| Title | 29 August 1827
William Longsdon to trustees. After father's death in Summer 1822, valued 165 acres of old enclosed land at £75 per acre and the commons as it then was at £1,000 - in all £13,375 - brother positively denied worth so much. His behaviour and observations added to strong wish of self and sisters that estate should not be sold led to compromise of legacies and with William to leaving money in James' hands. They now value this at £15,000, whilst brother valued it at £13,000. Writer feels that situated as he was he has yielded more to brother's interest and comfort than reason or connection require unless writer had known him to be encumbered with more difficulties than self which was not the case - Not sorry for what he did. Motives for which anxious to keep estate in Little Longstone together as much as possible, not of personal bearing.
Argument on separate sheet on value of land to be purchased and on value of whole estate. 37 acres above house valued by Wager and Hamson at £2,750. £75 p acre - principal and best part bought from Col Wright circa 1808 at average £50 per annum including timber and buildings - now valued at £42 per annum by Gregory and Thornhill - though and not worth as much now as then - was bargain.
Value of whole estate account exec. £2,000 more than late owner estimated in 1822. Offers £4,000 on behalf of sisters and self for 2 lots 37.0.11 and 28.0.28 - £6 per acre more than Gregory and Thornhill. Sum demanded £4,310 - Own valuations of whole estate - details amount to £15,900. |