Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to Diana Beaumont – 5 Dec 1804

Mrs Beaumont under Cover to 					Newcastle Dec. 5th 1804

Colonel Beaumont Portman Square, London

					

Dear Madam,

      I have rec[eive]d your Favor of the 3rd Inst. & am under the Necessity of again making use of an Amanensis to acknowledge the Receipt, having been confined to my Bed for a couple of Days & still continue much indisposed. I observe you have fixed the 27th, 28th, & 29th. Inst. for Mr Cockshutt & Mr Bowns attending at the Leadmines for the Purpose of inspecting the Bargains, Lettings etc. I shall acquaint your Agents as well as Mr Dickinson of Dufton who will also attend at that Time for the same Purpose, but I apprehend it may require at least as many more Days to go through them as you mention; those of Coalcleugh, Allenheads & Breckonsike requiring not less than three Days. It has not been customary to go through the Mines & letting the Bargains for the ensuing Quarter until after the Expiration of the preceding one; but as the Time fixed upon will doubtless be more convenient to Mr Bowns & Mr Cockshutt; your Agents will be directed to arrange Matters accordingly.

	I have sent to consult Mr C. Blackett on this Business but find he is not in Town, I shall acquaint him that his Presence will be required when I see him. 

	Mr Crawhall informs me he has cut the East end of Bretton Vein at Allenheads the other Day & that it appears very promising. The Proprietors of the Harehope Gill Leadmine, who agreed with you for a Lease of the Copyhold part of that Mine have made Application to me for leave to commence working, & to have the lease completed soon after as convenient, you will at your Convenience inform me what Answer to give them. I apprehend the Draught of the Leadmines is now before Mr Cockshutt.

	Mr Castle of Durham has acquainted Mr Heron that the Lord Bishop of Durham has named him as one under a general Commission for the Examination of Evidence in the Cause of the Bishop against Colonel Beaumont. In the last Acco[unt] I gave you of the Stock of Lead remaining on hand for Sale I omitted to deduct 1,000 p[iece]s sold to Mr C. Blacket for his Works here 1/3 Ref[ined] & 2/3 Com[mon] with 1/10th Slag and 400 p[iece]s Ref[ined] Lead sold to Messrs James Hind & Co. at 32 per Fo[dder]. Mr Walton informs me that he has obtained 6s/- per Oz for a P[iece] fine Silver lately sent to London, the Price allowed per Messrs Rundell & Bridge for the Cake last sent to them was 5s/101/2 per Oz.  	

      I am etc. J. E. B.