R3/5080/1 & 2

Letter Reads- Bennett has written to Mr Austin asking him to obtain the "Herts Mercury" with the advertisement the Duke wanted and forward it to him immediately at Belgrave Square. Bennett says that his own views on the matter can hardly be called opinions - just impressions formed on a "hasty and casual survey". He writes that he will "get Oakley House and stables divided" (presumably for tax purposes). Encloses a slip of paper as to bark which agrees with the information Mr Stenning gave, since corroborated by private information to Mr Stephens. The tanners have beaten them down by 12 per cent on last year's prices. It was agreed to sell at their reduced offer rather than stack it in the hopes of a price rise since it is an article which loses weight and also the labour involved is considerable. Sold under protest. Hope to meet on more equal terms another season. He does not blame them for buying as cheaply as they can. However, a reduction of 15 - 20 per cent on this article would help Lord George Bentinck against Sir Robert Peel. Also enclosed details of a piece of land for sale in Eversholt. It does not adjoin any part of the Duke's estate and there is no point in buying it above its value but anything in Eversholt at a fair value is "worth the Duke's notice".

19 Apr 1846

From: 1846 To: 1846

item

Haedy, C,
Bennett,
Austin Motor Company Limited,
Stenning,
Stephens,
Bentinck, Lord George,
Peel, Sir Robert

letters, WOBURN, Woburn Abbey, Belgrave Square, Oakley House, EVERSHOLT