewell on Tuesday night, so send the 4 Chaise horses & a Saddle horse for Harry early on wensday morning that I may be at home by Dinner at 3 o clock or soon after, Pray tell Patty that she may get the Rooms ready. Y=rs= &c M Legh Lamer Iuly 5=th=. 1767 To M=r= Rich=d=: Orford Lyme

Orford I desire you will shew the Bearer of this Letter, (M=rs= Hall who is to be the Housekeeper) into the Still Room, & send to Patty to go to her, and to take every proper care of her. M: Legh Iuly 13=th=. 1773 Orford As on my offering M=r= Legh by y=r= hands, some Cottage Leases to sign belonging to Broadhinton, last winter while we were at Haydock you told me he was doubtfull whether he had a power to do it, and after I went to London you wrote me word he would sign those but w=d=: not sign any more; so I have taken the liberty of making the best enquiry I cou'd of Phelps (who knows the Customs of that Manor better than any%one now living) how those Leases has hitherto been carry'd on; & if M=r= Legh will either be at the trouble of reading Phelps's Letter, or having it read to him, I hope he will be convincet that he has a Power, (as what he has done for upwards of 20 years past he may certainly continue to do) and of the necessity of putting that Power in execution if he will be kind enough to do it. I know well, how improper it is for me to multiply words! but as there are some Cottagers now who w=d=: be glad to fill up their Leases (exclusive of those 3 or 4 w=ch= it w=d=: be properest to let drop in [^corrected^]) so I cannot but petition M=r= Legh about it, and if he does not chuse to be at the trouble of signing them himself, that he will depute some other person for y=e= purpose I hope he will not refuse as he must be sensible that sh=d=: they fall in, how disadvantagious it w=d=: be to the Tenants in the occupying their Farms & consequently must in time hurt the Revertioners, w=ch= I mention before the inconvenience & hurt it will do to the present Possesor; the former being, I presume, thought of much the greatest consequence, & therefore most likely to have its weight. I am sorry to be so troublesome to M=r= Legh; but these Things must be attended to by some one person or other. The favor of

an answer as soon as convenient after M=r= Legh has perus'd these will much oblige Y=rs= &c M: Legh Pray return Phelps's Letter If M=r= Legh is desirous (or will be at the trouble) of having a List of the Number of the Cottage Leases & the value of them he shall have it. Bath Nov=r=: 15=th=. 1777 [^Draft of Orford's reply written on same paper^] Lyme 28 Nov. 1777 Hon=d= Madam Your favor of %the 15 Ins=t=. I took [^"the most" crossed out^] ^an oppertunity^ to communicate to my Master who gave for Answer he w=d=. sign no more Cottage Leases in Broadhinton, he say'd when he gave me that Answer before he gave no reason why he would not, but as he was again applied to he w=d=. give his reason which J might inform you, that in your Fathers life time, [^"he" crossed out^] ^Your Father^ say'd he never would lease any of %them again, and as his representative he did not think himself justified in Leasing them, tho it might be in his power to do it, and order'd me to give you that for Answer — [^Direction in different hand^] m=r=. Orford Lyme Buxton [^"D" crossed out^] Cheshire Free {R}. Atherton [^Postmarked Bristol^]

Orford As I presume our stay here must be for some length of time, I must desire you to remit me my Money as soon as possible. Direct y=r= outside Cover to M=r= Atherton as usual; M=rs= Gilberts, Clifton Hill, Bristol. Send them by London, & not by X Post. I am &c M: Legh Clifton Hill Aug=st=: 14=th=. 1779 We have the happiness of thinking that M=rs= Atherton will recieve benefit by these Waters. [^Direction in different hand^] M=r=: Orford Lyme Buxton Cheshire. Free {R}. Atherton. [^Postmarked Bristol^]

Orford I have rec=d=: a Letter from M=r= Drake whose answer is such, that the £1000 I mention'd, cannot be supply'd in the manner you seem'd to wish it should be. The best way I can think of, is to get M=r= Cook to acquaint M=r= Legh of the necessity of getting that Sum.. to pay off the Person who let us have it on M=r= Legh's Bond; otherwise he himself will write to M=r= Legh to call it in. I hope the Wheels for my Coach is getting forward, to be ready ag=st=: I return to Lyme for they will (_then_) absolutely be wanted. I must desire you will remit me the Money I lent you, as soon as you can, for I shall really want it. I am Y=rs=: &c M: Legh Clifton Hill Bristol Aug=st=: 19=th=. 1779 [^Direction in different hand^] m=r=: Orford Lyme Buxton Derbyshire. Free {R}. Atherton [^Postmarked Bristol^]

Clifton Hill Aug=st=: 24=th=. 1779 I rec=d=: your first Letter on Sunday last with three half Bank Notes enclos'd, also y=r= second Letter yesterday, with the other three D=o=: value £100 have therefore return'd y=r= Notes of hand, hope you will get them safe, of w=ch= I shall be glad to know; also the Event of my last Letter respecting the £1000. For it is not in our power to get it; I mean Mine & M=r= Iay's. I must repeat my desire of getting the Coach Wheels done against I come home. My Dear M=rs= Atherton is certainly on the mending hand, hope our journey hither will fully answer but it must be a work of time. I hope all is well at Lyme & in the neighbourhood I am Y=rs= &c M: Legh The Pattern of the Carpet is very satisfactory I am sorry to hear of the loss you & y=r= Family has had of y=r= poor Sister I propose coming to Lyme by the latter end of next week, so pray order the Chamber Maids to get our Rooms ^& Beds^ well air'd & ready. Pray take care of whatever Boxes or Letters &c come for us. I am &c M: Legh Oct. 20=th=. 1779 M=r= Orford Lyme Buxton Cheshire

Princes Str=t=. No: 8 Hanover Sq=re= May 3=d=. 1785 Orford M=rs= Keck having given me a Note of the China that is wanted at Lyme & Haydock, I must say I do not like to undertake buying it, unless I had Orders from the higher Powers; well knowing that what I do, cannot give the satisfaction of those that are more in favor, & whose performances are more approv'd. Therefore till I have directions thro' you, I shall desist meddling in the matter. I am Yr Oblig'd Mar: Legh Iune 25. 1785 Orford I have apply'd several times to M=r= Dagge for the Hampshire Fee Farm Rent but cannot get him to pay it. The reason he gives is this, There is a dispute subsisting between two Gentlemen, which ^of them^ is to appoint an Agent to pay the Money; therefore Henry Dagge thinks he is not authoriz'd for the purpose till that Dispute is determin'd. It has been in Contest about nine Months. As I understand the matter by M=r= Iohn Dagge (for I have not seen M=r= Henry his Brother) the Manor of Somerford belong'd to a S=r= Iohn Strachen, who made it over to another Gentleman (but M=r= In=o=: Dagge did

not tell me his Name) for services done; but not any Consideration mention'd{.} So the Dispute (I understand) lays between those two, which of them the Manor belongs to. Now Henry Dagge married S=r= In=o=: Strachens Widow, y=t= probably he is the ^other^ Gentleman. The Dispute lays before a M=r= Thompson, a Master in Chancery; so when he will be pleas'd to determine it, no-body knows. As this Money is not yet paid, What must I do with the Reciept M=r= Legh has sign'd w=ch= is dated last April? may the Date be alter'd? or must we be at the difficulty of getting M=r= Legh to sign another

whenever they think fit to pay it? I think M=r= Legh ought to be made acquainted with it{.} I shall like to have y=r= answer enclos'd in a Cover directed to Amb=se= Goddard Esq=r= M P Swindon Wilts:, Put M=rs= Legh Salthrop on y=r= Letter before you enclose it. I am &c M: Legh I shall stay at Salthrop a Month or 6 weeks. Tell Marsden there are 6 Boxes & three Trunks sent by Pickf=d=: to%day directed for me, desire him to take care of them & not let them be open'd. M=r= Rich=d=: Orford

Orford I cannot but acquaint you of the Cooks ill behaviour here for some time past, which I was wholly ignorant of till within this very little while; his Transactions of the day before he went has fully convincet me what turn he is of He is very drunken and willfully so, & when he is drunk he is riotous [^corrected^] & insolent, besides being very headstrong, therefore you ought to take care that he is witheld from Drink as much as possible, and pray tell him from me I shall not soon forget his behaviour last Monday night, and that he must remember I have told him from his Masters Athourity [^corrected^] that he must be under the Inspection of the Housekeeper, whoever she may be, that she must help to regulate the management of the Meat, and also in making his Bills of Fare; if his Pride will submit to these, he may probably continue to be the Cook at Lyme; but if not, he shall have my hearty wishes & endeavours to be remov'd. Pray shew him this Letter I am &c M: Legh To mr Rich orford At Lyme near Dissley Cheshire By Buxton P.Free Legh [^In different hand, probably Orford's^] My Master with a %Bond signd for M=r=. Gaskell & a %rec=t=. of mine & ordering a View of the Haydock Coal works by M=r= Fletcher, Hollywell melling &c reced Feb=y=. 2=d=. 68 Ans~ D={*}= —

orford I had your letter last night and made sufficiently unhappy at the Contents, I dont Expect my miseries to End but in death and I do bel{ie}ve y={e}= strength of my constitution will se{tt} a long day, By y=s= day Ive wrote to poor Peers who I know feels too deeply for a late Event to be very ready for Business however if youl sum~ons mr Ed{iniors} friend, and melling and mr Holliwell, to meete you and Peers at Haydock any fixed time perhaps from their united Sentiments we may come to a fuller resolution in our proceedings your perseverance in y=e= way you are in must necessarily be right be y=e= Event what it may. Enclosed you have y=e= Bond Executed and the Receipt for that 33.{4}. you advanced over the Bills you sent, and at the

bottom of the account you will ^see^ I advanced £415. to make it out 1037.9.0 I do my utmost Endeavours to keep up poor mrs Kecks Spirits but whilst I act the man sink beneath y=e= woman, my own health is well enough I am yr Obliged Friend P Legh Bridge Street 29 Jan 68 To mr Rich' orford At Lyme near Dissley Cheshire P.Free Legh [^Upside down in different hand, probably Orford's^] My Master ordering me to go to M=r=. Ashley ab=t=. seling Land to Dukes people & ab=t=. Waley Common Rec~ed Feb=y=. 16. 67 from Lyme Ans~ D=o= — [^In different hand^] 1768 Letters from Peter Legh Esq. to M=r= Orford Exa=d= — P.L:

orford I write y=s= to Lyme as I fancy it may stand a chance to find you at your Return. Lawyer Gilbert was at me yesterday to Endeavour to make an Agreement with me for my lands th{a}y shu'd cutt through in Groppenhall, I gave him for answer I fancy mr Barry must be spoke to on the like occasion and when we had conferd together I would give him an Answer, you see their present purpose is Separate bargains which we must Endeavour to preevent as far as possible, And when you have conferd with mr Ashley on mr Barrys Account suppose you was to agree on the same Valuers as before, In a day or Twos time I expect the law will determine how far Legh and C=o= are justified in their late proceedings, an account of wh{i}ch Il send you. we are all perfectly well I am yr Obl{i}gd Friend P Legh 11={*}= Feb={*}= 1768

As time now goes on fast and I expect y=e= parliament will be dissolved y=e= next month suppose you consult mr stafford on our Whaley Enclosure, and try if he can putt it on such a footing as to reach the Bounty for Dissley Chapell. but in ys be Expeditious as Scruples are never wanting. To m={r}= Rich={*}= orford At Haydock Lodge near Newton Lancashire By Warrington P.Free Legh

orford Last night I received your letter, and am glad to find youve had a consultation on y=e= Coal work in Haydock which Resolutions pursue. I don't recollect much of our Road but is as wide as the Act demands but where otherwise I would have it done to avoid complaints hereafter. I answerd your last to Lyme and which J hope is come to hand before ys. I dont remember in last settling, any Interest paid to mrs newton late miss macclesfield which shu'd be done. As Lord Archibald has declared, and is is now Canvassing the County much back must arise let me hear what you hear on y=e= occasion I fancy wogan is inflamed and tho scarce to Rival Preston yet bad enough. Harley Street are very well as is y=r= Obliged Friend P Legh 16 Feb={*}= 1768

[^In different hand, probably Orford's^] My Master ordering to follow consultation ab=t=. Coals & to advise him what is say'd ab=t=. Lord Arch%ibold [^across line break^] on his Canvas — and if Interest was p=d=. to m=rs=. Newton rec~ed Feb=y=. 19. 68 Ans~ — D=o= — To mr Rich Orford At Haydock Lodge near Warrington Lancashire P.Free Legh

Orford I received yours last night and as you say nought to y=e= contrary direct to Haydock. Whatever are the Resolutions of y=e= Com~ittee on our Coal Affair pursue it and Hitt or miss can't prove worse than is quite familiar to me, Ive tasted deeply on y=e= side of affliction, and I may say am almost a Stranger to y=e= Reverse. A very Principal satisfaction to me is to hear my Brother is well and y=e= utmost of my desires is to have matters carried on to his approbation whose welfare as Guardian to the Whole I preefer to my own. Walkers letter deserves an{im}aversions [^corrected^] and as far as is in our power spare him not. I make no doubt but mr stafford will be attentive to make an Example of serjeant,. I owe him much and shu'd be glad to pay him a little. Nancy is perfectly recoverd and the family at Harley Street well to a wonder.

Lord archibald Ive not yet heard from but have seen letters he has wrote to others, but as matters come to your knowledge on his Canvass let me know. we have an account here sr {H} Harpur will soon give up his Pretensions to Derbishire my own health (if material) was never better I am y=r= Obliged Friend P Legh Bridge Street 18={h}= Feb={*}= 1768

[^In different hand, probably Orford's^] My Master ordering to persue Consultation on the Coal Works and M=rs=. A Legh Got better and to write as Lord Archabold go on in his Canvass. And he heard S=r=. H Harpur w=d= give up for derbyshire — Rec~ed Feb=y=. 21. 68 Ans~ D=o= — To mr Rich orford At Lyme near macclesfield Dissley cheshire By Buxton P.Free Legh

orford I had yours last night wrote from Haydock and one this night wrote from Frodsham, This morn young Ashley came to me in order to talk over the Groppenhall Affair, we have made a resolution to make no Separate agreements w{i}ith his Grace, and there seems to be a contrariety of opinion how the matter was settled in westminster Hall its agreed the Lawyers on Each Side shud sett forth and Sign how far the Decree went but so far I understand that a fresh view and Valuation is directed to be taken and the conveniencis with the Jnconveniencies Stated to%gether when this is done it may be a full guidance to Us in Groppenhall I am perfectly well as is Harley Street before y=e= 20={*}= of March Parliament will be dissolved and then we shall all be in motion.

mr and mrs Keck will come to Lyme in Sum~er, and if Grain is with you at a tolerable price I woud venture at it. Li{veries} and Iavelin men at newton you will see are ready. we have a report here sr H Harpur will throw up and soon, and we think my neighbour Knight has little chance at Leicester mr Master and his family are perfectly well I am Yr Obligd Friend P Legh Bridge Street 20={*}= Feb 1768

[^In different hand, probably Orford's^] My Master saying m=r=. Ashley had been with him ab=t=. Lands for Dukes Canal in Groppenhall — that parliament w=d=. ride by 20 march, &c — Rec~ed Feb=y=. 23=d=. 68 Ans~ D=o= — To mr Rich' Orford At Haydock Lodge near Newton Lancashire By Warrington P.Free Legh

orford I had your letter last night and will soon see mrs newton and fix with her where her future interest shall be discharged. Except what I hear from Dr Hall I have had neither line or message from Lord Arch', but whatever you hear let me know in Each letter you write, If mr. Barry gains ground at wogan sr G loses as much at Lancaster, haveing by bringing in such a desperate Mob almost d{e}stroyd the Town, and numbers have left him and gone Over to L' I. Preston if possible is in a more unhappy s{c}ituation And I Expect such Outrages will com~itted there as not to be Equalld in a {X}ristian country. As to the D Agents saying={*}= they have gott what they wanted thus much I know, the law has gott the

whole and because no agent of {ours} or their can poss{a}tively say what was the Judges determin{a}tion its agree our Lawyers and {Th} Dukes Lawyers shud sign an Instrument setting forth how that matter Ended, but by what J understand a fresh View is directed Inconveniencies and Advantages to be considred and to be putt into y=e= value of y=e= land, without being made separate Articles, And if I conjecture right his Grace and his Agents are much Embarassd Im perfectly well and y=e= only thing to keep me so is the health and properity of Harley street, mrs Keck received the Pens and is thankfull for Them I am Your Obligd Frie{**} [^torn off^] P Legh 22 Feb 68

[^In different hand, probably Orford's^] My Master enquiring if I heard any%thing ab=t=. Lord Archibolds Canvas, & S=r=. Geo. loosing ground at Lancaster & ab=t=. Preston Election &c — Rec~ed Feb=y=. 26. 68 Ans~ — D={*}= — To mr Rich orford At Haydock Lodge near newton Lancashire By Warrington P.Free Legh

orford I had your letter ys day and have health and spirit sufficient to say J was never better, and that very highly increasd by the well being of Harley street. I make not a doubt of every%thing right being done at Haydock, and as that is done Am perfectly compos'd let what will happen. I will now tell you my Intentions as soon as I can learn when {y=e=} parliament will be dissolved I propose with mr Keck to steer for Haydock (_utterly_) unconnected with Lyme, some say y=e= 12={h}= of next month others y=e= 20={*}= but I fancy it will happen between those two times, but as you know y=e= ultimate youl know how to provide accordingly. however in Every letter you shall know as much as I know who am your Obliged Friend P Legh

I saw mr Downs to%day who confirms Serjeants proposal to him, which for y=e= sake of his good character he has utterly rejected.

[^In different hand, probably Orford's^] My Master saying he will come to Haydock &c. whe parliament rises, & sati^s^fied ab=t=. Coal &c. — Rec~ed Feb=y= 28 68 [^"Mar." crossed out^] I %believe To mr Rich orford At Haydock Lodge near warrington Lancashire P %Free Legh

orford Its now believed y={*}= Parliament will be dissolved y=e= 10={h}= of next month and if so mr Keck and I shall Steer for for Haydock without any respect to Lyme, by ys Post I have wrote to newhouse to send down y=e= Plate and all necessaries to Haydock by the Tenth of next month when I really believe the Parliament will be dissolved. Tho a complete Victory is gain'd on Each Side in re{g}uard to his Grace yet I believe Each side may find the Expence, And if one for his Grace and one for y=e= land owners and they Two to agree to another it wou'd serve ys purpose to disappoint y=e= law and in y=e= End be more advantage than a Contest, you know my Sentiments are peace and from which I will never Deviate. sr H Harpurs decline is preemature, And to be kept on to his Disgrace. Till I see you you you shall hear from me frequently and am your Obligd Friend P Legh 27={*}= Feb 68

[^In different hand, probably Orford's^] My Master saying that he believed Parliament w=d=. rise ab=t=. 10=th= March, & he had Wrote to Newhouse ab=t=. for plate Rec~ed March 1. 68 Ans D=o= — To mr Rich' Orford at Haydock Lodge near newton Lancashire By Warrington {P}.Free Legh

Orford I had your letter ys morning and have so many to write I must be as short as I can. L A I know bears little Respect in y=e= county, and shu{'}d be surprizd if the party you mentiond shud be putt up, but its too late for y=s= now. The parliament will undoubtedly be prorogue the 10=th= and dissolved the day following my sadle horses will sett out the sixth and reach Haydock the 10=th= mr Keck and I shall sett out y=e= Eighth and reach Haydock 11=th= By all means contract for y=e= wargrave Moss Estate in whatever way you Judge best. I know the Duke is aiming at separate contracts with y=e= land owners, I apprizd Ashley of it to prevent mr Barrys comeing in. By y={i}s= post I have wrote to mr newhouse with orders for my Coach and Horses to be at Haydock the tenth, mrs Murray and a Laundry Maid to come in y=e= Coach with y=e= Cook

y=e= yellow button you mention for y=e= Servants I approve I had a letter ys morn from mr stafford but not a word about the Knutsford meeting I saw mrs newton yesterday who says she never Employs her Agent to receive Jnterest money and desires to have it always remitted to Her, but suppose you send it to Birchill he'l pay it and send you mrs newtons Receipt. who lives in Ormond Street we are all perfectly well I am Yr Obligd Friend P Legh Bridge street 1 mar' 1768 PS. Boild Beef well salted is a favourite dish with m{r} Keck

[^In different hand, probably Orford's^] My Master informing me of his coming to Haydock and ordering to buy the Wargrave Moss estate, and ordering M=rs=. Newton Jnterest to be %p=d=. to her [^word crossed out^] Ormand Street — Rec~ed March 5. 68 Ans~. D=o= — To mr R' orford at Haydock Lodge near Warrington Lancashire By London P.Free Legh [^Postmarked Bath^] [^Upside down, in different hand, probably Orford's^] My Master saying his interest is given to L: Arch~. Hambleton but at his Expence and ordering his 3 y=r=. old Chesnut Colt to be cover'd — rec~ed Ap=l=. 16. 68 Ans~ D=o= —

orford I had yours ys morning And tho expensive the success attending it is some Recompense, you don't mention what numbers we Polld. I cant think of an opposit{ion} ariseing for L county but you do quite right in informeing our friends not to engage before they hear from Us but I fancy as y=e= Election was to begin on Tuesday last y=e= whole will be over before this reaches you my Engagement (if an opposition arises is to (L A Hamilton) but at his own Expence. Im much tired of Elections And most Cordially wish Them All Over. To hear you speak with Spirit on norburys well doing gives me Spirit, who am too happy here to be Ever dejected. As y=e= time draws near for covering our Mares remember to have the Three year Chesnutt Colt coverd by a Chesnutt horse or a very Black Bay and whatever mares you

have more Use your own Judgment. when You write always direct by London as it will come much sooner. Peers and All of Us are perfectly well I am Your Obliged Friend P Legh Bath 9={h}= Ap={l}= 1768 To mr R orford at Lyme near Dissley cheshire By manchester P.Free Legh [^Upside down, in different hand, probably Orford's^] My Mas=r= inclosing me 2 Rec=ts=. and saying he is glad of a Quiet Election in Lancashire Rec~ed Ap=l=. 27. 68 Ans~ ab=t=. then {&} J believe.

orford I had your Epistle and shu'd have answerd it as usuall had J not been called from home a day or two. The Two Bills you enclos'd came safe a receipt for which I've here enclos'd. The Answer you gave mr Tomkinson is very propper, and I do think the other affair shu'd be fixed before They begin to cutt again. Im glad to hear of a quite quiet Election at Lancaster, As I do think Jve not quite succeeded in the pains and Expences we undertooke in [^"Lanca" rubbed out^] Darbishire Enclosed I've sent You a List of Complainants in re{g}uard to ^a^ spott of land in R{ot} Lane Royden has Enclosed, by y=e= post I have answerd my Brother that the Jury shu'd view it and at y=e= next Court order it to be pulld down. we are all perfectly well I am Yr Obligd Friend P Legh Gay Street 16 Ap={l}= 1768 To mr Rich' orford at Haydock Lodge near Warrington Lancashire By London P %Free Legh [^Postmarked Bath^] [^Upside down, in different hand, probably Orford's^] My Master with Squire Makays Letter Inclosed complain=g= [^corrected^] ab=t=. Coal proposals, & that Young Crows sh=d=. not be Shot — Rec~ed Ap=l=. 29. 68 Ans~ D=o= —

orford The enclosd lette from Mr Makay I receved ys morning which is so long and so full of Invective I had neither patience to read it nor sufficient knowledge to understand it, And by ys post have answerd it to y={*}= Effect. The price Coals are now sold on Sankey has been sufficiently tried to convince Every coal proprietor they must {wer=t=.} to y=e= b{a}d. and to preevent yt its highly necessary we shu'd come into an Agreement to make y=e= Country pay a fair price, but whether its to be done by each of us being stinted to quantity or otherwise is quite im~{e}terial to me if y=e= owners agree to raise their Coal propperly. If Makay persists in obstructing our desi{g}ns we must find way to squeze him into terms; and sr Tho' and I ag{r}eeing youl bring it about. by last post I received a Letter from my Brother with a request for His Sons to shoot Rooks, the last year I told Iohn Iackson I wou'd not have

Them disturbed and by a post or two ago I wrote y=e= same account. I hope He{n} Richardson keeps all gates locked and permitts no carts to go throug the Fold. If for a fortnight you have had y=e= same dropping we{a}ther as we have had here for a fortnight your meadows at Haydock must laugh and sing. We are all perfectly well here and Peers has let out his cloaths J am Yr Oblig'd Friend P Legh Bath 25={*}= Ap={*}= 1768 To mr Rich' orford at Lyme near Dissley Cheshire By Manchester P %Free Legh [^Upside down in different hand, probably Orford's^] My Master approving of the Coal meeting; & Ab=t= Norbury works & his aprov=g=. of Young Hyde beating Serjeant & that he w=d=. go into London 9 may Rec~ed April 29. 68 Ans~ — D=o= —

orford I had your letter yesterday and highly approve the Coal meeting youve already had and tho unsuccessfull at first make no doubt of Makays comeing in when he has duely weighd matters. at norbury for last month we have been unsuccessfull unforseen accidents happening has retarded our business there, but Hen R{i}chardson gives me hopes they will be rep{**}r'd [^torn off^] in a fortninghts time when he thinks a clear profitt may be Expected. young Hide has drubd Sergeant till he cried enough, accordingly he has had Hyde before a justice, and has swore heartily to a lie, by y=s=. post Ive wrote to Hen R{i}chardson with assurances Il never leave Sergeant till he runs his Country. we are all perfectly well and as soon

as I have fixed where I shall lodge when I go to attend the opening of parliament I will let you know I propose to be in Town y=e= Ninth of may So till that time direct hither. my Brother will be down this month or early next, And I think was never better. In your next I hope to hear you have had gentle Rains a Weeke passt as we have had here and y=e= Spring particularly Corn is in flourishing condition. I am your Obliged Friend P Legh Gay Street 23 Ap=l= 1768 To M={r}= Rich' Orford at Lyme near Dissley Cheshire By Manchester P %Free Legh [^Upside down in different hand, probably Orford's^] My Master about his Coal %Works & consent to Raise them if M=r= Makay w=d= — rec~ed by M=r=. Peers — May 6. 68 Ans~ D=o= —

orford I had your letter ys day and am glad to hear you confirm y=e= good prospect We have at norbury And which Hen Richardson wrote Me to y=e= same Effect. And young Harry ^from^ haydock writes me word They have coal Two yards thick on y=e= other Side y=e= fault and better in its kind than he expected, so yt in time I hope we may renew onst more a land trade; The other work he writes is prosperous as he cou'd wish and if we can but bring mackay to consent to raise y=e= price all wou{'}d do well again, hes a whimsical man and not a little possitive, but when he finds the rest of proprietors determin'd perhaps he may listen to Reason. By the Ninth of May I shall be in London So direct for Me at mr Kecks {Jn} Harley Street Cavendish Square and tell Richardson and Mr Starkey And any more you see that write. I am Yr Obligd Friend P Legh PS we are All right hearty as Peers will tell you 30=th= Ap={*}= 1768 To M={r}= Rich' Orford At Haydock Lodge near Warrington Lancashire P.Free Legh

orford I had yours of y=e= 29=th= this day And am perfectly satisfied of the necssity of haveing a solid A%greement enterd into in writeing to be binding as %to quantity to All the proprietors, And why Mr Makay shu'd make y=e= lest difficulty as he is allowed so much a greater share is a mistery to me, But I fancy the utter hatred he has to M=rs= Clayton is one reason of his Objecting. Im glad to hear y=e= rain has wrought Haydock and make not y=e= lest doubt but Lyme has had its share. Cattell in ys country are much fallen in price not less than a third, So hope to hear we may find y=e= same benefit at Lyme and Haydock. I heard mr Starkie was laid up with the Gout, Cockermouth Fish and small Claret is a great friend to an irregular Gout. Your next direct to

me at mr Kecks in Harley Street where I shall be the Ninth. We are All perfectly well I am Yr Oblig'd Friend P Legh Bath {1=t=} may 1768

[^In different hand, probably Orford's^] My Master ab=t=. the Navigation Coal agreem=t=. &c. — Rec~ed May 6 68 Ans~ D=o=. — To mr Rich' orford at Lyme near Dissley Cheshire By Manchester P Free Legh [^Upside down in different hand, probably Orford's^] My Master saying he is glad to here of prospect at Norbury Works, & if in his Power hell prosecute Serjeant &c. and ordering his Horse to be accustom'd to Parks moor Rec~ed May 13. 68 Ans~ — 14. 68

orford I had your letter ys morning and am glad to hear you speake with spirit of our Norbury work, which to be sure has been very Expensive but I trust I'm hearty enough to see myself repaid but as The Irish say a Single misfortune never comes Alone for y=e= greatest is ever Attended with a Greater, Haydock works for yt. That Rascail Serjeant won't be satisfied till hes thrown into prison And if its practicable Il willingly subscribe to it. Tell Jos Grindley I would have him Use my chair Horse frequently and make Parks more Ride quite familiar to him, as I fancy mrs Keck won't be a little fond of yt Ride. on monday y=e= 9=th= I shall reach London, and remember to direct to me at mr Kecks Harley Street.

I'm surpriz'd to hear Cattell in Lancashire keep up to a high price, in ys country Ive convers'd with many and all agree Cattell are fallen a Third. we are All perfectly well I am Y=r= Oblig'd Friend P. Legh Bath 7={h}= may 1768 PS has my large Bay Mare foald To mr Rich' orford At Lyme near Dissley Cheshire By manchester P.Free Legh [^Upside down in different hand, probably Orford's^] My Masters two Letters saying he glad M=r= Peers got well to Haydock, thanking me ab=t=. Haydock %Colliery. & saying he w=d=. go to Bath &c. Rec~ed on my coming to Lyme May 25. 68 Ans D=o= —

orford I had your letter yesterday and am truely glad to hear my Brother reached Haydock cheerfull and well, your Anxiety and labours for y={e}= Haydock works I must Ever with gratitude remember and I think I can depend on mr makay to do nought unreasonable where Im concerned and whatever agreements you make on My Account I shall most readily assent to. As soon as possible I will see mr Wild and am glad to hear your Brother and Bradly have had spirited letters from Him. By Saturday Se'nnit I hope to return to Bath So direct your next to Gay street and I hope Early in Iune to see Lyme with mr Keck and his family but ^must^ have a remittance before I can remove

we are all perfectly well I am yr Oblig'd Friend P Legh London 12={*}= may 1768 To M=r= Rich' orford At Lyme near Dissley Cheshire By Buxton P.Free Legh

orford I had your letter y=s= day and not a little pleasd to see y=e= spirit its wrote in, disappointments have been so naturall to me all my life that in truth J am so habited as to expect nothing more, however its happy for me that I can bear whatever my lot is. Im well pleased to hear you are come to an agreement relative to y=e= price of coals, I was well inclind to think mr Makay wou'd operate with Us when he duely considred y=e= Affair. The Judgment you make about the four foot Mine is assuredly right for to open it might be attended with disagreeable circumstances, and it will be time enough to do it when we fail in other places. This is Tuesday to%morrow I return to Bath mr and mrs Keck follow me in a few dayes and are determind to spend y=e= sum{~}er with me at Lyme, They and y=e= child both w{e}ll.

As letters are so long in comeing to Bath I woud {w}illingly speak in time for I assuredly shall want a remittance before I can leave Bath. The enclosd I received ys post which intelligence com~unicate to Peter Geskill. J am quite hearty and well your Obligd Friend P Legh London 17={t}= May 1768 To M=r= R' Orford at Lyme near Dissley Cheshire By Buxton P.Free Legh

orford I am now gott to Bath and have left mr and mrs Keck for a weeke in London and as soon as They come to Us we shall come to some resolutions about our Removal to Lyme but you may depend on the Earliest notice, But I must have a Remittance before I can stir. We all perfectly well J am Yr Obliged Friend P Legh [^In different hand, probably Orford's^] Stockp=t=. Church %Seat for M=r=. Cooper — PS If at a propper time you cou'd contrive to gett the Bank mare coverd with the Wimslow Horse we shu'd have a chance for a good coach horse. Bath 21{=t=} may — 68

[^In different hand, probably Orford's^] My Master saying he was returned to Bath & when M=r=. & M=rs=. Keck got there he %w=d=— let me know when to expect them all from Bath — Rec~ed May 28. 68 Ans~ ab=t= that day To mr Rich' orford at Lyme near Dissley Cheshire By Buxton P %Free Legh [^Postmarked Bath^] [^Accounts in pencil omitted^]

orford I had yours of the 22 this morning and am well pleas'd to see you write with so much spirit on our Colliery affairs at Haydock, glad to see y=e= attempts you have already made towards the rise of Coals which undoubtedly is absolutely necessary. As to y=e= ware mackay woud erect it will require circumspection before I will give an Answer. at y=e= same time I wou'd not do him harme (if it wou'd not hurt my own Interest. I Expect mr and mrs Keck here to%morrow And as soon as They come shall fix ou{r} Rout for Cheshire but can't move till you sett me at liberty with a Remittance. we are all hearty and well I am Y=r= Oblig'd Friend P Legh Bath 28 may — 68

My Master saying he approves of Coal Affairs & w=d=. not give Consent for a %ware for M=r=. Mackay till he had consider'd Rec~ed June 3. 68 Ans~ 4. 68 To mr Rich' Orford At Lyme near Dissley Cheshire By London P %Free Legh [^Postmarked Bath^]

orford I had yours ys day and am well pleas'd to hear you are come to a (_present_) conclusive agreement on our navigation coal work as to y=e= (_price_), nor was I surpriz'd at Makays standing off at first, he loves his own conjectures and by ys time its (_high_) time he shu'd be convinced of sticking too long to his own conceits. on mr wrights throwing up my Seat in Stockport church you may assure mr Cooper he shall have it on y=e= same terms I enclose you a Villainous letter from S{a}rjeant, for y=e= openness of my heart I hope will never permitt me to Secret a letter so vilely levelld at y=e= inocent, sh{e}w it to H Richardson and let him use him with The contempt it deserves, I see plainly y=e= Rascails starveing and may it be so for me. my next will fix when we'l sett out and where I would have y=e= horses meet me,

but observe ys — Eight horses must be musterd up colour{s} quite im~aterial. I expect Nanny and I shall be a few dayes before mr Keck. But as Patty already knows what rooms are to be preepared, say as little as you can before you order y=e= horses to meet Us. We are all hearty and well I am Your Oblig'd Friend P Legh Bath 13 Iun={*}= 1768

[^In different hand, probably Orford's^] My Master approving of our Agreem=t=. ab=t=. Navigation Coal, Saying M=r=. Cooper sh=d=. have Seat in Stockport Church if M=r=. Wright w=d=. not and a Letter from Serjeant aspersing manag{e}rs of Norbury Coal{=(_y_)=} & he w=d=. work under the Terms they are done — Rec~ed June 6. 68 Ans~ D=o= — To mr Rich' Orford At Lyme near Dissley Cheshire By Buxton P %Free Legh [^Upside down, in different hand, probably Orford's^] My Master ordering the Chaise Horses to be at Newcustle 14 June 68 Rec~ed June 10. 68

orford I had your letter and glad to see it wrote in good spirit by Tuesday y=e= fourteenth we shall all be at newcastell so send our chaise horses to be there that Evening and I hope we shall reach Lyme y=e= next day in good time. your Obligd Friend P Legh Bath 4={h}= Iun={*}= 1768 To mr Rich' orford At Lyme near Dissley Cheshire By Buxton P.Free Legh [^Postmarked Bath^]

orford my letter to you by yesterdays Post fixed you to send my horses to Necastle Tuesday the fourteenth but have since alterd my mind and send them to newcastle wensday the Fifteenth where I shall overtake mr Keck and his family and all be at Lyme by Thursday Evening, so acquaint mrs murray and Patty that y={e}= childs nursery may be in readiness. we are all well J am Yr Obligd Friend P Legh Bath Sunday 5' Jun=e= — 68

My Master Countermanding his orders of his horses for Tuesday & saying they must be at Newcastle on Wednesday night 15 June 1768. Rec~ed June 11. 1768 orford In re{g}uard to Wiliam don't fail to secure yourself, and the only way to do it is to%morrow [^across line break^] morning to go down quietly, and take an attorney with you from Warrington. [^In different hand, probably Orford's^] Rec~ed this Aug=t=. 26. 1773. — To mr R' Orford at Haydock near Warrington Lancashire By Manchester P.Free Legh [^Postmarked Manchester^]

orford at our last meeting of the Posts of the Parish a complaint was made that The Steeple of the church was much craked and in a very Ruinous condition, accordingly we agreed to have it ^view'd^ and an Estimation of a thorough Repair to be made by different undertakers, I know no one so capable of makeing a right judgment on such matters as mr Rich' Melling who on your Return to Lyme bring with ^you^ and let him also bring with Him the Draft I gave him to make a Chapell Porch at Newton which he has shamefully never looked at yr Obliged Friend P Legh Lyme 6 Sep={t}= 1773 To mr R orford at mr Birchills in Oxford street London [^Postmarked Warrington^] [^Across in Orford's hand^] March 10. 75 P Legh Esq=r=. to me at M=r= Burchals in Town —

orford I had your letter ys morning and had a double pleasure in it as I clearly there is an [^corrected from "and"^] End of the Warrington Bill, Russell and the Dutchy is a finisher, for without Kingship the (_Lord_) won't touch. M=r= starkie also writes me word Lord stamford is strong in our Interest and ^will^ do what He can for Us. By Spakeman to%day I found Turner has wrote to the Lord and his Vassals{,} to signifie He had little hopes of success and I fancy He has wro{*...} [^torn off^] for fresh Instructions, and to kn{*...} [^torn off^] also what proposal he might ma{*...} [^torn off^] to quiet [^corrected^] the minds of the corsi{c*...} [^torn off^] but I shall write ys morning to M={*}= starkie and acquaint him We have had a metting rather a Congress

in ^which^ Nem Eon we Resolved to accept (_no_) Conciliatory Terms whatever. It gives me a pleasure the very thought of defeating a Bill which Turner had given the Lord and his Adherents the strongest assurance that his own (_Influence_) was sufficient to carry the Bill hollow. By the time ys rea{h}es you mr Topping will be in town with full power to act Vigorously. I did Expect nothing would be done in Re{g}uard to the newton Bounty before may, and shu'd be much obliged to mr Russell if on my Account he woud attend the Com~issioners whenever They s{i}tt to do Business informe Him also my S{i*t} on that head has been (_Three_) years and I was told by the pre{e}sent Bishop of Ely the child wou'd Assuredly

be of Age the next may. The Firrs from Val was mere C{u}riosity I'm in full stock and want no more Jm perfectly well and yr Obliged Friend P Legh Haydock Friday morn ps at the last congress held at Warrington I was desird to let you stay in Town till the Warrington Bill was determin'd one way or the Other to which I assented 10={t}= mar' 1775 To mr R orford at mr Birchals Oxford Street London [^Postmarked Warrington?^] [^Across, in Orford's hand^] March 12. 1775 Pet. Legh Esq=r=. to %me at M=r= Burchal's in Town —

orford By this mornings Post I received a letter from mr starkie acquainting me the Lords will not dispense with my Absence, and Im as well assur'd They shall not com~and my Preesence. So have by ys post Wrote to mr starkie to withdraw y=e= Bill and let there be a final End to any further signing or Sealing on that head. By last Post (if it was necessary) I desird you to stay the Event of the Warrington Bill, But as the matter above is finally ended and Topping in Town perhaps he'l answer all the purposes as well as you. I am perfectly well and Your Obligd Friend P Legh Haydock 12 mar 1775 To mr R Orford at mr Birchalls Jn Oxford street London [^Postmarked Warrington^] [^Across in Orford's hand^] March 17=th=. 1775 Peter Legh Esq=r=. to me at M=r= Burchals when in Town

orford I have been four dayes out and returnd but yesterday when I found your letter, The proposals of a compensation for Stalls is laughed at much and one and All are resolved to oppose Every article in the Bill, and its now declard by the Friends to the Bill yt the proposals are Turners alone quite unknown to {T}hem, they are separateing and I do believe will soon declare off, Turner will soon feel his b{o}asted strength is Insignificant, and may find time enough soon to return to a Town not so divided as when he left it. I will soon get the three Parsons and three Esqrs to sign the Jnstrument of view and Value, and do beleeve

Expedition money being Expected has that matter so long in suspence; Till Warrington and my Bill in the house are come to a crisis one way or the other I cant leave Haydock, but you shall know my resolves before I leave ys place. I am perfectly well and Y=r= Obligd Friend P Legh Haydock 17={t}= mar' 1775 Orford [^Across in Orford's hand^] March 20=th=. 1775 My Mas=rs=. Letter to me in Town

orford I had your letter ys morning and as the Lords will not dispence with my Absence I must come up but I have abundance to do before I can remove to Lyme, however by next Post I hope to send you up the Instrument signd by the Gentleman They have viewed and Valued and find the pur{c}hase will be beneficial to the chapell, And I dare say mr Russell who youl leave in com~ission will see the rest finishd as soon as the Com~issioners meet. as mr starkie thinks you can speake to some things which mr Toppin cant so propperly, your stay is absolutely necessary, and as soon as I can come up I will. Enclosd is mr Poles Bill which discharge before you leave town. I am Yr Ob Friend P Legh Haydock 20 mar' 75 [^In Orford's hand^] March 24. 1775 Peter Legh Esq=r=. to me when at M=r=. Burchal's in Town — R orford

orford I had your letter this morning and another from m=r= Gwillym giveing me an Account of our total defeating the Warrington ^Bill^{,} and which I do assure you makes Turner Mere Man, and will hereafter render Him capable of Fallibility, I dare say a Warrington Peal will be wrung at his approach, and J cou'd fancy Lion and Rogerson won't make Their publick Entry till its too dark to be seen. I have gott the Newton Paper executed, and also My Brothers testimony of his bad Health to be laid before the Lords, I shall ^go^ to Lyme to%morrow stay Sunday, and

on Monday sett my face towards the house of Lord and reach town by Wed'nesday or Thursday. Im perfectly well and Yr Obliged Friend P Legh Haydock 2{4}. mar' 1775 orford I reachd Bath in one day from London, and gott time enough to dinner half hour passt five, And found myself uncom~only Easy and happy on leaveing law and Lawyers behind me, Im now to my great comfort gott into {y=e=} Region of quiet, where Lawyers have no Plea Before ys reaches you I hope to hear you've discharg'd Bear the Cook who of late ha{s} [^corrected^] been very Idle and not quite sober, and much addicted to (_rideing out_). And I do think J have laid a Plan for future Proceedings that can't fail of success. when you are at Haydock let me know what number of horses we Employ at Haydock, and the Coalpitts, and do not forgett to settle the Gamekeepers wages who has really behaved well,

I woud also have the (_Red_) spaniel I had from mr Parker sent down to Haydock to be broke in ys Season to the Netts by the gamekeeper there. and let me know what Progress is made there in our tillage for if the weather has been as favourable there at it has been there they can't fail to be forward. Whatever Beans They Sow there be circumspect about the kind, don't so one Bean of our (_own_) kind, but purchase a fresh Sort, for ours tho a pretty Sort are dwindled much, and are near come to nothing. I never was better in my life in health and spirits and tho Jm a stranger %to the Waters the very Sight of ys place does me good I am y=r= oblig'd Friend P Legh Bath 4{'} Ap={*}= 1775

ps give the Gamekeeper a particular charge to keep (_Every_)%body out of the Parks, and (_Golborn Com~on_) both in (_pareing_) time and (_Covey Time_)

[^In different hand, probably Orford's^] N=o=. 1. Bath 4 Ap=l=. 75 Rec~ed 11 d=o=. Ans~ d=o=- Ab=t=. Beans to be changed at Haydock N=o=. of %Horses at d=o= — Game Keeper &c — orford I had your letter this day and am pleas'd to hear All matters at Lyme go on so well. and not much displeas'd at the Removals yt are to take place, Before I left Lyme I had left a com~ission to have Bear discharged when you came down, he has been an %Idle fellow of late and perhaps mrs Leghs (_maid_) will suffer most by his Removal, Im quite certain I shall be benefitted have^ing^ parted with a Black Guard Fellow, who thought himself at liberty to take my horses whenever he thought propp{er} and go where he inclin'd without being ameniable to any person whatever. I never was better in my life, and whats more Extraordinary I do believe I shall bring down mr Barker Restord to perfect health, which he has been an utter Stranger to for Twenty years passt. my opinion of Lancashire Husbandry is such that I incline to think

you'l not find All plowing and soweing over before you reach the place, hitherto they have losst the Eleven dayes which Lyme has taken the Advantage off. Whenever mr Worthington applies for the sum I pay for Winwick Schoole assure him its the last payment I will make for as he has so Shamefully dropped his School and for so many years in honour and conscience as a man he ought to give it up, especially as he is {s}o well Circumstance, and as he %has no thoughts of discharging the Hundred Pound his father in law left as a legacy to Newton chapell assure him Ive no intention to pay him one forthing more on the School account. As to the wages of the Gamekeeper at Haydock do with him as well as you can, he has hitherto behaved well and when You have agreed with him on the Account of Wages I will write down what I expect from Him.

Sister nancy is amazingly well considring how Ill she left Lancashire. I wrote to H Richardson a week ago. {a}nd Expect an answer soon. J am Yr Obligd Friend P Legh Bath 14={*}= Ap={*}= 1775 PS whatever letters you or Harry direct under Cover to mr Keck otherwise they charge all.

[^In different hand^] Non payment of the Masters Salary — Winwick School [^In different hand, probably Orford's^] P Legh Esq{=r=} — Bath 14=th= Ap=l= 75 Rec~ed Ap=l=. 22. 75 Ans~ d=o= found it on my coming to Haydock. Ab=t=. M=r=. Worthington of Winwick — orford I had your letter in due time and when you write to me Enclose to mr Keck otherwise y=e= post here putts on a double charge. I had a letter from mrs Leek this morning informing me of the time she proposes to sett out for Salthrop. at the same time complaining grievously of the under Butler and requesting he also may be discharg'd im~ediatly, He wants com~on sense, is very drunken, and not good Temper'd, she has also orderd the Cellar Keys to be given to {y=e=} Brewer but as poor Gates has Ever had Them let them be Return'd to Him, And write to I Richardson to discharge the under Butler im~ediatly who I do think myself has no qualifications for a Servant. youl now have time Enough to inquire out a propper person and mr Bayly of the George will assist you. Im glad Parker is gone he has long been a nuisance as well %as a bad Example in a Gentlemans house.

whenever you answer Enclose it to mr Keck in St Jamss place for the Postmaster here Ever charges the letters that are directed to Him here. double. The shoemaker going to the coal Pitts is letting his house late sellarss fall in oblige him directly to thatch it (_neatly_) and as we are thrashing wheat at Haydock (if he's poor) let him have wheat straw to do it. As you are at Haydock watch narrowly {W} Wickies Motions, or else we shall have the Key left under the door and y=e= Birds flown, and after playing so Masterly a Game I shu'd be glad of an opportunity of Returning the favour. We are all happy and well and I have not a doubt but I shall bring mr Barker perfectly well back again J am Yr Obliged Friend P Legh Bath 16={*}= Ap={*}= 1775

[^In different hand, probably Orford's^] P.L. Esq={*}=: Bath Ap=l=. 16. 75 Found at Haydock on my geting there Ap=l=. 22. 75 Ans~ d=o= — [^Direction in different hand^] m=r=. Orford Haydock n=r=. Warrington Fr{ee} Keck [^Postmarked Stockport^] [^In different hand, probably Orford's^] Peter Legh Esq=r=. Lyme Aug=t= 28. 1775 Rec~ed Sep=r=. {1}. 75 ab=t=. M=r=. Master being got into England —

orford The Eels you sent by the Boy came Exceeding good. and your saying {H} Richardson was become Sensible of his great neglect I own gave Me a Pleasure. The enclosd Epistle I received ys morn' from poor mr Master which methinks will give me a Pleasure to see him onst more at Lyme J am Yr Oblig'd P Legh Lyme 28={*}= Aug=t= 1775 To m=r= R' Orford Haydock [^Across in different hand, probably Orford's^] P. Legh Esq={r}=. Lyme 15 Oct=r= 1775 Rec~ed P~ Turtons 18 Oct=r= 75 Ans~ d~=o=.. P~ person with Colts —

Orford As Turton has finish'd all I want at preesent have sent Him off; you may send up the Two Colts of y={s}= year which are upon the Mares. also gett the back of the Grate mended by the Black Smith in the Right hand bed [^corrected^] chamber through the Tea Room. Order also Twist to lay down what Pebles he Collects in marleing in the Fold at Haydock Order what (_we_) collect also to be laid in the same Place. Enclos'd is the Key of the Billiard Table, lock it and bring the Key with You. J am Y=r= Oblig'd Friend P Legh [^Note in different hand, possibly Orford's^] White Lead Lyme sunday 1{5}={*}= Oc={*}= 1775 To mr R' Orford Haydock [^Across in different hand, probably Orford's^] Peter Legh Esq={r}=. Lyme Oct=r=. 19. 75 Rec~ed P~ Knowles's Lad —— 21. 75 Ans~ — 22 —

Orford I had yours this Evening and the Colts tho come by W{a}ter I do believe They are come safe. This afternoon has aff{e}rded more Rain than we have had ys year. Turton is but a slow Traveller Hes a good hand, and will do good worke when propperly noticed, he really has done well this sum~er, and I do believe His work will answer for ye{a}rs to come. I hope mr Masters Plan of merchandice may answer but shu'd he trust Himself to a (_mate_) instead of a (_c{a}ptain_) he may be food for an oyster before He Expects it. nought has happen{'}d here lately I am Yr Obligd Friend P Legh Lyme Thursday Eve{'} [^In different hand, probably Orford's^] 19 Oct. '75 [^Direction in different hand^] mr Orford Lyme n=r=. Dissley Cheshire Free Keck [^Postmarked Warrington^] [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

orford The enclosd came this morn' which discharge as soon as you can with convenience P Legh Haydock 2={*}= may 1778 [^Direction in different hand^] By Buxton m=r=. Orford Lyme n=r= Dissley Cheshire Fr{ee} Keck [^Postmarked Bristol^] [^Across in different hand, probably Orford's^] Bristol Iuly 28. 1778 Master's Letter

orford I reachd Bristol yesterday morning Just after mrs Keck had Breakfasted and to my great Comfort found My Dear mrs Ke{k} [^corrected?^] better much than I expected, I had a quick passage as Usuall and I think I never travelld a hundred and Sixty Three Miles with more Pleasure and to find the object of All my Wishes {s}o much better than I expected has made me the happiest the happiest man who before was the most miserable. Poor little Peers came a day before me, which I was ^glad^ to find as I^m^ sure it will contribute to the Dear little womans Recovery, poor Nanny Js actually better for Her Journey, tho she mett with Various Accidents on the Road Her own Limbs all safe, but Her chaise legs not one to stand on. desire Gates to be the Receivour Generall all my letters at send them under Cover directed

to mr Keck at mrs Gilbert{s} at clifton Hott Wells Bristol. order every matter directed to me to be putt into my bed Room, And don't think your%self [^across line boundary^] obliged to answer questions that may be asked (tho perhaps I may be mistaken in that Enquiry. Let me know also the result of your Com~ission wi^t^h sr George, and as you know I love to h{ea}r how harvest goes on (tho in the Whole not very An{x}ious about it) each Answer of yours give Us a touch. and if you recollect any Persons We have forgott to putt down for Venison order it to be kill'd. Im quite well and as ready for Another Flight. and am Yr Oblig'd Friend P Legh clifton 29' Iul={*}= 78 m=r=. Orford Lyme n=r=. Dissley Cheshire Fr{ee} Keck [^Postmarked Bristol^] [^Accounts in different hand omitted^] [^Across in different hand, probably Orford's^] My Master's Letter Bristol Aug=t=. 2. 1778

orford I received your letter this day, And am happy to tell you poor mrs Keck has received All the Benefitt from this Place we could wish or Desire, insomuch that we we propose to leave this Place and go to weymouth on the (_Ninth_) of ys Month, observe a letter is (_Seven_) dayes in comeing, direct to me under a Cover to mr Keck to be left at the Post Office at Weymouth (till called for) Im perfectly well and you may depend upon duely hearing from Me till I see you, and I hope (but not sure) to bring Bag and bagage with me. I am your oblig'd Friend P Legh Bristol 2 Aug={*}= 1778 orford The Post to this place is a (_Week_) in its Passage which occasions me to write more frequently than otherwise I wou{'}d. These Waters have done Wonders for poor mrs Keck who is gott as well as a Well as a well wisher woude desire Her. our intentions of setting for Weymouth on monday next stands good (and if Any o{u}t of Curiosity) enquire after Us know as (_little_) as you can. when mrs Keck has finis'd at Weymouth shel return to staughton and after settling all her matters there will come to Lyme and bring with Her your Play Fellow George.

In my last I desir'd what%ever Bills you send me to Weymouth let Them be Banks or Bills on the Banker, and which%ever [^across line break^] They are be carefull to take th{ei}r (_number_). At preesent I propose to come %to Lyme when mrs Keck setts out for staughton I %shall Expect in Your. next to hear All Hay is in, and from Haydock All mucking over. Jm perfectly well and Your Obliged Friend P Legh Bristol 4 aug' 1778

[^In different hand, probably Orford's^] Mas=r=. Bristol Aug=t=. 4. 1778 orford I had your Pakett this morning and am glad to hear nothing Materiall has happen'd since I left Lyme. the little inconvenience we we have sustain'd in bringing up the Materials of the Engine are quite Trifleing considring the great danger of the Work. The answer you have given to mr Taylor is perfectly right. We are all well here Except myself, who has catched a bad Cold by which me{a}ns J am very hoarse, but I thank God the Waters have done every%thing for my Dear mrs Keck

however on Monday we shall go to Weymouth for a little Sea Bathing which I hope {in} God will Effect in poor mrs Keck a stock of he{a}lth she has long been a stranger to. Letters are never less than Six dayes on the Road which m{a}kes a fortnight backwards and forwards {he}re such a Se{a}sonable Sum~er for all the Fruits of the Earth never came from Heaven, but you'l be surpriz{'}d to hear the Curl'd Potatoes have found Their Way to the West in ten times the quantity you have seen in cheshire or Lancashire. Tell poor Gates the fruit he sent to mrs Keck was

the finest that ever was seen here and a little must be added to my Care as well as his pakeing there was not a single thing Bruised. As our Meadows languish now for Horse Muck, we must (for ys year) bespeake Gates's generosity (who by the by is Ever good in that particular) and I do desire it may be im~ediatly laid on what{e}ver Meadow is cleard, it must be the stable meadow for that above the house has lately had a good Covering (uncless where the Potatoes have been gott %and We have as intended alterd the Nature of the {P}ress

give it a little Dung and it will never forgett it. you don't mention mrs Barber so conclude she's no Worse. J {a}m Yr Oblig'd Friend P Legh Bristol 5={t}= Aug{'} 1778 [^Across in different hand, probably Orford's^] My Master's Letter Bristol Aug={*}=. 5. 1778 [^Direction in different hand^] m=r=. Orford Lyme n=r=. Dissley Cheshire Fr{ee} Keck [^Postmarked Bristol^] [^Upside down in different hand, probably Orford's^] My Master's Letter Bristol Aug=t=. 9. 78

orford I had your Epistle ys day, and have it in my power to say fully I never see mrs Keck better. However to%morrow [^across line break^] We go to Weymouth where I trust poor mrs Kecks health will be confirm'd, the instant we reach there you shall hear from Me, my Own Cold (_and_) Hoarsness has left Me entirely. at Haydock and Lyme your Hay havest is as forward [^"and" changed to^] a{**} here, and Grimshaw writes me word Waterworths Meadow has ys year turn'd out 21 (_large_) Loads of Ex{c}ellent Hay, The last Year was but 12, 2 large Rick of Clove, and 3 large Ricks of Hay in the

Stack Yard, I now conclude J may never want Hay at Haydock again. our Pointon neighbo{*}ur is sure very Uncertain, however see him as soon as he arrives. as They go on with y=e= Engine order henry Richardson Every now and then to acquaint Me how They go on. J am Yr much Oblig'd Friend P Legh Bristol [^In different hand^] Aug=t=. 9=th= (_78_) [^Direction in different hand^] m=r=. Orford Lyme n=r=. Dissley Cheshire Fr{ee} Keck [^Postmarked Weymouth^] [^Upside down in different hand, probably Orford's^] My Mas=rs=. Letter Weymouth 17 Aug=t=. 1778

orford I had your letter in Regul{e}r Time, enclosed in it (_Five_) Bills or mr Birchill (20£ each) for which I have here enclos'd a Receipt. Amazeing is the Benefit poor mrs Keck has Received at this at this [^rubbed out?^] Place, But observe This I shall never again be So Alarmed at Reports. Im glad to hear of a quiet house and good Harvest, And don{t} forgett to Jssue out orders that will preeven{t} All Carts and Hors^{e}s^ comeing on the Gravell Walks in the Tu{rf} House meadow.

as You do mention poor mrs Barber I hope she still lives. From ys place mrs Keck returns to staughton sends Peers to his School appointment and then with young I{okey} George to the stag Hunt at Lyme. as soon as I can come at how long They Stay here that moment you shall know, Nanny and I shall come the nearest way home, and I do think We Both wish to be at home (if we durst say so) you've seen sr George before you Receive this I am Yr much Oblig'd Friend P Legh Weymouth 17={*}= Aug{~}t 1778 orford The enclosd I received this morning, the contents of which I know nought of, but a little enquiry will sett that matter streight. I can with great Truth say mrs Keck is perfectly restor'd and I do not care how soon I leave ys place but be assurd you shall hear from Me whenever this party come to determination. In a profound Calm youl be brought to hear Well, a circumstance I stand in need of Im quite well and Your Obliged Friend P Legh weymouth 20 Aug

Weymouth 20 Aug=t= 78 My Mast=rs=. Letter orford This morning I received your letter and made happy to tell you poor mrs Keick is in her health perfectly ^restord^ and the instant I can collect their Jntentions to leave ys place that moment you shall know. I have Enclos'd you a letter from young mr master full of doubts still I feel Grievously for Them as All craft from the West Indi{a}s are arrived safe at Bristol and Liverpoole and no Tideings of the old Gentleman; Tho in your Parts you have had such Inc{essa}nt

bad Weather We are here quite burned up nor have I seen a drop of Rain since We have been here I am, and all the rest perfectly well. If you could purchase A Hogshead of Sweet Herefordshire Cyder it wou'd please a Leicester youth not easy to be pleasd. you shall hear from me Every Week J am Yr Oblig'd Friend P Legh Weymouth 22 Aug={*}= 1778

[^In different hand, probably Orford's^] Weymouth 22 Aug=t=. 1778 My Masters Letter [^Direction in different hand^] By Buxton m=r=. Orford Lyme n=r=. Dissley Cheshire Fr{ee} Keck [^Postmarked Weymouth^] [^Upside down in different hand, probably Orford's^] Weymouth 24 Aug=t= 78 My Masters Letter

orford This ^day^ Im given to Understand that mrs Keck and C=o= propose to leave ys place on this day Fortning^ht^ and I (_have_) made a Resolution, that Inflam~at{o}ry letters out of Leicestershire shall never again disturbe my Mind, I found mrs Keck (_Well_) and she has actually been ever since as well as I ever rember Her, They go from hence to staughton before They sett out for Lyme, and (_I_) by the Grace of God for Lyme im~ed{i}atly, haveing taken in as much (_Travel_) as shall last me my life. I had a letter from young mr Gwillym giveing Me an Account of his Fathers Death, Observe

this pay no (_Payment_) on Old (_Gwillyms_) account till I see you. I am perfectly well but Griveously tired of my Voyage yr Oblig'd Friend P Legh Weymouth Monday 24={*}= aug={*}= 1778 orford This morning I received Two letters from you and glad I am to hear so good accounts of our husbandry at Lyme and Haydock. I am glad you have seen S=r= G Warren and I much approve the thought of turning the shop and House, into a %poorHouse, I wish S G cou'd as easily settle with the Stockport Charterers, for as the Sword is drawn the Lawyers will let Them blood. Im cursedly tired of this Place and to my Comfort have been told this day Sennight we shall leave this Place so you need write no more and I do assure you I shall think it long before I see You, but be assurd if ever I go from Home again

it shall be for a better Reason, mrs Kick is right hearty, and I dare say will follow us to Lyme perfectly so. Further Remittances I do not want, nor do I desire ever to %take so E{x}pensive journey again. We come by Bath and as we proceede you shall hear from Me. Im perfectly but not in as good humour as Ever I was in My life. and am yr much Oblige'd Friend P Legh Weymouth Saturday 29={*}= Aug={*}= 1778

Weymouth 29 Aug=t=: 78 Masters Letter [^Direction in different hand^] By London m=r=. Orford Lyme n=r=. Dissley Cheshire Fr{ee} Keck [^Postmarked Weymouth and Buxton^]

orford my Sick Guests are now come to a Resolution to leave y=s= (_amiable_) place on Sunday next and go to Bath that Evening where We shall stay that Night, and then God willing the next Morn' mrs Ann Legh and and myself will go off for Lyme with a Steadfast Resolution made by myself neither to be hereafter ever amused or terrified into a journey again, In truth I have had Experience sufficient to avoid it, but from hence forward I will not Sin against Myself in the same way. on Receipt of this order our Rooms to be gott ready

so far was wrote before I received your letter ys morning. we are now come to a certainty as to our Removal Nanny and I shall sett out from Bath on Tuesday and reach Leeke the day after, soon receipt of ys send My Coach Horses to be at Leeke on Wensday Evening Not a drop of Rain here yet and scarce appearance of Grass. 3={*}= Sep 1778

Weymouth Sep=r=. 3. 1778 My Master's Letter N.B. It did not come to Lyme till Sunday 13. Ins=t=— To M=r= R' orford At Lyme near Dissley cheshire By manchester [^Postmarked Warrington^]

orfor'd Enclos'd is mr Edens Bill for mrs Leghs Gout chair which send to adlington as soon as you receive it. Let me hear how the Sinkers go on at norbury, and be particular how sr George proceeds in His Cutt and Tunnell. Y=r= Oblig'd Friend P Legh Haydock Tuesday orford I had your letter by the Coverd Cart and am sorry to hear sr %G has qu{i}tted his ground at the day day of Battell, it will be a means to make the Republicans rise on Their Demands. {If} Dr Thomson is gone to chester to appear against a man who has stole the Horse he bought of mr T Legh when last here I think he deserves to be hanged Himself for a fool, for was I on the Iury I woud not find the Bill. we have had here Rain to%day, and no little Hail,, our cow yard is ready to Cover in and very farantly it looks. By a great Majority spakeman is chose Constable of new {ever} night damned fond of the office next morn' as full of Repentance. nought New since you left Us I am Y={r}= Obliged Friend P Legh Friday To R' Orford Haydock

Richard Since you left Lyme I have not receiv'd a single line from Any%One, The enclos'd from my Sister I received this morning which We must attend to, and I hope without Inconvenience By ys you'l have near f{i}inishd in Lancashire and can fix your return. I am Your Oblig'd Friend Lyme Monday, P Legh To M~=r=, Rich=d=, Orford — Lyme

Haydock 4 Jan={*}y= 1767 My L=d=, For fear you should not have Heard from Nick: Starkie, that we should be glad you would be at Handcocks on Wednessday Morning, and likewise M~=r= Barber — I dare say M~=r= Starkie has wrote, I hear you are for Derbyshire on Tuesday, if you Can put it of will do well am in haste Yours, and Barbers, Peers Legh To M~=r=, Orford —

M~=r= Orford Tuesday — I have just receivd yours, will take Care porter has yours this Evening I propose being amongst your Hills the beginning of next week am in haste your — Fr{ie}nd & Serv=t= — Peers Legh I am sorry to hear of poor Newhouse's misfortune my Brother writs me he has had the Misfor{tue}, to Cr{u}se his Foot, he is hopes will do well — m=r=.. Orford Lyme [^Postmarked Warrington^] [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

Iohn Radcl{e}iff has ^been^ at %me to give m=r=. Stuard a line about a little Field behind his house, which he wants to get into his hands as it lies so Convenient, it is now in the hands of my old Gardene^r^ who I hear will quitt his farm. if [^letter crossed out^] you Can assist Radcl{e}iff do, as he is always ready to do anything for me — you will see me in yr part of the world as soon as I hear the family are return'd — From yrs very respectfully Tho=s=- Legh Golbourne Parkes Aug=t= 29=th= 78 — M=r= Orford Lyme Stockport [^Postmarked Warrington^] newton april twelfth 1789 T: Legh

King Alfred Hope in this (_Providence_) has Bless'd you with Affuence, and that you can assist the poor and neendy, for ^a^ Southern Journey [^"{Journey}" crossed out^], I mean to set Sail in a %week or ten %days, the (_spirit_) will=(_g_)= but the (_flesh weak_), is my mott{a}, or I sh=(_d_)= have attend'd my duty in Parliament before this, Am yrs with true respect &c yrs (_T: Legh_) Mr. Orford (_Lyme_)

I rec=d=. the needful safe, you high bred Cattle must suffer thro' keep, instead of that strong Beer, drink (_small_) as I do, I was really fear%ful [^across line break^] I sh=d=. have had the Ague the other %day Am yrs with true respect &c (_T: Legh_) (_Sunday-Even=g=_) [^In different hand, probably Orford's^] 17 May 1789 Mr. R: Orford Lyme (_Stockport_) newton Septem=br=. thirtieth 1790 {T}: Legh [^Postmarked Warrington^]

P=r=. this day's post I have wrote to my Uncle for a Young Stag for Lord Derby, I have rec=d=- so many Civilities from him that ^it^ wou'd give me pleasure to oblige him, As soon as You have heard my Uncles ans{wer} will You give me a %line, Jackson say's it will be impos{s}ble for him to kill {ei}ght brace of Partridges p=r=. week, unless he must take root and branch for one Young bird he kills four old ones, this season was so very wet that they were destroy'd as last years, I was extremely ^sorry^ to hear of poor Barbers death at Stockport, the poor old Rev=d=. wou'd take it deeply to heart, my resp=ts=. to him yrs truely (_T: Legh_) M=r=. Orford Lyme Stockport Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

m=r=. Orford — Shall be much obliged to you, to do a little businss for me in yr neighbourhood — Which is receive Twenty four Guineas of Tho=s= Taylor he has used me exceedly ill, I've Wait'd for two months, and neither heard from him nor rec=d=. any horse, so was obliged to buy one of yr. Brother — you'll be pleased to be speedy in point of getting the money, as Gwillym informs me he has never paid him sixpence for the Horses he bought from him and is going to Arrest him immediately, so if we Come the day aft{^t^}er the fair. God knows when I shall be able to get it, let me hear from you — from yrs very

respectfully (_Tho=s=. Legh_) Golbourne Parkes Wednesday Even=g=. M=r=. Orford Lyme

Thankes to you for yr letter, I hope my poor old Aunt is happy, her suffer=(_g_)= in this world I trust will be a %good recommendation into the next — in the s{i}tuation she has been in of late, her life Cou'd scarce%ly [^across line break^] be wish'd for, I am truely sorry for my Cousin, who' I dare say is in great affliction, Please to make my duty &c — to my Uncle and Aunt — am very respectfully yrs— T: Legh Friday morn=g= — To m=r=. Orford at Lyme near Disley Cheshire

Wigan 19 Iune 1772. S=r=. m=r=.. Critchley's Conveyances of Edge Green Estate are now ready for Execution, only the place of Residence of m=r=. master is left a Blank, which I desire you will enable me to fill up, and [^"to" crossed out^] Inform me where m=r=. master will be pleased to attend to receive his money and Execute the Deeds — If he is in London my Brother may wait upon him there and J can send up Draughts thither, if he chooses them, rather ^than^ the Cash, to be paid into your hands — m=r=. Critchley Says there is a chief rent due to S=r=. Thomas Gerard; If so, J beg to know what it is and am S=r=. y=r= Hble Servant Holt %Leigh To m=r=. Richard Orford at Haydock Lodge

wigan 18 Iuly 1772. D=r=. Sir I am sorry I cannot spare my Clerk to meet you on monday; He is to go to ormskirk Sessions on that and the following Days to {Jnr}oll some Deeds which he %is a witness to and which must %be done at the Sessions but %he shall meet you on the Saturday following being this Day Sevenight at Darcy Lever (which lyes near Ballon and belongs to M=rs=. Ia=s=. Bradshaw and not to M=r=— Lever) J %am D=r=. S=r=. y=r= Hble Serv=t=. Holt %Leigh Liverpool 14=th=: Jan=y=: 1777 Sir I receiv'd your favor this morning, Inclosing three Bills on this place for £63..13{*} and your own drft for £36..4{*} the latter is plac'd to the C=r=: of M=r=: Leghs Acc{o}=t=: the Bill drawn by Mather on Mercer for £8— being due I sent it for payment and receiv'd for answer that it wou'd not be paid as yet the drawers being in Town I desir'd to know if they wou'd take it up, and the answer I got was, that they wou'd have nothing to say too it, I therefore thought it necessary to have it Protested wch I have got done & herewith return it to you, M=r=: Kent told my Clerk that he shou'd give me a Bill at two Months for the drfts on him when they became due if this is the sort of payment you expected, I am satisfy'd but it is not the usual way of discharging drafts, I shall be much oblig'd to you if you will let me know how

you wou'd have me act, and am S=r=: your very Hh~ble Serv=t=: Hugh Hindley Leigh To M=r=: Richard Orford at Lyme-hall Cheshire [^In different hand, probably Orford's^] M=r=. Ra %Leigh and his Sons 3 Letters w=th=. a Bill J %return'd by the Cart — recd Dec=r=. 9. 62 An=s=. D=o= —

M=r=: Rich=d=: Orford Golborne 6=th=: Dec=r=. 1762 S=r= I herein inclose you a London Bill Value Fifty pounds please to send your receipt for it by the man who comes with the next Cart to Haydock — I wou'd have sent Cash but it's not to be had here at this time without a large prem=m=: & very Little Cash is to be had even with that — perhaps {S=r=}. P: Leices=r=. may take y=e= Bill if not you'll possibly Get Cash for it at Stockp=t= or elsewhere where you may deal for Artickles for the family J am S=r=. for Father y=r=- Ob=t=. Serv=t=. Iames Leigh M=r=- Orford Manchester 4=th=: May 1770 D=r=: Sir If you can conveniently help me with the Cash you ment=d=:, please to order it to my Warehouse here, you may depend of haveing it again at Whatever time you fix & am Y=r=- most Ob=t=. Hble Serv=t=: James Leigh [^Accounts in different hand on other side of paper omitted^] To M=r=- Rich=d=: Orford at Lyme-Hall near Dissley Cheshire (Via Manchester) [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Golborne near Warrington 23=d= March 1771 D=r=. Sir As J expect every day to be call'd upon to advance our Share for building and finishing of the New flat, request you'll favour me with 40=£= upon y=t=: Acc=t=- which I imagine will be about y=e=: Whole of your part with what you gave me before — and if in about three Weeks you cou'd spare us one or Two hundred pounds for about Six Weeks or Two Months wou'd be serviceable to us & you may depend of haveing it again at y=e=: time — if you have not Bills, suppose you send me y=e= Cash to my Warehouse in Manchester — J am D=r=: S=r=: y=r=: real friend & Most Ob=t=. Hble Serv=t=: James Leigh To M=r=— Rich=d=- Orford at Lyme Hall near Disley Cheshire [^Postmarked Manchester^]

M=r=- Rich=d=: Orford Golborne 25=th=: April 1771 D=r=: S=r=: J am inform'd that Gilbert Heys of this Town is dead, Who was y=e=: only Life in a Cottage which he lived in — And one of his Sons requested me to write to you to desire you wou'd not let it ^or promise it^ till he had seen you, Which he purpos'd to do at Newton May fair I am S=r=: Very respectfully y=r=- Most Ob=t=: Hble Serv=t=: Iames Leigh To M=r=- Richard Orford at Lyme Hall near Disley Cheshire (P~ Manchester) [^Postmarked Warrington^]

M=r=— Rich=d=: Orford Golborne near Warrington 15=th=: Iune 1771 — D=r=— Sir As J remember, you observ'd the Money I borrow'd on my Note wou'd be wanted again y=e=: latter End of this Month — Therefore I request you'll advise me by return of post if Bills will be agreeable, with a proper allowance, if not, wether I must send you the Cash to your house or Lyme, or that you can ^fix^ a day for some friend of your's to call for it at my Warehouse in Manchester, & it shall be ready — if you cannot conveniently do that, will send a person over with it from Manchester, to the time you fix, as I wou'd not willingly disapoint so obligeing a friend — I wait your Answer & am D=r=- S=r=. Y=r=: Most Ob=t=. & Obliged Hble Serv=t=. — Iames Leigh To M=r=- Rich=d=- Orford at Lyme-Hall near Disley Cheshire [^Postmarked Manchester^] [^Notes in different hand omitted^]

M=r=- Orford Manchester 6=th=: Iuly 1771 D=r=- Sir J beg y=e=: Favour of you on receipt of this to give my Comp=ts=: to M=r=: Legh & desire him to direct & frank me a dozen or two of Covers, For Mes=rs=: Slack & White in London, I have not one frank by me therefore I beg you'll get 'em done & Sent here to my Warehouse as soon as possible, I sent a Letter with Bills yesterday Cost me 4=s=/8=d= for want of a Frank, therefore you see how usefull they are to us & must beg of you to be my friend for 2 dozen J am D=r=- S=r=- y=r=- Most Ob=t=: Hble Serv=t= — James Leigh To M=r=- Rich=d=- Orford at Newton Court [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

M=r=. Orford Golborne 30=th=: April 1772 Sir As J have perticular Business that cou'd not omit doing I must desire you'll excuse my not waiting on you this day agreeable to promise, I have inclos'd Joseph Unsworth's Letter, and as J cannot attend, shall be complying with whatever other of my principal Townsmen think necessary to be done in y=e= Affair — In regard to y=e=- old Widow, wou'd be a very hard Case to exact a rent from her When she is intitled from her Husband's Will to her Thirds of the Whole, and tho' a Lease I suppose is granted from M=r=: Legh without specifying that nothing therein contain'd shou'd prejudice the Interest of the Widow, yet in justice she sho'd not be depriv'd of her just due — Jf you don't get it settled this day Suppose you advise a Town's Meeting to be call'd & publish'd next Sunday for some night in that Week — I bel{ei}ve the Town in general are against him being admitted Tennant as they're a family which is not desireable, & they or their relations have put the Town to much Charge & trouble, & are recon'd indifferent Neighbours — Thomas Pimbley told me he had no Objection to accepting of the Bargain at the price Unsworth is to give, & J cou'd wish he had it, Suppose you ask him the Question — But Whoever is admitted I hope you'll take Care for y=e=- Widow her Life, & suffer no Admittance Without the purchaser assureing y=e=- Town from under his hand that she may enjoy the Cottage ^wherein She now lives^ peaceably and quietly rent free during her Life J am Y=r=. Most Ob=t=. Hble Serv=t= — Iames Leigh To M=r=- Rich=d=- Orford at Lyme Hall near Disley Cheshire (Via Manchester) [^Postmarked Warrington^]

M=r=- Orford Golborne 29=th=: May 1772 D=r=- S=r=: The Offices of Overseer of y=e=- poor & Constable this year Came upon the Tenement call'd Woodworth's in this Town, which is rented by Thomas Pimbley under M=r=: Legh, & who has this year and next unexspired of his Lease, and as there is a Tennant now upon the said Tenement who is old, & y=e=. Town cou'd not oblige to serve the said offices, Tho=s=. Pimbley was apply'd too to hire a person to serve or do it himself but he refus'd both — it appears to me he wants to Shuffle of these Two years, and then if you have another Tennant the Offices will fall upon him which wou'd be very ^w^rong as Tho=s=. Pimbley ought to take it in fair Neighbour Turn — upon his refuseing to serve or hireing one, J perswaded the Townsmen to hire one, & J Promis'd J wou'd acquaint you of Pimbley's Proceeding, & endeavour to prevail with you to bring him over to pay for serving it — if he wants a Fresh Take or a {L**se} of y=e=. Tenement, I request you will stand the Town's fr{ie}nd, & oblige him to {*...} [^torn off^] hired officer (which is Three pounds) before you treat with him or get him a Lease granted of y=e=. Farm, as it's very just and right that he sho'd pay it — if you don't agree with Pimbley again for this Farm, my Neighbour Iohn Orford desir'd J wou'd advise you that he is inclin'd to Lease it for Lives if can agree upon Terms, & requests he may have the preference next after the present Tennant Tho=s=— Pimbley — J hope these will find you & y=r=: family Enjoying good health as J at present do & am y=r=- Most ob=t=- Hble Serv=t= — Iames Leigh To M=r=- Rich=d=- Orford at Lyme Hall near Dissley Cheshire (Via Manchester) [^Postmarked Warrington^] [^Notes in different hands omitted^]

Golborne 28=th=- Iune 1772 D=r=. Sir As I don't know wether M=r=- Legh is at Lyme or some other place, I herewith trouble you with a Letter for him which desire you'll direct & forward him the very first post, as I have desired him to write to M=r=- Bagot one of y=e=. Coms=rs=—, for by a Letter I rec=d=. from M=r=. Russell last friday, J find y=e=- Coms=rs=- are not inclin'd to Shew my Bro=r=- y=e=- least favour. You'll please to excuse this trouble which will Very much oblige y=r=: Most Ob=t=- Hble Serv=t= — Iames Leigh To M=r=- Rich=d=- Orford at Lyme Hall near Dissley Cheshire (Via Manchester) [^Postmarked Warrington^]

M=r=- Orford Golborne near Warrington 20=th=: Aug=t=- 1772 D=r=- S=r=- J ask'd M=r=- Harry Richardson if he had seen any Covers that M=r=: Keck had frank'd for me, & he observ'd he had not, Which makes me suspect that his Servant did not give them him, as yesterday I found he had directed some for persons in Warrington — Now this is to request you to ask M=r=- Keck's Servant if he got them done or not, if not, I beg you will get me 2 doz=n=- directed as [^word crossed out^] undermention'd, & send them to my Warehouse in Manchester, & you'll Very much Oblige D=r=- S=r=- y=r=: Most Ob=t=- Hble Serv=t= — Iames Leigh 1 doz=n= — For Leigh's & Darwell Manchester — 1 doz=n= — For Slack & White London — To M=r=- Richard Orford at — Lyme Hall near Disley Cheshire (Via Manchester) [^Postmarked Warrington?^]

M=r=- Orford Golborne 24=th=- May 1774 — D=r=- S=r=- I and M=r=- Rigg have examin'd y=e=- Supervizors Acc=t=- to know if any Leys have been collected seperately for y=e=- New roads since the year 1770, & find there has not — for since then The repairs of the roads have been thrown together, therefore the inclos'd paper is right & Contains all the Leys paid on y=t=- Acc=t=- I am y=r=. Most Ob=t= — Hble Serv=t=- Iames Leigh M=r=. Rich=d=- Orford Lyme —

Golborne 25=th=- Sep=r=- 1777 Sir Last night J receiv'd your Letter, & agreeable to M=r=- Legh's desire J attended the Vestry Meeting this forenoon at S=t=- Hellen's Chapel — there was only Seven or Eight interested persons met M=r=- Case of Liverpool, who came there in behalf of M=rs=— Clayton — And the Objection advanc'd, for not haveing an Equal Assessment levied from the Owners of y=e=- Seats for repairs of y=e=. Chapel, was, y=t=- M=rs=. Clayton's Mother bequeath'd either the Jnterest of 100=£=, or 4=£= P~ Ann=m=. for [^corrected^] the repairs of the old Chapel, Since then y=e=- old Chapel has been taken down, & a New one Built with Money rais'd by Subscription & Sale of the Seats — M=r=- Case Produc'd an Acc=t=- of y=e=- Money rais'd by y=e=. aforesaid Means, & y=e=- Disbursements, wherein it appears M=rs=— Clayton is 136=£= odd out of pocket upon the Balance, & she expects she should not be call'd upon for y=e=. Jnterest of y=e=. 100=£=, or 4=£=- P~ Ann=m=- (wether it is) left by her Mother, so long as y=e=. Ball=ce=- of 136=£= odd is unpaid her — M=r=- Case insists upo{n} [^corrected^] it that y=e=- Statute of Mortmain frees her from her Mother's Bequest, tho' He says she is Willing to relinquish her Claim of y=e=- 136=£= odd in order to fullfill her Mother's Will — Upon M=r=. Case thus representing y=e=- Matter, it was concluded on that M=r=. Ellam of Sutton, & M=r=- Tho=s=- Gr{ee}nall of S=t=- Hellen's should call on M=rs=- Clayton next Week When M=r=- Case Engag'd they shou'd see that part of y=e=- Will which gives y=e=- ^Jnterest of^ 100=£= or 4=£= P~ year Aforesaid,

& y=e= date thereof, in order to satisfie them or any others upon Inquirey Wether the Statute of Mortmain did not disan{nu}ll such Claim from M=rs=- Clayton — If so, it's agreed by the few present that an Assessment be collected from Every Owner of Seats there to repair y=e=. said Chapel — The present Estimation of repairs necessarily Wanted is about 8=£=-0={s~}=-0=d= — & An Asessment of four Shillings for a double Seat, & Two Shillg=s=- for a single Seat, is computed to raise Above 10=£=-0={s~}=-0=d=, towards raising which M=r=- Legh's share Will be three Shillings for a Single Seat enjoy'd to Laffock, & half of a single Seat Enjoy'd to (formerly) Lamb{'s} in Haydock — Less then Fifty ^Shillings^ P~ Ann=m=- is Computed to keep y=e=- Chapel in repair for some years after — With y=e=- rest Present J agreed in behalf of M=r=- Legh, & M=r=- Haigh agreed in behalf of Miss Bold J am With due respects to M=r=- Legh & Family y=r=- Hble Serv=t= — James Leigh — P:S: M=r=- Legh is not farther interested in y=e=- Chapel but for y=e=- Single Seat to Laffock, & half of one to Lamb{'s} — P:S: J desired to see y=e=. Decree or Faculty for takeing down & rebuilding y=e=. Chapel, to see if no Provision was there made for repairs, But M=r=- Case had it not with him, & assured y=e=- Company there was no Provision made by it — To M=r=- Rich=d=- Orford Steward at Lyme Hall Cheshire [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

Manchester 27=th=- Oct=r=. 1778 — Dear Sir a Servant of M=r=- Keck's call'd at y=e=. Warehouse here this day & shew'd me a Thickset Waistcoat y=e=- Couler of his Livery's, & if you'll be pleas'd to give M=r=- Darwell a Line what Quantity M=r=. Keck Wants he will forward it to Lyme — & if you send an Order for M=r=. Legh's Livery's please to send a patt=n=., Also a patt=n=. of y=e=. W{eb} & Quantity wanted — & request you'll Prevail with M=r=- Keck to frank my Cover's & Send Em' here, & you'll Very much oblige D=r=. S=r=. y=r=- Most Ob=t=- Hble Serv=t= — Ja=s=. Leigh — To M=r=. Rich=d=- Orford at Newton Court

Golborne 21=st=. Oct=r=- 1779 — Dear Sir Last Tuesday we buried poor Bro=r=. Rich=d=-, who was taken from us rather suddenly, & on y=t=. Acc=t=-, request you to excuse my Attendance at Court — J have given directions to Samuel Pimbley to give Notice to y=e=- sundrey persons put down on your inclos'd Letter to meet you next Friday Morning by 9 a Clock at Edge Green to walk the Boundaries, Also J have sent to many of this Town's Men to wait upon you — Tho=s=. Billinge & James Gardner did not quite agree in their Sentiments to settle the Diffirence betwixt Dumbell & Houghton, But agreed to Chuse me Umpire (a Business J much dislike) accordingly J met them at Newton & Examin'd the Witnesses, Whose depositions you'll See upon a paper now inclos'd you, Also have inclos'd you the paper containing Billinge & Gardner opinions sign'd by them — J have you'll find under y=e=- Arbitration Articles made my Award & inclos'd it — & be pleas'd to Com~unicate the Contents to the Parties Jf it does suit your Convenience to let me have the other 50=£= this Week in Cash or Bills shall be oblig'd, as am poor, for really we never were so ill paid — J am with Comp=ts=. to M=r=. Cooke and all Enquireing friends D=r=. S=r=. y=r=. real Wellwisher & Hble Serv=t= — Ja=s=. Leigh P.S. J think M=r=. Legh shou'd pay his part for y=e=- Erection of the Wash, for his Landed Jnterest in y=e=. Leaseho{**} [^torn off^] Premisses — To M=r=. Rich=d=- Orford at — Lyme Hall — near Disley Cheshire (Via Manchester) [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Golborne near Warrington 20=th=. Oct=r=. 1782 Dear Sir M=r=. Darwell writes me yesterday that Newton Court is Tuesday the 29=th=. Ins=t=. — I shall go to Manchester on y=e=. day before & return that day, & J request you to make it Convenient to Come to my house on the Wednesday Morning to look over J. Worsley & J Wright Acc=ts= — & J will have them so Prepared ready as I expect we can determine the Matt{er} in dispute in 3 or 4 Hours — They are in Bonds till Xmas day, but I expect & hope the time now fix'd will suit you & y=t=- we can make an End — Pray send me a Line here adviseing if the day J have fix'd will Suit or not — & am D=r=. S=r=. y=r=- Most Hble Serv=t= — Iames Leigh — To M=r=. Rich=d=: Orford at Haydock-Lodge

Golborne 24=th=. Sep=r=- 1783 — Dear Sir I have sent you inclos'd Six Bills value 130=£=.2={s~}=.6=d=, in Lieu of one Bill of the same value Which you sent me on Monday last when J was gone to Manchester, & am y=r=- Ob=t=- Hble Serv=t=. — Iames Leigh — To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Steward at Lyme Hall

Golborne 25=th=. Dec=r=. 1783 — Dear Sir About Ten days ago Sister Rich=d=. & J met M=r=- Grimshaw at Newton to v{ie}w the repairs y=t=. will be wanted, When the Bearer John Ashton said you had promis'd him the Assembly room, & he propos'd to remove into it if you be pleas'd to make it habitable, & wou'd flit any- time into it when made ready — The one side of Barn is timber & if taken down & Wall'd up Timber {w*...} [^torn off^] be had out of it that wou'd pay all the Expence, {*...} [^torn off^] you don't chuse to do that, it might be Latt & ploister'd, the other side wall wou'd need but little repair, & He desires to have the Room twin'd with Brick (& no floor) y=t=. one part may be a house to live in, another Apartment for his Carding Engine & Spinning Ienny, & the other for his Bed Chamber — The Expence will be chiefly Brick & Lime, Workmanship not much — J shall be very much oblig'd if M=r=- Legh or you consents to make him these Alterations, for really the poor Fellow J think does not know where to go, & what to do if this is deny'd, & it will be a very great disapointment to Sister if he is not out before May y=t=. the repairs may be done [^Along side of paper^] for her, therefore I beg you to be his & her friend, & shall be happy to make a suitable return when oppertun{i}ty offers & am D=r=. Sir y=r=. most Hble Serv=t= — Iames Leigh — P.S. please to accept the Comp=ts=. of the Season to You & Your's To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Haydock-Lodge

Golborne 19=th=. Feb=y=. 1784 Dear Sir Last night J forgot to ask you if Iohn Ashton had waited upon you with a Letter from me respecting his Leaving the old George some Weeks before May, that the necessary repairs may be done before my Sister in Law Enters, otherwise she will be very greatly incommoded — M=r=. Grimshaw & J were with him at Newton a little time before Xmas, when he propos'd to us that he wou'd leave, When the Assembly room was made fit to live in, which He wishes M=r=- Legh wou'd do for him, There is Timber in one side of the room Wou'd more then pay for B{rick} & Work of that side, & the other wou'd Want little, & he wou'd wish to have the room twin'd one part to live in, another to lie in, & the other for his {*...}ding [^torn off^] Engine &c — J wish now you are over that you wou'd see Jn=o=. Ashton, & the Assembly room, y=t=. he may point out to you what he wants done, & then you to ask M=r=- Legh if he wou'd be pleas'd to do it, & if so, to order M=r=. Grimshaw to get it done next Month — J request you'll stand the Widow's friend in bringing this about, for J think Ashton cannot get any%where else to go into, & if this is not done, J doubt it will be ^a^ troublesome piece of business to get him out — I hope you got y=e=. Ac{c}=ts=. sign'd at y=r=. comeing to Lyme, which I forgot to ask you — & Bel{ie}ve me to be y=r=. sincere friend & most Ob=t=. Hble Serv=t= — — Iames Leigh — To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Haydock Lodge

Golborne 23=d= — Feb=y=. 1784 — Dear Sir J am favour'd with your's and Two parcells of Cash which had not time to look over, But don't doubt finding right — J return from Manchester tomorrow Night — Hope to see you here or at Manchester — Jn=o=. Ashton was with me the other day when he shew'd me Lawyer Peters Opinion respecting his Settlement, Which is in Newton, Jf he had liv'd in Wigan 40 days Whilst he had the property there he wou'd have belong'd to Wigan, But not resideing there it gives him no Settlement there — J beg you'll Endeavour to do what you can, as J verily bel{ie}ve no One will Lett him a House, & Consequently there is no other Chance for him y=t=. J can foresee but the Assembly ^room^ — He said if he had Timber & Brick allow'd he wou'd do it himself, But J doubt he is too poor for to do that — I am in Haste y=r=. Ob=t=. Hble Serv=t=. Ia=s=. Leigh — To M=r=. Rich=d=- Orford at Lyme Hall Cheshire [^Scribbles in different hand, probably Orford's, omitted^]

Golborne 25=th=. May 1785 Dear Sir I am favour'd with your's of the 23=d=. Jns=t=., & agreeable to y=r=. request have now sent you inclos'd Three drafts value One hundred pounds, Which please to Enter in Acc=t=. to my Credit, & debtor me with Seventy Eight pounds Six Shillings rec=d=. of Jn=o=. Grice the 29=th=. of Last Month — I am with Comp=ts=. to yourself & M=rs=. Orford my Wife joining, Y=r=. Sincere friend, & much oblig=d=. Hble Serv=t= — Iames Leigh — To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Haydock Lodge

Golborne 8=th=. Dec=r=. 1785 Dear Sir I am happy to inform you that on y=e=. 15=th=. Ult={o}=. M=r=. Chorley sent me M=r=. Hughes of S=t=. Ellens df=t=. for 201=£= — drawn for the Paris Mine Comp=y= on a good Banking house in London, & don't doubt it's being good, J sent it to my Bankers at Liverpool y=e= 22=d=. Ult={o}=-, & dare say it wou'd be sent up and Accepted — J hope you are clear of any other, & am with much respect y=r=. real friend & most Ob=t=. Hble Serv=t= — Iames Leigh — P.S. The Balance due to you J make thirty ^Seven^ pounds 13=s=/1=d= — Last Friday M=r=. Chorley sent me a Note request=g=- me to Lend him a Bill for 200=£= — But being poor J wrote him it was inconvenient, Had J been rich J shou'd certainly have made no Scruple of doing it — To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Lyme Hall near Disley Cheshire [^Postmarked Manchester^]

Manchester 2=d=. Iune 1788 — Dear Sir J receiv'd the One hundred Guineas you was so obligeing to send me, & I have rec=d=. 25=£=.2={s~}=.0=d= for M=rs=. Frith of her Tennant Jn=o=. Dickinson, which with 3=£=.18={s~}=.0=d= paid for Lord's rent & poor makes 29=£=.0={s~}=.0=d=, (_& the 27=£= paid you before is 56=£= —_) being y=e=. amount of his last year's rent, due Ladyday last, & 15=£= towards the Arrears he owes her — & have inclos'd you 4 bills value 130=£=.2={s~}=.0=d= for y=e=. abovesaid 105=£=, & 25=£=.2={s~}=.0=d= had from Dickinson — please to send me your's or M=rs=— Frith's receipt for y=e=. rent, & will much oblige D=r=. Sir Y=rs=. &c. Very respectfully — Iames Leigh To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Lyme Hall near Disley Cheshire (Via Manchester) [^Postmarked Warrington?^]

Lowton near Warrington 21=st=. Iuly 1788 — Dear Sir Yesterday Shaw Allanson was at our Chapel, when I told him that the Estate in Golborne where Cha=s=. Merrick lives was to Lett, and he wishes you to take it at a yearly rent for the Use of M=r=. Legh, & then you might put in a Suitable Tennant for the Coal Work, & fix the damages with him — He said he wou'd speak to you about it at Newton fair, & I Concider'd to give you a Line that you may think of it betwixt & then, & Let me know yourself (if I am at home) or by Shaw Allanson, if you Conclude to rent it or not, as a promiseing Tennant has apply'd for it, to whom J cannot say anything till J know your determination — I am very respectfully Y=r=. sincere friend, & most Ob=t=. Hble Serv=t= — Iames Leigh To M=r=. Richard Orford at Lyme Hall near Disley Cheshire (Via Manchester) [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Lowton near Warrington 29=th=. Ian=ry=. 1789 — Sir I have to inform you of the Death of M=r=. Alsopp our late Schoolmaster, who was Interr'd at this Chapel last Tuesday — There are severall Applications for the School, But nothing can be done without M=r=. Legh who is the Surviving Trustee, as I find by an old Lease he is the only Trustee left, the other Trustees which are dead you have at Foot of this Letter — Myself & other Jnhabitants of this Town request you to Consult M=r=. Legh, & advise me if I shall get a New Trust deed made, & inform me what Names he Chuses to be inserted for Trustees in said deed — you'll see by the Names in the old deed as at foot that they were all Landowners in Lowton — & I request you to Give my best respects to M=r=. Legh, & inform him, that myself & other Jnhabitants here request he will nominate for New Trustees some of our Town ^& Landowners thereof^ with his Nep=w=. T. Legh Esq=r=., as they are most likely to appoint a ^usefull^ Master to please the Inhabitants at large — please to Write me M=r=. Legh's Sentiments on this business as soon as possible to avoid delay, as no Schoolmaster can be appointed without M=r=. Legh, Who I have not a doubt but will do all he Can for the good of this Town & Neighbourhood — T.O

I am Sir, Wishing for your Early Answer, y=r=. most Ob=t=. Serv=t=. Iames Leigh — The Names of Late Trustees for Lowton School which signd the said old Lease — are as follows — P. Legh Esq=r= Rob=t=. Rowbottom Tho=s=. Lowe Jn=o=. Worsley Hen=ry=. Ingham Tho=s=. Tyror Jn=o=. Naylor Ja=s=. Lowe Jos=a=. Wilkinson Jn=o=. Allanson Will=m=. Hart all dead — Tho=s=. Garton Hugh H{irru}p Tho=s=. Guest John Peake John Ridiard as under are the Names of the other Trustees as appears by the old Lease as follows — Sir Tho=s=. Grey Egerton In=o=. Blackburne Esq=r=- Tho=s=. Blackburne Esq=r=. Cha=s=. Evelyn Frank Esq=r=. Iohn B{ur}t Edw=d=. Byrom Ralph Leigh Hen=y=. Worsley all dead Iames Green Jn=o=. Robinson Rich=d=. France Tho=s=. Evanson To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Haydock Lodge

Lowton 6=th=. Nov=r=. 1789 Dear Sir The Bearer Shaw Alanson is now with me, & requests me to inform you what I remember respecting his Agreement for Wages with my Father in Behalf of M=r=. Legh — & J do Assure you he was to have 14=s=/ a Week Wages, being What he made appear (he with an apprentice & Iourneyman) had the Benefit weekly of 14=s=/ at his Carpenter's Business in Leigh — and to better himself it was agreed to allow him a yearly rent of 4=£=.4={s}=.0=d= & his Coals, besides giveing him the privilidge of [^"{keeping}" crossed out^] letting his Cow go in the Coal pit Fields — Jf you'll refer to the Book{s} given in ^in^ my Father's Time you'll find what I say to be fact, & J wish you wou'd Con{c}ider to settle with him agreeably, as it's no Object to M=r=. Legh to fullfill the Agreement, ((_if none has been made since_)) Espesically with a deserving Servant that he has been — & am y=r{s}=. &c — Very respectfully James Leigh — To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Lyme Hall near Disley Cheshire (Via Manchester) [^Postmarked Warrington^] [^Note/accounts in different hands omitted^]

Dear Sir I was favour'd with your's of the 17=th=. Ins=t=. only on Saturday last, & agreeable to y=r=. request have sent you the Acc=ts=. annex'd — I am much better God be prais'd then I was when you last call'd upon me, & hope these will meet you & your Familey Enjoying the Greatest of Earthly blessings Health — & I hope M=r=. Legh is in as good Health as can be Expected, & I wish he may so Continue as long as Life is desireable & Comfortable to him — & am with best respects my Wife joining y=r=. Sincere friend & Ob=t=. Hble Serv=t= — Iames Leigh — Lowton near Warrington 23=d=. Nov=r=. 1789 — To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Lyme-Hall near Disley Cheshire (Via Manchester) [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Lowton near Warrington 12=th=. Iune 1790 Sir Our Ancestors Erected a Chapel & School in this Town, and Endow'd them, they [^corrected^] also purchas'd a House and premisses very convenient for a Clergyman, But built no house for a Schoolmaster to live in — therefore some of the Landowners in Lowton have agreed to Subscribe liberally for a House for the Schoolmaster, which is Computed to Cost from 120=£= to 130=£=, and Self & other Landowners request M=r=. Legh's Subscription to join us for this benevolent purpose — As it is the time for makeing Brick request you to favour me with a Line as soon as you Can with M=r=. Legh's Sentiments, who J hope Enjoys as good health as he cou'd wish, & that you Continue better — & am Very respectfully y=rs=. &c. Iames Leigh — To M=r=. Rich=d=- Orford at Lyme Hall near Disley Cheshire (Via Manchester) [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Lowton near Warrington 2=d=. Aug=t=. 1790 Dear Sir as I suppose you will Come to Newton Fair, please to bring me or M=r=. Barker the deed of the School Lands with you — & Expect you have by it & the old deed convinc'd M=r=. Legh how ^he^ is imposed on with Falsehood by some%Body, & who wou'd do this wou'd do more to gratify their Evil bad Mind — I hope M=r=. Legh still retains a better opinion of me then to bel{ie}ve I wou'd be guilty of so bad an Action — Please to inform me when you Come if M=r=. Legh will be so good as to order you to make us his Gratuity for the Erection of a House for the Schoolmaster of Lowton, for as he has been So kind to Golborne hope he will not refuse us — shou'd be happy to know his Sentiments soon, as We Cannot apply to our Rector, M=r=. Blackburn, & the Heirs of M=r=. Byrom &c, till we know what M=r=. Legh will do — J am now so well as to Wear my own Shoe tho' my Foot is Tender & not quite well, hope this Fit will be for my future better Health, & am Wishing you may Enjoy y=r=. Health, with Comp=ts=. to M=rs=. Orford — y=r=. respectfull Hble Serv=t= — Iames Leigh — To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Lyme Hall near Disley Cheshire (Via Manchester) [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Lowton near Warrington 14=th=. Oct=r=. 1790 Dear Sir I expect you will be at Newton Court soon, & I wish you to then inform me if M=r=. Legh will be a Subscriber to the Building of a House for the Schoolmaster at Lowton, or no, as we cannot apply to our Rector, M=r=. Blackburn, & other Gentlemen before we know what his Goodness will do — J cou'd wish to Exchange my Life for my Wife's Life in the Cottage call'd {Orme}'s in Lowton if M=r=. Legh pleases, & if so please to advise me the Terms, We are Very near of Equal Age — & am with respects to yourself & M=rs=. Orford, my Wife joining y=r=. sincere friend &c — Iames Leigh — M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Haydock

S=r=. I have no Engagement on wednesday next and will be in Warrington by eleven o' Clock at the Red Lion and am with Compliments to M=r=. Legh Y=r=. h~ble Serv~=t=. John Leigh Oughtr{in}gton 13 Nov=r=. 1772 — To M=r=. Richard Orford at Lyme Hall Cheshire

M=r=. Rich=d= Orford S=r=. Yours to Manchester Came duly to My Son, J Being at Haydock untill y=e= Weeks End, heard nothing of %it, after Which My Son James Wrote to you & Inclos'd you A London Bill for 50=L=, as Cash is Not to be had Without a Large premium, nor Even for that, Which you'l receive by y=r=. Carrier to%morrow — J this day paid Rob=t= potts in part of Wages 1=L=:1={s}=0=d=, Which you'l take C{a}re to Debter him with, as J took a receipt in y=r=. Name; J Am Respectfully y=r= &c Ra %Leigh Haydock 6 Dec=r= 176{1} M=r=. R=d= Orford Goleborn 10 June 1762 S=r=. Accord=g=. to y=r=. Reqest J'{v}e Apply'd to y=e= person at Warrington who uses to supply {em} with Hair Cloath who has not any of %y=e= Kind but will Imedia{t}ly make some & send it to Lyme — Our Sheep J Cannot recommend to you for Exceed=g=. fatt not Only so As we have no More then What will serve y=e= Family J think it not prudent to Break into y=e= pa{re}ll and us to have Strange one's who may Cause y=e= remainder to be uneasey — — off Which you May Aq{ua}int our Worthey Master and if it's ^his^ mind J sho'd send J will y=e= Best we have — J've sold 13 out of %y=e= pa{re}ll some time since so y={t}= We've no more then Will serve y=e= Family — you Mention me Send=g=. 40 or 50=L= — My Son is Abroad & Nephew at Manch=r=. Allso ^so^ y={t}= J Cannot Without a Special Messenger send Cash — but have sent you 2 Bills Value 31:11:0 Which you May get Cash for at [^Along side of paper^] Stockport J %wo'd have sent you More but these are what J had by me — J Am respectfully y=r=. &c Ra Leigh (pl{a}se to send a receipt for 'em by next post)

[^In different hand, probably Orford's^] M=r=. Ra. Leigh ab=t=. sheep & w=th=. 2 Bills one of which J return'd the other J kept Value 13.13. — Rec~ed June 14. 62 Ans~. D=o= — To M=r=. Orford at Peter Leigh Esq=r=.. Lime [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Warrington Octo~. 9=th=. 1777 M=r=. Orford I understand there is a Warehouse in New Street within Warrington, which was lately Occupied by Mess=rs=. Stott & Hadkinson, whose Term is now expired, & is still unlett which belongs to Peter Leigh Esq=r=. & as I am going to begin the Sail Cloth Manufact{a}ry [^corrected^] think the s=d=. Warehouse wou'd answer my Purpose provided you & I could agree for Rent & a Term of Years shou'd be glad to take it for five or seven Years, if it be agreeable for either of the s=d=. Terms, shall be glad of a line as soon as Possible letting me know the rent &c; if you want to know any%thing respecting my Character as becoming a Tenant M=r=. Iohn Iohnson Sail Cloth maker ^with whom I served my Apprenticeship^ or any other person in Warrington will Inform you Your letting me know as above as soon as Convenient will Oblige Your hble serv=t=. Tho=s=. Leigh P.S if you shou'd write direct for Tho=s=. Leigh at M=r=. Iohn Johnson's Sail Cloth maker Warrington M=r=. Orford Haddock [^Accounts probably in different hand omitted^]

Warrington Sept=r= 30=th=. 1783 M=r= Orford Sir Your esteem=d= favour I %rec=d=. in Answer, I have seen my Father respecting the Harriott, and he is very agreeable if you can {*...} [^torn off^] it with M=r= Legh for Five Guineas, my {Bro}ther Ioseph is turnd fourteen Years of Age, as I said when you was here, my Father only thought Thirteen Years of Age, so you may put his Age in the Lease as you think proper{.} I %am with much respect D=r=. Sir Your %very hble Serv=t= Will %Leigh Iun=r= To Mr: Rich=d=: Orford at Lyme Hall Cheshire [^Accounts and note in different hands omitted^]

M=r=: Rich=d=: Orford — Manches=r=: Iune 5, 1771 {*}o=r=: of Leigh''s & Darwell 12 y=d=: Superfine ½ Ell all Cotten Royall Cord — @ 3={s}= P y=d=: 1=£=:16={s}=:0=d= Sir Pursuant to your kind order, We have this day forwarded the above, to M=r=. Purcell, To be Left at y=e=. three Cranes in Leicester, Agreeable to your Directions, Which Wish Safe and in Due time to hand, Not Doubting Giving Entire Satisfaction, Being well Manufactu=d=: & Charg'd on the Very Lowest terms When you have any farther Demand, Please to give us a Line, as your future Orders, will be Very Acceptable to y=r=. mos=t=. ob=t=. & Oblig'd Hble Serv=ts=: Leigh's & Darwell [^Other hand than previous letter^] M=r=. Orford Sir Agreeable to y=r=. kind order as near as Possible cou'd come at this time have sent as above, Which hope will please, The Person we had it off will take it Back, if not approved of, And y=e=. farther Observ'd if more of Either of the p=ns=. is wanted they can have Imadiately — We are Sir Y=r=. Mo: Hble Serv=ts=. Leighs & Darwell [^Direction in different hand^] M=r=. Orford Lyme n=r=. Buxton Cheshire Fr{ee} Keck

Cov=t= Garden Iuly 24=th= 1775 Sir Your first Letter came to my Shop, while I was down in Dorsetshire — w=(_ch_)= on my arrival I enclosed to M=r= Tho=s=. Lee — according to y=r= desire so M=r= Tho=s= Lee is quite right [^corrected?^] in saying he did not receive y=(_rs_)= before the 17=th= Ins=(_t_)= As to the Lottery Ticket's — for the Year 1774 — I have but (_4_) Blanks — the N=(_rs_)= of w=(_ch_)= I copye'd for M=r= Lee — as he told you in his Letter. — Untill your Letter arrived this day, I did not know, that M=r= Legh had Six Ticket's in the Lottering 1774 — The Six Tickett's were in 1772 — so that I cannot give you any further intellig{ence} about them, I am S=r= y=(_r_)= Most Ob — humble Serv={*}= Tho=s= Lewis M=r= Orford Lyme, Dissley Cheshire (by (_Buxton_))

Cov=t= Garden 25=(_th_)= Iune 1785 M=r= Orford By y=(_rs_)= of the 21=(_st_)= just received am very sorry to hear, that my worthy friend M=r= Legh is much Disobliged about his News papers. But please just to give yourself time to reflect as neither you or any%one else gave me notice of his removal from Haydock to Lyme {—} and not being blessed with the Gift of Proph{e}sy [^corrected^] — they would have continued in the same channel; unless I hear'd to the contrary. for the future they will be sent to Lyme {—} until notice is given to S=(_r_)= y=r= Most Ob Serv=t= Tho=s= Lewis M=r=. Orford at Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

M=r=. Orford Warrington Sep=t= 24 (_1775_) Sir as, M=r=. Dainteth Distiller as been 3 Times about a Lot in some part of M=r=. Leigh Estate In %w=ch=. I could not give him no answer then such time I heard from M=r=. Leigh or you he waits your answer what he is going to do I dont know I hear he as got a Quantity of Slate & seems to be very hernest of seeing the Plan & noing the Conditions of the Lease I hope you have made use of those Wooden Theodolite & shew ^t{o}^ your Expectation M={*}=y compliment to M=r=. Gate & If you please you may give my Duty to M=r= Leigh & Let him know the necessity of this Letter From your very humble Servant {I}. Leyland M=r=. Orford at Peter Leigh Esq=r=. Lime. Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^] [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

M=r=. Orford, Warrington Feb=ry=.. 8=th= 1778 Sir This Day M=r=. Wolrage was at my House and he Desired me to inform you y=t= he Intends to take two Lotts Number'd 47. and 48. which Is Betty Kays house, and M=r=. Chorleys smithey, he Prop^o^ses to take y=m=. for 3 Lives and ninety nine Year's, and to pay a fine for 3 Lives and the Ground Rent after the Expiration of 3 Lives, you know what thay now [^corrected^] Let for P~ Year, and I Desi{r}e you will send me word upon the Lowest term y=t= M=r=. Leigh will Lease y=m= at by the Return of Post{,} and make the Lease Ready for my 3 Lotts N={*}= 41. 42 and 43 to sign against you Come Over and Leave Blanks for the 3 Lives and I will ^give^ you third Name and Age when I see you;

Please to give my Duty to M=r=. Leigh and tell him I should be glad to know as soon as he can{,} as M=r=. wolrige can afford to build very well and he whant to make a Bigg{in}ing From Sir Your most h=ble=. Servant at Command. Iames Leyland To M=r=. Orford at Lyme To be left at y=e= Red Lyon in Bullock Smithy Cheshire

June =th=4 Sir my mistress Desires you will write to Mr=s=- Jackson at Haydock for the yarn She Left with her to be sent to you {*}t [^seal^] Lyme, & begs you will Send it to M=r= {*...}ber [^seal^] and that he will forward it to his Son George for him to get whitin-d my mistr^ess^ will give further orders when she Comes to Lyme am with Complements to Mr=s=- Orford & all frends your most oblig{:}d Humb=le= Servant H Lieghton To M=r= Orford [^Across in different hand, possibly Orford's^] Esq=r=-R Lillyman ab=t=.M=r=. Mills &c rec~ed July 29 62

Brookhill 28 July 1762 Dear Sir J am fav=d=. with y=rs=. of the 20 Jnst={*}=. & yesterday as J went to Dine w=th=. Justice ffletcher %I calld upon old Bryan and {v}eiw'd the Lanes. I am apprehendsive that you have nothing to fear from m={*}= Mills, Either indi{c}ting the roads or makeing Carage ways, where he is not intitled to Use them, for if he Shou'd attempt either, I told Bryan that you wou'd order the Ten=ts=. to Lock up all the large Ga{t}es & Set Down Bridle Ga{t}es for Horses [^corrected^] only, and that you wou'd order him Discharge^d^ from Crossing the Lane w=th=. his Coat & if he persevere'd in useing it, or did any ill natured act to the Ten=ts=., or Estate that belong'd m={*}= master, he [^corrected^] must Expect the Same Treatm=t=. Peter Eaton had met with, whereas if he w=d=. behave neighbourly [^"it" crossed out^] ^{he}^ might be indulged with neighbourly usage from m={*}= Masters & his agent, I told the Iustice the Same in order that Mills might hear of it. If any%thing Shoud hap~en I will imediatly let you know, and I think it

adviseable for you to acquaint m={*}= Master, how it Stands, (viz={*}=) what mills threatens, and that if he Shou'd do any illnatured Act, that ^it^ wou'd be prudent, to put what I here write into Execution, I am Sory I had not the pleasure of Seeing you when last over, hope you{'}ll not miss me on your next Iourney hither, as to the Grey hound don=t=. give your%Self any farther trouble I Shall do without tolerably well and am {S=*=} your Sincere f{f}riend & Hble {S=t=-} R: Lillyman M=r=. Orford at Pet=r=. Legh's Esq=r=.

M=r=. Orford Sir By the Bearer M=r=. Leyland I have agreeable to your desire sent a %Ground Plan of %the Buildings which I %intend to erect under the Bongs, likewise m=r=. Wallworths Plan of %the whole of %the Premisses which I have under M=r=. Legh, by which both him & you will be able to Judge w~ere I intend to Build. I have suffed the Bottom part of %the Garden as it was all Wall Springey & I hope it will now stand very well. By M=r=. Wallworths Plan you'll be able to Judge how much of %the Ground is taken up in Gardens Roads &c which cannot be Built upon, I shou'd be glad M=r=. Legh will give me leave to have a little Sand from out of M=r=. Rob=t=. Pattens Field to raise the Bottom part of %the Garden [^"wi{th}" crossed out^] from Floods. After M=r=. Legh & M=r=. Leyland has had some talk upon the Subject I hope some Plan will be determined upon & that you'll be able to give me a %Line mentioning M=r=. Legh's proposals, for my part I wish for nothing but the fair thing to take place, but cou'd wish to be upon some certainty before I do begin, & as M=r=. Legh has always shewn himself a %worthy Friend to M=r=. Iar=d=. Leigh & Family, I hope he will e{ve}r find me deserving of %the continuance of %his favours. M=rs=. Leigh & my Wife Joyns in Duty to M=r=. Legh with Your most Obe. Serv={*}=. George Litton Warrington 28=th= Iuly 1775 — P.S I call=d=. at Thelwell & got M=r=. Pet=r=. Leigh to put down his Name & Age — I cou'd wish to have my Life exchanged when a %fresh Lease is made in Lieu of %M=r=. Ios. Leigh's & sh=d=. be glad to know what Sum m=r=. Legh will expect me to pay for doing it — M=r=. Orford at Pet=r=. Legh's Esq=r= Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Warrington^]

D=r=. Sir I receiv'd yours by m=r=. Leyland in answer to which, it is impossible for me to make any proposals, but I have seen m=r=. Leyland, who informed me that m=r=. Legh desired his Comp=s=. to me & desired him to tell me he thought I never wou'd be so unwise to relinquish up my full Lease & to enter upon a %Ground Rent immediately, that what he (m=r=. Legh) shou'd propose wou'd be for m=r=. Leyland your%Self & me to agree upon a %Ground Rent after the Expiration of %the Lives & that both he & M=r=. Tho=s=. Leigh sh=d=. give me a %Note from under their hands agreeing to such Terms, upon the Strength of %this as the Season is much advanced & every%thing spoiling I have set the Men at Work, I am D=r=. Sir — — — — — — — — — Your much obliged & most Obe. Serv={*}=. G. Litton Warrington 2 Aug={s}t=. 1775 M=r=. Orford Lyme near Disley [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Warrington 10=th= Iune 1785 — D=r=. Sir Yours of the 8=th= Ins=t=. is Just come to hand & agreeable thereto have sent by Spencer the Manchester Carrier a brown Frock & a Stable D={*}=., they will be in Manchester about Eleven oClock tomorrow Morning. M=rs=. Litton Joyns in respectfull Comp=s=. to you & M=rs=. Orford with D=r=. Sir . . . . Yours very respectfully Geo: Litton Warrington 27 Iune 1785 — D=r=. Sir I have this day receiv'd a Letter from I: Marsden to acquaint me at his Masters request that they have sheard their Sheep, you know the conversation that pass'd betwixt you & me upon the subject, you'll please to see M=r=. I. M. & drop me a Line by return of Post & I will act {a}ccordingly, for my part I do not wish to get one half penny by it. but I am afraid of offending [^"{him}" crossed out^] ^M=r=. Legh^ if I do not come over, [^"&" crossed out^] at the same time it will be very inconvenient to be from home at this time I am D=r=. Sir (Wife Joying in kind respects) Yours very respectfully G{:} Litton in great haste [^Direction in different hand^] M=r=: Rich=d=: Orford Lyme [^Postmarked Warrington^]

D=r=. Sir As the time of Year is coming on when m=r=. Legh will want his Liveries I wou'd be much oblig=d=. to my friend m=r=. Orford if he wou'd give orders to the Taylor to drop me a line mention=g=. the quantity of every Article he will be in wants of, Rib Joyns in respectfull Comp=s=. to you & yours with D=r=. Sir — Yours very Respectfully Geo: Litton Warrington 11=th= Feb=y=. 1789 M=r=. R=d=: Orford Lyme

Warrington 16 Sep=r=. 1789. D=r=. Sir Yours of y=e=. 14=th= In=t=. came duly to hand inclosing your Dft on I~n=o=. Hunt of Northwich value £49..10.{0}., which ^he^ certainly will now take up, the Life in Heye's lease that is now living he informs me is Betty Donba{v}and, Wife Joyins in respectfull Comp=s=. to you & yours with D=r=. Sir Yours very Respectfully Geo: Litton [^Notes in different hand omitted^] M=r=- Rich=d=. Orford Lym{*...} [^cut off^]

Warrington 7 Ian=y=. 1790 D=r=. Sir Yours of the 31=st= Ult=o=. I receiv'd with an order upon m=r=. matt=w=. Knowles for fourteen Pounds fourteen Shillings which is paid & I have placed it your C=r=. in m=r=. Legh's Acc=t=. I think Heyes's matter will not be settled before you are here, I understand a %Client of m=r=. Shuttleworths has the Old Lease in pledge for £14-0-0- the business will be better explain'd when I see you than by Letter, I believe Heyes has the money ready but I dont chose to receive it & part with the new Lease untill the Old one is surrendered, unless I have your orders. Inclos'd you'll receive m=r=. Leghs Acc={t}=. for the ^last^ three Years, I have not given Credit [^"upo" crossed out^] in any of e'm for what I have receiv'd as you said you wou'd settle e'm your own way{,} will you be so good as order the Taylor to send me an Acc=t=. of what will be wanted as I shall have many of %the Articles to write for; my Wife Joyns in respectfull Comp=s=. to you & m=rs=. Orford wishing you many happy returns of the Season with D=r=. Sir — Your Oblig=d=. & Obe, Serv=t= — Geo: Litton [^Direction in different hand^] M=r=: Rich=d=: Orford Lyme Paid [^Postmarked Warrington^]

D=r=. Sir I am given to understand that it has not been customary for M=r=. Legh to demand any Alienation Money, as such dont begin a %bad Custom with an old Friend tho~ in reality it was my fault in mentioning it, I hope I shall have the pleasure of %hearing that you found miss Orford much better & intirely out of danger, Dame Joyns in respectfull Comp=s=. with D=r=. Sir — Your very Oblig=d=. & Obe, Serv=t=. Geo: Litton Warrington 20 May 1790 [^Very brief letter from S Litton omitted^] To Peter Legh Esq=r=: M: P: at Lyme near Manchester [^Postmarked Blackburn^]

Blackb=n=: 1=st=: Octo=r=: 1771 To M=r=: Rich=d=: Orford at Lyme, Sir, Your Favour of the 28=th=: past came to Hand by this Day's Post, the Contents I duly observe. I have made some enquiry respecting Henry Richardson the Barber who was lately remov'd from this Town, from M=r=: In=o=: Yates who knew Him very well, as He was near Neighbour to Him when He kept the Black B{u}ll here; I shou'd be sorry to say any%thing severe of any Man, especially one in His Circumstances, but by what I can learn, I am afraid little can be said for His Conduct during His Residence here, He did not behave at all well in His Family and drank too much to be of Service either to Himself or to Them. M=r=: Yates tells Me He had some Business and was employ'd by some Persons in this Town who He believes wou'd have continu'd with Him, had not He left it, but those Persons are now engag'd and He is of opinion if He return'd He wou'd have little or no%thing to do; I understand this Town was at a good deal of expence in His removal and M=r=: Yates seems to think the Town wou'd object to His returning and will not consent to it if they can avoid it, even with a Certificate; This moment the Overseer is come to Me and I do not find from Him, that any objection will be made

to Henry Richardson's returning, if a Certificate be given with Him, and He thinks if a proper place be provided for Him to carry on His Business, His Customers will return to Him, from these circumstances I am apprehensive there is a greater probability of His obtaining a Livelihood to support His Family if He can be prevail'd upon to become Sober & Diligent, than in your Country. I beg my Humble Comp=ts=: to M=r=: Legh and if ^it^ be in my Power to render either Him or You any Service in this Neighbourhood, I beg I may be commanded. I remain most Respectfully, & with much Esteem, Sir, Your most Ob=t=: and most Humble Servant Thomas Livesey To m=r= Rich orford at How Lane near Stockport to be Left at m=r= Hancocks in Disley with care Cheshire [^Postmarked Bakewell^]

S=r= Jn complyance to your letter J have Sent the sheep to Stouton grange in Leicestershire to Esq=r= Kecks and the man return'd on Sunday the 2=d= instant and got there with the sheep all Safe but J have sent three ewes & a tup with variety of colours and horns So that we believe they will give Satisfaction the Gentleman & Lady was not at home when the man came away So that J expect they are at Lyme m=r= Barker was So kind as to let me chuse them out of the whole flock J gave the driver one guiney to bear his expences S=r= J have inclos'd the letter in mine ^wich the person sent to me back^ So you will see the contents the three ewes one has four horns and another has three an the third has none but i{s} [^corrected^] Spotted all over and the tup has four hor{*...} [^torn off^] nd they are ^of^ variety of colours we Shall Settle the prise when J See you at Fairfield S=r= J am with respects your Humble Servant and Friend Thos Longsdon Little Longston Agust y=e= 4=th= 1772 To M=r= Rich=d=: Orford at Lyme Cheshire

Eyam Ian=(_ry_)= 28={*}=: 1778 Dear Sir I am favour'd with your's of the 23=d= Ins=t=:, r{e}specting M=r=: Iames Wagstaff's shares of %mines about %Eyam, which have turn'd out very well the %last year; as you may observe by the inclos'd Acc=t= of particulars; I hope they will continue to be profitable for some time, {'}tho not [^corrected^] likeley to be so much as the last year. M=r= Wagstaff & his Wife came here last week, & press'd me much to pay them the profits, said they had a right to receive [^corrected^] them, & that the Trustees had no buisiness with the profits of %the mines; I told them I had rec~ed a %letter from you, desiring me not to pay %them,

to any person but yourself, they were so very pressing that I paid them four Guineas on %Acc=t=:, & have reserv'd the remainder, to %be paid to you, or any person properly authori{s}d to receive it; & will take an opportunity of calling on %you the next time I come into Cheshire, when it may be proper to see the Deed of Trust, if you have no objection, as they have said so much about it. I am Dear Sir y~r very h~ble Serv=t=: W: Longsdon M=r=: Orford

Disley Feb=(_ry_)= 25={*}= 1778 Dear Sir I am now on my way to Manchester, & purpose coming back on Friday Afternoon or Saturday morning, & shou'd be glad to meet you here, or %at %your %own house, in my return, to settle m=r=: Iames Wagstaff's mineral Acc=t=:, which I %wrote to you about some little time ago. if buisiness shou'd call you to manchester in the mean time, may find me at the Spread Eagle in Hanging Ditch. — I am D=r=: Sir y~r very h~ble Serv=t=: W: Longsdon To M=r=: Richard Orford at Lime-Hall near Disley Cheshire [^Postmarked Tideswell^]

Eyam March 2=d=: 1778 — Dear Sir The badness of the day, prevented me from seeing you on my return from manchester; I had intended sending up to you at Lime, but it being so very tempestuous, made me desirous of getting forward as soon as possible. I shou'd have been glad to have seen the Deed of Trust, from M=r=: Iames Wagstaff to you, but as I had not an opportunity, shall rely upon your word, knowing you to be a Gentleman of Credit & Veracity; & have accordingly sent you inclos'd two London Bills Value Thirty Eight Pounds 11=s=/6=d=, for the ballance of the min=l= Acc=t=: to Sept=r=: last. due

to M=r= Iames Wagstaff, for which be so good to send a Receit. p=r= post. — I %am Sir — Your very h~ble Serv=t=: W: Longsdon My own draft upon Mess={s}= Dunna{g}e for £21..11..6 {*}=d= middleton upon Hollidays & C=o= for 17..0..0 £38..11..6 To M=r=: Orford at Lime Hall near Dissley

Eyam Iuly 30=th=: 1779 — Sir The Lead buisiness being at %present very dull, the Price of Ore low, & money scarce, hath occasion'd a delay in the payment of %some of the mineral Reckonings, & several Partners are of opinion that some of %the works shou'd be stop't for the present, untill times are better — for the taking these ^& other^ matters into consideration, a meeting is appointed at %the Bull's Head in Eyam on Wednesday next the 4={*}= of August, where if it %is not convenient for you to attend, please to favour me with a line, to say if I must act for the Shares you have in trust as usual —

sometime ago, you desir'd I %wou'd inquire if any person wou'd wish to purchase M=r= Wagstaff's shares of %the Mines, I have made some inquiry, b{u}t at %present, have not met with any, .. it %is not just now a good time to sell, Money being scarse & the times bad, if ^the^ New Vein at Ladywash called Oxley's Vein turns out %w{***} [^seal^] (which is now on trial) it will enhance the Value considerably. — I %am %Sir yr very h~ble Serv=t=: W. Longsdon M=r=: Richard Orford Lyme Hall Chesshire [^Postmarked Tideswell^]

Eyam Nov=r=: 1=st=: 1783 Dear %Sir I am just favour'd with your's of %the 28={*}= Oct=r=:, & delayed sending you the ballance of M=r=: Wagstaff's mineral Acc=t=: till I came up into your part of the Country, which I had intended doing some time ago, but have been prevented by unavoidable Engagements & shall be sorry if any inconvenience hath attended the delay. — However, agreable to your request, I now send you 2 London Bills Value together Twenty nine Pounds 1=s=/9=d= being the %ballance of M=r= Wagstaff's mineral Acc={*}=: ^for 1782^ as sent you in Aug=t= last. We have had the misfortune to lose M=r= W=m= M{etta}m the %late Overseer at Little Pasture, & suppose shall choose another soon — that mine continues very good, & hope will get a good deal of %profit, the others are but indiffere{nt} I %beg %my Comp={t}s= to M=r= Wagstaff & am D=r= Sir yr m={t}= obd hble Serv={*}= W=m=: Longsdon M=r=: Orford at Lyme Hall near Dissley [^Postmarked Bakewell?^]

Eyam Ian=ry= 30={*}=: 1788 — M=r=: Orford Dear Sir I delay'd giving an answer to your favour of the 16={*}=: of Dec=r=: — in hopes that I might have been able at the same time to have sent you the mineral Acc={*}= for the last year. but some of the Reckonings not being quite ready will oblige me to postpone the Acc={*}= for a %few weeks longer — The Persons that M=r=: White recomended to %value M=r= Wagstaff's shares of %Mines are I believe very proper Judges of %their Value. & if agreable to you, woud have no objection to buy them at their valuation, which shall be obliged to you to inform me of —. I am Dear Sir very %respectfully Your obd={*}= h~ble Serv={*}=: W=m=: Longsdon For Peter Legh Esq=r= memb=r= of Parlm=t= att Lyme in Cheshire [^Postmarked Derby^]

M=r= Orford Derby feb=y= 4: 1771 S=r= I Rec=d= yours with three bills for fifty Pounds for which I have returnd your Note which will make the Account right I was glad to hear of you being detained att home upon so good An account and hartley wish you & m=rs= Orford Luck in a Son hope your good family is all well am S=r= with respects yr Hum=ble= Ser=t= Tho Lowe ps please to lett m=r= Hancock no I Answerd his Letter butt heard no more of him To M=r= Orford att Lyme with 7 {L}d=s= of malt & a bag Clover 50 pd [^Accounts omitted^]

M=r= Orford Derby march 11: 71 S=r= I Rec=d= yours Letters and Sacks to%gather [^corrected^] I will to%morrow waite on m=r= Pickerin and will return the recipt I have Sent you fifty pound of duck Clover our farmers sow so much with other Seeds on 5 Acres am S=r= y=r= Hum=ble= Ser=t= Tho=s=.. Lowe To Peter Legh Esq=r= Mem=br= of Parliment att Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Derby^]

M=r= Orford Derby march 15.. 1771 S=r= I have inclosed you m={*}= Pickerin=s= rec{i}pt I hope you have recived m=r= Hiberd=s= Clover Seeds the Weight is fifty pound and a %verey good Sort if their is anney%thing further I can be of Servis Shall gladly do itt I am S=r= with my best respects to you & m=rs= Orford y=r= Hum=ble= Ser=t= Tho=s=.. Lowe m={*}= Pickerin desire=s= his Compliments and if you Chuse to have y{=e=} bill=s= Sent he will Send them To Peter Legh Esq=r= mem=br= of Par=t= att Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Derby^]

M=r= Orford Derby June 18/ 71 S=r= I Rec=d= yours and gave y=e= Jnclosed to m=r= Heath I have in%closed you m=r= Pickerin=s= recipt the bill he Said he would send I Should have bin glad to have seen you att Stockport I heard of you as soon as you was gott through the toune am S=r= with my best respects to you & m=rs= Orford yr Hum=ble= Ser{=t=} Tho=s=.. Lowe To Peter Legh Esq=r= Mem=br= of Par=t={m} att Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Derby^]

M=r= Orford Derby July 18: 1771 S=r= this day recived yours with two Notes I waited on m=r= mather with them, and he will pay them boath next monday am S=r= with respects yr Hum=ble= Ser=t= Tho=s={..} Lowe the Notes 2: 9: 6 Each To Peter Legh Esq=r= Mem=br=, of Parliment att Lyme Cheshire [^Postmarked Derby^]

M=r= Orford Derby April 12: 1772 S=r= M=r= Smedley brought the in%closd letter up to mee att ten a Clock this morning and said he found itt upon y=e= pewter Shelf butt could not tell when itt came am S=r= with my best respects hope you gott well home From y=r= Hum=ble= Ser=t= Tho=s=.{.} Lowe To m=r= Orford att Lyme [^Notes in different hand omitted^]

M=r= Orford Aug=st= 29: 1772 S=r= I Rec=d= yours and will take care to buy you 12 Strike of the best Seed wheat wee have not Anney come to markett att presant, wee have had a deal of rain of late and itt makes harvest late before itt will be gott in I will Send itt before you will want itt am S=r= with respects to you & m=rs= Orford your Hum=ble= Ser=t= Tho=s=.. Lowe To M=r= Orford att Lyme

M=r= Orford Derby Oct=br= 5: 1772. S=r= I Rec=d= yours and am sorey you have not recived your wheat m=r= Holebrook & Self bought itt and sent itt of the first that came to markitt the fault is in Peter Ownshaw the Stockport Carrier not takeing itt forward from the H{ur}dlow I Stoped three L{o}ads of malt that itt might go forward hope you have recived itt Safe be%fore this From yr Hum=ble= Ser=t= Tho=s={..} Lowe one malt Bag 7 Strike in and one — — 5 Strike in To M=r= Orford att Lyme

M=r=. Orford Derby Nov 2: 1772 S=r= I Rec=d= your favor and have Sent Eight Loads of fine pale old malt such that will please youl find the last drift will please in the Brewing am S=r= with respects your Hum=ble= Ser=t= Tho=s=.. Lowe To M=r= Orford att Lyme

M=r= Orford Derby march 31 ^73^ S=r= I Rec=d= yours this morning and will deli{vre} the Inclosed to your desire I thought proper to lett you know our markett will not be on good Friday butt on Thursday before {*} m=r= Heath being mayor has putt of ^the markett^ this year so youl no best how itt will sute your tenants on that day am S=r= with respects your Hum=ble= Ser=t= Tho=s=.. Lowe manchester may 15 — ^1775^ S=r= I Rec=d= yours and was sorey I had not the pleasure of seeing you am greatly Oblidge to you for the Inclosed have sent you a recipt for the ^same^ youl be so Kind to give your Buttler and Brewer Seven Shillings and Six pence Each I will repay you with the other ten Shillings and Six pence you paid before am S=r= with respects to you and m=rs= Orford your Hum=ble= Ser=t= Tho=s=.{.} Lowe To m=r= Orford att Lyme [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

Derby march 31: 1777 Dear S=r= I Sent you by Tho=s= Shallcross twenty Strike of rye grass in five four Strike Bags the Bags will be charg'd to you I hope the Seeds will please and answer I bought itt att 2=s=/6=d= P=r= Strike tho itt Sells att 3=s= & 3/6 am S=r= with respects your Hum=ble= Ser=t= Tho={*}= Lowe Derby Aug=st= 31: 1778 Dear S=r= I Rec=d= yours and deli{vr}ed the Inclosed to m=r= Fallows have Sent you Six Loads of fine pale malt with new Sacks I had no Load Sacks by mee or Should have Sent my owne the malt is 24 {**}=d= and Sacks 3=s=:4=d= any friend of yours that Should ^want^ may depend of itt being good & a fine Couler am S=r= with respects your Hum=ble= Ser={t}= Tho Lowe To m=r= Orford att Lyme 4:10.0

Derby Augst 9: 79 D=r= S=r= I Expectd my Son to have come to manchester and Should have Sent 4: 10: 0 that Redfern paid mee I could not gett the remainder of him Since I now have Sent itt P~ Shallcross my son has been verey poorly butt now is gott better am sorey I did not Send the money Sooner am S=r= with respects yr Hum=bl{e}= Ser=t= Tho Lowe To M=r= Orford

Derby Sep={*}= 21: 1779 D=r= S=r= I Rec=d= yours and will send the Inclosed as directed and Shall be glad to See you att derby I was verey Sorey to hear their was aney reason for complaint of the Last 14 Loads of malt I Looked in my book who had malt att the Same day and I made inquirey how itt brewed and itt was Liked verey well so that I hope youl find the malt to answer I wish you could brew a Load of the Same malt att your owne house that you might be certain whear the fault is I have taken great care to have Some fine pale malt made this year that I thought would heal all complaints [^"that" rubbed out^] the Same I Sent to Adlinton the Same day and yesterday theay Sent for ten Loads more I wish to do Evreything in my power to Serve you with the best and when you Send again [^Along side of paper^] may [^corrected^] depend of have=g= such malt that will please From your Hum=ble= Ser{=t=} Tho Lowe To M=r= Orford att his House Jn Hoo Lane

Derby Oct 11: 1779 D=r= S=r= I Rec=d= a Note you left of m={*}= wallis which will Account for when paid Redfern called on Satterday I talked to him much in not haveing his money ready on friday he promised to come on t{ue}sday and discharge the rent the Sum that he Should pay I can not tell butt take what he brings and give a recipt accordingl{y} am S=r= with respects your Hum=ble= Ser=t= Tho=s=.. Lowe To m=r= Orford att Lyme

Derby Oct 25 79 D=r= S=r= Redfern called and pay=d= mee four pounds ten Shillings the young man you spoke to m=rs= Chamberlain of he came to mee on Friday desired mee to write to you that he Should be verey willing to come att aney time you please to order have Sent fifteen Loads of fine pale malt one bag 7 Strike and one 5 Strike am S=r= with respects your Hum=ble= Ser={t}= Tho=s=.{.} Lowe [^Direction omitted as much of it has been torn off^] Derby Dec=r= 6.. 1779 D=r= S=r= I Rec=d= your Sack for a Load of malt which have returnd with a %Load of fine pale malt Shall Said I must Send Som Quick he did not no how maney the grownd was so frose this morning theay could not be gott up please to mention what I must Send by them next Jorney am S=r= with respects your Hum=ble= Ser={t}= Tho Lowe Derby Dec={*}= 30: 1781 D=r= S=r= this day recived yours I waited of m=r= Latt{er}fi{cr}e he Says that he can take the young Lady [^corrected^] and theay Open School on the 21 Jan=y= so aney time then abo{a}t will be the Same the terms you had before I will take care to reserve the two Load=s= of fine pale malt you desired my wife Joins mee with Compl{i}ment to Self and m=rs= Orford From your Hum=ble= Ser={t}= Tho Lowe To M=r= Orford Hoo Lane near Disly

Derby Augt 12: 1782 D=r= S=r= A Gentlewoman in derby haveing a Small Estate in Lancashi{e} and I supose near whear{e} you Collect I thought itt might be a%greable to you to do that Busniess Either her or her Brother woud write to you I gave them directions I Rec=d= more of Mess=rs= Heath two Shillings and three pence in the pound which have placed to Account Miss Orford gott well to Derby and was well yesterday am S=r= with Complimen{ts} to you and m=rs= Orford your Hum=ble= Ser={*}= T Lowe [^Hand looks quite different from that in the preceding letters^] M=r=. R. Orford Hoo-Lane near Lyme

Derby 14: Dec=r=. 1789. Dear. S=r=. By Green I sent you 18 L=d=. of malt which I think will Brew to your satisfaction and also one Patent Lamp for a trial as they had two sorts and M=r=. Cater c=d=. not tell which you most approved but this was the kind to hang against a Wall, I shew'd Green how to make use of it and he thought himself qualifi{c}ed to instruct others but I think there is some difficulty to manage them well at first; it is necessary the Oil sh=d=. be clear. I found the acc=t=. right as I left it with you Viz. 10 L=d=. by wood instead of 18 M=r=. Evans has not any accounts by which he can clear up the doubt of a Years ch{ie}f rent due mich=s=. 1787. and supposes it must be right as I have settled it with you. I met with M=r=. Arde{n} at M=r=. Thomson Stockport he said but little to me and talkd of being engaged with M=r=. Place I was delay'd so long at Poynton & some other places as prevented me from going to his House to speak{e} with M=rs=. murray

I %am D=r=. S=r=. with respectful Comp=s=. to M=rs=. Orford & Y=r=. Family your Obliged F=d=. & Serv={t}=. Tho=s=. Lowe Lamp. — 0.6.0 1 Extra Glass. 0.6 1 doz. wicks — 0.7 Filler Strainer {&c} 1.6 8.7 To M=r=. Orford {@} Lyme-Hall

Sir We have always sold the Article of Blankets since our Entrance upon Trade & are much obligd by your kind Order; but as you have taken us before the Winter our Stock is less than it will be in a Month or two — — It is much against our Will to send the least Thing less than is wanted to such a House as Yours, but if you can [^"but" crossed out^] at present make a Shift with the Single Blanket in the Space of a Month if agreable will change it for a Pair — — Is it needless to say how much your Commands will oblige? — none can receive em with greater Pleasure than Your m=o=. hble & obed. Serv={t}= Lowe Bate & Wright Manch=r=. Sep=r=. 10. 1774 To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Lyme Hall w=th=. a P~cell

Sir We now beg Leave to accommodate you with an Article which we hope will give Satisfaction — the Man that serves us is the Same w=ch=. serves, we believe, the whole Town, my Order to him was for the Best he ever brought to Manchester He assures me they are such — It will be a great Pleasure to find they give Content — as always to serve you when You favour with that Honour will give Delight to Yr m=o=. obliged & very hble Serv={*}= Lowe Bate & Wrig^ht^ [^Along side of paper^] Manch=r=. Oct=r=. 8. 1774 — [^Hand looks different from that in the previous two letters^] M=r=— Orford Lyme

Sir Yours we Rec~d and agreeable to your request will forward the Remainder of the Shoulder Knots as soon as Possible if you'l{l} take notice the fringe is Broader upon the Knot than yours We Are Y=r= M=o= Obed=t=- Servt={s}= — Lowe Bate & Wright Manch=r=. July 27=th=. 1779 To M=r= Orford Lime

Stockport Feb=y= 8=th= 1771 S=r= — The persons Implyed in C{a}sting up for Brick have applyed to me to know If the might proseed in C{a}sting up provided the Leave the road 20 yards, J informed them that J Could not answer for there proceedings with%out yours and the rest of the Gent={s}= aprobation Desire youre opinion [^"How far" crossed out^] ^in what manner^ J may proceed yo{ur} answer will much oblidge S=r= your most Hum=le= Sert John Lowndes To M=r=. orford at{t} Lyme

My good Friend Ive been with M=r=. Porter and M=r= Earl who propose to meet you on Monday Morn=g=. next at the W{a}rrington Bridge ale House in order to proceed to Business for three or four Days I shall desire my Witness{'}s to attend & beg youll bring with you ny Papers & doubt not but I shall make{e} my Title clear to you I posted the Notice properly at church to (_sanctify_) your{e} meeting M=r= Kerfoot promised to write you Notice w=ch=. I hope he did & am Y=r=- obed=t= Serv{**} Tho=s=. Lowndes Stockport Sept=(_r_)= 13 1773 To M=r=. orford a{t} Lime By Post from Warrington [^Postmarked Warrington^]

M=r={.} Orford By to%days Post M=r=. Porter tells me you have the Award respecting Twiggs {P}lath Bridge at my Latchford Farm & another arbitration Paper with the names of the chief Latchford owners to it I beg they may be returnd me by the return of Post Yr. Obed={*}= Tho=s=. Lowndes London April 19 1774 To M=r= Richard Orford Lyme near Stockport [^Postmarked Knutsford?^]

Sir I write to You in behalf of the Assignees of W=m=. Turner late of Oxford Street London Linendraper to know the Quantity of Land he is intitled to under a Lease granted by M=r= Legh in the year 1757, at which Time the Farm was in the Occupation of Iohn Swindells, and called the Wood End Tenement and situate at Dishley — I also beg to know in whose Occupation the Farm now is, and whether the Rent due at Lady day last is paid to any person, & whom. I shall be at this Place 'till the 21=st=. Instant, and will thank You for your Answer before that Time. I am Sir. Your most obedient Servant Tho=s=. Lowten Dunham near Altrincham Oct=r=. 11=th=. 1788 For M=r=. Orford

M=r=: Orford I Should Take it as a Great favour if you will Spake to m=r=. Legh a%Bout my Bill to have it Settled as the Estate being Sold the Work as been finished Two years and a Half it is a great Loss for me to ly out of my money So long I paid all the Bills in the Countrey above Two years ago m=r=. Rusell will pay my Bill if m=r=. Legh will give me an order From yo=r=. Hu=le=. Sa=t=. Rich=d= Lumley1772 Iuly the 4 Bell yard Temple Barr London [^Numbers omitted^] M=r=. Orford Hoe Lane [^Probably in different hand^] The Answer to be sent Immediate^ly^ to the bull{s} {Head} Stockport To M=r= Iames Parkins{o}n, Leaves town at 5 oClock

M=r=. Orford Sir Some time ago M=r=. Claton was Over Att Altringham Inspecting M=r=.. Taylors Affairs he then Said You & M=r=. Gaskell wou'd come over in a few Days in Order to Regulate his Concerns Your not Comeing has Induced me to Write in Order to Knowe What Method You propose for him, Presumeing from the (_Statement_) of his Affairs You are Dissatisfied with Our Conduct & Things are not going forward with those Exertions they Otherways wou'd if we were (_Determin'd_){,} therefore hope if ^You are^ not att home to Send an Answer by the Bearer, that ^You^ will Come with M=r=. Gaskell to Altrincham this Week or ^on^ Monday at the farthest Every Delay being injurious to M=r=. Taylor I am Sir for M=r=. Poole & Self Yours &c Geo: Lupton Altrincham Jan=y=.. 17=th= 1788 M=r=— Rich=d= Orford How lane N=r= Disley

M=r=— Orford — Manch=r=- 20 Aug={*}= 1782 Sir — I Thank you for you [^"for your" crossed out^] kind call last week, and am sorry I was from home at the time — fancy it was with a design to {e}nqure ab=t= the M={y}=- — wou'd wish it as soon as suits your convinence but don't desire it before [^corrected^] — My reason for it I trust I can emply it to more account in Trade — M=rs=- Wyld with M=rs=- Lyon desir{es} their{e} kind Compts — And am Sir y=r= mo ob={t}=— John Lyon M=r=— Orford Lyme

Manch=r=- 13 Nov=r= 1782 D=r= Sir — I rec{e'=d=} by Bear{er} £ 120 Say One Hundred & Twenty pounds — which I {tust} will prove wight — and which [^"{ha}" crossed out^] you have due Credit for — Hope you and all your good fam{i}ly is well whom M=rs=- Wyld & M=rs=- Lyon d{e}sir{es} the{re} respects to — Am D=r=. Sir — Your very hle Serv=t= John Lyon M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Lyme near Stockport [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Warrington 31=st=. Iuly 1779 — D=r=. Sir I was sorry it was not in my power to return you the money due from Bellasis by your messenger — He deceived me by saying he had been with you & that you had said you wished not to quarrel & that you was willing to stay a little I doubted the truth but promised to wait a few days he still amuses me with frivolous excuses — I have sent for a writ & shall arrest his Tenant on monday when I hope to get the money — I am sir your' h~ble Serv={*}= W. Maire M=r=. R=d=. Orford — [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

Warrington Thursday morn=g= D=r=. Sir I promised m=r=. Bellasis that I would without your permission indulge him one Week longer which expired Yesterday — His Tenant was here & promised to call before the left Town & settle this matter but he broke his word like his Landlord — I see no likelyness of settling it peaceably & I am sure they have had greater indulgence than they deserve — If I can get out this Evening I will call upon you to take your affidavit that millington may be secured I am Sir your h~ble Serv={*}= W. Maire Dear Orford I forgot to tell you last night that P{i}mbl{e}tt's wife said that Geo. Bate charged her with 20=l~= as Administratrix of Ralph Stirrup towards Leasing the Tenem=t=. under m=r=. Legh & that she has paid two years Interest of it & is still burthened with it — it seems a mistery & as you are going through manchester tomorrow I wish you woald ask m=r=. Bate as to that matter — She is to call again upon me & I wish to be informed of it — Give (_my best Comp=ts=._) to M=r=. & M=rs=. A. Legh & inform them that I shall wait upon them on Sunday or monday morning my setting out depends on reciving a Letter which if I get on Sunday I shall start imed{e}ately — Be %sure get me an exact Account of the Blue & Buffs as you go through manchester & believe me D=r= O. your's sincerely W: Maire warrington 18=th=. may 1785 — [^Accounts in different hand omitted^] M=r=. Orford Lyme Stockport [^Postmarked Warrington^]

D=r=. Sir I have been just informed that the Day fixed for the Court at newton is the same on which the Oveerseers of the Poor are appointed — Perhaps that will not be so convenient therefore I intend to alter it either to Tuesday before or Friday after the day we fixed — I wish you would give me a Line which of the two Days you would prefer & if any other is more agreeable to you I thank you for the care of my Portmanteau which I rec~ed safe & am D=r= Sir your most ob={*}=. Serv={*}= W: Maire Warrington 4=th=. Sept=r=. 1785 — M=r=. Orford Lyme Stockport

D=r=. Sir I rec~ed your Letter mentioning Tuesday for Newton Court but as so many of the Suitors are Fustian men & attend manchester market I have fixed it for Thursday following which will be the 27=th=. & I hope as convenient to you as Tuesday as in all probability you would not have left Haydock before that Day if it had been fi{x}ed on Tuesday I have sent word to the Clerk at newton & to Bailey & am D=r= Sir your's sincerely W: Maire Warrington 10=th=. Oct=r=. 1785 — M=r=. Orford Lyme Stockport [^Postmarked Warrington?^]

Dear Orford As I expect (_your Friend_) m=r= Edwards will call upon me in a few Days to settle with me for the business done between him & the Gov=rs=. of Queen Ann's Bounty I thought it necessary to write to you upon the Subject as the last time we talked upon it you did not seem wholly to recollect the Agreement between us respecting this business — when the Sale of the Field was in contemplation & m=r=. Edwards was informed that he must levy a Fine & also furnish the Gov=rs=. with a compleat Abstract of the Title & if that was approv'd of then he must also provide attested Copies of all such Deeds as related to the Title & could not be had with the rest of the Deeds — m=r=. Edwards agreed to be at the expence of the Abstract & if the Title was approved of to levy a Fine but said rather than be at any further expence he would give up all thoughts of the Sale — you then said the Sale was so eligible it should go forwards & the rest of the money be raised either by paying in 10=l~= in M=r=. Legh's hands or by some other means — m=r=. Edwards will have to pay for the Fine & Abstract alone —

£ 16..14..7 besides some trifle for Agency in London & these will then be due for between 80 {*} 90 Brief sheets of Copies of such of the Deeds as could not be given up £ 10.2..6 which I can only look upon you for in consequence of your promise & which he protests against paying nor can I urge him to it — I hope you will recollect the above facts & if so the last Demand may be settled when you come over & I can settle with m=r=. Edwards & have done with the Business — Pray let me hear from you I suppose m=rs=. Keck left you yesterday — & I heartily wish the weather was more favourable for her sake — It is very disagreeable weather for travelling & I am not sure but I shall be obliged to take a longer Iourney than I should wish to take out of pleasure — The Bishop of Bristol has given m=r=. Tom Blackburne a Living near Bristol & as [^word crossed out^] ^he^ will want some assistance respecting it & some other matters I know not whether I shall go with him or not we have had a consultation on the Subject but have not yet fixed — & if I can get matters formed to his min{d} I shall by no means press the Iourney — I shall be glad to hear that you are all well or mending & am your most ob={*}=. W: Maire P. S. Have you heard from m=r= master yet — Warrington 28=th=. nov=r= - 85 — M=r=. Orford Lyme Stockport. [^Postmarked Warrington^]

Dear Sir On my return Home I found your Letter & in Answer can only repeat the assertions contain^d^ in my last of the Pleasure it will at all times give me of yielding every service in my power to m=r=. Legh & his Family whenever I am professionally called upon but that I cannot thrust myself into a business wherein I have no concern — Since I wrote to you last I have rec~ed a Letter from London informing me that it is all a falsity respecting Turner and the Smuglers [^corrected^] I am D=r= Sir your most ob={t}=. Serv=t=. W: Maire Warrington 20=th=. Ian=y= 88 — M=r=. Orford Lyme Stockport [^Postmarked Warrington^]

D=r=. Sir As Thursday the 10=th=. instant is fixed for a meeting of the Iustices at newton I sho=d=. wish to have the Court on the Thursday following the 17=th=. & hope it will be convenient for you as it is the last Thursday in the month from Easter — I shall be glad of a Line from you as soon as you can as I go from Home for 8 or ten days on Saturday morning next If you co=d=. get a Letter to Stockport on Thursday night I shall have it before I set out & order accordingly — I am D=r= Sir your's sincerely W Maire Warrington 1=st=. Ap=l=. 88 — M=r=. Orford Lyme Stockport [^Postmarked Warrington^]

D=r=. Orford Will you be so good as to put the Copy (or Will) of M=r=. Benett when you come over in your Pocket & you'l{l} oblige D=r=. Orford your's sincerely W: Maire Warrington 13=th=. May 89 — M=r=. Orford Lyme stockport [^Postmarked Warrington^]

D=r= Sir Inclosed you will receive the Bill for One Hundred & Twenty four Pounds seventeen shillings & six pence which I was to return you & I remain D=r= Sir your most ob={*}=. Serv=t=. W: Maire Warrington 20=th=. Aug=st=. 1789 — [^In different hand, probably Orford's^] NB The above Bill was paid M=r=. Maire when I was at Haydock 13 Ins=t=. & on him coming to Lyme since I gave him N{=o=} 156 & Cash to make it up & he was to return it to me — N{=o=} 156 ——————————— 100 — Cash p=d=. him ——————— 24.17.6 Sum for the above Bill 124.17.6 M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire

Manch=r=. Oct=r=. 1785 M=r=. Orford S=r=. According To Your Request Have Booked a Place Jn the Mail Coach Wednesday Morning the Coach laves Manch=r=. @ 4 oClock and Will be a Bullocks Smithy About 5 the Gentleman Had better be Jn Time J am for M=r=. Dixon Yours &c H~=y= Mann M~=r=. Orford Haydock

Dear Sir Agreeable to Your request have sent the Venison down which will be deliver'd safe —. Yesterday about one O'Clock Master & M~=rs=. Ann arrived here also M~=rs=. Keck &{c.} about four d~=o=. all safe & well for any%thing I hear — I hope You'll not be long be%fore You come I am Sir Your mo obdt H~ble Ser=t=. to Command In=o=. Marsden Lyme 12 Aug=t=. 1782 For M=r= Rich=d=, Orford At Lime near Dissley Cheshire [^Postmarked Bakewell^] [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

Ox Close 20 may 1773 Sir I intend to be at Dissley on Satturday night next, And will bring the Leases, if you Cold meet me there to Setle that Afair, will Oblidge Sir your most Hble Servant Rob=t=, marsden To M=r= Alford at Lyme [^Accounts, probably in different hand, omitted^]

Sir I Receiv'd yours & N{o}te y=e= Contents I am Of Opinion you have bee Rong Inform'd in Regard to me taking away y=e= Wood from y=e= Bottoms What I have taken Away is part of a Hollow T{r}ee that lay in y=e= Bottoms Estete I Hir'd one Sam'l Tidler to help My Man to Burst it in pieces & I Believe. he has Stole a %part of it If I have Acted Rong in Any Respect I am very Sory & will make Recompence If you please to Recollect I told you there was four or five Hollow Trees that was f{e}ll{'}d for Whaley Mill which lay in y=e= Bottoms Estate {*} was of no Use to M=r= Drabble About y=e= Mill I desird you'd Sell them to me for Firewood

you Said y{'}ou had given them to M=r= Drabble therefore Woud not Sell them I Apply{'}d to M=r= Drabble he Said I %might have them If you%ll please to give me Leave to take them Away (as they are fit for Nothing but y=e= Fire) I %will pay M=r= Jepson All the Damage You or Any Reasonable Man may think he has Sustain'd I am Sir your Humble Servant Th{o}=s= Marshall Chappe febry 20=th= 1772 Excuse Haste I Shall take it as a particular favour If youll Conse{nt} that I %Shall have them as we are very Scarce of Firewood M=r= Richard Orford Lyme Cheshire [^Scribble in different hand omitted^]

M=r= Rich{a}rd Orford Chappell August 2=nd= 1777 Sir Excepting you will be so kind as to Assist me I %Shall never be Able to get an End with James Walton & I beleive they Intend bringing an Action Against me for The Ch{a}rges; If you Remember M=r= William Walton Agreed to Refer the Whole to M=r= Stanley of Rotheram If you & M=r= Thompson Coud not Settle it; I have Seen James Walton Since & he Refuses to Refer it any more. I %am of Oppinion he was Only Out of the Way on purpose to hinder it for being Settled & so run Out the Bonds he has Gone by your House Three times Since we Met & I d{a}re Say he has Never Call'd Upon you

All I desire of you at present is to Write to M=r= William Walton & Mention the Agreement to Refer it to M=r= Stanly & Recomend a Reference to him or Any Other Honest Man in the Strongest Manner you possibly Can & as he made that promise before you I am Of Oppinion you may prevail Upon them to Stand to it Which favour will much Oblige your Humble Servant Th{o}=s= Marshall PS I am Asham'd to give you so much Trouble but If you knew half y=e= Trouble & Loss I %have had with them; you Woud be Sory for me or any Other person so Circumstanc'd it is their Entire Study to Seek my destruction & they have a Set of people will Swear Any%thing they may have Occasion for which I have Already provd [^Along side of paper^] beg you'l Write by the first post M=r= Richard Orford Lyme

M=r= Orford Ch{a}ppell Sun{ay} Noon Sir I Receivd yours of y=e= 6={th}= Instant that you Woud be at Home on y=e= 16={th}= Unluckly the Bonds Expird on y=e= 14=th= I %have prevaild upon them to prolong the time on a promise you Woud go thither on to y={*}= S{icklehe}lm (a House a little beyond Hope) Abaut Te{n} Measur'd Miles from this Town Which If {*...} [^torn off^] C{a}n make C{o}nvenient on Tuesday next Shall Esteem it a particular favour I am Sir your Humble Serv=t= Th{o}=s= Marshall I am Sory [^corrected^] to give you so much Trouble but hope you'll Excuse When you See What I have to deal with Inclosd is their Appointment {&}: please to Write Whether you C{a}n Come & What time [^Along side of paper^] I have been Informd you was gone from Home or Woud have Come my%Self To M=r= Orford Lyme

Stockport Sep=r= 1 — 1778 — Honour'd Sir I was yesterday at lyme with a small Bill {w}hich I have sent my sarvant Over with to%day with you being from home for with me haveing such a long Sickness it Causeath me to want money sooner therefore I desire you will Pay it to the barer and he will Give you a Receit for me — From your Hbl=e= S{v}=t= — Micah Marsland To m=r= Orford

dela{t}ay Street M=r= Orford July 25 — 65 I r{ec~}d yours {As} [^corrected^] m=r= Legh is come into y=e= Country I wish you wd write to me in his Franks instead of sending y=m= to m=r= Keck & also I %wish you wd get a few for Birchall you need not be in a hurry ab=t= y=m=, as I shall send him some of m=r= Keck's franking. I shall indict y=e= Overseer of Heanor & his assistance for driving out Shipley from his Cottage & bring [^corrected^] an Act={*}=. ag=st= y=e= freeholders for Cutting down y=e= Gardenfences. I %am glad to hear Fazakerley will purchase newhall I shall not be able to sell it before next term the more purchasers for it y=e= better. moses Hildick certainly had y=e= Spring as Bellase said he deliverd it himself I'm yours L Master To m=r= Orford [^Accounts in different hand omitted^]

m=r= Orford Sep=r= 21 — 67 I have just recd y=rs= & by it find Hon. A Legh is much alarm'd wch she has no Occasion for, as y=e= Children are both very well, tho y=e= youngest has been a [^corrected^] little indispos'd. I wish you wd write to y=e= Spring maker of y=e= post Chaise to bring y=e= Spring y=t= was deliver'd to him to Chester this fair for I dont see why I shd loose it as it was deliver'd to him by Billase y=e= Carrier wch he says he'll prove I %am y=r= Hble Ser=t= L M Sep=r= 21 — 67

you'll give Cousin A Legh y={*}= Enclos'd I intended to have sent a Letter to m=r= Legh wch I've wrote to%night but will defer it till to%morrow's post. To M=r=. Rich=d=- Orford at Haydock Present [^Scribbles omitted^]

My Good Friend Inclosed you have a %line to your Lord which after perusall you approve off I beg the favour of your presenting if ^you^ disapprove of any%thing in it pray correct it and return it me by the Bearar my %son I dont in the least doubt of your concurrence & am D=r=. Sir Your Most Obliged h~mble Serv=t=. {S}: Mathias Warrington Aug=st=. 15. 1775. M=r=. Orford Lyme

Sir In M=r=. Cooke's absence (who went to Town on Friday last) I have received and opened your Letter, and will communicate the contents by tomorrows post to M=r=. Cooke, and expect I shall in a few days have his directions about the abstract &c you mention. In the Interim you may be assured I will take Care of the Settlement and Award — I rec{~}ed a Letter this day from M=r=. Cooke wherein he informs me that he expects to be at home in ab=t=. a fortnight from the date thereof the 2=nd=. Inst. — I am Sir Your very hble Serv={*}=. David Mears. Macclesfield 6={th}= March 1778 — M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Lime-Hall Cheshire. [^Postmarked Wigan^]

Sir I take the Opportunity of returning you my sincere thanks; and shall allways acknowledge to be beholden in the highest Degree. sent your Letter to M=r=. Porter the Day after by my Banksman. he told him he wou'd write to you in a few Days after; in regard to the Colliery, he said it was out of his Power to promise a Lease to me, as it was fixt to Work 'em themselves, but I believe it is entirely put to M=r=. Porter himself to order as he thinks proper, so that if he was so good Natured might grant me one without Dispute. In regard to the Subscription, said he wou'd do something handsome himself, and wou'd likewise Solicit all his Acquaintance with it. I do not Doubt but you will do your Endeavour, so remain your most Humble and most Obedient Servant Margaret Melling. {W}hirley Sep=r=. 13th. 1785. Hodock S=r=: 1773 Sept=r=: 10 [^in margin^] I Res=d=: yours & Cannot posoble Weat of you be%fore [^"monday" crossed out^] ^Sonday^ the 19=th= at which time Ile watee of you at the Whit lion [^"wi{*}" rubbed out^] in Stopart a%Bout {2} a Clock in the after%noon & Hop{s} to Bring your Justes With me Ime S=r=: yours &{=c=}: Ric=d=: melling [^Accounts in different hand on other side of paper omitted^] For M=r= Richard Orford Lime Hall near Disly Cheshire with Speed — Singal Sheet D{***}ba{*} [^Notes in different hand omitted^]

London April — 12 1789 Dear Uncal I Hope that these few Lins will find you in Good Health As I Am at preasant thang God for hit And I Am Surprised At My Uncal Iohn That I have not Received A{n %}answer [^possibly "A nanswer"^] to the 2 Last Lettars I sent Down witch 1 had A note for him to Receive 20=£= of Matthew Knowles that I put in the hands of Joseph Knowles of London for to place It to that 14=£= that I Left In Ather his hands or Yours. As You sayd it mayd no diffarence wethar I had A Rec{e}tt from witch I want to send 6=£= more Down As soon As posiball for frayd of Loosing Hit As I Have 17=£= by mee at this time And It Is to mutch for to have in A Lodging Espicaly In thiss Town As I have had 2 Loaves of Sugar by Mee sum time for to send Down to You As soon As I Could get the Direction But Eather the Lettars Mist or hee wass bad or neglect I Could not tell what to think of hit witch I am Rather Uneasy frayd Lest hee should not have got the Mony But I have sent 2 Loaves Down to the Care of M{=r=} Joseph Chatterson Howlane near Disly Cheshire As I Light of A man that Gave Mee that Direction in this town And sayd it would Get to You, I have been here ever since I was At Howlane witch his 1 Year And Ύ and I have Sayved bettar than 30=£= In that time As thang God I Light on very well and kept my%self from Drinking ^as mutch As I Could^ As the Master took to mee and kept Mee in work As there is A Great Meny out of Work As hee Imploys About 20 or 30 hands In the sumar and turns them of to 7- or 8 in the win^ter^

As It Is A Great Deal Bettar A Place than Lancashire for Gett%ing Monnay As I have 3=S=..6=D= A %Day And 3 Pints of Porter Most General ^& makes from 6 to 10 Days a week^ And not halph so hard work As It is in Lancashire nor Does not work halph so fast But there is not so Good work here As there is in to%wards Manchestar or that Contarry by A Great Deal As I wish I had stay A Manchestar A Littal Wile Longer for to have Lernd that Buisans As I have A Great Notision of Going to Philadel^phia^ Soon for A few Years And a nothar Yong man A%Long with Mee But I would Rather now of A Playce Before I Sat of Jf I Could of any Rate & then I should be sure wen I Got there of Work As If that You node of any Merchant that wanted 2 for to Go over I Should be Glad of the Place if That It was A%Greeable to You As I Supose [^corrected^] I Could In A few Years Get Sufficant for to maintain mee As [^corrected^] 15=£= A Year Is As mutch As I Can Save Here if I Could Keep in Constant Imploy As that Is All A Chance And 6=£= A Year Is As mutch As I Could Save In Lancashire As I Am Almost tired of Wandring A%Bout First one Master and then Anothar I mean the Places were we Go A working to &c no more As I ham in haste for My time is out I must Go to work And so Excuse my Ritting Plase Rite As soon As You have Received Your Sugar And hard from ^my^ Uncall Iohn wethar hee has Received the Mony or no And how I must send the Other Down But I Could like to hear of A playce soon As posiball if it be A%greeable to you

Please Remembar mee to my Ant and All my Cosins and My Uncall Iohn And wethar hee Received the Lettar with the Bill in and a nothar since as I have had no Answer since — from Yours &c Iohn Mercer Note / Direck to Mee At N~=o= 43 Portpool Lane nigh Hatton Garden — Holborn London — To M=r= Richard Orford How lane Nigh Stockport Cheshire with speed

London August 2 1790 Dear Uncal I Hope that these few lins will find you and Your family in Good Health as I am At preas{a}nt thang God for It The Reason of mee not Riting To you s{o}ner I thought of Coming down the Begining of sumar But now it is got So far in Sumar I {S}uppose [^corrected^] not to Com Down than Cristmas and then I mayn to Com Jf please God But I Could like to Heare Weather You have hard from M=r= Masters Or Any Part in the West Indies that Would Anser [^corrected^] my Purpos As I Could like to Go verry well If I Could lite of A pl{*}ce that would Anser As I am In A Prittay Good Place At preasant As If I had not Bought Cloaths Since I Rote to You I should had Upards of 30=£= by mee now And I have had A Lettar from A Quaintance of mine Concerning my father As I thought I would let You see It If I had nown Hee Could A sould It I Could like to A Boug=t=: It As I Desire You will Rite As soon As You Can to mee And Let Mee now how it is And so no more from Yours &c Iohn Mercer Note I Would Rather You would not Mention Who It Was that Leet mee now [^Letter to John Mercer attached^] To Jn=o= Mercer Millwright in Port pool Lane N=o= 43 Near Leather Lane Holburn London with speed [^Postmarked Prescot^]

July 28 1790 Cousin John I hope these few lines will find you in good health as they left mee and all my famely in at presant thank god for it but i am very sory that i cant get a line from you of so long a time as i have not had a line from you this 8 or 9 months and i thinks it a long %time for i have wrote to you 3. or 4 times and never have had any answer from you and it makes mee very uneasy as i thinks you have not rece{e}ved them or elce you dond chuse to write to mee no more but i should be very glad you would send mee a few lines by the return of post or as soon as you have an oppertunity or i shall take it very unkind of you my brothers and sisters and Their famelys are all in good health your granmother is in good health consithering her age and your father and his famely are all in good health but i thought it proper to aquaint you that your father has sold the frunt pue in farnworth Church that i allways thought had belonged to your land but i ashure you that it is sold and John Ackers is the purcherer of it for robard hodkin^son^ Aturny in prescot it was sold about a fortnight [^corrected^] since for 15=£= and the mony paid and i believe gon and i hard that he had sold 15=£= or 20 pounds worth of timber of that land for i hard that he had scarce left anything that would make a {swippow} in the whole estate i think that the back pue was sold be%fore you went to london and i thought that he could not have sold both but he has sold all that he can sell except he can sell the land my neighbours are all in good health and desires to be remembered to you my wife and my brothers and sisters desires to be rememberd to you and pray rece{i}ve the same from your ever sincere friend and wellwisher Will{ia}m Williamson To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Esq={*}=. Legh' at Lyme near Buxton Cheshire

M=r=. Orford {*...n} [^torn off^] 13=th=. Feb={*}=. 1778 Sir This day a Gentleman Call'd at the Warehouse with a Letter wherein you desire'd that Only half the Quantity of Glass shoud be Sent, which Came to Late for the Glass is all Cut & the Boxes made and Wou'd have been Sent Ere this only Waited for the return of Bass' Waggon as you desired it might be Sent. by him. I Shall Send you the One half by Saturdays Waggon & y=r=. Answer p~ %return of Post. whats best to be done about. the rest of y={t}=. Order as its An Out [^corrected^] of the Way Size I. am Sir for M=r= Brooks yr h={le}=. Ser=t=. H Miller Window Glass Warehouse Exeter Ch{a}nge M=r=. Alford Howlane

Manch=r=. Sept=r=. 7=th= — 1782 S=r= Peter Lee Esq=r's=. Coachman Call'd on me this day with Orders from his Master to Enquire after the Bay Horse — It give me to understand that Doctor Jackson had perhaps for%got that I Call'd at his House on the 1=st=. of September to Inform him Peter Lee Esq=r=. horse Died Early on the 31=st= day of August I asked him if he Could Let You know he told me he was going to Lime the next day and would acquaint You of it — the N{o}l Bone & some of the Rack Bones of the Neck being so much fractured that it Brought on a Mortification in that part & proceeded down the other Rack Bones of the neck & along the Vertebre's of the Back & Loins & the processes of the Holy Bone & the tale he died in a Most shocking Condition — it surprises me very much that the horse was ever able to stand after he Rec=d=. his wound — from Your H~ble Ser=t= — Ra=h=. Millner M=r=. Rich [^possibly superscript torn off^] Orford How Lane to be left at y=e=. Ram's head Disley Chessire Post paid [^Postmarked Manchester^]

Kind Sir M=r=. Dewhurst having informed me last Week of a Vacancy @ Stockport for an Officer to the Sherriff, my Wife waited on her Bro~r immediately after. to desire him to stand as a Bondsman to the Sherriff who said he had no Objection to do it, in Conjunction with You, and desires me to inform You of it, and request Your Assistance therein upon the same Conditions as have been before proposed to give You an Indemnity, Your Compliance will confer a lasting Obligation, and ever be most gratefully remembered — M=r=— Newton of Stockport is the Under Sherriff and with whom the Appointment res=t=s, and wo=d=. You so far Condescend to drop

him a Line, I am apt to think it wo=d=- much Acce{r}lerate the Bussiness, and likewise be a means of preventing the Office from being prefered to some%one else, I am Sir with the greatest Resp{e}ct Your much Obliged Hum=e= Serv=t= — Iohn MilneHigher Ardwick near Manchester Aug=t=- 18={*}= — 1790 M=r=. Orford Haydock

Winstanley 27 June 1779 Dear Sir Received Your favour with the Jnclos'd form, which I will take the first time that offers to let my Master see it and am Dear Sir Your Very Hble Serv=t=. Henry Moore M=r=: Orford Lyme House Near Stockport Cheshire

London 21=th= of May 89 Sir I hope you will Parden the Liberty I have Taken In writing to you, but when I Came to Berming^ham^ I was Chard one pound five which I was Obligd To pay, & which I am Clearly out of pocket Unless You will pleas to get the mistake Rect{e}fide & Remits me the money, I thought it Write To make the bookkeeper give me a Recept {W}hich I have Inclosd for your Satisfection {T}hey tould me the mistake must be Made at Manchester, Sir I have the plesure to Tel You I had a verey plesent jurney I Came from Leek to bermingham with a verey polite Young Gentleman One that knew you perfectly Well And Spoak verey highly of Miss Orford Sir pleas to Direct to me to be Left at M=rs=: Iones no 3 king Edward Street blackfriers Bridge & I Shall have it verey Seaf, Sir the favor of Remiting my Respeckt Complements, to all the good Foalks Inclosd wi^t^hin the Hospitable walls of Lyme house Will greatly Oblige your Humble Servant Catharine Morecock [^Attached receipt not transcribed^] M=r=. Orford. Lyme near Stockport. [^Postmarked Liverpool^]

M=r=. Orford Liverpool. 16=th=. Aug=st= 1788 Sir M=r= Hesketh who left Home today directed me to inform you that the Parchments you left at his House Hee will send you by the first safe Conveyance with that of M=r=. Gerrards. — J am Sir Yr. very hum Serv=t= Jos Morris To M=r= Richerd Orford at his House Marple Cheshir{e} [^Scribble in different hand omitted^]

Heale{r} {S}ber 1th 1778 Sir this may let you know that Ioseph Bagshaw pa{i}d Henry swindel — 73=£= on the 18=th= of march, and is to pay 27=£= more upon demand, for which he is to receive his Jnterest in du Security for the 100=£= which Swindel advanced upon the credit of the Turnpikes Three gui{****} and a half of light money must be deducted out of the last years Jnterest of swinde{*} money the revertion of which Jnterest J desire m=r= Cooper and you to Balance between my son swindell and Bagshaw and to Send the Ballance with Bagshaws Security, Bagsh{o}w must have Jntrest from the 18=th= of m{a}rch till midsum{e}r 1778 for his 73=£= when his security is to commence I am with all due regard, De{a}r Sir your Most Hble Servant to Comma{n}d H{o}n M{or}t{e}n P S my compliments with the few poor lines which J promised to M=r= Cooper M=r= Orford Lyme [^Notes in different hand omitted^]

Clifton Septem=br=- 13=th= 1779 Sir I hope you will Excuse the Liberty I have taken in wrighting to you, miss Legh as discharged me this morning — and I think mr Orford will be kind{e} anuff to See my Box=s=, properly Corded and d{e}rected to Send to BromsGrove, I Shall be Glad to have them by the frirst Corrier I am not at all in a hurry for my C{h}oths — but it will be Satt{e}sfaction to miss Legh — the Expence of the Corr{e}ge — as her Servant man is to Call at my friends in bromsgrove to pay for them when they return home, which m^a^y be in 9 days or a fortnight — poor m=r= Atherton now keeps is bed and M=rs= Atherton it is not possable She can Get home a%Live — my m=rs= and and me as parted very Great friends but as Given me no reason why She as parted with me She as nothing at all to Charge me with and des{ier}d I would not ask her — I am a%fraid there is some Under handed doings or other [^corrected^] a%bout three weeks a%go She told me that She intended to part wit{t}h me and desierd I wo{u}ld prov{i}de my%Self for a Nother place and she would Give Me a Good Carr{a}chter and do anything to Serve me — but my regard for her was so Great — that I was Like the poor men that Go to be hangd, wished for a repreeve and took no notis of it — till She told me I must leave her Such a day — as She had a Nother purson a Comming in my place, which I expect her evry minnet to come by the London Coach to Brister

I have Left the house a%bo{u}t an hower and am at a house Goinin to M=rs= [^corrected^] Gilberts — I keep up my Sperrits as well as I can — w^h^en one door is Shut there is a Nother open — I am now in a mileners Shop and and Shall Stoy here till Such times I here of Some%thing more to my advantage — the Ladys that I Now work with hare at Clifton bath and London evry Year — this Season is almost Over — and then they Go to bath for three months — and from thence to London — that you See I Shall be both Getting — and im%proveing my%Self [^across line break^] — and as I Shall be at bath and london Shurely I Shall meet with Something to my advantage I Shall Go in a%bout a fortnight to broms Grove to meet my box{'}s and Settle my things — and from there to bath I have to Box=s=, that I have the keys of them I intend Shall Come as they hare if I was at Lyme I could manage to put all my things in them be%Side what I Sho{u}ld part with but as I donte Chuse to Send my keys must beg you will Get a Slite Case made{,} and I will Get mrs Hancock to pack wat trumpery I have left which I have Som%thing in evry drore betty Cooper will tel you all that be%longs to me, Shall be glad if you will Get them from the house as Quiet and as quick as you can, I told miss Legh I must have an a%dishonall C{a}se to put my things in, She Says mrs Hancock will put evry%thing up for me, please to Send the inclosd to her d{e}rectly I cannot Give you directions yet please to Give my Service to all at Lyme in Generall and I Sincearly wish them all their healths and hapiness please to Give my respect to {m}=rs= [^corrected^] Orford and the Little ones. and pray remember me to your Sister and brother hope I Shall here She is Got a%bout a%Gain —

I beg m=r= orford you well write to me the moment the things is packt and derect it to m=r= atherton and inclose me a frank to your%Self as m=r= Atherton may Not be Capable of wrighting a Great while and I Should like to let you no I have my Boxs [^corrected^] Safe — miss Legh as paid me my full wages She will draw upon you when she returns — hope M=r= Orford will Excuse all faults as I am not very fit for wrighting at presant so must conclude with Evry Good wish a%tending you and your fomily. from your much obliged — Humble Servant & Friend m: moseley P S m=rs= Grigg Compliments to all at Lyme as my Friends hare moovd I cannot Give a proper direction where my Box=s=, hare to be Sent in bromsgrove but beg you will Get them a%way from the house as f{o}st a possable as you may expect almost evry day I Should be Glad if you will See m=rs= Hancock your%self the new maid is com — or at least the Companion, I hope you will {w}rite [^corrected^] to me by return of the post and Send me a frank, I Shall Send for my Box=s=. b{e} then they hare reddy please to derect to mr Atherton — M=r= Orford Peter Leghs Esq=r= Lyme Disly Cheshire by Buxton [^Postmarked Bristol^]

Clifton Septm=br=, y=e=, 26=th=, 17{7}9 [^In different hand, probably Orford's^] [^"M=rs=." crossed out^] M=rs=. Mosley at M=rs=. Chapeau's Bromsgrove Worcestershire Sir I was in great hopes you would have Sent me a frank as I wha{s} afraid I Could not get one but have had all my letters derec{td} to m{=r=} Ather{t}^on^ and I meant it to Save the expence, but now wish I had not waited so long. Shall be Glad if you will Send my Box=s= imadiately derected to m=rs= Chapeau Bromsgrove Worcestershi^re^ not to me, I inten{d} being in bromsgrove nex friday my Compliments to m=rs= Swindall tel her when She Comes to bath Shall be Glad to See her as She Comes threw Bromsgrove ither of the inns they Stop at is within to or three dores if She will ask for [^word crossed out^] M=rs= Chapeau [^corrected^] they will no the Name perfectly please to Give my best respects to m=rs= Hancock and tell her that I am quite Sorry She as had so much trouble but as it was a c{a}se of Ness{e}c^i^ty [^corrected^] beg She will excuse it and if I had thought this would have hapned before they returnd to ^Lyme^ I would have Saved her that trouble, She might have told me [^the greater part of the line crossed out^] as She was let into that Secret, I hope she is in better health then she was when I Saw her I belive I Shall Not Go to london till after Cristm{a}ss please to Give my Service to all my fellow Servants in Generall I now bid them all a farwell; I think I Shall tier you with my Scrall, as it is as much as I can do to hold my pen I have such a violent cold but hope I Shall be able to go a fr{e}day I will now only add my best respects to m=rs= Orford and thank you for all your trouble when you have ^{*}^ read the Contents please to {b}urn it and you will much o%blige your [^word crossed out^] friend and Hamble Servant m moseley

belive me I Should not send you this if [^"{if}" crossed out^] I was Capable of wrighting one much better — To M=r=. Orford at Lyme

Sir In the Year 1766 the late M=r=. Gaskel caused a Writ to be Issued against Ioseph Lucas, my master was then at Bath, and I wrote to him upon that occasion, and he orderd me to Agree it for Ioseph Lucas, and to pay M=r=. Gaskel the Debt, which I did upon y=e=. 29=th=. of November that same Year, the Agreement was made at Su{cc}o, and I there paid the Money, and the Entrey in my Acc=ts=. is as follows. Pd M=r=. Gaskel in Discharge of the Debt and Costs due to him from Ioseph Lucas 8=L=:4=s=:4=D= this is the real fact and State of the Case I %am Sir Your Humble Serv=t=. Matt=w=. Mottershead Adlington May y=e=. 7=th=. 1774 To M=r=. Orford at Lyme

Adlington Iune y=e=. 13=th= 1774 Dear Sir On y=e=. 13=th=. of May 1772, I gave your Master Credit for 10=L=, being one Years Arrears of Tithe Rent for the Mann{o}r House and Park, due at Midsumer 1770, I then being immediately to Settle my Acc=ts=., and to Account for that Years Rental, so as I had not then opp{e}rtunity of sending to you for the money, I wou'd not return it in Arrear for that Year, and I never rec=d=. the said 10=L= untill y=e=. 23=d=. of October following, the time you mention in your Letter, it being one half of y=e=. 20=L= you then remitted to me, and if my Re{ce}ipt then Expressed those 2 Years Payments to be due at Midsumer then last, I %do assure you it was wrong, for it ought to have said due Midsumer 1771. I desire you will recollect your%self further as to this Affair, and I make no doubt but you will be satisfyed we are now right, according as I have Expressed in my last receipt (vi{s=y=}.) Two Years Tithe &c. due Midsumer last. If we saw each other as often as your last predecessor, and I did, I apprehend we shoud not run into these misundstandings. I beg you will favour me with a Line when convenient. I am Dear Sir Your most Hble Serv=t=. Matt=w= Mottershead To M=r=. Orford at Lyme

Sir Pursuant to Ann Masons request, I have herein Inclosed my Receipt for the Money. w=ch=. please to send to her when oppertunity offers I am Sir Your Hble Serv=t=. Matt=w=. Mottershead Adlington Sep={b}r=. y=e=. 30=th=. 1775 To M=r=. Orford Lyme

Dear Sir My Masters W{a}lch Slates in the bottom Pains of his Sash Windows, were had from Liverpool, and were pickt out of a Quantity, but the were polished here. I have forgot what the Cost. I think you may meet with some, at Stockport or Manchester, as both them and Cumberland are got more com~on, than the were when my Masters were had I am Dear Sir Your most Hble Serv=t=. Matt=w=. Mottershead Adlington Nov=br=. 8=th=. 1777 [^Accounts in different hand omitted^] To M=r= Orford Steward at Lyme

Adlington 24 April 1779 Sir I suppose you have not forgot, that I told you some time ago of the Affair of Iohn Mountford, a Miller at Prestbury; who was a Bastard and Died Intestate, whereby his Personal Estate fell to the King, and his Lands to the Lords of the Manors the lay in. To witt A House & above 2 Cheshire Acres of Land in Mottram Andrew, fell to the late M=r=. Wright; and a Woman, one Wild went to him immediately after his Death, and pretended she was the said Mountford's next of Kin, and he gave her 30=L=: but it was soon after proved, that what She had asserted was not true, however as She had got the Money there was no calling it back. He had also a House, and Barn, and about the same Quantity of Land in Butley, which fell to my Master, and upon farther Inquirey he had 2 Nephews living (Isaac Downs and Ionathan Downes) who proved to be his next of Kin. And my Master gave them a Lease of the said House, and Land for their joint Lives, and the Surviv{o}r of them. And I assisted them in Applications to the Lords of the Treasuary, for obtaining a Royal Grant of the Personal Estate, and after offering several Petitions, it was given to them the said Isaac Downes and Ionathan Downes. Now as your Master

got 2 Small Closes of Copyhold Land in Bollington, by the same Chance, they the said (_Isaac_) [^underlined in red^] Downes and Ionathan Downes, do intend to wait upon your Master, to beg he will be pleased to give them some%thing: as it is a Simil{e}r Case with the before mentioned I do not doubt but he will I am Sir Your Hble Serv=t=. Matt=w=. Mottershead I wrote to you by my Mistresses orders sometime ago, to desire to know what her Chair Cost, and wh{o} the money is to be paid to, but I have not had any answer. I shall be glad to receive a Line the first oppertunity [^Note in red in different hand, probably Orford's, which presumably refers to "Isaac":^] at Hen=y=. Bibby{'}s George & dragon M=r=. Orford Lyme

D=r=. Sir I am Sorry that I, and your Messenger, made such a Blunder, as to return him back without the Receipts. I remember I gave them into his Hands, and afterwards took the last back to alter the Date, but I did not in the least Suspect, but he had taken them both up again, untill after he was gone, I returnd to my Room and found them, when too late to call him back. The Bill for the Chair is 10=L=:17=s=:6=D= in my Acc=ts=: I suppose by your mentioning it, I did not give you the Ballance which I have intirely forgot, but it shall be settled the first time we meet, and I am D=r=. Sir your most Hble Serv=t=. Matt=w=. Mottershead Adlington 9 Nov=r= 1781 For m={r}= alford at Lime [^Upside down in different hand, probably Orford's^] M=r=. Mottram [^corrected^] with a letter to my master to be a Pallbearer to Lady warren — rec~ed Dec=r=. 15. 62 Ans~ D=o= —

Sir Not knowing if the Inclosed will meet with M={r}= Legh at Lime or not, I take the liberty to inclose it to you: It is to desire Him to be [^"be" crossed out^] at this place to attend the Funeral of The Lady Eliz Warren as a Pall Bearer on Wednesday next. If You can get me an Answer by Saturday next I shall be much obliged to you J am Your Hum=le=. Servant Peter Mottram Stockport 15 Decem=r=. 1762 [^The letters of John Orford are given in approximate chronological order, rather than their present order in storage.^] Newton Feb=r=. 2=d=. 1762 Dear Bro~=r=. Yours of the 31=st=. I rec=d= this day My Sister Continues but very poorly yet but I hope time will bring her about again, — I have been turning our ground to another way till what I was mentioning to thee the last time thou was over, the Town seems to complain very mutch against Hen: Lawson for the usage he offers to them he says they shall pay him 1=£=..15=S= P~ every Cow he takes into score, — I have last night Obliged number of them more then by giving them ever %so mutch I agreed with 16 of them to put into Balls Park everyone of them one Milking Cow at one pound ten each which makes 24£ which I hope it will doo as well as plowing or better considering the Ground will be so mutch the better for Plowing the Year following. —

The rest of the Ground as follow's, — the 6 Acre which was Marled the last year the H{ers} Coppey that was Marl'd the year before 8 Acre, Sudworth's Close that was Wheat y=e=. year before 5 Acre, — and Dambels Close stuble 3 Acre, and I think to plow the house field which is 3=A=. 3/4={R}= which I think will be sufficient for Oats this year. — For Summer work's/ The 16 Acre which was limed and the other part of the upper end of Sudworth's Close — For mowing/ I think the Sudworth's Close which us 6=A=: will mow very well, Dambels Close 2=d=. Year of Clover is 8=A=. the pushed field 2=d=. year which is 2=A=: Dambels Close bottoms is 1=A=½.— Lodg Close Querey whether it will mow or not 5=A=: — 17=A=½ w=th=. out it Pasture / the too 4 Acres Little and great Grice Close Bottoms Pits and {Amber} Coppey the Rough Grounds to Eddens 5 Acre and the 3 Sixteen Acres the whole I think is 45 or 6 Acres. — For Peter Legh Esq~=r=. Mem~=r=. of Parl~=m=. at Lyme in Cheshire P~ Manchester

Bro=r=. makes me mention the plowing of y=e=. house field is that the h{o}rs Coppey and it will be very proper for Summer Workes the Year following, — let me know what thou thinks of thiss. — — as to me not Writing about Raplh buying your Beans, is I was with him last wednesday and he had bought you none at that time but expected to buy some in a day or too, I will let thee know by the next post after Wednesday which he may very possabley buy some tomorrow at Warrington There will a Box with some Close [^"be" is crossed out^] at the Carriers tomorrow, — Cousin Ales Birchall Chuses Manchester but wants to know what sort of a place it is.— I am Your Affec=t=. Bro=r=. J~n=o=. Orford [^on the reverse, the following note by Richard Orford:^] My Bro=r=. Ab=t=. Management [^this word seems to be corrected^] of the Estate Reced Feb=y= 9. 62 An=s=. — 10.62 Newton May 22=d=. 1762 Dear Bro~=r=. I hope before thou receives this thou will have thy bag~s at hand, we have but had very bad Races, My horse Continues still very lame, When the Doc=r=. and I comes I know not, Our Markets are advancing very mutch, the flowr I sold a 25 is now in selling at 29 Wheat is not to be bought under 25 or 6 and expecting it still higher Meal not to be had for Money, last Monday it was at 25 the next they expect it to be at 30, Wigan yisterday was pritey high I bought a Load in the Market for 27 & Sold for 29=S.=6=d= the Same but I think that was the top part{t}y of that Market, I am going this Morning to y=e=. Hall Bold to see M=r=. Hage he has a large q{n}=t=. of both good Wheat and Oats with an Intent to buy them if I can, but I will let the know by the night post how I have gone on, Pray how gose Sister on, I am Your Aff~=t=. Bro~=r=. J~n=o=. Orford [^on the reverse the following note by Richard Orford:^] My Bro=r=. about Carn Rising — Rece~d May 24. 62 Ans~. D=o=— To M=r=, Orford at Lyme

Newton July 24=th=. 1762 Dear Bro~=r=. I was at Liverpool on Thursday last but found that the Derby malt woud not take there, they have a good deal of Cawrn comen in, likewise some Malt but there is nothing to be done in the Markets at present, I was likewise at Wigan yisterday and asked M~=r=. Anderton how that Countrey Malt woud take there and he said it woud not do for the publick houses as they had so small Stocks and that it will not be fit to draw on till more Age which they will not Buy {of} it, he said they woud not give the price the do for ours by a Shilling or 2 at y=e=. Load, so that if it is in they powr to sell it to any advantage is mutch better till taking the Trouble to send it here, the prices I Wrote thee word on Wednesday Meal yisterday lowerd to 1=£=—8=S=— and 1=£=—10=S=— Wheat still takes from 24 to 26 S P~ load, We shall have some Cawrn ripe the next week

which if Meal takes this price woud not be a%miss to make a few as soon as possable I get them off the Ground but our Markets are very unsettled at present, — I have done prity well amongst the hay grass for I have sett~ to the Value of 59£ or there%abouts which will doo very well at the time of the Year it is to be paid, I think not to do any more amongst the Cawrn at present as it is like to be a falling market there will be nothing got by it, I think to Sow the 6 Acre with Turnaps Immediatly as soon as the Oats is got off which if I can get a Crop will be very like for Barley the Year following [^on the reverse the following note by Richard Orford:^] My Brother Reced July 27. 62 Dear Bro~=r=. I gave you a Letter from Bolton on Monday last and from home on Saturday Morning, I was to have sent by Hosker but they was gone about ½ an hour before I got there, — I let thee know in both Letters that I had disposed of 50 Loads and to a Chap as good as the Bank and that he was to pay all expence and Carriage only that I was to let him have 10 Sacks and he is to give p{ro*s} 1 Shilling P~ Load, and for the rest I know not what to say I think it cannot loos anything the [^word crossed out^] Barley in our Countrey is Surprisingly mended oats is very thin but nothing is to be sould in our Markets at this time peraps thou knows him he sould you Malt to New hall I think he then lived in Rochdale at that time, but now at the horse shew in Bolton his name is Joseph Popelwell which he desired his Complim=ts=., we have Cut an Acre before this day but are now begun for good and shall be very Buisey I am Your Aff=t=. Bro~=r=. J~n=o=. Orford [^on the reverse:^] My brother ab=t=. Malt being Sold &c Reced Aug=t=,. 62 Ans P~{.} [^and another note in pencil:^] The 10 Sacks went P~ Rodgers on Wednesday last To M=r=. Orford at Lyme

Newton Sep=r=. 25=th=. 1762 Dear Bro~=r=. We had M~=r=. Lee's sone at our House to know who we woud have the Leas maid {*...} [^tear in page^] which I told him I thought thee, and whether there was any Building upon it or not which there was not, but if thou thinks anything contrary shoud be done thou may Write to him but it shoud be done very soon for the Leas will be maid directly for if thou woud have the L{*...} maid upon either Mother or me thou may Write to M=r=. Lees he has the old leas with him and whether there cant, but I supose there can be too lives added without making a new one but of that thou knows best, — I think that was not his meterial Business for he came to desire me to keep him 2 Mairs with foles

and a too Year old one which he Insisted so mutch that I coud not well deny him but told him it woud be very expensive in ans~. he told me he did not mind that but he woud have them well took care of and that they shoud have hay and Cawrn enough we can let them by in the open ship an and to Charge by the Meas=r=. for Oats and by the night or Hundred for Hay and so on for the Grass I did not make him a promise to take them but peraps it may be as well, but shud not I give them Ac=t=. of the expence before they bring them, — if thou wants any Aples to keep send word the next week for we had none at Home that will keep Mother is something better from Yours J~n=o=. Orford [^on reverse:^] My Bro=r=. ab=t=. M=r=. Lees &c. — Rece~d Sep=r= 25. 62 To M~=r=. Orford at Lyme

Newton Sat=rd=. Morning Dear Bro~=r=. Yours P~ Cart I rec=d=. last night which found us all very well, — I have maid no bargin and am fearfull I cannot in the time except I was to throw him a%way for nothing, — We have had very fine weather ever since you left Newton and I think our Clover will come in this day or a part of it, — I think to go for Chester in Sonday after%noon and then I can show the Horse on Monday and Come back afterwards that day, you will receive your bags with Close P~ Cart I am Your Aff=t=— Bro~=r=. John Orford [^on the reverse:^] My Bro=r=. by the Cart Rece~d Oct=r=. 9. 62 To M~=r=. Orford at Lyme

Saturday Morning D=r=. Bro~=r=. Yours of the 29 came right to hand I got very well home, but found D=r=. Crouchley down upon the Cawsey crossing the Common as Ill drunk as ever man was, M=r=. Goxall and Cousin John was obliged to lead him Home Rich=d=. Boardman gave me your Watch at Warrington fair which I will send by him who drives the Cart, The Hefeirs and Sheep got very well Home about 8 o'Clock, there never was known a better fair at Warrington for fat beast till it was, they was sould both very dear and all of them was sould in less till 2 Hour's; and I think if you coud buy me the up Headed Hefeir that goes with that I bought and at the same price

woud do very well 5 Guineas was the price of her; or if your Butcher sees ever a good beef Cow that will be bougt Cheap let him buy it for I think it will be sould well, — I did not receive your Letter till Thursday which if I had gone then I shoud have had no opertunity of Going into y=e=. moors, but shall go on Monday, — the Inclos'd Letter I rec=d=. last night, you may give me a Letter what to do in the Case in what Method to put of y=e=. P. M=t=. — Your Aff=t=. Bro=r=. John Orford [^on the reverse:^] My Bro=r=. ab=t= seting un Acre in 6 Acre and M=r= Lees letter ab=t=. his lease Rece~d Dec~=r=. 4. 62 [^"Nov" is crossed out^] Dec=r=. 12=th=. 1762 Dear Bro=r=. We have M=r=. Garten over which tould me you was well at Wimsloe Wednesday last, — M=r=. Lees and sone was both over on the day mentioned which was very merrey and good natur'd I atemted to have stated the price of Mares and Colts keeping, but in vain, for as soon as I menti^on'd^ them being Chargable, he gave me for Answer he woud have them as well done to as might be and any%thing I charged he shoud be very willing to pay and be Obliged to me likewise so that I thought it not right to say more —

and about the Lease he told me he had brought it in y=e=. Bags but the trouble he told me was nothing and that you might call of him when you thought proper — I had this in my head to go in to Wales for M=r=—. Loyd a Gentleman that had a boy at M=r=. Stirrups told me that the best of Beef was now sould at 1=d=½ P~{lb}~ & that Swine and other things in y=e=. like manner so 2 Months perap woud be to great advantage by his Ac=t=. woud gain 15. or 20£ by that same

it is not more till 1½ days ride to go there if so mutch therefore the Exp[^loss of a letter?^] will not be great if nothing done but give me your opinion upon it when nothing is done one may dipend there will be nothing to be had I dont know whether I can have the Money or not but If i can let me know what you woud have me do in the Case Aff=t=. Bro=r= J~n=o=. Orford pray if the Black Calving Hefeir bought To M=r=. Orford at Lyme

Sat~=r=. Morning— Dear Bro=r=. Yours P~ Cart I Rec=d=. last night and likewise the Weeks before — We are all very well and I gave you a Letter on Monday last with the Content[^some crossing out at the end of this word^] of your letter in it which I supose is somewhere detaind but I expect you will have rec'd before this. M=r=. Lees was very agreeable and told me any time when you had an oportunity woud suit him — his mai{z}es he seem'd well pleasd with and I begun to mention the value of Hay and Cawrn and he told me that was not meterial for anything I Charged he shou'd be glad to to pay and be obligd to me for y=e=. favour

the Weather is the finest ever was known for the time of Year, Markets as follows Meal from 29. to 30 Barley 4S Malt 35. Wheat by the Meas=r=. from 24=S=.6=d= to 25=S=.9=d=. Markets verys nothing neither is likley Mother desires ther Blessing and has sent you a goose with your Close Your Aff=t=. Bro=r= J~n=o=. Orford [^on the reverse side (in Richard's hand?) the following:^] My B=r=. two Letters P~ Post & Cart ab=t=.his going into Walse to buy Cattle &C. Reced Dec=r=. 18. 62 ret{n} — 19.62 To Peter Legh Esq=r=. Mem=r=. of Parlm=t=. at Lyme near Disley Cheshire P~ Manchester

Newton Park's June 19. 1771 Dear Bro=r=. We have had very fine Rains but the weather continues very could, I forgot to mention to you Tho=s=. Widdows {Skines} but tould him I had, he is almost in leabour for them, I have been two different times at Warrington to see Miss Sale about your consern, but to no purpass, She has promised me that it should be done in a few days which I will see after, We go very well on with our Marling only for the loss of a few days by Rain, — The small Pox is very mutch amongst us and of a Bad sort, I hope you are well at Home, — I am your Aff=t=. Bro=r=. J~n=o=. Orford To Peter Legh Esq=r=. Mem=r=. of Parlm=t=. at Lyme near Disley Cheshire P~ Manchester

Newton Park's August 5=th=. 1771 Dear Bro=r=. On Sat=d=. I Bought the Horse I mentioned to you, he is a yellow Chesnutt, {Starr} and {snip}, with 3 White feet 15½ Hands high, 4 Years old rising 5, he hath a little too mutch Bone in his Leg, and dose not Quite use them very well, I do intend going to Norwitch tomorrow to see If I can get a match to him as I am well asured M=r=. Taylors is not the Colour, I have bought this Horse very well worth the Money, either for your Cart, or Coach, but am afraid I shall not have the opportunity of serving you so well a second time, but will do my best indeavours, if there is not one near Northwich shall not know where to meet with a Match, but know there is a great maney of the Colour there owing to the Chesnutt Horse being kept and Coverd that M=r=. Taylor former^l^y had, I am your very Aff=t=. Bro=r=. J~n=o=. Orford To M=r=— Orford Lyme

Dear Bro=r=— I have not sent by the Bearer the Accounts as Intending comming with Hen. Richardson in about a Week or ten days to see thy Wife and Bett at which time will bring them, should be glad to know if you would have the Bills drawn along with me for the Balance of Accounts, the Horses you Receive is called Jolley, and Dragon, let J~n=o=. Richardson know the horse with hair upon his legs is to lead cal'd Jolly other upon the Pair, — I am with Love to your Wife Your Aff=t=. B~. J~n=o=. Orford Newton Park's Feb~. 27=th=. 1772 For Rich=d=. Orford [^also on this side of the letter is a note in another hand^] N=o=. 1—

Newton Park's March 16=th=. 1772 Dear Bro=r=. I will by next Post send you the Balan^ce^ of Wilds Acc=ts=. and should before only Hary Richardson desired he might have the Cash, but he is gone this day to Liverpool of Colecting, so that I shall have a Bill tomorrow, — I was to have Rec=d=. Birds Balance Peacock is the person which is to pay the same and will wait upon you with it, either Friday or Sat=d=. next, If Wyld sayth anything of it not being paid sooner you may let him know that I ordred Bradley to proceed against them but that he had neglected, their is no charges upon it, I hope you and Barrow got well to London, We have keener frost at this time till of all Winter before, Pray how is the markets with you, and Clov=r=. Seed, I am your very Aff=t=. B=r=. J~n=o=. Orford R. Orford [^also on this side of the letter is a note in another hand^] N=o=— 2 Coal{s} Dungon House

Newton Park's March 18=th=. 72 Dear Bro=r=. You receive Inclosed three Bills one of 20— one of 50— and one of 105—16—10 which I think will be wright all to a halfpen~y, but John Leech desir'd his draft might not be offerd till Monday as he would give advice of it that day, I have some thoughts of [^tear in page^]g a present of Pork if a small pigg I have dyes well or otherwise will not, — I saw Hen. Croft last night which left your Wife and Children very well yisterd^ay^ morning [^"very well" is crossed out here^], — pray mention the Cole to Jn=o=. Wyld, and also the taking down and rebuilding of the dungeon as the Timber will serve again, I should be glad to know if you have seen him, —

But I will write to you and him by Sat=d= Post as I am afr=d=. I shall miss this and be disconvenient to you pray {exc haist} From your very Aff=t=. Bro=r=. J~n=o=. Orford PS. I have also sent by this post the Rental Inclosd to you with the same directions upon M~=r=. Orford [^in a different ink, the following note^] N=o=. 3

Dear Bro~=r=— I hope you Rec=d=. by last Post the Rental and Drafts to the Balance, and I have by yisterdays Coach sent a Side of Pork which I think very good for M=r=. Legh and J~n. Keck if you think it will be exceptable, if not to whom you think most Proper, should be glad to hear from you conserning Wylds affairs if Convenient, I have not had it in my power to send you any Sparlings ocasion'd by the hardness of the Weather but will as soon as possable, — I am your very Aff=t=. B=r=. J~n=o=. Orford Newton Parks March. 21=s=. 1772 R. Orford [^in a different ink, the following note^] N=o=. 4

Newton Park's March 23=d=. 1772 Dear Bro~=r=. Yisterday I Rec=d=. yours of the 19=th=. past Turner being with Wyld I suppose is about Peacock's affr=s= as he tould me that he had wrote to him for to settle and pay the Balance due from Birds Acc=ts=., I have a promisary note against Pacock for the Balance if wanted, but suppose he will have paid the same before this comes to hand, — — If you think proper to mention to M=r=. Wyld that I am afraid Turner will not be a proper person [^a word crossed out here^] to Imploy betwixt The Rector and him as he is doing his Business at this time, — I hope you have Rec=d=. the Rental and drafts before this date and also will receive by Fridays Coach the Pork I mentiond, will send sparlings by next Coach if they are to be met with I am your very Aff=t=. Bro=r=. Jn=o=. Orford R. Orford

Newton Park's March 29. 1772 Dear Bro=r=. I Rec=d=. yours and am very glad that you continue well, — Their will be at Swan Lad. lane on Wednesday about 3 o'Clock in the afternoon a Hundred of Sparlings but they are very Sawsey I paid Ten Shilings for them, — Inclosed you Receive an advertisem=t=. pray would you have anything done at the sale but am afraid you will scarse get a Letter back in time I should be glad of Ye a Doz. Covers to M=r=. Wyld and if you was to get him the like Quantity to me but dont put your%self out of the way as it is not very meterial, I wrote to M=r=. Wyld both by yisterdays Post and this, conserning Peacock's settling and other things which he will let you see I am your very Aff=t=. B=r=— J~n=o=. Orford

Should be glad you would mention that all the farms are out of Lease and to know his time he would chuse to have them lett for, — J~ O Newton Park's June 24. 1772 Dear Bro=r=— M=r=. Matthew Houghton hath a desire to come over to see Lyme, upon which it was not convenien=t= for him till Tuesday, which Sister and others hath posponed their comming till that time, their will also one more of Houghton's Wenches come with the rest till was before expected, I am with Resp=t=, to your Wife Your Aff=t=. B=r=— J~n=o=. Orford To M=r=— Orford Lyme

Dear Bro~=r=. I only Rec=d=. yours from Fairfield on Monday night about 9 o'Clock and H Richardsons at the same time, yours I also Rec=d=. by Knowles, I will Immediatly send as soon as I can from either of the Persons, — Sister Wrote to me desiring I would not send any Horses as they would chuse a more agreeable method to be conveyed home, if they are not left you before this Reaches pray let them know their is no want of them at Newton every person is Quiet and Well, We finish our Marling tomorrow and have met with very good Marl I am your Aff=t=. B=r=. J~n=o=. Orford Newton Park's.. July 9=th=. 1772 To Peter Legh Esq=r=. Mem=r=. Parlm=t=. at Lyme near Disley Cheshire P~ Manchester

Newton Park's Sep=r=. 9=th=. 72 Dear Bro=r=. I have this day sent your Portmantle and inclosed is the Key, we got yisterday at Ormsk{ir}k Ten good Scotts for you, but the prices are not {ver}y easy, Jn=o=. Garton I do expect will go into morning for Miss Potter was is now at Newton and is maried to a man of 8 Hundred P~ Year as report is, pray how is Jo=s=. Burrows for they hear nothing of him, — I am mutch afraid your Wifes Cloak would be hurt as it was with dificulty got in I am your very Aff=t=. B=r=— J~n=o=. Orford Dear B=r=. I have done my indeavers but to no purpass, but made use of a friend for 40— finding you was mutch distressed, — I hope your Wife Rec=d= the Birds By Cart, we have a very bad season of Weather, Sister hath a few pickle ready for you when oppertunity to get them forward,d I am to see Cousin Birchall on Sunday but no acc=t=— of his leaving the Countrey, I have disposed of my Blew Horse and If the horse of your motherinlaws answers your discription should be very glad of having him I am your very Aff=t=. B=r=, J~n=o=. Orford Newton Parks 2 Oct~=r=— 1772 To M=r=— Orford Lyme [^there are several pen trials on this page also, as follows^] abcd ford Orford

Newton Parks Oct=r=. 6=th=. 1772 Dear Bro=r=— I Rec=d=. yours last night and also the Coult, but am under some aprehensions that he is not quite so fine a one as you Imagined him to be, but I have put a dressing upon his leg and sent him to Haydock, but will take him back before you come there, We have had a very bad day and I ill prepared for it my Barly all abroad but about two Acres which we got in this morning before the weather broke but it is a fine evening and am in hopes of howsing most part tomorrow, I was to see Cousin Birchall on Sonday and he told me y=t=. he set out from our Country on Thursday morning for Manchester I am your Aff=t=. B=r=— J~n=o=. Orford To M=r=— Orford at Lyme

Newton Park's Monday morn~=g=. Dear Bro=r=— I Rec=d=— Yours by the Bearer last night and very glad to hear of your little ones doing so well, and in regard to Cash I have been at Tho=s=. Barrow this morning to let him know that you had sent down his Note and would be agreeable to him If you could pay the Cash to to me the first opportunity that is convenient to you, — I have also been at Miss Sale this morning but without success, only very fine promises as usal, her Bro=r=. is gone this day for Liverpool to Receive and am under promise that I shall get the same from him upon his Return I am Your very Aff=t=. Bro=r=, J~n=o=. Orford I will do my best Indeavour to get in the Cash for you as soon as in my power Rich=d=— Orford Lyme

Dear Bro=r=— I Wrote to you some time since but did not Remember to mention that I had paid J~n=o=. Baxter the 20£ you desired me and I dere vent=r=. to say there is not 5 of the same left {un}spent at this time, In %regard to Horrabin I am shure that he will not answer your purpass tho unwilling to say anything till I see you, his Wife is not a very good looking person and a numb^er^. of Little Children and he very fond of Gambling but desire this may not be mentioned from me, — Very bad harvest Weather here I am your Aff=t=. B=r=. J~n=o=. Orford Newton Park's— Wednesday night <0 1773> To Peter Legh Esq=r=. Mem=r=. of Parlm=t=— at Lyme near Disley Cheshire P~ manchester

Dear Bro=r=— M=r=. Jackson was at Warrington to have seen you this day but finding you gone desired me to Inclose the within and he hopes y=t=. you will loose no time in giving the same to his Tenant and dating it, — we are all very well and Bett also I have a parcel come to our house this day which I think is Silk of some kind directed for you pray is it to be sent for Lyme I am your Aff=t=. B=r=— J~n=o=. Orford Newton Park's Sep=r=. 8=th=. 1773 W=m=, Ardern is to have the preference of the Estate if he thinkes the same will he of any service but M=r=. Jackson desire's your Ans=r=— M=r=, Orford

Dear Bro=r=— I wrote to you for M=r= Jackson on Wednesday and directed it to your Master which I expect will come safe to hand, — Sister desires your Wife will send as mutch Check as will make a breadth for they will not answer without I am your very Aff=t=. B=r=. J. Orford Friday Morng. M=r=— Orford Lyme

Dear Bro=r=— Pray have you done anything Conserning John Merser as time is going on to little or no Purpass for him, — Should be glad to know by next Post when the show is at Chesterfield as I have some thoughts of seeing it and suspect it is on the 27=th=. but if contrary you peraps will know [^gap in text due to wax seal^] {*...} I am wright the best Horses will be 25 and 6=th=— I am Your very Aff=t=. B=r=— J~n=o=. Orford Newton Park's Jan=y=. 16. 1774 M=r=— Orford Lyme

Dear Bro=r=— The Seal you was mentioning to me about is a Head, full Cheek, Curled wig, Hunting Cap with the resemblance of a Sharp peak before, and the tie about it is devided behind Anglewise, — I can send you the Impresion but am mutch afraid it will be known from whence it came as I only borrowed it from him as in haist to Seal a Letter to Cousin Cloughton I am your very Aff=t=. B=r=— J~n=o=. Orford Newton Park's Feb=r=. 3=d=— 1774 I have not yet had it in my power to get you some Writing but will as soon as possable M=r=. Orford Lyme

Newton Park's Feb. 7. 74 Dear Bro=r=— I Rec=d=— yours by Lawrence, and also the other you mention'd last night from Haydock, I am no little surpris'd to hear of your Horse being unsound, as he warrented him, as such desire you will Write to Fantom informing him of his Lamness and the Mark's from where it proceeds and if he doth not chuse to take him back that you will take such steps that will be disagreeable in that case, desire his ans=r=, see his Answer before you send him down if you can, I am your very Aff=t=. B=r=— J~n=o=. Orford [^on the reverse, the following draft letter to Fantom^] M=r= Fantom Sir My Brother bo=t=. a %Horse for me at Chesterfield fair which I understand was from you, My Man was sent for him from Chapel in Frith & on his Road said she was lame but my Bro=r=. left him at my house, the day after he was the same, upon which on geting a person to examine him found he had been lately bled in the brest & {R}owel'd under the same [^over a word crossed out^] which [^another word crossed out^] gave great suspition it was an old gri^e^v{e}nce [^"e" corrected to "a"?^] on which I wrote to my Bro=r= informing him, & by last post I Rece~d his Answer that he bought him from you with a War^r^anty ^by promise^ of his being a Sound horse & paid a price accordingly, but as I [^word crossed out^] believe the Horse to be to the Contrary hope you'll take him again, [^insertion mark without text, to convert comma to semi-colon?^] otherwise I will assist my Brother & meet you ^at^ Derby assizes to Settle [^"it" is crossed out^] the affair. — Your Answer by return of Post directe{d} to me at Lyme Hall Cheshire will oblige Sir Your Most hble Ser=t=. R: O [^along side of next page is part of a sentence crossed out: "or give a letter that you'll". This may have originally have been intended to be read where the insertion mark stands alone^] M=r=. Orford Lyme

Newton Park's June 3=d=. 1774 Dear Bro~=r=. I Wrote to you by Doc~=r= Ackers at Manchester Races but have not heard from you since informing you that John Merser was at our house and that I think he is loosing his time very mutch should be glad you would fix what Business you think would be agreeable that he might be bound, I have been again at Hall Parr about the Gray Mare but think she would not have suited you but she is Sold to M=r=. J~n=o=. Rigby of Carr mill to carr'y his Wife, — Poor Hannah Wood is Dead and hath sent Bett a Ribband, — M=r=. Hen: Porter was at our House to diner yisterday which would have been very glad to have seen you

he mentiond that if you happned to come over to Haydock betwixt and next Wednesday he should be at home if you could make any buisness there but that he would Write to me on Sonday to Inform me of the Time of his leaving, Rob=t=. Traverse is come to a Misfortune of having his Barn and part of his house burnt down I am your Aff=t=. B~=r= J~n=o=. Orford M=r=. Orford Lyme [^tear in page, but letters remain stuck to seal^]

Newton Park's June 6=th=. 1774 Dear Bro~=r= I Rec~=d= yours last night and the parcel, I will take care to fix M=r=. Tommey Gaskell with a Horse but you did not Mention the time that he would want him, I shall go over to the Bank back end of this Week at which time or sooner I will fix for him but w=d=— be glad to see M=r=. Legh's Horses as they are to be sold by M=r=. Henry Porter and I suppose very soon, — Your Master I believe set from Bath on Thursday last I am your very Aff=t=. B~=r= J~n=o=. Orford M~=r= Orford Lyme

Dear Bro~=r=— I Rec=d=. yours and also the trust Deed and hath since seen M~=r= Topping which is getting forward, I will take care that M=r=. Tho=s=. Gaskell hath a Horse Saddle and Bridle against his time, there is no Beef at Haydock fit for you but some Bullock's are comming out of Yorkshire by Rich~=d= Taylor which I am to meet at Standish on Monday next if they will Ans~=r= will buy you three or 4 of them I am your very Aff=t=. B~=r= J~n=o=. Orford Newton Park's June 17=th=. 1774 To Peter Legh Esq=r=. M—P— at Lyme near Disley Cheshire P~ Manchester

Dear Bro~=r= I Rec~=d= yours of y=e=. 15=th=. only Thursday night, and have not had any Post till this Morning, but you will receive Incl=ds=: the Bill and Rec=t=. you wrote for, Bett is very well, and Bevington is with the Pavers, — I hope the Weather is settling we have had a %few very fine days which if it Continues will do well for me, I have Mow'n a few Acres of Oats and we are howsing a part of them this day, and the Rest will be in good condition by Monday if the Weather continues good I am Your very Aff=t=. B~=r= J~n=o=. Orford Newton Park's — August 20. 1774 M=r=. Orford Lyme

Newton Parks Aug=st=. 29. 1774 Dear Bro~=r= I have been over at Leigh along with Tho=s=. Sale conserning putting J~n=o=. Merser to him for 5½ Years at which time he will be 21 the Conditions will be as follows if you aprove of him going there, Cloathing must be found him during the time, Tho=s=, will teach him his business free without pay, but his Brother will not Board him for less till Eleven Guineas a Year Meat, Drink, Weshing and Lodging, which will be a very Considerable sum in that Number of years, but it is left intirley to your Aprobation, — Widow Naylors Servant was at me last night about a place you have to let as he told me he had spoke to you about, he will be substantial and like to make a good Tenant if you have it to dispose of, I am Your very Aff=t=. B=r=. J~n=o=. Orford All very well at Newton Park's M~=r= Orford Lyme

Newton Park's Sep=r=. 20=th=. 1774 Dear Bro~=r= I Rec~=d= yours, and the Mare you will Receive by the Bearer tho not quite well, but will carry you I hope as farr as your business will require, I have also sent a small parsel if you will desire some of the servants to give her every other Morn=g=. the size of a pullets Egg in a Ball, or otherwise desolv=d= in a pint of warm Ale which will be of very great service to her, but pray let her have it before Meat or Water, — We are all very well at Newton Park's, I have finished my harvest which I am very proud of, for I never knew the weather so tickle, but we hows'd all our Wheat Sat=d=,. Sonday, and yisterday fore noon at which time the weather broke again, — I am your very Aff=t=. B=r=. J~n=o=. Orford M~=r= R. Orford

Dear Bro~=r= Inclosd you Receive a Draft upon Whittnal Value 107..19..5 with the Notes and Drafts before of (_92—10—0_) which I hope you will find wright 200—9—5 being the Balance of those Acc=ts=. you took up, — I will send up another Remittance whilst you are in Town if Possable, — be so kind as to get this draft excepted before you pay it to M=r=. Child, — should wish you would not see M=r= Wyld before he gets a Letter from Me as I will Write by Wed={n}=. Post, — pray be so kind as to get me a pair of Scales and w=ts=. when you come down, — I am Your very Aff~=t= J~n=o=. Orford For M=r=. Orford How-lane near Stockport Cheshire

Newton Park's Sep=r=. 15. 1777 Dear Bro~=r= The bearer is James Speakman which is suffering in such a Manner by Ben: Lyons obstinancey that it is scarsley credable, nothing else will give him satisfaction but the bodey of this poor Man to lye in the Jale, but providance hath ordred mutch better till was o{n}st likley, they have put all the Charges Bail & that John Matther and me gave with him togather and will amount to about 90£ which they took him for on Monday last, but by a piece of cunning hath over got them, as such all he hath to do is to keep undiscoverd till about a fortnight before next March asises, at which time he will have it in his power to come out without paying any charge or debt to them, which I am very glad of, I wish you woud be so kind as to give a letter with him to John Holbrool of Codner, that he would be so obliging as to imploy him for the above time, you may dipend upon his Caracter to be a sober, honest man, and can work well at any kind of Husbantre{y}, He is in great distress tho not poor and would do very well if they would suffer him to be {q}uiet to proceed in his buisness

Pray be kind enough to do what you can to keep this poor Man undiscoverd for the time, I could not think of any place so likley as Jn=o=. Holbrook's and he will be servisable to him, but desire it may be as sacred as possable, — We have had a very sharp strooke of an earthquake yisterday at Elevan o'Clock, insomutch that in some houses the goods was thrown down from the wall's, in other places very slight, in the New church in Warrington the Congrigation was n{*...} [^tear in page^] great confusion, insomutch that they was thrown one upon another, it was thought it might be the Pouder Mills, but suppose it not Possable as it was very vilant with us, Leigh, and all the neighbourhood, — We have exceeding fine Weather, have finish'd out shearing within one day, and am housing in very good order, we are all very well at Newton Park's I am your very Aff=t=. B=r=— J~n=o=. Orford

last night after I wrote saw James Grimshaw who said you had sent a person from Lyme to Haydock which you would expect to return this day but M~=r= Rigby only gose for Liverpool this day and will return tomorrow so that they will keep the person at Haydock for his return, — M=r=. Legh's of Golborne and M=r=. Omrod will be at Lyme tonight, — John Naylor of Armshaw-green was buryed on Sonday last, — after I had wrote to you from Ormskird found you would not receive it sooner till Thursday morning which the bearer of it said he would deliver it by his own hand at that time to you in How-lane, — Newton Park's Tuesday Morn=g=. 5 o'Clock M=r=: Richard Orford Lyme

M=r=: Orford Ashton 17 June 1776 Sr yours of the 15th: {**} just now came to hand...... M=r=: {*n=*=}: Leech Jun=r=: set out on Tuesday last for ...... Richard Atkinsons in Borough Bridge, where I believe he will Stay the greatest part of Next week, am Sorry you Cannot Come at Rawlinsons Garden, I dare say M=r=: Birchall is secured, as he wrote about it to here, and I sent it M=r=: Leech to Buxton, I am for him Sr your very Humble Serv=t= (_John Peet_) To M=r=: Rich=d=. Orford at. Haydock Lodge

Wigan Friday Ev{*}~. Dear Sir. You shall know where D=r= Baldwin has — executed — I will wait on you tomorrow to Garswood & presume the nearest point for our Meeting will be the Red Lyon in Ashton, & therefore I propose being there by ten in the forenoon, & if I do not find you there shall proceed to Garswood. & am. D Sir. Your most h~ble Serv=t= J=o={n}~ Pennington To Peter Legh E{**} MP at Lyme Chesshire N=r= Buxton

London Aprill 15 1772 D=r= S=r= I hope you got home in perfect health in which I hope you found all at home This day Obtaind an order from the C{**}is=sn= of Customs to the Customs at Liv{**p} to deliver the Cask of Rum upon paying plantation Duty A{*=*=} 8=d= P=r= Gill — then I {m}t to Li{s}i{s}pool to kon if it had been properly reported there and though you would not, they Adminsterd a Tinder Bath as they Call it there, that, I belived, it was of So{me} our Plantation as our Brok^er^ said I might Very safely do for it is forfeiture of Ship & Carg{*w} to bring any foreign Suche Mistakes often happend, I have had a good deal of trouble about it, if {*****s} good and gives Pleasure & satisfaction to th{ow} that us{**} it I shall be well rewarded, I wrote to M=r= Legh this night to acquaint him and to M=r= Legh at Bank M=r= Legh had left a Frank for y=r= purposes he will I suppose give the order for the C{*...} of it My Sincerest respects attends you and M=rs= Orford I am S=r= your most Ob=t= Serv=t= N Pennington pray send now your writings {**} for Maryland as soon as possible — M=r= Orford — {S} To Peter Legh Esq MP at Lyme N=r= Buxton Cheshire

London May 16 1772 M=r= Orford S=r= when you went out of Town you promised me I should have your accounts in a %fortnighs time, I acquainted you we had, goods ready for shiping 6 weeks before you Came up, M=r= Masters inform'd me there was no Certainty of Letters or Packets Coming so Safe unless Sent by Ships as brought him goods as Tradesmen Charges with goods at the time when orderd to be ready, and not when Ships, we are {L*sv}ing so much time as the goods might have been Sent over & Sold by this, which would have Enabled M=r= Masters to have made his remitance Sooner, his order is but Small, is not so Material, but Some goods r{ece}ive Injurys by long keeping, I heard from him about a %fort%night ago he sent me what we Call {*...} Invoice orders for a %great many Articles to Litle amount, there is now Some Ships will Sale Soon pray be so Oblidging to Sent your Packet directly or inform me punktually the time I shall have them, I then Can get the goods Inter'd & Ship'd Can give the Captain the packet the Last thing befor he sails, when you acquaint me the Longest time I shall have your packet I am S=r= your Sincere Friend and hearty well Wisher N Pennington Dear Sir, Inclozed you ha{v}e the Contracts & Copies. — When You sign them it will be proper to get one of the the Witnesses who was present at the Sale to attest 'em — — Note — that in the Contract for {E}dge Green ^I own^ there is nothing said of it's proportion of the Rent — but the agreem=t= as to that will be easily proved by the Company then present. I am Sir Your most Obed={t}=. (_Rbt. Pennington_) In haste. Wednesday 12. o'Clock — — The Copies should be — examined with the Origin~. M=r=. Orford at Lyme Cheshire —

D=r=. Sir Herewith you will receive M=r=. Master's Deeds which are to be reexecuted by M=r=. Legh in the presence of the same Witnesses as before. I am Your most Obed=t=. h~ble Serv=t=. (_R. Pennington_) Wigan 5. June 1773 — To Peter Legh Esq MP at Lime Cheshire

Garsw=d=: March 31 1772 (_D=r=: Sir_) I recd a letter from M=r= Gerard in which he {sais} that he is to be put into possession of New Hall &c forthwith, in consideration of paying a proportionable part of the rent to the time the purchase Money is paid — I suppose the same Meth^od^ is to be taken with respect of Dock Lane — but Old Leech has let it to another for this year, and I am told they have plowed more than Six Acres in it, besides playing several dirty tricks — I shall advise M=r= Gerard to be quite clear from such a dirty fellow before he pais his Money, but shall wait your com^ing^ over, before I mention any%thing of it to him — at all events you must not agree to pay any thing for their plowing — I beg my Comp=s= to M=rs=: Orford and am Sir {y=r=} most Ob=t= hble Ser=t= Tho=s=: Penswick To M=r= Orford at Haydock

Garsw=d=: Ap 30 1772 (_D=r= Sir_) I understand you have sold the Lead Pipes which convey'd Water to the different Appartments in the Laundry Dairy &c. these was certainly fixtures as they could not be taken out without cuting. and I dare say M=r=: Gerard will look upon them as such — if they are not replaced his remedy must be {^by^} a petition to Chancery where he purchas'd the Estate, but it wood be much better to sol{*}e it without that I am Sir y=r= Ob=t= hble Serv=t= Tho=s=. Penswick To M=r= Orford

Garsw=d=: thurday Noon (_D=r= Sir_) I will wait upon you with the Money, tomorrow or Saturday I am y=r= mo hble Serv=t= Tho=s=: Penswick To Peter Legh Esq MP at Lyme Cheshire

Garsw=d=: June 15: 1773 (_D=r= Sir_) I have this moment recd from M=r= Sharpe the Conveyance deed of New Hall &c which is to be executed by M=r=: Legh — please to let me know by return of post, if M=r=: Legh is now at Lime, and what day I may come over to get it executed; I am Sir y=r= most hble Ser=t= Tho=s=. Penswick To Peter Legh Esq MP at Lime Cheshire

Garsw=d=: June 23=d=: 1773 (_D=r= Sir_) I have but this moment heard — that since New Hall was put up to sale, some Timber has been sold therefrom, a particular of which I have got from William Birch{a*}, and the amount is 7=£=:12=S=:4=d= — Now you know that Sum ought to go to the purchaser, and I dare say you will think it ^quite^ reasonable it should, but I think it will not be proper to send the acc=t=: to M=r=: Sharpe to have it deducted out of the purchase Money, lest tha{t} should occasion some delay; but it wood be better for you to engage to pay it on behalf of M=r=: Masters. I beg your answer and am D=r= Sir y=r= most hble Ser=t= Tho=s= Penswick PS. Comp=ts= to M=rs= Orford. M=r= Orford To Peter Legh Esq M:P at Lime Cheshire

Garswood July 2=d=: 1773 (_D=r= Sir_) The New Hall {Aff}air is now very near selled, except some matters that is to be altered according to our agreem=ts=:— I wish you wood come over as soon as you possibly can, and={*}= I dare say when on the spot, we can finish every%thing in half an hour — I beg my comp=s=: to M=rs= Orford and am D=r= Sir Y=r= most hble Ser=t= Tho=s= Penswick M=r=: Orford

Garsw=d=: Aug=t=: 31 1774(_D=r=: Sir_) herewith you have the acc=t=: you desired — there is one years Rent and part of another due for Dock Lane {I}state to M=r=: Masters — there is likewise part of the Rents of New Hall &c for the year 1773 due to M=r= Gerard, and a small parcel of Timber sold and recd for by M=r=: Birchall all yet to selle; which the first time you come over, I sho^u^ld be glad it might be done — the Notes of Land you gave me (and which is in my possession) more than Ballances M=r=: Master's acc=t=: as far as its yet selled, — I had thought to have sent you the notes of land, but upon reflection the receipts I gave you for it are I suppose gone to M=r=: Russel, so that you cannot send them back to me — however if you wood have me send the note I will, or when you come over to Haydock, I shall deliver up the note and you may give me one for exactly the Ballance — I beg my Comp=ts= to M=rs= Orford and am with great regard D=r= Sir y=r= most Obed=t=: Ser=t= Tho=s=: Penswick M=r=: Orford at Peter Legh Esq~ LimeCheshire

D=r= Sir On Monday the 10=th= Ins=t=: we purpose walking the boundary of Ashton, and shall begin on {*}dge Green — as I remember I mention^{n}d^ to you before, that I should acquaint you when we did so; and you told me it wou'd not be material; however it can do no harm, as you will either have persons to attend on behalf of M=r= Legh or not, as is thought proper. — with comp=ts= to M=rs= Orford I am D=r= Sir y=r= most Obed=t= Serv=t= Tho=s= Penswick Garsw=d= Nov=r= 4=th= 1777 M=r=: Richard Orford Lime Cheshire

D=r= Sir (_2 Pipes_) Monday the 16=th= Ins=t=:, is the day appointed for another meeting at Prescot, to sign the articles &c; which I hope will be convenient for you to attend. if it is not, please to let me know; that I may acquaint the Gentem=n= therewith. M=r=: Mackay hopes you have soon M=r= Gri{~}bert before this, if not, desires you'l take the opportunity to see him before the 16=th= — with comp=ts= to M=rs= Orford I am D=r= Sir y=r= most Obed=t= Serv=t= Tho=s=: Penswick PS M=r=: Peters has drawn the Articles which I dare say you'l approve of, so did not think it necessary to send a Copy Garsw=d= Feby 7 1778 — M=r=: Orford Haydock [^crossed out are the following two lines^] Lime Cheshire

D=r=: Sir I take the liberty of reminding you, that on the 22=d=: Ins=t= the Mortgage of new Hall is to be paid off. — I am disappointed of some money which I intended for that purpose. but hope your draft for the ballance of the acc=t= will come in time; which will oblige D=r= Sir y=r= most hble Serv=t= Tho=s=: Penswick Garsw=d= June 6=th= 1778 [^part of another word may be visible above the addressee but is mostly lost due to tearing where the seal was attached^] (_M=r=: Orford_)

D=r= Sir M=r=: Mackay intends going to London on Monday or Tuesday next; and as there are several matters to be talked upon, relati^ve^ to the Colliery's, M=r=: Orrel desires a meeting may be had before that time. — we purpose waiting on M=r=: Mackay at his house, tomorr^ow^ morning; and desire the favor of your company. — Ten O Clock is the time fixed to be at Blackbrook; and if you please to ^call^ [^another word, probably "be" is crossed out here^] here the half past Nine, will be ready to attend you I am D=r= Sir y=r= most Obed=t= Serv=t= Tho=s= Penswick Friday evening PS. shall be glad of your company to breakfast tomorrow Morning — [^in pencil on reverse sheet are some jottings of numbers relating to Mr. Legh, Mr. Case and another person, which may be contemporary with the letter^] M=r=: Rich=d= Orford Lyme Cheshire

D=r= Sir A Company are now in treaty for the S=t=: Helen old Mine, in order to begin a Colliery there immediately; which if not put al stop to, will greatly hurt the present proprietors of Collierys: — its the desire of all here, that a meeting be held on Thurs^day^ the 8=th= of Dec=r=: next, if convenient to you; if not; please to mention any other day, and give me a line what day you fix upon. I am with Comp=ts= to M=rs= Orford D=r= Sir y=r= most Obed=t= hble Serv=t= Tho=s=: Penswick Garsw=d= Nov=r= 25 1785 M=r=. Orford. —

Sir. I have acquainted M=r= Legh with an acquiescence in the terms of Leasing which he has proposed. The Life we wish to add is Elizabeth Percival Wife to Thomas Percival. M.D. of Manchester, aged twenty seven years or thereabouts. Be so obliging as to forward the Lease, which may be drawn up in the same manner as the former, I mean in the name of M=r= James Percival as well as of mine. The Money now lies in the hands of M=r=. Richard Phipp, an Agent at Warr=n=.; to whom you will be pleased to give possession. — The Old Buildings on the Premises stand in great need of repairs. You

will oblige me by requesting of M=r= Legh a few Trees, towards de{fr}aying this expence. — I am Sir Your Most obed=t=. humble Sev=t=. Tho. Percival. June 29. 1774. — Manch={*}=. — M=r=. Rich=d=: Orford Lyme Hall Cheshire

M=r=. Rich=d=: Orford Sir, your much esteem'd {*...}. of the 3 Ins=t=. came duly to hand covering Two Bills value £60:4:~ which are {pa*}s to the Credit of P=r=. Legh Esq=r=. Acc=t=.with thanks — your Bottles will be forw=d=. to Manch=r=. this week of which you shall be regularly advised. in the intrim I am respectfully — Sir. for Jos=h=. Perrin & Co. yr %hble %serv=t=. Will: Foster Warrington 6 Sep=r= 1790. M=r=: Richard Orford at Peter legh's Esq=r= Lyme near (_Stockport_)

[^the top corner of the letter is torn^]{R}ich: Orford Sir The above 8 Crates are this day forwarded f old Navigation to Manchester — which wish soon safe at Lyme — & the Contents please & am for Mess~. Josiah Perrin & Co — Respectfully Sir Your most ob=t=. h~ble Serv~. Ralph Nickson M=r= Orford Haydock near Warrington

Manch=r=. Feb=ry=. 24 1781 M=r=. Orford Sir Herewith you receive M=r=. Stephenson for M=r=. Drabbles receipt for his acc=t=. with Peter Lee Esq. {*}£38—15—4 when it suits your Convenience to have the Lease ready I shall be glad to have it executed & am respectfully Sir your mo. obed~ Serv John Philips M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Pet=r=. Legh's Esq~. Lyme Hall near Disley

Manch~. Oct=r=. 8 1782 M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford — Sir Herewith you receive a Bill {i}n Smith Payne & Smiths £17 for two years rent for Whaley Mill due to Pet=r=. Legh Esq=r=. Mich. mass day last the receipt whereof please — to me knowledge in course. if you could make it convenient to have the Lease drawn out that it may be executed you will much oblige Sir Your very hble Ser John Philips [^on the reverse of the letter, in a different but contemporary hand^] In Trust nevertheless to & for the purposes mentioned in the ^last Wills & Testaments^ [^crossed out beneath is the phrase "said Wills"^] of the said John Royle her Father and Oliver Kay her Husband [^there is also a short calculation on this page^] M=r=. R: Orford Lyme

Manch=r=. Nov=r=. 12=th=.. 1782 M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Sir I wrote you some time ago requesting to know when the Lease of Whaley Mill would be ready to be executed, but as I have not yet heard from you in return, am afraid the Letter must have miscarried; shall be glad that you will make it convenient to have the matter settled & to write me as soon as possible when I must wait upon you for that purpose. I am Sir Your very hble %Ser~. John Philips M=r= R Orford at Peter Leigh Esq=r= Lime near Disley

Manch=r=. Nov=r=. 16=th= 1782 M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Sir I am duly favoured [^the "re" may be read as an "r"^] with yours of the 14=th=., Ins=t=. & for answer, the person I sett the Corn part of the Mill to, went off & never paid me any rent; since when I have ^agreed to^ sett the (_whole_) if you have no objection to M=r=. Sam=l=. Withington a reputable Manufacturer in this Town, to whom I shewed your Letter, that he might give a satisfactory answer respecting the Person to whom he is about setting the Corn Mill; he says his Name is Gregory, that he has sufficient Security for the payment of the rent that he agrees with him for & that if he is not a person agreeable to the Township, he can have others who will be glad to take the Concern & indeed from what (_I_) can learn there can be no reasonable Objection against the Man & perhaps if the complaint be enquired into it is very possible it may originate from some person who may wish to have it themselves — whoever has it, I wish it may answer better for them than it has hitherto done

for me. — I hope you [^tear at top of page has obscured this word but the beginning of a "w" may be visible^] excuse my proceeding to sett it without aquainting you, as I was ignorant that a clause of that import would be in the lease, or I should not have taken that Liberty. When you come over to Manchester, shall be glad if you would call at my house in Heaton Norris, as you will be certain to find me at one place or the other & I shall be very happy to see you there. I am Sir Your very hble %Serv=t=. (_John Philips_) Sir I received an Order a few days ago from M=r=. Legh to transmit to You the Particulars of his Nephew's Account since X=tmas=. last — The young Gentleman is taken from under my care by his Father: but M=r=. Legh I imagine has given you orders to discharge all that is here due. I have taken proper Rec=pts=. to the Last year's Bills, & will to these as soon as I have paid them & will transmit all to you by M=r=. Lowe. I am Sir Y=r=. very humble Serv=t=. J Pickering {M}ackworth Apr. 2~. 1771 M=r=.. Orford Lyme hall

Chapel June 1=st=: 1779 Sir We have sent you the particulars of Lyme bill to this time inclusive, w=ch=: hope you will find in every respect to be right, — my Brother & self purpose waiting on you this Day week at w=ch=: time should be particulary obligated to you for the favour of a remittance for the same, hav {J}: lately made some contracts that puts us on the necessity of troubling our friends; however if that day be inconvenient & you will please to point out another more agreeable, please to give us a line by {S} Sh{e}pley; We are Sir on all occasions Y=r=: most obliged serv=ts= C & J Pickford M=r=.. Orford Lyme hall

Chapel 17=th=— July 1779 Sir I purpose waiting on you at Lyme next Thursday, at w=ch=.. Time desire you wou~d make it agreable to let me have a Remittance for the Bill we sent. — I am at this Time so necessitated for Money (having 200=£= at present to advance) that I do not know, what to do if you cannot make it convenient My Brother has some Money out at Interest that we coud have call~d it, had we not fully relied on this Payment, but now that Time is sliped, as the Goods we owe for (_must_) be paid in the Space of a few Days — I therefore (_most earnestly request_) you wou~d not disappoint me, as my Necessity makes it impossible for me at this Time to look off it, otherwise I shou~d have been very sorry to have importun~d this Favour one day sooner than you cou~d have made it convenient. I remain Y=r= mo~ ob=t= Serv=t= — Corn=s=— Pickford M=r= Orford At his House — in How lane

Sir Inclosed you've the Bill {D=r=}: to us by M=r= Legh up to this time — for the same will be much obliged to you for a remittance early the next Month, having made a purchase of Yarn w=ch=: reduces us to the necessity of troubling our Friends — on all occasions we shall be happy in future Com={d}s= & are Sir — Y=r=: much obliged & very hb Serv=ts= Cor=s=: & J Pickford Chapel 21=st= June 1781 A London Bill at 2 Months after Date will suit us the same as Cash — — — M=r= Orford at his House in How lane

Sir If you could in the course of next fortnight have obliged us with a remittance for the Lime acc=t= the favour at this time would have been acknowledg^d^ with the utmost respect & gratitude by Sir Y=r=: mo hb Serv=ts= Cor=s= & J Pickford Chapel Aug 13=th= 1781 M=r= Orford at his house in How lane

Sir Could you this Week have but made it convenient to have let us have all or part of the Lime acc=t= the favour would be so great, that we should scarce know ^how much^ to thank you, on account of having next Saturday some very large Sums to remit — Your compliance will as above be a particular obligation to Sir Y=r=: very hb Serv=ts=— Cor=s= & J Pickford Chapel [^"29=th=" is crossed out^] Sep=r= 1781 30=th= M=r= Rich=d= Orford Lyme hall — or at his house in Marple

Sir The particulars of the acc=t= owing me by Peter Legh Esq~ are here inclosed w=ch= hope you'll find right & shall be glad of a remittance at (_your_) conveniency — — — there is a small acc=t=: unpaid of my late respected Friend ^Masd{e}n^ of 8=S=/10=d= being for some {J}ack=g=: & some B{*}aggs, which on his (_own_) acc=t=: were sent by Walton — — If you can direct me to those who have the management of his Affairs would have sent the particulars for their Satisfaction — I am Sir Y=r= much obliged Serv=t= Corn=s= Pickford Chapel 25=th= Aug=st=. 1790 — For M=r=. Olford {*}his

Sir as I have Taken it {***}ld Consideration to Sell my Estate in Noorberrey and for to see if I Can Gett my Husband his Security I hope that you will Be so fea{veis}urable and as Good as To Grant and Gett us M=r=. Lees Licance To authorize us to Sell itt By Sir in Complying With the aBove you will very much oblig your Friend & Humble Serv=tt= &c. — Mary Pitchford Hillgatte Stockportt Sir George Dod of Choroley was this day with me and inform'd me John Ralphs M=r= Leighs late Tenant is dead and as he is inform'd in bad circumstances. Dod is a c{e}rdible and Substantial Man, I am told,If the widow of John Ralphs is not able to continue on the Farm / not otherwise / he wo=d=. be glad to tr{e}at with You for the Farm your Answer will oblige Sir Your h~ble Serv=t=. Edw=d= Platt Chester Feb~ry {y=e=.} 11=th= 1771 P.S. Dod was over at your house & you happen'd to be from Home — M=r= Richard Orford at Haydock near Warrington

D=r=. Sir I rece~d your Letter of the Eighteen Instant and have given notice for Handley Court to be helf on Fry%day the fourth day of November next when I hope to have the pleasure of seeing in the mean time I am D=r=. Sir Your Obliged & Obedient Hble Serv=t=. Edw=d=: Platt Chester 21=st=. Oct. 1774 — M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford at Lime Cheshire

D=r=. Sir I rece~d Your Letter of the 30=th= Instant, and will give notice for the holding of Handley Court at the time You fix, when I will attend, and endeavour to bring with me Mss=rs=— Hallwood and Pennington, as you desire. I am Sir Your obliged h~ble Serv=t= Edw=d=: Platt Chester 30=th=. October 1783 {*}=r=: Hallford at Lyme Hall near Dishley

S=r=: The Bearer Will=m=: Bailey is a very Sober Honest Servant can Shoot Exceeding well & may be trusted anywere woud not have Parted with Him but had no imploy for Him {I} am {K}ind S=r=: Y=r=: Humb~: Ser=t= John Poole Blakelow 6 D{ec}mb=r=: 1779 I dont think S=r=: You will light of a Man more Promising to make a Good faithfull Servant [^in contemporary hand but not that of the letter^]Hen. Porter ab=t=. Longside Business reced Nov. 13. 62

Leyland 7=th=: Novem=r=: 1762 D=r= Bro=r=: The other day when I wrote to you from Haydock, I was in hopes we could have been ready for your company here on the Allotting of Longside Common, but on coming here to see our father (M~=r=: Lang) on that Subject; I find he is engaged along with my father Porter at Garstang, where they compute that Lord Archibald Hamilton's business will hold them a fortnight longer at least, and as his Lordships Tenants don't know how they are to have their Farms for the next Year, before they have finish'd their Survey, it is therefore impossible they can leave that Work before they have finish'd the whole I am with Complem=ts=: to M~=r=: Flodman Your Loving Bro=r=: by Adoption Henry Porter P:S: M~=r=: Lang ^also^ joins me in Complem=ts=: to you and M~=r=: Flodman [^in a different, and very bad, hand^] To M~ R Orford at Lyme near Buxton Cheshire P~{**oo}Legh

Bath May 20=th=: 1773 Dear S=r=: I received yours of the 9=th=: Inst: informing me that the first meeting of the Commissioners for Inclosing Latchford Heath &=c=: is to be on the 1=st=: June next; but as I am not yet certain whether I shall leave this place before that time, if I should not be there, you and our Brother Commissioner may make your Adjournment so as to give sufficient time for Surveying the Commons, and doing such other part of the business as may be thought proper to be done before our second meeting, and I will let you know when I can be with you, if it is thought necessary we should be all together at setting out the Roads &=c=: before the Commons are Measured. — As the Water agrees with me very well, and I think my%self in a fair way of Re-establishing my Health, I should be sorry to leave this place before that is compleated; as it is a long way to come again, and I never can be more agreeably fixed, I lodge only cross the Street from M=rs=: Leghs, and lives with them,

which makes this place much more agreeable, and less expensive than it otherwise would be. — Please to make my best Complim=ts=: to M~=r=: Turner, and accept the same from S=r=: Your Most H~ble Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter To M=r=: Orford Lyme

Warrington Sept=r=: 21=st=: 1773— D=r=: S=r=.. I came here Yesterday in hopes of having the pleasure of meeting with you, and as Valuing the Commons, and determining the dispute in regard to Common Hill, are two of the most difficult parts that will attend the whole Inclosure; I therefore desire we may see you here this evening, unless you be very particularly engaged. — I hope M=r=: Peers Legh did not forget to tell his Sister, that I had laid the Recipe she gave me, too carefully by, that at present I cannot find it, but as soon as it is found shall send it. — I am S=r=: Your most Obed=t=: Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter M=r=: Orford Lyme

Tarleton Jan=y=: 21=st=: 1774— D=r=: S=r=: I received yours with the 15=£=.. Bill Inclosed, for which M=r=: Moss has promised to send me Cash by some of our Market folks tomorrow. If this happens to come to hand whilst M=r=: Peers Legh is with you, please to give my Complements to him & tell him I desire he will pay you the 15=£=..5=S=..7=D=: and I will settle the Account with him at his return. I shall be glad of a Line from you to know how the Latchford & Groppenhall Inclosure goes on, and am with Complem=ts=: to M=rs=: Orford S=r=: Your Most Obed=t=: Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter To M=r=: Rich=d=: Orford at Lyme near Disley in Cheshire

Bristol May 15=th=: 1774— D=r=: Orford At the request of M=rs=: Ann Legh I now write to inform you, that they leave Bath much sooner than they expected, and as she would clear out properly before they leave the Town, she desires you will not fail to Remit her what money you can by the return of the Post; she did not choose her Brother should know that she sent to you on this Account, so desired me to write: I paid her 20=£=— the other day on your account, for which Sum, I ^have^ her Receipt for you; and as I imagine we shall be at Haydock about the 27=th=: or 28=th=: Inst: I hope to have the pleasu^re^ of shaking you by the Fist, and if it is [^the word "then" is crossed out^] convenient you may then give me the Cash. I hope my journey has been of Service to me in regard to my health; I am come over here to drink these, Waters, altho' I hope I have not much occasion for them, but by this means, if it please God I should ever have occasion to come into this Country again on the same errand, I hope I shall be some sort of a Judge myself, which Water will agree

with me best; and as I hope to see you at Haydock in my return, shall beg leave to Conclude with my best Complem=ts=: to M=rs=: Orford, and all your Family, from D=r=: S=r=: Your Most Obed=t=: H~ble Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter M=r—=: Orford Haydock Lodge

Bank June 15=th=: 1777— Dear Sir Inclosed I have sent you a Bill Tho=s=: Sill on Mess=rs=: Dickinson and LLoyd Value 128=£=..13=S=: and as I have not placed the 71=£=..7=S=.. to Account, which you Received from M=r=: Haigh of Bold, should be glad you will now send me your Receipt for 200=£=.. on Account of Bank Rents— If M=r=: Keck is now at Haydock, I wish you would inform him, that Reynolds at the Kings Arms Lancaster, has used me very Ill, in not furnishing me with the Charrs he wrote for; Reynolds promised me from time to time he would send them immediately, but never did; but if he would still have them sent, I will apply to another hand, and send them as soon as the Season comes in — I am S=r=: Your Most Obed=t=: Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter

[^in a different but contemporary hand^]Preston 14 June 1777 Thomas Sill At a {N=o=}~. payable to Hen=y=. Porter {O}n Dickinson & LLoyd London N=o=~. 133 128.1B M~=r=: R: Orford at Haydock Lodge

Bank 17=th=: Nov=r=: 1777— Dear Sir Yours of the 10=th=: only came here this day about Noon, otherwise I should certainly have waited on M=r=: Legh at the time you mentioned. Yours by the Messenger came here this afternoon, and by him have sent you a Bill Daniel Barron on Mess=rs=: Hunt and Ellis Value 100=£=.. for which please to leave me your Rec=t=: I have promised the Bill shall not be sent up before Sundays Post, so desire you will take care you dont send it sooner, and I dont fear its being duly honoured — I shall bring about 200=£=.. in Cash with me, but as I have only had about four hours Notice, hope M=r=: Legh cannot expect my Accounts being drawn out in form, as I have not had time to Copy my Rent Roll over; however I can let him see what I have done with the money I have already received, and from who, the remainder is

due; I always Settle [^a tear in the page has destroyed some text, about one word^] Accounts about Christmas, and never as yet returned [^tear^, probably read "M=r=:"^] Legh any Arrears, but if he chooses to have it done now, I must return him about 180=£= — I hope you will return to Haydock tomorrow nigh^t^ for I believe it will be evening before I can come; and hope you will be within distance of your work the day following I am Sir Your Most Obed=t=: Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter [^part of the page containing the address has been cut off^]=r=: Orford Lyme

Bank July 13=th=: 1778— Dear Sir I sent you 200=£=..in Cash last Week, ^by Ja~: Grimshaw^ and told him he might pay it to you, on Condition that you would return me 100=£=.. when I came over to Lyme; I have this day received a Letter from M=r=: Legh, wherein he desires to know when he may expect to see me at Lyme; I have wrote him for Answer, I intend to be there on Monday evening next, so desire you will not fail to let me have the 100=£=— when I come; and if M=r=: Legh has not told you of having wrote to me, desire you will not let him know you have heard from me; as I hope to to see you so soon, shall add no more from S=r=: Your Most Obed=t=: Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter [^ there are some calculations on the reverse of the letter^] M=r=—: Orford Lyme

Bank July 26=th=: 1778 — Sir The Inclosed Account I have compared with mine, and find they are both the same, only mine are Dated the days I sent the [^the beginning of a word is crossed out^] ^several Sums^, and yours, I imagine, are the dates on which you received them I hope you will contrive a day or two to spare, somtime when most convenient; to come over here and Value the two Closes of Land, which I mentioned to you at Lyme I am with best Compliments to M=rs=: Orford Dear Sir Your Most Obed=t=: H~ble Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter M=r=:— Orford Haydock Lodge near Wigan

Bank Aug=t=: 9=th=: 1778 Dear Sir When I was with you at Lyme, you was so kind to say you would sometime set apart a day or two to come see me at Bank, and Value a Couple of Closes which my Wife would be glad to Lease for under M~=r=: Legh; but on looking over my engagements, I find I am to attend the Sale of an Estate at Colne on the 12=th=: Inst: and from thence, believe I shall go over to Bury on some business for the Rector; so desire you will favour me with a Line, to inform me when you intend to be next over at Haydock, at which time I shall be glad to see you over here — I am Sir Your Most Obed=t=: Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter M=r=:— Orford Lyme near Disley Cheshire

Bank Nov=r=: 8=th=: 1778— Dear Sir I received yours of the 23=d=: Ult: but was from home when it came here. — I'm sorry to hear M=r=: Legh is called on for so large a Sum unexpected. The Fines Ammount to 969=£=..10=S=, and if Wilkinson pays his Fine before Christmas, it will be 100=£=.. more. I have Remitted M=r=: Legh 550=£= — and 992=£=..13=S=: to yourself, Including 100=£=.. sent Sam=l=: Rigby, for which you said you would send me M=r=: Leghs Rec=t=: but as yet have not got it, so please to send me either his, or yours for it, I fear, I shall be obliged this year (for the first time) to return a List of some Arrears, and as some of the Fines are not yet paid, the Sum you may expect from me towards the 700=£=.. is uncertain; but if you for the present estimate it at 400=£=.. I will make it more if I can I'm glad to hear John Marsden is with you (and as a neighbour of his) am much obliged to you for your kind offers of friendship to him. Please to inform M=r=: Legh, I have not yet seen our Miller but as soon as I can, will inform him about the Mill %Stones I am with Complem=ts=: to M=rs=: Orford, Your Most Obed=t=: S~: Hen=y=: Porter Preston 27=th=: Dec=r=: 1778— Dear Sir I received yours of the 21=st=: with your Receipt for the 300=£=.. I sent you.— I shall send you 100=£=.. in Cash by John Marsden, for which I shall be glad to have yours, or M=r=: Leghs Receipt for, as soon as it comes to hand, and also for the 100=£=.. which I sent to Samuel Rigby, for which I never had any Receipt more than an Acknowledgement in his Letter. I shall also send you the Hoole Rents by John Marsden, but as yet have not got John Ryleys Rent, but will send it as soon as it comes to hand. — I could send you more Money, if I could get in the Arrears, but at present have above 250=£=: of that sort, of which Hen=y=:

Croft stands at about 150=£=: besides the present Years Rent, I'm at a loss how to come at this money, and should be sorry to employ either Attornies, or Bailiffs about it, but if some of them don't pay up, I fear I shall be obliged to do it My neighbour Marsden tells me he is greatly obliged to you on all occasions, and seems to like Lyme tolerably well, I hope when he is got a little more acquainted with his business, he will do very well.— I shall be glad to hear from you, and am S=r=: Your Most Obed=t=: Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter [^this letter is set out as a financial account and I have tried to reflect this in the layout of the text here^] Dear Sir I received yours, and in regard to the Remittances I have made, they are as follows. — 1778 July 21=st=: Paid M=r=: Legh at Lyme ........ 250=£=... Aug=t=: 16: Sent M=r=: Legh to Weymouth ..... 300.. £: 550 .. April 14=th=: Cash Remitted you ..............220=£=.. 17=th=: D~: .............................207..13.. June 9=th=: D~: ..............................165.. July —14=th=: D~: ............................100 .. Sept=r=: 24=th=: D~: .........................200 .. Dec=r=: 21=st=: D~: ..........................300 .. Total Remitted you £:1192.. The Rent Roll I am now to Account for is: 1179=£=..16=S=..11½=D= Out of which there is to be deducted for my Salary ) [^large curly bracket^] 20=£=.. and some other small deductions making about ) 45.. Remains £:1134..16..11½ By the above you find I have Remitted you more than what is due from the Rent Roll.— The 100=£=.. I sent to Sam=l=: Rigby, and the 100=£=— now sent, I intended for M=r=: Legh, on

Account of the Fines, which will make 750=£=.. paid him on that Account, and if I can get in the Arrears, hope I shall be able to Ballance my Account with him, when he comes to Hay^dock^ I am S=r=: Your Most Obed=t=: Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter Preston 5=th=: Jan=y=: 1779.— [^in a different but contemporary hand^] {The} before {Inm} — 1192.13— 78 Oct=r=. Cash left for my Mas~. by {*=*=}. w=th=. Grimshaw 100.— 79 Jan=y=. Cash sent by J: Marsden ( — 100.— 26 Drew on Porter at Sight to M=r= Starkie 200.( £1592. M~=r=: Orford Haydock Lodge near Wigan

Preston July 11=th=: 1779— Dear Sir I received yours of the 8=th=: Inst: and as M=r=: Legh intends to set out for Lyme sometime the begining of this Week, I intend to come over in the Stage Coach tomorrow; when I think I can propose somthing about the Banking of Martin Mear; more to M=r=: Leghs advantage than what has yet been mentioned I am D=r=: S=r=: Your Most Obed=t=: Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter M=r=: R: Orford at Lyme, near Disley Cheshire

Bank Sept=r=: 27=th=: 1779— Dear Sir I'm sorry I was from home when your Letter of the of the 17=th=: Inst: came here, as I imagine you have long expected my Answer. — I'm also sorry I have it not in my Power to assist you in so extensive a manner as I could ^wish^, but as you know I am willing to do all in my Power, I have Inclosed you a Preston Bank Note, Value One hundred Pounds; for which please to favor me with your Receipt by the bearer.— I now declare to you I have borrowed above half the money herewith sent you, and don't know when I shall be able to get it again, as I believe we have none left in the Country & M~=r=: Starkie has sent to me to pay his Ballance, which I shou'd you will inform me what it is, but at present cannot tell where it is to come from (H:C:) has yet paid me no more than when I last saw you, and how matters will

turn out there I don't know, but I fear he is pushed for Cash [^the word "from" is crossed out^] ^by^ other people, but keep this to your%self. The bearer W=m=: Ditchfield, is desireous of taking a Farm on Bretherton Moss (called Heskeths) for which he is willing to Pay 16=£=: P~ Ann: Rent the two first Years of his Term, and Twenty Pounds P~ Ann: afterwards, which I believe is as much, or more Rent than I can get else%where for the Premises, and as this is a Farm M~=r=: Peers Legh alwas promised to procure him, if he Survived the last life in the Lease; I wish the Poor man might take a Trial of it, so desire you would speak to M=r=: Legh in his behalf — I have refused Setting the Farm to the person now upon it, for he has pushed and Burned all the Meadows and other Lands in such manner, that unless he had burned the Buildings too, I don't know he could have used the Premises worse, or left them in so bad Condition for his Successor— Your Answer will Oblige D=r=: S=r=: Your Most Obed=t=: Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter M~=r=: Rich=d=: Orford at Lyme near Disley Cheshire

Preston Aug=t=: 26=th=: 1781— Dear Sir Yours of the 19=th=: only came here last friday, and as you know I am always desireous of assisting you to the utmost of my power; I have herein sent you two Bills Value 160=£=..6=S=: which is more than I had Cash by me, but must pay it of as soon as I can; I hope you will favour me with your Receipt by the return of the Post.— The Arrears come in very slowly, and I fear I shall have much to do to keep them from Increasing, particularly our frien^d^ H:C: who it is doubtful but he will be run to a stand-still e'er long, but keep this to your%self. On the 5=th=: [^a "4" has been altered to a "5"^] Inst: I sent M=r=: Legh two Bills, drawn payable to himself, at Ten days after sight, Value 52=£=..10=S=: and as I put the Letter into the Office myself, I cannot think it has miscarried; but as yet he has not favoured me with his Receipt: so that I apprehend he has either forgot, or my Letter or his must have miscarried, so should be glad to know

if you saw any Letter of mine come for him about that time. I intend to give him a Line on the subject by this Post, as he perhaps would not take it so well if you was to speak to him about it.— Your Answer will Oblige D=r=: S=r=: Your Most Obed=t=: Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter M~=r=: R: Orford Haydock Lodge

Bank 21=st=: Octo=r=: 1781— D=r=: Sir Since my return home, I find I cannot get ready for my Lyme Journey this Week; but hope to be with you the [^"middle" is crossed out^] ^latter end^ of next, and I expect M=r=: Standen will come along with me: in the mean%time I hope you will use your Interest, where you think most proper, in behalf of the Distressed, at the late H: Crofts. If we are to see M=r=: Gilberts, hope we shall have the Pleasure of your Company so far in our return I have sent you the Inclosed, thinking you will be at Lyme, almost as soon as the Post I am S=r=: Your Most Obed=t=: Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter P:S: Please to forward the two small parcels as directed & you'll Oblige HP: and J=s=: Standen M=r=: R: Orford at Lyme near Disley in Cheshire

Preston 13=th=: Nov=r=: 1781— Dear Sir As you know I am always desireous of relieving the distressed; I have herewith sent you two Bills Value Two hundred and Seven Pounds 18=S=.. which I hope will come safe to hand, and for which, please to favor me with your Receipt P~ return of the Post. I am S=r=: Your Most Obed=t=: Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter Mess=rs=: Pedders from W Yates ) [^large curly bracket^] on M=r=: Ralph Yates — ) 107=£=..18=S= Athertons & C={o}=: on Denison & C={o}=: 100.. £:207..18=S= M~=r=: Orford at Lyme near Disley Cheshire

Bank Dec=r=: 31=st=: 1781 D=r=: Sir Yours of the 23=d=: Inst: only came to hand last Saturday, and that the Tenants may not appear in a worse light, than they realy are, or what they should be; I have sent you a Bill, Mess=rs=: Jos: and Thomas Hornby, on Mess=rs=: Latham and Pulsford S=t=: Dunstans Hill London, at Six Weeks, Value 105=£=— for which, please to favor me with your Receipt by the return of the Post. — My Arrears continue to grow larger, but hope they will be considerably reduced e'er long, as most of them have promised to pay on or before Christmas. You don't mention whether M=r=: Legh is recovered from the Gout, pray inform me in your next. I wish you many happy returns of the Season, and am S=r=: Your Most Obed=t=: H~ble Serv=t=: Hen=y=. Porter M~=r=: Orford at Lyme near Disley Cheshire

Preston Octo=r=: 8=th=: 1782— Dear Sir I received yours and am sorry I have not had it in my Power to make you more early Remittances, however I intend to send you 100=£=— to M=r=: Grimshaw on friday next, which I shall desire him to forward you by the first safe hand, I shall send you a Bank Note for 50=£=— and the remainder in Cash.— We have had such continued heavy Rains, that a great deal of Corn has been much damaged by the floods, Corn in general, is very late and very poor Crops, so that the advance in the Price, I fear will not be equal to what the Crops will fall short I am S=r=: Your Most Obed=t=: Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter M~=r=: Orford Lyme

Bank Octo=r=: 11=th=: 1782— Dear Sir Inclosed I have sent you two Bills Value 70=£=— and in Cash 30=£=— which I have desired Grimshaw to forwar^d^ to you by the first safe conveyance; I hope to be able to send you another Hundred ^soon^, but realy the Arrears are so bad to Collect that I cannot yet fix the day You was talking of coming over here some time before Winter, to Level Manleys Encroachment &=c=: pray when may we expect you Your Receipt will much oblige S=r=: Your Most Obed=t=: Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter PS: Our Crops in general in this Country, are the worst ever known in the memory of the Oldest man living, and I fear this Years Rents cannot be made from this Years Product— [^there is a short calculation on the reverse of the letter^] M=r=: R: Orford at Lyme near Disley Cheshire

Preston 24=th=: Dec=r=: 1782— Dear Sir Inclosed I have sent you a Bill, Mess=rs=: John Livesey Hall & C=o=: on Mess=rs=: Livesey Hargreave Anstie Smith & Hall London, Value 100=£=— for which please to favor me with your Receipt by the return of the Post— I'm sorry the Bill is so long after date Payable, but dare say it is a good one I shall be glad to know when we may expect to see you at Haydock — And how the Harvest goes on in your Country, as I believe there are many Acres of Oats & Barley to Cut, in Tarleton Meals &=c=: at this very day I am S=r=: Your Most Obed=t=: Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter M~=r=: Orford Haydock Lodge near Wigan.

Preston 20=th=: Feb=y=: 1783— This evening at my return home, I met with yours of the 15=th=: Instant; and as the weather is so severe at present, and we have a meeting of the Trustees for Goosnargh Hospital tomorrow; am sorry I cannot possibly wait on you at Haydock at present; but shall make up my Account to the time you mention, and hope it will be convenient for you to come over to Bank, or Preston, in a little time that we may settle the last Years Account, and consult what is to be done about Cha={*}=: Croft, who has paid nothing since he paid Grimshaw 27=£=: in April last. ^and there is somthing in Arrear before—^ — I should be sorry to suspect his Honesty, but if he does not pay his Rent in a different manner, the sooner he leaves his Farm, and the better. — Pray keep this to your%self, and come help me to settle matters — Your Answer will Oblige Dear Sir Your Most Obed=t=: H~ble Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter M~=r=: Orford at Lyme near Disley Cheshire

Preston 17=th=: Dec=r=: 1783 D=r=: Sir As you was saying you must come over to Bank to settle Accounts with me; on, or before the 27=th=: Inst: And as I promised to inform you when would be most convenient to me — I therefore give you the trouble of this to inform you, I think the begining of next Week will sute me as well as any other time — I have spoke to Rich=d=: Hunt about the Hoole Rents — I hope you will not forget to speak to M~=r=: Legh in behalf of Tho=s=: Dobson's Errecting a Pew in Tarlton Chapel — Pray inform me when we may expect you [^"here" is crossed out^] at Bank — I am in haste Yours &=c=: Hen=y=: Porter M~=r=: Orford Lyme

Bank Dec=r=: 25=th=: 1783 Dear Sir I have been here since last Sunday, in daily hopes of seeing you; but as things have happened otherwise, have sent you by M~=r=: Grimshaw 84=£=.. for which please to favor me with your Receipt, as I have not taken one from him — The above is somthing more than the Ballance of my Account, but hope to receive more of the Arrears before I see you, I will settle my Account to what time you please; The Bill you reced on the 21=st=: July, I had entered 105=£=.. 5=S= but P~haps the 5=£=.. may be wrong, so desire you will examine your Copy of that Bill; all the other Remittances are right I'm sorry to hear M=r=: Legh has the Gout in his Elbow, and as I imagine by that means he is at present not able to write, therefore if you think proper, you may inform him that Roger Higham of Tarleton; is willing to give 30=£=.. Fine, and 3=£=— P~ Ann: Rent for a Cottage, which I think is a good Price; if he will Grant him a Lease of it for 3 Lives, but if you think it more proper I should write to him on that subject, shall do it; but I thought Your Asking that Question, would save him the trouble of writing

me an Answer — I do not know whether I shall be at home on the 10=th=: Jan=y=: but don't know to the Contrary at present, I should be at Faringdon in Berks the 19=th=: but as Winter is come at last; I will not endeavour to get excused that Journey I am with best Complem=ts=: to M~=rs=: Orford Dear Sir Your Most Obed=t=: Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter P:S: Rich=d=: Hunt sends 20=£=— along with the above and desires your Rec=t=: for that Sum on Account of Hoole Rents M~=r=: Orford Lyme near Stockport Cheshire

Preston Jan=y=: 21=st=: 1788 D=r=: Sir I Reced yours, — I hope to be with you next friday, and to bring the needful along with me. — The Post is just going, so have only time to add, my complements to all friends at Lyme; and that, I always am, D=r=: Sir Your Most Obed=t=: Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter [^in another hand^] Thomas Culs{t}haw Richard Rymer & Thomas Dobson [^in a third hand^] Thomas Culshaw Richard Rymer & Thomas Dobson M~=r=: Orford at Lyme near Stockport Cheshire

Bank 30=th=: March 1789 Dear Sir I received yours of the 21=st=: Inst: and observe its contents. I'm to receive the Rents on the 13=th=: of next Month, but as I must attend our Parish meeting the day following, and some other business which will detain me about a day further, I fear I cannot reach you on the day you mention, but will be with you as soon as I can — I hope it will not be disagreeable for you to take Preston Bank Notes, for the Cash in their Hands, as they may perhaps expect it — I hope if M=r=: Legh gets his affairs settled at this time as you mention, he will find himself more comfortable afterwards. I wish you would send Grimshaw to assist me at the Rent day, and might he not as well take my Cash with him, that he may forward it to you, — I am Sir Your Most Obed=t=: Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter M~=r=: Orford Lyme near Stockport Cheshire

Bank June 24=th=: 1789 D=r= Sir I receiv'd yours of the 17=th=:, and am sorry to find it is dated from Buxton; as I fear too much Water, will not agree with your Constitution; as being a Liquor, with which your Stomach has not been much acquainted with of late, unless with a mixture of somthing thats very good along with it:— however joking a%part, as I believe Bath Waters, saved my life; I hope you will receive from Buxton Waters, every benefit you expected or Wish'd for; and that you will return home, entirely free from ev'ry Complaint.— Please to inform M~=rs=: A Legh, I shall see the person, in a few days, from whom I bought, her Table Cloths; and don't doubt [^"but" is crossed out^] but I can buy some of the same, or such like; which I shall forward to her, as soon as I can.— The many heavy floods, we have had last Winter, and since; has tore the Banks of the River, in this Estate, in such manner, as makes it necessary for some Brushwood, or other Means; to be Erected for the future support of them; and as I should wish to consult you on that subject, desire you will take a Ride over to Bank, the first time you come to Haydock, when I will shew you the necessity of that Work(—

I will assist you with all the Cash I can, at the time you mention, but as yet I have not received M~=r=: Ecclesto{ns} [^tear in page here^] Rent, altho'I have wrote to his Steward, twice on that subject — Most of the low grounds in this country are, or have been, under water; many of which, I fear, are entirely spoiled. I hope this will find M=r=: Legh, and his Sister; with all the other branches of the family, in good health — I am Sir Your Most Obed=t=: Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter M=r=: Orford Haydock Lodge

Preston Octo=r=: 23=d=: 1789 Dear Sir Your Messenger with yours of this date, overtook me here this day, and had he met with me at home, I could not have Muster'd, One hundred in Cash; but happening to meet with a friend here, who has furnished me with the Inclosed Bill Value 250=£=.. I hope this will Stop your Mouth on the Cash Account for some time As I don't know how soon I can settle the Account with my friend — I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you at Bank, when M=r=: Gilbert comes over, but at present we are all under Water; I am Sir Your Most Obed=t=: Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter PS: Please to favor me with your Receipt P~ return of the Post [^in red ink, in different hand, over the postscript^] Haydock Haydock aug 20. 1790 M~=r=: Orford Lyme near Stockport Cheshire

Bank Octo=r=: 25=th=: 1789 Dear Sir Yesterday I received a Letter from M~=r=: Gilbert, wherein he informs me he had a Letter from M=r=: Hornby, informing him that at our last meeting at Croston, it was concluded that he should take a View of the low Meadows in Bretherton, before another meeting should be had on the same Account; he informs me he has wrote him, that he will be at any place he would appoint in this neighbourhood, on Wednesday ^next^ by 11: O'Clock; I think it is highly necessary you should be here at the same time; and it is what M~=r=: Gilbert wished when I last saw him; therefore, I hope you will not fail coming over here at that time, as he told me he would [^"he would", written again, is crossed out^] let you know, when he had fixed the time for his coming; I fear those Lands, are not so clear from Water as they can be properly View'd at present; but as M=r=: Gilbert has fixed the day for his coming; I cannot think it would be proper to put a stop to him. [^"As" is crossed out^] I hope to see you so soon, shall add no more at present, from D=r=: Sir Yours most Sincerely, and in great haste Hen=y=: Porter M=r=: Orford Lyme near Stockport Cheshire

Bank June 1=st=: 1790 D=r=: Sir I wrote you some Weeks since, desireing to be informed whether you had received the Rents, which I sent you by James Grimshaw the begining of April last;— and also to enquire how M=r=: Legh, and the family at Lyme were in health &=c=:; but from that day, have not as yet been favor'd with your Answer, either as a Receipt for the Rents or otherwise; so hope you will favor me with your Answer at your first opportunity; and please to inform me how all the family at Lyme are [^"in health &=c=:" is crossed out^]— I don't hear a Word said of the Drainage business since the return of the Navigation Agents, who went to Obtain ^the Act^ for finishing the Leeds Canal; only I have hear'd they refused to have the Drainage Bill coupled with theirs. The other day, M~=r=: Bamford Sen=r=: offer'd to Sell me some Lands of his in this Township, for M=r=: Legh; they contain about ten Acres and a half; they are naturaly good Land, Lying betwixt Bank Farm, and the River, near Barrowford; and I think may be Purchased worth Money — I shall leave you to State this matter to M=r=: Legh, in such manner as you think most proper, and shall be glad you will let me have his Answer; it lies much better for him than any other person; and I should be glad you could come over here, and give

him your Opinion of it. — I shall be glad to hear from you soon, and am Sir Your Most Obed=t=: Humble Serv=t=: Hen=y=: PorterNB: The Price M=r=: Bamford Asks for his Land is 650=£=— M~=r=: Orford Lyme — near Stockport Cheshire

Bank 28=th=: June 1790 Dear Sir I received yours of the 15=th=: Inst: by which I was glad to find you are still in the Land of the Living, but from your long silence, I began to be in some doubt about it.— The dissolution of Parliament, I have no doubt, will greatly add to the present expences of your family at Lyme; and I shall always be happy to contribute all in my power to your assistance. As to the Drainage business, M~=r=: Hornby at our last meeting at Croston, proposed to have the whole Bill settled in the Country, to prevent any expensive opposition in the House &=c=: — I have seen their Plan, which with a little alteration, I think could be much more agreeable to M=r=: Legh, and a very trifling difference in the expence of the Drain; and as the intended Cut, is nearly one half of it in his Lands; I think he has a Right to make any small alteration, provided it does not materialy add to the Expence. I intend to come pay my respects to our old Governor, sometime the latter end of the second Week, or begining of the third Week in this Month; I shall bring a Plan of the River from Tarleton Weir, to the Township of Croston, along

with me; when I don't doubt but I can explain the whole affair to you, without their Printed (_Conversation_), on the subject — I am D=r=: Sir Your Most Obed=t=: Humble Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter M~=r=: Orford Lyme — near Stockport Cheshire

Preston July 6=th=: 1790 Dear Sir Inclosed I have sent you, two Preston Bank Bills Value 200=£=.., for which please to favor me with your Receipt. I hope to come over to Lyme some day next Week, if possible; but as that is a little uncertain; and I should wish to come, when you think it will be most convenient to yourself; please to favor me with a [^tear in page, but words are visible on paper attached to seal^]Line, giving me that Information; and I will endeavour to wait [^tear, probably only lost "o"^]n you accordingly.— Your Answer will much Oblige Sir Your Most Obed=t=: Humble Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter[^in red ink, in another hand, at bottom^]Answ=d=. 8.90 [^in pencil, on reverse, in poor hand^] John Lawrenc Shore{*...} Johnson M=r=: Orford Lyme — near Stockport Cheshire

Bank Aug=t=: 1=st=: 1790 Dear Sir Altho' I have heard nothing of our Drainage affair since I last saw you, yet as I could wish us to be prepared to Answer any proposals that may be made to us, whenever it is brought upon the Carpet again; I therefore hope it will be convenient for M~=r= Fletcher to come along with you the 13=th=: Inst; or if it is not Inconvenient to him, I could wish he came over to Tarleton the 12=th=: in the evening, as I could let him see the whole of what is wanted, in the morning of the 13=th=: before you come; but as you perfectly know the whole, shall leave you to fix this matter with M~=r=: Fletcher in such manner, as you think is best; I'm sorry I'm obliged to be at Preston on the 14=th=: by 3: O'Clock in the afternoon, but as I can be with you 'till 12, I hope we shall have time enough to finish our business.— I have got a kind of Information, against two Culprits for breaking the Lock of our Milk Meadow Yate, but as I'm in some doubt whether it is strong enough to Convict them upon; shall say no more on that head 'till I have an opportunity of Consulting you about it I am Sir Your Most Obed=t=: Humble Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter M~=r=: Orford Haydock Lodge

Bank 11=th=: Aug=t=: 1790 Dear Sir I received yours of the 6=th=: — I assure you I never suspected either M~=r=: Gilberts Abilities, or his Intentions; but as I apprehend it may make a very material difference to the Landowners, whether the drain is made, by the Line set out upon the Plan of Undertakers of the Drainage; or that set out upon ours; two opinions might perhaps be as well as one about it, but I assure you, I am far from wishing to throw any cold water upon what our Governor wishes to have done in this affair, as nearly one half ofthe Cut, is to be in his liberties. — Besides this Drainage affair, there are several things in this Country, and which lie in your department, and M=r=: Legh's property; which I could wish you to see; and as you are now so near, it may perhaps be full as convenient to yourself as any future time — I mean the Banks of the River in Hoole &=c=:, where the numerous floods we have had for upwards of twelve Months last, ^are so much broke^ that something should be done to prevent further damages; and if you will but come and give your Orders, what you would have done; I will get them executed, in the best manner I can.— The bearer hereof, is our Tenant at Bank, and if you could, conveniently, let him sleep at Haydock, I shall thank you for it— Your Answer, by word of Mouth, will be most agreeable; however let me hear from you.— I am Dear Sir Your Most Obed=t=: Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter

P:S: If you see M=r=: Gilbert, will you be so kind to pay him for what trouble, he has already had on the Drainage business, and I will thankfuly repay you— M~=r=: Orford at Lyme —near Stockport Cheshire

Bank Sept=r=: 4=th=: 1790 Dear Sir Inclosed I have sent you a Preston Bank Bill, Value 150=£=.. for which, please to favor me with your Receipt by the return of the Post: — I wrote to M=r=: Ecclestons Agent, to inform him of the time I expected you over here, and desired he would send [^"me M=r=:" is crossed out^] his Rent for Legh house over at that time; he wrote me for Answer, that the Tenant on that Farm, was a great deal in Arrear to his Master, besides the Rent for this Year; and unless we could Indulge him a little longer, he fear'd he should be under the disagreeable necessity of making him pay, which would be the Ruin of both him and his family.— The first time you come to Haydock, I wish you would contrive a spare day to spend with me in this neighbourhood.— I hope this will find all the family at Lyme in good health, and am, D=r=: Sir Your Most H~ble Servant Henry Porter M~=r=: Orford Lyme — near Stockport Cheshire

Bank 22=d=: Sept=r=: 1790 D=r=: Sir I received yours of the 18=th=: from Buxton, and also the Circular Letter which [^word, possibly "he", crossed out^] ^M~=r=. Taylor^ mentions to you.— I shall certainly attend the meeting of the Drainage Proprietors at Croston, on the 21=st=: of October next; and lay before them, M=r=: Leghs proposals on that subject; which I think are very fair and reasonable; and if he pleases; I think the said Proprietors, should be obliged to make, and forever hereafter Repair; all Carriage and other Bridges, and Roads, that may be necessary for occupying the different Proprietors Lands, in the Township of Bretherton; for altho' at present, we have no such Bridges, none are wanted; or will be, unless the intended Drain is made; and I wish you could make it convenient to yourself to spend a Day with me here, I could then explain matters much better to you on the Spot, than by Writing.— The Township of Croston, will certainly be greatly benefitted by the Drainage; and that without one additional Bridge, Occupation Road, or even one Spadefull of Earth taken for making any new Drain in that Township; whilst on the contrary, Bretherton must have the principal Drain Cut thro' it; which will render all the Bridges &=C=: necessary.— I hope this will find you all well at Lyme, and am S=r=: Your Most Obed=t=: Serv=t=: Henry Porter P:S: Please to favor me with your Answer M~=r=: Orford Lyme — near Stockport Cheshire

Bank 22=d=: Octo=r=: 1790 Dear Sir According to M~=r=: Leghs Instructions, which I was favor'd ^with^ in your Letter; I attended the meeting of the Drainage Proprietors at Croston, yesterday; when after reading over, all the different opinions of the Engineers, and others who have been consulted on the making a Cut, or Drain through Bretherton Eyes; they are all unanimous in their opinion, that such Drain, would be of very great Public Utility; [^"and" is crossed out^] and may be carried into Execution, without the least prejudice to the Lands in (_Bretherton_), but expect it will have a different effect; I informed them, that M=r=: Legh was willing to Refer ^the Price of^ such part of his Property as they might be in want of; to Indifferent persons to be chose by each Party; and all the other Landowners, and their Tenants, in Bretherton; have no objections to disposing of theirs in like manner; there being proper Clauses Inserted in the Act, to confirm such Reference— The different proposals &=c=: were of such length, that I could not possibly now send you a Copy of them; but M=r=: Taylor of Leigh, (who was yesterday appointed Sollicitor in this affair) has promised me, to furnish you with Copies, or any other Information you may want on the subject—

The Meeting was not adjourned to any particular future day, so that the next meeting, I imagine will be advertised in the Manchester paper as heretofore; and any Information that I can give you in this [^tear here^] aff{air y}ou may depend on me sending it [^"to" crossed out^] you I hope this will find all the family at Lyme in good health, and am S=r=: Your Most Obed=t=: Serv=t=: Hen=y=: Porter PS: I expect at the next Meeting, there will be a Draft of the Intended Act of Parliament produced; and if so, should not M=r=: Legh, have some Gentleman in the Law, attend for him.— To M=r= Rich=d=: Orford at Lime in Cheshire—

Haigh Aug=t=: 1=st=, 1771 Dear Sir A gentleman in Preston has made application to me to Value several Estates belonging to M=r= Barton of Penwortham lying in Parr, called the Broadoak, Jenkinsons , &c And also another Estate in Sutton called Burton Head — As these Estates are in your Neighbourh=d= and you generaly come to Newton ffair sh=d= be glad you would contrive to assist me at that time and I will see you paid [^crossed out word, possibly "for"^] Your compliance herewith will much oblige Sir Your most Obed=t=— Servant Will=m=— Porter Please to give me an answer the first opportunity— To Peter Legh Esq=r=. MP. at Lyme Cheshire P~ Manchester

Haigh, Sep=r=: 8=th= 1771 Dear Sir Inclosed have sent you the Table you lent me for which I return you thanks — Rich=d= Melling goes over this week to Value the Timber, I have order'd him, R=d= Sharrot, & John Atkinson to consider how those Estates may be divided into Lotts so as to make the best advantage of the Mines — Some persons may be induced, thro: a %prospect of the Mines to give a %handsome price for part of an Estate that would not choose to purchase the whole — M=rs= Tingle was so alarmd with me talking to her about the Timber that she wrote that very day to M=r= Makon in Preston My wife joins me in Complim=ts=. to you and M=rs=— Orford — Who am Dear Sir Your most Obed=t= Serv=t= Will=m= Porter The Table is very exact, how easy one might make one for any custom — I have explained mine by writing more fully than you have done — I forgot the instructions you gave me & had a %puzling for it. I went off upon some business & as I was walking along it came as suddenly to me as it did to you when— M=r=. Orford Agent at Lyme Hall

M=r=. Orford S=r=. you here Receive M=rs=.. Ann Leghs Servants Watch & Miss Legh's Maids; Watch, backs; Charge 1=S=/6=d= each {3}=S=/0 Likewise your Flatt ^Key^ Repair'd to Order - Am S=r=. with Due Respects to Selfe & Family y=r= mo=t= Obd=t= Serv=t=. Jos=h=.. Potts Golborn Nov=br=. 27=th=. 1788 S=r= M=r= Leghs Mortgage Money you know is increased from 7000 to 16,000=£= the Interest whereof at {4} P~C=t= is 640=£= P~ Ann~ and is payable half yearly, M=r= Legh always used to remit the Int punctually every Year and I know will do so again but as the Sum is become so large, and Money is wanted here perhaps it would be as agreeable to him to remit it half yearly, if so there was 320=£= for half a years Interest due the 24=th= June last which we sho=d=, be glad to receive when convenient,I am S=r= y=r= most h~ble Serv=t=. Ger: Powell.. Chancery Lane 17 July 1778 [^this letter also has a copy of Orford's reply written onto the front page, which is transcribed below^] Lyme 2{4} July 1778 Sir Your favor of the 17 Ins=t=. found here last night on my return to this place having been from here for a %week. — I observe the Con=ts=. & you shall here from me with a Remittance as soon as possible, but M=r=. Legh has been put about lately in his Money matters (tho not on this own Account) but hope you'll have no reason to complain on the payment of Interest, And shall be happy in making every thing agreeable to you in my power. I am &c R To M=r=. Orford Haydock Lodge.

Sir, A disagreeable circumstance happen'd sometime since in our family, which I should have inform'd you of by letter at the time, but from the probability of seeing you. I forgot to mention it to-night, and shall leave it to your Son to explain to-morrow [^the latter part of the word is written over other letters^]. Every precaution in my power has been taken on the occasion, & I have as little reason to rejoice that matters have turn'd out infintely better than I expected. I have likewise desired him to beg of you permission to send for some runners & cuttings from the Shrubberies at Haydock — whenever you can prevail on yourself to favour us with your company for an hour or two at Winwick you will do a great pleasure to myself & M=rs=. Prince; Who joins with me in respectful compliments to yourself & M=rs=. Orford — I am, Sir, Your Oblg=d= Sert J. Prince Winwick Saturday night. To M=r=. Orford.

M=r=. Orford! Sir! We thank You for your obliging Message by the Family Servant — The Result of your Interview with M=rs= Ann Legh is of Moment to My Son in Particular, as The Happiness of his Dearest Friend depends on it. At Eight o'Clock to%morrow Morning, Your Appearance here will be anxio{u}sly expected. I am Y=r=. very. h S. Benj Pye Eight o'Clock. To M=r=. Halford to be left At Peter Legh Esq=r= of Lyme nair Disley in Cheshire

Novem=b~= Ye 14=th= 1779 M=r= Halford I send theis few lines to you sir put I hoap thire will be no offence about theis the acount his I want to beg a line or two of Caritor of you if you will be so kind as to wright me a line or two I shall be very much ablidge to you Sir for them for Intend to go to London this Next time with Sir Watkin William=s= [^there may be an apostrophe after the "m" of "William=s="^] his family and M=r= Carter says he will Recommend me to a place I am in A Good place still Working at wynn Stay and am Clark to the Socieaty Club held at the Eagles in Ruabon now at presant I Did like Lyme very well and all the family and I mit bing thire yet put for the beakar he was the most Evdence against me telling lies on me to M=r= Taylor Remember me Sir to M=r=. Taylor if you plase and I shall be very Glad to no how he his and all enquiring friends I should Reather Come to live to Your Cuntry then go up to London becose it is such a bad time at presan=t= if you Can Recommend me Sir to ^a place^ [^"one" is crossed out^] I shall be very much Ablidge to you from your most Obedi{e}n=t= Sarvant Hugh Randle[^flourish at end^, could be "s"?^]

To be shure I may heave Caritars in my one Cuntry Anun put they will not Do so Well becose I have not bing in a %{p}lace before if you plase to Derect to ^the^ Egles in Ruabon in the County of Denbigh for me Hugh Randle=s= M=r=: Orford Haydock to be left at M=r=. Crossleys Warrington [^another hand has noted alongside "Carriage Paid", and "{N}.1" after "M=r=: Orford". There are also calculations and a sketch on this page^]

Liv{er}pool 23 Sep=t= 1778 M=r=: Orford Sir I rec{i}ved your letter and am exceeding sorry to see your Bags have been left behind: I have blam'd my Ostler much for his remissness and am myself much trouble to see your disappointment I hope M=r=. Orford will excuse it and he m{a}y be assured I will take care no matter of y=e= kind shall [^tear in page here^] again if I can prevent it and{d} [^tear here^] am Sir — Your obed=t=: hum=ble=: Ser. Jn=s= Randles y=e=~ {K}ay youl find in y=e= inside y=e= Bags— To M=r= Hallfot Steward to M=r= Lee Lime

Henbury January y=e= 15 1778 Sir wm meredith Complymants to M=r= hallfot hee will not want him to Come over at presant hee is going up to London but will Send when hee wood have him to Come from your wallwicher Tho=s= Rawlinson M=r= Orford Lyme near Stockport Cheshire

Preston, Jan: 29=th=. 1788 Sir M=r= Pryding duly forwarded to me your letter of Dec=r=: 20=th=, concerning a mistake in regard to the late M=r= Atherton's marriage Settlement, which being drawn up {o*}ly in 1763, it has rather surprised me, that it shoud so long have escaped all the parties. As I was quite a stranger to the affair, I thought it necessary to procure a copy of the Settlement in question before I coud return an answer, which will I hope be a sufficient apology for the present delay. The extract you sent to M=r= Pryding is very accurate, & there is nothing in any other part of the Settlement that I can find, which will assist us in clearing up the difficulty. By that it appears most certainly that to M=rs= Atherton's marriage portion which was 6666=£=. 13=S=. 4=d=, M=r= Legh agreed to add the farther yearly sum of 166=£=. 13=S=. 4=d=, during the joint lives of the late M=r= and M=rs= Gwillym, or untill the death of the late

M=rs= Legh, which shoud first happen. As the late M=r= Atherton never mentioned a syllable to me on the subject, so that I am perfectly a stranger to the real intention of the parties at the time when the Settlement was drawn up, we must beg leave to refer the matter to M=r= Legh himself, who is I believe the only person now surviving, who was a party to it & who can explain what those intentions were. The late M=r= Atherton by his Will left his personalty to his daughters, whose fortunes will be very small, therefore whatever was overpaid to him during his lifetime, must come from them. If M=r= Legh will be so good as to consider the matter at his leisure, & you will favor me with his sentiments on the subject, I will forward ^them^ to M=r= Atherton, who is now at Rome, & am, Sir, Your most obed=t=. Servant Law: Rawstorne

M=rs= Rawstorne begs to join me in Comp=ts=: to the family. [^in another hand using red ink below this is a calculation^] Sulthrop Interest of 3333=£=.6=S=.8=d= —166=£=.13=S=.4=d= Norbury {i~t=e=}.— of 3333.6.8 — 166.13.4 P. Legh Esq~. to pay till the Death of M=r=. Gwillym & his Wife mother to M=r= Atherton, or till Death of M=rs=. Legh to make the above £500 P~ Ann~ [^this text is bracketed off and alongside it is a figure^] 166.13.4 £500."." M=r= Rich=d=. Orford Haddock Lodge

Atherton, April 18=th=. 1788 Sir M=r= Pryding has just favor'd me with your Note of yesterday, & I am happy to find that my letter on so delicate a subject was so lucky as to meet with M=r= Legh's approbation. If I was not under an engagement to dine today [^crossed out are the words "I woud have"^] at Preston. I woud have taken a ride over to Haddock to have had some farther conversation with you on the subject, but M=r= Taylor says he will be so kind as to take a ride over, if you will let him know what time will be most convenient to you. I am, Sir Your most obed=t=. Servant Law: Rawstorne M=r= Orford Lyme, Stockport Cheshire

Preston, July 29=th=. 1788 Sir Your favor of the 14=th=. inst. which I duly received I inclosed to M=r= Atherton, who will be I am [^word crossed out, probably "very"^] certain very anxious to know M=r= Legh's opinion on the Matter in question. You will oblige us much by bringing with you the statement of the Account, as you propose, the next time you come to Haddock Lodge, as I know it is very much M=r= Atherton's desire to have the whole business settled as expeditiously as possible. Shoud you come over about the time of Newton Fair,, I believe we shall then be at Atherton, & I will certainly take an opportunity of seeing you. I am, Sir, Your obed=t=. Servant Law: Rawstorne M=rs= Rawstorne begs to join me in Comp=ts=: to M=r= Legh, M=rs= Ann Legh & Miss Legh [^this letter has two sheets glued to the front page, written in another hand, with notes at the top of the second in red ink in the same hand, identical to the hand which annotated the first letter in the Rawstorne correspondence^] [^the following is transcribed from the top sheet^] D=r=. P. Legh Esq~. — With — R. V. A. Atherton esq C=r=. B M=r=. Reginald Heber Ex~or to the late Rob=t=. Gwillym Esq~. gave his Receipt for all Interest &c up to and due 25 July 1778 — 1779 July 25 To a y=rs=. paym=t=. —333=£=.6=S=.8=d= Oct.1.79 By J Ashworth's Rec=t=. 500=£=.—=S=.—=d= 1780 July 25 To a y=rs=. d=o~.—333.6.8 Aug17.80 By d=o=~.—.—500— 1781 July 25 To a y=rs=. d=o~.—333.6.8 Dec.7.81 By d=o=~.—250— ) [^large curly bracket^] June1.82 By d=o=~.—250 ) 500— 1782 July 25 To a y=rs=. d=o~.—333.6.8 Mar.8.83 By d=o=~.—250.. ) [^large curly bracket^] Sep=r=.8.83 By d=o=~.—400.. ) Nov.29.83 By d=o=~.—100 )750— 1783 July 25 To a y=rs=. d=o=~.—333.6.8 1784 July 25 To a y=rs=. d=o~.—333.6.8 Sep=r=.18.84 By d=o=~. —500— 1786 Jan=y=. 25 To a y=r= & ½ d=o=~.—500— By M=r=. Rydings Rec=t=. 500— 1787 Jan=y=. 25 To a y=rs=.—d=o=~.—333.6.8 By M=r=. Rydings d=o=~.—500— 2833.6.8 ) [^large curly bracket^] 1416.13.4 ) 4250 — By M=r= Rydings—d=o=—500 4250

[^on second sheet a similar account, omitted here^] M=r=.. Rich=d=. Orford Lyme Stockport Cheshire

London Feb=y=. 27=th=. 88 M=r= R Orford B={t}= of G Richardson {T}o 20 G=_s_= Overproof Brandy)—8/6 8=£=..10..0 [^large curly bracket^] Cask—)Leigh Esq=r= Lyme 0.6.3 10 1/8 G=_s_= Overproof Brandy)—8/6 4.6.1 [^large curly bracket^] Cask)Thompson Surgeon 0..4.6 Stockport £13..6..10 Si=r= AGreable to your order I have this day sent the above ^as^ directed P~ Bass & Morris which I hope [^"you" is crossed out^] will Come safe to Hand, and I doupt not but meeting the Approbation wish,d for — [^"y*" is crossed out^] having sent of the best Quality Imported and Charged at a %small advance on the Importation Cost — your Bills One on Bullerworth for 14 — the Other on N=_o_=. 16 Cheapside for 5..5.0 — which I have Carried to your {C=r=—} and am S=r= Your Obliged {M~} h=ble=. Ser=t=. G Richardson 173 Bishopsgate Street [^on the reverse of the letter at the top there is a note in a different hand, obscured by a tear and by a stamp^]part a{g*...} is {*...} M=r=.. Rich=d=. Orford at Line near Disley Cheshire

[^the opening of this letter is handwritten onto printed headed notepaper^] M=r=.. Rich=d= Orford London [^"London" is printed^] Dece=r= 1 1787[^the "17" of the date is printed^] [^this section printed:^]Bo={t}=: of Gerard Richardson BRANDY, RUM and WINE MERCHANT, the Original City Repository and Jamaica Rum Warehouse, N=o=. 173, Bishopsgate Street without.[^end of printed section^] 19=7/8= Gallons finest Overproof Brandy 8/38.4.0 3 Gallons Brandy {Shrub} — 8/61.5.6 Ca{rtns} — 8..3 £ 9..17..9 S=r= AGreable to your order I have this day sent the above P~ Bass & Morris which I hop{e} [^torn page^] you will receive safe and Doupt not but approve haveing sent of the Best Quality Imported and Charg'd the Lowest Price for, which [^phrase beginning "I" is crossed out here^] your Order for Payment at Short date, and Continued favours with recomendation will be Esteem'd a %favour by S=r=— your Obliged {M~} h=ble=.. Ser=t=.. G Richardson [^in another hand? follows a note^] Feb=y=. 23 remited N=o=. 61— 14=£=— 63— 5.5— 19.5 M~=r= Rich~=d=. Orford Line Near Disley Post Paid Cheshire

[^this entire letter is printed, except for the figure "19" in the date and the addressee, which is above^] London, 19 May, 1788. SIR, I Beg Leave to tender this to inform you of the Death of my Husband Gerard Richardson, Brandy, Rum and Wine Merchant, Bishopsgate without, and return my sincere Thanks for all Favours conferred on Mr. Richardson in his Life Time. The Business in future will be carried on by SELF, SMITH & Co. who earnestly intreat you for your continued Favours and Recommendations; same Time pledge ourselves that every Attention will be paid to merit the same, and your Orders ever be esteemed a Favour by SIR, Your obliged and very humble Servants, Philis Richardson, Smith & Co. N. B. Please to direct to Philis Richardson, Smith & Co. Brandy, Rum and Wine Merchants, at the Old City Repository, No. 173, Bishopsgate— without, London. M=r= Orford I have Incloseed a bill ^15=£= Vallue^ for you the times, is near Run up, and as soon as we have gott Our Corn Cutt and housed I will Come up with the C{*...}=t=: and am Your Hum=b=: Serv=t=: &c H: Richardson Norbury Monday None To M=r=: Orford at Lyme

M=r=. Orford My Man is gott into the Houses at Norbury moor and was Leading Scouring of the Ditchess into the New Inclosure when Sam=l=: Burton give him Notiss to Desist from leading any Moor as he tould him he had no Wright so to Do without his Consent— I Desire you'll will fix somthing about the gate to Lock and let them Know the Charge the {are} to Have and weather M=r=: Devemport is to have a Ch{ea}s Road or not — the Sooner this is Done and the moor Sattisfaction it will be to them I in%Tend Comeing up to Lyme the begining of this week if you be at Lyme I am Y=r= H{ou}mb=l= Serv=t=. H: Richardson Norbury— Sunday morning {^in pencil on reverse of the letter is the following note:^] Thursday J. O. to meet at Disley Timber for J.S M~=r= Orford

Norbury 10=th= March 1775— Sir Yours Came to hand Tuesday morning last we had gott a %new tub made and sent it of by Pickfords waggon the monday morn=g=: befour we R{**}v=d=: your Letter we Intend Obeing your Order o{nes}t a %week till we see you at Lyme — my wife was with M=rs=: Orford on Wensday last the was all well Excepting your Sev=t=: maid who was poorley then — Old william S{***dely} wated on Our Mas=r=: the monday morning affter you left Lyme with the usu{a}ll Clamour about Disley hall; Hen~ Pownall and I have Vewed the wheat again and find One Accor Very much Deficiant we perposed for Edward to ^plow^ {Soe}, and fiend Seed and Harrow that Accor at his Expence again with {o}ty.— Edward & w=m=— are bo{o}th Ill nattur'd how this ^will^— take Cannot Say.— pray give My Respects to All Inquireing friend; and am Your Very Humb=l=: Serv=t=: Henry Richardson M=r=: Orford Lyme

M=r=: Orford M=r=: Davemport from Leek was on the Roads ^Yesterday^ Leading to Macclesfield and Sett Men On to widen the Roads Whear he thought was to Str{*}et he began at my Brother Tho=s=: Richardson and Sett that part Over against Bu{*}ding to be Ten Yards wide and Continued from the Cosway over gainst D{*...}lfield up to%wards Norbury for about 20 Roads takeing a Little from both fields the men he orderd to beginn on Monday next Saying when it Di{c}tched and fenced Sett with Quick wood to be Mesured Desire you will A%Quaint my Mas=r=: with the above from Your Humb=l= Serv=t=: Henry Richardson, Norbury 23=d= Jan =y= 1778 {^at bottom, upside down in larger letters:^]R R M=r=: Orford

Aug=st=: 10 1778 M=r= Orford This Morning not One Brick setter Came to work but Tho=s= Adset and La{d} Satterday night the took there Trowels and Tooles without Saying any%thing to Mr; Brothurst and wild was in there hay and this Morning Brothurst went to Stockport to See what was the Matter the Answer was not a %man as Labourer to work under 10=d= and a %pint Eal The Trowel men 20=d= and a %pint Eal a day how Ever he has Engaged them till your Return back, I %think Our men are as much Out of there way as them the Better Sort of working men Cannot be %fixed to work with%Out Extravegant wagess.— they Can tell us of M=r=: Dickisson giveing 2=s= 3=d= P~ day for the men he has at work, — who left our work with%Out ^us^ giveing them Leave From Your Humb=l=: Serv=t=: H: Richardson

N: B. Since I wrote this Letter The most Part of our Coal gotters have {Revoak} there Coal gotting in the Carmel Mine Desire your Company on Monday morning at Engine Lyme Aug=t=. 24.1771M=r=. Orford Sir M=r= Roes Letter Came to me on Tusday last the Person that Brought it. Disired ^me^ to write to you. that when you made the writeing betwext M=r=. Legh and M=r=. Roe you w=d=. mention the old road by late Charles Cooks which w=d=. be Convenient for them. We Clear=d=. up all the Old hay on Monday last. and the Vitches on Tusday. Wensday we had Rain all Day. but To%Day has Been faire {^"and" is crossed out here^] we Shall have All the Ca{**}es Down to%morrow if the Weather will permitt. We gott 4000 of Brick last Friday from Thornley. — Shall want 1000 more of Peatts Brick. if the weather will permtt Shall Lay the roof on Tusday next. Pimley has Kiln all the Brick and thinks to Set fire to them. To%morrow as Soon as he has Finish=d= Caseing but uses Slick in Caseing which may be wrigh=t= I am Sir your Humble Ser=t=. J~n Richardson To M=r= Orford Haydock

Lyme 18 Oct=r=. 1774 M=r= Orford Sir by the Bearer you have 40 Ewes and 70 Lams you know our Town meets Haydock Town on Thursday morning ^Next^ with 40 Measures of Beans ^at Dunham^ Disire them to be in good Time, Sh=d= like to Know when you return to Lym=e= by reason Worth rent day is on Tuesday next and the Tenants will be in want of Cash or Bills, if you sh=d= not Come to Lyme before then, Sh=d=. be glad if you w=d=. Send by the Bearer a 25=£= Bill which w=d= be all that w=d= be wanted at this time. I have not had any Letter from my son which gives me much uneaseness, but M=rs= Legh has had a Letter from M=r= Burchell that he has liverd the watches and other things sent by him to shore I am Sir your Hble Serv=t= J~n. Richardson To M=r=. Orford Haydock

Lyme 13. Sep=r=. 1775 M=r= Orford Sir By the Bearer I Rece'd your Letter and the Cattle safe. Our Master goes To%morrow To Mattlock with M=r= Kecks &c and stays all night and returns the Day following .we gott. the Oats in the day after you left Lyme. and shall finish Cutting Beans the Latther end of this week if the weather will Permitt I have sent you the Book to your order which I hope you=ll=. Receive Safe, matters goes on well at Preasant. we send the Coverd Cart to Stoughton on Sa^t^terday next I am Sir your very Hble Sert in Has=t=. J~n. Richardson M=r=. R. Orford Haydock

M=r= Orford Sir have here%with Inclos'd you Bills of the roads now finish'd and Disires you will [^two words crossed out^] see M=r=. Hegenboth{*m} I cannot Get any%thing of his Tenants they Disir'd me to Send the Bill by and and you to Settle it with there Landlord you will much Oblige your Most Hble Serv=t= J~n Richardson Lyme 10=th= June 1779 M=r=. Orford Lyme

M=r=. Orford Sir I disire you=ll= do all you can for me in this road acc=t=. I have Ten pounds to pay on Friday next which if I do not pay I Shall have so Trouble about And beg you will assist me at this time and for ever Shall be Oblige'd to you and am Sir your Hble Serv=t= J~n Richardson 28 July 79 M=r=. Orford Haydock

M=r=.. Orford Sir I Beg you Will Send me by Green One Guinea and Half I have David Jackson to pay for {*ys} and {*...} this weeks end or Sunday and have Been Soweing wheat that I Cd. not thr{a}sh and {,} Corn you will much Oblige Your Hble Serv=t= J~n. Richardson Lyme 25 Sep=r=. 1783 [^in another hand, the following note^] NB Sent him a guinea by Green M=r= Orford Lyme

M=r=. Orford Sir I am left Alone and am in a poor Destressed Condition which is all Oweing to my self, I Beg you will lett me have a fue Coals if you please. and if my poor wife W=d=: ^come^ to me w=d= give me the more Content, which if you w=d= Send for her to Lyme and talk with her, a {s**}y affairs are now Settled and I think I can have a Cow or 2 more — if she w=d=. come again for What good are sold were not ^so much^ use%full as the apear{e}n=ce= I am not affread of do Better than time past if she w=d= come again which must be by you alone I am Sir your most Hble Ser=t= Jn Richardson 29 May 89 [^The correspondence of Richardson, Smith and Knowles is probably out of chronological order. Transcribed first here is the second item of two^] M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Line Near Disley Cheshire

To Richardson &C.~ D={r}=— M=r=. Orford 1788 June 7=th=: To 20=G=..0=Qt=..1=pt= of Op Brandy 8/6 — 8.11.0 Cask — 6.3 8:17.3 Sir We will be much obliged to you for a remittance of the above Bill, our Credit in general is but two months, and this as been long standing. Your complyance P~ return of the post will much oblige S=r=. Y=r=. Hum~. Servant Richardson Smith & Knowles London March 27: 1789 N=o=. 173 Bishopsgate S=t=. [^there follows a short calculation, omitted here^] [^The first item is a composite made up of three sheets, joined together, two of which are separate letters. Much of the material is accounts and has been omitted^] M=r= Rich=d= Orford at Lyme Stockport n=r= Dishley Cheshire

London M=r= Orford D=r=. to P Richardson Excutrix of G Richardson [^there follows an account, relating to the purchase of brandy, omitted here^] S=r=. The above is the State of your acco{un}t [^mimim missed out^],, which I make no doubt. but you will find Right, — all the Dealings you had with M=r= G Richardson before the begining of the above Ac=t=. was settled at M=r= Maskews; Tea dealer, for which M=r= Maskew had Bills of all the Aco{un}ts, [^mimim missed out^] before

if you should want [^word "a"? crossed ou^] to know of the ^Goods^ paid for by M=r= Maskew, and who had them, will with a line from you send the ^A{c}ounts^ but I should think as M=r= Maskew had all the Bills, when he paid has accordingly sent them to you, I Return you thanks for all past favo{u}rs, [^minim missed out in "u"^] as your futer Commands and Recommendations will be always gratefully Accknowledged by S=r= for Self &C~ Your Oblidg~ Humb=l= Serv=t=. J Smith Yr Brandy conti{nues} as usual in pric{e} 8/6 Yr {Rum} — 7/6 NB. I have not Rec=d= any letter from you before this which now I answer [^joined to this letter is another which was sent separately. The address is transcribed below, but the content is a page of accounts, again for brandy, all omitted here^] M=r=. Rich=d=, Orford at Lyme near Disley Cheshire [^also attached to these two letters is a third sheet, wihout an address. It begins with half a page of accounts, omitted here^] The above is all the Goods that was sent into the Country that was ordred by M=r= Hammond, any other particular that you please to want I will Informe you; your Bills came safe to hand 29..14.10. have plac=d= the same to your Acc=t=. which settles the same, the Goods had since the above you have an Account off in my last., am much oblidgd to you for all past favours. hope to be favourd with a continuance of them and Recomendations which will much oblidge Your very Humble Servts P Richardson Smith & Knowles London May. 4. 89 M=r=. Orford {WO} At Peter Legh Esq~. [^"Haydock Near Warrington" is crossed out, apart from the word "Near" and replaced in another hand by "Lyme Disley Cheshire"^]

D=r=. S=r= You was so obliging when M=r= Hesketh's leaseholds in Warrington were to be disposed of about two years ago to apply to M=r=. Legh for leave to sell them in parcells as being the most advantageous for M=r=. Hesketh and to make me acquainted that M=r= Legh was willing it then to be so But at that time we were prevented from selling by reason of there being a charge of fifteen pounds a year on these premises by old M=r=. Hesketh's will for his Son Henry during his life so that there was at that time no other way of selling than alltogether (subject to the amenity). And the Estate in that Manner would not have raised as much Money as would have paid the Mortgage upon it. — We have prevailed at last on M=r= W=m=.. Hesketh and another Gentleman to secure the amenity to M=r=. Henry Hesketh in another Manner so that he may so lease these premises therefrom by which we shall be enabled to sell the Estate in parcels as the most advantageous method for poor M=r=. Hesketh's sake which we hope M=r=. Legh [^two or three words crossed out^] will not be averse to, h{av}ing before experienced your good Nature on the business Be so good to present my respects to M=r=. Legh and favor me with an answer I am Sir Your Most Obed=t=. Serv=t=. Rob=t=. Richmond Liverpool 20=th=.. Sept=r=. 1785. [^in a different hand^] Answ'd saying as Consent was given & did not wish to say more to my Master &c To M=r= Orford at Lyme

Macclesfield 18=th= March 1771, Sir Not knowing when I could meet with you at Lyme, have taken the liberty to send you M=r= Leghs Bill, I desire the Favor that you will either send me the Cash by some safe hand (and I will send you a receipt for the Same) or please to let me know when you shall be at Lyme and I will wait upon you there which will much oblige Sir you most hble Ser=t= C=t= Ridley The last 12 Gallons of Rum was sent to London by M=r= Leghs Orders to Me from Stoughton Grange To M=r= Orford at Lyme

Lyme 3=d= Sep=r= 1771 M=r= Orford Sir Taking it for granted you have forget my affair have taken the liberty to inclose M=r= Leghs Bill as it now stands, next Week but one I am to go to Liverpool where I shall have Occasion for what Cash I can raise, but paper will answer my purpose as well as Cash If therefore you have an Opportunity to send me a £20— Bill and one of £10..— I will send a receipt and the balance for the same, in so doing you will greatly oblige S=r= your very hble Ser=t= C=t= Ridley If I do not hear from you the begining of next Week will attend you at Lyme some day in that Week [^at the bottom of the page, in another hand, is a note^]240=£= Sir I rec=d=. the Favor of y=rs=. am Sory that I should make a Second mistake, This I can justly assure you that was not by disign, I deal with several M=r= Leghs The quantity is what M=r= Legh of Eaton generaly has at a time, however that be, it give me great concern I shou'd make any mistake I am certain that I had not any sinister design in View. I thought it proper to send another Bill which is here inclosed, About 3 Weeks ago I had a puncheon of Rum from my Son at Jamaica quantity 100 Gallons, 65 Gallons of which is now Casing up and is to be sent into Wales next Week to three Gentlemen there, it is 11 Gallons over proof and is the very best Rum I have had for a long time past, I paid for over proof £2..10..11, for which reason I advanced the price 6=d= a Gallon which I chose rather then to lower it in the quality, which I had a right to do in the presence of the Officer, it is of an excellent flavour and will make Punch 5 to 1, I have 30 Gallons left which I shall keep for M=r= Legh if he approves of it, I expect 4 more Puncheons from my Bro=r= every Post, but it is very uncertain whether any one of them will be so good as this I have by me I remain good Sir your very hble Ser=t= C=t= Ridley [^in the left margin of the page, written at right angles to the text is the following note^]for over proof 5/1=d= P~r Gallon M=r= Orford at Lyme

Macclesfield 11=th= Jan~y 1777 M=r= Orford Sir Inclosed is M=r= Leghs Bill for Rum and Brandy, I some time ago sent you M=r= Kecks Bill by his and M=r= Legh Orders which Bill was £12..10..0, I shall take it as a very great Favor if you will be so good as to give me a Line or send me Word when I may wait upon you This Favor Sir will greatly Oblige your very hble Ser=t= C=t= Ridley The Rum is of the very same as M=r= Legh had last M=r=. Holford at Lime Hall near [^word crossed out, perhaps "Didsbury"^] Disley

Nov=r=. 17=th=. 1778— M=r=. Holford S=r=. Robert Scholes has done me great damage by pulling down the Wall & Ditch, and I made my Application to S=r=. Thomas's Egerton Steward & saw him but he rather declined in haveing any%thing to do with the affair he told me I must get some Neighbour to see into the affair but as he found I was very urgent in his s{**r}y about it himself he than desired me to know of you when you wou'd meet him at Blakeley, so S=r=. I beg you will send me word or to S=r=. Thomas's Steward when it would suit you to meet him at Blakeley, M=r= Holford I am surpri{z}'d I have not seen you before this time— I desire to know when you will come over to receive your rents S=r= I am your most Ob=t=. H~ble Servant Betty Robertson To M=r=. Richard Orford at Haydock lodge

Sankey bridges 25=th=. June 1778. Sir If you be at leisure on Tuesday next M=r=. John Ashton and me will come to Haydock, to agree with you for his house and, the adjoining lott; I wish you may finish the bargain to the satisfaction of both sides, as I hope you will, as it has been talked on before. M=r=. Ashton must either make a bargain, or his house repair'd which will cost a considerable sum to make it deserve the rent he now gives for it, but these circumstances you are acquainted with. I could wish if time permits that the lease for Bradley Mill may be ready on Tuesday. If the day does not suit Please to advise by a line which will oblige yours, &c James Robinson. To M=r=. Richard Orford at Lyme Cheshire

Sankey bridges 3=d= Sep=r=. 1781. Sir Tho' M=r= Merrick agreed with M=r=. Daintith to refer the business to you, respecting M=r=. Key & M=r=. Ashton's premisses, he now refuses to do it by letter to you, but will do it personally; in order to satisfy him wish you write a day or two before you have business this way, & then the 2 parties may hear your opinion, as the 2 arbitrators Merrick & Daintith refer to Your decision. I am your hum~. ser~. James Robinson. P.S. Your old friend Peter Wright died last Wednesday after a short illness, confined about 8 days. M=r=. R=d=. Orford Lyme hall Cheshire

Sankey bridges 26=th=. June 1789 M=r=. Orford Sir The prop=rs=. was here last Wednesday on their annual survey, and amongst other enquiries they found the lease for Bradley mills was not executed, the term for which was 63 years, 18 years are past last Candlemas, they wish to have it done directly, & rather than have it put off, if you send instructions. M=r=. {K}erfoot must draw the lease, & they order'd me to pay you same as if you drew the lease yourself. I desire there may be no delay as I had a strict charge to expedite the business. If M=r=. Legh cannot grant a lease for 63 years, they will be content with one for 21 years commencing last Candlemas. I am your hum~. ser=t=. James Robinson To M=r= allford agent to Peter Leigh ^Esq=r=^{,} of Lime near Stockport Cheshire

{T}ably Sep=r=. 11 1785 Sir I Receved a %fue Lynes from Willi^a^m Harisson in wich he menshoned he had been with you about the Keepers place at Lime, I beleve him to be a %very industerous sober onest man, and is as good a %shott as any in the County, and from my own Ral{*} sentements think him a %very Likeley man to shute the Place — I hope your good Famely are all well so Conclude my selfe your Humb: Sar=t= &~ John Robinson To M=r= Orford at Lyme P~{rt}

Macclesf=d=— Feb=ry=— 27=th=, 1771— Sir I have been Endeavouring to Secure a Quantity of Coals to S{ucceed} what is got already, for our Works, & have agreed to take one half with M=r=. Venables of those in the Sponse, a Lease [^word crossed out^] has been agreed for with M=r=. Legh for these, the Term Eleven Years, w=ch=— M=r= Venables desires to be Executed — I beg y~ favour You will give me the Direction to M=r=. Legh, as I woud Sollicit for a longer Term for Us, w=ch=. I'm perswaded He will grant, As They Lye so far from Sale, & We can Occasion by our Works a large Consum{s}ion, & that is the principal Thing wanted in this Situation — consequently his Interest I am, Sir Y=r=. very h~ble Serv=t= Cha=s= Roe To M=r=.. Orford at Lyme

Sir I have enclos'd you the Copy of Lease you sent — when you have drawn a Copy, please to send it over to be examin'd— I am Sir Your Obed=t=. Ser=t=. Samuel Roe Haydock Jan=y=. 4: 1767— M=r= Orford Sir Last Monday morning we began to Boar the wat=r=. off out of Tho=s=. Lowes pit but had the bad fortune to miss the pit Old Ned set them to Boaring in another place which found its way into the pit on Wednesday Evening — It was Thursday morning before we c=d=. go down to do any%thing, We had every thing ready upon the Brow as was thought needfull, I got R{a}. Hunt to go down to assist them in seting Brick but all to no purpose — we had no sooner put in the Plug but in ab=t=. 2 or 3 Minutes time it whent through [^"the" is crossed out^] all parts of the Wall which was 3 Brick thick set in Leigh Lime as well as possable c=d=. be — I do assure you its out of the Power of Man to stop it, as what I thought it was, However the Men as done as much as ever lay in their ^pow=r=.^ to do it, We had 20 down in the pit besides a N=o=. upon the Brow which whent down last Thursday morning early and never was out of the pit but at hard labour day & Night till yesterday ab=t=. one oClock — I'm sure I do not know what to do with the Hands we have (now, as we are drown'd out), nor what to do for Coal, Davie & Greeno have got their pit down in the Redmans Earth, The Boarers go on very slowly in the Burr, I really believe it to be the same as that in Davies & Greenos pit. I think it w=d=. be the best to sink upon it at a venture but your thoughts upon it — We shall begin of Sinking 2 other pits on the Crop & Level of Greeno's pit. I w=d=. have you make the best of the wat=r=. you can, as it possably cannot be stop'd & As the Generall part of the Coal is got in Higher delf & a good deal in the Low=r=. I look upon the Coal as a Loss or no Loss considering the quantity of wat=r=. we wind and the depth we wind the Coal that the Profit cannot be very considerable (_had we Coal to_ supply our Sale) I am S=r=. Y=r=. Hble Serv=t=. H Richardson P.S Desire you will send me some Cash, I h=d=. better then 100=£= yesterday & have not one farthing left. The machine Carters, Labour=s=. at Haydock &c are wanting and have none To M=r=: Orford at Lyme

Haydock Jan=ry=. 11: 1767 M=r=. Orford Sir After I had wrote to you the wat=r=. was as Powerful as ever, and as I saw the Fault where we Err'd, I thought it practicable of Stoping it — I got one Lyon of Parr who is acquainted with Leigh lime, and knows the Nature of tempering it, and at the same time is really a Good hand in Brick setting, After this I had some discourse along with young Greenall of Parr who was the Stoppage of the Grievance there. We concluded to begin of it last Monday Evening which was the time I saw them, Accordingly we made a foundation for our Wall which was ab=t=. 32=F=:9=I= Long 9=F= deep & 6=F=..9=I= thick at the bottom, but as we kept raising our Wall we diminish'd in Thickness. Friday evening we

plug'd it up, the wall not being properly simmer'd together, it issued out of a great many Joints in the Wall by the Violence of the Water & Air in the Cavity, last night it Burst out the Plug but was Stop'd imediately, today we have been down, and have Cork'd it well with C{***} & wedges where it issued the most, that I dare say it does not make above 2 Buckets ^in^ a Hour; when the [^another "the" crossed out^] Morter is grow'd hard, I do not doubt but we can stop the whole by Corking, if it does not break out else%where. I have set out two pits in the Redmans Earth for to sink, but did not know how to preceed— where we have been boaring, whether to Sink or no, not having Your Answ=r=. I am S=r=. Y=r=. very H~ble Serv=t=. Harry Richardson P.S. Since I wrote the above it is burst in upon us by a soft Brick failing and can give you no further Acc=t=. of it at present but am in Hopes To Peter Legh Esq=r=. — M.P. at Lyme near Disley Cheshire

Haydock [^"Jan" is crossed out and "Feb" written directly above^] Feb=ry=. 10=th=: 1767 M=r=. Orford Sir Haigh's seems to be more uneasy concerning his joint as you have not wrote. Our Sinking pit o'th back of old Neds Shapes but very bad, we have sunk to upwards of 18 Y~ds deep and cannot meet with any metall that will stand without Bricking — to all appearance it is as rotten as that in the Redmans Earth which run together — We ^have^ sold all those coals which was at Bates pit, in Jenkens mead=w=. That pit as Davie & Greeno is Sink=g= in the Redman's Earth Lane I expect they will set upon the hard tomorrow, they have had deal of bad metal, Glave's Lads are in the Burr — We have found the fault which

has taken all the Coal out in driv=g=. in the East side of that pit which Naylors Lad sunk next to Beving=tons=, I expect it must be the main fault as runs up by Jos. Twists — Barrow's Creditors have brought him in D=r=— Twenty thousand Pounds I am S=r=. Y=r=. very H~ble Serv=t=. H: Richardson P.S. I have sent y=e=. Sacks to Warrington and order'd 20 new ones of M=r=. Hill Haydock Feb=ry=— 13=th=: 1767 M=r=. Orford Sir Your Letter I receiv'd this day at Noon, I hope you have rec~d mine dated 11 Inst— This morn=g=. going down to the Collierys I found things more promising then I mentioned in my Last. The pit behind old Neds was last night set upon the hard, so as it will stand with a little Boarding, Today the Metal is harder and floors better, I expect we are about 8 or 9 Y~ds from the Coal and shall be down at them soon. — We are Casting ^clay^ there in order to make Brick — The pit in the Killbuck Lane where Jos Twist burns Charcoal is done — I don't understand this way of going on, surely the pit is runing together, there has but very few Coals come out of it. Old ned says the smother=g=. Damp is in it. Yesterday he set them out another pit to Sink near to it — Last night Davie & Greeno set there pit upon the hard, which I do imagine will stand good. This morning I was down there & the Flagg floors as Level as you c=d=. wish — That pit which Davie & Greeno Sunk & that as Naylor's Lads sunk, are as bad as ever, being intermix'd with fault Veins, and rear as much as at first towards the Deep, I'm greatly afraid Glave's pit as is in Sink=g= will not Answ=r=. tho they have the Burr agreeable with the rest. — I am Sir Y=r=. very Hble Serv=t=. Harry Richardson To Peter Legh Esq=r=. M.P. at Lyme near Disley P~ Manchester) Cheshire

Haydock Sep=r=. 1: 1767 M=r=. Orford Sir Last night ab=t=. 4 oClock we had the greatest Hailstorm that ever was known in this part of the world. We had 2 Claps of Thunder before it, & heard it in the Air 15 Minutes before it came to us, which must be at a Long distance from us then. [^N.B. full stops are very similar to commas in this letter^] The Hailstones where so large that they measur'd ½ Inch long Ό & ½ a Quarter broad & ½ Inch round. There is a deal of Damage done in Corn especially in Barley which was ripe, That you cannot in some heads see above two or three Grains. The storm came S. W. which is from Farnsworth {P}ole as we call it, At Winwick they had none & at Newton this end of the Town had little or nothing of it. — I cannot say how far it

might reach towards Wigan, but imagine some%where there%abouts — I have put some of the Colliers to be underbrowmen, & the Labourers I have turnd them off for some time as we fix'd upon. As to%day turns out so very wet we are not able to ^do^ anything at the Sinking near Finger post. We sh=d=. a Set the pit upon hard to%day & get up the Eye CoaL tomorrow had the Weather been good. I am S=r=. Y=r=. Hble Serv=t=. Harry Richardson P.S. I sh=d=. take it a particular favour you w=d=. Pay Jn=o=. Gaskell for two pair of Buckles which he Bought for me & when you come to Haydock will pay you again. I never had it in my Head when ^he^ whent from Haydock. — I met along with M=r=. Gwillym to%day at Bewsey & paid him 150=£= — HR Haydock Sep=r=. 17: 1767 M=r=. Orford Sir Yesterday morning we got the rods & Punch out of the hole as we had lost at the Guide post. I imagin'd by the rods being so fast that some P{*} of Iron stone had fall'd out of the side, but it prov'd to the Contrary, It being the punch unscrew'd from the rods & puting the rods below it, c=d=. not raise them being jam'd by the shoulders of the Punch & rods. We had 2 Screwjacks fix'd to the rods & the rope from the {*arn} and c=d=. not stir them upwards at all, but by us working downwards & upwards we work'd the Punch so small that we had room to draw the rods by the [^a second "the" is crossed out^] Punch & so got them all — We are about 17 Yds below the first Coal & the is partly the same ^metal^ as what we have had {&} I have

sent for Sharret to come over in the morning to see what he thinks of it, as we have not had the {Coal *...} Last Wednesday morning we had 2 Men burn'd in Davies pit, the pit I mentioned to you when you was over last of it being set to fire. — The damp & fire together is so strong that no man living can bear in it. We attempted to drive it by the steel Mill, but no person c=d=. stay in it (the Damp being so Striking) & we have as good Air in it as possable can be.— As the CoaL bleeds so very fast in every vein & likely to be at some distance from the Grand fault, I have set out another pit above the Level of this, for to have it Air'd from it— The new pit upon the crop we have found a fault in it this morn=g=. ab=t=. 9 Y~ds upbrow from the Eye, which has thrown the Higher delf out, or at least into the Marl; so that our run towards New Hall cannot be much farther. We have very bad Harvest Weather here at present — [^written at right angles to the rest of the text, in the left margin, is the closing salutation^] I am S=r=. Y=r=. H~ble Sev=t=. H: Richardson To Peter Legh Esq=r=. MP— at Lyme near Disley By Manchester/ Cheshire

M=r=. Orford Sir I'ts not Convenient for Ri. Melling going over to Norbury now, Therefore he has fixed for to go with you back in your return out of the North.— I have consider'd about The Collection at LiverpooLe and have fix'd for Friday the 15 Instant, was it to be fix'd for Saturday the 16=th= w=d=. not suit so well (And for this reason,) on Sunday theyl do no business, and they will drive it to the last day, So if you will be pleased to mention the time, I will wait of your Service — The Hayseeds will be ready at your Service I am Sir Your very H~ble Serv=t=. Harry Richardson Haydock Mar, 10: 1770 To Peter Legh Esq=r=. — MP. at Lyme near Disley By Manchester/ Cheshire

M=r=. Orford Sir By a Letter I receiv'd from M=r=, Seau{*}au informs me that the Bottles and Inkstands are all ready and Pack'd to your order, He desires to know where you w=d=. have them sent and by what Hand. If your cart brings down the Malt, in return he might take them and Load out with Wheat from Haydock, But pray are all the Bottles to go to Lyme, the Wine Bottles I mean — — — I am Sir Your H~ble Serv=t=, Harry Richardson Haydock Jan=ry=. 22: 1771 To Peter Legh Esq=r=. — MP. at Lyme near Disley Cheshire P~ Manchester /

M=r=. Orford Sir I receiv'd your Letters [^the capital L of "Letters" appears to have a "y" underneath it^] by S. Allanson and have this day seen M=r=. A; Legh, who says he will write to M=r=. Stafford and send him a receipt with the Letter back, and at the same time order M=r=. Stafford to pay it to you. — I have also seen Geo. Kearsley who agrees as he mention'^d^ to you to give a Bond of 100£ for the security of the younger Children, and as he puts three of his youngest ^sons^ Lives into the Lease the youngest of which is ten year old, M=r=. Kenyon tells him it's good security. — I cannot see but that he's agreeable to anything almost in reason, (only retaining the 100£ for ^it^ w=d=. be very inconvenient to him he says mon~y is so much wanted, If you be not satisfied ab=t=. the affair he says when you come over he will go with you to M=r=. Kenyon to have his opinion, (that what he has propose'd) if it be not sufficient Indemnity, — I shall go over to LiverpooLe beginning o'th next week and will enquire about a Ship for MaryLand, I have not yet seen Billinge ab=t=. the Mills Stones as soon {as} [^a tear in page here^] I do you shall hear — — We have had great Sale from {Florida} &c this Frost — I am Sir your very H~ble Serv=t=. Harry Richardson Haydock Jan=ry=, 24: 1771 To Peter Legh Esq=r=, — MP, at Lyme near Disley Cheshire P~ Manchester/

M=r=. Orford Sir I receiv'd your Letter of the 28 of Jan=ry=, in which you mention the Bottles and Wheat which I hope is arriv'd safe, The Malt came safe to Haydock . — I have this day seen Geo. Kearsley who tells me the N=o=, of his Children are Six, Jn=o=. Aged 18 years, Roger 15 And Geo. the youngest aged 9 years, he has three Girls two of which are older then any of his sons, the other is the youngest but George, — I have been at LiverpooLe but there is no ship Sailing out for Mary=land, M=r=. Drinkwater who gives his Compliments to you will let you know when any is fitting out, He likewise desires the Goods to be sent to LiverpooLe as soon as possable that they may be ready against a Ship Sailing, Warehouse room he will not over charge. — since I wrote the above I have seen W=m=. Birchall who says the order for Nails he cannot justly say when they will be compleated, till he has seen Hump=y=,

Atherton and Jn=o=. Leech, but he will push them forward with all speed, W=m=. Birchall says he wrote to you about Rawlinson's, The Mill stones are ready at this time by the Account I have from Thomas Billinge, We are going on very well in the Colliery affair but have {a %many} of coal before%hand by the late Frost . — — I am Sir, Your H~ble Serv=t=, Harry Richardson Haydock Feb=ry=,3=rd=: 1771, To M=r=. Orford [^there are some calculations on this page also^]

M=r=. Orford Sir The within closed came here this morning, — The following is account of the Goods Ship'd on board at London for LiverpooLe, Twenty strong sacks of Beans & Vetches 2½ C. of Red Clover, Four Casks of white Lead and two of Oil, All which we have at Hayd=k=, excepting one Cask of White Lead and that Tomy Naylor sh=d=. bring on Thursday next as he's going to LiverpooLe then. The Cask has Leak'd near one half of it, I sh=d=. think it w=d=. be the best for Lyme Team to fetch it some time next week, and then your Hayseeds, Puff Polian for the Coal pitts &c may go, as all of them will be a Load, and we are so very backwards in Plowing our Team cannot be Spar'd, I have seen W=m=. Birchall who says the Grindstones are down at the Navigation side, and Sephton will get a Flatt to carry them to LiverpooLe in time, He has also seen Leech who tells him he has nails at LiverpooL ready of different sorts but not the whole Complim=t=,

Jn=o= Bullor he says does not deal ^in^ the same kind of Irish Linnen you wrote ab=t=. he says there is not any to be met with nearer then LiverpooLe upon resonable terms — W=m=. Birchall he's going to LiverpooLe tomorrow so he'l by the Linnen and get the Burrs down to M=r=. Drinkwaters office I have given ^him^ Cash to pay for the Burrs I am Sir Your H~ble Serv=t=. H Richardson Haydock Apr=l=, 1: 1771 M~=r=. Orford Sir The Answer I wrote to him was that we had Plenty of stones Bought but the road in Bad order to Cart them, and that we have been Paving in the Lane that leads to our Coal pitts, and thought it proper to repair it before we began of The Turnpike road as it was going to ruin very fast, as to Hilton I told him it was agreeable ^to him^ in what manner it was Pav'd, that he thought Ashlers w=d=. keep the small stones in something better then the others. As to the Brick I mentiond to him we had Plenty at both works but the Clay was not of so good a Quality at the Collierys by reason of having more Lime Stone in them, then in Ri. Bevingtons field, but that they might Answ=r=. by putting them overhead in water the day before seting, if there was the least Grain of Lime in them they are sure to burst. — I wonder what some Persons

[^written up the side of the page^] w=d=. be at, when a Person acts in the best manner and cannot give satisfaction — I am Sir Your H~ble Serv=t=. H: Richardson Haydock May 5: 71

[^written on the sheets holding this letter are copies of two letters to Harry Richardson, dated 27 and 28 April. The hand appears to be Richardson's^] Harry By the last Post you receiv'd a Letter from me and I do desire in regard to the Paving you will not fail pay a strick attention [^"s" on end of this word has been crossed out^] to my orders on that head and hence%forw=d=, I shall have no opinion of Hilton the Pavier, first approving my method and since has approved of Orfords just the reverse, But methinks there is a strange neglect somewhere for Orford writes me word no Paving can go on till the Middle of May for want of stones to begin and one reason Orford gives for Continueing our Haydock Pavment to the Lane that leads tour Coalpitts in the manner Ashton is done, (is this) we having cutt the Hedges and Bankes tour fields two low which is the best reason can be given why My Meathod sh=d=. be pursued, for if a Horse and foot Pavm=t=. is constructed on the Principals I sent you theyl like that road too well to trouble our Meadows — The Brick to build up the little Vestry at Newton Chapel I find is not yet maid, but to be cast and made in

Ri. Bavingtons field, how in the name of Goodness is it possable that two such Coalworks as we have carrying on can be so wanting in our Inspection to want Brick at either work. Id confess this has alarmed me much for what w=d=. you do at either work if an Emergency no Brick on the spott, If this proves a fact let it be the last time of so grand a Neglect, We are all well — — Apr 27=th=: 1771 Copy Bath 28 Apr. 1771 Harry I find by A Letter I receiv'd this morning so many difficulties are started by Orford first in regard to the Gallery I purpose to build in Newton Chapel, that I do desire you will observe the following directions and let me hear no more about it. in the first place tell Shaw Allanson only to get all things (_ready_) in his ^way^ [^"way" is actually subscript, to fit on the page^]

but in no wise set about the erection of (_Vestry_) or (_Gallery_) till I come down to view it, Orford states a great difficulty which he has made and I never Intended, he says the Gallery [^one "he says the Gallery" is crossed out as it was written twice^] will be Built over M=r=. Blackburnes, M=r=. Bankes, and M=r=. Lee, which is great news to me who never had such a Thought. My Intention is to let the Gallery Project no (_further_) into the Body then to the Extreamity of my own (_two seats_) Shew this my Letter to Shaw and let him write to me by the first Post and when you have settled with Shaw for what distanced he (_propos'd_) {y=e=}, Gallery go regularly to work, Apply to M=r=. Store a Proctor in Chester for a (_Faculty_) to Erect a Gallery in Newton Chapel, but be Particular in your (_discription_) to M=r=. Store as to the Length from side to side as well as Breadth, But go about this without mentioning a Sylable to anyone but those it may Concern — I want to hear Hilton's Answ~. why he first approved (_My Method_) of Paving (as you wrote me word he did and how he came to alter his opinion when orford came over — P:S: observe {to} tell Shaw I intend the Gallery to be a double setting Bath 28 Ap. 1771 Copy To M~=r=. Orford at Lyme

M~=r=. Orford Sir This morning I saw John Pimblet and have inform'd him how his sons go on with Brickmaking, he promises faithfully that he will be with you the end of this week, I have seen him ab=t=. Brickmaking in the Crow Lane and he has fix'd for a Stool to go thereto in the Morning to begin. I have not receiv'd Orfords Plan and Estimate as soon as I get it will send it you. I am Sir your H~ble Serv=t=. H: Richardson Haydock May 27.71 To M~=r=. Orford at Lyme [^on this side are also found the words: "M=r=. Pickering wants his Baggs^]

M=r=. Orford By a Letter I receiv'd this morning from M=r=. Drinkwater informs me that the Porter is arriv'd at LiverpooLe and that it w=d=. be Landed as yesterday, On Monday next I will send our Team for it and the Wine, So you may send for it when you please the sooner and the better before the Weather is to hot I have sent you Orfords Plan and Estimate. — The New wheels for M=r=. Peers you'l please to send by the Waggon when it comes to Haydock — I am Sir Your very H~ble Serv=t=. H: Richardson Haydock May 31:71 To M~=r=. Orford at Lyme

Haydock July 12=th=: 1771 M=r=. Orford Sir Your Letter I have this Morning — The whole of the Ashton Money I paid to M=r=. Hull which was £645—12-1½ The sum distributed amongst the Land%owners and Inhabitants on the 27 of June last amounted to 556=£=—2=S=—1½=d=, what Doct=r=. Smith has paid since I cannot say the sum particular, This day I have seen Robert Billinge who informs me the Wire work is gone from Warrington by Taylor the Stockport Carrier near a week since; I saw Thomas Widdows of Kenyon who desires you will send him the Skins you bought as he's in want for them, All is going on as usual we have stop'd our Mowers for a few days this Showery Weather — — I am Sir Your H~ble Serv=t=. H: Richardson To M~=r=, Orford at Lyme

Haydock July 18=th=: 1771 M=r=. Orford Sir I have your Letter by F: Richardson have by him sent the 2 scotts. I shall see Thomas Billinge tomorrow will get him over to Level the Newton Mill water as you Mention, I dare say it will ^be^ the beginning of the next week before he can come over as he is mostly busy the latter end of the week. We are very busy in our Hay at this time but very short and sweet is our Meadowing, we shall not have the quantity we had last year by a deal, As the Weather turns out we are getting it down at {Lambs} also, for it mends none with us, at both places we have Nine Mow=rs=. Our Paving goes on very well we are get behind the Penny Lane leading to the Coal pitts, This day at Noon I receiv'd yours by Billinge and have sent one of the Barrels of Lead to go by Kemp — I am y=rs=. Sir &c H: Richardson To M~=r=. Orford at Lyme

M=r=. Orford Sir The Boy you sent I hope arriv'd safe with the Cash & Bills, at your return from Haydock you fixed to send some Person from Lyme on the 18=th= but not sending did not know you was in so much distress, After you left Haydock I wrote the Contract agreem=t=. of Newton Mill agreeable to yours but Houghton w=d=. not sign it till he saw you, his objection was to have some other clause put into it but what he w=d=. not mention to me — he is not to be depended upon I think for the Mill — Edw=d=. Pierpoint desires you will see my Master upon the account of Tithe whether i'ts agreeable for him to hay or not, he has not Hous'd any part of it tho the Letter mentions so, but Edw=d=. w=d=. not pay anything till he heard further from you for fear of the Parks to become Tythable by him paying. —

he desires you will return him an Answ=r=. by the return of Post — — I am Sir, Your very H~ble Serv=t=. H: Richardson Haydock Sep=r=. 21: 1771 To M=r=. Orford at Lyme [^some calculations also on this page^]

M=r=. Orford By the Bearer have sent you the two Books you wrote for. I have made what enquiry I can in regard to Jn=o=. Robinson Coursing upon M=r=. Blackburnes land, The Contents of which is John Worsley desir'd John Robinson he w=d=. go over to his house and bring a Brace of Dogs to kill him a Hare for his friend, and thought Croft was the most proper place to Course upon as he w=d=. not come upon M=r=. Legh; upon this they proceed=d=. after beating some time up started a Hare, which the Dogs kill'd, unknown to themselves it prov'd to be in Risley and in the Second field of them beating therein, after that they adjourn'd out finding themselves to be in a wrong Lordship, this is the whole fact as I can learn. Rives had not finish'd your Book when I was there but he promis'd to send it, Our Coalworks are going on in the usual manner very well, we have not so much

water by a deal at Florida, — What must the young Colt be done with as 'its time it sh=d=. be wean'd, if it must be wean'd here the mare sh=d=. go to Lyme. I am Sir, Your H~ble Serv=t=. H Richardson Haydock — Sep=r=. 24: 1771 To M~=r=. Orford at Lyme

M=r=. Orford Sir By the Bearer have sent 3 Bills value 44£ which is the whole Paper & Cash I have within a few shillings, Yesterday was the reckoning and a deal I paid as it was the last in the year — The Wheat we are getting forwards — — James Wright will look after the Bill — I am Sir Your H~ble Serv=t=, H: Richardson Haydock Sep=r=. 29: 1771 [^on the back of this letter is a list / scribble, difficult to read as script is small. It seems to be, in part, a list of names^] Gr: Doc Coler Chestnuth=r= {W}ass Newhouse M=r=. Leghs {W}illars Baker Mas=r=. Gall {P}hl Greg Call and Cook. Miller To M~=r=. Orford at Lyme [^on this page are some notes^] {***} Oliver 23 Sep=r=. 1771 [^here a short calulation, in a different ink^] Letters M=r=. Master & Weston Stagg — today Buck — tomorrow Hanch & side to {H}oughton Thomas son of Jam=s=. Torkington {***} ag=d=. 14 Y~=rs=

M=r=. Orford Sir I have your Letter this morning at whic{h} time Pimblet was just going for [^'going for' is a correction, written over other letters^] Lyme, he can inform you of the Brick made at Golborne Smithys We have stop'd Paving as it was when you was at Haydock, The {p}oo{r} Cawsey is up within 2 days work and then we shall go to the Coal pit road which is in bad Condition — I am Sir Your H~ble Serv=t=. H: Richardson Haydock Thursday 11 oClock To M~=r=. Orford at Lyme [^also on this page is a calculation and the word "Ink"^]

M=r=. Orford Sir By the Bearer have sent you the Pocket Book you mention, found it over the Fire%place in your little Room, have sent 4 Rental Books there was only 2 Marble ones, The shoes you have also by him. — John Hall rec~d from M=r=. Dannett 49=£=.18=S=.9=d= he wrote by Jn=o=. he had sent 50£ but was mistook in some of the small pieces for the whole was no more then above, The 2½ Guineas he did not pay s=d=. your demand was only 50=£= as you had told him, but wants to know what the rest is for and how.— The above Cash is very near Disburst I have been almost pull'd to pieces what with Carters, {Delf} men for state and Flagg, Sadlers Bill near 40£ his Rider came yesterday, Tomorrow is the reckoning day what I must do for cash cannot tell. — I am get quite well D=r=. sh=d=. take the piece of my Lip today—

I am Sir Your H~ble Serv=t=. H: Richardson Haydock Jan=ry=, 10/ 1772 To Peter Legh Esq=r=: — — MP,— at Lyme near Disley Cheshire P~ Manchester /

Haydock Feb, 1=st=: 1772, M=r=. Orford Sir I receiv'd your Letter, [^ "This Morning" is crossed out^] I receiv'd one this morning from my Master in which he does not mention a %word ab=t=. the Election for the County, nor do I hear of any Person offering but Sir Tho=s=. Egerton, whose Serv=t=, ^yesterday^ was all hereabouts handing Letters to Gentlemen (viz to M=r=. Bankes M=r=. A: Legh to Wigan &c, — The Printed Advertism=ts= I will get done on Wednesday. — It's now time to Lay the Lead Pipes down before the Tenants are to busy in their Land and as the Wood Pipes are so very bad and but little water comes to the House sh=d=. imagine it a proper time if Sam=l=. Ellames be at Liberty. — We are getting a Large stock of Coal beforehand at Florida tho we had 13 Flatts Up when the Frost began. — At Haydock stocks we have ab=t=. 110 Tons beforehand and sharp sale for them this Weather. — I am Sir Your H~ble Serv=t=. H: Richardson To M~=r=. Orford at Lyme

Haydock Feb, 27: 72 M=r=, Orford Sir By the Bearer have sent in the Cart thought it much better and cheaper then on Horse, as the Piggs are so neatly kill'd by Jn=o=. Orford and Jn=o=. Robinson, who doth desire you will get some of your Butchers, to inspect into the Nature of killing and dressing Piggs, (in such a manner as they ought to be,) — You have also a Box containing Coat Wainscot. Pair of Breeches, a Bundel of shirts, Pair of shoes A Parcel from M=rs=, Birchall and a Pocket Bottle, with the cart you have a Barrel of Biscuit sent to Haydock from Tho=s=. Abbott who also sent the Pocket Bottle. — Jn=o=. Robinson has also sent a Net down which sh=d=. have gone by the Waggons — — Inclos'd you have Speakman's Letter which [^"you" is crossed out^] he desires you will hand to my Master when in Town — The beginning of Mar, shall be writing out Bills the Middle collecting, so cannot come over in any of those times, M=r=. Peers was saying he w=d=. be with you for a few days if the old Lady left you, By this cart sh=d=. imagine you may learn if they have anything to come down — — I am Sir y=rs=. &c H: Richardson To M=r= Rich=d=, Orford

M=r=. Orford Sir Enclosed have sent you Bills value 309=£=..1=S=..0=d= being the whole I receiv'd, I had sent you more but have paid several large Bills off, The Pork is of your Brothers sending as a a present to my Master. — I am Sir, Your H~ble Serv=t=, H: Richardson Haydock Mar, 19:72 To M~=r=. Ri, Orford

M~=r=. Orford Sir This morning I had your Letter — Enclos'd one for your Brother which I sent him on the Receipt. By the last Post sent you under Cover ^to Master^ directed to you Bills to the value of £(_309—1—_) which hope you have receiv' safe, I have paid Bills to a considerable value for Balk and Iron, The Rector was upon me last Friday for cash, that I have not above above 50=S= Left in the world desire you will send the Cabbage seed down and sh=d=. be glad to hear you have rec~d the above safe, I have nothing more to mention but all is going on as usual and wett, Please to mention to M=r=. Barrow that there is no Sparlings to be met with at Warrington at present. I am Sir— Your H~ble Serv=t=, H: Richardson Haydock Mar, 22: 72 To M~=r=. Orford at Lyme

M=r=. Orford Sir Your Letter I have this morning, Enclos'd one for W, Birchall which have sent him & I will do my endeavour to get some cash in a day or two if possable I can raise any, M=r=. Peers was here on Friday last I dare say we can have 2 or 4 of his Scotts pray when w=d= you have them up, The enclos'd Letter my Mas~r. sent to Haydock, order'd me to send a Special Messeng~. with it to you wherever you was, He's playing the {du}ce ab=t=. {Sco}tts and Horses at Haydock I am Sir Your H~ble Serv=t=. H: Richardson Haydock Apr, 12:72 To M~=r=. Orford at Lyme

M=r=. Orford Sir By the Bearer Harrison have sent you 100£ our Team shall meet yours on Saturday next with Wheat, William Birchall had your Letter in time — I am Sir your H~ble Serv=t=, H: Richardson Haydock Apr, 16:72 To M~=r=. Orford at Lyme

M=r=, Orford Sir This day being Thursday at One oClock Callwood arriv'd here, by your Letter he sh=d=, a been at Warrington yesterday at which time I c=d=. a seen James Leigh but as he went to Manchester last night i'ts out of my Power to see him today, I will go off to Leigh this Moment and call upon Tho~. Leigh in my road — I am Sir Your H~ble Serv=t=. H: Richardson Haydock Apr, 16: 1772 To Peter Legh Esq=r=. — MP— at Lyme near Disley Cheshire P~ Manchester /

M~=r=. Orford Sir This morning I receiv'd from M=r=. James Leigh Cash for the return'd Bill (viz) £61—3—1 the whole as I c=d=, get and very glad to see it. — I will send you a Bill as soon as possable but have paid the duce and all today. — I this morning receiv'd my Seal and thank you for the carriage of it down, likewise my Master for his present. I am Sir, Your H~ble Serv=t=, H: Richardson Haydock Apr, 18: 1772 M=r=, Orford Sir This morning I had your Letter, Speakman was here last Friday in the afternoon I was out marking Timber so did not see him, he left word by Jackson that there w=d=, be another meeting in a little time and early notice given, at which time you shall know, I do suppose there will be no quarrel as the price is not alter'd now, I am Sir, Your H~ble Serv=t=, H: Richardson Haydock May 24: 72 P.S. Tho=s=. Pimblett's son of Ashton Mill over %run his Father when John's sons went to Lyme a Bricking and took his Watch, he desires you will get it from him and keep it To Peter Legh Esq=r=. — MP— at Lyme near Disley Cheshire P~ Manchester /

Haydock May 27=th=: 72 M=r=. Orford Sir This day I have your Letter. — The Bill which came return'd from London payable to John Mason I receiv'd and was at his House in LiverpooLe the last time I was over, but had not the pleasure of seeing him he being gone to Newery in Ireland. — I enquired after Rylances Circumstances but did not like them, so I left the Bill with Dan=l=. Hadkinson for to receive it. If not to put it into M=r=. Bro{w}nell's hands, Mason they say is safe enough — I hear nothing more ab=t= Coaling — — I am y=r=. very H~ble Serv=t=. H: Richardson To M~=r=. Orford at Lyme

Haydock June 8=th=: 1772 M~=r=. Orford Sir By the Bearer have sent 10 Sheep 3 Scotts and the Cow you mention, The Scotts and Sheep are extreamly good and forward. — Enclos'd in yours found Job Watson's receipt which I will remit you in cash after receiving it from them by the first hand, you mention me sending cash P~ Bearer last Saturday was the reckoning day [^"which" crossed out, then rewritten^] which day I paid not less then 125£ and no coal going from H: Stocks but Pile more then we get, if I have shillings more then teeth I have ten Thousand Pounds, Monday next have fixed to collect at LiverpooLe, but little to receive and a deal to pay for Paving stones, Abbott & North we owe near 150£ to for Timber, and we are in want so much for more that we cannot proceed any longer, Leech has been at me for near 140£ due to him from M=r=. Master's Acc=t=, Isaac Twiner for Iron we stand D=r=, 140£ and he's wanting it very ill, I do not know absolutely what must be done for cash, for never no person was so Plauged ^as I am^

The Turnpike road has gone on well till the Heavy rains Stop'd us [^here another letter form was begun, but replaced with "s"^] for a day or two the water Meadows are all of a sea down to Warrington. — My Master has order'd Parker to send him up upon Paper the colour he's painting the Chapel, he says his directions were the same colour as Disley Parker goes on very well he will have finish'd what he has to do in a week except the Carpinters begin soon of the forms, The Glass is not arriv'd We are not begun of Marling at present i'ts ^to^ Wet for the land where we have it from to come upon with carts. — Last week we ship'd a many coal at Florida and have the Brows clear, I do not doubt but ours will go at the old price, if we but keep our Measure to make it some%what equal to the price. — Tarbuck, Speakman, & Sharrets come up to the Counting Ho, last Saturday in order to consider if there was any Probability of keeping up the price of coal, Tarbuck said they sh=d=, reduce them to 4=S=: 9=d= & 4:6 Money same as was beforetime, the coal are bad was get in the time of last frost and have been cull'd that no flattmen w{..} [^hole in page^] {h}ave them — {I am} Sir y=rs&c=, H: Richardson PS Poor Abbott of Frodsham is dead, you have heard I suppose of Dan=l=, Barrow being dead.. M=r=. Orford Sir By the Bearer have sent you cash Two Hundred Guineas in Bills One Hundred & Ninety one Pounds 17=s= the remainder will give you when over — I am Sir Your very H~ble Serv={t}= [^tear in page^] H: Richardson Haydock June 18:72 [^on the back of the letter, there is a note and a calculation^] M=r= Downes sells 24 Hoops for 16=d= Lords {*}ast To M~=r=. Orford at Lyme

M=r=, Orford Sir By Jn=o=, Knowles & Kitt have sent the two, Two year old Colts, My Master he wrote only for the Colt that was bad, but M=r=, Peers has order'd them both up. — We shall finish our Marling I expect this week if the Weather proves good — Our Land is so Droughty that we cannot put the Cabbage Plants out, nor sow the Turnips. — We have the Clover in the Lady Hill down ready to get in, Tomorrow we shall begin of the Meadows and Rye Grass in good earnst, — They are going on pretty well with the Chapel since M=r=, Peers talk'd to them — W=m=. Lawson has finish'd the Clock he wants to know if there must be a %face in the inside of the Chapel to the Clock. Coal at our place goes off but slowly, a many of our old dealers pass us, if we can but stick it a Little time we shall have the advantage, M=r=. Mackay's Quality is not lik'd I am Sir Y=r=. H~ble Serv=t=, H; Richardson Haydock July 5/72 M=r=. Orford at Lyme

M=r=, Orford Sir By the Bearer Jn=o=, Knowles have sent to Lyme 10 Sheep and 2 Scotts the black scott I bought of your relation Jn=o=. Orford i'ts in a coming way and the best I c=d=. hear off or meet with in the Neighbourh=d=, The Deeds from M=r=. {H=*=}. Leigh you have by the Bearer, — M=r=, Kerfoot sent Ben. Lyon's Deeds to me last Tuesday and desir'd me to get them to Ben. to have them examin'd, Yesterday I was down at Ashton saw him and M=r=. Kerfoot who told me that the Deeds drawn w=d=. not do, Therefore it w=d=. be Sunday before he c=d=, have them ready, at which time I will send them to Lyme. The money he will have ready towards the later end of next week. — Parker will have finish=d=

the Chapel next week, hard he has Labour'd since the Carpint=rs=. have been out of his way. Sam will have the windows in also, and Shaws son says the Cupola will be fix'd by then I am Sir, Your very H~ble Serv=t=, H: Richardson Haydock July 10:72 P.S. The Letter {MP}, came yesterday from Mackay — — To M~=r=, Orford at Lyme

M=r=, Orford Sir By the Bearer you have the Deeds of Ben. Lyons did not receive them on Sunday so as to send them up to Lyme, later end of this week he says the money will be ready. You have likewise a Parcel which the Bearer brought last night and a Letter from Preston We have finish'd our Marling and are busy in our Hay — — I am Sir, Your H~ble Serv=t=, H; Richardson Haydock July 14=th=:72 [^the bottom of the page contains some pen-trials and scribbles^] To M~=r=. Orford at Lyme, [^also written on this page, at 90 degrees to the address, is the name "Tho=s= Pimblett"^]

M=r=, Orford Sir By the bearer Jos. Burrows have sent you the Leases you wrote for, I c=d=. not send him sooner as I did but receive yours yesterday. — I will pay your Brother 10£ but do not know how to get this day over with the Paviours &c. I receiv'd from Benj. Lyon 300£ and have paid M=r=. Gwillym 250£ and James Leigh 210£. — The reason I did not send you 40£ was I expected a Bill from Frodsham but have not receivd it yet but expect it every day. — I am Sir Your H~ble Serv=t=, H: Richardson Haydock Aug=st=. 22: 1772 To M~=r=. Orford at Lyme

M=r=, Orford Sir By the Bearer Tom Houghton you have these, Enclosd Ten Bills value 156=£=—0=s=—5=d= the whole as I receiv'd at LiverpooLe but ab=t=. 63=£= in Cash — I never saw Cash and Paper Money so scarce before, nor never had I such a time to Collect what I have, upon account of the dealers complaining of the price of Coal, what they have lost by them, Money is realy not to be had ^in^ L~erple as English money will only pass. — I have made the dealers well contented about the price, Measure, and dressing part, and all seem to be well satisfii'd. They have most of them had from Ravenhead where they have had a proper receipt of the Measure and Quality. — If Master asks any Questions we have hous'd our Wheat and Oats all yesterday, — I am your H~ble Serv=t=, H; Richardson Sep=r=. 16=th=, 72 P.S. you have 10 Ironscrew Joints by him also— To M~=r=. Orford at Lyme [^there are several calculations on this page, and a ?practice "M=r=."^]

M~=r=, Orford Sir Enclos'd you have the two rece~pts you wrote for, and Ten £ds of Wheat undress'd have sent by our Cart and also a net. — The Vice as {S}am, Ellames says is at Haydock never arriv'd, I have made enquiry in Warring=n=. at several places but cannot hear the least of them, therefore ~am almost sure they never set out. — I will see Burns &c about Cash but am afraid it will be scarce to be met with — In the Leidger little is to be had, what to do for Cash I know not. — I am Sir your very H~ble S=t=. H: Richardson Haydock Sep=r=, 27:72 M=r=. Orford Sir By the Bearer young Noughton you have 40£ of your Brother's cash, which is the whole he c=d=, meet with I'm sorry S=r=, I cannot at this time assist you, as never poor person is more wanting then I am at this time, how to get tomorrow over don't know at the Reckoning, as I've not above 5£ in Purse, have been over at Lerp=l=. this day & cash nor Bills are to be had I am S=r=. Y=r=. very H~ble Serv=t= H; Richardson Haydock Oct 2: 1772 To M~=r=, Orford at Lyme

M=r=. Orford Sir By the Bearer John Knowles have sent the two Colts up to be wean'd the time as our Master order'd them, The quantity of sheep we have left are 5, Therefore you know the best how many fatt ones to send down, The sheep if ready may come down, ^P~ Bearer^ if convenient to you as our Master wanted to know in his last if you had sent any down — The Accounts I will push as fast as possable, and have given Eyres directions about the Books, I will also see M=r=. James Leigh about the Highway account — I have seen Glover who is concern'd at Glass Ho. Newton Court I've inform'd H: Stirrup about — — I am Sir, Your very H~ble S=t=. H: Richardson Haydock Oct~. 10:72 Haydock Oct~. 19=th=: 72 M=r=, Orford Sir The enclos'd came to Haydock this Morning — We have this day Housed all our Beans in good order considering what sort of Weather has been upon them. — Our Master says you will give me notice when your teams will be with us that the Grain may be ready on their return. — Florida coal keeps decreasing and Haydock stocks increasing, I am afraid Matters at Florida are not going on well, we but get few at 3 Pitts and have no less then 12 hands in sinking at a great expence, doubtfull if we get down to the lower delf upon the Crop. for water i'ts so very strong. — How Matters will be continued cannot tell, never no person is more plag'ud then [^"as" is crossed out and replaced with "then"^] I am for Cash —I am Sir, Your H~ble Serv=t=, H; Richardson To M~=r=. Orford Lyme

M=r=, Orford S{ir} [^tear in page^] I have just receiv'd a Letter from Hewitts & C=o=, seedsmen, saying they have lately sent ten large Sacks of Tares P~ the He{nr}y, Cap=t=. Bennet for LiverpooL, to the care of M=r=. Drinkwater whom they say they have advis'd, and desir'd he w=d=. give me notice of their arrival, I have not heard of any yet arriv'd, but sh=d=. imagine they are for Lyme as not hearing of any being sown at Haydock, Therefore desire you'l give me or M=r=. Drinkwater orders in what Manner you w=d=. have them convey'd, as they may be forthcoming when they arrive; Up the Dukes canal will be much the cheapest to Manchester, and from there sh=d=. imagine they'd go as back carriage by the carts — Last Thursday we was seting out Jona~. Naylors house and went down to the suff coming back [^this is over the word "down" which is crossed out^] by W=m=. Claughton's fell down upon some Ice and sprain'd my Ancle very ill, but its coming ab=t=. very fast, I cannot fix the time of coming over at present as this day week is our Reckoning and we cash to provide

when i'ts convenient to your ^Bro~.^ we will come, he was saying he c=d=. not till the Markets begun — The Books came safe I am Sir, Your H~ble Serv=t=, H: Richardson Haydock Jan=ry=. 9: 1773 M~=r=. Ri. Orford at Lyme

[^In Richard Orford's hand, the following is at the head of the page^] Rece~d 1 Feb=y= 73 R~[^the letter is encircled, perhaps to represent an "O"^] [^the rest of the page contains Richardson's writing^] M~=r=, Orford Sir This day I have paid the Rev=d=. M=r=. A Legh 50£ but had hard work to raise it. he said he w=d=, see you at the Fair and then settle with you. — I suppose you have heard of M=rs=, Keck & her young infant being very Poorly, He has order'd me to send the Turkeys back to Bank as came from there, and Two Turkeys to M=r=. Starkie & One to Cap=t=. Bauvere. And at the same time send him an Account of what is remaining as Matters stands he's afraid they'l not want any in London. — He is fully reconcil'd to have an Engine, and thinks Coal is the Cheapest food i'ts eaten — — I am Sir Your very H~ble S=t=, H; Richardson P.S. Thursday next we will Meet you at Dunham with the Piggs &c M~=r=, Orford

M~=r=. Orford By the Bearer T; Knowles you have 2 Scotts and 20 Sheep, your Bro~ &c have made enquiry ab=t=. Cows such as we mentioned to you, but cannot at present hear of any but what's bought. The news I'm going to inform you is very Disagreeab{le} [^tear in page^] last evening going to bed through the yard found a ver{y} disagreeable smell of Smoak &c c=d=. not imagine from whence it came, upon examining the Brew House &c found it to be over the Landry and the Room on fire, I made an attempt to enter the Room but c=d=. not the Air being so much rarefy'd with Heat & Smoak, the Servant lads did the same but C=d=. not, I imediately sent them off to Ashton & Haydock to alarm them of the fire, In a few Minutes we had great number from both places, The Kitchen Bell being very usefull alarm'd a %many, In short we had some very good hands and made good use of them, — The Brew House

is all sav'd only the Slates off, and the wash House the same, as also the rooms above, The Landry and the room above is down, we sh=d=. have sa'vd a great part of them had it not been for the Pigeon House Dung and the deal it was built with. — [^the rest of this letter has a different appearance, and was probably added later^]The above we learn to be owing to a fire over the Landry where Robinson lies, he having some business after some Persons who were inform'd to him as Hare Hangers, order'd his waiting man Jack to lay a Coal upon the fire, accordingly he did (Whether the Coal was large, or the Ashes had not been taken out for some time so as to prevent the fender near the fireplace, or some p~s sh=d=. fly upon the floor or Bed) which of these caus'd the fire I cannot say, but was certainly fired in the above room. — Providence favourd us very greatly, The night Calm and light, the Wind near S. W. which carried the flames from off the Ho. part and Office, had it been in any other Quarter all the whole Fabric must a come down. — The damage done is but little. & of a fire c=d=, never a been better [^part of another word is crossed out^] in any part. of the House: I've inform'd the Gov~, near the same as above. —

Your Last letter to me I cannot construe, saying all payments must be stop'd till you are paid, — If so we must stop all proceed=gs=. here for I'm very clear the works cannot be continued on. — Burn has paid me 15£ it was on the first of Jan=ry=, last, he promis'd me as faithfully ^as^ ever man spake he w=d=, bring me 15£ yesterday in the morning, I sent up to him for it, his Answ~, was he cou'd not come down he must go to a Burying. — Pray when do you come over or when must I order meat for the fair. — I am Sir Your H~ble Serv=t=, H: Richardson Haydock Feb=ry=. 6: 1773 To Peter Legh Esq=r=. — MP, at Lyme near Disley Cheshire

M~=r=. Orford Sir The enclos'd came here this Morning. I have paid M=r=. Gwillym the 100£, after that saw M=r= Rob=t=. Patten but c=d=. not get neither Cash nor Bills, he promis'd me to take up the note as soon possable but c=d=. not fix the time when — I have seen John Boardman and he says he cannot pay his Leasemoney not these eight or ten days. — M=r=. Bellasses and Peter Wright wants their money ill and also Lydia Mather. Id not know what to do for cash for tomorrows reckoning — Pray send me the Hat I spoke to you ab=t=, — — I am Sir, Your H~ble Serv=t=, H: Richardson Haydock Feb=ry=— 25:73 To Peter Legh Esq=r=. — MP; at Lyme near Disley Cheshire P~ Manchester/

Warrington May 9:73 M=r=. Orford Sir The Enclos'd Three Bills are at as short a date as possable I cou~d meet with in Warrington, I made application to M=r=. Patten &c for their dr~fts but cou~d not draw. — I am Sir, Your H~ble Serv=t=, H: Richardson £90— — M~=r=. Orford Sir Yesterday H: Glover came to Haydock and paid me 40£ and 25£ M=r=. Newhouse's rent, he says he will settle with you when you come over. — The Parcel as Knowles brought I will forward to Tho=s= Widdows. — I am Sir Your H~ble Serv=t=, H: Richardson Haydock May 25:73 P.S M=r=. Ash~ Legh desires you'l send M=r=. Vaux to destroy his Ratts. To M~=r=. Orford Lyme

M=r=. Orford The sheep arriv'd safe— You have in return 17 fatt ones and 3 Scotts— At the same time you have deeds from M=r=: Penning=t=. in the Ironing Cloth and 3 Decanters— As to repairs at Newton going I cannot say hav=g=, no Business with it, I have only been in the House once since they came, Heavy complaints was made to M=r=, Peers last sunday at his house, Dick & Shaw was both there yesterday but she drove the Ho. of both [^a word crossed out here^] of them. — I am Sir Your very H~ble Serv=t= H: Richardson Haydock June 8: 1773 To M~=r=, Orford Lyme

M=r=. Orford Sir By the bearer John Potts you have 140£ which hope you'l receive safe. — I have been much disappointed in the last Q~=rs= produce at Liverpoole but hope times will mend. I had sent Potts over in [^"return" is crossed out here^] reteurn yesterday but the cash was wanting — — Jos~. Hea{mere} I will make application to but doubt it will be of no great effect. — The Accounts I will get forward as fast as possable. The Engine and Suff we are pushing forwards, They have Shipd some part of the Materials from the Dale. The Rams head ^I^ have not seen, Melling &c say they'l finish in ab=t=. a %fortnight. I have no business to go there to where she drives your Bro~. Y=r=. Ho{n}~. — and the Family of Newton &c to Dam=n=.

We have had excellent fine Showers of rain at Haydock our Corn and Meadows extreamly good, The Summer works are near done once over — You have by Jn=o=. Knowles and the lad the fatt Cow and the cow we Milk'd last summer, thought it prudent as two co=d=. drive better than one the lean one in good condition but not fitt for killing — Crop I hope you'l return by Knowles — M=r=. Peers wrote to our Master and insisted of him but he w=d= not have him upon any Terms. — Truly Glad I am to hear M=rs=, Orford has met with a Son Dick I am S=r=. Your H~ble Serv=t= H: Richardson Newton June 20: 1773 To M~=r=. Orford

July 5: 1773 M~=r=. Orford Sir I have your's by W=m=, Wilkins. — The cash Account you have by the Bearer. — I will push the Accounts on as fast as possable time will permit. — Our Scotts look extreamly well as ever I saw any, I cannot say how they may die. — The Navigation is open and has been for some time, we have very little demand for the Coal, I am in belief M=r=. Mackay and M=rs=. Clayton has lower'd their Coal again. — We have taken down Cylinder &c and have get it up to the works. The Materials are coming, hope we shall proceed if ever the rams head will be finish'd. — The Chair I will send tomorrow to the dukes cut, dare say it will be at Manchester Wednesday Evening. — I am Sir Y=rs=. &c— H: Richardson M~=r=, Orford Lyme

Haydock July 23=rd=:73 M~=r=. Orford Sir By the Bearer Thomas Knowles you have a Parcel from M=r=, Pennington. and also the Money Act. Monday last being Warrington fair, we put the sale of Joseph Burn's off till Tuesday, when the Goods and everything was sold very well. Tho~. Knowles had been with you sooner but was wanting of Shoes and other repairs, We have finish'd mowing at Haydock Kenyons, Tilleys, and Lambs, and very good the Meadowing is in all the above places — Yesterday we get a large quantity together into the Rick. Your Brother has get together a Quantity of fine Stuff. On Rec=t=. of your Letter, the Letters were deliver'd to whom directed— I am Sir Your very H~ble S=t=. H: Richardson P:S Tomorrow is our Reck=g=. but must pa{ssade} as Money is so very difficult — — — M~=r=. Orford Lyme

M=r=. Orford Sir yours I rece~d, tomorrow Melling comes to Ashton will give him his Letter, M=r=. Pennington's I will take care goes safe. — We have not hous'd the whole of our Wheat nor did your Bro~.— Tomorrow I will send you a Load of Wheat to the Dukes cut such as will please you. your Bro~. is at Ormskirk fair and I am but just return'd Scotts run high — I am Sir Your H~ble Serv=t=. H; Richardson Haydock Sep=r=. 9:73 Haydock Sep=r=. 17:73 M~=r=. Orford Sir The 4 Mea~s. of Wheat I hope you have rece~d safe and such as will please you. — you have by the Bearer 17 Sheep and 2 Scotts, Last Saturday we finish'd our Corn house^g^ in fine order. — This day I am going to LiverpooLe will if success remit you some cash — Corn not cut before last Saturday is the greatest part Shaked out — I am Sir Your H~ble Serv=t=, H; Richardson M=r=, Orford

M~=r=. Orford Sir Your Letter from Warrington I only receiv'd yesterday in the Morning. — I am sorry to inform you had I had the Letter in due time I c=d=, by no means a supply'd your request. I got very little when over at LiverpooLe, They promis'd as faithfully as mankin'd c'=d=, do, they w=d=, be over as last Thursday or Friday but have not seen the face of anyone. — Cash in L~erple is now so very scarce they have not wherewith to pay their Hands, but are oblig'd to Ticket them, and as cutting is so much practis'd I cannot think what we must do if new Money does not come out. — Early yesterday morning James Miller came hereto just before I was going to the Coal pitts, to inform me about the new Act upon Narrow wheels he has read it over and by what he says i'ts the most unreasonable Act that ever was granted— Thursday next is the Commis=n= meet=g=. at which time desire you'l attend. If the Comm=rs=, cannot have power in the Act so as to make the Toll agreeable it ^will^ Affect Haydock stocks very much. {I}; Miller tooke it for 2yrs but has not sign'd , his Q~. is up at Micha~l~— I think its very happy for him, this new Act will kill all—

I had a Letter from our Gov~. he says to have Wheat ready against the Waggons come down, but does not say when— I am Sir Your very H~ble S=t=, H; Richardson Haydock Sep=r=. 26:73 To M~=r=. Orford at Lyme Hampson the Butcher was very wrong in say=g=. what he did to you ab=t=. the fatt cow, I will sell them all as soon as a right man comes. — We have had two more sheep worried by Dogs, I do not know what must be done with them. — Pray when ^do^ you come over to Haydock as M=r=. Peers will be over ab=t=. 20=th=— I am Sir Your H~ble Serv=t=, M~=r=, Orford Lyme

M=r=. Orford Sir By William Hill the person who Met your Team at Dunham sent you Eight £ds. of Wheat and also a Letter saying how colliery Matters stand, since the post began ^again^ hope we shall in a few days have our b{r}ows clear, I sent for Ri. Melling to a come with the underlooker last monday Morning to a consulted him in regard to powder ^Sinking^ &c, he was taken bad just when mounting and promis'd he w=d=. be with us as soon as possable he c=d=, stir out. — Your Knives are not at present arriv'd, shall be over next week to ^collect^ with them who stands D=r=. in Arrear, Desire you'l send my Books by the return

as I cannot settle with our men till they come to hand. — I am Sir — Y=r=. very H~ble Serv=t=, H: Richardson Haydock Jan=ry=. 20:1774 M~=r=. Orford at Lyme

M=r=. Orford Sir I have looked into the Lease of William Hills and find it dated Mar, 11=th=: 1773 Con~s, money 140£, I have also examin'd for D=r=. and M=r=. Patten's lease but cannot find any but one call'd Worsleys dated Sep=r=. 13=th=: 1772 Con~s 103£ The two Cows I sent up last week were the last we had left, We have 21 Sheep which are pretty kind Mutton, and have kept them well with Cabage this frost. — Our Brows are clear at Haydock stocks, I do not see but what hands we have on will supply our Sale had we a Couple of sinkers. — At Florida we have the water out, and expect we shall have passage up the Navigation soon, The reason of Tho=s=, Knowles not being with you is upon Acc=t=,

of his Wife and youngest child being so poorly likely to Bury both, your Knives are not at present arriv'd Ri. Melling is but poorly doubt he has not been with us yet. — There are 60 but ^one^ sheep that was i'th Mains this Frost we have had Y=rs=. out, I am Sir, Your H~ble Serv=t=, H: Richardson Haydock Jan=ry=— 27:74 M=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock Feb=ry=. 3=rd= 1774, M~=r=. Orford Sir By the Bearer you have the Books return'd but little done in them I've been so bad of the Ague and am still, The Fair begins on the 17 Inst=t=, according to custom, We have had very great sale and has been oblig'd to add more hands into the pitts — The Scotts we must forward, Cows are not to be met with us, At Florida our stock encreaseth upon hand hope we shall have passage up soon — I am Sir Yrs &c H; Richardson P.S. some money weighs y=r=. Bro~. desires [^some calculations on the reverse of the letter^] To M~=r=. Orford Lyme Mar 1=st=: 1774— M=r=, Orford Sir By the bearer young Knowles you have 12 paper Leases and 25 parchment ones, At the same time you have One Hundred of Pens, Two Hundred I have sent this day by M=r=. Peers's man to M=r=. Porter according as you left word by your Bro~. and One Hundred I have here — 12 Paper Leases and 25 Parchment one{s} and the two Copys I have put into the drawer {*...} [^tear in page^] the Office. — Robinson has been rambleing up and down the neighbourhood since his discharge, I sent for him today, but w=d=. not say when w=d=, see Lyme he has left Haydock his abode is Knowles's When Ri. Melling was over he took D=r=. Ackers's Scales desire you'l get him a pair in the Box you took with you — Our Cart shall meet yours on Friday next in due time, with Fish, Bottles &c

w=d=. not it be proper to meet your cart again next Friday with the Wine — Yesterday I sent Shaw Allanson over to Bromley he said he had wrote to you desireing you w=d=, look off him for a fortnight or Three weeks, I perceive it is to come from the Comp=y=, concern'd in the S{*}i{*}ing Mill at Carr Forge as such I think i'ts very uncertain, — The scotch sheep we have ramble ab=t=. so much that Haydock & Ashton will not hold them, you cannot believe what damage they have done in our fences, we are oblig'd to House them every night, pray what must we do with them. — I am Sir Y~rs &c H: Richardson To Peter Legh Esq=r=. — MP— at Lyme near Disley Cheshire P~ Manchester

M~=r=. Orford Sir The enclos'd came here this day. As to the Wheat you shall have as soon as possable, but we have so many Beans in the Barn it will take a few days before we can get clear of them in Thrashing &c. — I have sent this morn=g=, off for Knutsford our Team and several others in order to satisfy M=r=. Egerton, they are Loaded with good quality, such as I dare say will please. — M=r=. Legh gave me a Letter this morning to proceed in Brickmaking on Edge Green—

I am Sir, Y=r=, H~ble Serv=t=, H. Richardson Haydock May 27: 1774 To Peter Legh Esq=r=. — MP, at Lyme near Disley Cheshire

Haydock May 30:74 M~=r=. Orford Sir This day we shall House our Wheat and coud not before now upon Account of the Beans that was in the Barn, upon Saturday next we will meet your Team with 10£ds by 10oClock at Dunham. — Enclos'd came yesterday hereto yesterday, Wilkins is come to a resolution I believe to remove as soon as his Wife is fit to turn out. as William Lawson tells me, and shall him tomorrow and will inform you upon what conditions he intends but upon the same I dare sare as was offer'd him I am Sir Y=rs=. H: Richardson To M~=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock June 3=rd=: 1774 M~=r=. Orford Sir Your Letter I receiv'd this Morning. — By the Cart you have as under. — A parcel for Miss Legh; M=r=, Percivalls Counterpart, {.} piece of strong Flannel, Twenty six Fleeces of fine Wool, Ten Loads of Wheat, & a saddle &c from Newton ^Park^ Wilkins last week ^as^ W=m=. Lawson inform'd me he w=d=, imediately leave the House peaceably and quietly so soon as he was able for shifting, and by what I hear he did not believe a word of truth till he was serv'd with the Ejectment, — W=m=. Lawson informs me he is determin'd to see Aug=st=, Fair over, and if he can meet with any%thing agreeable then, he will leave or else to continue till Mayday. Our sale at the Coalpits are as good as may be expected considering the season of the year for both Winstanley and Kenal coal, The Navigation was drawn off last

Sunday, our Men at Florida we have put to Sinking the general part, and if we are in want of Coal at the stocks, shall draw a parcel thereto to supply the sale. — This day have sent to High Lee [^word crossed out here^] 15 Teans with coal such as I dare say will please the old Gentleman. We have recover'd sale greatly by reducing the Toll upon narrow Wheels. — The 15=th= of this Instant shall visit them at L~erple. The Glass Manufactory is now proceeding with vigour, and all things made agreeable to the Frenchmans taste. — I will &c lend my best endeavours to procure such Cows as you mention. — I am Sir Your very H~ble Serv=t=. H; Richardson M~=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock June 11=th=: 1774 M~=r=. Orford Sir Your Letter I rece~d this Morning and also ^two^ was enclos'd [^word crossed out here^] for your Brother, which I sent him the Moment I rec~d them. — I will see M=r=. Kerfoot as soon as I return from LiverpooLe, and will assist you as much as lies in my power. — Wilkins is determin'd to stay, the Gates Thurs~ Gorse has been viewing this day, he says they are the same as when he locked them, Our sale is very good at Stocks, Yesterday I sent 15 Carts again to high Lee, Crouchley will not effect us so much as I expected now as we have allow'd ½ Toll upon Narrow wheels, — I am Sir Y=r=. H~ble Serv=t=, H; Richardson P,S, Post is wait=g=. Navigation I'm afraid will be off for some time M~=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock June 22:74 M~=r=, Orford Sir By the Bearer Knowles lad 82=£=,19=S=—=d= in cash, and a Bill enclosd 17=£=.1=S=.0=d= and also your Scales which hope you'l receive safe. I have also sent you four Bullocks which are good meat and Bought this day from Tho=s=, Hatton of Warrington, as low kind is not to be had and there Beef is much better for your Table I shou'd think, I never had such a Collection at Liverp=l=, before, Cash nor Bills are not to be had, I have a promise of Hinde Tyrer & Sweeting coming over the beginning of next week to discharge the whole Paving goes on well for the time and season of the weather, I'm afraid the Meadows will run in Tears, The Navigation will be open the beginning of of next week as M=r=. Berry informs me — I am Sir Y=r=. H~ble Serv=t=, H: Richardson P.S. Kerfoot I have paid 100£ — M~=r=. Orford Lyme

M=r=, Orford Sir I have sent our Cart to Dunham with 8£ds of Wheat and 2 £ds of Beans, to meet yours at Dunham which is the whole Wheat we have, — We have great plenty of Hay down and has Hous'd a deal this day in fine order. The parcel you have likewise that you left in the Office. — I am Sir Your H~ble Serv=t= H; Richardson Haydock July 21: 74 To M~=r=. Orford at Lyme

Haydock Aug=st=, 21: 74 M~=r=. Orford Sir By the Bearer hereof have sent the young dog which came from M=r=, Parker's, according to our Master's orders, you know his name very well I dare say to be call'd Ceasor. On casting up your Acc=ts=, I do assure you well the cash you left with me last for M=r=. Gwillym was just right, and he examin'd it very strickley, how the Error is I cannot say, On Wednesday will send the Books off for Lime as I coud not settle with all the Men yesterday for want of Cash — — The enclos'd to me I sent your Brother the Moment I rece~d it I am Sir Y~. H~ble Serv=t=, Harry Richardson To Peter Legh Esq=r=. MP~, at Lyme near Disley Cheshire P~ Manchester/

M~=r=. Orford Sir The enclos'd same [^the "s" could be a "c" badly written^] from William Birchall upon M=r=. Masters Acc=t=. — I enclos'd yours to your order to M=r=. Penswick at Garswood, Who gave for Answer he w=d=. write to you by the return of the post. — The Sale of goods at Newhall I dare say the Account is near finish'd — I hope you have receiv'd the Box and Books before this, — The Letters from my Father I rece~d safe. — {F}ayrer and Hinde has promis'd to come over this week if I can assist you, it shall not be want=g=. — I am Sir Y~. H~ble Serv=t=, H. Richardson Haydock Aug=st=. 30: 74 M~=r=. Orford at Lyme

Sep=r=, 11: 1774 M~=r=, Orford Sir Last Friday I gave Wilkins one of the Notices the other I have, your Bro~. was by at the same time, (he read it, and gave for Answer well and walk'd off). After this I met with R=t=. Houghton who was over with him at Haslingden about tak=g=. a House there, They cou~d not agree then, but Wilkins had time to consider of it till tomorrow, This day at Chapel I saw R=t=. Houghton who said Wilkins was to go with him to Boulton and either to be off or on about the House, — And at after w=d=, say upon what Conditions he wou~d quit the premises quietly in — two M=o~s=, time. — It might do well for both Wilkins ^and^ Sir Peter's man for to lay in Necessaries before the time, in Liquor & what not, Was my Master to allow a little and {Baylery} a little for after Grass wou~d not be amiss I sh=d=. think for inconveniency of remo{v}=g=,— I saw her to%day & she's agreeable to remove if her Husb=d=, takes the House but she will know upon what Conditions, or by her God she will not quit the premises this Three years, and as to M=r=, Legh or any of his Family she did not value of a farth=g=, The{**}s a Family in the end of Betty Frith's but is removable any time, If Wilkins is not agreeable

there is no doubt but we can find room for the Family in the Geo. — I will take care to see about Cheese, — Friday next I intend to see L~erple. — Scots at Ormskirk sold very high I did not buy any — The Books are not yet arriv'd, You shall have Wilkins Answer as soon as I receive it, I am Sir, Your H~ble Serv=t=, H Richardson P:S we have Hous'd all our Oats & some part of the Wheat but have bad Weather — To Peter Legh Esq=r=. MP~ at Lyme near disley Cheshire

Haydock Sep~ 16=th=: 1774 M~=r=. Orford Sir Last night M=rs=, Wilkins sent for me to come up to her House in the Morning which accordingly I did by six oClock, she said they had taken the House at Hasleinden, and w=d=. write to you upon what terms they w=d=. remove imediately, — I ask'd them their proposals, They gave for Answer they w=d=, remove in two Month's time, w=d=. our Master allow them this years rent, but upon no other Condition, for he wo'ud stay till the 22=nd= May the day he enter'd upon At after this I saw R=t=. Houghton who inform'd me upon what Conditions Wilkins had taken this place, as he was the only person that help'd to make the bargain. He is to give 60£ P~ year and to pay Interest for drain=g=, afd~, and that he might enter upon the premises when%ever he thought proper, R=t=, mentioned to me he expected half a years rent but might be get off for less if we w=d=. keep off him, and that he was to go over a Brewing in a Months time, She does not

chuse to remove upon reasonable Terms the old Geo. may be repair'd in a very little time as it wants it very ill. — She says [^a second "says" is crossed out^] she will sell every stick stone &c pos~able She can to revenge herself upon M=r=. Legh. — M=r=, Bailey from Arley was here this Morning I advis'd him not to go near them, — I am Sir Y=r=. very H~ble Serv=t=, Harry Richardson To M~=r=. Orford at Lyme

Haydock Sep=r=. 20=th=:1774 M~=r= Orford Sir Your Letter I receiv'd this morning, The Letter to your Bro~. and that for Jn=o=. Leech I deliver'd to them this morning. By the Bearer you have your Mare which I order'd him to leave at your House. — The Leidger &c will push on, and in regard to the Paving we shall join in about a %fortnight if the weather be in any reason. — Last Monday but one we had the Highest flood ever known in these parts, At Newton Bridge the water run over the new Cawsey and one part of the Bridge, At Newton Mill the Fenders cou~d not take it but burst over betwixt the Mill and Newton Hall, took down the Cart Ho. &c, had it burst a few yards nearer the Mill mankind cou~d not have sav'd it, — Yesterday we Housed the greatest part of our Wheat and to%day this afternoon we have finish'd it in good order, Barley I expect will be in order tomorrow (if the weather holds good. — Last Friday and Saturday I was over at LiverpooLe amongst the Coal dealers and never met with so bad success. — — — Enclos'd you have the greatest part I receiv'd, but have

fair promisses they will come over in a %fortnights time. — I do assure you we must take some ^other^ meathod for to sell our Coal or stop. — In the first place Sir Tho=s=, Gerrard has reduced his coal to 3/6 P~ Ton Money, and 3=S=/8=d= Credit. — The Leeds Canal now sells at 9=S= P~ Ton laid down in any part of the town. — The inhabitants of LiverpooLe find that by mixing the Sankey Coal & the Leeds Coal togather makes good firing — M=r=, Geldard of LiverpooLe effects us very much by his Land sale, and as we are now mak=g=. our Measure rather better, and the coal greatly larger out of the pitts, I do believe w=d=. Answ~, by reducing them to 4/6 ready money & 4/9 Credit, — Y=r=, Answer P~ return of the post as they want ^to^ know how to proceed, for flatts have been under their Load=g=, this 6 W~ks or 2 M=o's=, — I am Sir Y=r=, very H~ble Serv=t=, H: Richardson [^a short calculation follows at the bottom of the page^] [^perpendicular to the main text is the postscript^] P.S, Shaw thinks they sh=d=. be reduced to 4/3 Money and 4/6 Credit. — To, M~=r=, Orford at Lyme.

M~=r=. Orford Sir By the Bearer have sent three Colts up to Lyme which hope you'l receive safe, This morning I receiv'd your Letter and in the Morning Shaw Allanson will wait upon M=r=. Roes Son at LiverpooLe with your directions, After I have had his answer will inform you of the same. — We have had plenty of sale since the coal was lower'd and doubt not but it will continue, M=r=. Case is hiring what Colliers he can, several of ours he has hired since I saw you — I am Sir Your very H~ble Serv=t= H: Richardson Haydock Oct=r=. 2: 74 To M~=r=. Orford at Lyme

M~=r=. Orford Sir Yesterday I saw M=r=. Penswick who shewed me the Letter he had receiv'd from the Proprietors, which was just to the intent & meaning of yours, — M=r=. Penswick is very agreeable in the whole to do any%thing that is reasonable for our Master, He in the first says we do not sell a Coal to LiverpooLe, in the second place says you sell the whole to LiverpooLe, and we to Northwich, was we to communicate it w=d=. not answer by no means at all, for this reason that your [^"our" is crossed out^] Coal is of much better quality for the people in LiverpooLe, and Sir Tho=s's=, may answer very well for the Salt works, but as the Notice was so very short and cou'd not have a proper consideration about it,

so as to inform the Trustees w=d=. not upon any Account say any%thing to them at Prescot tomorrow — — M=r=. Penswick sh=d=. be glad to see you when you come over, but w=d=. have some Chat before you say anything to the Propriet=rs=, — — I am Sir Your very H~ble Serv=t= H: Richardson Haydock Oct=r=, 30: 74 To M~=r=. Orford Lyme

M~=r=, Orford Sir By the Bearer Tho=s=. Knowles Son, you have a %parcel from your Brother, Likewise Twenty fatt sheep from Haydock, Haydock Team shall meet yours at Dunham upon Saturday next with what Wheat we have, i'ts not properly dressed we have not time on Acc=t=. of the quant=y=, of Hay down — I am Sir your very H~ble Serv=t= Harry Richardson P:S. I think y=r=, Letter very severe Wednesday Even=g=. — M~=r=. Orford Lyme

M=r=. Orford Sir By our Cart you have 8 £ds of Wheat and at the same time have sent you two pair of Shoes — Narnes bread I coud not meet with in the the box you mention, by Knowles you shall have some weigh box's — We have had plenty of sale for our coal upon hand had the frost continued a few days our Brows w=d=. a been clean — The underlook~, I approve off, Melling I expect tomorrow The Engine water I expect out Thursday Even=g=. — In Haste Sir Your H~ble Serv=t=, H; Richardson Sunday Even=g=. — For M~=r=, Orford

Haydock Mar, 21=st=: 1775 M~=r=. Orford Sir Inclos'd you have two Bills value 46=£= which is the whole I have by me. — I have paid M=r=. Rathbone One Hundred pounds on Acc=t=. of the Engine, Bellasses 50 Guineas and Ashton the Plummer 20 which they say you promis'd them after I had been at L~erple, I do not see but what the coal trade is worse then ever, I mean the old coal dealers to collect from, and i'ts as bad for them to collect. Mary Strong I dare say is gone to Lyme by reason my Master and the whole Familey goes upon Saturday, The Waggons come here upon Thursday loads on Friday and sets off the same night. — This day the Gentlemen meet at Newton ab=t=. the Chapel and dined at

Bayleys [^"about Newton Chapel" is crossed out^] The report was made and my Master will carry it up ^to^ town himself and not trust to the Posts — I am Sir Y=r=. very H~ble Serv=t=, Harry Richardson [^in pencil on the back of the letter^] Will — M=r= Edw=d= Tomkinson To M~=r=, Orford at Lyme

Haydock Apr, 2=nd=: 1775 M=r=, Orford Sir Your Letter I have this morning, Inclos'd in it one for M=rs=, Orford, and one for your Brother, that for your Bro~. I have sent but he's gone into Yorkshire to buy Horses, M=rs=. Orford's I have sent by Callwood with the Cows and Sheep. The Turnpike meeting I believe to be upon Thursday next but one at Ashton but am not right certain, I sent to Benj. Lyon to know but he was not at home M=r=. Kerfoot I believe is to attend at the Assizes at Lancast~ this week. The Acc=t=. shall be ready when ever the meet=g=. is, — I dare say there will be no money to be had for I was with M=r=, Rigby the other day and cou~d not get a — farthing

nor cou~d he get any from Kerfoot. — — I am Sir Your H~ble Serv=t=, H: Richardson [^a small square has been cut out of the second page of the letter^] M~=r=. Orford Lyme

Haydock Apr. 16=th=: 1775 M~=r=. Orford Sir Last Tuesday was the Turnpike meeting at Ashton, but as M=r=. Kerfoot was at Lancaster and but few Comm=rs=, there was but little business done. — I was at Warrington last Friday but M=r=, Kerfoot was not return'd, Yesterday being our reckoning co'u~d not go, but sent Shaw Allanson who receiv'd from him Bank Bills to the amount of 400£ and from thence sent them by Tunnicliffe for Lyme which hope youl receive safe Our seeding is over and as such our Carts Shall meet yours with 20£ds of Wheat upon Saturday next, I am Sir Y=rs=, £c H: Richardson M=r=, Orford Lyme

Haydock M=r=, Orford Sir Inclos'd you have M=r=, Watt's Bills, likewise a %parcel y=r=, Bro~. gave me, we are agate of cuting the Clover in the Parks and a great part ready for Housing, I expect we shall have passage up the Naviga~ in a few days — I am S=r=. Y=r=. very H~ble S~, Harry Richardson June 27=th=: 75 M=r=: R=d=: Orford Lyme Hall Cheshire [^possibly in the same hand^] Free Re. A. Gwillym

M=r=. Orford Sir The enclos'd came here this Morn=g=, Last night came here Charles Croft with M=r= Crofts cart, with 13 Doz~, Bottles 2 Bottles broke out of them, A Camp Bed, and a Chest of Drawers Bottles are put into Garner & the other into Ho, I am Sir Y=r=. very H~ble Serv=t= H; Richardson Haydock Oct 27: 77 To M~=r=. Orford Haydock [^there appear to be several pen flourishes around the address, practising "M"^]

Norbury Mar, 25=th=: 79 M~=r=. Orford Sir By William Green you have four of them Leases scrawl'd over, whether right or wrong I don't know, you'l please to examine them, and send them back by Green, If you wou~d have them wrote over again as I dare say there will be Alterations in them, you'l please to order Green to call for some more stamps as Callwood only bro=t=. me six. Rent of Samuel Hardens is not mentioned. — nor the forfeit of money if Lime be not set on every Acre how much (is it, P~ Acre) nor where Samu~l Harden lives — — — I am Sir Y=r=. very H~ble Serv=t=, Harry Richardson To M~=r=. Orford at Haydock

M~=r=. Orford Sir By Green you have the Leases and Counterp=ts=, but have not Examin'd them, likewise two Stamps and the Draft they are drawn by In Adam Fox's the forfeit money if the Lime be not set on (is not put in) — — — I am Sir Y=r=. very H~ble Serv=t=. Harry Richardson Norbury Apr, 15=th=: 1779 M~=r=: Rich=d=: Orford Haydock Lodge

Warrington 20=th=: Dec=r=: 73 M=r=: Orford S=r=: I Desire to See you before you Leave Haydock that things may be Settel'd won way or Other, for me father wants to know whether he must Lett the House or no where he lives, which I canot [^another "t" was here but now overwritten by "o"^] Resolve him till I know whether I Stay or go Home If you will Give me 40 pounds A Year and the House you menshon'd and Keep me A Cow it would do, and I Don't think M=r=: Legh would wish to pinch me so that I could not Live Decantly, which we cold not off less. the house would want Some little Alteration to make it Conveniant which I hope you would not be Against. pray Let me have A line from you as soon as Posable from Y=r=: Hble Serv=t=: Sam=l=: Rigby P.S. I pray my Duty to M=r=: Pears Legh and tell him M=rs=: Vothary is verry ill To M~=r=: Rich=d=: Orford at Lyme near Disley Cheshire

Haydock 4 Jan=y=: 1777 D=r=: S=r=: / I have Sent you fifteen Bills Value two Hun=d=, & Sixty three pounds one Shilling P~ favour of H. Richardsons Brother, which will I hope come safe to Hand. M=r=: Hunt came the day after you left us. but he had heard nothing of Monks Rent. The Cash he brought I Gave to John Wright for he told me he was at greater want of it. I have to%day got the Reckoning over and hope to see you all at Haydock before another and am with the Compl=ts=: of the season Y=r=: verry Hble Serv=t=: Sam=l=: Rigby D=r=: S=r=: / Inclos=d=: you have five Bills Value 113=£=:7=S=.. which hope will come safe, they are all the London Bills I have Recv='d=: I have got a 90=£= Bill upon Rent which I intend Sending to Abbot for Dale Baulk, I Recv=d=: yours concerning the Machine But Shaw says the wood should be Broke up near twelve months befor it is Built and thinks it would be Better to Repare it up a little till the wood is season'd I desire to know what you think of it. I was glad to here you all got well to Lyme. pray my Comp=ts=: to the stone Parlour Ladies and tell them it was not for want of a due Respect that I did not come to see them in the Carriage but for fear of being too much Affected at parting with them. pray my Comp=ts=: to the Stone Parlour Gentlemen, I am D=r=: S=r=: Y=r=: verry Hble Serv=t= S. Rigby Haydock 25 June 77 D=r=: S=r=: I have let M=r=: Grimshaw have 30=£= he has Bo=t=: six Cows at Warrington fair with it for I dont see that any person you send us to will give us any money I have been twice at H: Ellam to no purpos have got the Reckoning Over Last saturday with the help of me neighbors for tho I have no money yet have some remains of credit left and hope you will Releeve me before the next Reckoning Ralph Lowe has made a Breach won of the Browmen went to Warrington on friday afternoon and did not think proper to come to the Reckoning but his wife came and Bro=t=: sixteen pounds odd short so I went & took y=e=: Constable & took an Inventary of there goods and told them they should be sold if they did not bring sucuraty for the Money so Ralph Hunt & Tho=s=: Naylor is Joyn'd in a note for the Money to be paid in Eighteen months I am S=r=: Y=r=: verry Hble Serv=t=: S. Rigby Haydock 23 July 77 M=r=: Orford

D=r=: S=r=: Inclos=d=: you have five Bills Value 89=£=:9=S=:9=d= which are all the Bills I have got I have not time to Coppey them but desire you will. I got Home from Liverpool Last night at 9 Oclock have had but a poor Collection but hope to Send you more when I Return from Northwich I am S=r=: Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=: S Rigby Haydock 18 Sep=r=: 77 M=r=. Orford S=r=: Inclos'd you Have four Bills Value 108=£= which hope will come safe. Fayrer did not pay me any%thing But promis'.d to come over Last friday without fail and settle with me but I have not seen or heard of him since desire you will advise me what to do Concerning him. Hugh Twiss Sais you promis'd him all Materials to Builde A Shipp on should be glad to know whether it is so or no. I am D=r=: S=r=: Y=r=: Hble Serv=t=, Sam=l=: Rigby Haydock 22 Sep=r=: 1777 D=r=: S=r=:/ Inclosd you have Six Bills Value 192=£=.:4=S=:7=d= which I hope will come safe to Hand the Quantety of Coal Ship=d=: on Bord the Navigation from May 74 To May 75. 3058=W{*}s= from May 75 To May 76 —4344 from May 76 To May 77 —4961 I can Make shift to get the next Reckoning over and hope to see you at Haydock before another pray my Compliments to the Ladys of the Stone Parlor I am with the Compliments of the Seson Y=r=: verry Hble Serv=t=: S. Rigby Haydock 27 Dec=r=: 77 M=r=: Orford S=r=: Inclos'd you have three Bills Value A Hun=d=: Pounds which I Recv=d=: Yesterday of Henry Ellam at Warrington. I told him you never took Bills Ether for Rent or Leases so he agreed to give me 10=S= to get them Cash'd so I Recv=d=: 5=£=:10=S=:0=d= in Cash which I have plec'=d=: to your Credit. M=r=: Robinson of Sankey Bridges wants the Coals to be Advanc'=d=: at Warrington but he thinks it canot be done without Raseing the Coal at Stocks for the Warrington Carters that Carts on there own Bottom Will under sell us. I should be glad to know how you went on with M=r=: Gilbert. and how me Master does from Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=: S. Rigby Haydock 29 Jan=y=: 78 S=r=: Inclos'd is a fifty pound Bill which I hope will come Safe, I have Recv'=d=: A Letter from M=r=: Gwillym of Atherton who Informs me M=rs=: Gwillym his Mother inlawe, will except of Bills of your Drawing at A month on M=r=: Birchall London — for the Other Hun=d=: Pound which is behinde so Desire you will send A Bill or Bills to M=r=: Gwillym of Atherton or to me as soon as you Receave this which will Oblige Y=r=: Hble Serv=t=: S. Rigby Haydock 25 Aug=st=: 78 M=r=. R. Orford Lyme n=r=. Dissley {**ee*} Cheshire

D=r=: S=r=: I Recv=d=: the favour of yours yester%day. & have given notice to Receave at Liverpool 22 instant — the sough gose on prity well as we have agree'd with the workmen to do it by the yard. we have been luckey in finding Coal in sinking the pitt the pertickulers I shall Inform you of when I have the pleasure of seeing you I am D=r=: S=r=: Your Most Ob=t=: Serv=t=: S. Rigby Haydock 11 Sept=r=: 78 M=r=. Orfo [^half of the address is torn away^] Lym {*...}

D=r=: S=r=: I Recv=d=: a letter yesterday from M=rs=: Gwillyms Sister of Bewley which I have inclos'd. if you have not Remmitted the Bills Desire you'l send them to me, for there is Nine Guineas Oweing for Coal and it would give me an oppertunaty of Asking for it. I am Y=r=, Ob=t=: Serv=t=: S. Rigby Haydock 14 Sep=r=: 78 M=r=: Rich=d=: Orford

D=r=: S=r=: Edw=d=: Smith the man that did the Hedge by the Nursery for you is Gone beside him%self so that the town is Oblig''=d= to Hire men to attend him. haveing a Towns Meeting Last night they desir'd me to Write to me Master to get him into the Lunatick hospital which I have done by the Bearer and should be glad of your advice in this affair — the People is gone out of the House that we Liv'd in at Warrington. Rob=t=: Caunce haveing a desire. to have it if you will be at the Expence of Makeing it into two dwellings as he might Lett won part of it for he canot Afford to pay 6 Pounds a year out of his small Sallary I hope to see you at Haydock when you come to Gropnall Cort I am Y=r=, Verry Hble Serv=t= S. Rigby Haydock 17 Nov=r=: 78 M=r=. R. Orford Lyme near Disley Cheshire St{e}ck

Deir Sir In%clos'd have Sent ten Bills Value Two Hundered & Thertyfive Pounds 8=S=/6=d= which I hope will come safe to Hand — I am Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=: S. Rigby Haydock 21 Dec=r=: 78 Dear S=r=: Inclos'd have sent you three Bill Value 110=£=:5=S:=6=D= I had been at Liverpoo^l^ when I Recv=d=: your letter about the Suger have Writ to M=r=: Drinkwater but have not yet Recv=d=: a line from him so canot tell whether he will Oblige you with it or {n}o for he had lok'd up the 'Warehouse when I was there and would not sell any Suger at any price as he Expected it to be Dearer I hope to see you here in a little time from Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=: S. Rigby Haydock 21 Sep=r=: 79 M=r=: Orford Sir inclos'd is 3 Bills Value 161=£=..15=S=..0=D= which I hope will be exceptable from Y=r=: Hble Serv=t=: S. Rigby Haydock 5 Oct=r=: 81 M=r=: Orford Lyme Hall

D=r=: Sir Inclos'd is two Bills Value Eighty Pounds, but dont know when we had so poor a Collection at this time of the year, pray my Comp=ts=. to M=rs=: Orford and the Ladys & Gentlemen of the Stone Parlor wishing you many a happy return of the season am D=r=: S=r=: Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=: S. Rigby Haydock 31 Dec=r=: 81 Dear Sir I'me afraid you will think me Negligent in not writeing sooner but I put it off in hopes of haveing something Better to send but Florida Swallows up everything that I can get. inclos'd have sent a Bill Value 40=£= which hope will be exceptable. should be glad to here me Master is well tho I have not had the pleasure of a line from him since he left Haydock. am sorry if I have done any%thing to disoblige him but have not to me knowlidge. John Yates is at Hesketh Bank and has been for three weeks pray my Comp=ts=: to M=rs=: Orford & the Ladys & Gentlemen of the Stone Parlor from Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=: S RigbyHaydock 18 Oct=r=, 82 Dear Sir I have not had an %opertunaty of getting any Franks since Captain Legh came home makes me inclose a Letter to Master. hope it will not be long before you come to Lancashire pray my Compliments to M=r=: Royle & C=o=: at L{un}shor and tell him I desire to know whether he intends to Eate his Christmass pye in Cheshire or Lancashire from Y=r=: H~ble Serv=t= S. Rigby Haydock 16 Nov=r=: 82 P.S. I expect Shaw will be with you at Lyme on tuesday Evening makes me say nothing how we have gone on Since you was here M=r=: Rich=d=: Orford

Dear Sir Inclos'd have sent you five Bills Value 138=£=..10=S=..0=D= and be so kind to Advise me on the Recept of them as soon as you can. I have put off paying for the Iron till March and made a better Collection at Liverpool then I have done this long time, which has ineabeld me to Asist you. pray my Compl=ts=, to M=rs=: Orford & the Ladys & Jentlemen of the stone Parlor. I am with the Compliment of the season Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=: S. Rigby Haydock 25 Dec=r=: 82. M=r=, Orford Lyme Cheshire

Dear Sir I recv=d=: yours ^With 40=£= Cash^ [^this is inserted in red ink^] and am much Oblig=d= for what you sent me for I see you have not Quite lost all compashon. have inclos'd A Bill Value 30=£= and a Bank note of 10=£=. which hope will come safe and answer the end as well as cash. pray my Compliments to M=rs= Orford and the Ladys & Jentlemen of the Stone Parlor. M=r=: Speakeman informs me they have fixt a Coal meeting the first Monday in Nov=r=: which is the third if it is Conveniant to you I am Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=: S. Rigby Haydock 17 Oct=r=: 83. M=r=: Orford

M=r=: Orford Dear Sir. I have every reason ( but a plain proofe) ^to beleeve^ that Jam=s=: Atherton and the men that works in that pit, have agree'd to keep part of the Coals out of the reckoning and devide the money amongst them as we wear oblig'd to leave off won of the pits by reason of the Colliers going to work at Florida, I have given over that pitt. turn'd off the Browmen, and devided the men amongst the other pits, I shall Explain what I have learn'd about it when I have the pleasure of seeing you. Inclos'd have sent you three Bills Value A Hun=d=: and one pou^n^ds three Shillings — which hope will com safe. wishing you many a Happy return of the season I am Y=r=. Hble Serv=t=: S. Rigby 101=£=.3=S=.0=d= Haydock 22 Dec=r=: 83. [^in another hand, possibly Orford's^] Reced Dec=r=.27.83 M=r=: Orford Dear Sir. John Atherton is gone off with Geo. Cundliffs wife on friday Morning he has cntracted a greate many debts in the Neighborhood, more then you can Imagin in short every%body has suffer'd that had any thing to do with him, as Abraham Naylor has been Bro=t=: up in the Coal pits and won that may be trusted, I have put him into Johns place at presant. if you Approve of him he may stay in it, if not, hope you will apoint another. pray my Comp=ts=. to M=rs=: Orford M=rs=: Winsen & the Gentlemen of the Stone parlor. I am Y=r=: Ob=t=. Serv=t=. S. Rigby Haydock 12 Jan=y=: 84. [^on the back of the letter, some figures, a calculation and the name "S. Rigby", not a signature^] M~=r=: Orford Lyme Cheshire

M=r=: Orford Dear S=r=: they got the Rods out. the day you left us. they have Sunk & Boar'd a Hunder'd and fifteen Yards and have found nothing so we have given it up last night, and intend to try another in the corner of the Brick pit, Edw=d=: Peirpoint Bro=t=: me at the last Reckoning 50=£= which I have plac'd in your favour, and hope we shall have as much as will get tomorrow over. desire to know which way you would have the Chin{a} sent to Lyme — pray my Comp=ts=: to M=rs=: Orford M=rs=: Crew, and all the Ladys & Gentlemen of the Stone Parlor — am Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=: S. Rigby Haydock 10 June 85. M~=r=: Rich=d=: Orford Lyme Hall Cheshire

M=r=: Orford Dear Sir Inclos'd is four Bills Value three Hun=d=: and Thirty one pounds 5=S= which hope will come safe to hand. M=r=: Penswick desires you will come to Lancashire that we may have a meeting upon the ground where their Level is driven below our Sough, that we may Conclude what is best to be done concerning it — — the Boarers near Matthias Lambs have got two holes to the hard, and have Boar'd in two that they could not get down for sand. M=rs=: Griffes dide yesterday of Newton pray my Compliments to M=rs=: Crew and all the Ladys & Gentlemen of the Stone Parlor from Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=: S~ Rigby Haydock 24 June 85. M=r=. Orford Lyme Cheshire

Dear Sir I recv=d=, yours this Evening and hope you have recv=d=: mine that was sent to Warrington on Wensday last, Covering 4 Bills Value above 300=£=— desire you will drop me a line as soon as you receive this to advise me of the recept of them. hope to see you here in the Course of this week. we have made a party to go see M=r=: Eccelstons work on thursday next, should be glad of your company, if conveniant. am Y=r=: Hble Serv=t=: S Rigby Haydock Lodge 26 June 85. M~=r=: Orford Lyme Cheshire

M=r=: Orford Dear Sir I have writ to our master to Aquaint him of Rob=ts=: Conduct for by all Accounts he is seldom sober, and some days never goes near the Machine therefore as I recommended him thought it my duty to let both him & you know. they have finish'=d= the pit on Haydock Green but shall say nothing About the Colliery as we expect to see you in a little time should be glad to know when you go to Blackpool agean, if you come this way may perhaps go along with you. — am Y=r=. Hble Serv=t=: S Rigby Haydock 11 July 85. M~=r=: Orford Lyme Cheshire

Dear Sir we got the papers you left but Expected to find you at the Machine instead of that you did not come near it, as you had told Rob=t=: you wo=d=: not. he was verry Saucy but did %not mind him nor say but little to him. Thurstan shapes as well as could be expected I stay'd with him till saturday. We have not begun of the Stocks Engen pit it has been such wett wether. as the days are going short it might perhaps be as well to let the Engen House be till after Christmass Geo. Allanson Left Tho=s=: Edlestons last Tuesday was a weeke about half past Eleven at Night drunk and was found Yesterday in won of the Old Coal pits in A Chate{r}'d Condishon, is to be Burid to day at Winwick

am Sorry for his Father, he is in great trouble, they had Examin'd near Thirty pits before they found him, pray my Com=ts=: to M=rs=: Crew and the Ladys & Gentlemen of the Stone parlor. I remain Y=r=: Affectionate Friend and Hble Serv=t=: S. Rigby Haydock 26 Aug=st=: 85. M=r=: Orford Lyme Cheshire

M=r=: Orford Sir inclos'd is four Bills Value 231=£=..17=S=..0=d= which hope will come safe to Hand. yesterday was the Collection at Northwich, so could not send much sooner have been Oblig'd to Borrow Money from my Friends for the Last Reckoning and have not recv=d=: any Cash since they have sunk the Engen pit About twenty Yards, the Machine gose on much in the same way as Eusial from Y=rs=: &— S Rigby Haydock 17 Sep=r=: 85. [^a short calculation, in red ink, is at the bottom of the page^] M=r=: Orford Lyme Cheshire

M=r=: Orford Sir I sent to M=r=: Foster last Wensday, according to custom he was not at home, so there was nothing to be had, but he sent Shorrock, yesterday with one hundred Guineas. they go on Sinking the Engen pit, all things are much in the same way {a} eusial — dont know how I came to make that mistake with the Bills but I sent them as soon as they came, so had not Copp'ed part of them. was sorry to here our — Master had got a fall, but hope he recv=d=: no damage by it. pray my Comp=ts=: to M=rs=: Crew and the Ladys & Gentlemen of the Stone parlor — I remain Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=: S. Rigby Haydock 27 Sep=r=: 85. M~=r=: Orford Lyme Hall Cheshire

M=r=: Orford Dear Sir Inclos'd is A Bill Value 25=£=..4=S=..0=d= which hope Will come Safe they have not left off Sinking the Engen pit yet we thought to have had the pleasure of seeing you here this Weeke M=r=: Speakeman is remov'd from Parr to Ravenhead, it is time there should be a New Contract made for M=r=: Leghs Coals with them or conclude to get them our selves. pray my Compliments to M=rs=: Crew and the Ladys & Gentlemen of the Stone Parlor. am Y=r=: Hble Serv=t=. S. Rigby Haydock 21 Oct=r=.. 85. M~=r=: Rich=d=: Orford. Lyme Cheshire

Dear Sir Inclos'd is M=r=: Speakmans Bill. I paid him a Visit yesterday and got it. they have let the Water off from the Old Engen yesterday. they go on verry well with sinking the Engen pit and are in hopes of Geting it down without fixing the Engen upon it — all things gose on tollerable well. — am Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=: Sam=l=: Rigby Haydock 17 Nov=r=: 85. M=r=: Orford Lyme Cheshire

Dear Sir Inclos'd is an Abstract of the Close of the Years Account. likewise three Bills Value Ninty Pounds. they have found the fault where Late M=r=: Mackays are getting in Haydock therefore there is not so many Coals on that side the fault as was expected M=r=: Speakeman would be glad to have a Meeting as soon as you think propper as he thinks there might be sixpence P~ Ton aded to the price therefore hope it will not be long before we see you at Haydock, am Much Oblig'd to you for leting us know that our Master is better I am Y=r=. H~ble Serv=t=' S Rigby Haydock 24 Nov=r=: 85. M=r=: Orford Lyme Cheshire

Dear Sir Inclos'd is five Bills Value 110=£=..0=S=..0=d= P~ favour of W=m=: Houlding. have Collected at Liverpool but Shaw does not return from Northwich before tommorrow Night, should be glad to know, how you have succeeded in forwarding Chorleys Bills. have no news to aquaint you with, but what W=m=: Will inform you of, am with the Compliments of the Season Y=r=. Hble Serv=t=: S Rigby Haydock 23 Dec=r=: 85 M=r=: Orford Lyme Cheshire

M=r=: Orford Dear Sir / I have this Minnet recv=d=, yours have in Clos'd two Bills Value A Hun=d=: and thirty Two pounds 15=S= which are all that I have at presant, we have not been at Northwich yet. the Holes near Matthas Lambs are above thirty yards to the Hard and a good deal of Land towards the Bottom a%bout three feet at last verry Quick but shall give you a more perticulor acc=t=: in my next as it is grone dark. pray my Compliments to M=rs=: Crew & C: from Y=r=: Hble Serv=t= S Rigby Haydock Sunday Evening 9 Oclock [^on the back of the letter, a calculation^] M=r=: Orford Lyme Cheshire

Dear Sir the inclos'd Bills M=r=: Chorley Gave me, which he tells me Will Secure me from any Loss. if you can Negociate them you my place them to my Credit — Eleven Bills 59..15..6 or 61..1..6— I have not had time to Coppey them am Y=r=: Ob=t=. Serv=t=: S Rigby Haydock Friday 11 O.clock [^in red ink a further note, in an different hand^] I kept 10 of the above and return'd one which was drawn on Ratcliffe of Newton they amounted to 53..15..11— M=r=: Orford Lyme Cheshire

Dear Sir Inclos'd is two Bills Value 75.19.0 by Tho=s=: Harrison from Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=: S. Rigby M=r=: Orford Lyme Cheshire

Dear Sir Enclos'd is the Following Bills which hope will come Safe and in time, I have had a verry Bad winter scersely ever well. pray my Comp=ts=: to your famaley, and M=rs=: Crew and C=o=: from Y=r=: H~ble Serv=t=: S. Rigby Haydock 27 Jan=y=: 88 [^to the right of the text is a calculation^] M=r=: Rich=d=: Orford Lyme Hall Cheshire

M=r=: Orford Dear Sir enclos'd is five Bills Value 209=£=..0=S=..7=d= which hope will come safe to hand, and likewise hope that our governor and you are got upon better terms before this, your Rum will be Ready when the wagon gose to Liverpool, our old friend Fayrer is dead, M=r=: Drinkwater desires his respectfull Comp=ts: am Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=: S. RigbyHaydock 24 April 88. M~=r= Rich=d=: Orford Lyme Hall Cheshire

M~=r=: Orford Sir I writ to you as soone as the Engen Beame broke down, but Molly forgot to give it to your keeper, I have p=d=: John Duckworth £50 in Bills. which sum I recv=d=: from M=r=: Blackburn for the Bill you return'd, canot say any%thing of the fault in Clipsley, as the water prevents any%thing being done in that pit, they hope to have the Beame up next weeke some time of it. should be much oblig=d=: if you will get my Rec=ts=: Sign'd, if you think in nessacery shall come to Lyme rather then not have them finished pray my Compliments to your famaley & M=rs=: Crew. from Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=: Sam=l=: Rigby Haydock 7 June 88. Dear Sir I recv=d=: the favour of yours last night. the Engen Beame Breakeing in the midle went down with such a forse, that it broke pump rods and burst the Working Barrell at the first lift, as such it must stand still, the{n} there is a new one got. Shaw has writ to Coalbrook Dale to know when he may depend of one being ready that he may send a Cart for it that there may be no time lost. M=r=: Hunt sent a Bill yesterday for part of what he owse — and promises to remit the remainder in a short time I am Dear Sir Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=: S. Rigby Haydock 28 June 88. M=r=: Rich=d=: Orford Lyme Hall Cheshire

M=r=: Orford Dear Sir M=r=: Tho=s=: Barrow has been here he now tells me he canot pay the whole of the return'd Bills nor thinks it resonable he should as Shaw would not trust him for the Coals, which was the reson that he gave Tomlinson Cash for them before he had them. he preposes M=r=: Legh takeing Tomlinsons Devidend and what ever it falls short he will pay M=r=: Legh one half of the deficiancy. M=r=: Crossbe has writ to Shaw upon the subject Barrow desires you will spake to our Master and do what you can for him from Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=: S. Rigby Haydock 16 July 88. M~=r=: Rich=d=: Orford Lyme Hall, Cheshire

M=r=: Orford Dear Sir enclos'd is the following Bills [^there follows a short calculation^] which hope will come safe; please to advise me of the receipt of them. which will Oblige Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=: Sam=l=: Rigby. Haydock 24 July 88. M=r=: Orford. Lyme Hall Cheshire

Dear Sir the Amount of the two Bills for Iron Rails is 323=£=..8=S=..0=d= the level in the Clipsley is just the same to all apearance the stone is so hard, they get but verry sloly forward. desire you will not forget to send me some Cash against the 6 of next Month which will Oblige Y=r=: Hble Serv=t=: Sam=l=:. Rigby. Haydock 22 Aug=st=: 88. M=r=: Orford Lyme Cheshire

M=r=: Orford Dear Sir my Eyse are so bad, desire you will excuse me coming to Lyme till the days are a little longer, shall send the Books with your sons Close, should be glad if you will examine them, and send them back as soon as you can. the Navigation has been stop=d=: by the frost some time, and we have verry little land sale they are seting Coals up at every Pitt. pray my Comp=ts=: to your famaley & M=rs=: Crew. am Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=: S. Rigby Haydock 24 Dec=r=: 88. M~=r=: Orford. Lyme Cheshire

M=r=: Orford Dear Sir I have given notice to Collect at Liverpool on tuesday next Northwich on Friday Frodsham on Saturday but have recv'=d=. a line from our Master wherein he orders me to send the proffits of the Colliery to him from Y=r=: Hble Serv=t=: S Rigby Haydock Sunday [^the "a" is very badly formed^] Morning 6 O Clock M=r=: Rich=d=: Orford Lyme Hall Cheshire

M=r=: Orford Sir I write this at the request of John Martelire who tels me you promis'd him A field cal'd Shaw Croft that they might take possesion of it, if Jam=s=: Allanson did not hould it. but he tells them his father will have it, but whoever has it they must pay him A Guinea — they have been at Shaw to know whether he intended to hould it or no. but he would not inform them. they desire your imediet answer to know which way to proceed — from Y=r=: Hble Serv=t= Sam=l=: Rigby Haydock 26 Feb=y=: 89 M=r=: Orford. Lyme Hall. Cheshire

M=r=: Orford Dear Sir they are begun of geting Coals at M=r=: Ashtons new work, but dont intend carting any to ship, as the Cut will be up to the work in about three weeks — M=r=: Speakemans Coals are as bad as eusial but according to the new agreement he will but Ship about Six thousand works in a year and four of them are contracted for so if the Other Proprietors would brake off with him M=r=: Orrell thinks he would fight out the two thousand, so he thinks it would be of no use, but he will write to you on the subject, as they wish to have a meeting. I remain Y=r=. Affectionate Friend and Hble Serv=t=: S Rigby Haydock 16 March 89. M=r=: Orford Lyme Hall. Cheshire

Dear Sir I recv=d=: yours this Morning, the Navigation Sale is good, but we heve stop=d=: two pits at Florida, which is better then paying 5=s= P~ W={k}=:. the Stocks Sale is Tollera^ble^ but there is Coals upon the Brows, as we have brought some of the florida men to the Stocks work makes more Coal to be got. hope it will not be long before you come to Haydock as the Town is willing to Joyne our Master in Slagging the Roade down to Florida think it would be the best thing that we can do as it would make it all in one Work, for some times we have been without coals at the top end this winter, and then it gets all over the Cuntery that they canot get Loading

which hurts the sale for some time, and we likewise could get more Coals at Florida, as there would be a great deal more land Sail. pay my Comp=ts=: to your famaley & M=rs=: Crew am Y=r=: Hble Serv=t=: S Rigby {Ha}ydock [^tear in page^] 3 April 89. M=r=: Orford Lyme Hall Cheshire

M=r=: Orford Sir enclos'd is a leter that I recv'd from M=r=: Wilkins which I would not Answer before I had your opinion of it, therefore be so kind to write as soone as you receive this, if we must be tide to there weight we must ly at the mercy of there servants, and not know how the account will stand, desire you will ether write to him or me emedietly as you may see I have recv'd it some time since from Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=: S. Rigby Haydock 22 May 89. M=r=: Orford. Lyme Hall Cheshire

M=r=: Orford Sir enclos'd is Tomlinsons Return'd Bills. Shaw & I wated on M=r=: Kirfoot last wedensday with them, but he said the 40=£= Bill apear'd to be paid as there is a Receipt on the back of it from Jn=o=: Scott & C=o=:, therefore he would not take them in, before that was clear'd up. desire you will explain it to him and return him the Bills as soon as you can. it would be a great pitty that Barrow should be depriv'd of the devidend as Shaw was the cause of it. Colliery gose on but verry indiferantly here there being but few coals sold here and would have been fewer but for this wet wether, for the Carters tels us it makes 2=s=/6=d= a day diferance to them betwixt going to Edge Green and coming to Haydock, therefore you may emagin they will not come here, we have a large Quaintity of Coal set up here without hopes of parting with them. am Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=" S. Rigby. Haydock 2 June 89. M~=r=: Rich=d=: Orford. Lyme Hall. Cheshire

Dear Sir enclos'd is five Bills Value 326=£=..6=S=..6=d= which, hope will come safe to hand. desire you will draw upon John Hunt Northwich for 49=£=..10=S=..0=d= as I dont see any other way of geting any%thing from him. from Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=: Sam=l=: Rigby. Haydock 23 July 89. [^in another hand, probably Orford's^] S Rigby Haydock 27 July 1789 drew for 49.10 at 7 days in Cash or London Bills not exceeding Six Wks to M=r=. Geo. Litton M~=r=: Orford. Lyme Cheshire

M=r=: Orford Dear Sir Shaw has let me have 44=£= the last Reckoning took 106.14.3 besides what came from J Burchal and left Both Sinkers and Brick men unpaid. the upbrow that is to loose Sir Rob=ts=: Water is through the fault and have found the Coal on the other side but they keep so lowe that they are oblig'd to keep driveing in the stone which makes it go but sloly on. we have no more sale here, but less as people are in there summer works this fine wether. pray my Comp=ts=: to your famaley & M=rs=: Crew from Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=: S Rigby Haydock 27 Aug=st=: 89. M=r=: Orford Lyme Hall Cheshire [^in another hand is written over the top "Stockport"^]

Dear Sir I have no Bill of parcel from Smith & C=o=: but can o'nly finde the sums of 68=£=.5=S=.0=d= and 49=£= Charg'd in the disbursements on Acc=t=: which sums they acknowlidge to have recv'd therefore should think the Acc=t=. right. we have verry little land sale for Coal, less then ever, Shaw has not asissted me with any more Cash— to%day is the Reckoning, which hope to get over, but dont know how to get any further without your help. I am Dear Sir Your Ob=t=: Serv=t=: S. Rigby. Haydock 12 Sep=r=: 89. M~=r=: Orford Lyme Hall Cheshire

M=r=: Orford Dear Sir I desire you'l send me Cash against this day weeke, as it will be the Reckoning, and have not ten pounds in the world, nether do I know where to get any. Shaw has now declar'd he is engeaged at Ashtons Green Coalery and intends to leave this work in a short time. I hope you will be as good as your word to John Yates, and let him have the place at Florida which will much Oblige Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=: Sam=l=: Rigby. Haydock 19 Sep=r=: 89. M=r=: Orford. Lyme Hall. Cheshire

Dear Sir I got the Reckoning over, had two guineas & a Half left and one of them that you sent is light, desire you will let me have Cash against the 10 of next Month it will take above 70=£= as the sinking pit will be finished by that time and the Carpenters to pay a months wage, they are now got into the coal in the tunnell that should looce Sir Rob=ts=: water, hope they will not be long befor^e^ they finish it. they are likewise got thorow the fault in won of the deep levels they have been a long time in it as it is a verry hard. bur{e} stone, but are in hopes they will now get fast forward, the 10=th=: of next month coms into this quarter so it will be some time before I can collect for the Quarters coal. we hope to see you at Haydock in a short time am Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=: S Rigby Haydock 30 Sep=r=: 89. M=r=: Orford Lyme Hall. Cheshire

M=r=: Orford Dear Sir I desire you'l bring with you when you come to Haydock N=o=: 4. 21=st=: Nov=r=: 1783 in florida Vouchers which is the last setteling with Shaw, as he makes an unreasonable demand it may be of use to us when we settle with him. I have not recv=d=: the Booke but hope you will send it by the Wagon pray my Comp=ts=: to all friends — am Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=: S Rigby Haydock 24 Nov=r=: 89. M=r=: Orford Lyme Cheshire

M=r=: Orford Sir I am surpris'd that you nether writ to let us knowe to drop the Coals nor sent more Cash, as you but sent fifty Guineas and the Reckoning tooke above eighty and oblig=d=: to borrow the other part of Pears Naylor, have not any to pay him back with. the Cash at the Machine was only 32..10..7½ cash p=d=: at the Reckoning 133..8..2½ therefore you must ether send money or the work my stop. from Y=r=: Hble Serv=t=: S Rigby Haydock 31 May 90. M=r=: Orford Lyme Cheshire

Dear Sir I recv=d=: Eighty four pound 9=s= by the Butcher. which have pleac'd to your credit. it came just in time, have got the reckoning over, we have drop=d=: the Coals yesterday to 2=d= P~ Hun'=d=: as they have lane so long thought a farthing would not answer to get them off, hope it will not be long before you come to Haydock. am Y=r=: Ob=t=: Hble Serv=t=: S Rigby Haydock 13 June 90. M~=r=: Rich=d=: Orford Lyme Hall. Cheshire

M=r=: Orford Dear Sir enclos'd is the following Bills Viz — [^there follows a short calculation^] desire you will advise me of the Receipt of them for I dont like sending so much by the post. which will Oblige Y=r=: Ob=t=: Serv=t=: S. Rigby. Haydock 22 July 90. M=r=. Orford at Lyme

Warr Jary. 17=th=. 1774. D=r= Sir I fear you have forgott the Covers I gave You I am quite out if you Cou'd send me ½ a Doz Quils to Mess=rs=. Blacker & Cock's, London will greatly oblige Sr Your obed=t= Serv=t= Roger Rogerson please to write me P~ Return, M=r=. Rich=d= Orford at Lyme near Stockport

Warrington Oct. 24=th=. 1785. M=r=. Rich=d= Orford S=r=. I apperhend M=r= Richmond applyd to you for Permition to sell, M=r= Robert Heskett Estate, which is held by 3 Lives,— under M=r= Legh, the sale was the 29 Sept. & no Bidders attended, therefore no Business was done & M=r= Richmond Left word [^a word is crossed out here^] with me, that if a Price fixd on at the Sale Coud be gott I might agree with any G{en}tlem{e}n [^tear in page^] that offerd, yesterday a Person did offer — & before he will Contract, he desires me to Write you. & Request that you will please to Inform me if it woud be agreable, to— M=r= Legh to Chang 1 Life of the same age with 1 in the Personel Lease, for without that, he will not Purchaice, & say what you Expect for the Change & you will oblige — Sr your obed=t=. Serv=t= Rog=r=. Rogerson [^a short calculation, in a different hand?, at the bottom of the page^] [^on the reverse, in red ink, different hand, with some numbers, is the following:^] Wellworths Measure [^This letter has a sheet attached, containing details of tenancies, in another hand, possibly Orford's. The letter is transcribed here first^] To M~=r=— Orford Steward — to — Peter Legh Esq~. Lyme Cheshire [^the address is completed in a different ink, and possibly by another hand, with a word crossed out, "Haddo{c}"^]

Liverp:~ 5=th=. Sep=r=— 1788— M=r=, Orford— S=r=— Having had a good Report of your Affability and good Nature, has Imbolden'd me to trouble you with this I am in trust for an Infant, a Master Owen who is great grandson to the late M=rs=— Shaw, of Sankey Hall — Whose Estate is in Chancery — M=rs=— Shaw when living had some Premisses at the bottom of the Horse Markett — Warrington — the ground Rent of which, I understand, you allways Rec=d=— Now M=rs=— Shaw, (I suppose, by Will)— divided these premisses into three shares and Wether a proportion of said g=d=— Rent was laid on Each share, I never knew, M=rs=— Clare the Infant's Aunt allway's to her death paid Owen's part ^along with her Own^ which was never yett Settled — Our third of said premisses is a dwelling House to y=e=— front of the Street formerly tenanted by a John Cooke, but of late by a John Kirk — and Co'd you Inform me of the proportion, of this House, wo'd Oblige me Much — the several Owner's of Each thid's are — M=rs=— Clare — said Owen — and a M=rs=— Parker, of this Town, who Imploys a M=rs=— China of Warrington to Act for her— Wo'd you be kind Enough, to sett us to Right's, in this particular, will lay, an Obligation on Y=r=— Obed=t=: & Hum~: Serv=t=: J~n=o=: Roscoe P:S: a Line to me in Liverpool or left with my Daughter, at M~=r=— Watkin's, Warrington will much Oblige — [^the attached sheet is transcribed below. It is set out as a table, with headings^] Tenant's Name date years Place of abode.......yearly rent £ S d Observation John Traverse 1754 Mar. 25 99 Warrington 7.(.( Tied to Erect in one year from the date 3 dwelling Houses in Lieu of the old Building then standing This Lease afterwards assigned over by consent of M=r=. Legh as under Peter Robey 1758 Feb=y=. 2=d=. 95 Warrington 2.6.— John Traverse 1758 Feb=y=. 2=d=. 95 Warrington 2.1.— Mary Shaw 1758 Feb=y=. 2=d=. 95 Sankey 2... John Litherland 1758 Feb=y=. 2=d=. 95 Warrington —.13.— M=r=. Orford at How Lane

Stockport Sep=r=. 13=th=— 1779. Sr Since you have been at my Shop have Endevoured to get a Paper to match your Ded [^"D" is possibly "R"?^] furniture but cannot meet with any%thing near the Pattern in Manchester They Inclosed Pattern his the only one that comes any thing Like, the price of it is 3½=d= P~ y=d=. Hope you will favour me with a Pattern of your Stripe, I doubt not but Can get they same or something very near it by sending it to my Chorispondant at London if you Can wate the time which will be three weeks or a Month if it comes by the waggon. 60 Y=ds=. you say will be anough which will be 5 P='s=. Paper each P=s=. runs near ½ y=d=. short of measure shou'd Advise you to Calculate rather over then under the breadth of Paper is 21 Inches wide in this as any%thing further May Command your Humble Servant Rich=d=. Rothwell M=r=. Orford Peter Legh's Esq~ Lyme Cheshire Post paid.

Dear Sir About a Week ago John Gleave of Grappenhall came to consult me upon y=e=. Title Deeds of y=e=. Upper Mill there which he holds by Lease under M=r= Legh complaining that one Dainteth the Miller or owner of the lower Mill had cut a quantity of Underwood from the Damshead belonging to the Upper Mill and had proceeded to cord that up and was about to dispose of the same. Upon having reference to the papers then laid before me and examining sundry persons present it Appeared especially by a Memorandum signed by several persons Inhabitants of Grappenhall in the year 1711 that the Owner of the Lower Mill had neither a right to cut any Underwood from y~ Damshead or to bank up the Water without y~ consent of y~. Owner of the Upper Mill I therefore at y~— request of ^Glave gave^ Dainteth Notice not to cut any more wood, nor to disturb the Earth belonging to y~. Damshead, or to carry away y~ wood already fallen if he did an Action wo=d=. be brought against him; since then he has desisted, but as M=r= Legh is the Lord of both Mills he may probably take it into his head to pay you a Visit and Misrepresent the circumstances and therefore I am induced at the instance of Gleave to write

to you on y=e= Subject, that you may be prepared to talk with him if he sho=d=. be minded to come to Lyme. Sho=d=. Dainteth be permitted to fall this Wood and to raise y=e= bank of y=e=. Dam in Order that he may have a reservoir of Water in Summer time, it wo=d=. be of considerable Injury to some of M=r= Legh's Tenants in the Neighbourhood of y=e= Dam by Overflowing Lands lying contiguous. The lower Mill has now as much Water to keep that Mill going as it ever had I am Dear Si=r= Y=r= Mo H~ble Serv~ Rich=d=: Rowlinson Warrington 24=th= March 1790 To M=r= Orford at Lyme

Dear Sir I Rec=d=. A letter from Brother Thomas on Sunday last who is In want of a little money therefore shall Take it as a great Favor [^this corrected from Fav{*}r^] If you will Send him Ten Guinea's on my Account and I will Return you the money. Pardon me Dear Sir for takeing this freedom But Being so well acquinted with your Good Nature I Flatter myself you will Excuse me I am with the Greatest Respect your Most obedient humble serv=t=. Rich=d=. Royle Haydock Friday Night June 5=th=. 1778 To M=r=. Orford

Sir According to your desire I have sent 10 Bills value 170£ to M=r=. Burchel, the first part I sent by Mondays post the other by this days post, I rec=d=. yours Saturday last Otherwise I intended sending them on the above mentioned days to you at Lime, I am sorry to aquaint you with the loss of a good Father which happened in the Month of March, I understand by your Letter that you had not heard of it, I will endeavour to have the Interest money ready always in proper time, I shall be glad to have your rec=t=. when you ha{ve} [^ink blurred^] an account of M=r=. Burchels recieving the Bills I am with due respect Your verry Hble Serv=t=. Bryan Rumboll Salthrop July 22=d=. 1773 Salthrop May y=e=. 30=th=. 1774 Sir I Intend sending M=r=. Burchal One Hundred & seventy pounds in Bank Bills by next Saturdays post, I thought it proper to give you an account sometime before I sent it otherwise it would have been quite convenient to me to have sent it by this post. I am Sir your Oblidged Humble Serv=t=. Bryan Rumboll To M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford

Salthrop July y=e= 15=th=. 1770 Sir I have sent part of 2 Bank Bills value 150£ & shall send the remainder by the next post with a 20£ Bill which will make 170£ Be pleas,d to forward M=rs=. Leghs Letters as soon as Convenient, My son joyns his best respects and I am Your Hble Serv=t=. T. Rumboll Salthrop July y=e= 16=th=. 1771 Sir I have sent the remainder of the two Bank Bills with another of 20£ which makes 170£ & be pleas,d to let M=rs=. Legh have the overplus as usual and return me your rec=t=. I am Your Hble Serv=t=. T. Rumboll To M=r=. Orford

Salthrop July y=e=. 16=th=. 1772 Sir I have sent you ^part of^ 9 Bank Bills the other part I shall send by next post Value 170£ Be pleas'd to pay M=rs=. Legh the overplus as usual and you will oblidge Your Hble Serv=t=. T Rumboll Salthrop Jan=y=. y=e=. 9=th=. 1773 Sir I have Inclosed part of five Bank Bills value 170£ for the payment of M=r=. Gwillims Interest the other part I shall send by Mondays post, I rec=d=. a Letter from M=rs=. Legh dated y=e=. 29=th=. of Dec=r=. which shall be answered soon, My Son joins in the Comp=ts=. of the season and I am your verry Hble Serv=t=. Timothy Rumboll To M=r=. Orford

Salthrop Jan=y=. y=e=. 11=th=. 1773 Sir I have Inclosed the other part of the five Bank Bills which I hope you will recieve safe please to pay the overplus of the money to M=rs=. Legh and your rec=t=. will oblidge your Hble Serv=t=. Timothy Rumboll M=r=— R. Orford Lymn P~ favor M=r= Sudlow

Manch=r= June 3=d=. 1785 M=r=— R. Orford — Sir Have taken the liberty to send you, the prices of Wines, Rum, Brandy &c assuring you if favor'd with your Commands the will be executed in such a Manner, as to merit your future Favors — Sir Your most obed=t=— Serv=t=— John Rushton Madeira 42/ Doz=n= Sherry— 30/— D=o= Mountain 24/— D=o= Lisbon [^this and the next two items are enclosed with a curly bracket followed by the price:^] 22/6 D=o= W=t=— PortRed — D=o=old Jam=a= Rum 11/ Gallon old Cog=c=. Brandy 14/6 — D=o= old For={n}=— Gin — 14/6 — D=o= old Batavia Arrack — 18/— D=o= To Peter Legh Esq=r=. M P Lyme near Disley Cheshire

Dear Sir Lord Strafford asked me to%Day if his Inte{res}t was ready — You know how particular he is about it, and I promised him it sh=d=. be paid forthwith, which I have no doubt you will enable me to do I am D=r= Sir very truly Y=rs= T. Russell 29 Mar 1774 M=r= Legh told me that M=r= L{unilt}y sh=d= be paid [^word crossed out^] his Bill within a few pounds Dear Sir I received your Favor, but it contains nothing that I have not repeatedly urged already to M=r= Banks — If the sev=l=. Queries I sent M=r= Legh cannot be cleared up, M=r= Banks will not accept the Title — nothing will be presumed & the Title must be clear or we cannot proceed. I am sorry for your loss in M=r= Stafford, whose Experience & Integrity had deservedly obtained him every ones good opinion I am D=r= Sir faithfully Y=s= T. Russell Red Lion Square 18 Sep=r= 1775 To M=r=. Richard Orford Lyme near Dishley By Buxton

Dear Sir I am now in very great want of the maps of the Estate you have surveyed and beg you will forward them to me with all the Dispatch you can Don't forget to send me your Bill at the same time, because I can now pay it. But sh=d= the Duchy b{e} annihilated by Parliament, as was intended, I may not hereafter have it in my Power to pay you except out of my own Pocket I am faithfully Your's T. Russell 3=d=. Dec=r=. (_1782_). [^is this in the correct folder?^] To M=r= Rob~ Orford Lyme near Disley Cheshire By Buxton Bag

Dear Sir Our Friend M=r= Master left Town on Saturday for Bristol from whence he will immediately proceed to America, promising to return the next Spring I am now become a very great Farmer, having 300 Acres in hand. Our Grass Fields this Year being remarkably foul (owing to the backwardness of the Spring, which has given the hardy weeds the power of getting Head of the Grass,) we [^"are" is crossed out here^] shall not be able to get any clean Seeds for a Lay. I shall have 70 Acres of Ground ready to lay down to Meadow next March, and am exceedingly anxious to do it with the very best Seeds; and

I am told there is no part of England, where so Neat Grass Seeds are to be had as in Cheshire. May I therefore request a Line from you, if you can find Means to supply me with such as may be depended on, for 70 Acres; And how much you w=d=. advise to be sown P~ Acre. What is the price of the Seeds, and if they can be forwarded to London by Water; and which way they will come. I beg my respectful Complim=ts=. to M=r= Legh. And not doubting but you

will forgive my giving you this Trouble I remain Dear Sir Your faithful humble Sir T. Russell Red Lion Square 20 June 1785. Sir I shall esteem it a particular favor if You can pay me the remainder of the £500 immediately, as I have got M~=r= Rawstorne here who purposes staying about a %fortnight, and I hope it will be in Your power to remit it in Cash, for one of Your last Bills cost me Seventeen Shillings to get Cash for it at Wigan, besides my expences going there, which I cannot properly Charge to M=r=, Athertons acc=t=, Your Answer will much Oblige Sir Your Hble Serv=t=, Rob=t=, Ryding Atherton 13=th=, May 1785 M~=r= Orford Lyme Cheshire

Sir M~=r= Rawstorne desired to Write to You to request the £200 immediately, as we have a large Sum to pay very soon without fail, therefore I hope it will be convenient for You at this time and in so doing You will Oblige — — — — — — — Sir Your Hble Serv=t=; Rob=t=; Ryding Atherton 31=st=, July 1785 M~=r= Orford Lyme

Sir The Person I mentioned to You as Buttler, has been along with me this Morning, he lives with M~=r= Hulton, of Hulton, and says he has giver Notice to leave some time since, he is I believe a very clever Man in his Business, he wou'd have come over himself, but thought a Letter might answer the purpose as well, as he said perhaps You might have got one, I told him the Wages, which he thinks very well of, M~=r= Grimshaw ^was^ here Yesterday, and said the Buttler had M~=r= Legh's Old Cloths, his time will be up the next week, and if You agree, he cou'd come then, if You cou'd wish him, but wou'd rather stay a Month, as he says they part upon good terms, and his only reason for leaving is, he wou'd rather live in a more regular Family, he had heard that M~=r= Legh was a little tedious, and I said I believed he was, but that there was means to please him — and if there are any more particulars concerning the place he wou'd be glad to know

them, Your Answer will much Oblige Sir Your Hble Serv=t=, Rob=t=; Ryding Atherton 12=th=, Sep=r=, 1785 M~=r= Orford Lyme

Sir I Rec=d=, Yours of the 13=th=, Instant, and send the same to M~=r= Shaw, but I fully expected a Bill, I am much at want of Cash, and hope you will not fail sending me the Balance by the Bearer, for M~=rs= Rawstorne is much displeas'd at it, for it disappoints us of making our pay=ts=, regular, I am Sir Your Hble Serv=t=, Rob=t=; Ryding Atherton 17=th=, Sep=r=, 1785 M~=r= Orford Lime House Cheshire

Sir M~=r= Rawstorne desired me to Write to You, to answer his last letter to You, he says M=r=, Atherton is very disirous to know M=r=, Legh's Sentiments about the business, Your Brother says You will be at Haydock in a little time, and if You please I will wait upon You there — I am Sir Your Hble Serv=t=, Rob=t=; Ryding Atherton 8=th=, April 1788 M~=r= Orford Lyme House Cheshire

Atherton June 14=th=: 1788, D=r=, Sir I dont know how You have come off in Your part of the World but we have such a general scarcity here of Cash by the stopping of M=r=: Doncaster's Bank at Wigan, & the failery of so many Persons at Manchester as never was known before, I suppose any%bodys memory, M=r=, Rawstorne has just sent me Orders to send off a considerable sum of Cash to M=r= Atherton, & unless you can give me some assistance I do not know how in the World to raise the Money, we have not yet received a Shilling from the Estate in Wiltshire, but M=r=, Jay mentioned in his last letter having paid You a Years Interest of the £3333.6.8, which was due to M=r=, Atherton from Stelthrop Estate at the time of M=rs=, Legh's Death, Now if you can conveniently remit me that Money as soon as possible, it will be a very great help on this present mergency, as I assure you I shou'd not have thought

of Writing to You if it had been in my power to raise the Money wanted by any other means. You will be so kind as to be as speedy as You can with Your Answer, for the remittance must be made to Sir Rob=t=, Herries, the Banker without delay — I am D=r=, Sir Your Hble Serv=t=, Rob=t=: Ryding [^smudged or scratched out is the faintly legible following text:^] Atherton 14=th=; June 1788 [^on the back of this letter is a reply, drafted by Orford^] Dear Sir I am favor'd with yours of the 14=th=. Ins=t=. And have herewith Inclosed you the Acc=t=. as it stands between you & me, which I hope you'll find right, which is accounting ^with M=r=, Atherton^ up to 25=th= of Jan=y=. 1787. — I can get no further order from My Master but settle the Acc=t=. from M=r=. [^"& M=rs=—" is crossed out^] Gwillym Sen=rs=. Death, which will be in [^word crossed out here^] M=r=— Legh's favor at present — M=r=. Jay has to remit to You 1/3 of the Clear Money from Salthrop from Midsumer last 1787, I apprehend he has now Rece~d the Rents up to Michaelmas 1787 which is 1/3 of a Quarter of a Year, [^"As" is crossed out here^] I mentioned to you the Tenants in that Country has always a half Years Rent in their Hands. You rembember when I had the pleasure of seeing you last I informed you how I was distressed, and sorry it is not in my power to render you assistance I apprehend the Bolton & Newton Act is got into the Country before this, if the first meeting is fix'd wish you w=d=. give me a line to say when it is — M~=r= Orford Lime Cheshire

Sir I Rec=d=, Your two Favors, and am much Oblig'd to You for them, And hope to see You on Thursday next at Leigh, as it will be the Turnpike meeting at M=r=, Ellam's I am Sir Your Most Hble Serv=t=, Rob=t=; Ryding Atherton 28=th=, June 1788 {M}acclesfield 18 June 1772 M=r= Orford Sr I take y=e= Liberty to trouble ^you^ with y=e= Inclos'd Paper{'}s which Shoud esteem a %favour if M=r= Legh ^wou'd^ direct to M=r= Burchal [^tear in page^] & Please to Send 'em when you've Oppertunity & the favour Shall be gratefully Acknowledg'd.. by S=r= your very hble Servant John Ryle M=r= Orford at Hoo Lane near Stockport

Dear Sir M=r= Daintry desires me to make his respectfull Comp=ts=, to you & to request (When i'ts Convenient to You) that you'd fix a time when You can favor him with a Meeting in Wincle [^three words crossed out^], to Look at some small Parcells of Land of M=r= — Leghs which Lays amongst his Estates there. When you can fix upon a time Shoud be glad you'd favor me with a Line and as this is the way to that Part, If you'l call on my I'll go with you .. I'm D=r= Sir Your M=o= Obed=t= Serv=t= John Ryle Macclesfield 9 Aug=st= 1788 [^in Orford's hand, the following note:^] fix'd for Monday 25. or 26 or Thursday 27 M=r= Orford at Lyme near Stockport

Dear Sir I rec=d=: yours & note the Contents, If You can make it convenient to go to Wincle on Tuesday the 26=th=. I shou'd be happy to attend you If you'l be so kind to call on me, I suppose you'd wish to there as early as possible. so I'll write to M=r= Daintry to give us the meeting at Wincle Chappel at 11'OClock I'm Dear Sir Yours M=o= Respectfully John Ryle Macclesfield 21 August 1788 [^the word "Tuesday", the number "26" and possibly also "11" appear to have been added later in spaces left originally blank^] M=r= Orford at Lyme

Dear Sir Just on receipt of yours M=rs= Hancock arrivd from London and is at M=rs= Burchals — I informd her with your enquirey, Suppos=g=: that she might have Something to write you Shall be happy to give you meeting y=e= Meeting on 2 June and am D=r= Sirs Yours M=o= Respectfully John Ryle Macclesfield 25 May 1790 M=r=. Rich=d= Orford Lyme Stockport Cheshire

London June. 14. 1788 Sir I Rec=d= your's this Day as also the Last respecting two Bills 40=£=. & 46=£= in favour of Shaw Allinson 19 Ap=l=. at 62 Days the Bills are neither of them Accpt=d= nor is there any provision for them in my Hands as I am over Accpt=d= already will order them as you have Directed to N=o= 296 Holborn & also will get them Noted &c — am Sir Your Humble Serv=t= S. Sandbach M=r= Orford I have Been at the tenants of the late Richard Plant John Flictcroft has too feilds at 5=£=..5=S=. per year which I think is the worth one feild is a%bout one have Stuble the other have leye he would Sumer work the Stuble and Sow it with wheat and Plow the other have which I think may do well the other feild he will pasture and hold them another year at the Same rent theis is another feild and I have agree'd [^the punctuation here represents a colon suspended in the position of the apostrophe^] with the tenant his rent is 1=£=—7=S=. John Hopwood will not agree with me but puts me of and Says he will See you before he plows any and I agree with you whether he thinks to gain time or what I Can't tell but I think it is proper that he is tyed or I dout he will use the place not well if he has his own liberty to do as he thinks proper I would have you either Come over and See him or Send a letter to him that he must agree with me if you dont Come I hope you'l let ^me^ [^this is written above the crossed out "them"^] know when they must liver up the ground the year following if they have it not and at what times and to Send me a paper for John Flictcroft and John Hopwood to Sighn the other tenant don't signefie from yours to Comand Robert Scholes Blackley Jan=y= 25=th=. 1771 P.S. I would let Hopwood Plow three {..}re [^N.B. the hand is very different from R. Scholes' 1771 letter, although there are some similarities with later letters^] To M=r=. Richard Orford in How Lane near Lyme

M=r=. Richard Orford Sir These fiew Lines serves to Aquaint you that our affairs are at present settled Amongst, us and I am to have that part of the hall that is not in the Lease formerley in the posshion of John Royle— as such make no doubt but your good Nayture will get me a grant for a Lease of it, so hope this kind hint will Suffice for me if aney%one should come over about it, so no more from your Perplexed & Real Wishing & Affectioned Fr=d=. to Com=d=. W=n=. Can be of aney Service Robert Scholes Blackley jan=y=. 28=th=. 1773 To M~=r= Richard Orford in How: Lane near Disley in Cheshire

Manch~=r=. March 6. 1773 Sir The Present Serves to Let you Know that your Letter and Advice to M~=r= Ogden in Regard to Robert Scholes being an Accepted tennant By you Does not at all Satisfy them as they Now Declare it will not nor Cannot be Done to there Satisfaction Without (your Master) M~=r=— Legh's Approbation Now in this Case all that I have to Say is to Desire you will be Kind Enough to Write to M~=r=— Legh (as Speedily as you Can at Old Ogden) but Soo{*} [^tear in page^] to Desire him to Sign your Letter in favour of {me}, and as it will be most Satisfaction to their unweary Heads your Oblige^ing^ me in this favour will Confer an Obligation upon One who begs Leave to Wish you a Happy Enjoyment of Many years. from Sr Your Hum~ Serv=t=. Rob=t= scholesPS Desire I may have Your Answer as Soon as Possible To M=r= Richard Orford Steward at Lyme Cheshire

Blackley Octo=br= 9=th= 1778 Sir This is To accquaint You That on Wedensday at Night Last it was a very Wet Night and our Little Brooks Was Very High Which has Done Some Damage in The Water Courses which I ham afraid it Will Do a great Deal More if it be Not Secured and I Desire You ^would^ Send me a Line Whether I Must Repair it or No Before You Come over — — — From Your Most Obligeing Humble Servant Robert Scholes M=r=. Richard Orford at Haydock Lodge Lanceshire

Sir This serves to advise you their is a Neighbour or Two of mine wanting to build upon your M=r=. Land, provoided th{**} can Lease upon seasons and as the summer is now for advansing, should be Glad for your answer to this to no when I wuld have the Apportinuty to see you Ayether coming throw Manchester or at Lyme House from yours Rob=t=. Scholes Blackley 11 July; 1779 NB Plaise to Direct for me at Dangrous Corner Manchester M=r=. Richard Orford in How Lane Cheshire [^over the address is written the following comment:^] back to Manchester for better Directions HL

Sir I rec=d=. yours bearing date the 28 of July. and in answer to it my Sister does fix to Build in Hunt: Green now I'me at a Loss how to Act in regard to a fiew Trees for Sister and the other Two,, should be glad of a Line from you how to proceed and at the same time could wish to no if aney%thing is Settled about a M=r=. Johnson's Peapers, so remain waiting your [^"s" crossed off end of "your"^] answer [^the following word is crossed out^] Robert Scholes Blackley Aug=st=. 5: 1779 To M=r= Richard Orford in How Lane Cheshire

Sir James Travis his Building Stands on the Front 14 Yards one Foot and he Wants Two Yards More To The Front if he has Less Behind and My Sister Mary Wants For ^so to^ have a Road Down the Lane 40 yards Tard M=r= Johnson or Moss House— and the want Each of Them Some Trees and I Desire To Give Me a Line Back By the Bearrer. — From Your Hu=ble= Servant Robert Scholes Blackley august 12=th= 1779 M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford in How; Lane

Blackley Nov=r=. 11: 1781 D=r=. S=r=. This serves to advice you that Yesterday I rec=d=. a Line from a friend of mine in London advising mee with the death of M=r=. Langdale, who departed on Thursday the — day of Oc=t=. now could wish you not to make aney agreement with aney person or persons than I see you, for I make no doupt but their is persons will Apply, I am going this Instant to Aquaint Oliver Kay and at the same time to let Bety Robinson no, of his death — and then if the should Apply to you to Lease the Houses Late belonging to Jn=o=. Royle but now vecant on the death of James Langdale, hope youl put them of than I see you and in so doing you'l Oblige your most Obe=t=. Hbl=e= Servant to Command Rob=t=. Scholes NB. Should be glad of a Line from you P~=r=. the Bearer M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford

Sir This serves to Aquaint you that Brother JOseph has made things Agreeable w=th=. Oliver Widow & Hannah Tiewson and I have had some talk with Tho=s=. Travis the Overseer of Blackley and he says that he had M=r=. Jones Opinion about Widow Robinson and he said that she must not belong to Blackley it was is firm belief so remain Yours Rob=t=. Scholes Blackley Jany. 3=rd=. 1782 M=r=. Rich=d=. Orford Agent to Peter Legh Esq=r=.

M=r=. Orford,, This serves to aquaint you that J~n=o=. Haworth Esq=r=. hath been with Mike Hall and he wishes to no where he could write to M=r=. Walker about the Moss, as such by order of Jn=o=. Haworth Esq=r=. and others, have made Inquiry and find he is at Spring head near Hull Yorkshire, on the rec=t=. of this wishes you to write to M=r=. Hall that he may no where to direct to M=r=. Walker and in so doing you'l Oblige for J~n=o=. Haworth Esq=r=. Yours Robert Scholes Blackley Nov=r=. 29: 1783 M=r=. Rich=d= Orford

Blackley May 22.. 1788.. M=r=.. Rich=d=.. Orford Si=r=../ I was took very bad on Sunday Last of my old Complaint. M=r=.. Adamson[^there may be "s" added at the end of this word, or just a smudge of ink. If it is an addition, then it was probably a correction^] Agent for M=r= Perciful was with me yesterday and said that he had been informed that you would come to Blackley on Monday Morning next to go with him & M=r= Jacob Scholes to the Moss the Gentlemen [^the words "who are" are crossed out here^] Land surveyors had told him so who was with us at Carsal Moor.. as the greatest favour you can do for me wish you not fail comeing on any Acct as I %am in so poor a state of health and M=r=. Jacob Scholes spoke to my friend Travis to engage a Number of hands to be ready. on Monday without fail so wish you to give me a line by Jn=o=. what time you can fix being here that I may acquaint [^the "c" in this word is lightly crossed out^] them with it M=r=.. Admison has wrote to his Master that you will be there so no more at present from your Friend Rob=t= Scholes.. M=r=, Rich=d=, Orford at Lime Cheshire

M=r=, R=d=, Orford S=r=, To order the above is this Day sent to the Canal & expect will be at Manchester tomorrow— From Your Humble Serv=ts=, Peter Seaman & Co, The above was Order'd by James Grimshaw— M=r=. R=d=: Orford at P=r=.. Legh Esq=rs=.Lime

M=r=. Orford Sir The above Crate have this day forwarded by the Dukes Canal, w[^tear in page^] hope will soon be deliver'd to you safe, & the Contents meet your Approbation, I am for Mess=rs=.. Peter Seaman &Co— Sir Your most ob=t= Serv. Ralph Nickson M=r=,, R=d=,, Orford Lime

Sir The above are this day forwarded by the dukes Canal to Manchester, I hope you will receive them safe & to your entire approbation {.} an for Mess=rs=,, Seaman & C=o=~,, Si{r,'r} Y=r=. mo. ob=t=, hbl Serv=t=. W=m=,, Foster M=r=, R=d=, Orford at Lime Cheshire

Warrington 21 Dec=r=. 1785 M=r=. R=d=. Orford Lyme. Bou~. of P Seaman &C~ 2 Quart flint Square Label'd Rum & Brandy — ) — @ 2/3 £0.4.6 [^large curly bracket^] Box )— — 0.0.6 £0:5:0 {*}rop w~ 10 {*}

Sir The above are forwar{*...} [^page torn^] Jn=s=. Spenser to Manchester. I hope you will receive them safe {& pleas..} I am for Mess=rs=. Peter Seaman & C~Sir Y=r=— Mo— ob Serv=t=— W, Porter M=r=: Rich=d=: Orford at P=r=. Leigh's Esq=r=, Lime

[^an upper section of this letter has probably been removed, as there are some descenders visible on the remaining page^] M~=r=,. Orford D=r=: Sir The above are agreeable to an order rec=d=. from M=r=. Grimshaw forwarded this day P~ Canal to Manchester — which {*} the same soon safe with You &{t}c please — & am for P. S. &C very Respectfully D=r=. Sir Y~ most ob=t=. Serv=t=: Ralph Nickson M=r=. Richard Orford Lymm near Stockport

M=r=. Orford Sir Agreeable to your Kind fav~. have this day forwarded the above P~ old Navigation to Manc=r=. which wish safe with You & in every Respect please — The Death of M=r=. Seaman has not alter'd the firm of the House — as such, hope you'l, when any Commands address as usual & oblige the Company for when I am Respectfully Sir Your most ob Serv~ Ralph Nickson M=r=: Orford How lane near Bullack Smethe Cheshire

Acresbarn 29=th= May 1789 Sir I have Receiv'd your Favoure and am Sorrey to here you have been lame, if our Meeting will be conveniant to you I will be at Didsbury on Munday the Eight day of June Unless I here from you to the contarary, if that day dose not Shute you place to Send a line to my Son Will's and fixx your day and Shall be your humble Servant John Seddon. M=r=: Orford Howlean

Didsbury June 8=th= 1789 Sir I am Sorrey I had not the pleasure of Meeting you at the above place but am afread there has been Sum Mistake, at Receiv'd of this you'l be ^so^ Cind as to fixx a time when you can Meet Me, place to give Me a fue days Notis and Will take Care to Meet you Direct to be left at My Son Wi=ll=. Seddon's Manchester and you Will Much Oblige Your Humble Serv=t= John Seddon M=r=. R Orford Near Stockport

Acresbarn Novem~: 30=th= 1789 Sir I have Looked ov{e}r the bill you Sent Me I think {w}e was [^word crossed out here^] at two seperat times Six days Looking over the Township of Didsbury Each three Days at a time and one day Setling the Books at Stockport Made Seven days Each then the time you lost at home Setling the lay, that you Must Make a %seperat charge, Bromily Six days S{hue}ing the land and one at Stockport Makes him Seven at 17=S= P=d=: 1=£=:15=S=:0=d= R Orford 7 days ........7:7:0 Expencs at {no}rden .....0:4:0 D=o=: at Stockport......0:11:6 D=o=: {*} days at home..1:1:0 J Seddon 7 days.........7:7:0 £19:6:6 18:5.6 When you Examin the above you May ^make^ What Oltaratio^n^ [^crossing out^] you think Right and Send it them but Bromily Wants to See you to Ask you Sum questions Concerning the houses that pays house tax When I Saw him he sed he would [^crossing out^] Cum over Which am Sir your humble Servant John Seddon [^This document last updated 5 May 2003.^]