Letter – Isaac Hunter to John Erasmus Blackett – 18 Oct 1783

      Dukesf[iel]d 18th Octob[e]r 83

J E Blackett Esq[ui]re N[ew]Castle



At the Pay here in Aug[us]t 1781 I gave Sir Thos Blackett & you my opinion in regard to the Corn Mill w[hi]ch I then wanted leave to destroy f’m a supposition that a Wheel of a sufficient power could not be got w[i]th out that being don[e] and looking upon the Corn Mill (in that case) as no object to S[i]r Thos in comparison w[i]th his Smelt Mill – S[i]r Thos was not (as you will recollect) willing the Corn Mill should be destroyed f’m a belief that it might be an inconveniency to the community – on taking the level f’m the two Wheels found that we could get a Wheel of the Size required & continue the Corn Mill by her taking the Water at the Centre w[hich I acquainted you of – before the race was be gon with – there’s six Corn Mills within three Miles of this 2 of w[hi]ch within one. the Country nothing so populace as to keep them all constantly employed; several of the M[aste]rs makes oate-meal and carry to the Mines to sell – the M[aste]r at this Mill attends Allandale town Markett weekly with 3 or 4 Horse Load of Meal, that w[i[th the Corn he get to grind in the neighbourhood makes him a decent livelihood – the present rent of the Mill will drop if not repaired, except what the Houses will give and that will not exceed 40s or 50s p[er] y[ea]r On the 3d of next Month the agents are to be in town for subsistence M[onie]s when I hope it will not be inconvenient for you (as I got none at Hex[ha]m) to let me have 35£ being Mart[inma]s time when the Smelters &c are always suppl[i]ed to get their Winters Beef

Inclosed you have the Month Acco[un]ts 

      Y[ou]rs &c IH