Letter – Benjamin Johnson to Dawkin – 20 Sep 1823

Mr Dawkin		Sept 20th 1823

The common report of the day at Hexham is that Sir J. Swinbourn has explained to you the cause of his quarrel with Mr Beaumont and that he does not wish it to be kept secret.  You must naturally suppose I feel very anxious to know the real cause that could break off the match so suddenly and I will state what common report says upon it.  Sir J Swinbourne is said to have communicated to you that Mr Beaumont <...> said he and his sons to be rascals and Lady Swinburn no better than a W---e.  Upon which Sir J S thought it <necessary> to turn him out of the house.  If you have been made acquainted with the cause of the disagreement and are perfectly at liberty to make it known I shall feel particularly obliged to you to state it to me.  It is from no idle curiosity that any thing authentic would be satisfactory to me feeling as I must do a strong interest in every thing that relates to Mr Beaumont and particularly when his conduct and character is brought into question.