L30/12/9/4

Letter from Thomas Bland [to Alexander Hume-Campbell, 1st Baron Hume of Berwick]. Sent from Berkhamsted. Set out for Colchester last Monday, spent all day Tuesday there and agreed a lodging and returned to Berkhamsted on Wednesday. Did not take the house previously mentioned as the man would not let it furnished for a term of less than three years, and at a high rent. Has taken the lodgings for one quarter, so if they prove unsuitable another residence can be sought. Description of the lodgings taken. The rent is 60 guineas a year, which the writer considers high.

3 Aug 1777

From: 1777 To: 1777

Reference to the situation in America and the Siege of Fort Ticonderoga. Mention of the health of Lord M. [Marchmont?] Comments about the weather and its effect on crops and harvest – in Essex ‘in some places the hay was burning for ashes, in others floating in the meadows, and the corn laid quite flat to the ground. I am afraid I shall have much grumbling at my tithe feast, and very moderate pay.’ Pleased to hear that Phillis is in her post; hopes she will long continue to discharge it faithfully. [ Refers to Phillis Arnold, dairymaid at Silsoe].

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Bland, Thomas,
Hume-Campbell, Alexander (1st Baron Hume of Berwick),
Arnold, Phillis,
Hume-Campbell, Hugh (3rd Earl of Marchmont)

Berkhamsted, CORRESPONDENCE, dairymaid, Colchester, North America, weather, harvesting