Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to John Bell – 25 Jan 1803

Mr. John Bell					Newcastle 25th. Jan.y 1803

Hexham Abbey 			



Dear Sir

      My late Illness prevented me answering your several Letters, indeed we have had a very sick House.   I am better, but Adml. Collingwood is still confined to the House by his Cold.

I have not had answer from Mrs. Beaumont respecting Mr. Errington refusing to pay the £5 p[er] Ann. & the Arrears until he is reimbursed his Expences on Account of the Action brought against him; the Law must decide that Matter.   It is fortunate that the Fire in the Roof of the Chancel of Hexham Church was so soon extinguished: Would it not be advisable for Mr. & Mrs. Beaumont to insure it as well as the Abbey at the N.Castle Fire Office?

      Has there been any Meeting amongst the principal Inhabitants of Hexham & the Neighbourhood respecting a Dispensary at that place?   An Institution of this kind should properly originate at such a Meeting.-

      John Hetherington called on me this Morning, he (poor Fellow) slept in the Cart that brought him the last Night; I gave him a recommenditory Letter to the Infirmary; I procured him a Lodging till Thursday near me & he shall have his Meat from my House.   I am &c. –J.E.B. 



T.C. will meet the Lead Agents at Hexm. on Monday the & Feb.