Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to Diana Beaumont – 22 Aug 1803

Mrs. Beaumont under Cover to			Newcastle 22d. Augt. 1803.

Colonel Beaumont Worthing, Sussex.                             



Dear Madam

       I wrote you a long Letter by the last Post to which I refer you.

       I have seen Mr. Thomas this Morning, he will be at Hexham tomorrow & will call on Captn. Carr and in your Name acquaint him that the Colours presented by you to the Hexham Volunteers, which are at present deposited at the Abbey, shall be deliv.d to them when desired.

       Mr. Walton has spoke to me about the Black Book of Hexham, which will be necessary to be produced by the Bailiff Mr. J. Bell before the Commissioners for the Division of Alston Moor respecting the Boundary &c. but not to be parted with out of his Possession; Mr. Walton had some Doubt whether it remained with Mr. Bell in the Manor Court Office, or was in your Possession at Bretton, should it be with Mr. Bell what Directions would you have given? or would you have the Opinion of the Steward of the Manor taken as to the Propriety of the Measure of producing it, and how far you may be compellable to do it.

       With 28,000 ps. of Lead at Blaydon & more coming down daily, I wish much to make a Sale; I am of Opinion that as most of the foreign Ports are shut up, & of Course little or no Demand for Lead at present, that the Prices is of £32 & 33 cannot possibly be obtained, & that the Hull & Chester Markets will supply the small Demand at a reduced Price, Mr. Walton differs with me in Opinion but I saw a Letter this Morning that Walkers & Co. had bought a Quantity of Welch Lead at Chester for their Works at £26-5-‘’ their Fo[dde]r. which is more than the Newcastle Fother & were about purchasing a larger Quantity at the same Price, their Lead is of an inferior Quality, but the Difference of Price is very great.   I was blamed by Mr. Walton & Easterby for selling the 2,000 ps. last Month at £30 – they have not since sold higher & I wish that I could get that Price for 20,000 ps at present to the London Houses; I shall on the 26th Inst. remit to Ransom * Co. a Bill dated this Day at 2 Months for £4,454-11-11 

       I am &c.J.E.B.