1773 CLERICAL LEASES 221 



Thomas Corston has brought Berriman a certificate of his 

 marriage with Mary Gregory in the church of St. George's, 

 Hanover Square, in Feb. 1771. The extract was taken 

 April 24th, 1773. It is on a 55. stamp and looks as if 

 it was genuine. Corston has called since. 



This evening I expect from Fyfield brother Thomas and 

 master Brocket ; and brother Henry and Thomas Holt 

 White.* The two former are on their way to London. 



When did you get into your house ? 



Jack joins in respects. 



Your aff. Brother, 



Gil. White. 

 Harvest does not begin 'til next week. 



To-day sweet summer weather after showers. 



Bro. Harry was told in Oxford that Linnaeus is certainly 



dead, f 



[From Thomas White, on the same sheet as the 

 above.] 



I should have sooner replied to your letter on the 11th 

 of last month, but have been much from home since that 

 time ; Your wine in bottles is sent to the Care of Mess" 

 Benson and Postlewait at Liverpool directed for Mr. Jos. 

 Fielden, Blackburn I.W. [sic]. Soon after I received your 

 letter I fell into company in the Cambridge Stage with Mr. 

 Clapham who is secretary to the bishop of Chester and several 

 others, he says there is but one vicar in the north who has 

 power to let 21 years leases, it is continued by him as an 

 antient custom, but Mr. C. is certain would not be allowed 

 to others, as it is very liable to abuse, altho' it might be 

 beneficial in yours and some other cases. I shall return 

 to London to-morrow and will execute your commissions soon. 

 My Buxton scheme is prevented by business that will not 



* Eldest 8011 of Gilbert White's brother Thomas, 

 t He did not die until 1778.— A. N. 



