Letter 1764

[fol. 320] Sr Upminster Jul 13 1711 I have enquired after Sr Rich Hendersons estate at Stilton, & all the information I can get of it, of one yt knows it pretty well is that it is worth 150 pound not 170 as was giv- en out. What sort of Land it is will best be seen on the Spot: but generally the land there- abouts is a light sand, only in the bottom a strong clay: but how much of one or the other I have not had any time to see, being strictly confined at home to attend people yt come to compound with me for Tithes. If you think of buying it I will be absolutely necessary for you to come & see it your self, & to get some skilful person to view both the Land & Buildings. My Lady An- derson (the principal manager) is for the most part in town: & I have sent to enquire where to be met with, but they have been remiss in answering me. You may perhaps find it out your self among some of the Lawyers. I had not the good fortune to see any part of ye last Eclipse [Sun] by reason of clouds, & fear it was the same at London for I looked from my Steeple to see where it was fair where nearby; but in our least vertuose parts (the Hundreds) the Heavens smiled all the while. The observations in my Paper of [Sun] Spots were very exact & true, about the vast diminution of the [Sun]s diamr at the Horizon. Be pleased, wth my humble service to tell Dr Halley & Mr Waller so, & I will satisfy you about it when I have better leisure. It was not wholly from the Re- fractions. In great hast the Post calling, Sr Your much obliged humble servt Wm Derham