| Description | Bromesberrow, near Ledbury.
17th of September, 1811.
Sir,
In consequence of your prudent suggestion I have made particular enquiries into the situation and wants of the worthy Widow Stevenson, and now communicate to you the result, to be laid before the benevolent Mr. Boulton at a suitable time.
The rent of the house which she occupies at Newent is four guineas per annum, to be paid half-yearly at Candlemas and Lammas: the premises are not yet assessed to the parochial taxes, and the known situation of the present tenant will, I trust, operate with the commissioners to continue the exemption. The plan of keeping a small shop was not forgotten to be taken into consideration, but the delay in payments, and bad debts, which might too probably be expected from the pressure of the times, soon induced her friends to relinquish all thoughts of such a scheme: besides that, she had no capital to commence it.
The school cannot be a productive employment to the widow, as I fear she cannot get a higher sum than three pence a week for each pupil.
One method has occurred, if practicable, to lessen the burthen of rent. There are two rooms above stairs, now unfurnished: were these converted into bed-chambers lodgers might easily be procured.
I have the pleasure to add, that Mary Stevenson’s case has not escaped the attention of another kind master of her late husband—Mr. James Royds, an eminent merchant at Rochdale, who has sent five pounds for her use: this sum, with Mr. Boulton’s donation of two guineas, will provide one bed; she must wait for the means of supplying herself with another bed, as she does not wish to trespass on the bounty of her friends.
All smaller articles of requisite furniture would, I think, come within three guineas: the incidental expences of taking possession of the house, including grates, &c. amounted to the sum of two guineas, for which no fund was provided. She entered on the premises at Lammas just past.
I have now fully stated the case of this good woman; Mr. Boulton’s tried benevolence renders any comment on my part needless; besides that, in you she has an able advocate. I am happy to add, that she likes her present situation, is going on well in it, and is very grateful to those whose liberality has contributed to her comforts.
With my best compliments to Mr. Boulton and good wishes towards yourself, I am, sir, faithfully yours,
Hy. Gs. Ds. Yate |