Z506/3/18/1

Letter from John Perring Field to daughter, Marianne Martell

24 Feb 1881

From: 1881 To: 1881

Thought it right to acquaint her with contents of his will. No doubt expected that as he survived Grandma, she would benefit as Grandma a person of property. She left over £9000 'and had the marriage settlement been prepared in the usual way, I should have fared better viz for the children to share and share alike' but was not so, she could distribute her money among children as thought fit, so aunt Mary Ann had lion's share, and Uncle Octavius and himself £1500 each. Aunt also had whole of Mrs Comfort's property – several hundreds a year. 'She has squandered the whole and is now penniless'. What did he do with his £1500? – some few hundreds went to pay debts. £400 purchased an annuity for which he gets 10%. 300 to 400 went to pay expenses incurred by income being insufficient in past years. £100 went to John's family out in Australia. Small balance left but justly divided. She and Octavius get the same, but in addition she gets mother's watch and chain, which he will send her now, if desired. Has left John less than her and Octavius, as he has been left gold watch and chain and all clothes. Some years ago promised Octavius his watch, but that was when John was pursuing a very reckless course. He has left her sisters here – furniture, plate etc, as seems just anf air seeing they never cost anything for their education. Also have advantage of life interest in their mother's property. If had not moved to Dunstable, the little he had left would have gone, but he manages to live within his income. He keeps no servant, and girls find their own clothes and pocket money but do not contribute towards board and lodging 'that I could not expect as they do the housework between them'. Statement of income: Marriage settlement on £1748 Consols 3% £52. 8s ¼ share of public house at £25 per annum £6. 5s annuity of £400 at 10% £40. 0s interest on remaining capital £12. 0s Sub Total £110. 13s less income tax £2. 7s Total £107 16s [sic] Executor is highly respectable man and a magistrate of Dunstable 'Please show this letter to John and Octavius'

item

Field, John Perring,
Martell, Marianne,
Field, John,
Field, Octavius,
Field, Mary Anne,
Field, Octavius Adolphus,
Comfort, Sarah

family correspondence, wills, marriage settlements, annuities, family/personal financial affairs, household furniture, household plate, DUNSTABLE, INNS