Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to John Wilkinson – 10 Apr 1801

Jno. Wilkinson Esqr.					N.Castle 10th. April 1801

Chesterfield



Dear Sir

      I am favoured with your Letter of the 7th. inst. enclosing a Copy of Mr. Barker’s Letter to you, and I observe what you say on the Subject.-No Measures have yet been taken by the Proprietors of Lead Mines in these parts, towards giving any Opposition to the additional Duty on Lead exported, for altho’ it was certain to be attended with Loss to the Trade, as well as a great Discouragement to Mine Adventurers, yet the very small Hopes they entertained of meeting with Success has so far prevented them taking any active Steps in this Business; on the former Duty being imposed in 1785 a strong Opposition was given to the Measure by the Proprietors and Adventurers of Lead Mines in the several Counties of Derby, York, Durham & Northumberland as well as by the Trade, but without Effect, which it is apprehended would be the Case at present was it opposed; I have however wrote to Colonel Beaumont on the Subject and enclosed him Copies of Mr. Barker’s Letter as well as that of the Memoral presented to the Treasury from these parts in 1785: I have likewise recommended it to him to confer with the Governor of the Lead Company and other Proprietors in Town on the Business; it would be well if Mr. Barker (who is Master of the Subject) would take the Trouble of calling on Coln. Beaumont at his House in Portman Square, who I shall prepare for the Meeting and you will please to mention it to Mr. Barker.-

      Very little has been done in the Lead Trade at this Place for some Months past and the Stocks on hand at present are very small, but next Month the Lead Carriage will lead briskly. – The Mines in these parts have been very unproductive for some time past; but those of the Lead Company are at present in an improving State.   I have been selling small Quantities from 100 to 1000 ps. at £23-10- - the Fodr. & I hope that the Price may be supported. 

      I am &c.- -J.E.B.