[on mourning paper with crest]
Sir/
I am unable to answer your enquiry about Greta Bank without referring to my cousin Miss Spedding who is now in London.
I know it was her wish to let the house to some constant resident for a term of 2 or 3 years, but if she does not determine to keep it vacant some time longer for such a chance, she will doubtless be very glad of such a tenant as you for the Summer months, with the chance of your taking it for a longer time.
The house is now in the hands of Painters, & could not I believe be ready for a tenant before the middle or perhaps the end of June. If this shd be a decicive [sic] objection to you, perhaps you will have the goodness to let me know, otherwise I will write again as soon as I receive Miss Speddings answer.
I am Sir yr obdt Servt
T. S. Spedding
Mirehouse, Keswick
8 May. 1853.