Letter – Isaac Hunter to John Erasmus Blackett – 4 Apr 1778

      Dukesfd 4th. April 1778

J.E. Blackett Esqr N.Castle



Sir

      Inclosed you have the Month Accots. for Decr, Jany. Feby. & March for the several Smelt Mills & also the Pay Bill for the Lead Carriage fm Apperly Bank ft to Blaydon paid there on the 12th Jany. last – I had them all with me when at N.C. (vizt March Accots) and forgot to give you them. I was at Rookhope on Thursday, and except a snow wreath or two think the Draug[h]ts may get to her in a few days time so took some of the Wainmen in my return home who promised that they would start with that Mills Lead (i.e.) Sr. Jno Trevelyan’s next Week so that I hope we shall get you it all to Blaydon against Mayday if the weather keep fine tho they will not go briskly till they have got their seed into the ground.

      I recollect your saying that you had greater demands for Litharge then You could supply at Blaydon, we have some Ld wch I understand answrs well for Litharge and if you think proper that we should work it directly and sent it in Litharge to Blaydon might be some help to your supplying the demands; there will be an addition of expense upon it but when the Carriage of the Lead is deducted from the Litharge that will be but trifling; but, its a thing that I’am a entire stranger too, therefor hope you’ll excuse this hint, and if you think it will at any time (when there’s little demand for Lead &c) be an advantage to the Business shall endeavour to make my self more master of it. Sir John Trevelyan finished smelting at the several Mills Viz

      At Dukesfd on the 13th. Septr. 1777

      At Do. Refinery 25th. Octobr

      At Allanheads Mill 18th. Octobr

      At Rookhope 31st. Octobr

The Ore at all the Mills is Smelted, but I expect in 3 Weeks or a Month’s time we shall get fm the Mines that will set them all at work again I am Sir

      Yor mo Hble servt

      I Hunter Jr