Letter – Benjamin Johnson to Thomas Wentworth Beaumont – 31 May 1824

Mr Beaumont		May 31st 1824

..I understand Mr E Swinburne has called upon several gentlemen in the neighbourhood to contradict the substance of your speech at Hexham.  Col Carr told me ten days ago he had received a letter from Sir J Swinburn the contents of which he would communicate to you and Mr E.S. was to meet Col Coulson by appointment at Col Carr last Tuesday to contradict your statement.  I shall see the Col tomorrow and in case he has not made you acquainted with the particulars of this extraordinary appointment I will inform you of it. ... intend to begin to take down the Copula next week and expect to have it roofed in and in a state of forwarding when you return in July.  I have paid Mr <....> £2300 a deposit on the purchase of the Bearl estate this week with other payments will prevent me remitting any money. ... The Duke of Northumberland has signified his consent … to come forward in equal proportion to his interests in the Salmon fishery in the Tyne ... the rent of the fishery and mill is at present £240 per annum. ... I should think the parties ought to give about £4000 in consideration of the money being applied to build a free bridge.