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

Mrs. Beaumont under Cover to 					Newcastle 22d. May 1803.-

Coln. Beaumont, Portman Square  London

			

Dear Madam

      Inclosed I send you the Answer that I had from Mr. Bell respecting the Application made by the Revd. Mr. Richardson to Coln. Beaumont. – When Mr. Bowns was at Hexham Mr. Thomas informs me, that it was settled between them that Mr. Bell was to receive the Rents due Mart[inma]s last & to make up his Accounts & settle to Midsummer next, but Mr. Bowns, when he returned appeared to have changed his Opinion, & that they might be received by Mr. Thomas, since which I have had some Conversation with the latter, and we are both of Opinion that it will be best that Mr. Bell should receive them as it was at first settled, for he had at that Time received a part of those Rents; when Coln. Beaumont gave J. Bell his Discharge in March last, he certainly did not mean that it was to take place from that Time, but only as a Notice, and I really think it reasonable and fair that Mr. Bell should receive his Salary to Midsumr. when his Accounts would be finally closed, and I hope that you and Coln. Beaumont may approve of the same; I yesterday received of Mr. Bell £500- on Account of the Hexham Rents – 

      The Lead Agents will be with me tomorrow for the Pay of the several Works, they go to Dukesfield on Tuesday and I propose meeting Mr. Thomas that Day at Hexham to settle the Business with the Slater &c. respecting the new Covering of the Chancel; I would recommend, that on the Lead Covering being valued on the Spot, and whatever that amounts to, (should there be any Surpluss) it should be laid out in making such Improvements in the Body of the Chancel as you & Coln. Beaumont may think proper. – 

      I propose going to Allenheads the 26th. taking Allen Mill in my Way. -   

      I think notwithstanding the War, that the Price of Lead will keep up, at least for some Time.   I am &c. J.E.B.