Littleton Powys to Richard Powys.

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Littleton Powys to Richard Powys.

Henley, 11 March 1708

This day sennight they came well to Henley through some bad ways, and to-morrow set out for Northampton. Although it is about 60 miles and in summer he has done it easily in 2 days yet the ways being very bad present and across country, he is told it will be 3 good days work and perhaps more in going round if there should be floods, and then he will be forced to ride "for I must goe through some way rather than lose the commission". He has his brother Robert to dinner with others to fill the coach last Tuesday - he has but lately stirred out, for the cold weather benumbed his nerves and joints, especially on the lame side, that for 6 weeks he could not walk so much as to church though so near. He asked him to stay - he said he would come when I sent the coach, but he could not lodge out of his usual bed. He asked him about the wood - this winter's fall may be between 4 and 500 short Coards of wood - they cut and cord them at first at 3 foot broad but when they come to account the cords to be paid it is to be reckoned at 4 foot broad so every 20 short cords do make but 15 long, but a great part of the wood is yet uncorded and so is not taken up (as they call it) or accounted. It will be done by the time he (Littleton) Powys comes out of circuit at Easter when Robert will tell him how much it all ocmes to. Littleton will also inquire other ways. Robert says that the falls of last year and this will be pretty near equal, he received £140 clear of all charges last year, though this may be about £10 less but he promises Richard shall have the whole of this year's.

By Easter Littleton can give a closer account. The usual time fo payment for wood is All Hallowtide, but by importunity he was paid somewhat sooner.

Directed for Richard Powys, Esq., at his house in Litchfield Street, near Soe Hoe.

English