Pontefract. - Presumes Milnes knows about his loss of the brickyard he occupied on a tenancy from Milnes' father. Gives his own account of what happened: the visit to the yard in Jun. 1843 of Nicholas Lee and William Chartrey, who measured areas where the clay was being extracted and where it was only being tempered; the subsequent visit by John Harvey of Ferrybridge, who re-measured the areas; the notice to quit issued by [Michael] Mitton jr. in Jul. 1843, who also sent a bailiff claiming the 'enormous sum' of £558.9.16. Winn submitted 'under the influence of a most diabolical threat of N. Lee of utterly ruining myself and family'. A 'considerable portion of goods' seized were sold under Winn's name, including 'a mare then grazing in Pontefract Park'; this was unjust, and also defrauded the Excise. Has appealed to Milnes' father, with no success; Mr [James?] Muscroft has tried to intervene, though unsuccessfully, and has Winn's gratitude. Winn is 'utterly ruined' and asks for Milnes' help in the matter.
Re burglary at Bawtry or Fryston.
Wheldale. - No point building brick kiln yet; other estate notes. Opinions on Lord Galway and Richard Monckton Milnes' standing for parliament.
Bawtry, sent to Milnes at Serlby Hall. - Encloses a statement of the money he has spent on Milnes' property. Since the interest of the money has been taken into account as rent by N[icholas] Lee, thinks he should hold his lease paper 'as an indemnification'. Milnes and his present agent might suddenly die, and his successors 'think from the amount of Rent I pay, not calculating the amount of money I have expended, that my House & Shap would Let for more money and at once discharge me or charge a much higher Rent'; the lease also contains fixtures belonging to him for which he could not claim compensation before the term named in the lease.
Has never wanted a privy and out-buildings on the strip of land in the Crown yard; it was Nicholas Lee who wanted them, but Marshall objected, as did Mr Parkinson [innkeeper of the Crown]. That strip of land can be struck at any time out of his lease, but the 'room formerly used as Post office is decidedly a portion of my House'; does not object to waive his claim for the present as long as Mr Adhams occupies it, but hopes Milnes will allow it to come to him when a change takes place, as it is 'a great incumbrance both to myselfe & family'; should it come back to him he will not aske Milnes to do anything but put the 'outside in a tolerable repare'.
Trusts that 'as I gave up my lease to you in confidence I have no doubt but that you will treate me with that honour that becomes your possission in Society. And I beg you will excuse my plane speaking..'
High Street, Castleford. - Has been directed by Adam Jessop, surgeon, to apply to Milnes for ten pounds three shillings for professional aid and medicines. Gives particulars of the bill: three of the persons treated are said to have been done so 'by order of Nicholas Lee', and one by Miss [Louisa] Milnes. Notes by Milnes disputing the claims: 'Bilton's ailment was drunkeness - Whifield left six or seven years [ago] - Robinson I don't know who' and 'Lou says not so' (against the claim she requested Dawson to be treated).