Letter

R.A. Slandy to his brother William Henry. He will enquire about the mortgage deed for the £10,000 on Penniarth but that belongs to his trust money and should be with the trustees wherever their deposit is. "With respect to T. Eyton's affairs, you must act cautiously but firmly. I have found lately that he is forgetful and his statements are loose, and I greatly fear his faculties for keeping accounts or directing himself and others are much weakened from his recent bad habits. Mary Wynne, who has just been there, quite confirms this and states he seems to be often confused, that his payments for House keeping are very irregular and I fear his temper and steadiness are giving way. Under such a sad case, which may become worse, it behoves you and I, who he still looks up to, when we come forward, as I am willing to do for another £1500 as I said to make an agreement with him which should be I think by written memorandum - first that you should see the money advanced and got for the shares sold should be applied to paying off debts. 2nd that he should by regular quarterly payments under the Bankers to pay to Lizzy for the girls' expenses allowances governess etc £300 per annum which he agreed with her to do but does most irregularly: also by his marriage settlement she was to have £100 per annum to her account at Drummonds, which she has, but I think it was also agreed that on Mr. Eyton's death, she should have £100 more, this she does not have - by looking to the marriage settlement we can see how this should be. I think Eyton should also agree to give up his farm all but a small one at Lady Day twelve month and let it, and also the tile yard which is a useless speculation liable to loss - I hear however that he talks of selling his shares in the Bank to put into the tile yard - this will never do, but don't tell him you have heard of it - I fear he is now habitually disguised and weakened by liquor and that his temper is injured and accuracy imparied. Do, Dear Wm Hy, see him for a day so as to be able to judge him, learn the facts as to the debts, and then if he will agree to reasonable terms to prevent future evil and suffering to himself and others I will be ready to help him once more. Lizzy has sent to beg I will come to see her about this at Easter and I mean to do so and see you too. In the meantime, as you are so near you might see him, learn the facts, judge how far he is to be trusted and get Much ready to aid our future Decision and Action. I know no one who has any influence with him but ourselves and herhaps his partner Charles Campbell - you might learn who is the medical man attending them from Wellington and possibly ask him some questions in confidence. Write me a line. I am much grieved with this which fills me with sorrow for him and Lizzy - I am sorry to say Wynnstay is burnt down with much loss I fear -