Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to Edward Blackett – 24 Oct 1798

Newcastle 24th Octr 1798

Dear Brother

	I yesterday received a letter from Mr Bell, a copy of which I enclose you for your consideration; as Mr H Errington & Mr Tulip know very well that you was desirous of having a lease of Longish Colliery mearly for your own convenience & that you had made application for that purpose, their interfering in the business is I think very unhandsom, & rather than you should succeed in obtaining a Lease Mr H Errington offers an advance of rent of £164 per an[num], but I am inclined to think that his Steward Mr Donkin & this Mr Robert Hodgson have got a lease of Mr H Erringtons Colliery which is their inducement for offering this advance supposing that Mr Tulip will decline being concerned at that rent.  I am

	Dear Brother	Your most Affectionately

		John E Blackett



The Lease of Longish & Wall Fell collieries expire 25th Decr next



Friday 26th Octr. I have had some conversations with Mr Bates respecting the offer made by Mr Donkin for Longish Colliery, he is much surprised at it & we are both of opinion that it is a most unhandsom proceeding in Mr Errington especially after he had said that 

‘In case of Sir Edward Blacketts engaging & pursuing it for his own use Mr Errington would not scruple to wish him all manner of success’;

The Colliery even at the advanced rent would certainly be of more benefit to you than it can be to Mr Errington, for without it Fallofield Colliery must lay dead, but should you not consent to give this advanced rent I would on no account have you allow Mr Errington or any other person to have any benefit whatever from the Level in case of its being carried up.

This day is the worst & most gloomy we have had for a considerable time, which with the Fair will break up the roads. Horses sell at a very high price.

My Daughter & her little Girls are very well & she desires to be kindly remembered to Lady Blackett & yourself & Mr Blackett.