Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to Diana Beaumont – 22 Mar 1801

Mrs. Beaumont					Newcastle 22d. March 1801

under Cover to Coln. Beaumont

Portman Square, London



Dear Madam

      I have been favoured with Coln. Beaumont’s Letter of the 14th. & yours of the 9th. inst. with the several Inclosures.-

      The Instalment of 20p[er] Cent on your Subscription to the new Branch from Corbridge to Heddon on the Wall, is paid; Thos. Salkelds late Father had been employed as Agent at Dukesfield Mill, fifty Years, and was a faithful, honest Servant; he was Cousin German to the Grandfather of Mr. Bell of Wolsingham; his Son is employed under T. Westgarth and has only 8s/.d p[er] Week Wages, which is less than is paid the common Labourer: if on Enquiry it be found that he behaves well, I think that his Wages should be advanced.-

      I observe Mr. Bowns’s Remarks on the Draught of the Lease of Stella Grand Lease Colliery, which shall be shewn to Mr. Heron for his Government.-

      Mrs. Gretton’s Letter gives a very pleasing Account of your two Sons as to health, as well as every other Blessing, which I am happy to hear.-

      James Dale the Officer of the Excise (whose Letter you enclosed) shall be acquainted with what you mention.   Two Cakes of Silver have been sent to Mr. Makepeace of which he is advised, and for which I expect that he will allow at least 6s..6d p[er] Oz. when the other Cake of Silver arrives from Allen Mill, it shall be sent to Mr. Makepeace.-

      The Bond from Mr. Isaac Hunter for £900 – dated the 1st. January last, has been executed by Mr. I. Hunter.   Mr. J. Bell has given the necessary Directions for the Lead Yard at the Abbey to be got ready as soon as possible; he has sent me the Bill of R: Langstaff who has done the Business (or a great part of it) of Plumber and Glazier at the Abbey amounting to £146..3.8 desiring me to make enquiry of the Persons in that Business at this Place, as to the Prices &c. of which I shall do; a former Bill of the same Person, was paid by Mr. Bell amounting to £126 ---as well as one of W:Watson of this Place for £106---amounting in the whole to about £380 ---a very large Sum indeed for these Articles solely; particularly when he had your Lead for the Purpose from Dukesfield; this matter requires to be well examined into, but it is Mr. Bell’s Business to do it, and is quite out of my Way; I am ready to give my Advice, but an do nothing further in it. – 

      I am &c.- J.E.B.



Mr. Bates has received the £4--odd for Loss & Damage of furniture and given a Receipt for the same.-