Record

D3580 - Longsdon family of Little Longstone - [14th-20th Cent]
- C - Correspondence

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Archive Reference / Library Class No.	D3580/C/595
Title	Letter from Syndey Smithers to William Longsdon
Date	1829
Description	7 April 1829 Sydney Smithers at Ashford to William Longsdon forwarded to Messrs Masters and Marker, New York, by Napoleon. Acknowledges letters of 15, 19, 20 and 21 February received last week together with copies of William's correspondence with Mr Naylor. Meeting for execution of William's conveyance yesterday; tolerable warm one it proved. Business however finally concluded. Mr Charge unable to attend in person; saw him on 4th and ascertained all ready excepting a document to which shall hereafter allude. Meeting fixed for noon; all parties punctual except Harrison who made first appearance at 5. First bone of contention a demand of £50 for legacy duty which writer refused to allow. Wager admitted William's offer was made with a condition that the duty was not to be charged. Harrison stated that it was not acquiesced in and not stipulated in agreement and vowed deed should never leave house unless the sum was paid. Deeds however being executed and in possession of Mr Cutts whom writer must observe transacted business throughout very well. While matters in this state a storm obviously brewing they held consultation and agreed that Cutts should bag the deeds and deposit them in Mr Harrison's bedroom which was accordingly done. There was wanting a document of no very great moment relating to the little field - a reconveyance of 99 years granted to one Ashton sometime on a mortgage - heir could not be found and some process was necessary as part of Executors to perfect title at cost of about £10. Mr Charge stated that as William was selling the field it was essential though chances 100 to 1 that a purchaser would never sustain damage without it, therefore writer insisted on undertaking to take proper steps. Harrison said William agreed to take best title they could give him, good and bad and would not consent. Next claim interest on balance from 25 March to April - he appealed to Mr Naylor if meeting not fixed as to well suit his convenience as Mr Charge's. He admitted it and said all he could to set this trifling demand on one side but all in vain - that consummate scoundrel Harrison was as obstinate as a mule. Regular misunderstanding. Mr James Harrison began to think it time to look out and transported all deeds in a chaise to writer's house. Matters rested during tea for about an hour when Cutts renewed the business and writer agreed and being in a cleft stick to pay the duty and offered £40 1 percent - nothing but £50 would satisfy blockhead until writer appealed to everyone in room against his illegitimate law. All agreed that more than the duty on sum actually received and not be required. After further long angry discussion and in spite of Mr Naylor's ......... found it necessary to pay interest and so Purchase money £7990 Add £60 Duty £40 Interest £6.10s £8096.10s Legacies £4000 Interest £76.3s4d £4076. 3s11d Cash paid to the Trustees 6 April £4020. 6s 1d Writer has received of L&H £4000. Thank God it is concluded. Now renewed further purchase - appeared Mr Naylor had misrepresented subject to William in offering lower lot without the upper. Harrison again attempted to overrule the other three who consented to close with William subject to Mrs Longsdon approval for £2100 bargain, not pledging themselves to retain Riott Lot - at length after midnight all parted. Understands from Mr James Harrison today that they finally agreed to bargain, deeds to be prepared without delay. Shall not evade stamp duty but declare price in full - better to do so. Will not let the land. Wager offers for Higginsbottoms lot 45/- per acre and for front land 50/-. If writer cannot do better, he will close with him. Price for last is too little, but soughing, stubbing and levelling in addition to being 1st year of pasture is certainly a draw back upon it for this year - difficulty in letting the ...... and Burnlands to Little Longstone people in such lots. Prices are so bad. Believe whole village could conveniently stock Higgins Farm. Will write in few days on these matters. [Cross note] from Kate. Glad it is all over. Hopes it will be means of William enjoying comfort and happiness there for many years to come. Mr Smithers at Longsdon today; first fine day for long time. Duke's woodman with him assisting to bough the trees and work plantations for thinning. Interested in doing everything to forward improvements suggested. Tells her how pretty it already begins to look. Have not been up for some time; confined to house with little Elizabeth. Heard many reports about Mrs Longsdon's intentions but none true except observation Bessy mentioned her having made that she would leave Longsdon as soon as her feelings would permit her to make necessary arrangements. Has not heard of any preparations for leaving. Understands Mr Jas. Harrison told Mr Naylor that he was sure it would give William pleasure if Mrs Longsdon would remain there until his arrival whenever it may be rendered place needful for himself. Hardly thinks it her intention to leave at present - in which case William's instructions must remain null and void. Enquired about Garden - John Hulley said it was in anxious state. Bessy says quite contrary. Mrs Longsdon has been particularly attentive in having it well cropped etc. Mary Jane Barker not expected to recover. Bessy slept here two last nights and been at Longsdon during day - does not look well.
Level	file
Repository	Derbyshire Record Office
Archive Creator	Longsdon family of Little Longstone

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