File 3246. - J[ohn] Paynter, Havod, to Sir Herbert [Lloyd, Peterwell],

Had an angry letter from Mr. Johnes of Croft about the exclusion of Jack Jones from the office of deputy sheriff. Impudent of Jones to create a jealousy. Great care should be the lesson to Mr. David Lloyd, deputy sheriff, and good security he ought to give. As to Evan Jenkins [the recorder], he never hears from him in respect of County Courts or other business, but business is an epithet not understood amongst these hills. The King's Patent came to him today by a poor woman who happened to be at Rhydfendiged mill where she found it - the seal is broken and such a dirty packet you never saw. Thinks the recorder declines the office perhaps he may be afraid of his life. Fancies Sir Herbert will think that poor suffering Griffiths ought to be preferred to any new candidate: it was natural for Griffiths, that was Lord Powis's book-keeper, Sir Herbert's agent and the writer's clerk, to expect this little office, but this consideration did not weigh with the writer and he accepted Sir Herbert's nominees. If they do not accept he prefers Griffiths who is trusty, sober and careful. Mr. Jones of Carron has been with them. Sends him a list of the Javelin men (No. 3248) their liveries are blue cloth with yellow waist-coats and breeches. Hopes to do nothing that shall be disgraceful in his office. At the Assizes the High Sheriff will give a handsome dinner the first day to the Grand Jury, and the second day to the Judges and the Counsel; the Javelin men and the H. Sheriff's servants have a table kept for them at the Black Lyon-to keep them together from straggling and drunkenness. As Sir Herbert has volunteered to do him the honour of being foreman, he entreats him to name the gentlemen who shall be most agreeable to him. They have got it here that the Grand Jury is to be of the name of Lloyd and no other.