Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to Edward Blackett – 15 Mar 1797

Newcastle 15th March 1797

Dear Brother

	I hope that this may find Lady Blackett much better & that as the spring advances she may dayly recover from the effects of her fall.

      Myself & Daughter are much obliged to you & Lady Blackett for your kind Congratulations on the late Victory gained over the Spanish Fleet, in which Capt. Collingwood had the good fortune to have a considerable share, and to escape unhurt, it happened at a very critical time, very fortunately for this Country; its probable that we may soon hear of another action, as the Spanish Fleet must endeavour to protect the Convoy that are expected from the Spanish settlements, & Sir J. Jervis's fleet will not let them pass quietly.

      Genl Musgrave has been these three days past on an inspection of the Coast & has been fortunate in fine weather, I wrote to Mr W Trevelyan & Mr C Clavering who are well acquainted with that part of the coast to meet him, As Sir William Howe has quitted this District, we could not I believe have had a better man, nor one that would be more acceptable to the County than Genl Musgrave.

      There was a County meeting at Durham on monday last, called by the High Sherriff, for the purpose of taking into consideration the Defence of the County when a Resolution was come to that an account should be taken of the number of Persons in each Parish capable of bearing arms that are willing to enrol themselves on an emergency to serve as infantry, Cavalry or Pioneers and that a Subscription be entered into for the purpose some other resolutions were likewise come to.

Col. Scott was so kind as to send us a view of the English & Spanish Fleets during the Action, he had it from a Capt of a Frigate who was present, we were much obliged to him for his attention; Mr Bates could not dispose of Col. Scott's Horses & they returned to Matfen, Major Atherton has since been enquiring about them, & he say'd that he would write to Col. Scott.

      Our Banks are not yet fully opened in wch I think they judge very ill if they could possibly have done otherwise, as it has been a great inconvenience to the Country as well as the trade, & when they do open the Credit[or]s confidence in their notes will be much lessened. The temporary inconvenience that I mentioned in my last letter, I found after, would not be for more than £300 & that I can do without. I expect my Brother Harry tomorrow, as the days are lengthen'd he will probably stay dinner with us. My Daughter joins with me in Love & best wishes to Lady Blackett yourself & Mr Blackett

      I am Dear Sir, Your most Affectionately

      John E Blackett



I had a letter from Capt Collingwood by this days post dated Lagas 22d Feby he was very well & in a part of his letter says ‘After I had driven the San Nicholas on board the San Joseph & left them on their <fire ceasing> to be taken possession of by some body behind, they fell on board my Good Friend the Commodore [Nelson] & as they had not surrendered he in his own little <active> person (for he cou'd almost go through an <Aldermans shrin bring>) at the head of his ships Company boarded them – and driving the Spaniards from Deck to Deck at the point of their swords & they at last both surrendered & the Commodore on the Quarter Deck of a Spanish first rate San Joseph received the swords of the officers of the two ships while a Johny one of the Sailors bundled them up with the same composure he wou'd have made a faggot & 22 sail of their line still within Gunshot we have had the Spanish Fleet off here to look at us since we came in, but I dare say they wou'd rather see us at a distance than near -   The Spaniards always carry their Patron Saint to sea with them, I have given St Isidro a birth in my cabbin – the least I cou'd do for him after he had consign'd his Charge to me – it is a good Picture as you will see when he comes to Morpeth’



[addressed to:] Sir Edward Blackett / Thorp Lee/ Egham/ Surry