Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to William Emm – 12 Oct 1795

Mr Emm Esqr                                                                                      NCastle  12th Octr 1795

             Castle   Aukland



Sir	I have lately been Informed by Mr Beaumont’s Agents in Weardale that the Lessees under Lord Burford were working a Lead Mine in his Estate called Harehope Gill, which borders on the Royalty of the Lord Bishop of Durham, under Lease to Mr Beaumont, & that he apprehends they are working in the said Copyhold, that the Mine is very promising, & a considerable part of the Vein has the appearance of being in the Copyhold;  I gave the Agent Mr Emerson & Jno Bell Surveyor directions to take a survey of that part of the Ground & to get what Information they could procure as to the extent of Lord Burford’s freehold, as well as the reputed Boundary;  Mr Heron of this place having previously had some Conversat[io]n with Mr Geo: Pearson of Durham on the subject, & being told by him that the Lord Bishops Agent in Weardale should have directions to go with them, on being applied to;  J Bells letter (which I take the liberty of enclosing) will inform you how they succeeded.  I understand that the Lessees under Lord Burford have lately placed large Bounder Stones extending his freehold considerably beyond the old Boundary, & taking in a very great part of the Vein; they have likewise Boarded up the mouth of the shaft, & keep a guard to prevent any person (except their own Workmen) from going down to Inspect the workings & they make use of every means to prevent any information being obtained, John Harrison of Dryburnside (who took a Lease of the said Mine about 32 Years ago) & Leond Bradwell (who was a Partner, & has likewise been Agent of the Mine) can as well as many others speak with certainty as to the Old Boundary.  Jno Bell had time to take a pretty accurate eye Plan of the Ground etc which with your permission I will send to you by Mrs Beaumont’s Agent Mr Straker who can give you further Information on the Subject;  I have no doubt that on this Matter being represented to the Lord Bishop that he will give every Assistance in support of the Right of his Lordship’s Lessee.  Your Ans[we]r will very much obige

                                                                     Dear Sir  Y[ou]r Most Ob[edien]t Serv[an]t

Wm Emm Esqr                                                                                           John Eras Blackett