Letter – Diana Beaumont to John Erasmus Blackett – 10 Mar 1794

						Portman Square March 10th 

Dear Sir

I enclose you Copies of the Opinions of the Solicitor General & Mr Mansfield, I have sent the same to Mr Cockshutt for him and Mr Beaumont (who is in Yorkshire) to consult upon, these Opinions agree with the Opinion given by the Attorney General to Mr Lee, some time since, Mr Wilson of Bartlets Buildings who stated the plain facts of the Elopement &c her hav[in]g been made a Ward of the Court of Chancery strongly recommended my giving general <retainers>  to the Atty. Genl. for Mr Beaumont, & to the Sol. Genl. & Mr. Mansfield in the Name of Mr Cockshutt which I immediately did, the Sol: Gen: finds out a curious question respect[in]g a second Marriage she may hereafter make but I observe in the Will the Words “that she may first Marry with”, as we have only a life Estate we must undoubtedly have these things well settled, & the sooner the better. Mrs Stacpoole had only 1200£ left I understand of the 4-500£ we have paid her since the Death of my Father; I shall be anxious to hear your opinion of the enclosed, & if I find it necessary to retain Council in [the] Name of Mr Cotton (if there is any chance of your being concerned of course it will) in that case I will retain the Ablest, Mr & Mrs Stacpoole appear quite easy & satisfied, tho’ I understand from the little she has said they know of these forfeitures, if there should appear any chance of his being confined by the Chancellor I will endeavour to put him on his guard that he may escape to Ireland for I should be sorry to inconvenience them by his Imprisonment, & in that case it w[oul]d be better for them to remain quiet until she is of Age; - I am Dear Sir

Your Sincere Hble. Servt.

Diana Beaumont