Chippenham

28 May 1851

Dear Sir,

Catridge Farm is advertised for Sale by Public Auction on the 4^th June – I have seen your Tenant Breach with a view of ascertaining what Rent he would give for the two fields lying East of the Railway – He says he would rent them at £20 p^r Acre: being at the rate of £2 ּ 5 ּ 0 p^r Acre – at 30 years Purchase they are worth £600 – but I think it very likely they may ask more than that Sum for them – Perhaps you will be good enough to give me your instructions before the 4^th June – M^r Little values the Pasture field at 50^s / p^r Acre and the Arable at 40^s / this would produce rather more than £21 – which I have no doubt Breach wo^d give if necessary to secure the Land as it is a great object to him – M^r Little values the whole Farm to be worth £250 p^r Acre: which at 30 years Purchase would produce £7,500 – but I understand it is in Mortgage for upwards of that Sum, and the Buildings are in a very wretched state – so that I fear there is no chance of buying the whole Farm at a reasonable price – I will however let you Know the lowest price which wo^d be accepted as soon as I can ascertain it.

I am Dear Siryours obliged

West Awdry.