Francis wrote (24th) to say he expected to be turned out of farm and reduced to absolute beggary, etc. as he was quite unable to meet mortgage claims or pay any of his other debts, etc. etc. (Didn't know he had mortgage or got into debt). Correspondence carried on until October when I decided to go up and see for myself. Had formed the opinion that best plan was to sell farm and move Francis to B.C. - start him there as a market gardener, etc.
Tenby - Nov. 1909.Shocked to find Francis broken and changed - still hoped he might be capable of doing his part in B.C. scheme - tho' close observation rapidly lessened the hope. Paid off all the claims on him and got transfer of his rights to myself, giving him power to reclaim them whenever property sold at a price to repay my disbursements with 6 int. per ann. added - the surplus if any to be his own. Tried also to get a homestead of my own near his, when I finally convinced myself that Griffiths was right in declaring that the removal from Tenby would be fatal. In fact Francis was helpless alone and so indolent mentally and physically that he could not be depended on.
1910:Decided much against my own inclinations, to abandon B.C. plan, stick to the farm till I could sell it for enough to buy Francis a small annuity after reimbursing myself and began to improve the property so as to increase the value. Francis seemed very pleased at first to remain on his farm, and surrendered all rights of redemption, etc. so that the place could be registered as mine absolutely. Got him to go in for gardening, etc. on about 3 or 4 acres, and he will now have his old home free from all cares, and with very little exertion can live in his own way comfortably enough. At his age, an annuity is cheaply purchased, this farm can easily be made the best in the district and so I hope in due time to clear out of the Country without loss, my capital increased by 6% and Francis provided for.
Tenby, April 1910. H.J.B.
Last updated .
Copyright © Anthony Hickson
