Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to Thomas Richard Beaumont – 20 Apr 1801

Colonel Beaumont					Newcastle 20th. April 1801---

Portman Sqr. London



Dear Sir

      Since my Letter to you of the 14th. inst. I have had some further Conversation with the Bishop’s Agent Mr. Mowbray respecting the Terms on the renewal of the Lease of Kilhope & Welhope, which I send you enclosed, with my Opinion of the same; he is to be with me again on Friday, before which time I shall see Mr. Crawhall (who is well acquainted with that Farm and in whose Rental it is) and have some Conversation with him on the Business: Should Mr. Mowbray persist on the terms proposed, I would recommend it to you not to accede to them, as you have at present two Lives in your Lease against the Bishops, and his Successor may be treated on more moderate terms.   The Bishop has formed an Idea that the common People in Weardale are in a very uncivilized State, which is very far from being the Case; he is quite mad about Chapel Building, but should he carry his Plan into Execution and erect a Chapel in that part, it will not have the Effect that he expects, as much the greater part of the Inhabitants of that part of the Country are Presbyterians & will follow their Own Persuasion.-

      I congratulate you on the late glorious News, hoping that the Effects of it may be a Means of bringing about an advantageous Peace, & of Course a great Demand for Lead.-

I have this Moment been favoured with your Letter of the 18th. inst. and observe that Mrs. Beaumont & you have come to a Resolution of appointing Mr. Walter Heron to succeed his late Father in your Law Business, as well as bailiff of the Manor of Hexham, in both which I hope that he may execute the Business to the Satisfaction of you both, as well as to his own Credit, you have done a most kind thing to the Family at this time,	and I think myself much obliged to you for what you so kindly say as to any  Recommendation from me.   I am &c. J.E.B.