First Whippcr-in. "' 



We used to get some curious claims for damage at times 

 by foxes and otherwise, though, of course, I had nothing to 

 do with them in any way ; but Claxon showed me some 

 which I entered into my diary. The following is an exact 

 copy of a letter and bills sent in, I fancy, to Claxon himself 

 to be forwarded by him to the paymaster : — 



Dear Sir,— The Relicks* of the enclosed porcell will be sufficient 

 evidence to show to you that the bills are not made up to defraud the 

 Honorable gentlemen of the South Durham Hunt. 



Hoping the accounts will soon be paid for the sake of the foxes lives ; 



there are a few fine ones. Spare them if possible. Get paid. I am 



appointed agent round here by many farmers as agent for the protection 



of hens, ducks and lambs. The farmers are not strong perhaps ; early 



payment will suit. 



Your humble servant, 



JOHN ELLIOTT. 



THE PAYMASTER OF THE SOUTH DURHAM HUNT. 



To Miss Watson, of Woodland Close, per John Elliott, Agent. Dr. 



1876. 



To 2 ducks and eggs - - - - 



„ 6 hens, two old ones . . - 



„ Goose getting a fright by the fox, and refusing 



to sit her eggs for her time, spoilt eggs, etc. 



WHITE HURWORTH, May 9th, 1876. 



THE PAYMASTER OF THE SOUTH DURHAM HUNT. 

 To John Elliott. 



To I Guinea hen - - - - - i i o 



,, 50 eggs prospective - - - - o 10 6| 



„ I well bred ewe lamb - - - - 2 17 6| 



,, I horse aged - - - - -iiigiii 



„ a quantity of hens and ducks - - - 2 i 2J 



^18 10 3 



• The "relicks of the enclosed porcell" were a quantity of ducks' and hens' wings. 

 Carriage of parcel not prepaid. The latter bill looks very like a "goak." The 

 " Horse, aged," is a real piece of humour. Indeed the whole afiair has a " soupcon " 

 of being "writ ironical" — (a queer catalogue of Fox's martyrs). 



