Southouse (with whom Mr. Scott and myself passed three hours this
morning) has examined the Putney Writings. I wish I could say he was
satisfied with them. The former Deeds (while it was yet a Copyhold)
he thinks of little or no consequence. The Deed of Enfranchisement
is what he principally wants, nor is it sufficient that it may be
enrolled in Chancery or in the Wimbledon Court Rolls. The Deed
itself formerly in your possession is what he wants, for, says he,
any purchaser would naturally be allarmed at it's not being to be
found, and would immediately suspect that some incumbrance (perhaps
for your life only) had been contracted on that security. I hope and
sincerely believe that meer accident or neglect has deprived us of
this important writing, but as it is so important, we must beg you
would recollect all you can about it, and if possible give us some
clue which may lead to a discovery of it.
There are later papers which he likewise calls for, an authenticated
copy of my Grandfather's Will, your Marriage Settlement, both with
my mother and with Mrs. Gibbon. He wants to be acquainted with the
extent and nature of the fine and recovery passed by us ten years
ago. The Counter Part of Gosling's Mortgage must be in your hands,
and he thinks the sight of it _absolutely_ necessary. In a word,
unless everything is laid before him, we are only losing our time,
and it is impossible to carry anything beyond meer speculation, not
only with regard to any general Plan, but even in respect to the
immediate money we may want. Whatever can be got either from Public
officers or from the Goslings, &c., he will get, but he judges it
both safer and cheaper that the materials should be laid before him,
than that he should be forced to fish them out. He asked me questions
about the Attornies employed in those several transactions, and
wishes he could see any of their bills, which would inform him of
what had been done. The several leases which actually subsist between
you and any Tenants should be produced. In a word, he is of opinion
that nothing can be done without the whole is probed to the bottom.
I must therefore desire that you would immediately send up every
thing that can give any light into our affairs. As to Putney in
particular, I must beg you would order Newney to deliver to my order
the leases relating to that Estate. As soon as I have got some more
materials I am again to see Southouse. I hope they will be speedily
in Town, as an expensive Residence here is neither convenient nor
at present agreable.--I have just received an answer from Boissier,
who can make no offer as he is not acquainted with our terms, but
declines an interview, and thinks it may suit other people better
than himself.
I find the Chancery business cannot be got off, but it may be so
easily delayed that there is no present apprehension from it. I hope
to hear from you by the return of the post, and to receive _as soon
as possible_ every thing you can find. Mr. Scott is a most zealous
friend, and on this as well as on every other occasion you shall ever
find me most truly yours,