Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to Bishop of Durham – 29 Jan 1787

The Right Revd.                                                   Newcastle    Jany.  29th. 1787

The Lord Bishop of Durham London



My Lord       Not being inform’d whom Your Lordship has appointed to transact the Business relating to the See of Durham, I take the liberty of writing to you on the Subject.

  My Relation Sir Thomas Blackett  for whom I act desires me to make Your Lordship an Offer of £350 to be paid Yearly in lieu of the Lot Ore of the Lead Mines in Weardale, held by Lease under the See of Durham the like Sum having been paid to the late Lord Bishop of Durham by Agreement enter’d into between the late Bishop & Sir Thomas Blackett:  If there should be any impropriety in my Application to Your Lordship on this Subject? I hope that you will pardon it.  When I am informed to what time Your Lordships Tithe Ore (as Rector of Stanhope) is to be paid. I shall remit a Bill for the Amount to Messrs. Child & Co. as usual; unless I should hear from you or your Agent to the contrary.                  I am etc    J. E. Blackett