Item 39 - Letter from Robert Pemberton Milnes to Thomas Davison Bland

Thorne. - Travelled overnight for the first time in thirteen years; the mail was emply and not uncomfortable. Robert Grant's assistance in Parliament (over canals?); now concludes the Houghton plan is best and cheapest. Describes proposed lock-free route from Wakefield to beyond Hardwick; much prefers it but will only assent if strongly tempted by the A[ire] and C[alder navigation company]; can manage affairs through Lord Lowther but begs secrecy. Thinks the A & C will favour route as it connects with Goole canal. If his son ever enters parliament, his first aim should be to investigate profits made by the navigation companies under individidual Acts. The Dowager is better. Milnes wrangling with Cookes over a drainage bill which will affect his coal. Rachael Wyvill 'ill and nervous'. Agricultural news. Postscript asking for news of Brodie.