Beningb Hall, Octr 18th – 1802
Sir
Wm Brighton has been with me this morning, with no great sighs of contrition in his language countenance or posture – He perseveres in setting up the plea, that Mr Acomb assured him, “no evil shou’d happen to him for passing over his chaise”, as Acomb affirm’d that he knew me, and had my special permission for that purpose ------ Billy has had time to think of and {?suborn} evidence to back his assertion ---- he now cites the names of several persons that were on the shore and in the boat at the time of the transaction ----- I disbelieve the whole of his narrative -------- But where shall we find Mr Acomb to confront the Parties? or if we cou’d find him, do we know that his word is less impeachable that the Ferryman’s? Billy confess he got a shilling for the job; and it is well known that half that sum wou’d dismount his principles both morel & Christian, being long since characterized for lying worse than a tooth-drawer, and crying with more ease than a Crocodile ------
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We must therefore leave the terror of prosecution hanging over Brighton’s head, by way of preventive to his committing similar trespass in future ---------------- Chr Juke’s credit must be as low as his finances, otherwise one wou’d imagine he might raise his arrear of rent on his stock in hand; but I shrewdly mistrust I am not his only Creditor ------ Pray, who is this Mr Smith on whom your eloquence and gentlemanlike manners cannot prevail to ---- consent to the enclosure? Is his property in Skipton considerable enough to bear him ont in his opposition, supposing you can obtain the concurrence of the other 15 Freeholders to the measures? If we cannot bind him to the yoke, let the matter rest till we can coax him to draw with us ----- Put yourself in no pain or hurry in regard to my accounts, for I shall {^not} begin before Saturday next to order – in my most pressing York bills ------- I please myself with inferring an extension of your professional business, by your playing truant for so long a time from Mrs. Munby, to whom I beg my compliments and thanks for her letter-----------
I am, Sir,
Much & very sincerely yours,
G------ Earle

Beningbrough Hall, Octr 18th – 1802

Sir
Wm Brighton has been with me this morning, with no great sighs of contrition in his language countenance or posture – He perseveres in setting up the plea, that Mr Acomb assured him, “no evil shou’d happen to him for passing over his chaise”, as Acomb affirm’d that he knew me, and had my special permission for that purpose ------ Billy has had time to think of and {?suborn} evidence to back his assertion ---- he now cites the names of several persons that were on the shore and in the boat at the time of the transaction ----- I disbelieve the whole of his narrative -------- But where shall we find Mr Acomb to confront the Parties? or if we cou’d find him, do we know that his word is less impeachable that the Ferryman’s? Billy confess he got a shilling for the job; and it is well known that half that sum wou’d dismount his principles both moral & Christian, being long since characterized for lying worse than a tooth-drawer, and crying with more ease than a Crocodile ------
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We must therefore leave the terror of prosecution hanging over Brighton’s head, by way of preventive to his committing similar trespass in future ---------------- Ch^r Juke’s credit must be as low as his finances, otherwise one wou’d imagine he might raise his arrear of rent on his stock in hand; but I shrewdly mistrust I am not his only Creditor ------ Pray, who is this Mr Smith on whom your eloquence and gentlemanlike manners cannot prevail to ---- consent to the enclosure? Is his property in Skipton considerable enough to bear him ont in his opposition, supposing you can obtain the concurrence of the other 15 Freeholders to the measures? If we cannot bind him to the yoke, let the matter rest till we can coax him to draw with us ----- Put yourself in no pain or hurry in regard to my accounts, for I shall {^not} begin before Saturday next to order – in my most pressing York bills ------- I please myself with inferring an extension of your professional business, by your playing truant for so long a time from Mrs. Munby, to whom I beg my compliments and thanks for her letter-----------
I am, Sir,
Much & very sincerely yours,
G------ Earle