Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to Diana Beaumont – 17 Jun 1801

Mrs. Beaumont, under Cover to			Newcastle 17th. June 1801

Coln. Beaumont, Cheltenham Gloucestershire      



Dear Madam

      In my Letter to you yesterday, I informed you that your Workmen at the several Mines and Lead Mills had gone quietly to their different Employments,-

      The Person that has been recommended to me to superintend the Washing of the Ore, and examining it before it be pass’d and sent off to the several Mills, I believe is likely to answer the Purpose; if on trial I find him so, I shall engage him, as you approve of the Measure---I observe what you say respecting Mr. W. Heron, I understand that his Health is now very much improved, and that it is thought he will be able to transact Business to the Satisfaction of those that favour him with their Employment, and that he will apply closely to his Profession; I am informed that he has agreed with Mr. J. Bell to act as Deputy Bailiff, whose Son’s Name was ( with the Approbation of yourself and Coln. Beaumont) to be in the Appointment; it will be absolutely necessary that the Bailiff should either reside at Hexham, or that Mr. Bell should be his Deputy, as he is perfect Master of the Business of the Court, and has for a number of Years executed it so much to the Satisfaction of the Copyholders in general; should you & Coln. Beaumont think Proper both to take your Business out of the Hands of Mr. W. Heron, and likewise displace him from his Appointment of Bailiff, the Consequences to him must at this time be fatal; when you come in to the North should you find that your Law Business has been neglected, and that Mr. Heron is not equal to the Transaction of it, you can then put it into the Hands of Messrs. Surtees & Purvis.-  

      Mr. J. Surtees of Ebchester, who Mr. Walton recommended to me, will settle with Mr. Bell as to the time for the Valuation of the Tithes, & will go up to Hexham for that Purpose.  When the Packages you mention arrive from London they shall be forwarded to Hexham.  I shall according to your Desire make Enquiry about Lodgings for you for the Assize Week, of which I shall advise you.-

      I have some Business in the North, and as I am not on the Turf, nor an Admirer of the Diversion, I shall take the Opportunity of that Week (after the Business with the Lead Stewards is finished) of going from home for ten Days but shall be back against the Bishop of Durham comes to this Place &c. on his Visitation, & to confirm the 6th. July. – I am &c.- -J.E.B.-