| Content Description | Thanks duke for his letter; reports that Mr Cleaver attended the Hasland enclosure meeting at which they approved the duke's terms; Mr Cleaver suggested that a Commissioner conversant with colleries, Mr Fletcher, should be appointed on the duke's behalf and that either Mr Brailsford or Mr Brighton should be struck out; this caused a debate at which it was agreed that all four commissioners should stand; hopes, however, that Brailsford or Brighton be left out as the enclosure is so small; reports that freeholders were pleased that he and Mr Lax were to solicit the business.
Mentions his role in drawing up the clause for reserving the coal and minerals; wants the bill to be perused by Mr Hall if this meets with the duke's approbation; adds that Cleaver has suggested another clause to prevent freeholders making soughs [a drain or trench to carry off the water in a mine] in their allotments; sees this has happened in the north and suggests that if freeholders were not restrained, they may 'by driving of soughs water your Graces Collieries or unwater their own' and hence have rival collieries; hopes Mr Hall will insert this into the bill; reports that Cleaver will write in a few days. |