Hi All,
I came across this letter while sorting out some old boxes.
I have no idea where or when I got it. I am sure it is nothing to do with my family.
Here is a transcription. It would be interesting to see if we could work out who the people are.
Please remember that names are often very difficult to transcribe so I may not have them right. The writing is quite clear but not clear enough for me to be totally confident of people and place names.
To: Philip Melvill Esq.
Military Secretary's office
East India House
London
Penzance 11th Feb 1834
My dear Sir,
Caroline paid us a visit yesterday accompanied by W Horner. In the course of conversation after dinner he told me that Mr John Major of Redruth, one of his father's trustees would be glad to communicate with me on the subject of Caroline's settlement. In reply to my question whether he wishes to do this immediately, he replied that he would write to let me know when Mr Major would be prepared to enter on the subject, as he (Mr M) wishes first to go to Ellenglere to see the exact state of the property. I asked whether he or Mr Major had already formed any specific idea on the matter. He said "No".
I did not commit to paper the particulars which we agreed as when I last saw you, I felt I should omit anything, I shall be glad to have your reaction aid me. I think we intended to propose settling £5000 on our part, which should be met with an equal sum, or an equal income, on Mr Harker's that the income of the whole should be the husband's during his life, and Caroline's in care of her surviving heir. That in case of a family, the whole should be settled on them after the mother's death in such proportions as may be ordered by the father's will. But in case of no family, or they shall all die before the mother, her £5000 should be at her own disposal, by will & if she makes no will, to her next of kin. I do not recollect any other conditions. I do not expect that money will be very plentiful, and therefore, as respect the mortgage of Learth, it may be inconvenient to advance £1000 on it. Should this be the case, if Mr H will give us a mortgage of any property of that amount at the same interest, there will perhaps be no objection to take it. Should he propose a bond, although the security might be unquestionable, I think that as trustee, he should not be allowed to take it.
Mr Carne of Falmouth asked me, a few weeks ago, if Penwinnock was for sale, if so, he will be glad of the first offer. I told him that I believe there was no intention to dispose of it at present.
The weather has been so bad that I have not been able to get to St Agnes, but I have written to Clemon that I hope to be in there on Thursday next. There is a matter foremost fallen in hand that Clemon says Mr James James talks of claiming, as he thinks he cannot show a title to it. Madame Carne is still very weak altho' she has been lately free from spasms.
Horace
My dearest yours very truly
Joseph Carne.
P.S. We are happy to find from Caroline that Mme M & the babe are doing very well.
Names highlighted.
