Letter – Isaac Hunter to John Erasmus Blackett – 23 Oct 1777

      Dukesf’d. 23rd  Octobr 1777

J.E. Blackett Esq. Newcastle



Sir,

      I have here which sent you the smelt Mills Q.r Accots for March & June and also the Estimates of the several Wastes &c at both Mines & Mills which the Agents desired me to forward to you.

      I am afraid we shall not get all Sr. J[oh]ns Lead delivered in time for the Pay at Xmas the backerly harvest & late wet Weather has made the Wainmen slacken so much both at this & Rookhope Mill, that I doubt it will be some time before all Sr. Jno’s Lead be moved from that Mill, for when there on Saturday there was between 3 & 4 Thousand Ps.   I sent among the Carriage men on Monday & offered them a little advance of prices; what effect it will have shall acquaint you when in Town which I intend to be on Monday next for Subsistance Mo[ney] - shall come by Blaydon, so that I will be able to give you an accot. of the Lead upon the Ways – The Deliv.y of Sr. Jno’s Lead from this Mill = 28,236 Ps.. the last Accot I had from Mr Morrow was on the 2nd  inst. and he had recd. 25,684 Ps. we have to send from this Mill of Sr Jno’s 382 Ps. (of) 8 Sto. Lead which kept for this Ref[iner]y but our Ref[ine]r Laidley is very ill & I doubt will never work more, so obliges us to send it of which will make this plate a small one. The Refined Lead 620 Ps. & there may be near 200 Ps. more against the Silver is taken off which will be from the beginning of next week – have delivd. of Sir Thos. Blackett’s Lead 613 Ps., resting at the Mill 1632 Ps. so that if the Weather would stand good for a while could send you 3 thousand Ps. of his Lead (from this mill) this backend – Have finished at all the mills smelting for Sir John now, & shall acquaint you (when in town) of steps taken in regard of Valuing of Utensils &c

      & am Sr. with due deference Yrs &c   IH:Jr