Chippenham <1>
22nd June 1829
Dear Sir,
The Bearer is the Son of your Tenant Mr Crocker of Nethermore, <2> He married a Grandaughter [sic] of the late Farmer Edwards & the Widow (who is now dead) made over the them by a deed of Gift, as I am informed, all her stock on the Farm – Under these Circumstances he is very anxious to be continued as Tenant – I told him that you had made up your mind to let the Farm by tender & therefore, all that I could promise him, was, that his Proposals would have the same consideration as any others which might be laid before you – The young Man, however, appears to be so impressed with the Idea that an Interview with you will be advantageous to him, that I did not like to refuse his request that he might be the Bearer of a Letter, lest he should suppose that I wished to throw any obstacles in his way – I have seen Mrs Edwards’ Executor, at Bath, He appears a person of respectability & assures me that every thing on the Farm shall be well managed till he gives it up at Lady day next–<3>
I am Dear Sir Yr Obliged & obedt Svt
W. A. Awdry
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. Nethermore Farm and Wood, Lacock, Wiltshire.
3. Lady Day is one of the traditional English quarter days, the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin, on 25 March.