Friday Night Dear George, I had yours last evening at ?hucn.k, and as you did not go to Ord, neither did I- feeling that my interest & curiosity about your ? unfavorable concerns is in some measure abated by their dissatisfying character - Chs has gone on to Charlton Hall & in the morning I am going to look over Falloden, as Sir George cannot ?bear the ?vile Chartises, call on Mrs Hunt Smyttan & go on to Alnwick in ‘the evening’ - I am sorry that your career has been unsettled as a Trustee, since you " are ?infe.d at it" When Fanny found that it was at her choice she naturally looked to her brother rather than to strangers & Smyttan’s friends. but it is not yet too late to change. Mr Fenwick is to come up on Wednesday evening, when the deeds will be signed by me -Fanny & Smyttan - and if you wish another name to be substituted for yours', you have only to say so & it shall be done. I think I told you that I would pay the money & that it had better be invested in the ?Hall or on the chance of selling at a more advantageous time. ?Perhaps your plan of putting it into the Scotch Bank may be as well - Then Trustees must decide. I have no idea that any one will wish to buy Bank Shares with it, as you imagine - but you seem to give very much to finding faults & anticipating evils, which is a pity- ? Branson told me yesterday that you had been as far as Shoreswood - What a foolish rascal your steward had been to think that he could sell your covert etc, so openly & not be detected- but I wonder much that you had not looked into his books or made ? Bronson take copies once a month or fortnight. He knew some of the transactions & if he had seen no entries of them, would have detected the frauds sooner - but I suppose that the fellow had not enough to make it appear that ?Bra.n interfered with him & to get him induced to desist, which closed his mouth - The landlady says it wd have taken three times his wages to keep him going - Such a nonsence ought to be made an example of, for the good of the Public, but it is troublesome & expensive - I hope you have got an honest man now & will keep short accounts with him - Many are let to yield to bad habits by want of checks on their conduct - I am sorry to hear that Eliza.h has been suffering like ?John & Mary were, from pains in the head & face. Tully & all of them will rejoice to see her, if she can go. Edgar will not be there - Dr & Mrs Smyttan will & ?sore young friends of George's - I hear that Mr & Mrs Cargill have arrived in New.e from India- He in a very weak state. Yours affcey J Grey

Dilston Saturday Dear George, You will have about this time, all my thoughts & advice about M.d Hill - I send you back the Captain's - I think you cannot do better than you propose- Giving up pay for the Buildings – ?then many lettes & worth ?lettings of land planted , are the only things to bring under consideration, but better in conversation than too much writing. You should make a stand at 23,000. If it should be needful to advance afterward, you may lay the blame on me, as advising you from too strong an attachment to the place, or something - If you sh.d sell off the plot to Tom Clarke, the ?every case to him might be made at once by L.d Grey – and people w’d be less likely to attack him than you about encroachment. You might ask Tom what he would give to purchase it, without telling him your views – he would give as much or more to Ld. Grey as the seller, as to you, likely. Pity, ?bol’s/Gols is a fire- but I hope she will go on & do well hereafter - Much to do for post tonight. Yours aff.ly J. Grey

John Grey to his son George. Annotated: J Grey ?Waren

John's daughter Frances Hardy Grey, (Fanny) married Rev. George Hunt Smyttan in 1848.

This page is under construction

Annotated J. Grey Purchase lett.

Annotated J.G. about M.d Hill & W. Ord ?Nov 18 .48 II

Mr Neil, may be the father of Elizabeth Boyd Neil, George's wife.

Dilston Saturday Dear George, I am grieved by your in loss of Tuberosis/Tuberculosis, for which we ?married/milked as a kind of forlorn hoping in their breeding line- It is really distressing & mortifying to have such visitations & diseases - 30 years ago or more, I lost for about two or three years, about a half of my yearlings in ?quarter ill. Then it nearly disappeared for many years - Now it seems to have come back in company with other unwelcome & new complaints, for which remedies are not known. It will be a pity if Mr Neil lays out his money in land in Berwke. As to buying Milf.id, it is like everything else, attended with uncertain results – but I rather think it is worth risking the uncertainty in the attempt. As I put the case(s ) before you of the possibility of having to sell Ord not making you worse than at present, it was not saying that such must be the consequence, but merely showing the state of things if it should be, not worse than if it were otherwise. Mr Neil's money w.d be secured in the first place. Then if I sh.d be spared to do the work here & receive the salary, for some years to come -If I sh.d get all my money from Seghill– If bank shares should come to a selling place & if Shoreswood sh.d do as well as I hope- then probably there might be no such bee ?utrlurs upon Ord as to make a sale at all necessary – but who can tell how all these matters may turn out. Still in running the ?charres, no great ?haven and ?y.d chance if you had Milfield at a fair price & I sh.d ask also a fair price for Ord & if absolutely necessary to sell it at last – no doubt land does not divide among many - & Your own circumstances will influence this matter in the end, likely as much as mine. I have often seen that much loss might have ensued to the ?Howeys if ?Others/Askew's good offer had been refused. and the estate of ?Berrington/Brampton & had been forced on the market at a time when no buyer was in the way. Lowrey has made a low offer for the railway going through the school land at Norham – it is so small as not being worth going to expense about - I have suggested to Dr Pelly that it might be left to you to meet Lowrey or to arbitrate along with someone who knows the valuations on that line- We sh.d have , equal to others, according to its value. I mention this in case of ?Hien/Iluen/John applying to you- With love to Elizth . Yours affely, J. Grey

Monday ? My Dearest George, We were all very happy over your letter, I had to read it about three times first to Papa and then to the youngsters and then to Jane and Phillis who are are always very keen to hear about you. They think London air is making you grow witty. John will write to you before he goes and the girls will send you a letter too, they are gone again to Coldstream this morning. Mrs Cully has been so ill of inflammation that her life has been despaired of but is now recovering. Miss ?McWilson speaks highly of the lectures at the institution in Aldersgate Street. Lord Durham mentioned it in the house of Lords as a proof how the middle classes were rising in intelligence, you can enquire about it, there is a Dr ?Southeval/Southwell Smith who lectures there. You should call on Mr Sinclair. If any body that you don't wish to put off ?time with asks you to dine you can put it off till your holidays at Xmas. I am glad you are comfortable, I hope you try to speak as like the Londoners as you can, (at least those who speak well) listen to the difference and endeavour to imitate them, you should ask Mrs Evans to correct you when you say any thing very bad it would please her and benefit you , does Mrs E quiz you? Hatty has got a ring worm on her brow and has got by G. Darlings order Train oil and brimstone on it is ?mending They all rejoiced very much about Ellen's tooth, she is very merry and grows fatter every day. She is a great deal fatter than is Missy Darling and prettier too, the other day Hatty was sick in bed and she said "No Dody Gay come see Hatty sick, poor Dody at Londin, ?Hant and ?Mamy go Ncastle, me not know where Doney go to, me too yettle you see, me not can say yet name." Charley says good lessons to the new schoolmaster and prepares his lessons every day before breakfast he has got his clothes carried into the middle room which is now fathers dressing room and dresses himself and won't allow the maids to meddle. Poor Alex is very sick today, and in great pain it is an unlucky business. I got a great fright when G Darling fainted he looked so white among his black clothes compared/coupled to the ?Eoanes/loans! ?ever dear George Your loving mother H E Grey

Dilston Tuesday mn.g Dear George, I trust dear Johnny is quite well again. Such attacks are alarming. I have mentioned to Captain Carr your ?labor and ?trouble with ?Shoreswood and asked him to say what is to be your ?outlay. Chs is to be a ?Brideing/Bridge-man at ?Scremerston And I fancy I am expected Mama will not, I hope, think of going . She is still at Alnmouth and unwell, at least I hear of the doctor being there often He undertakes far too much, and allows himself to be overexcited for a time and then breaks down. I may ?perhaps borrow a horse and ride up to Ord from Scremerston I fancy the wedding here will be on the 15th so there will not be much time between and we are to have ?some awful parties at dinner, previously. I wish it were all over and quiet restored to the house. Mama has had a correspondence with the Revd John ?Grey about an organist that she wishes to ?patronise, which has ended in a proposed visit from him, Lady Grey and ?girl, next Monday, likely till Wednesday - Edgar and Tully have arrived. He looks stout, tho' they say he is not well, and Tully much as usual. Chs & I are just going off to ?Lowlyn We have had some ?fine showers and the country is much improved. You would have a high ?gale yesterday. I see the young bull by Zadig that you say is good, has been brought to Bellingham, I think by Charlton's agent. Dickenson John will likely ?appear at Hexham. Have you made up your mind to send your Heifers? I can't find out if you are to be at ?Scremmerston Wedding, or who are to be here at Fanny's. Will Elizabeth be able to come with you? The ?Darlings's are not to be asked, so don't mention it to them. Fenwick is preparing a settlement of £1000 for Fanny. You and Charles being the Trustees as I can't raise money, I must give you my ?pro note for a time. If Fenwick can get the Railway ?conveyance done and the cash paid, I shall have enough, as John Carr promises me £400, which should have been paid at New Year. ?Watson and I will take your ewes again, if you like, they were good lambs and were not rotten, tho' some looked so, but your herd should rest missing

Dilston Friday My dearest Geo, I have not given Papa the letter till you read my "minutes", after you have seen them, you can then write to him, putting in that post about the committee etc, of which I think well, but having heard the common reports so often, perhaps I had better not shew him that note, I asked Charley & he advised me to wait till you had seen my report, and then you c.d write a note to him ?expressing just what you wished then. There are some things you have misunderstood, one is by paying up 3/4ths is meant that the payments ?falling/following this call, will realise ¾ths of the money called for – that is that the poor people who cannot pay will be as many as will be ¼th of the money. I really can't express it very clearly – Anderson told me that they cannot by their deed of settlement make any further call. This is the last that can be made 10£ being the ultimate sum- so that if any thing more were needed in future it must be got by calling together the shareholders, and winding up the affair, which Henderson has no anticipation of . In the ?Union Bank, Chapman was the only responsible party, no other person was admitted into the Directors, it was so by their “deed” and he was admitted by every one to be an exceeding weak man his appearance of religion alone induced people to trust him, and this alas was fallacious – besides I suppose he had really managed ill, from shere incapacity, and had made numberless bad debts, which it seems this Bank has greatly avoided as yet, and there is less reason perhaps now to fear than before as they are warned by bad times. I have made Josey take a copy of the evidence, and am sending it to Edgar for him to digest, and advise Papa upon when Papa goes there next week. Charles Bragg and Jonathan Priestman and William Proctor, brothers-in-law, are all thriving snug men, and are all deeply involved, C Bragg told me they are going to make a stir about a charter, such as will afford security to the Shareholders and public. It is to be discussed and brought forward speedily by some of the principal merchants in the Northern counties – perhaps this is not public yet, so you had better not speak of it. Also dear, you had better not shew my minutes to anybody. If Anderson were to hear I wrote down his words and they were handed about, it might prevent his speaking freely to me again. I wrote down each conversation seperately after I saw the people, thus I might not mix up or misrepresent their opinions.

John Carr, Old Mr Bigge and Anderson all said that Howther is a man of large property – report says 100,000£ all made in business, and no one seems to think a shade of suspicion to attach to him. When I said to Mr Bigge that you were uneasy, he said “tell your son not to be uneasy, I believe the bank to be perfectly safe”. Mr Anderson told me that Jonathan ?Wm -had given as a reason for their call, that the Bank of England was pressing them, this he said was so (among other reasons) not that they thought the money lent them unsafe, but that they had only anticipated giving advances at the time of the run, for a temporary cause, and were willing to continue it till they saw if the new shares were bought up, because they know the public as well as the bank, required some means of carrying on the business of the country, and that the DDB had not capital for the increased business thrown on them by the stoppage of other banks – but seeing that the shares did not sell, and that after waiting in the bank if it were to go wrong he could never hold up his head again in this country, it would be ruin to both his character and property, both are too deeply staked not to make him use his best efforts for the prosperity of the concern. Jonathan is glad of ?Hawkes as a coadjutor, the responsibility is so heavy on him. Has always had a good opinion of Mathew Bigge's business habits and attention. Thinks them discerning business men like the Cooksons and would not have allowed Mr Streatfield to invest his fortune in shares, had they thought ill of the bank. Has heard it reported the Backhouses have gone out, ?however/moreover they were never in. Believes the greater part of the original capital is safe, there being generally sufficient security for any advances that have been made – does not believe it is possible in the ordinary course of things that the shareholders can incur greater risk than they do at present, founds this opinion upon the excellent business at their command, the increased capital and the greater strictness that the late events will cause in the management. Has no doubt ?sincerely ?is speaking, if the shareholders stand by one another, that the concern will go on to be a good and profitable one, believes from the wealth attached to the share list, that a large proportion of the calls will be responded to. ------------

Mr Anderson (Bank of England) Thinks the difficulties arise from the Bank having done more business than it had capital for – thinks Jonathan has been too easy in making advances to ?trustees, believes however, that he always took care to have good security, these advances need not have affected them in ordinary times , but the late most unprecedented panic has made it press heavily upon them, as business of all sorts has been so depressed that the securities have not in many cases been available as yet – but are coming in by degrees – thinks this call ought to have been made 9 months ago when the Union bank stopped, thinks they erred in temporising and creating new shares and professing that they would not make a call on the shareholders, they should have made the call at once this has made the bank unpopular at present but it is a right step, and in the end will be good . Has no doubt the call will be well paid up – considers the bank has the command of a magnificent business if they can raise the capital. Knows Jonathan to be a very large shareholder and that he has also made advances to the bank latterly from his private funds – does not see any possibility of his getting out and saving himself even if he would. If the very worst were to happen that could happen, he would exert himself to the utmost for his own sake - never knew , or suspected anything against his integrity or fair dealing- has known him 12 years and always believed him an upright and clever man of business. Mr ?Grote/Srote is of the same opinion, has done business with him ever since he came to Newcastle, and been intimately acquainted with his transactions and never had any doubt of his integrity and fair dealing. Anderson says if he were a shareholder himself he would hold on and make the advances. In the case of a person straightened for money, or requiring to sell out soon, it would not be a desirable speculation, because the shares will continue low for some time and he would not be able to realise what he gave some time ?aft, but if you can do without the money he considers it a safe investment, as he expects when the business increases with more stringent management the shares will rise and it will be a paying concern. He believes, from the best opportunities of knowing the exact state of things, that if the bank were to stop now the public would sustain no hope, and the shareholders would receive back?great part of their capital, say, better than one half and does not contemplate it possible it can be worse than it is now – cannot conceive that it could ever be in the state in which the Union and Joint Stock were, so as to risk all or more than the advanced capital for a considerable time back they have been very careful and are now going on in a judicious manner – the having had to pull up several accounts, and be more strict in their advances, has made them unpopular for a time, considers this call to be a right step, and tho' late, yet it is the best thing they could do – believes the cry against them will only be a “nine days wonder” and they will go on steadily improving. Mr ?Grote' concurs, in the opinion Mr Anderson expresses as to the present state and probable prospects of the Bank and authorises Anderson to give it as bank so many months no other bank sprang up, they then felt that the DD Bank ought to be urged to call up their full capital and carry on the business independent of them (the B of E) for it was not their place to continue to supply capital and carry on the countrys business at second hand. But that they had been perfectly satisfied of the security of their advances hitherto and more so still, only they had advised them taking this step as better for the future prosperity of the Bank. I don't know about the Boyds. There is money enough among them to pay up their calls. The Parson one is rich, he married a rich wife. Streatfields wife is a daughter of Isaac Cookson. I don't know if I named a curious fact to you yesterday that 1stly I know pretty well from whom the report came that I have from time to time heard and 2ndly that I ? hasted today inside without any communication with ?trach each other named the very same person, as one who had spread more evil reports against the Bank than any one else, and had done for years. He is a person who was once in the Bank himself and on whom the Directors have had to be ?severe for overdrawing accounts. C Bragg said "Jonathan Richardson knows right well how that person has traduced him and tried to injure the bank" I said why then does he not put a stop to it. He said – "He thinks it best to treat it with silence, for time will shew whether it is true or not." That very party the other day went and bought shares again, but the Bank would not transfer them to him. I have great reason to believe he is not an honest man, for both Anderson and I have strong reason to believe that that very person has got the whole property of a friend of ours into his hands by specious pretences, and Anderson says never a farthing of it will ever be seen again for that gentleman is living without any apparent means or business, no one knows how. I tell you this because it was curious for me to find 3 persons Anderson Carr and Bigge all sending reports having/hearing ?are ? aceded from the same person, and that the very person whom (tho' not directly) all reports had come to ? be from for years. This has nothing to do with the Bank , it only shews how much of evil report may spring from one person, if spitefully inclined. You know I don't vouch for the truth of what Anderson etc etc told me about the bank, they may all be mistaken but Anderson declared over and over that he did not see how Jonathan could work out for himself, things have been so laid open to them ( Grole and he) for he and all his family are so much involved themselves, and could not ruin the bank without ruining himself, credit and fortune. But if there could be any examining committee, it would be well, I will put it to Edgar. Love to dear Lizzy, & I have ?saried you the whole truth as I had it from these men I have not added a word of good or held back any bad John Carr seemed very cheerful & said readily & Ch ?me I must see & get the money for Mr Grey he did not ?grant any thing said but thought Mr Reed had plenty & wd need all the security of ?Paper ?management/mort agent ?in Seghill Don’t tell them

annotated J. Grey Dilston 26 Oct 18?42 My Dear George, I am rejoiced to hear of the birth of another son and of their well doing. May he be spared to be a blessing to you both. The girls send love and are glad that it is a boy to save Johnny from too much spoiling. I hope we shall hear continued good news. The girls came yesterday – Chs got home in the gig an hour ago. I have sent word to Mama at Alnwick when she comes tomorrow and goes to Durham on Saturday with Whittys/Whitleys. What a rain we had again yesterday – now it is fair. With best love and wishes to dear Elizabeth I am affectionately yours John Grey.

John Grey of Dilstons writing. Fanny married in 1848

George Annett Grey's second son George was born on 6 April 1851.

Annotated J. Grey Deed of gift 19 March/47 Dear George, I asked Mr Fenwick the other day if any Deed of Gift were necessary in proof of my having given you the stock etc on the farms. He said "nothing but a letter and your being in possession of them." The only thing possible would be my being called upon by the Landlord for the fulfillment of some covenants, which I shall take my chance of. As Lord Grey may consider me the tenant jointly with you. This weather is all one could wish for sowing and lambing, had ?twings been in ?exis there/three. I hear the cattle ?number were better this week. You seem unable to discern, or unwilling to admit the great difference between private and personal intercourse and public interactions. I never did or could have ?aneri advocated/?unmediated with ?blame/ upon your holding friendly terms with young Liddell in private life. All that I meant and I think all that I expressed, was to this extent, that considering the difference in political sentiment and party between his family and mine and the attempt formerly made by ?Helen/him in the county, I would not have laid a stepping stone for his advancement. It is quite true that you could refuse him your note and then he would expect no help from you – but how many are there who have no political principle to guide them and who are led more by private favor and fancy than public opinion. The Liddell of a former day won much favor by fair speeches and fine ribbons over the more shy and scrupulous Howick – but weigh their characters now. The Wooler meeting ought to have been firmly a farming one, as was intended. At its institution we repudiated all patronage of great men. Of late years another description of men has been sought for – and a precedent given for Liddell, who has nothing to do with farming – but he may get into the good graces of a few freeholders by his affable manners and kindness of disposition. This however is their lookout, it cannot much concern me now who may come in for the division – except as matter of feeling – for I shall not likely ever have any hand in its politics again. Therefore let this matter rest – on which more has been said than is deserved. I see in this day's paper Sir Geo Grey is letting his large old grass field. I had a long talk yesterday with the father of Welsh who was hanged the day before. The old man is foreman at ?Mindham ?Quarry and seems to think little of his son's crime and death as compared with the reproach to himself and family – another son has gone off to America – I have threatened to break up the public house at ?Fourstones station where the ?Journeymen/lacequeen ?shared/feared ?fleec/three is Sundays , unless a reformation is ?found/forced. Josey has not been ?much down stairs for four days. Love to Elizabeth Yours affectionately John Grey

Mr John Carr Hears the bank is considered safe by those who ought to know. Believes Jonathan to be an acute business man, never thought him dishonest or tricky, thinks if he has a stake in the bank himself, he will necessarily do his best to bring it safe through – knows he is rich, has real property. He is not agreeable to the customers, has an unpleasant manner towards them and is not liked by them. If he (Mr Carr) had shares he would keep them and make the advance, as he thinks with the business at its ?command and the increased capital, it must do well. Believes Mr Hawkes to be a man of large property, he and the Boyds are large shareholders and well able to answer the call. Believes Hawkes to be a steady good man of business, a person respected and looked up to about Newcastle, Hawkes retired on the fortune he made there, lives at Cheltenham, but is coming down to take the Directorship instead of Streatfield. Has always considered that Bigge a steady respectable business man. Believes the bank to have sufficient security for the advance to Conside Iron works. The works not paying so largely now as they did when the advances were made, in consequence of the stagnation of trade, foreign disturbances et cetera, which had hurt the iron trade, but they have their fair share with other works, and have at present on hand orders which will occupy them for several months. If he (Mr Carr) had money at present he would purchase shares in the Bank and pay the advances – said he wished he had

Captain L Bigge Esquire Linden Considers the bank safe. Has the biggest stake in it of anyone, and would not sell his shares just now if he could. Has corresponded with Mr Glynn, whose opinion is such as to have satisfied him. Does not lose an hour's sleep about it. Is certain that Jonathan holds a large stake himself, and will do his utmost were it but for himself and his family. Mr Hawkes is coming directly, will be a bona fide acting director. Mr Hawkes a man of large property he and the Boyds hold large(r) shares believes the bank will pay well in the end. His son Matthew (a director) says that everyone who has entered the banking office since the call was made has expressed the opinion that it is a wise and proper step. Thinks it might have been better had it been made sooner, but the directors were anxious to save the shareholders the additional outlay if they could. Some ?ladies have been much dissatisfied. Believe the knowledge of Mr Hawkes becoming a manager will be satisfying to people Charles Bragg Is himself a large shareholder, his two brothers in law are also largely ?creatures/caretakers , (one of them Jonathan Priestman is known to ?thee), they consider there is no ultimate risk – great inconvenience and some distress will accrue to widows and other poor people, but the directors will be considerate of such. Does not consider Jonathan culpable in having made advances to some backers in prosperous times, when concerns were paying well, and no human foresight could anticipate the unprecedented pressure of last year. Considers the advances to Conside ironworks safe- reports have reached him that the Iron stone is exhausted and the works laid in - knows the stone is abundant and that there are orders in hand this moment for iron, enough to keep them at work until March. The owners of the Conside works profess abundant capital- they are Backhouses, Biggses (the widow) Jonathan Richardson's brothers and others, considers the bank runs no risk by it , if ?their ? acct were ?accrued/removed it would be a great loss to the Bank. Believes the shares will not rise for a time but if business be only tolerably good, the Bank will in two or three years be in a position to repay the advances if required, and shares will get up. The Bank business is a capital one, and they can select the best as they have no competitors and Lambton's bank could do nothing for the public. Believes there will be a movement among commercial men in the northern counties for a modified charter, to act as a mutual security, which will induce ministers to grant it, such is under consideration by parties he knows now – knows Jonathan and his family to have a large stake

My Dear George, I hope you may receive this paquet in time to make your market for the seeds on Monday, as I should like to have them sent off as soon as convenient. Mellersh has sometimes recommended a seed, which was ?safer to sow although not so bright or high priced as some others – in that case it is as well to take the advantage of it. I wished to have known the relative prices – for if the Timothy is unreasonably high, I would take white and hop instead – but I like a little mixture of Timothy if not very dear. Mellersh must let you have them on good terms, as I shall send him payment as soon as the seeds come to hand. Remember that they be directed to Berwick for one year they went by a Leith ?Smack. The Evans have really had much affliction in their house of late. It is disappointing to find a man of education activated by so sordid a spirit – but in passing through life you must expect to meet with some whose example it is right to avoid instead of to follow. I imagine it is not customary to take less than for a quarter, on account of a week or two - however you may perhaps be able to find out ?their mind/that which , by saying at what time you will be going, & asking how much it will come to. Only don't do a shabby thing , because ?does not ?hesitate to do so. I don't know any one that you could ask about it. It might not be well to speak of such matters to Mr Selby or the Jackson's as there was some idea of your going to them and they may not dislike to hear of a kind of disagreement. You might let me know of your ultimate plans, companions etc. and what cash you may require. If you should find it necessary to ask Mr Selby for cash, I will immediately remit the amount to him. He will push you upon the plan of managing as to money in France. I don't know whether sovereigns go there now, or whether you should pay into a bank in London and get a credit in Paris. ?Taking no French money over with you, or as little as you can, lest you lose by the exchange. I fancy John will come home about the end of July. They will all reckon on this at their home and place of enjoyments at Holiday times in preference to Hexham. We have not yet been able to fix upon a suitable house so I may have to go to lodgings and have yet another lease. Mr Hooper is inclined to be very friendly and will do all he can to obtain a comfortable settlement. He is to be here in the beginning of April to receive the rents at Belford and try to settle the differences about the rail way etc., between the Major and his neighbour ?Japy. Such matters have been regularly left unsettled for many years over all the estate, there will be a good deal of uphill work. I sent Mr Hunt over to Hooper, and he has engaged him as Bailiff. The applications for the situation were very numerous but I preferred one unconnected with the tenantry and the county and he undertakes to work to my satisfaction. The new mare looks very like harness, but not the saddle. I cannot use her at all, till after the 5th April, on account of tax. I suspect my mare to be in foal, which will be unlucky at this time. Charlie is very fresh, but too fat, he is a sweet hackney, I rode him to ?Hills on Tuesday and had a lot of dealers following me into the yard, to ask the price. I stood at 120 and so brought him back. We have had ?bad/sad/ sleety weather of late, and can not get on at all with sowing, many have not yet sown their wheat. I got all I intended doing except the ?boofeet, and now it must stay for barley. Let me hear soon. Y.r affectionate Father J. Grey

Dilston 17 April 1863 Dear George, I am very much concerned to hear of your continued and increased illness. What can be done? Would you be likely to derive benefit by going to ?Fres with Elizabeth? Is there anything that I can do for you in these parts? I passed a lot of ?drainers yesterday in a field just south of Hethersedge , but I suspect they were Clayton's and not your's, ?if/but Chs were here, I would spend twice for such wools/work , but you could not likely do it by proxy. It is very sad, and strange that I should be stronger than four of my family, still I hope that Chs may have got home , but have not heard yet. Josie does not look like being long for this world, poor dear, and poor Fanny, though she may last a long time will never be a sound and beautiful woman again! ! Watty Dodds would have been just the right man for Her Reformatory, but I think he is engaged again with Benson. Goodrick is writing to ?Eugenie and you shall know as soon as possible. He would please Sanderson, so gentle and good. No passion or ill usage in language to the boys. It is a sad affair too, that Wigham is laid up. I hear you have no one to do his work. I shall lay this aside till after post, in case I should have anything to add. I took a holiday yesterday and visited the Ridleys and Beebees at Park End and Simonburn We were beat in this division, by a packed meeting of Waywardens, all confident that no one ?manor.d ?manage and they will have three divisions with a great increase of ?afheasy Fanny has a letter from Ch.s and is writing to Elizabeth. Yours affectionately J. Grey.

Information about Simonburn here. 'On 1st April 1815, Rev D Evans B.A. Chaplain of the Royal Hospital at Haslar, was given the valuable rectory of Simonburn ...patrons the Governors of Greenwich Hospital.’

Meyrick Beebee, Clergyman, Simonburn.

annotated J. Grey Sheep Dilston Saturday Dear George, I hope this change of weather is making your yard fuller of stacks, a good deal of mischief has been done, but it is luckily among the least valuable of the corn. I am glad that you ?resisted the big ?chaps among the cattle, tho' I do think that one finds superior cattle among the big ones more frequently than among sheep. An improvement in keep and food will have the tendency to increase the size of a flock. I would not therefore reject a larger sheep of a ?fleece breed , but the ?trick/rule I think is, in not discriminating between a good sized P1050746jgtogeosheepcentre sheep which is compact in form and of good quality and breeding, and a large coarse fed up animal of some rough breed, which when lean would be unbearable, and in a ewe flock very ugly. One rarely sees Leicesters now as they came from Bakewell-?Cully, etc in any county south of the Tyne and not in many flocks but your own and a few like ?Darlings, Thompsons of ?Highwood and the old Lady?hreilo. It is strange that it should be so difficult to find a mutation cross for ?pure and well formed Leicesters. I hope the ?ifworths will do more for you than Cresswell's. Geo Darling and I have been comparing my two ?Healdings/Yearlings this morning. Mine is much larger, longer and wider with a ?smart head and yet one that does not need a cap/cale all summer, than yours, tho' the condition is not much different. Yours has something good in the hock and hind quarter, with a horned head, light fore quarters and have/bare belly, with a light fleece. I must however give him a trial but I fear it will ?change ?the ? character that I have been trying in a ?small way to maintain, in my flock, such as your old Dilston and Cuthbert's ? tryhacse. Old Caleb Arpas? ?once gave me ? £1 for a tight little shearling and took him all the way to Keswick , which W. ?Buct told me had greatly ?refined his flock and quickened their feeding. He must have gone back in his ?notions/potions I have shown G Darling my colt too, which he thinks you would make a hunter of in the Spring and sell to a good profit. I don't know much about his hunting qualities, save that he gets his hind legs well in ?& feels ? strong in a gallop but his hacking action is good & he can be made to to canter smoothly, though a fast trotter but rather of the long ?bloody trot, than the short & quick step which I like. With regular riding and a groom who did not ?run away and leave him ?unexercised & ?uncheck when he lifts his feet and shuffles about, I think he is likely to make a gay and good little nag after this winter. I never had the opportunity of judging of R Lundie since he was a ?neeting boy, till now – I found him here on my return & he left last Monday morning. My opinion of him is like your own, by no means favourable. He is conceited & artificial as well perhaps as rather superficial. His travel & association with people above him, and a smattering of philosophic & scientific subjects have given him the desire & means to set himself off among the uninitiated. I saw little of this, but Mama had noticed his notion of holding forth and telling them all down, but one day he began about astronomy and new discoveries, thinking he had it all to himself, when Charles took it up very firmly but quietly and turned him feet up very soon, taking him quite out of his depth and telling him that he had his information from Nichol's popular lectures which had more of imagination than fact and proved it by reference to standard works and established discoveries. Charley had yielded to his talk a good deal, partly that he might not seem rude and partly from a dislike of his upsetting and pedantic ways of raising arguments on his own subjects for ?the shows of learning, but when he did tackle him, he made him feel that he was of much sounder calibre than himself and much more correct in his knowledge, so that Master Bobby was fain to draw in. I am glad to hear from him that ?Gowin/Bowie is feeling his way quietly and seeming to gain confidence both with Landlord and Tenant. I can hardly determine about my journey North. Charles has a notion of seeing the ?Lefuions & going to Charlton , and I should like if it can be arranged, for him to be with me at Falloden for a day. I have ?thought of this plan – that I should go direct by train to ?Berwick/on the Monday,? allow Tuesday and Wednesday for it and ?Spindlestone , go to Alnwick on Thursday and meet Charles who would come in the gig, I would then go to Howick on the Friday if it suited Lord Grey and to you on Saturday till Tuesday morning. Then to Belford for rents and to Charlton and Falloden on my way home, as I expect Sir George would be there by that time. I wonder if this would suit you. I might perhaps get a look at Ord on Tuesday (Wooler Friday) and on the Monday following, might see ?Miss and Mr Moor with you. It is hurried work and likely to be disappointed by weather and other occurrences. If Sir George were at home, so that I could ?do off that part before the rest and then go to you from Belford for two days it would give me more liberty but that depends on his coming. I much ?besides ?neither/rather ?Liesten ?home as I have to be at ? Dilston on the 1st- 2 and 3rd November for rents ?One ?Sale etc etc . Mrs Darling has been here while Geo was at Bellingham. He returned yesterday and they were going to ?Stockton today. The Duke's people have had ?young ?Harle at Rothbury, Beauley , ?Mulla , Warkworth and all up the Tyne from Blaydon to ?Ovingham to advise them as to embanking. He has a great work going on at ?Shotley Bridge, between Annandale and ?Wilson and is becoming a distinguished hydraulic engineer. Geo tells me that he has heard of Johnson repeating or showing parts of my letter accusing him of being the servant of a party etc etc. This is not fair as they were ?withdrawn - I have given them to George, not to use, but in defence, if needful. It was a nasty party job, but they will never forgive me for bringing forward Sir George by getting up the requisition. Mama thinks I should not ?visit to attend the ?Leflions/Lessions and face them out. I should stare ?her ill Ridley in the face and pass without speaking. As for ?little ?Breedon, he is a good natured meddlesome fool. Give my love to ?Elizabeth and ?Maria /?Francis Yours affectionately John Grey

annotated J Grey Lipwood Lipwood House Sep. 30/69 Dear George, I saw Charles yesterday at Hexham. I learnt from him that you are inclined to entertain the idea of going to look at and report on that property in Austria. It is a great project and an important work to be engaged in, but I fear the approaching winter and your many engagements, will militate against your doing it – of that however, I am not so well informed , as to be a good judge. I write, merely to say, that if such a thing should occur and you think I can be of any use in helping John ?on/at ?rent audits , or in any other way, during your absence, I shall be most willing to do anything within my capacity. We have had a great deal of rain here and little progress was made with the harvest, till yesterday. This morning looks more settled and I do hope that the ?pine crop may be got in without more damage and expense. I hope ?you all safe home and are well. My love to Elizabeth and Jane. Yours affectionately, John Grey.

Dilston Saturday Dear George, Here is a letter from ?Hale Maxwell, which you may answer. I shall leave it in your hands – for although I could likely go, I am not anxious to do so, neither shall I go to York as every body seems to expect I should. I have not been on the wrong side of my Bank a/c for many years before and am determined to spend nothing on personal indulgence while I am in debt, especially as I am sure that a host of heavy accounts will be standing against me this year. I am surprised to find by your letter to day, that you have bought more Bank Shares, you seemed in such a fright about the safety of it last winter. It does not seem likely that a charter will be got, as all the great men think there has been too much speculation and facility for it. That may be – but at ?here ?rent , after so many banks have failed and the money medium is so much reduced, I see no chance of recovering confidence enough to bring capital into that channel and to get up the pricing shares without it. It will be a pity for you not to see ?Goole Show in passing. You will learn by the newspaper to day, how the trains are to run for it. I hope you will have a successful voyage in all respects and that you will find all the children well on your return. When I was at Rotterdam, the “Marshall Taverne” was the best Hotel of general company, with an amusing Table d'hote. And the Bath Hotel on the ?Boulevarde, the genteel one for families. They were both kept at that time by Mrs Crabbe and Mrs ?Candy/Hardy who was Mrs Crabbe's sister. It is a pretty and singular town. You should make an excursion to Amsterdam and the Hague. The pumping out of Haarlem river is a curious affair, if it be going on. I knew a Scotch minister in Rotterdam, a friend of Mrs Lundie, called Macphail. I don't know if he be still living. Also a Dr Anderson of the Scotch church. I shall take all your Moor Ewes and risk my chance of customers. I found ?Smyttan and Fanny from ?London/ yesterday, on my return from ?Langley, where the flood and storm have caused me much labor. They think one horse may do during their stay, a..poor…(section missing)…………to go about the ?parish would be the most…insefec… (section missing)……and he is writing to ask Mr ? Kerrefell/Revrigill to lend him his, during his absence but I shall tell them of your offer of ?B/Kurrell. I have sold ?Houese ? Purch rather against my judgement, for 40 guineas but my exchequer is low, to Mrs Coates of ?Lesiwood/Sesewood, for her four-wheeled ?phaeton He is an honest ?horse but too heavy for a hack. ?I must try to find one ? about 25£. ? Edgar and Tully go home on Monday, ?Smytton on Friday, and I fancy Mama, ?Eucy and ?Jane/James will come home in the end of the week. They never go singly and have no ? worry on the rail tickets. I have not ?heard lately, but fancy Mr Hardy is better. I see by the paper today that ?Mead is advancing wool like lead, will not likely mend till matters generally become settled and trade improves. I can hardly think that Lord Grey can have so much debt as you speak of. The old Lord had money borrowed and lost some by his London solicitor just before his death. Besides which the present one has had all the legacies to pay, but that is an ?immense sum. Love to ?Elizabeth etc Yours affectionately John Grey

Blackden's eldest son lodges in Corbridge and knows Baron Grey's children. ?Charles asked him to ?dinner one day as he joins his cricket club. I think him a self sufficient and superficial chap. He says his father will never come back to the North, and that his brother can manage ?Ford estate quite well, which is a rental of £11,000!! The poor Marquis says he only gets one of the eleven. George A Grey Milfield Hill Wooler