Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to Diana Beaumont – 12 May 1804

Mrs Beaumont under Cover to 					Newcastle 12th May 1804

Colonel Beaumont M.P. Portman Square, London



Dear Madam,

      I am favoured with your Letters of the 9th & 10th. On the Receipt of the former I made Application to the Holders of Securities on the Steel Hall Estate to take Colonel Beaumont’s Bond (or your joint Bond if required) for their Claims; Mr {Anty} Surtees tells me that he has little Doubt of their acquiescing to the to the Proposal, but I apprehend that it will not be in Mr J. Hunter’s Power to do it for his part, he being so much involved; 	I observe that you have seen Mr Burdon, & that there is to be a Meeting of the forbearing Creditors the beginning of June, at which Mr Bowns will be present.

	I was the whole of yesterday closely engaged with Mr Losh & Mr Heron in forming an Answer to the Bishops amended  Bill, a most unpleasant Business, & I must say, not judicially conducted by those concerned for you above.

	I do not see that you can well avoid subscribing to the Derwent Volunteer Infantry, as you subscribe to those of Hexham & Twenty Guineas or £25 - - will I think be handsome.

	The Confidence which you & Colonel Beaumont are pleased to confide in me respecting the Sale of your Lead, be assured shall not be abused.

	Since my last I have sold 1,000 P[iece]s ref[ine]d Lead for the Holland Market at £31 Per Fo[dder]. 1,500 P[iece]s for the Lead Works on this River 2/3ds Com[mo]n 1/3rd Ref[ine]d at £30 the Fo[dder] & 50 Casks Litharge at £32 the Ton .

	I by this Post received a Letter from Mr Irving the Gentleman that you mentioned in your Letter to whom I have wrote by this Post informing him of the Price of Lead etc.

	The Cask that you mention to have sent by Mr Hay is not yet arrived nor have I heard anything of it; indeed I never expected that a North Britain would leave Town till he knew who was to have the Disposal of the Loaves and Fishes; As to the Dollars, they are not yet arrived; I wish that they had been sent by the Waggon instead of Mr Bakers Sloop, as some Privateers are on the Coast.

	I shall early the next week advise you of the Amount to be drawn for on Sir R[ichar]d C. Glyn & Co. for the Lead Pay etc. with the Dates etc.

	Mr Williamson of this Place went for Town this Morning, where he expects to stay about ten Days; he will be at the Adelphi Hotel. I am much obliged to you & Col Beaumont for your Information respecting Politicks. 

      I am etc. J.E.B.