Reference
Z629/8
Title
Letter from John Turner, baker of Milton Ernest to Thomas Turner, St Andrews, New Brunswick, British North America
1 sheet
Had not received a letter from him hope for one in a fortnight
Begs Thomas to come home "or that some fresh arrangements should take place with regard to our father's farming business, for things begin to go on badly - in particular the livestock are not well managed. The sheep especially - nor are the labourers attended to as they might."
warns him against Edmund Pain, who has left Milton, suspects he is heading for Liverpool (his circumstances have for long time been "discouraging", his labourers and tradespeople not always got their money - been drinking, drank 7 pints of ale at the public house before Whitbread Odell had breakfast)
Father appointed overseer of poor - writer going to do it for him.
Edmund Pain quit farm leased from Vicar, likely to come to his relations in Canada - place no confidence in him whatsoever.
Details of farming at this season in the area.
Excellent imaginary tour of the village house house by house describing the occupants in detail and alterations to buildings since Thomas went to America
Includes:
Gibbins set up as brewer: Richard Bradsher his tenant at Peck's beerhouse
But Makeham the wheelwright setting up a beer shop on Monday (encouraged by Gibbins) opposition from Low, whose son Ted is setting up a beer shop too. Mole intends to open one in room built by Gibbins.
Isaac Solesbury just out of prison for robbing a maid at Bedford Fair
Jenny Abbott's brother sentenced at last Assizes to Transportation for breaking into the Parson's stables and other robberies
"Milton House before the old offices are demolished and they soon will be for Lord Tavistock and Friends have taken it and are going to make the necessary accommodation for a studd of Hunters and a pack of Fox Hounds" As a result Parson leaving - for "he does more for our morals than a Pack of Fox Hounds tho' they will encourage trade"
Never sold him a loaf of bread
"Now I'll go to Church for it is Good Friday and we have no service at the Chapel till evening. There is a conscientious clergyman with his worthy wife superintending a pleasing Sunday School with which they take great pains - I observe some further improvements and more regularly in the Church but some hop-step and jump singing"
Parson improved gardens and house
Marquis of Abercorn (son in law of Duke of Bedford) may buy Milton House "I suppose we shall all be Toms, Jerries and Fox Hunters and fools before long"
Mentions inmates of workhouse. Knight not worst master
Mentions old cottage adjoining Church yard pulled down. New cottage built in Old Clark Brown"s garden
(Entries have been grouped in the list for convenience rather than kept in strict text order)
Date free text
28 Mar 1834
Production date
From: 1834 To: 1834
Level of description
item