60. W. W. to VISCOUNT LOWTHER

• Address: The Lord Viscount Lowther, Spring Gardens, London.
• Postmark: 20 Apr. 1822.
• Stamp: Kendal Penny Post.
• MS. Lonsdale MSS.
• K (—). LY i. 66(—).

• Rydal Mount
• 19^th April 1822

My dear Lord Lowther,

It is a long time since any communication passed between us; nothing has occurred in this neighbourhood which was likely to interest you. The 'hardness of the times'—a phrase with which you must be pretty well tired—urges me to mention to you a case in which I am not a little interested, and Mrs W. still more so, as the Party is her Brother. To come at once to the point; in the wide circle of your acquaintance, does any one want a land agent, of mature experience in agriculture, and who can be recommended as a thoroughly conscientious and honourable man, of excellent temper, and mild manners. Mr Thomas Hutchinson the person in question was brought up to farming, under his uncle Mr Hutchinson of Sockbum, in Durham—a person of much note as being a principal (p. 121) pg 121teacher in the improvements in breeding cattle, for which Durham and the adjoining part of Yorkshire have become so famous. About 1808, knowing that Wales was backward in Agriculture, he took a Farm, under Mr Frankland Lewes¹ in Radnorshire, and since that period has been a leading agriculturist in that quarter, to its great improvement; but I am sorry to say that he has suffered from the change of times, to the degree that a private fortune of not less than £14,000 has been reduced so as to determine him to retire from farming, if he could find a situation such as I have named. During the first years of his lease, which was 14 years, he sunk large sums in improvements; and when he looked for his return, the Times changed'; and notwithstanding his judgement, his prudence, and his care, he must have gone to ruin, if it had not been for his private resources. Mr Lewes, who I remember said in Parliament,² in speaking against the Com bill, that he was prepared to reduce his rents, has constantly refused to do so in this case; or to relinquish the lease till now, when it is nearly expired. He had a fat tenant, and has kept him by force, till he is becoming lean as a church-mouse. Mr Lewes conditionally remitted the landlord the amount of income tax, when the Property tax was abolished.

I must add, that I have known Mr Hutchinson from his childhood, and therefore can speak confidently to his moral merits, his daily habits, and the soundness of his principles as a good subject; and am certain that he is not reduced to this situation by any fault of his own. He is 47 years of age,³ prudently did not marry early in life. His eldest child⁴ is about 8 years of age; he has still enough left for his own needs, but he is naturally anxious for the sake of his children.

You will excuse this long story; but, if you should have an opportunity of serving this excellent man in the way in which he wishes to be, he would prove an invaluable servant.

I called on Mr Barton⁵ yesterday to take my Oath⁶ but he was too ill to see me—he is going fast, I fear.

Pray, how are they going on in France? Courtenay,⁷ the Barrister, (p. 122) pg 122took a bed with us a few nights ago, while rambling through these hills, between the Lancaster and Appleby Assizes. He talked with pleasure of having seen you in Paris; and of the information you had given him about the state of affairs.¹ Brougham, he seemed to think, was mortified at not being the Manchester Cause at Lancaster.²

We are all rejoiced to have such good accounts of Lord Lonsdale's eyes. Believe me, dear Lord Lowther

• ever faithfully your          
• obliged friend and Servant     
• W^m Wordsworth