TODD (Rev. Henry John, 1763-1845, from 1820 Rector of Settrington, East Yorkshire)

Interesting correspondence about his buying back the lease of Richard Stelling jr., tenant of one of the "three or four" Rectory farms, being the originals or drafts kept by Todd's solicitor Alfred Simpson of Malton, including letters from Robert Rayson (Todd's agent and rent collector) and Joseph Barns (Stelling's solicitor), his chief aim seems to have been to get a tenant of whom his parishioners would approve, Stelling put it about that Todd had broken his word as to his successor if Stelling surrendered the lease, with other untoward incidents, including Todd's taking off Stelling's hat with his whip (against all Todd's previous behaviour), "I need hardly tell you, that several of my parishioners have regretted to me the injury he is doing to my lands", with details of the negotiations and price finally paid for the surrender, 11 items on 18 sides 4to and 1 side oblong 8vo, Settrington, Malton and Stockton on Tees, 5th March - 19th June

CHECKLIST
1. 5th March 1830. Todd to Simpson, asking if Stelling has applied to some solicitor in Malton, "& if so to make an arrangement or settlement ...". Written on the conjugate leaf of a part-printed notice from Simpson, announcing a meeting of the Turnpike Trust "from Monk Bridge to Scarbro' and Spittle House" at the Talbot, Malton. Together 2 sides 4to.
2. 9th March 1830. Long 'Confidential' letter from Todd to Simpson, explaining his relations with Stelling since "soon after Old Michaelmas Day" (10th October 1829), Stelling had told two people (Mewers and Atkinson) on the same day that he would like them to follow him, and, when Todd preferred Atkinson before any final decision, putting it about that Todd had broken his word, with another disgraceful incident. Todd in turn against all previous behaviour took Stelling's hat off with his whip, Stelling saying he would have Todd indicted for assault. 4 sides 4to.
3. 14th March 1830. Robert Rayson, Stockton on Tees, to Simpson. Sending a tenancy agreement [not present] referred to by Stelling, but saying that it and its special terms have been superseded by later ones, so "the Custom of the Country" now prevails. As to whether or not it was signed on a Sunday, "Stelling will say or swear anything that suits his purpose". Mr Todd should avoid any communication with Stelling who is "cunning and crafty enough to throw himself in his way on purpose to irritate him ... his being there must be a sad nuisance to Mr Todd and his family" but they must not be too particular, and take Stelling's stock "at such a price as an incoming Tenant will pay". 3 sides 4to.
4. Received 15th March 1830. Note [from Barns' office] to Simpson, saying Stelling proposes "to accept £566 for 34 Acres of Wheat" [etc.] "& all his live and dead Stock ... everything but his Household Furniture ..." in order to leave immediately. 1 side 4to.
5. Circa 17th March 1830. Draft agreement [by Simpson's office] about valuing Stelling's stock "by two indifferent persons", chosen one by each party, who if they disagree can appoint "an umpire between them". Lightly cancelled. 1 side 4to.
6. 17th March 1830. Draft note Simpson to Barns. A cautious version of no. 5, ending "the farm might perhaps be immediately taken, but in no other way". 1 side oblong 8vo.
7. 12th May 1830. Long draft letter signed by Simpson to Mr Fox, Surveyor of Taxes, Beverley. Enquiring about the position of Todd's annual allowance to Robert Rayson of £25, which if a commission or percentage, would not be liable to tax. 3 sides 4to.
8. 7th June 1830. Draft letter signed by Simpson to Todd. Stelling's latest proposal is £350 for the "Farm & Crops", Simpson was about to ride over to Settrington to say so when he learnt Todd was in Malton, "& unless he has neglected the crops you may be inclined to close with him", he believes Rayson suggested £300. 1 side 4to.
9. 8th June 1830. Todd to Simpson. "I dare say he will not stand out for the remaining £50. So that a peaceable conclusion, I trust, may occur", and thanking him "for the very fine pike" sent "to our family while I have been away". 1 side 4to.
10. 19th June 1830. Formal agreement signed 'J. Barns', to vacate the farm on 21st June and leaving all the crops, manure and other effects, except the household furniture and live stock, for £305. 1 side 4to.
11. 19th June 1830. Draft letter signed by Simpson to Stelling, saying he has agreed with Messrs Atkinsons that "they will proceed to the management &c" of the farm "on Monday next". 1 side 4to.

Item Date:  1830

Stock No:  54277      £175

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