Wilton    July 22^nd 1824

My Dear William,

      With heartfelt pleasure I inform you that we have secured a respectable successor to Chandler: the only one who would consent to our price; & to agree with whom nothing more will be required than what we proposed to Chandler namely two additional enclosures beyond the field Barn – an extra  ……. cottage & eventually the removal only of one of  ……..  Barns to the north, which will induce the tenant to keep a ……..  at the field Barn where all  the  ,,,,,,,  of the ………  ought to be deposited.  The whole expense will not I imagine exceed 250£ and this sum will be laid out not in one but in the course of two years from the new tenants entry.  Very many were the offers we received for the lands, if divided but not a soul could be induced to give us anything like our terms as the farm now stands.  My own idea is that hereafter you will see the prudence if not the absolute necessity of dividing the farm, and in such idea had you been in England I should most strongly have urged an immediate decision, even tho’ a new farm lease would have been the consequence.  Our great objective however now has been to endeavour to let the land for twelve years in order not to force you to any extra expenditure; & in this after much heating, anxiety and surprise we have at length succeeded.  You will be surprised when I tell you that the new tenant is no other than Morgan of the Angel, who will relinquish the Inn when Chandler quits the Parsonage.  He is an excellent farmer, has spirit for his new calling & ample capital for the undertaking, he is moreover in all his speculations guided by one of the best practical farmers in our neighbourhood.  Chandler is very sore at his removal & many farmers who withheld their offers to us out of respect to Chandler’s judgement & probably to his personal interests are furious that a man not a regular bred farmer should have stept in to put an end to their abominable combination.  Morgan’s adviser stickled very hard for the odd 50£, but we at once told him, that under no circumstances would we ever let the farm at one shilling under 850£ & to these terms we ultimately brought him.  Had we divided the farm, I have no doubt we should have obtained a few pounds more - but not so much probably as to afford you more than 2 ½ per cent for the capital you must have expended.  Under all circumstances, you will I trust be satisfied that we have acted for the best & approve of our arrangements.  The completion of these has, I assure you, relieved us from a very great weight of anxiety & responsibility.

     With respect to the enclosures under Cotley hill we propose to run up the bank & hedge next year, put in the grass seeds ourselves & then cut the fields by Tender.  The field under Tytherington Lodge ceded to the ……..  on tenant Rolls, will be enclosed this year – the  expense cannot be much as one long side of the field is already hedged in.

     So much for your home concerns.    As to your refusal of Madras, we all rejoice at it: I rejoice too that it has been refused in so decided a manner.  From what Mr Canning mentioned a short time since to Lord …….  It is evident that it is intended to remove you almost immediately.  This is not even a rumour of the Hague being given to Sir C. Baget, who is much more likely to be offered Madras.  Such is a least the general opinion.  However as yet we believe that no arrangements are completed, whatever may be Mr Canning’s views on the subject.  It will be satisfactory to you to know that upon every occasion he speaks most handsomely of you & rejoice that you have not quitted your profession.

     Lord Pembroke has most kindly backed your application in my favour to Lord Liverpool – he had a long conversation with him, but could not obtain any positive promise for me.  However the application is made, I much   …….., I should hope, work its effect.

     William leaves Eton on the 26^th with Boothe Wilbrahaur & will join us here thanks to a positive injunction of Lord Pembroke.  I am delighted that it is so arranged.  I have sent for his pony which by the way will cost you some 14£ in order that he may ride with Sidney & his school fellow Wilbrahaur.  Two excellent acquaintances for him to form and we shall remain here a fortnight - go home for a few days and then come back here for the Music Meeting.  We wished very much to receive Lady Bridget Bouverie & all your children during William’s holidays – but there that Miss Bouverie feels unwilling to leave Town ‘till September when they will probably spend a few days with us on their way to Clifton.

Edward is gone to Lord Carnarvon for a few days - he will rejoin us on the 25^th. 

Your quarterly accounts you shall have when I return home.

 My kindest love to Maria – all here  …… in best regards & b……… always.

Your affectionate Brother

C: A: à Court