There had been some disputes relative to the Stanfield property. It was said that one of the male relatives of William Jermy had disposed of his reversionary interest in these estates for the trifling consideration of £20. This occurred in the year 1754. In June 1838, when the Rev. George Pearson’s furniture and library at Stanfield Hall were advertised for sale, a person named Thomas Jermy, a grandson of John Jermy, with a cousin of his, named John Larner, put in a claim to the estate, and served notices both upon Mr. Jermy and the auctioneer to stop the sale. Larner then attempted to obtain possession of the hall, but was shortly afterwards ejected by Rush, (who was then acting as bailiff for Mr. Jermy,) with a party of labourers. Larner then cut down some timber and carted it away; and he and his party were apprehended for the offence, but he himself was acquitted, though his accomplices were convicted in penalties. Shortly afterwards placards were posted in the neighbourhood, stating their intention to obtain forcible possession. This they attempted to do, but they were apprehended and committed to the assizes. They pleaded _guilty_, and were sentenced to various periods of imprisonment. Rush, being aware of all these circumstances, may have thought that he could perpetrate the murder in disguise, and that suspicion would rest on those who claimed the estate. It was stated and believed that he was a near relation to the recorder, who, when he came into possession of his estates, employed Rush as his steward, but rescinded his leases, having found that they were illegal. This created the first ill feeling between the parties. The recorder granted new leases to Rush, but, as the latter alleged, at higher rent. Rush soon afterwards took the Potash Farm in Hethel, under Mr. Calver; this farm adjoining the Stanfield estate, and being very convenient for his occupation. It being for sale, Mr. Jermy wished to become the purchaser, and he authorised Rush, who fixed the value at £3,500, to buy it for him. Rush attended the sale, and having bid £3,500 for Mr. Jermy, bade £3,750 for himself. The recorder, though much annoyed by this transaction at first, was induced to lend Rush the money, on mortgage, to complete the purchase. The equity of redemption, or the ownership, therefore belonged to him. A number of mortgage deeds were executed, the last of which was dated September 28th, 1844, and it recited several prior mortgages.