Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to Thomas Richard Beaumont – 24 Dec 1795

Thos Rd Beaumont Esqr   M.P.                                                     NewC   24th  Decr 1795

    Portman Square  London



Dear Sir	Since I wrote to you yesterday I have seen Capt Rothe who informs me that Lewis Ogle was discharged the 16th inst on the representation that you mention

	The Key that I mentioned in my former letter is taken by Mr Chris Blackett; part of the Lead sold has already been removed, & the remainder will be taken there tomorrow.

	The price of Corn continues very high & I fear there is little prospect of its being much lower;  Wheat was this day in the Markett from 11s to 13s the Win Bush[el].  I fortunately engaged 100 Quar[ter]s of Rye at Llyn at 52s per Quar[ter]s which arrived on Tuesday; I thought the price high; but it has since advanced to 62s & will be at 70s very soon;  I have since engaged 100 Quar[ter]s of very good Barley which will come much lower to the Workmen

	A like Association to that you mention is entered into at this place for the purpose of reducing the consumption of Wheat by substituting a mixture of other grain etc but I much doubt of its having the desired effect, for I am of opinion that nothing less than a compulsive Law obliging the Baker to bake no other kind of bread than a mixture of Wheat & Rye, or Wheat & Barley (in such proportions, & at such assizes, as may be thought adviseable) will answer the purpose; it still would be subject to fraud from the Millers & Bakers which will be difficult to guard against; the former there is no doubt contribute much to the keeping up the price of Wheat, by the advantage arising to them from the Moulter, which at the present prices is too considerable, & certainly requires the Interpolition of Parliament to remedy the evil _ My Daughter desires to unite with me in best Comp[liment]s to Mrs Beaumont & yourself wishing you & Family many happy returns of the season.    I am Dear Sir   Yours etc J.E.B