George Watson of Ling Riggs (1799-1864)
Letter to his children (found with his will)

Ling Riggs Weardale
Nov 20 1864

Dear Sons and Daughters

I have settled things amongst you to the best of my judgment my daughters may perhaps think according to the present value of Land they should have had more out of it but I dont want to lay much more weight on to the land than there is on I Remember the struggle I had when you were young to get the Interest paid Often I had to Borrow money and pay Interest for it to pay my Mortgage Interest I Remember the money that went when I was setting my daughters off at that time I was Receiving my sons Lent money and their pays to so that I was Receiving great benefit from them or else I Could not have done to my daughters as I did and I have no thought that Land will always keep the value is now I had hard to work for many years but now for some years I have had things easy and comfortable for which I am thankful it would have been hard work to me labouring now when I find my Breathing so affected if I should happen to die when the crop is in the Hay House and it goes amongst you then the mortgage Interest for that year must be paid out of my personal effects but if the crops is not Gathered in then it belongs to my 3 sons and they pay the Interest my meaning is that the Interest be paid from the Rents and crops whether it is at the Season of the year when the crops goes amongst you or at A time when the Crops and Rents belong to my sons. you will settle things as well as you Can there are several things that my daughters may not want if they are useful to my sons they can be valued there are also several things in my house Belonging to my Sons that they have made and purchased but you will know what Belongs to them and what Belongs to me

it would have given me more Satisfaction if I had left you all travelling in the way to Heaven but I hope after I am gone you may begin to prepare for Heaven if you have Seen any thing good in me Copy it and any imperfections avoid. for several years past I have often both in the world and in the church had applause and Reproach but upon the whole I have had it good Deal of Enjoyment and happiness both in the World and in the Church with whom I have been connected you will conduct my Funeral jast as your Mothers was conducted

I am dear sons and daughters
your ever affectionate
Father
George Watson


Thanks: Gordon Torrie