Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to Mark Skelton – 23 Jul 1792

John Skelton Esqr     Birthwait                                                     Newcastle  23d July 1792

                        near Wakefield  Yorkshire



Sir	I wrote you the 21st inst to which I refer you.  On examining the Abstract that you sent me I observe that Gunnerton & the several Estates bequeathed to Willm Bosville Esqr are described to be in the County of Durham, whereas they all are in the County of Northumberland  I imagine that this mistake will not be attended with any inconvenience or trouble to Mr Beaumont or Mr Bosville.  I was told on Saturday by Sir M W Ridley that Willm Westcombe Esqr of Cheverels Green near St Albans has been making some enquiry as to the disposition of the late Sir Thos Blackett’s Fortune & that he probably may write to me on the subject, I understand that he thinks that he thinks himself intitled in right of his Wife to a considerable Part of the Fortune; I never before heard him named but imagine that his Wife may be a descendant of the late Mrs Marshall a Sister of the late Sir Wm Blackett but I do not apprehend that he can have any Claims whatsoever to any Part of the Effects etc.  however should he make any application to me, I shall refer him to the Will of the late Sir Thos Blackett, which when Proved etc he may obtain a Copy at the Commons on paying for the same.

	It will be necessary that Mr Beaumont should very soon Appoint a Steward for the purpose of holding the Courts for his Manors of Hexham & Anick Grange which Steward is required to be a Barrister of three Years standing at least; Mr Beaumont will have applications to himself from a Mr Heron of this Place & a Mr Errington near Hexham but as Mr Beaumont may frequently have Occasion to Consult a Lawyer in Matters relating to his Concerns in this Country I would recommend it to him to Appoint a Person of the first Character in his Profession, Mr Hopper Williamson of this place stands much the highest as a very able Lawyer & his Character in every respect unexceptionable, he has not made any Application for the Appointment, nor indeed is it any object to him except with a view of being employed  in Mr Beaumont’s other Concerns on any dispute or difficulty arising, for the above reasons I beg leave to recommend this Gentleman to Mr Beaumont, & should this meet with his Approbation the sooner that he is applied to, & has a retaining Fee the better.

	The late Mr Wilson’s Daughter sent a Mourning Ring for her Father which I forgot to leave at Bretton, I beg leave to submit it to Mr Beaumont whether it may not be proper that a Mourning Ring for Sir Thos Blackett should not be sent to Mr Wilson’s eldest Son at this place.  I hope that Mr Beaumont will come into the North soon             I am Sir Your’s etc  J.E.B