Letter

R.A. Slaney To his brother William Hy The parcel at Drummonds is the £4600 Midland Railway Bonds directed to W.H. astrustee for R.A.. He incloses a memorandum about them and a document to be signed to empower Drummonds to receive the dividends or interest and pay them to R.A.'s account. "I am sorry and somewhat surprised to find T. Eyton so much involved as he had told me he should be able before Easter to pay me off great part of what he owed me, instead of wanting more. I think also from several circumstances, that he forgets things and is not altogether to be trusted as to the accuracy of his statements. This makes it necessary for you to have in writing and after seeing him the real amount of his debts. Now, however, the question is, what is to be done to aid him and uphold his credit. I should like on this to consult with you but I think if you ascertain that £2500 will remove his difficulties and enable him to clear matters, and there is fair and reasonable prospect of his repaying in 2 years, if he will make by sale of shares etc. £1000, I would yry to advance him on Bond and low (4%) interest £1500 for two years - but I think before this is done - He should agree to give up and let his large Farm, only retaining the lawn and a small farm not together above 100 acres: and to wind up and let the tile Kiln, as to keep all within a smaller compass, till his income is permanently increased. I had rather you should communicate with him, by seeing him you can judge somewhat of his steadiness and clearness and if you think it advisable, I will be ready directly or soon after Lady Day to advance him the £1500: you ought to know how it is applied and see the other £1000 is got by sale of shares to pay debts and get the Bond for me all straight - If not pressing, I think you might wait a day or two before you told him I would advance anything; but you can see him and find out the facts as he forgets some I think. I have just finished paying the Election Expenses, and will soon pay Jenkins Bill: I try to keep something always ready but this call to help Eyton again is rather unexpected."