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..'