Chippenham

1 April 1864

Dear Sir,

I shall be happy to advance you £2000, on Mortgage of Nethermore Farm at £4 perCent. at any time at a short notice. and <sic> if you like to make a Security for £4000– to include the £2000· now due on notes of hand, the interest may be reduced to £4 p^rCent free of income tax, on the whole – but I only suggest this for your consideration, as I have no wish to disturb the existing loan – I think you will find the Great Western Shares rise in value under the new arrangement. I had a very pleasant visit from the Vicar Elect of Lacock, last month, and have been in communication with him since about an Exchange of Glebe lands with a view to the erection of a new Parsonage House – the most desirable spot for his residence seems to be at the top of the Hill as you approach Lacock. He tells me that the Bishop has expressed his readiness to sanction an exchange, and a Sale of the present Vicarage House – and M^r Nicholl is anxious that the matter sho^d be forwarded as much as possible – if you are likely to be at the Abbey soon I should to like to lay it before you – in the mean time I will obtain a sketch of the quantity of land acquired, and an Estimate of its value as well as of that which could be given you in exchange.

I have posted a Devizes paper containing an Account of the Assizes, as well as of the Election <proceedings?> consequent on the Elevation of one of the Members to the peerage by the death of Lord Sidmouth. –

I remain your obliged

West Awdry.