Item 11 - Letter from John Harley Siddall to Lord Houghton

1 folded sheet.

Sharrow Moor, Sheffield. - Writes concerning his father-in-law Timothy Smith, now 88, who many years ago lived at Serlby Hall as footman to the Dowager Lady Galway; he was an 'especial favourite'. Milnes's father knew him well, and always treated him kindly; he gave him permission to reside rent-free in a small cottage at Bawtry '"as long as he lived"', which Smith did up to about ten days ago. However, he is compelled by poverty to leave the cottage, being now widowed, infirm and weak. The parish is not willing to incur the expense of a nurse, so 'he is offered the alternative of the Union Workhouse, or the stoppage of his trifling weekly pay'. His relations, 'although very poor' so have taken him to Sheffield to live with them. It is 'a sad blow to him to relinquish a favor so kindly bestowed upon him bu one whom he holds in such affectionate remembrance'; Smith asks Siddall to thank Houghton for allowing him to remain in possession of the cottage; he retains the key of the cottage, and Siddall asks Houghton to let him know how best to return it.