From Bishopsgate Street, London, to Madeley, Shropshire. He was pleased to receive a letter from Mary, the first in quite a while, with the news that she is enjoying good health.
Financial details are discussed with regard to Mary's French annuity.
He has consulted with [their brother Samuel] about the repairs to Mary's house [Madeley Rectory] and they are both of the opinion that Mary should do them herself. Although Mary is only tenant at will and can therefore quit the house if her landlord refuses to carry out the repairs, nevertheless she is as fixed in the house as if she had a lease and she should certainly act as if she had one, which is to say that she should repair the property at her expense. Further details are discussed, including reference to the many roof leaks and the missing tiles from the stables. William is afraid that Mary has been at fault for not keeping the property water-tight. Could Mary not extract an undertaking from the landlord that if she carries out the repairs, he will not increase the rent?
He is curious to know if Mary's house is insured - he supposes that she is not responsible for it in the event of destruction by fire. If the property is ever destroyed, it must be rebuilt for the Bishop will not allow the living to exist without a dwelling house and the patron will be required to replace it, if the incumbent cannot.