1 52 THE OLD BERKS HUNT 



stated the circumstances upon which my claim is 

 founded, which is simply this, that a temporary 

 division was made by the owners of coverts, which 

 was not to be disturbed as long as Lord Ducie 

 hunted the country; that upon his giving up the 

 hounds I was called upon to claim the original 

 Berkshire country. This I did, and in my last letter 

 to Mr. Button I asked him if he had any evidence 

 against my claim to be kind enough to let me know, 

 and not having been furnished with any counter- 

 statement, I confess there appears to me nothing 

 to refer, and I shall feel not only justified, but obliged, 

 to draw the coverts in question, and in doing so I 

 must beg you distinctly to understand that nothing 

 is intended personally offensive to you. 



Believe me, yours truly, 



Thos. Thornhill Morland. 



Steven's Hotel, July ist, 1844. 



My Dear Morland, — I should have answered 

 your letter before, but it having been directed to 

 Cirencester caused some delay in answering. 



I repeat the offer so constantly urged by me to 

 leave the matter to be amicably settled by Masters of 

 hounds, as I totally deny the justice of your claims, 

 and require evidence of such claims to be produced 

 and submitted to reference. Taking the law into 

 your hands, and drawing coverts of which I am in 

 possession as the successor of Lord Ducie, would be 

 a most offensive proceeding, which I should not be 

 inclined to tolerate. 



I remain, very truly yours, 



GiFFORD. 



