Chippenham
23 Feb. 1867
Dear Sir,
On receipt of your letter of the 6th inst I called at the Vicarage but Mr Nicholl <1> was away for a few days. On his return I had the objectionable Tree removed it was of little value
With regard to the subject of your last communication I am much vexed
Josh Croker is an illconditioned man and nothing but his ignorance can be said on his behalf. I have had complaints about him from the Miss Gladstones in consequence of his unnecessarily using their roads in going to Church (under w[illegible] of right) tho he might at a very trifling inconvenience take the public way. His tenancy is a Lady day<2> one and therefore we cannot get rid of him till Lady day 1868 by giving him notice at Michaelmas next in the meantime I hope I shall have many opportunities of seeing you and talking the matter over I will also let him know that you are not satisfied with him as your Tenant I think it right to add that Mr Merewether <3> did not give me the same reason wch he has done to you for giving up your shooting. He told me that as he could not have Lord Lansdownes <4> Yours would be useless to him perhaps he mentioned this to you also as an additional reason. if not perhaps you will not allude to it in writing to him but I think it right to mention it to you I do not think Nicholas Croker is so objectionable but he has a Son who may be too fond of his Gun in destroying Rabbits which may be kept down by ferrets & traps I have already spoken to him, on the subject and will do so again.
I remain Yours obliged
West Awdry
Notes:
1. Rev Edward Powell Nicholl (18311902), Vicar of Lacock from 1864 until his resignation in 1870; photographer.
2. Croker was a tenant of Lacock. Lady Day is one of the traditional English quarter days, the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin, on 25 March.
3. Henry Alworth Merewether, jnr (18131877), JP, author & Recorder for Devizes.
4. Henry Chas Keith Petty Fitzmaurice, 5th Marquess of Lansdowne; Earl of Shelburne (18451927).