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Newcastle 29th July 1794 Dear Sir I was about writing to you this day when I was favoured with your letter of 25th ins[tan]t. I am sorry to tell you that there is scarce any demand for Lead at present, we have about 14,000 pieces at Blaydon ready for sale 12000 for refining, besides what is on the road, & at the several Mills; the drought has not only stopt the Mills very runs etc, but some of the lower workings for want of Water for the Engines, as well as for wasting the Ore; The last Lead sold at this place for the London Market was at £14.14 p[er] Fod[de]r we sold small quantities at £15 for refined & Litharge at £15.10 p[er] Ton, it is reputed to be lower; & I am sorry to say that I have every reason to think that this Years Sale will fall much short of the last; The Mines are much in the same state they were when you was last in the North; The Lead & Mine Stewards have been with me this morning for Subsistence for the Workmen, Poor Mr Hunter of Dukesfield has been dangerously ill. He is now something better; & I hope may do well . Mr Forster of Allanheads has had a fall from his Horse & broke two ribs. There has been a stop amongst the Keelmen for three weeks & they have committed great excesses. They have endeavoured to compel the colliers & smiths at Crowleys wroks as well as other labouring People to join them but without success. It was reported that a large body of them had gone to the Lead Mines for that purpose but there was not the least truth in it for the Stewards assured me that the workmen were very quiet nor had they made the smallest complaint. about 70 of Lord Darlingtons Rangers & 120 of Col Leighs Lancashire Light Dragoons were ordered here by Genl Grant & have been on this duty for some days with the Magistrates of the three Counties; this morning the Keelmen have returned Peaceably to their work & are I think likely to continue so in which case the Horse will return to their former quarters. I am with respect Dear Sir your most obedient & faithfull Humb. Servt John E Blackett Tues evening. We have now a heavy rain the first for this two months Thomas R Beaumont Esq
