Letter 1311

[fol. 150] Upminster May 12 1713 Yesterday I went to Orset & viewed all your Farm. I found divers Trees lopped several fields. Those by the Road to Horndon were all I had hear of were mostly lop- ped but on one side next the Road I suppose by order of the Surveyors of the High-ways. The rest were some in one place; some in another, I pre- sume as occasion was to mend the Hedges; & in the Grove two Oaky had each a lowed Bough or two cut off: Upon my view I thought too many Trees were lopped (although not very many) & huffed the woman yt lives in the house for cutting so much wood, e- specially for daring to meddle with any Timber-trees (altho indeed little damage be done them) But to say truth, I think you but little injured, & should think you not at all so, if Finch himself (and not a poor Labourer) inhabited the House. I hope to get to Town next week, & talk wth you full of the matter, being now in greatest hast (the Post being ready to call) Sr Your much obliged humble servt Wm Derham P.S.I have just recd yours, & am much obliged to you, as is like- wise my Wife for all your favours & kind intentions, wch needed not the excuse