Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to Edward Blackett – 23 Sep 1798

Newcastle 23d Sepr 1798

Dear Brother

      Yesterday noon Col & Mrs Beaumont called on me for a few minutes (while they changd horses) in their way from Morpeth to Bywell; he gave me the enclosed letter which he desired that I would consider of & prepare an answer against wednesday when they are to be with me at the same time saying that Mr Errington was friendly to his Interest & that he would be sorry to disoblige him; I told him that what Mr Errington applied for, had been previously promised to you, & that I knew you expected it; 

      Mr Erringtons application is I think rather unhandsom, as he must know the use that it would be to you, & that you had made some application about it, I likewise think that Mr Tulip has not acted so open & handsom apart with you as you had good reason to expect from him; I enclose you Copy of such a letter as I would recommend Mr Beaumont to write to Mr Errington what alterations you may think necessary to be made in the letter, please to remark, & favor me with your answer & the inclosed by my servant.

      The meeting at Morpeth proved better than was expected, several families came in, they <danced> 40 Couple the first night 30 the second, the ladies ordinary was well attended from 15 to 25 & Mrs Beaumont had 37 ladies & Gent. to tea on wednesday evening at my Daughters before the Ball. The weather today appears to be breaking up.

      I am with Love & best wishes to Lady Blackett, yourself & fireside	

      Dear Brother Yours Most Affectionately

		John E Blackett



The equinoctial Gales are coming on & I wish that Capn Collingwood was safe at home, it appears by the Papers that some ships are orderd out to join that fleet from which it is probable that he may be sent home - No news in the Papers of Nelsons fleet that can be depended on, but there is a strong probability that he has had an action with the French fleet & defeated them with some loss on his side & that Bonaparte made good his landing at Alexandria with little loss & was in possession of Grand Cairo, I dined with Genl Musgrave today & met Lord Mansfield a very handsome young Colonel & he seems to be a sensible well behaved Man.



I observe by Mr Bells rental that what Mr Errington terms Longage & Wall Fell Colliery is in the Rentall called St John Lee & St Oswald Collieries & rented solely by Henry Tulip at £36 p[er] an[num].