Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to Thomas Blackett – 18 Jan 1783

Sir Thos Blackett Barot                                                     Newcastle   18th Janry 1783

    Bretton near Wakefield



Dear Sr

	I have your Favour of the 12th instant acknowledging the Receipt of the Bill for One Thousand Pounds.

	Some Letters have passed between the Bp of Durhams Secretary Mr Brooks & myself.  I found from him that 1200 Guineas was not likely to be accepted of as a Fine for the Renewal of the Leases of the Leadmines in Weardale but that something more possibly might & I have now the Pleasure to acquaint you that I have entered into an Agreement with the Bishop for 1250 Guineas for the Mines & the Sums we offered for the Renewal of the Leases of the Lands.  I wrote to Mr Brooks last post & sent him full Instructions to proceed with the several Leases & hope they may be Completed soon.  I shall Endeavour to get it so settled that you may Execute when we meet at Ripon about the middle of next Month but you shall hear further from me on the Subject.  I am of your Opinion that the Price of Lead may be Carried to too great a Length & that Caution should be used in the advance of the Price; at the same Time it is adviseable to take the Advantage of a rising Markett & I have the Pleasure to tell you that the present Price is £19.5s.0d p Fother for refined & I have reason to believe it will keep up this Year.                                                        I am etc     JEB