Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to William Emm – 14 Oct 1790

Mr Emm   Bishop Auckland                                                           Newcastle  14th Octor 1790



Sir	In Novem. 1786 I was in treaty with Mr Dew for the exchange of Thomas Hepples life in the Lease of Weardale Lead Mines granted by the Lord Bishop of Durham to Sir Thomas Blackett _ Thomas Hepple was at that time 53Years of Age & the Sum offer’d was £538-2-6 which Mr Dew had agreed to accept of, but being informed that Thos Hepple was in a bad state of health the agreement did not take place _ Thos Hepple is at this time in much better health will be 57Years of Age in Novr next as appears by the Parish Register, & the two other lives in that Lease are in perfect health, Certificates of w[hi]ch can be provided _ Sir Thomas Blackett makes an offer of the same Sum for the exchange of Hepples life, should these terms meet with the approbation of his Lordship my Clerk shall wait on you at Auckland with the Lease _ Hepple resides in this place & may be seen by any person that you may think proper to send, Certificates of John Trevelyan Esqr & Depledge being living & in health will be procured _ Please to favour me with your Answer                                     I am etc   J.E.B