Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to Diana Beaumont – 31 Mar 1801

Mrs. Beaumont 					Newcastle 31st. March 1801

under Cover to Coln. Beaumont

Portman Square London			



Dear Madam

      I have the Favour of your Letter of the 28th. inst. and observe what you say respecting the Proposal that Mr. A: Surtees has made: there can be no Doubt that you are well entitled to the Interest of the £900 – that Sum having been some time due and no Interest allowed for the same, but if by means of your accepting of the Terms offered, you can secure the the principal Sum (altho’ with the Loss of near £40 – Interest) probably a Year or two sooner than you would otherwise get it, you and Colonel Beaumont must judge and determine how far it may be advisable.-

      The enclosed Schedule under another Cover, was sent me by Mr. Bell to fill up; that of last Year was filled up (I believe) by Mr. Bowns and signed by Colonel Beaumont; as that Gentleman may probably be in town he can do it, if not, on Coln. Beaumont’s signing it, and sending it to him, he can do the needful and return it to Mr. Bell. – You and Coln. Beaumont are very obliging in what you are pleased to say respecting Mr. Bell’s Applications to me about the Tradesmen’s Bills on Account of Hexham Abbey. 

      I have already sent Mr Makepeace two Cakes of Silver which are arrived in town, a third Cake will be sent to him tomorrow Morning by the London Waggon, the weight of the whole of which being 2771 ½ Ounces at 6s/7d p[er] oz amounts to £912.5.8 for which Sum I have this Day drawn a Bill on Mr. Makepeace at 30 Days Date, and paid the same into Messrs. Surtees and Burdon’s Bank: the end of next Month I shall send him another Cake. – 

      I am &c. –J.E.B.