Letter – Diana Beaumont to John Erasmus Blackett – 22 Sep 1799

Bretton, Sepr 22d 1799

Dear Sir,

	I am confident you will not guess of half Hour the Name of the Gentleman who has honor'd Colonel Beaumont & myself with a Three  Hours Visit to Day & who has most completely Bored us; Yesterday when we were on Horseback Mr Wilson the Rector of Wolsingham's servant brought a Note from that Gentleman to say he proposed visiting on us this Morning, accordingly we received him; he produced various Letters & Papers the particulars of which are not worth mentioning, we were very civil to him; & silently heard what he had to say, we informed him that we were perfectly satisfied with the Conduct of our Friend Mr Blackett in whose judgment we placed the greatest confidence; as also in the Gentlemen of the Law and others who acted for us in the North. we requested he would Dine with us, which he declined but he was so obliging as to hear both the first and second Dinner Bell ring without appearing inclined to allow us to eat our Dinner; I repeated Col. Beaumonts Invitation several times as a hint, & he lamented he was detaining us without ordering his Chaise. Towards the conclusion of his Visit he named his intention of now withdrawing all Pecuniary  assistance from us, but would continue to aid us with his personal services. Col: Beaumont bowed & observed to Mr Wilson, he should not take that as any official notice or attempt to interfere with you,  & the Gentlemen who acted for him, & who knew what was proper to be done; he gave us to understand that he had lately discover'd he could claim of Lord Burford even if it was Freehold the same that he could of us if we succeeded, & therefore it was exactly the same to him whether Lord Burford or Col: Beaumont possessed the Harehope Gill Mine, yet he assured us we had his best wishes, but since this discovery he had determined not to pay a fourth of our Expences; - Col: Beaumont & I imagine you will be of a different opinion, for we make no doubt you have a Letter of Mr Wilsons or agreement to that purpose ; & having agreed to pay one fourth Mr Wilson cannot when he chooses decline his Aid, before the Law suit is brought to a conclusion;  I don't believe he was much satisfied with his Visit, tho we let him talk without giving ourselves the trouble to Contradict him, only when he was out of Breath  we took that opportunity of repeating, that we had every reason to be satisfied with those that acted for us, I think I never saw a Man more Mortified & disappointed his abuse of Mr Emerson Junr we treated in the same manner, for tho' we may have reason to be disatisfied  with that Young Man's conduct in some things we would not pay attentionto what Mr Wilson said, who was very severe on Young Emerson, talked much of his being so constantly Intoxicated  &c.   ---- On that subject Col: Beaumont & I spoke to Mr Emerson Junr. when we were at Allenheads, & also respecting his Conduct at Durham & Newcastle; I was sorry I own to receive so bad a defence from him; Mr Crawhall was present at the time, however he promised better behaviour in future; -- Amongst other things Mr Wilson said, I have forgot to mention that he assured us he knew a Party of Gentlemen who would engage to take some of our Mines in the Parish of Wolsingham , & work them under the directions of our Agents paying us one clear fourth, Mr Wilson was thinking of his own Interest no doubt.

	In a Letter from Mr Bell he names Sir E. Blackett & Mr Tulip having begun the working of the Colliery, & wishes to know the terms wch Col: Beaumont will thank you to inform him Mr Bell the particulars of, as he has left his Letters concerning that Business in London. -----  

	I ought to apologise for tormenting you with this long Letter, but it is nothing in comparison to what we have suffered this morng from a 3 Hours conversation, we go early tomorrow to Mr Wrightsons to attend the Races at Doncaster; it will require a Weeks Gaiety to take the sound of Mr Wilsons Voice out of my Ears, he wished us to send some Money to a Miner whom he said Mr Emerson had injured, on account of his giving Information, of course we would not do it -- we have not made any Verjuice since my fathers Death; but have order'd the Butler to search the [word missing] tomorrow, & if there is any it shall be sent to you, we don't make any use of it. - last Winter we fed our Deer in a different manner, & I never saw one Venison so good, if this wet weather continues they will soon go off, that I hope you will fix an early day for our sending you some; -- Col: Beaumont unites with me in best compts to yourself & Mrs Collingwood he is engaged with Regimental Letters, & desired I would write to you - I remain Dear Sir very sincerely yours

      D Beaumont.