Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to John Trevelyan – 16 Mar 1782

Sir John Trevelyan  Barot .     Half Moon Street                    Newcastle  16th  March  1782

     Piccadilly           London



Dear Sir      You will see by Mr. Fawcetts Opinion, a Copy of which I enclose you that you are Compellable to pay the £10000 remaining on the Purchase of Longwitton     I shall therefore acquaint Mrs. Swinburn that the £2000 which she required shall be paid in Septemr. next      I expect she will demand 5% Per C[ent] for the remain[in]g Sum & there will be no remedy but to pay it.  You must have heard of the Damage done by the flood on Monday last.

     The Bridges of Hexham Ridley Hall, Featherstone & Eyles [Eals] besides a Number of small ones are swept away & two Arches of Haydon Bridge are likewise gone.   I undertand Mr. H Errington is Security in the Sum of £7000 for the supporting of Hexham Bridge,   The right of the Ferry is in you & it becomes necessary for the Accommodation of the Publick as well as on your own Account that no Time should be lost in providing a proper Boat & the making convenient Landings on each Side of the River;  the old ones being removed     I understand Mr. Turner has been at Hexham to consult Mr. Bell on the occasion     They are of Opinion it will be adviseable to let the Right of the Ferry & the Taker to find a Boat & every other necessary     If this can be accomplished it will certainly ease you of Trouble & Expense & what I should recommend but as the Convenience of the Public should likewise be consulted I thought it adviseable to purchase one of the Corporation Ferry Boats for the Purpose as nothing can be had more suitable & Convenient & it will come on very reasonable Terms so the Person that agrees for the Ferry must be Compell’d to take the Boat off your hands at the Price which I have no doubt he will be glad to do.   I am etc  J E B