Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to Diana Beaumont – 24 Oct 1802

Mrs. Beaumont under Cover to			Newcastle 24th. Oct.r 1802.-

Colonel Beaumont M.P. Bretton, Wakefield Yorkshire.-				



Dr. Madam

      I am favoured with your Letters of the 20th. & 21st. inst. I observe what you say respecting the Sale of your Lead; you and Coln. Beaumont may rest assured that the Confidence which you are pleased to place in me, shall not be abused: since the Receipt of your last, I have accepted of the Offer made me by Doubleday & Easterby for 500 ps. Lead half refined @ £32 p[er] Fo.[dde]r at the usual Credit: no other Offers have been made.-

      I met your Lead Agents at Hexham on the 20th. inst. there are very little Variations in the State of the several Mines, excepting Breckonsyke Vein in Weardale, being not so promising, & the other Workings there poor. –

      I was apprehensive that your Lead Mills at Dukesfield & Rookhope might be laid off work for Want of Ore, before the Carriage would begin leading in the  Spring, which induced me to meet the Agents to arrange Matters, so that the Evil may be prevented as far as possible.-

      I find that upwards of 4,000 Bings will be wanted for that Purpose: as the Ore Carriage is falling off and will totally stop very soon & not commence leading until the middle or end of April, I fear that the Quantity may fall very short: I have however given such Directions as I hope may expedit the Business as much as possible, and every Exertion shall be used.  I dined with the Stewards at the Head Court, a very respectable Company of about 40.- Mr. Hunter, Mr. Sparke, Mr. Fleming, Mr. Clarke &c.

      I find from your Letter as well as from Mr. Williamson, that the Appointment of the Bailiff is during Pleasure; I took no Notice of the Change that was intended to be made either to Mr. Heron or Mr. Bell, as you were of Opinion that it would be better to postpone doing it, until you came to some Resolution respecting the Stewardship.-

      The Form of the Notices to be given, I got from Mr. Bell, I have has a Number printed off (One of which I enclose you) they shall be sent to the several Stewards to fill up & have them regularly served, those to the several Agents shall be signed and served by T. Crawhall.-

I have seen and had some Conversation with Mr. W. Bates who will proceed with the Valuation of the several Estates, which when finished shall be sent you.-

      I have had a Letter from Mr. Bowns respecting your Claim on Mr. Errington; I understand from you that it was thought advisable not to proceed in the Suit, but to receive the Payment of £5 – p[er] Ann. with the Arrears: Mr. Williamson is of that Opinion.-

      Mr. Walton is from home: at his Return I shall apply to him to make the necessary Enquiry as to the sum they set on the Estates of Steel Hall & Westerbyers with the Wood: Mr. Hunter’s Valuation appears to be quite out of the way.

      I observe the Agreement made by Mr. Cockshutt with the Tenants of the Wallfell Colliery, for the Lead which they may meet with in working the said Coll.y it appears to be fair & reasonable.   

      I am &c. J.E.B.