Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to Thomas Blackett – 24 Dec 1785

Sir Thos. Blackett  Bart. Bretton                                              Newcastle    Decem.  24th. 1785

near Wakefield  Yorkshire



Dear Sir       Since you parted with your Premises in this Town the Churchwardens of Saint Andrews Parish have been under a Necessity of providing a Temporary School for the Charity Boys as well as a House for the Master.  The Corporation have lately given them a House which has been repaired and fitted up for those Purposes; the Expense of which amounts to upwards of £70.  The Parish are in hopes that you will Contribute something towards this Expense which with a Collection that is intended may enable the Churchwardens to discharge this Debt without breaking in on the Principal Sum left by Sir Wm. Blackett.  Your Lead Stewards were with me the 20th instant for Subsistence for the Workmen.  The Mines are much in the same State they were when the Stewards were last down;  Mr Forster says the Veins lately cut are very promising.  I have had very handsome Letters from the Duke of Northumbd. Lord Percy & Lord Algernon Percy in relation to the Application to the Treasury on the Lead Business promising us every Assistance in their Power.  As the Members for this Place were not in Town I sent the Memorial to Lord Algernon Percy requesting him to present it.  I have likewise had Letters from Sir J. Eden Mr Brandling & Mr Chaytor on the Subject.  Every adviseable Step has been taken to carry our Point but I am very doubtful of our Success.             I am etc    J E B