Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to Diana Beaumont – 17 Jul 1803

Mrs. Beaumont under Cover to		Newcastle 17th. July 1803

Colonel Beaumont Portman Square, London		



Dear Madam

      I am happy in hearing from Mr. Bowns of the 14th. Inst. of your Arrival in Town in good Health, that Coln. Beaumont had received Benefit from the Cheltenham Water, & that you found your young Family very well.

      I observe that the Colonel & Mr. Bowns have been with a Banker & that an Arrangement will be made for the Purpose of carrying on the Lead Works; I wrote to Coln. Beaumont very fully on the 15th. Inst. since which I have placed in the Bank of Loraine & Co. £600 – in Cash on your Account, & I expect that in the Course of ten Days, that I shall place there near £3,000 – more but at the present Time I can with Difficulty get in the Money due for Lead: Mr. C. Blackett has wrote to his Partner Mr. Locke, that he has come to a Resolution of disposing of his Share in the White Lead Work for the Purpose of discharging his Debt to you.

All the Lead which had been sold to Easterby & Co. was actually delivered before the 30th. Inst. much the greater part had been disposed of; but they may have a Part at their Works; I had sold them 50 Casks of Litharge & given a Ticket for the Delivery, but not being delivered, I cancelled the Ticket.

      Mr. Black (the Gentleman brought down by Mr. Burdon) with the Gentlemen who have undertaken that Business, are busy in arranging the Affairs of the Bank, so that they may be laid before the Publick; those of Easterby & Co. are likewise in a Train to be laid before their Creditors in a Week before w.ch Time they could not complete it.   

      I am &c. J.E.B.